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The problem of wastewater pollution in the production of monosodium glutamate (MSG) is becoming more and more serious. A novel type of chemically modified Salix psammophila powder charcoal (SPPCAM) was synthesized to address the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) in MSG wastewater. SPPCAM was prepared by carbonization method, in which inorganic ammonium molybdate (AM) was used as modifier and Salix psammophila powder (SPP) was used as raw material. Under optimal treatment conditions, maximum removal rates (removal capacities) of 45.9% (3313.2 mg·L−1) for COD and 29.4% (23.2 mg·L−1) for NH3-N in MSG wastewater were achieved. The treatment results significantly outperforming the unmodified Salix psammophila powder charcoal (SPPC), which only achieved removal rates (removal capacities) of 10.6% (763.9 mg·L−1) for COD and 12.9% (10 mg·L−1) for NH3-N. SPPC and SPPCAM before and after preparation were analysed by FT-IR and XRD, and Mo ions in the form of Mo2C within SPPCAM were successfully loaded. SEM, EDS-Mapping, BET, and other methods were used to analyse SPPCAM before and after MSG wastewater treatment, demonstrating that SPPCAM effectively treated organic pollutants in monosodium glutamate wastewater. The NH3-N in the treated MSG wastewater has reached the standard of safe discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Condiments (such as sodium chloride and glutamate sodium) cause consumers to ingest too much sodium and may lead to a variety of diseases, thus decreasing their quality of life. Recently, a salt reduction strategy using flavor peptides has been established. However, the development of this strategy has not been well adopted by the food industry. There is an acute need to screen for peptides with salty and umami taste, and to understand their taste characteristic and taste mechanism. This review provides a thorough analysis of the literature on flavor peptides with sodium-reducing ability, involving their preparation, taste characteristic, taste mechanism and applications in the food industry. Flavor peptides come from a wide range of sources and can be sourced abundantly from natural foods. Flavor peptides with salty and umami tastes are mainly composed of umami amino acids. Differences in amino acid sequences, spatial structures and food matrices will cause different tastes in flavor peptides, mostly attributed to the interaction between peptides and taste receptors. In addition to being used in condiments, flavor peptides have also anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant abilities, offering the potential to be used as functional ingredients, thus making their future in the food industry extremely promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this paper, an excellent foaming formula for natural gas well deliquification was developed, which was based on the synthesized dodecyl ethylethanolamine (DEEA), commercially obtained cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) and sodium lauryl glutamate (SLG). The foaming properties and liquid unloading properties were studied, which showed that the optimal molar ratio of DEEA/CAPB/SLG ternary complex turned out to be 14:21:15. At a total concentration of 15 mM in the liquid phase, the optimal DEEA/CAPB/SLG mixture exhibited excellent foaming and liquid unloading capability at various conditions of methanol, condensate oil and salts contents and temperatures. At the methanol content of 45%, the foaming efficiency and liquid unloading efficiency of the DEEA/CAPB/SLG mixture were measured to be 100% and 25.5 ± 2.2%, respectively. When the condensate oil content was 10–30%, the liquid unloading efficiency ranged from 18.0 ± 2.1% to 25.0 ± 2.5%, which was much higher than that (8.3 ± 0.9%) obtained without condensate. The presence of salts retarded the performance of the DEEA/CAPB/SLG mixture, however, the addition of a chelating agent, trisodium nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), to DEEA/CAPB/SLG could enhance the foaming efficiency and unloading performance at a salinity level of up to 41 × 104 mg/L, which might be the highest salt-resistant level of the gas well foaming mixture. The introduction of 10% methanol exhibited a positive effect on the DEEA/CAPB/SLG mixture’s foaming and liquid unloading performance against temperature (up to 90 °C). At 90 °C, the DEEA/CAPB/SLG foam could remove almost all the liquid from the column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain YJY-8, a new γ-polyglutamic acid producer, was separated from fermented soybean paste samples. The strain was identified as a genus of Bacillus by morphological and 16S rDNA sequence analysis and was named Bacillus sp. YJY-8. The optimal medium composition and cultural conditions were studied using a single-factor experiment and a response surface experiment. The optimized medium consisted of monosodium glutamate 70 g/L, glucose 54.3 g/L, glycerol 31.8 g/L, ammonium sulfate 11.1 g/L, yeast extract 3.2 g/L, tryptone 1.5 g/L, L-glutamic acid 6.8 g/L, MgSO4 7H2O 0.5 g/L, FeCl3 6H2O 0.02 g/L, KH2PO4 0.9 g/L, CaCl2 0.03 g/L, MnSO4 H2O 0.3 g/L, ammonium molybdate 0.02 g/L, pH 7.0. The optimal cultivation conditions were 35 °C and pH 7.0. Under the optimized conditions, after 48 hr of cultivation, the highest shaking flask fermentation level of γ-PGA reached 65.2 ± 0.36 g/L. In addition, through fed-batch fermentation in 30 L fermenters, the fermentation level of γ-PGA reached its highest level at 88.42 g/L and productivity was 1.23 g/(L hr) after 72 hr. Then, the effect of γ-PGA on tomato yield was investigated. At the seedling stage, the plant height and stem diameter of γ-PGA treated plants increased by 5.69 and 15.735% after spraying γ-PGA for 19 days. During the flowering and fruiting period, the stem diameter of the γ-PGA treatment group increased by 6.74%, with a maximum increase of 11.65%. The number of fruit branches increased by 0.56–16.29% and the number of fruit sets increased by 1.01–28.47%. At the fruit maturation stage, the yield of tomatoes increased by 10.51, 14.27, and 5.83%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used in food-additives, and the Food and Drug Administration has placed it under intense scrutiny following several reports that it causes glutamate neurotoxicity. Ashwagandha (ASH) roots are traditionally used for memory enhancement. This study aimed to evaluate the nootropic activity of ASH as well as its therapeutic anti-amnesic activity against MSG-induced hippocampal-dependent spatial memory impairment and hippocampal-NMDAR modulation. A total of 36 rats were divided equally into six groups (n = 6 in each group); the rats in the normal and negative groups were administered daily doses of normal saline and MSG (300mg/kg), respectively, for 21 days. Two nootropic groups were administered ASH at 300 and 500 mg/kg o.p., respectively, for 21 days. Two other treatment groups were administered daily doses of MSG 300mg/kg o.p. as well as 300mg/kg and 500mg/kg o.p. of ASH for 21 days. The rats’ spatial memory was assessed for five days using the MWM. Additionally, NMDAR were measured quantitatively by immunohistochemistry. We found that the rats in the nootropic groups showed significantly enhanced nootropic activity characterized by improved hippocampal-dependent spatial memory, as well as increases in the level of NMDAR in the Cornu Ammonis 1 region of their hippocampus. Moreover, we elucidated the therapeutic potential of ASH to protect against the depression of spatial memory caused by MSG-induced neurotoxicity. Further, we elucidated a strong correlation between NMDAR-positive cells in the hippocampus and enhancement of spatial learning induced by long-term administration of ASH as well as a strong correlation between NMDAR positive cells in the hippocampus and depression of spatial learning induced by long-term administration of ASH and MSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum freeze-drying is one of the common methods to prepare probiotic powder. However, the low temperature and low moisture content could lead to the death of probiotics. The method of adding cryoprotectants is efficient to improve the survival rate of probiotics during vacuum freeze-drying. The synergistic combination of different cryoprotectants could play a better protective effect. However, the principle of the synergistic combination of different cryoprotectants during vacuum freeze-drying