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Although monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used food additive, its safety and systemic side effects have not been fully clarified. The intestinal flora is closely associated with human health; however, it remains unclear whether MSG consumption can affect health by acting on the intestinal flora. In this study, serum biomarkers, intestinal structure, intestinal immunity, and intestinal flora were examined to investigate the effects of different doses of sodium glutamate on the body, intestinal function, and intestinal flora of mice. The results showed that 30 mg/kg MSG had no significant effect on serum C-reactive protein, trimethylamine N-oxide, angiotensin II, intestinal interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, secretory IgA and fecal albumin in mice, but also promoted intestinal development and regulated the intestinal flora. Moreover, 1500 mg/kg MSG increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and damaged the intestinal structure and flora. In this study, MSG was also found to be healthier than salt at the equivalent sodium concentration. Collectively, these findings suggested that low doses of MSG were safe for mice and may have some health benefits as a probiotic by promoting intestinal development and regulating the intestinal flora.

Objective: The study was intended to explore whether Monosodium glutamate (MSG) induces oxidative stress on the liver of Wistar albino rats when fed chronically at three different doses, namely, low, mid, and high doses identical to human consumption doses in growing countries. Methods: The acclimatized Wistar albino rats (n=24) were randomly selected and grouped into four groups, namely Control, Low dose MSG (180 mg kg), Mid dose MSG (360 mg/kg), and High dose MSG (720 mg/kg). The animals were orally administered MSG for 120 days. After completion of the experimental period (120 days), euthanized animal liver was homogenized to investigate the oxidative stress marker enzymes such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT), and Myeloperoxidase (MPO). Results: The MPO showed a significant increase (p

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an amino acid which is widely used and approved as a flavor enhancer for a broad range of food. Glutamate receptor can be stimulated excessively to cause diabetes and cancer. MSG is associated with metabolic syndrome in humans. The main purpose of this study is to find a possible correlation between monosodium glutamate and signs of overweight among young children in Saudi Arabia. An electronic cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants consisted of 572 Saudi parents of children aged between 6-18 years. Data analysis was done using t-test and chi-square test. Overweight children population was found to be relatively small in Saudi Arabia compared to other gulf countries such as United Arab Emirates (UAE) (40%). There is a statistically significant relationship between average weight and a preference for fast food at home. It is strongly recommended to reduce the amount of MSG taken in fast foods and snacks and some types of sweets for the prevention from associated chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and others. Moreover, increasing public awareness about obesity and its main causes by putting posters in public places. Announcing detailed information on the causes of obesity in local magazines. Doing the study in other age/gender categories like women and elderly.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if there were any harmful effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the liver of Wistar albino rats chronically at three different doses, namely, low, mid, and high doses equivalent to human consumption doses in developing countries. Methods: The Wistar albino rats (n=24) were divided into four groups, namely control, Low dose MSG (180 mg/kg), Mid dose MSG (360 mg/kg), and High dose MSG (720 mg/kg). At the end of the experimental period (120 days), animal blood was collected retro-orbitally to analyze the liver enzymes such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total protein, Albumin, and Total Bilirubin in blood serum. Lipid profiles, namely, Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and Total cholesterol were subjected to analysis using blood serum. Results: Significant increase (p

