Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used as an additive in food. Excess consumption of MSG was reported to cause oxidative stress on brain, liver and renal resulted in increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aims to determine the biochemical and histological effects of low dose MSG on the liver of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals (n = 6 per group) were randomly divided into three groups with two treatment groups: 60 mg/kg (MSG60) and 120 mg/kg (MSG120), and one control group (distilled water). The substances were administered to the rats via force feeding for 28 consecutive days. On day 29, all rats were killed, and liver tissues were biopsied for the biochemical (total protein, liver enzymes, and the status of oxidative stress) and histological analysis. The total protein appeared significantly decreased (p < 0.05) while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) demonstrated a significant increased (p < 0.05) in the MSG120 treatment group as compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the antioxidant levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly increase (p < 0.05) in the MSG120 group as compared to the MSG60 and control groups. The histological findings revealed changes to normal liver architecture and accumulation of red blood cells in the central veins in both MSG groups. This study indicates that the MSG consumption at a dose of 120 mg/kg may ALTer the biochemical and histological parameters of the liver.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer commonly used in processed food to increase palatability. Several studies have reported that chronic exposure of MSG causes renal fibrosis via oxidative stress mechanism. However, till date, the effects of low dose of MSG on the oxidative stress status and its histopathological observation of renal are still unclear. A total of 18 male Sprague Dawley rats (170 – 200 g) were divided randomly into three groups consisted of the control (received distilled water = 1 ml/kg), MSG 60 (received 60 mg/kg MSG) and MSG 120 (received 120 mg/kg MSG) groups. All of the substances were given via force-feed oral for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed and the renal were isolated for biochemical and histological evaluation. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and protein carbonyl (PC) level showed significantly increased (p < 0.05) in MSG 60 and MSG 120 group compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was found in glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in all treated groups. The histology observation showed glomerulus shrinkage in MSG 60 and MSG 120 groups. In conclusion, these findings confirmed low dose of MSG-induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes on the renal of male Sprague-dawley rats. Accordingly, care must be taken on the intake of MSG in our daily basis.