is not clear. In this study, literature review and analysis were firstly used to reveal commonly used cryoprotectants for coccus. Taking the price of cryoprotectants into account, the combination is preliminarily determined as sucrose/skim milk/sodium glutamate. Then, taking Streptococcus thermophilus 937 as the research target strain, the effect of this cryoprotectant combination was verified by a single-factor screening experiment and concentration optimization of cryoprotectants. It was found that the preferred cryoprotectant combination for Streptococcus thermophilus 937 is 6% sucrose/8% skim milk/4% sodium glutamate, with the freeze-dried survival rate and viable counts being 90.59% and 1.78 × 1011CFU/g, respectively. Meanwhile, this cryoprotectant combination also had a good protective effect on the other two cocci, Streptococcus thermophilus Grx02 and Enterococcus faecium 218. This result might have guiding and reference significance on the vacuum freeze-drying of coccus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used as a flavor enhancer. Melatonin and garlic are well known as antioxidant. The present study was performed to evaluate the microscopic changes in the cerebellar cortex of rats after the administration of MSG and the possible protective effect of melatonin versus garlic on those changes. The rats were divided into four main groups. Group I (control group). Group II received MSG (4 mg/ g/day). Group III received MSG+ melatonin (10 mg/kg bw/day). Group IV received MSG+garlic (300 mg/kg bw/day). Immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was done as a marker for astrocyte demonstration. Morphometric study was done to assess the mean number and diameter of Purkinje cells, the number of astrocytes and the percentage area of positive GFAP immune stain. MSG group demonstrated congested blood vessels, vacuolations in the molecular layer, and Purkinje cells appeared irregular with nuclear degeneration. Granule cells appeared shrunken with darkly stained nuclei. The immunohistochemical stain for GFAP was less than expected in the three layers of the cerebellar cortex. Purkinje cells and granule cells appeared irregular in shape with dark small heterochromatic nuclei. The myelinated nerve fibers showed splitting and loss of the lamellar structure of their myelin sheath. Melatonin group showed that the cerebellar cortex was nearly similar to that of control group. Garlic treated group showed partial improvement. In conclusion, melatonin and garlic could partially protect against MSG induced changes and the protective effect of melatonin was better than garlic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study examined the protective impact of Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea) extract on hepatic toxicity markers caused by MSG. MSG induced significant increases in hepatic stress biomarkers. There were significant declines in GSH, catalase and SOD levels, which were accompanied by substantial elevations in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. There was hepatic cellular damage, and upregulation of caspase-3 and a decrease in Bcl-2 expression. The hepatotoxic impacts of MSG were normalized by Rhodiola supplementation. R. rosea downregulated caspase-3 and upregulated HO-1 and Nrf2 mRNA expression. R. rosea regulated the immunoreactivity of COX-2, TGF-β1, and NFkB genes associated with hepatic toxicity. R. rosea extract normalized histopathological changes induced by MSG and restored hepatic architecture. R. rosea extract exhibited anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, R. rosea extract is a promising medication against hepatic toxicity induced by MSG, which works by regulating the different signaling pathways of inflammation-, oxidative-stress-, and apoptosis-associated markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the cleaning field of the cosmetics industry, amino acid surfactants with low irritation and degradability have attracted more and more attention. However, in the actual application system, the amino acid type surfactant has the application difficulty that is not easy to thicken. In this study, the surface activities and application of the surfactant mixtures containing the cationic surfactant dodecyl tri-methyl ammonium chloride (DTAC) and anionic amino acid surfactant sodium lauroyl glutamate (SLG) (cationic/anionic amino acid surfactant system) were systematically studied, which will provide theoretical guidance for practical applications. First, the surface tension of the cationic/anionic amino acid surfactant system was measured, and the CMC value, interaction parameters, Gibbs free energy and other data were obtained. From this, the behavior characteristics of the adsorption and aggregation of SLG and DTAC in the solution can be judged. Then through dynamic light scattering instrument, rheometer, polarizing microscope, etc., we analyze the phase behavior of the cationic/anionic amino acid surfactant system under different compound ratios and different concentrations, and draw a pseudo-ternary phase diagram. Finally, the influence of the length of the hydrophobic chain of cationic surfactants on the phase behavior of amino acid surfactants was investigated. Experiments have found that the addition of cationic surfactant DTAC can significantly reduce the CMC value of the SLG system, and the CMC changes with the increase of the SLG ratio as follows: first decrease and then increase. The interaction parameters show that DTAC and SLG have a strong interaction. Contrary to the phenomenon of precipitation after the compounding of conventional cationic/anionic surfactants, the compounding of DTAC and SLG increases the solubility, reduces the Krafft point of SLG, and increases the application performance. At the same time, the problem of difficult control of the viscosity of the amino acid surfactant system has also been better solved. DTAC and SLG form a worm-like mixed micelle, which has a higher and controllable viscosity. Finally, it was found that changing the hydrophobic chain length of cationic surfactants has a direct effect on the viscosity of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothalamus receives ingested nutrient information via ascending gut-related projections and plays a significant role in the regulation of food intake. Human neuroimaging studies have observed changes in the activity or connectivity of the hypothalamus in response to nutrient ingestion. However, previous neuroimaging studies have not yet assessed differences in temporal changes of hypothalamic responses to various nutrients in humans. Thus a repeated measures functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study using 30-min scans was designed to examine differences in hypothalamic responses to various nutrients. In this study, 18 healthy adults (mean age, 22.4 years; standard deviation, 4.8; age range, 19–39 years; 11 males and seven females) underwent fMRI sessions. On the day of each session, one of the four solutions (200 ml of monosodium glutamate, glucose, safflower oil emulsion, or saline) was administered to participants while fMRI scanning. Infused amino acid and glucose, but not lipid emulsion, increased lateral hypothalamic responses as compared to a saline infusion ([x, y, z] = [4, −4, −10], z = 2.96). In addition, only hypothalamic responses to saline, but not those to the infusion of other nutrients, elicited a subjective sensation of hunger. These findings suggest that lateral hypothalamic responses to ingested nutrients may mediate homeostatic sensations in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the potential mitigating effect of fisetin on monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced testicular toxicity and investigate the possible involvement of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) in this effect. Forty male rats were divided into normal control, fisetin-treated, MSG-treated, and fisetin + MSG-treated groups. Testosterone, GnRH, FSH, and LH were measured in plasma, as well as SIRT1 and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) levels in testicular tissues using ELISA. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured colorimetrically, while Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression was relatively quantified using RT–PCR in testicular tissues. After 30 days, fisetin could ameliorate MSG-induced testicular toxicity by acting centrally on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, increasing plasma levels of GnRH, FSH, LH, and testosterone. Peripheral actions of fisetin on the testis were indicated as it increased testicular SIRT1 and pAMPK. Furthermore, it antagonized glutamate-induced oxidative stress by significantly lowering H2O2, NO, and relative NOX4 expression while significantly increasing reduced GSH levels. It also improved the architecture of the seminiferous tubules, reduced sperm abnormality, and increased sperm count. Fisetin ameliorates MSG-induced testicular toxicity via central and peripheral mechanisms making it a promising therapeutic target for male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of H. sibthorpioides against monosodium-glutamate (MSG) induced excitoneurotoxicity in rats. We randomly divided the animals into 11 groups (n = 8) and subjected them to high doses of MSG (2 g/kg body weight) and the test dose (1 week). The test chemicals were H. sibthorpioides extracts of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water. We used Dizocilpine-hydrogen-maleate as a standard and assessed the cognitive property using Morris-water-maze and elevated-plus-maze. After the experimental period, we evaluated the biochemical parameters. We found chloroform and methanolic extracts significantly enhanced the cognitive behaviour of rats compared to control. Biochemical analysis suggested that there was a high level of antioxidants and lower levels of glutamate and proinflammatory cytokines in the cortex and hippocampus. We concluded that chloroform and methanolic extracts of H. sibthorpioides enhanced the level of antioxidants, decreased proinflammatory-cytokines and glutamate in the brain, and thus prevented the monosodium-glutamate-induced-excite-neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic, multi-symptom disorder with underlying central nervous system dysfunction and cognitive impairments. The objective of this study was to test the low glutamate diet as a novel treatment for cognitive dysfunction among those with GWI, and to explore if baseline resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) could predict cognitive outcomes. Methods: Cognitive functioning was assessed at baseline, after one-month on the diet, and across a two-week double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover challenge with monosodium glutamate (MSG) relative to placebo. Results: Significant improvements were seen after one-month on the diet in overall cognitive functioning, and in all other domains tested (FDR p < 0.05), except for memory. Challenge with MSG resulted in significant inter-individual response variability (p < 0.0001). Participants were clustered according to baseline resting-state EEG using k-means clustering to explore the inter-individual response variability. Three distinct EEG clusters were observed, and each corresponded with differential cognitive effects during challenge with MSG: cluster 1 had cognitive benefit (24% of participants), cluster 2 had cognitive detriment (42% of participants), and cluster 3 had mild/mixed effects (33% of participants). Discussion: These findings suggest that the low glutamate diet may be a beneficial treatment for cognitive impairment in GWI. Future research is needed to understand the extent to which resting-state EEG can predict response to the low glutamate diet and to explore the mechanisms behind the varied response to acute glutamate challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive food additives Monosodium glutamate (MSG) results in metabolic disorders with increased Cardiovascular diseases CVD. We aimed to emphasise berberine (BBR) effect on MSG induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated endothelial dysfunction. Newborn rats were divided into control group, MSG group (4 mg/g) each other day for the first 14 days of life and MSG + BBR group that was given MSG then BBR in dose 150 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. Body weight, food intake, systolic blood pressure, biochemical metabolic and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Aortic tissue homogenate Endothelin −1 (ET-1) and matrix metalloproteinase −1 (MMP-1) assessment, in addition to histological and EM examination were done. Newborn rats MSG exposure results in typical adult life MetS and oxidative stress with significant increase in ET-1 and MMP-1with aortic vasculopathy. BBR significantly improved all the disturbed parameters; suppress increased body weight (BW), food intake (FI) and partly improved the aortic vasculopathy lesions, holding a promise for BBR as a defending agent against MSG metabolic and vascular disorders. MSG is frequently consumed as a flavour enhancer especially between children and adolescent Excessive utilisation MSG is associated MS with vascular endothelial dysfunction MMP-1 may be involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation BBR has beneficial outcome for metabolic disorders induced by MSG among newly born rats BBR has a role in management vascular inflammation and remodelling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a worldwide public health issue, however, efficient strategies to treat obesity without systemic damage is still in serious lack. Herein, we proved that a significant decrease in body weight and abdominal circumference was observed when monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obese mice were orally treated with Coicis Semen formula. Consistently, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging results showed that both whole-body fat content and subcutaneous fat thickness were lowered, which was further confirmed by hematoxylin–eosin staining. In addition, the weight ratios of adipose tissues and liver to the body weight were reduced, due to the decreased lipid accumulation. The increased triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and inflammatory cytokines could also be downregulated after the treatment. Furthermore, the neuronal injury marker and inflammatory cytokines in the hypothalamus were obviously reduced after the treatment, revealing that the protective effect of Coicis Semen formula on MSG-induced obesity was achieved by alleviating hypothalamic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been recognized as flavor enhancer that adversely affects male reproductive systems. The study was conducted to explore the conceivable protective effects of vitamin C and/or vitamin E on testicular toxicity induced by MSG in rats. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided (six per group) into: control, MSG, MSG + Vitamin C, MSG + Vitamin E and MSG + Vitamin C + Vitamin E groups. The duration of the study was three weeks. Assessment of serum testosterone, leuteinizing hormone (LH), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), interleukin-10 (IL-10) ,and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were done. Histopathological examination of the testes of the rats was performed using histological, histochemical (Periodic Acid Schiff reaction (PAS)), and immunohistochemical (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), androgen receptors (ARs), Caspase-3) techniques. MSG-group was associated with significant decrease in serum testosterone, LH, GPX, and IL-10 (P < 0.05) and significant increase in serum MDA and TNF-α (P < 0.05) when compared with control group. MSG-group revealed many histopathological changes in the testis including degeneration of the germinal epithelium, absence of sperms in the lumina of tubules, widened vacuolated interstitium, marked deposition of the collagen fibers, very strong PAS reaction and marked immunohistochemical changes. Administration of vitamin C or vitamin E significantly reduced these changes; however, the combination of vitamin C and vitamin E provided more potent protection against the toxic effect of MSG than using each vitamin alone. Also, there was insignificant difference (P > 0.05) between MSG +Vitamin C and MSG +Vitamin E groups. Vitamin C and Vitamin E act synergistically in reducing MSG-induced testicular toxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of both vitamins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study constructed a β-galactosidase (β-gal) liposome model instead of bacterial cells to optimize spray-drying protectants and parameters. The screened protectant combination consisted of 35 g/L monosodium glutamate, 50 g/L sucrose, and 35 g/L maltodextrin. The optimal parameters for spray drying were 130 °C inlet