The use of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) as a food flavor enhancer is increasing worldwide despite its neurotoxic effects. Fluoxetine (FLX) and Rosemary extract (RE) are known to have beneficial neuroprotective properties. Rats were divided into five groups: control group; MSG group, rats received 2 g/kg/day intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of MSG for seven days; RE/MSG group, rats received 50 mg/kg/day of oral RE for 28 days starting prior to MSG; FLX/MSG group, rats received 10 mg/kg/day of oral FLX for 28 days beginning before MSG; and RE/FLX/MSG group, received combined treatments as mentioned above. Rats underwent the Barnes maze test, in addition to histopathological, immunohistochemical, morphometric and ultrastructural evaluations for their hippocampi. MSG increased the number of errors and escaped latency in the Barnes maze test that was significantly minimized in the three treatment groups. The MSG group exhibited pyramidal cell (PC) degeneration, shrunken glial cells and massive vascular dilatation that were improved with RE and/or FLX treatment. The number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunopositive cells were increased, and the number of PCs was decreased in the MSG group, while these values were significantly reversed with the three treatment groups with the most significant improvement at RE/FLX/MSG one. Ultrastructurally, PCs were shrunken with degenerated nuclei, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria, and vacuolations in the MSG group that were improved with RE and/or FLX. In conclusion, the combined RE and FLX treatment can ameliorate the toxic effect of MSG on rat hippocampus probably through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Jia Liang,1 Ying Jia,1 Haijing Yan,1 Qingyu Shen,1 Weihua Bian,2 Dongmei Zhao,3 Yong Xu,1 Yongjun Jin,4 Meizi Yang1 1Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Cell Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Anatomy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Endocrinology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Meizi Yang; Yongjun JinDepartment of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 535 691 9507Fax +86 535 691 3163Email meizyang@126.com; endojin@126.comPurpose: To investigate resistance to diet-induced obesity (DIO) and monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity as well as the underlying mechanisms.Methods: Newborn mice were used to construct DIO and MSG-induced obesity models. Obesity indices, such as body weight, body length, Lee index, body temperature, food intake, fat weight, and leptin level, were examined. Mice that did not exhibit obesity were defined as the obesity-resistant group. The morphological changes of white adipose tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and expression levels of PR domain containing 16 (Prdm16) and uncoupling protein-1 (Ucp-1) in white adipose tissue were measured by Western blot.Results: Obesity-resistant mice fed a high-fat diet showed resistance beginning at week 5 along with lower weights and lengths than those in the obesity group from weeks 5 to 12. MSG-induced obesity-resistant mice showed features consistent with resistance to obesity from week 1 along with higher body lengths relative to the obesity group; however, the weight difference was not significant until week 10, when body weights decreased significantly in obesity-resistant mice. The Lee index was lower in obesity-resistant mice than in the obesity group and the normal group, further suggesting obesity resistance. Additionally, obesity-resistant mice showed higher levels of leptin, whereas obese mice induced by a high-fat diet showed leptin resistance. Furthermore, Prdm16 and Ucp-1 levels were both downregulated in the obesity group and upregulated in obesity-resistant mice, showing that white fat browning was highest in obesity-resistant mice.Conclusion: The phenotypes of mice with DIO and MSG-induced obesity differed. Obesity resistance might be related to Prdm16 and Ucp-1-mediated white adipocyte browning.Keywords: obesity resistance, brown adipose tissue, Ucp-1, adipocyte browning

Background Despite the wide usage of monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer in many types of food, it has been reported as a toxic agent to humans and experimental animals. It also adversely influences male fertility. Several research studies attributed detrimental effects of MSG on reproductive organs to oxidative stress. The current study investigated the effects of MSG on testis and the potential role of quercetin in attenuating them. Results MSG-treated rats showed a considerable elevation in lipid peroxidation level and reduction in glutathione concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the homogenate of testis tissues. Treatment with quercetin in combination with MSG provided significant protection. When QU was used, the toxic side effects were significantly reduced, with a considerable reduction in lipid peroxidation and an increase in SOD and GPx activities, and glutathione concentration. Conclusions Quercetin may be used in combination with MSG to improve the histopathological, ultrastructure, oxidative stress, and biochemical parameters of testicular toxicity induced by MSG due to its antioxidant effects. Graphical abstract

People in the fast-food era rely on pre-packaged foods and engage in limited physical activity, which leads to a shift in eating patterns. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a dietary ingredient used in this sort of cuisine, has been found to be hazardous to both experimental animals and humans. The objective of this study was to explore at the unnecessary changes caused by consuming MSG in secret and exceeding the recommended dosage. Hence, we decided to evaluate the impact of MSG by using three different doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight orally) for 28 days in rats. We uncovered that all three MSG dosages result in a rise in body weight, dyslipidemia, inflammatory response, and hepato-cardiac marker enzymes, all of which imply hepatic and cardiac toxicity. Furthermore, changes in redox status suggest oxidative stress, which was higher in all three MSG dosages although not as much as in the MSG-600 group when compared to control. Such effects eventually manifested themselves in tissue architecture of the liver and heart, resulting in severe hepato-cardiac derangement, but the degree of tissue damage was greater in the MSG-600 group. As a result, it is possible that MSG has a negative influence on the liver and heart. However, the MSG-600 group showed a substantial effect, indicating that MSG should not be used in food preparation. Therefore, the findings of the study may aid in the formulation of health-care strategies and serve as a warning to the general public regarding the use of MSG in daily diet.

