Quercetin counteracts monosodium glutamate to mitigate immunosuppression in the thymus and spleen via redox-guided cellular signaling.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation brought on by oxidative stress can result in several immunopathologies. Natural compounds with antioxidant characteristics, like quercetin, have shown effectiveness in reducing oxidative damage and regulating the immune response. PURPOSE: The commonly used food additive monosodium glutamate (M) causes immunosuppression by disrupting redox equilibrium and inducing oxidative stress. The goal of this work is to examine the therapeutic potential of quercetin against immunotoxicity brought on by M, revealing the molecular route implicated in such immunopathology by targeting the thymus and spleen, to support the development of future anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: M-fed rats were employed as an immunotoxicity model and were supplemented with quercetin for four weeks. Hematological and biochemical parameters were measured; H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting were performed. RESULTS: Based on the findings, TLR4 was activated by M to cause oxidative stress-mediated inflammation, which was alleviated by the supplementation of quercetin by modulating redox homeostasis to neutralize free radicals and suppress the inflammatory response. To prevent M-induced inflammation, quercetin demonstrated anti-inflammatory functions by blocking NF-kB activation, lowering the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. By normalizing lipid profiles and lowering the potential risk of immunological deficiency caused by M, quercetin also improves lipid metabolism. Additionally, it has shown potential for modifying insulin levels, suggesting a possible function in controlling M-induced alteration in glucose metabolism. The addition of quercetin to M enhanced the immune response by improving immunoglobulin levels and CD4/CD8 expression in the thymus and spleen. Additionally, quercetin inhibited apoptosis by controlling mitochondrial caspase-mediated cellular signaling, suggesting that it may be able to halt cell death in M-fed rats. CONCLUSION: The results of this study first indicate that quercetin, via modulating redox-guided cellular signaling, has a promising role in reducing immune disturbances. This study illuminates the potential of quercetin as a safe, natural remedy for immunopathology caused by M, including thymic hypoplasia and/or splenomegaly, and paves the way for future anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplements.

Testicular Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles on Monosodium Glutamate Induced Alteration in Male Albino Rats.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The flavor enhancer Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is mostly utilized in Asian and West African cuisines, especially in West African and Asian dishes. However, due to its availability, largely without labeling, in many food products, unintentional overuse of this food additive may occur. The objective of this study was to find out how selenium nanoparticles affected the toxicity of MSG in male albino rats' testicles. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> As 35 Wistar male rats partitioned into 5 groups: G1: Control rats, G2: Received Se-NPs at 0.4 mg kg¹ b.wt., orally, G3: Injected with MSG at a daily dose of 4 g kg¹ b.wt., intraperitoneally (IP), G4: Ingested a daily oral dose of Se-NPs for 7 successive days and on the 7th day, received the first dose of MSG IP 4 g kg¹ b.wt., then received both treatments till the end of the study and G5: Administered a daily oral dose of 4 g kg¹ MSG, followed by Se-NPs at a daily dose of 0.4 mg kg¹ b.wt., the experiment continued for 28 days. Serum testosterone hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), the levels of serum lipid peroxidation (MDA), reduced Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) were estimated and samples from testis were separated for histological analysis. <b>Results:</b> The MSG treatment induced a significant decline in the values of serum testosterone, FSH, LH, GSH, GSH-Px and SOD. It also increased the values of serum MDA and LDH and spermatic arrest. While, the administration of Se-NPs orally before MSG treatment resulted in a decline in the values of serum MDA and LDH, an elevation in the values of serum GSH, GSH-PX and SOD, testosterone, FSH, LH and reappearance of sperm. <b>Conclusion:</b> The use of Se-NPs as a protector exhibited more improvement in values of estimated hormones and oxidative stress markers than using it as a therapy.

Characterizing the effect of sodium reduction and monosodium glutamate supplementation on white and multigrain breads.