air temperature, 7.5 mL/min feed flow rate, and 150 mL optimal protectant combination. The viability of the five lactic acid bacteria strains spray-dried with the optimized protectant and parameters was over 50%. Lactobacillus helveticus strain LH-9's mechanism of resistance to spray-dry treatment was investigated in the presence of the optimal protectant combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, bacteria producing poly-γ-glutamic acid were isolated from marine sands, and an efficient producer identified. γ-PGA was rapidly screened by thin-layer chromatography and UV spectrophotometer assay. Media optimization was carried out, and for the cost-effective production of γ-PGA, monosodium glutamate was used as the substrate for the synthesis of γ-PGA instead of glutamic acid. Lastly, Plackett–Buman design (PB) and Response surface methodology (RSM) were used to determine significant media components and their interaction effect to achieve maximum γ-PGA production. With this integrated method, a bacterial strain with a high yield of γ-PGA was obtained rapidly, and the production was increased up to 37.8 g/L after optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectoine has fostered the development of products for skin care and cosmetics. In this study, we employed the marine bacterial strain Marinococcus sp. MAR2 to increase ectoine production by optimizing medium constituents using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and a fed-batch strategy. The results from the steepest ascent and central composite design indicated that 54 g/L of yeast extract, 14.0 g/L of ammonium acetate, 74.4 g/L of sodium glutamate, and 6.2 g/L of sodium citrate constituted the optimal medium with maximum ectoine production (3.5 g/L). In addition, we performed fed-batch culture in the bioreactor, combining pH and dissolved oxygen to produce ectoine by Marinococcus sp. MAR2. The ectoine production, content, and productivity of 5.6 g/L, 10%, and 3.9 g/L/day were further reached by a fed-batch culture. Thus, the ectoine production by Marinococcus sp. MAR2 using RSM and fed-batch strategy shows its potential for industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-glutamate, the major neurotransmitter in humans, becomes excitotoxic when present outside of protein in excess of what the healthy human was designed to accommodate; amounts readily available to consumers who ingest multiple free-glutamate-containing ingredients during a day. Studies have demonstrated that excitotoxins ingested by a mother will pass to the fetus across the placenta and pass to the newborn through mothers' milk. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the relevance of glutamate from food additives such as MSG to human brain damage, and its possible contributions to glutamate toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, autism, schizophrenia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, epilepsy, seizures, addiction, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, headaches, asthma, diabetes, muscle pain, atrial fibrillation, ischemia, and trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the taste compounds of 18 strong fragrance spices, high performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the content of free amino acids, nucleotides and organic acids. Cluster analysis was used to classify on the basis of similar data. The results showed that the content of free amino acid in tarragon was the highest, 44.97 g/kg, followed thyme, 11.88 g/kg. The contents of organic acids in 3 spice samples were significantly higher compared with others, including thyme (54.67 g/kg), sweet basil (42.28 g/kg) and small cardamon (40.72 g/kg). Nucleotides' contents were significantly higher in star anise (3.54 g/kg) than the other 17 spice samples. The taste active value (TAV) of glutamic acid (22.01) was the highest. In addition, the TAVs of lactic acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, tartaric acid and malic acid in 18 spice samples were also more than 1, which indicated that these compounds contribute greatly to spices taste. The equivalent umami concentration (EUC) of tarragon was the highest, with 26.15 g monosodium glutamate (MSG)/100 g. The 18 strong fragrance spices were divided into 2 categories according to the cluster analysis of EUC. The tarragon and dill were one category, other 16 spices were the other category. When the Euclidean distance increased to 25, the tarragon and dill were incorporated into the category of other 16 spices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) traveled to America in the Pacific theatre of World War II. The flavor-enhancing food additive was known in the U.S. beforehand, but it was the experience of Japanese military rationing that drove American military and food industry interests to truly adopt the technology and to invest in domestic production. In 1957, researchers in Japan discovered a method of producing MSG with unprecedented efficiency and profitability: industrial fermentation. Industrial fermentation refers to the large-scale production of commercially valuable substances by growing selected microbial cultures on cheaply available raw materials. This paper explores how MSG came to be harvested at scale from the metabolic excretions or wastes of bacteria fed on other agri-industrial waste products (e.g., sugar, soy, wheat). The $8.4 billion (USD) Ajinomoto Company, Inc., founder and top global manufacturer of MSG (in addition to other seasonings, processed foods, beverages, amino acids, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals), has been fermenting glutamate from modified bacterial strains since roughly 1960. The profitability of the fermentation method provided the impetus for expanding the global MSG market in the postwar period, impacting the health and aesthetic value of foodways around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is widely adopted in the diarrhea treatment for humans or livestock, so guaranteeing the survival rate of S. boulardii is the critical issue during freeze-drying process. In this study, the survival rate of S. boulardii with composite cryoprotectants during freeze-drying procedure and the subsequent storage were investigated. With the aid of response surface method, the composite cryoprotectants were comprehensively optimized to be lactose of 21.24%, trehalose of 22.00%, and sodium glutamate of 4.00%, contributing to the supreme survival rate of S. boulardii of 64.22 ± 1.35% with the viable cell number of 9.5 ± 0.07 × 109 CFU/g, which was very close to the expected rate of 65.55% with a number of 9.6 × 109 CFU/g. The accelerated storage test demonstrated that the inactivation rate constant of the freeze-dried S. boulardii powder was k−18 = 8.04 × 10−6. In addition, the freeze-dried goat milk powder results exhibited that the inactivation rate constants were k4 = 4.48 × 10−4 and k25 = 9.72 × 10−3 under 4 and 25 °C, respectively. This work provides a composite cryoprotectant formulation that has a good protective effect for the probiotic S. boulardii during freeze-drying process, possessing the potential application prospect in food, medicine, and even feed industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper-rich Cu–Zn alloy coatings were successfully codeposited on steel substrates using glutamate-based electrolytes at room temperature. The effect of various proportions of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions in the electrolyte on the current efficiency and on the metal content in deposited alloy was studied. It was found that the current efficiency was 53–99%, depending on the operating conditions and the bath composition, which could be considered high, in comparison with those of cyanide (75%) and citrate baths (70–80%). On the other hand, the Cu content in the deposit ranged from 20% to 98%. The electrochemical kinetic data confirm that addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to the plating bath increases io and decreases the Tafel slope while the transfer coefficient is invariant. The relative invariance of αc, observed for increasing glutamate ion concentrations, suggests that the Cu–Zn alloy electrodeposition pathway is not affected by the presence of glutamate. The data of throwing power, throwing index and Wagner number are consistent with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at investigating the characteristics of monosodium glutamate (MSG) microcapsules. Spray-drying