Umami refers to the savoury taste that is mediated by monosodium glutamate (MSG) and enhanced by inosine monophosphate and other nucleotides. Umami foods have been suggested to increase the risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome but the mechanism is not understood. Here we show that MSG induces obesity, hypothalamic inflammation and central leptin resistance in male mice through the induction of AMP deaminase 2 and purine degradation. Mice lacking AMP deaminase 2 in both hepatocytes and neurons are protected from MSG-induced metabolic syndrome. This protection can be overcome by supplementation with inosine monophosphate, most probably owing to its degradation to uric acid as the effect can be blocked with allopurinol. Thus, umami foods induce obesity and metabolic syndrome by engaging the same purine nucleotide degradation pathway that is also activated by fructose and salt consumption. We suggest that the three tastes—sweet, salt and umami—developed to encourage food intake to facilitate energy storage and survival but drive obesity and diabetes in the setting of excess intake through similar mechanisms.

Introduction: The effect of orally consumed monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is a common additive in the food industry, on the cochlea has not been investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the possible cochleotoxic effects of oral MSG in guinea pigs using electrophysiological, biochemical, and histopathological methods. Methods: Thirty guinea pigs were equally divided into control and intervention groups (MSG 100 mg/kg/day; MSG 300 mg/kg/day). At 1 month, 5 guinea pigs from each group were sacrificed; the rest were observed for another month. Electrophysiological measurements (distortion product otoacoustic emission [DPOAE] and auditory brainstem response [ABR]), glutamate levels in the perilymph and blood samples, and histopathological examinations were evaluated at 1 and 2 months. Results: Change in signal-to-noise ratio at 2 months was significantly different in the MSG 300 group at 0.75 kHz and 2 kHz (p = 0.013 and p = 0.044, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in ABR wave latencies of the guinea pigs given MSG compared to the control group after 1 and 2 months; an increase was noted in ABR thresholds, although the difference was not statistically significant. In the MSG groups, moderate-to-severe degeneration and cell loss in outer hair cells, support cells, and spiral ganglia, lateral surface junction irregularities, adhesions in stereocilia, and partial loss of outer hair cell stereocilia were noted. Conclusion: MSG, administered in guinea pigs at a commonly utilized quantity and route of administration in humans, may be cochleotoxic.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a worldwide flavor enhancer. Despite controversy surrounding the safety of MSG, it is still consumed in large amounts. This review provides a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of MSG induced neurotoxicity including the different ways of glutamate regulation in brain and umami taste signaling pathway. In addition, this review summarizes the history of MSG discovery and synthesis, products and natural food containing MSG, details of MSG safety and toxicity with limited allowed amounts that can be used according to different organizations opinion. Finally, this review enumerates the different MSG studies in both animals and humans in the last 20 years.

Background: Obesity, as defined by the WHO is an abnormal fat consolidation or excessive fat deposit. Those excessive fat deposits have been known to be the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. One such additive is known to improve the taste of the food is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of MSG on weight gain. Methods: This is a simple experimental design with a pretest-posttest design. The study was conducted in the Animal House laboratories of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Universitas Sumatera Utara between October and November of 2019. The sample in this experiment is male Wistar rats aged 10-11 weeks that will be fed with standard animal feed mixed with MSG. There are 2 groups of rats (each group 16 rats), one group 1 (non-MSG), and group 2 (MSG). The rats were fed with animal feed (ad labium) for 31 days. The feed given every single day will be weighed and documented. The subcutaneous fat was taken from the abdominal and axillary regions. Result. After 31 days of treatment, re-weighing of both groups of animals was carried out. The initial weight, final weight, total weight gain, total fat extracted and total feed consumed was not different significant (p>0,05). Conclusion. The feeding of MSG for 31 days, did not have significant effects on weight gain. A longer time is needed for evaluation of MSG effect on weight gain

