Investigating the colon toxicity and carcinogenic role of monosodium glutamate compared with Dimethylhydrazine in male Wistar rats: Exploring the link to childhood colon cancer risk

Background: Colon cancer is rising among younger population than elder people. About 50% of colon cancer cases attributed to dietary factors. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) widely used taste enhancer prevalent in fast foods and processed items. Objectives: The study investigated into the potential toxic and carcinogenic role of MSG in male Wistar rats of 1–3 months old and compared the effects with the Dimethyl hydrazine (DMH): by observing survival probability, estimation of serum biochemical parameters, and analysis for colon beta catenin protein expression. Methods: Rats were grouped into control, DMH (s.c), low- and high dose MSG (LDMSG, HDMSG) (p.o). Survival rate statistically calculated using Kaplan-Meier plots and Log-rank tests. Biochemical analyses were done using standard protocols and one-way ANOVA were performed for data analysis. Beta catenin protein expressions were studied using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results: Our study emphasizes that high dose MSG consumed male Wistar rats cause high decline in survival rate compared to low dose MSG and DMH. Estimated serum biochemical parameters showed significantly increased oxidative stress, altered liver and kidney function markers, alongside elevated serum sodium, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and inflammatory markers. Observed, colon polyps formed in DMH and MSG rats. Rat’s colon immunohistochemistry study expressed β- catenin whereas Western blotting results confirmed the altered β- catenin and β-catenin phosphorylation ratios in cytosol and nuclear region were elevated in DMH-induced colon cancer (p value of 0.0002), MSG low dose (p value of 0.003) and high dose (p value of 0.01) statistically significant. These findings highlights declined survival probabilities and pronounced oxidative stress markers, organ function changes, disrupted lipid profiles, and increased nuclear β-catenin expression reveals the potential toxic and carcinogenic role of MSG is influencing colon cancer development in male Wistar rat models. Conclusion: Based on the results, the study underscores the potential toxic and carcinogenic role of MSG, particularly at neoplastic stages of colon cancer in male Wistar rat models.