was used to prepare the microcapsules, in which the core material (MSG) was coated with gum Arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD), and the weight ratio of MD with GA was 1:2. The characteristics of microcapsules were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), moisture content, particle size, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), release behavior, the flavor, and taste in hot-pot. Few concave wrinkles were observed on the quasispheres surface of microcapsules coated with GA and MD. The particle size of the microcapsules ranged from 14.00 to 30.00 µm in the mean diameter, and moisture content was 2.08%. An FTIR study indicated a successful packet of MSG by wall materials and the formation of MSG microcapsules during spray drying. Results of DSC and TGA showed that hybrid encapsulation was conducive to the improvement of thermal stability of MSG. In the release of hot-pot study, tests of slow-release, electronic nose, and electronic tongue demonstrated that MSG microcapsules were available in hot water conditions to release. The MSG microcapsules coated with GA and MD exhibited long time for slow-release. Therefore, spraying drying is a suitable approach to manufacture slow-released powdered microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the life-line of urban population has been formed by commercial foods due to industrialization, urbanization, and rapid increase in working class. Commercial foods are time and energy saving foods but it compromising the nutritional value of foods. The term adulteration refers to the deliberate addition of compound which is usually not present in food. These compounds are known as food additives or food adulterant. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is one of the most common food additives. Several studies revealed that MSG has toxic effect on fetal development/fetus, children's, adolescent, and adults. Physiological complication associated with MSG toxicity are hypertension, obesity, gastrointestinal tract troubles, and impairment of function of brain, nervous system, reproductive, and endocrine system. The effect of MSG depends upon its dose, route of administration and exposure time. Public awareness may play a major role in controlling the food adulteration by working in collaboration with National testing facilities to scrutinize each commercial food article from time to time. The aim of this review article is to highlight the deleterious impact of MSG on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food additives such as nitrates and nitrites, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) used in the food industry increase the risk of certain cancers and inflict damage to vital organs. We sought to determine whether the antioxidant vitamin E can protect against liver injuries induced by a toxic dose of MSG in a rat model of MSG-induced acute liver injury. The model group of rats received a daily dose of MSG (4 gm/kg) for 7 days, whereas the protective groups were either received a 100 mg/kg vitamin E plus MSG or 300 mg/kg vitamin E plus MSG for 7 days. Rats were then sacrificed at day 8. Transmission and light microscopy images revealed substantial liver tissue damage induced by MSG in the model group as demonstrated by apoptotic hepatocytes with Pyknotic nuclei and irregular nuclear membrane, and cytoplasm displayed many vacuoles, swollen mitochondria, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, dilated blood sinusoids and bundles of collagen fibers in extracellular space. Treatment of the model group with vitamin E showed a substantial protection of liver tissue and hepatocellular architecture by 300 mg/kg vitamin E compared to a partial protection by 100 mg/kg vitamin E. In addition, MSG significantly (p <.05) modulated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which were significantly (p <.05) protected with vitamin E. Thus, vitamin E at 300 mg/kg effectively protects against MSG-induced acute liver injury in rats, possibly via the inhibition of inflammation, and up-regulation of endogenous antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ellagic acid (EA) has significant protective and antioxidant effects on several tissues. Monosodium glutamate (MG) is known as a flavor promoter that reversibly influences the male reproductive system. This study aims to assess the ameliorative effect of EA on oxidative stress and testicular damage induced by MG. In total, 48 male rats were included in this study and separated into six groups: control, EA (20 mg/kg), MG (low dose) (17.5 mg/kg), MG (high dose) (60 mg/kg), MG (low dose) combined with EA, and MG (high dose) combined with EA. Testicular antioxidant biomarkers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and xanthine oxidase (XO)] were examined. Testes were examined and scored for histological variation as an indicator of testicular damage following administration of MG alone or in combination with EA. Serum testosterone, inhibin B, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (as a marker of DNA damage), and transmission electron microscope sections of the testis were evaluated, and a comet assay was performed. Results showed that administration of EA combined with MG significantly elevated the levels of enzymatic antioxidants and decreased lipid peroxidation compared with MG treatment alone. EA elevated testosterone hormone levels and thus enhanced male reproductive capacity. It is clear from the data that EA inhibits histological and ultrastructure testicular damage and improves the redox state in male rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The route of administration is an important factor in determining the action of some drugs. We previously demonstrated that subcutaneous monosodium glutamate (MSG) accelerated cortical spreading depression (CSD) in the rat and that treadmill exercise attenuated this effect. This study evaluated whether other routes of administration exert the same action by testing orogastric (gavage) and topical cortical MSG administration in treadmill-exercised and sedentary rats. Additionally, in the orogastric treatment we tested anxiety-like behavior. Methods: Exercised and sedentary rats received per gavage water or MSG (1 or 2 g/kg) daily from postnatal (P) day 7 to 27. Behavioral tests (open field and elevated plus-maze) occurred at P53 ± 3. At P56 ± 3, we analyzed CSD parameters (velocity, amplitude, and duration of the negative potential change). Other three groups of rats received an MSG solution (25, 50 or 75 mg/ml) topically to the intact dura mater during CSD recording. Results: MSG-gavage increased anxiety-like behavior and the CSD velocities compared with water-treated controls (P < 0.05). Exercise decelerated CSD. In contrast to gavage, which accelerated CSD, topical MSG dose-dependently and reversibly impaired CSD propagation, reduced CSD amplitude and increased CSD duration (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The exercise-dependent attenuation of the effects of MSG confirms our previous results in rats treated subcutaneously with MSG. CSD results suggest two distinct mechanisms for gavage and topical MSG administration. Additionally, data suggest that exercise can help protect the developing and adult brain against the deleterious actions of MSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used in food preparation industry and has been consumed regularly. Previous studies had reported on effects of MSG when given at extremely high dosages, the results are not applicable to human equivalent intake. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of MSG on sperm quality and changes in reproductive organs of adult male rats when taken at average human daily intake (ADI). Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly assigned into three groups; NC (Normal control), MSG60 and MSG120 where MSG was given orally at 60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg to each respective group. All treatments were conducted for 28 consecutive days. MSG at estimated ADI of 120 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant drop in sperm quality (p < 0.05) when compared to both control and MSG60 groups. A significant decrease in the weight of reproductive organs was also apparent (p < 0.05). Moreover, oxidative status evaluation showed that treatment of MSG induces oxidative stress in the testis, more severely at a dose of 120 mg/kg body weight. These findings are supported by alterations in the observed histology of reproductive organs. This study shows that an intake dose of 120 mg/kg body weight MSG could cause significant damage to the reproductive system. Abbreviations: MSG: Monosodium glutamate; ADI: average daily intake; PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acid; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; LH: luteinizing hormone; TCA: tricarbocylic acid; PF: prostatic fluid [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosodium glutamate-induced exitotoxicity causes oxidative stress in many brain areas, including the medial prefrontal cortex. The ethanolic garlic (Allium sativum) extract is considered as a neuroprotective substance. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of the ethanolic fermented garlic extract on the working memory and the pyramidal cell number of the medial prefrontal cortex of adolescent male Wistar rats exposed to monosodium glutamate (MSG). Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into five groups. The C- group was given 0.9% NaCl solution. The C + group was given 2 mg/g bw of MSG. The T1, T2, and T3 groups were given MSG and garlic extract (0.0125, 0.025, and 0.05 mg/g bw, respectively). All treatments were conducted for 10 days. The working memory capability of the rats was measured using Y-maze test. The total number of pyramidal cells of the medial prefrontal cortex was estimated using physical fractionator method. The working memory performances of the T1, T2, and T3 groups were significantly better than that of the C + group. There were no significant differences between groups in the estimated total number of pyramidal cell of medial prefrontal cortex. The MSG may not cause the death of neurons, but it may modify neuronal architectures that are sufficient to disrupt memory functions. Black garlic may play a role as an antioxidant agent that prevents the prefrontal cortex from glutamate-induced oxidative stress. It is concluded that the ethanolic fermented garlic extract prevented the working memory impairment following MSG administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the closing decades of the twentieth century, molecular techniques of mapping chemosensation (the chemical senses of taste and smell) have been woven into a universalizing, evolutionary explanation for human eating behavior. In a prominent example, umami (translated from Japanese as “savory deliciousness”) has come to be understood as the “fifth basic taste sensation,” elicited by the common flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) along with other amino acids and ribonucleotides. Meanwhile, socialized associations of food desirability, undesirability, pleasure, and disgust have likewise come to be interrogated on the molecular level - in the oral cavity, in the brain, and throughout the gastrointestinal tract. In this paper, I abridge this molecularization of sensuous eating with the provocation that the sensory is affective is molecular is political. This phrase signals the stakes with which taste and smell are ontologized as fundamentally embedded in memory (and thus in affect and in culture); as conducted in train with corporate food and beverage research and development; and effected at molecular sites of transduction (chemical reception). It is to say that, in recent decades, the sensory and affective domains have been made molecular. And in the context of food science, that molecular knowledge is interested. This paper conducts a brief, critical accounting of how chemosensation is made knowable and actionable, and for what purposes. It suggests that the most authoritative knowledge of how taste and smell mediate human health (the sensory) is shaped by the corporate imperative to determine what chemical compounds humans register as pleasurable (the affective), and thus what food products humans can be relied upon to buy (the political). As a result, a lack of scientific consensus on wider questions of metabolism - of glutamate, for instance - is built into chemosensory science, which has privileged the work of product design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosodium glutamate is made up of nutritionally indispensable amino acids and used as flavour enhancer worldwide. Monosodium glutamate is believed to be associated with different health problems. This study is aimed to shed light on the available literature from last 25 years about different clinical trials which had been carried out on animal and human models regarding possible effects of monosodium glutamate. Google scholar, NCBI, PUBMED, EMBASE, Wangfang databases, and Web of Science databases were used to retrieve the available studies. Literature showed that monosodium glutamate was associated with adverse side-effects particularly in animals including induction of obesity, diabetes, hepatotoxic, neurotoxic and genotoxic effects. Different reports revealed increased hunger, food intake, and obesity in human subjects. Limited studies have been carried out on humans to check possible hepatotoxic, neurotoxic, and genotoxic effects of monosodium glutamate. Available literature showed that increased consumption of monosodium glutamate may be associated with harmful health effects. So, it is recommended to use common salt instead of it. Furthermore, intensive research is required to explore monosodium glutamate-related molecular and metabolic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mushrooms the dominant taste is umami, which is created by monosodium glutamate (MSG)-like amino acids and 5'-nucleotides. In this research, the levels of 5'-nucleotides, free amino acids (liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry; LC-MS), and vitamins from the B-group (high-performance liquid chromatography; HPLC) in frozen white and brown Agaricus bisporus were determined. Before freezing, the mushrooms were blanched in water, and then in a sodium erythorbate and citric acid solution; next these were vacuum impregnated in a sodium metabisulphite and citric acid solution and blanched again in water. The varieties of mushrooms under analysis responded to the pretreatment, freezing, and frozen storage to different degrees. The equivalent concentration of umami was in the range of 0.293-1.709 g MSG/100 g dm and was higher by 26-444% in brown than in white mushrooms. After frozen storage, in the white variety, there was a higher synthesis of 5'-nucleotides and in the brown variety, of free amino acids. The main components responsible for the umami taste in both varieties were 5'- TMP, 5'-UMP, and L-glutamic acid. The white variety contained a higher level of vitamin B2 and a lower level of vitamins B1 and B6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkyl ketene dimmer (AKD) is widely used in papermaking industry, which is applied in form of o/w emulsion to increase paper water-resistance. In this paper, AKD-in-water emulsions were prepared by monosodium glutamate (MSG)-modified laponite. The aggregation, surface charge, and hydrophobicity of the laponite particles in aqueous dispersion were changed by the MSG and the properties of the as-prepared emulsions were varied correspondingly. When the MSG concentration is 2 mmol/g, AKD emulsion with small droplet size, high storage stability, and high sizing efficiency is obtained. The morphology, droplet diameter and distribution, storage stability and sizing efficiency of the AKD-in-water emulsion were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we investigated the biotransformation of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by the growing and resting cells from an isolated bacterial strain, Lactobacillus brevis. This strain is a high GABA-producing strain that was identified and isolated from natural kimchi. We gathered the experiment results by design of response surface methodology (RSM) for optimum condition for GABA production and results indicated the optimum culture temperature (35°C) and culture time (58 h). Using resting cells from the same culture batch in the substrate-containing buffer, approximately 3.98 g/l of GABA was produced at a conversion rate of 65.6%. GABA-treated mice showed significantly increased sleep duration compared to that of a control group (p < 0.05) in the pentobarbital-induced sleep test using a hypnotic dose. These results suggest that biotransformed GABA could potentially be used a novel nutraceutical supplement for sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that