lt;bgt;Background and Objective:lt;/bgt; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and cognitive dysfunction. The present study was designed to examine the possible modulatory effect of Fish, Walnuts or Fenugreek Oils against Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like Behavior induced by Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in Rats.lt;bgt;Materials and Methods:lt;/bgt; Fifty weaning rats were divided into five groups, (each group contain 10 rats) as follows: Group 1: Normal control rats were fed on a balanced diet. Groups from 2-5 rats were fed on a balanced diet+MSG (0.4 g kglt;supgt;lt;/supgt;lt;supgt;1lt;/supgt; diet), Group 2 served as a positive control group whereas group 3, 4 and 5 treated with Fish, Walnuts and Fenugreek oil, respectively, (200 mg kglt;supgt;lt;/supgt;lt;supgt;1lt;/supgt; b.wt.) by intra-gastric tube. Biochemical and behavioural parameters were tested as well as microscopic examination of brain tissue was done.lt;bgt;Results:lt;/bgt; MSG ingestion caused marked disruption in locomotors activity, memory function and brain tissue structure along with significant abnormalities in some bio-markers and reduction in the gene expression level of Bcl-2 in brain tissue. However, treatment with the tested oils showed remarkable effect by reversing the condition.lt;bgt;Conclusion:lt;/bgt; Dietary supplementation with walnut; fenugreek or fish oils at the tested dose could modulate the condition of ADHD in rats.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavoring food additive that’s found in many foods like chips, and fast foods. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the injurious effects of MSG on the adrenals of the female albino rats and its potentiality to cross the placental barrier carrying its injurious effects to their pups. Twenty-five female albino rats weighing about (200) g were mated then separated into two groups. The control group (10 rats), and MSG-treated Group(15 rats) received 10 g/kg MSG orally, dissolved in water at a concentration of 5 g/100 ml, starting on day 7 to 20 day of gestation.A day after delivery, animals were weighed, blood samples collected then sacrificed, and the adrenals were collected and examined by the light and electron microscope. Statistically, there was a significant increase in the body weight and decrease in adrenal weight of MSG-treated mothers and their pups, as well as a decrease in the corticosterone level in MSG-treated mothers. Histologically, MSG-treated mothers and pups showed many degenerative changes, with thinning of the capsule that was confirmed by Masson trichrome stain, a disorganized structure of Zona Golmeruloza and Zona Fasciculata, and areas of shedding and hemorrhage were noticed. Shrunken nuclei and degenerated mitochondria with disrupted cristae and penetration of the lipid droplets to form “myelin-like” structures were noticed by E/M examination. The study concluded that MSG had an unwholesome effect on the structure of the adrenal tissue of both pregnant rats and their pups

High intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG) –containing foods was reported as a major health problem in Egypt. Thus, dietary interventions aim to prevent the deleterious effects of this additive were badly needed. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of concurrent consumption of MSG and Spirulina (S. platensis) on body weight as well as hepato-renal functions and histopathology in female rats. Twenty adult female albino rats were divided into four equal groups, including the control group, while groups 2 to 4 were administered 6 mg MSG/kg body weight daily, and kept untreated (group 2), or concurrently fed pelleted balanced diet supplemented with 0.5 and 1 % of Spirulina powder for 6 weeks (groups 3 and 4, respectively). At the end, body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency ratio were calculated. Liver and kidney functions were determined in sera, while oxidative stress markers were determined in liver and kidney tissue homogenates. Moreover, specimens from liver and kidney of sacrificed rats were histopathologically examined. On the other hand, phenolic profile of Spirulina powder was identified and quantified by HPLC. Findings indicated that MSG consumption resulted in overweight, liver and kidney dysfunction along with oxidative stress, which was further confirmed by histological staining. Due to the high content of phenolic compounds rather than other antioxidant agents, Spirulina powder exerted anti-obesity properties and alleviated the toxic hepato-renal effects caused by MSG consumption. So, dietary supplementation of MSG –containing food products with Spirulina powder is recommended to prevent its accompanied health abnormalities.

Background and Aim: Marsilea crenata is an aquatic plant that contains high antioxidants level and could prevent cell damages caused by free radicals. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of M. crenata ethanol extract on luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone levels, sperm quality, and testis histology of adult male rats induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG). Materials and Methods: This study randomly divided 48 male rats into eight groups (n=6): control group; MSG group (4 mg/g body weight [b.w.] for 30 days); MS1, MS2, and MS3 groups (4 mg/g b.w. MSG and M. crenata ethanol extract at dose 0.216, 0.432, and 0.648 mg/g b.w., respectively, for 30 days); and S1, S2, and S3 groups (M. crenata ethanol extract at dose of 0.216, 0.432, and 0.648 mg/g b.w., respectively, for 30 days). The blood sample was collected on days 0 and 30 to determine the LH and testosterone levels. The animals were dissected on day 30, and the testes were isolated for morphometric, histology (spermatogenic cell number), and malondialdehyde (MDA) examination. Moreover, semen was collected to determine the sperm quality parameter. Results: The LH and testosterone levels significantly increased (p

Introduction: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely employed food enhancers. Although the umami compound, controversy persists regarding the effects of MSG intake on body weight. Chronic MSG intake may result in excessive body weight gain and obesity. Consumption of MSG result in organ damage, cardiovascular disease, oxidative stress, and also risk factors for obesity. This study aims to determine the effect of oral MSG on obesity in adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus).Methods: This true experimental study used the post-test control group design. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (received distilled water), Group 1 (MSG 0.378 mg/gr BW), Group 2 (0.756 mg/gr BW) and Group 3 (1.512 mg/gr BW). The obesity parameter was obtained by the Lee index. Kruskal-Wallis test follows by Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the Lee index between groups.Results: Lee’s index mean for each group was 358.4%, 314.1%, 287.8%, and 320.9%, respectively. The Kruskal Wallis test showed a significant difference in the Lee index between groups (p = 0.043). A follow-up test using Mann-Whitney found a significant difference between group 2 and the control group (p = 0.043, p

High-dose Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) expo sure increases the estrogen level in pregnant rats. However, there are limited data available on whether the MSG-related maternal hormonal effects can affect male litters' genitalia phenotype. This study aimed to analyze the impact of MSG on estrogen level in pregnant rats and anogenital distance in male pups. Experiment for this study was performed at the animal facility of Biomedical Laboratory at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, from April 2019 to February 2020. Pregnant Wistar rats were given MSG orally at 2 and 4 mg/g body weight (BW) for 20 days. On day 21, pregnant rats were sacrificed and blood was drawn intracardially. Estradiol serum level was measured by ELISA. Male pups were counted, and the anogenital distance (AGD) was measured. Maternal serum estradiol levels were statistically analyzed by One-Way ANOVA and the AGD of male litters were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results showed that perinatal MSG exposure increased the estradiol level (26.3±4.5 pg/ml; 37.5±6.7 pg/ml; 62.1±8.2 pg/ml in control, 2 mg/g BW, and 4 mg/g BW group, respectively [mean±SD; p=

Background This experimental study aimed to determine the changes caused by monosodium glutamate (MSG) on morphology and histology of liver of chicken embryos aged 16 days of incubation. In this research, 50 fertilized eggs were used. They were divided into two equal groups, one group was used as control with normal liver structure, while the other group (MSG) was treated with MSG in 0 day of incubation (0.1ml/egg). Results The results showed many harmful effects on hepatic cells, blood sinusoids, and bile ducts in MSG group. These changes included alterations in nuclei conformation and nuclear envelope. Chromatin distribution was associated with increased electronic intensity. Also, there were rupture in smooth endoplasm systems and malfunction of mitochondria and Golgi apparatus, with increased lysosomes and lipid droplets. Conclusions This study concluded that MSG had severe toxic effects on liver structure if it was given in pre-conception period as this period is considered critical for liver growth (organogenesis).