nitric oxide (NO) from iNOS source is involved in inflammation and oxidative stress, and hypertension in obese subjects involves an inflammatory process. However, no study evaluated the participation of iNOS inhibition on cardiovascular, autonomic, and inflammatory parameters in obese rats. Obesity was induced by the administration of 4 mg/g body weight of monosodium glutamate (MSG) or equimolar saline (CTR) in newborn rats. On the 60th day, treatment with aminoguanidine (Amino, 50 mg/kg), an iNOS inhibitor, or 0.9% saline, was started. On the 90th day, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded in conscious rats and autonomic modulation was conducted with the CardioSeries software. Plasma samples were collected to assess lipid peroxidation and prostaglandins (PGE2). In addition, iNOS immunohistochemistry in cardiac tissue was evaluated. MSG rats showed hypertension compared to CTR, and Amino treatment did not reverse it. Obese rats presented increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic modulation to the heart, reverted by Amino treatment. Plasma PGE2was increased in obese rats, and Amino treatment decreased. Obese rats presented increased plasma lipoperoxidation, which was decreased after Amino treatment. Also, cardiac iNOS immunohistochemistry was decreased after Amino treatment. Our data suggest that iNOS activation is involved in the systemic and cardiac mechanisms of oxidative stress, inflammation, and autonomic dysfunction derived from obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The vulnerability to oxidative stress and cognitive decline continue to increase during both normal and pathological aging. Dietary changes and sedentary life style resulting in mid-life obesity and type 2 diabetes, if left uncorrected, further add to the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease (AD) in the later stages of life. Certain antioxidant agents such as dietary polyphenols, taken in adequate quantities, have been suggested to improve the cognitive processes. In this study, we examined the effect of oral administration of dark chocolate (DC) containing 70% cocoa solids and 4% total polyphenol content for three months at a dose of 500 mg/Kg body weight per day to 17-month-old monosodium glutamate treated obese Sprague–Dawley rats, earlier characterized as a nontransgenic AD (NTAD) rat model after reversal of obesity, diabetes, and consequent cognitive impairments. The results demonstrated that DC reduced the hyperglycemia, inhibited the cholinesterase activity in the hippocampal tissue homogenates, and improved the cognitive performance in spatial memory related Barnes maze task. Histological studies revealed an increase in cell volume in the DC treated rats in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. These findings demonstrated the benefits of DC in enhancing cognitive function and cholinergic activity in the hippocampus of the aged NTAD rats while correcting their metabolic disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gout is considered to be an autoinflammatory disease and the presence of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals stimulates activation of NPRL3 inflammasome and subsequently caspase-1, generating production of active IL-1β and IL-18. However, the association between serum cytokines levels and clinical manifestations of the disease is not yet well understood. We evaluated the serum profile of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-22, and IL-23) and described their relationship with clinical and laboratory data. Methodology: Thirty-nine male patients with gout (GG) were assessed for clinical and laboratory variables and cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. For the purposes of comparison, 34 males with no previous history of arthritis were also included in the study (CG). Results: Seventeen participants (43%) exhibited active arthritis on evaluation. Levels of IL-18 were significantly higher in patients in relation to the CG (p= 0.0013). No statistically significant differences were found between the GG and CG for the other measured cytokines. There was a moderate correlation between IL-18 and ESR (R= 0.43,p= 0.0073), CRP (R= 0.47,p= 0.0025), and serum levels of IL-6 (R= 0.36,p= 0.023). An association was observed between serum levels of IL-6 and the presence of tophi (p= 0.005) and deformities (p= 0.0008), as well as a correlation between this cytokine and ESR (R= 0.41,p= 0.011) and CRP (R= 0.48,p= 0.02). Conclusions: IL-18 is associated with inflammatory activity in gout, as well as with IL-6 levels, while IL-6 is associated with clinical and laboratory activity, the presence of tophi and articular deformities, and may be a prognostic marker of this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is an increasing strong desire for natural and nature-derived flavor enhancers as a result of the health benefits they confer. The combination of herbs, spices, and seafood was used to develop seasonings that can be used as replacement for commercially produced flavor enhancers, which usually contain chemically synthesized monosodium glutamate.Ethmalosa fimbriataorCaprius gariepinus, garlic or ginger, onion, moringa, shrimp, salt, and basil were processed and combined in different proportions to make the various seasonings. The products have significantly higher crude fat, crude protein, and calcium contents compared to the control. The seasoning containingE. fimbriataand ginger had the highest DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl) inhibition potential (46.00 ± 5.08%) and total phenolics (17.59 ± 1.47 mg gallic acid equivalents, GAE/g) content, with significantly lower lipid peroxidation (35.58 ± 2.54%). Seasonings with ginger had significantly higher overall acceptability. The developed seasonings can conveniently be used as replacement for the commercially available controls in culinary. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: Obesity is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Secondary metabolites with biological activities and pharmacological potential have been identified in species of theBaccharisgenus that are specifically distributed in the Americas. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of methanol extracts fromBaccharis dracunculifoliaDC. Asteraceae on metabolic parameters, satiety, and growth in monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced-obesity model rats. Materials and methods: MSG was administered to 32 newborn rats (4 mg/g of body weight) once daily for 5 consecutive days. Four experimental groups (control, control + extract, MSG, and MSG + extract) were treated for 30 consecutive days with 400 mg/kg ofB. dracunculifoliaextract by gavage. Biochemical parameters, antioxidant activity, total extract phenolic content (methanolic, ethanolic, and acetone extractions), and pancreatic islets were evaluated. Results: High levels of phenolic compounds were identified inB. dracunculifoliaextracts (methanol: 46.2 ± 0.4 mg GAE/L; acetate: 70.5 ± 0.5 mg GAE/L; and ethanol: 30.3 ± 0.21 mg GAE/L); high antioxidant activity was detected inB. dracunculifoliaethanol and methanol extracts. The concentration of serum insulin increased 30% in obese animals treated with extract solutions (1.4–2.0 µU/mL,p < 0.05). Insulin secretion in pancreatic islets was 8.3 mM glucose (58%,p < 0.05) and 16.7 mM (99.5%,p < 0.05) in rats in the MSG + extract and MSG groups, respectively. Discussion and conclusion: Treatment withB. dracunculifoliaextracts protected pancreatic islets and prevented the irreversible cellular damage observed in animals in obesity and diabetes models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodotorula glutinis, an oil producing strain, can utilize monosodium glutamate (MSG) wastewater as a raw material for lipid production. The effects of ammonium-N in the MSG wastewater (ammonium 15,000–25,000 mg/L, COD 30,000–50,000 mg/L) on cell growth, lipid accumulation and malic enzyme activity ofR. glutinishave been studied. Four initial ammonium sulfate concentrations in the medium were set, which were 20, 60, 100, and 140 g/L. With an increase in the ammonium sulfate concentration, the uptake of ammonia nitrogen and lipid accumulation increased while the biomass decreased at 72 h. The maximum value of ammonia nitrogen consumption reached 5.77 g/L for an initial ammonium sulfate concentration of 140 g/L at 72 h. In addition, 60 g/L ammonium sulfate concentration may be an appropriate