BackgroundMonosodium glutamate (MSG) is frequently consumed as a flavor enhancer or food additive. Possible damages induced by MSG effects on some organs have been stated in experimental animal models. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of L-carnitine (L-ca) on the renal tissue in MSG-Induced Rats.MethodsIn this regard, 60 male rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10/each): 1 (Control); 2 (sham); 3 (L-carnitine 200 mg/kg b.w); 4 (MSG 3 g/kg b.w); 5 (MSG + L-carnitine 100 mg/kg); and 6 (MSG + L-carnitine 200 mg/kg). After 6 months, the rats were sacrificed, the blood sample collected and the kidneys harvested for evaluation of biochemical analytes, genes expression, and histopathological changes.ResultsMSG significantly increased the serum level of MDA, BUN, creatinine, uric acid and renal Caspase-9, NGAL and KIM-1 expression, but it decreased the serum activity also renal expression of SOD, catalase, GPX, and Bcl-2 expression compared to the control group. Treatment with L-ca significantly reduced the serum BUN, creatinine, uric acid and MDA level and increased catalase, GPX and SOD compared to the MSG group. However, only administration of L-ca 200 significantly decreased the caspase-9, NGAL and KIM-1; also, it increased the Bcl-2 expression in the kidney compared to the MSG group.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that L-carnitine had a major impact on the cell protection and might be an effective therapy in ameliorating the complications of the kidney induced by MSG via its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Herein, Vernonia amygdalina stem ethanolic extract, VASEE, was elucidated for its antibacterial activity in vitro by disk-diffusion technique and, in vivo effect on some hematological parameters of normal and monosodium glutamate, MSG-intoxicated rats. For in vivo study, 20 male albino rats assigned into five groups (A, B, C, D, and E) were, for 14 days, respectively administered MSG (8000 mg/kg body weight, bw), VASEE (200 mg/kg bw), Control (Vital feed and tap water), MSG (8000 mg/kg bw + VASEE, 200 mg/kg bw), and MSG (8000 mg/kg bw + VASEE, 400 mg/kg bw). In vitro, the VASEE-related activity against the tested bacterial pathogens was significant (P < 0.05), dose dependent and comparable to that by the standard antibacterial drug, Ciprofloxacin. In vivo, VASEE compared to control and MSG groups improved (P < 0.05) and, notably at the highest tested dose modulated the monosodium glutamate intoxication-related effect on, the studied hematology of rats. Thus, VASEE exhibited potent activity against the tested bacterial pathogens, improved, and potentially modulated MSG-intoxication-related effect on, the rats’ hematological functions. The study underscored a promising antibacterial application of the extract of hitherto wasted bitter leaf stem that could offer novel therapeutic benefits on the hematology of especially MSG-intoxicated rats, warranting further studies. Keywords: Hematology, intoxication, bitter leaf stem, packed cell volume, Red blood cell

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common flavor enhancer and stabilizer for ready-made or packaged foods. This research investigated the impact of MSG on the maternal and fetal liver. The present study was carried out on sixteen mature female Albino rats and eight male rats of reproductive age. The control group was dissected on day 20 of gestation. MSG group was administrated MSG daily at a dosage of 1 g/5 mL/kg body weight from day 0 to day 20 of gestation. The liver function and lipid profile of the control and treated mothers were investigated in the blood sera. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities in the liver homogenate of maternal and fetal tissue were assayed, in addition to histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were done to the liver tissue. The activities of liver functions and lipid profile significantly altered in the treated mothers with MSG. MSG significantly reduced the SOD and reduced GSH activities in addition to the elevated TNF-α and NO in liver tissue of pregnant mothers and their fetuses. Severe histopathological alterations were observed in both maternal and fetal liver tissues of MSG-treated groups. Moreover, histochemical observations showed a reduction of total polysaccharides in the liver of pregnant rats and fetuses. A significant increase in the percentage area of positive immunoreaction for caspase 3 was observed in the liver of treated rats with MSG compared to the liver of the control. The liver of fetuses treated with MSG revealed an alteration like their mother. This study showed that during the gestational period MSG exposure resulted in several biochemical, histological, and histochemical changes in the maternal and fetal liver tissues which emphasize the toxic effect of MSG.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Flavor enhancing high lipid diet acts as silent killer. • Monosodium glutamate mixed with high lipid diet alters redox-status. • Monosodium glutamate mixed with high lipid diet induces systemic anomalies., In this fast-food era, people depend on ready-made foods and engage in minimal physical activities that ultimately change their food habits. Majorities of such foods have harmful effects on human health due to higher percentages of saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, and hydrogenated fats in the form of high lipid diet (HLD). Moreover, food manufacturers add monosodium glutamate (MSG) to enhance the taste and palatability of the HLD. Both MSG and HLD induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thereby alter the redox-homeostasis to cause systemic damage. However, MSG mixed HLD (MH) consumption leads to dyslipidemia, silently develops non-alcoholic fatty liver disease followed by metabolic alterations and systemic anomalies, even malignancies, via modulating different signaling pathways. This comprehensive review formulates health care strategies to create global awareness about the harmful impact of MH on the human body and recommends the daily consumption of more natural foods rich in antioxidants instead of toxic ingredients to counterbalance the MH-induced systemic anomalies.

Monosodium glutamate is a well-known food flavor additives that is widely used all over the world but its chronic intake leads to many reported side effects. Aim of the study: The goal of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic role of chitosan and curcumine extract, as a well-known antioxidant, against the submandibular salivary gland (SMG) damage induced by chronic intake of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Material and methods: 36 adult male Albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; Group 1 (control) group, group2 (MSG group): rats received a daily dose of MSG only by oral gavage, group 3 ( MSG + Chitosan treated group): rats received a daily dose of MSG + chitosan and finally group 4 ( MSG + curcumin treated group): rats received a daily dose of MSG + curcumin. After 6 weeks, the submandibular salivary glands were excised and processed for histological and caspase 3 immunohistochemical examination. Results: histological examination by H&E stain of group 3 and 4 revealed improvement of secretory portion architecture in addition to decreased vaculation and pleomorphism than group 2. There were a high statistical significant difference, of caspase 3 immuno-expression, between the treated chitosan and curcumin groups (group3 and 4) and MSG group (group 2) as p values were 0.005 and 0.017 respectively. Conclusion: administration of chitosan or curcumin has a protective effect on SMG toxicity induced by chronic intake of MSG.

Objectives Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in many women of reproductive age. Surgery is the main approach to treatment while other options are also associated with adverse effects. Studies have shown that certain bioactive agents present in medicinal plants elicit their anti-tumor activity by induction of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) opening. This research therefore aimed at investigating the effect of methanol extract of Annona muricata (MEAM) on mPT pore opening in normal and monosodium glutamate-induced uterine hyperplasia using female Wistar rats. Methods Mitochondria, isolated from rat liver were exposed to different concentrations (20, 60, 100, 140 and 180 μg/mL) of MEAM. The mPT pore opening, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase (mATPase) activity and the percentage lipid peroxidation were assessed spectrophotometrically. Histological effects of MEAM on the liver, brain and uterus of normal and MSG-treated rats were investigated. Results The in vitro results showed a significant induction of mPT pore opening by 2.4, 4.2 and 6.4 folds, release of cytochrome c and enhancement of mATPase activity at 100,140 and 180 μg/mL, respectively. However, oral administration of MEAM did not induce mPT pore opening, neither any significant release of cytochrome c nor enhancement of mATPase activity at all the dosages used. However, histological assay revealed the presence of MSG-induced cellular damage and uterine hyperplasia which was ameliorated by MEAM co-administration. Conclusions These findings suggest that MEAM contains phytochemicals that can ameliorate MSG-induced damage and uterine hyperplasia in rats; however, the mechanism might not be via upregulation of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.

A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing microorganism was isolated from galchi (hairtail fish, Trichiurus lepturus) jeotgal, a Korean salted and fermented seafood. The G144 isolate produced GABA excessively when incubated in MRS broth containing monosodium glutamate (MSG, 3%, w/v). G144 was identified as Lactobacillus brevis through 16S rRNA and recA gene sequencing. gadB and gadC encoding glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and glutamate/GABA antiporter, respectively, were cloned and gadB was located downstream of gadC. The operon structure of gadCB was confirmed by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction. gadB was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and recombinant GAD was purified and its size was 54.4 kDa as evidenced by SDS-PAGE results. Maximum GAD activity was observed at pH 5.0 and 40℃ and the activity was dependent on pyridoxal 5''-phophate. The Km and Vmax of GAD were 8.6 mM and 0.01 mM/min, respectively.

En los últimos años se ha cuestionado el incremento en el consumo de un polémico aditivo alimentario: el Glutamato Monosódico. Su ingesta a través de la dieta casera y a través de productos industrializados es cada vez mayor. El GMS proporciona el sabor conocido como umami y aunque hace los alimentos más palatables, existe preocupación sobre el impacto que su consumo pueda tener sobre la salud de las personas. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar brevemente la información disponible al respecto.