concentration forR. glutiniscultivation. The activity of the malic enzyme was measured and the results showed that there was a linear relationship between the intracellular lipid content and the total malic enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the effect of taurine treatment in rats with monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity. Methods: Rats with MSG-induced obesity were administered taurine for five weeks. The Lee's index, food intake, blood pressure, body temperature, body mass index (BMI), fat weight, and triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were compared. The PGC-1α expression levels in white and brown adipose were measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, and pathological changes in the arcuate nucleus and liver were examined. Results: Compared with the model group, BMI, TG, and LDL in the high and low taurine dose groups were significantly lower, while HDL was higher. Body temperature in the taurine treatment groups was higher, and blood pressure was lower. The weight of brown fat in the taurine treatment groups was significantly higher than in the model group, while the white fat weight was significantly lower. Compared with the control group, the PGC-1α levels in white and brown adipose were higher in the taurine treatment groups and more significantly up-regulated in brown adipose. Discussion: This study suggests that taurine prevents obesity in MSG-treated rats and may be closely associated with energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been hypothesized that the uptake of organic as opposed to inorganic nitrogen compounds found in wastewater can be properly substituted for plant nutrients. The objective of this study was to compare effects of applying monosodium glutamate wastewater (MGW) and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) (AN) on nitrogen metabolism and growth of lettuce. The results showed that while NH4NO3 (AN), NO3-, nitrite content and NR activity increased the protein content of lettuce. Applying MGW with a high concentration of 17 amino acids and macro- and microelements improved the fresh weights of shoot and root as well as the protein content of lettuce. Antioxidant activities were not affected by AN and MGW, and their interaction effects only increased POD after 8 weeks. In conclusion, substituting a portion of the chemical fertilizers with MGW improved lettuce growth, but did not increase NO3- accumulation in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To observe the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hypothalamic and adipose tissue in mice with monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity. Methods: The effects of hypothalamic lesions, specifically arcuate nucleus (ARC) lesions, induced by MSG injection were studied in male ICR mice at the neonatal stage. The following parameters were compared: body weight, body length, Lee's index, food intake, body temperature, fat weight, and levels of total cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and blood glucose (GLU). The BDNF expression levels in hypothalamic and adipose tissue were measured using western blotting. Results: Compared with the control group, the model group body had significantly higher weight, Lee's index, food intake, fat weight, CHOL, TG, LDL, HDL, and GLU levels. BDNF expression levels in hypothalamic and adipose tissue were markedly down-regulated in the model group. Discussion: BDNF may be closely associated with MSG-induced hypothalamic obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acid Schiff bases, [NaL]·nH2O (L = N-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)alaninate,N-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)valinate, andN-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)phenylalaninate), were synthesized as monosodium salts (L1Na–L3Na). The structures of the monosodium salts were confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, UV–vis, FT-IR, and 2D NMR (HMQC) spectroscopies.L1Nawas also structurally determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Hydrogen bond between the amino N(2)–H and phenolate O(1) of the salicylidene part of the molecule played important roles in stabilizing the zwitterion crystal structure. The ranges of the D–H…A angles and those of the H…A and D…A distances indicated the presence of short hydrogen bonds in the structure. In addition, the monosodium salts have been evaluated forin vitroantioxidant activity. Iron(III) complexes (L1Fe–L3Fe) have been obtained by reaction of the appropriate ligand with iron(III) chloride in a 2 : 1 M ratio. Fe(III) complexes were characterized by elemental and thermal analysis, conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements, UV–vis, FT-IR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this survey monosodium glutamate (MSG) levels in chicken and beef stock cube samples were determined. A total number of 122 stock cube samples (from brands A, B, C, D) were collected from local markets in Ankara, Turkey. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was used for quantitative MSG determination. Mean MSG levels (±SE) in samples of A, B, C and D brands were 14.6 ± 0.2 g kg−1, 11.9 ± 0.3 g kg−1, 9.7 ± 0.1 g kg−1and 7.2 ± 0.1 g kg−1, respectively. Differences between mean levels of brands were significant. Also, mean levels of chicken stock cube samples were lower than in beef stock cubes. Maximum limits for MSG in stock cubes are not specified in the Turkish Food Codex (TFC). Generally the limit for MSG in foods (except some foods) is established as 10 g kg−1(individually or in combination). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Obesity, which is one of the causes of the lifestyle-related disease, is a hepatopathic exacerbation factor that causes a chronic hepatic disorder. In this study, we examined the pathological changes in the liver in mice with obesity induced by monosodium glutamate administration. Pathological analysis revealed the deposition of many lipid droplets in hepatocytes and sinusoidal dilatation in obese mice. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed the presence of sinusoidal dilatation, and the fenestrations of the sinusoid were significantly swollen in obese mice. These results suggest that a dysfunction of the sinusoidal endothelium occurs in chronic obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a patient with a lesion of the right amygdala and temporal pole who had the characteristics of the gourmand syndrome, sensory and hedonic testing was performed to examine the processing of taste, olfactory, and some emotional stimuli. The gourmand syndrome describes a preoccupation with food and a preference for fine eating and is associated with right anterior lesions. It was found that the taste thresholds for sweet, salt, bitter, and sour were normal; that the patient did not dislike the taste of salt (NaCl) at low and moderate concentrations as much as age-matched controls; that this also occurred for monosodium glutamate (MSG); that there were some olfactory differences from normal controls; and that there was a marked reduction in the ability to detect face expressions of disgust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different packing conditions and storage times on the stability of monosodium glutamate (MSG) added to two different fermented vegetables (Spanish-type green table olives and pickled cucumbers) were studied. Factors such as packaging material (glass bottle versus plastic pouch), heat treatment (pasteurisation versus non-pasteurisation), and the presence or not of a preservative compound (potassium sorbate) were considered. The MSG content of pickled cucumbers was stable for up to 1 year of storage in all packing conditions studied. The MSG content also remained stable in pasteurised green table olives. On the contrary, MSG was extensively degraded (>75% degradation) after 54 weeks of storage in unpasteurised green olives with a higher degradation rate in glass bottles compared with plastic pouches. In the presence of potassium sorbate, MSG was also considerably degraded in olives packed in plastic pouches (>50% degradation), but hardly degraded in glass bottles. The results indicate that MSG degradation in olives is due to the action of both lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, with the formation of γ-aminobutyric acid as the major end-product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]