Sodium overconsumption has become a serious health concern resulting in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publishing voluntary sodium reduction guidelines for a wide spectrum of packaged and processed foods. Reducing sodium through the removal of salt may decrease the palatability of foods, thus increasing the need for new approaches to prevent such palatability loss. The objective of this research was to characterize white and multigrain breads with either 43% or 60% reduction in sodium and with and without monosodium glutamate (MSG) using descriptive analysis methodology as well as to identify the drivers of liking for white and multigrain breads of varying sodium contents with and without MSG. Significant differences were identified in the attributes of salty taste and aftertaste, savory aftertaste, and chewy and firm textures in white bread and of salty taste and aftertaste, sweet taste, and density in multigrain bread. By regressing consumer test data of these breads onto their principal component analysis biplots, textural attributes and salty taste and aftertaste were identified as primary drivers of liking in white and multigrain breads. Flavor enhancers such as MSG show promise in mitigating palatability loss that occurs when the sodium content of bread is greatly reduced and thus provide a promising solution to produce breads with an improved nutritional profile. Future research on flavor enhancement in other food matrices would be valuable as well as in other bread and carbohydrate-based food categories. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The findings of our study suggest that texture and a salty taste and aftertaste drive consumer liking of reduced-sodium white and multigrain breads and liking of breads could be improved with the addition of monosodium glutamate. Increasing the acceptance of reduced-sodium food products could help to improve the health of the American population by resulting in a reduced risk of hypertension and subsequently heart attacks and stroke.

Vitamin D supplementation combined with aerobic physical exercise restores the cell density in hypothalamic nuclei of rats exposed to monosodium glutamate.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In view of the increase in the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in childhood and adolescence, this study proposed the early and combined use of treatments to restore brain areas related to satiety. The vitamin D supplementation, aerobic exercise and the combination of these interventions on the structure of arcuate (ARC) and ventromedial (VMH) nuclei of hypothalamus were investigated in monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were separated into five groups: Control group (CT); Obese group injected with MSG (OB); Obese group supplemented with vitamin D (OBvd); Obese group submitted to forced swimming training (OBexe) and Obese group treated with vitamin D supplementation and forced swimming training (OBvd + exe). RESULTS: In the OB group, the visceral fat weight was significantly higher, there was a reduction in the number of glial cells in the ARC nucleus and also in the number of neurons in the ARC and VMH nuclei. Aerobic exercise was able to reduce the visceral fat weight in the OBexe group. The combination of treatments used in the OBvd + exe group reversed the loss of neurons and glial cells produced by MSG in the ARC nucleus. All treated groups exhibited a higher number of neurons in VMH nucleus, but an increase in the glial cells were observed only in the OBexe and OBvd + exe groups. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of obesity treatment can be favored through the early and combined use of vitamin D supplementation and aerobic exercise, since these therapies are able to restore brain nuclei involved in the control of food intake.

Taste perception and food preferences in patients with diabetic foot ulcers before and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on taste perception and food preferences in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: The study involved 75 healthy people (Group C) and 23 patients with diabetic foot ulcers before HBOT (Group Db) and after 25-30 HBOT treatments (Group Da) (2.5 ATA, 87 min). The sip and spit method was used to examine the taste perception for 5 basic flavours. Food preferences were studied using photographs of dishes. RESULTS: The recognition thresholds in Group C were lower than in Group Db for 5 basic flavours. The taste intensity in Group C was higher than in Group Db for: 0.1% and 1.0% monosodium glutamate, 0.02% citric acid, and 0.002% quinine hydrochloride. The hedonic response in Group C was more negative than in Group Db for: 0.18% sodium chloride, 0.3% monosodium glutamate and 0.1% citric acid. The pleasure derived from eating in Group C was lower than in Group Db for sour and salty products. The recognition thresholds in Group Db were higher than in Group Da for umami and sour. The taste intensity in Group Db was lower than in Group Da for: 0.1%, 0.3% and 1.0% monosodium glutamate. The pleasure derived from eating in Group Db was higher than in Group Da for chocolate and crisps. CONCLUSIONS: In people with diabetic foot ulcers, an impaired all 5 basic tastes occurred with different food preferences compared to healthy people. HBOT causes beneficial changes resulting in increased sensitivity to umami and sour taste as well as a decrease in the pleasure derived from eating chocolate and crisps.

The protective effect of thymoquinone or/and thymol against monosodium glutamate-induced attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behavior in rats: Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3/caspase-1 and Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling pathways in rat model.

Both thymoquinone (TQ) and thymol (T) have been proved to possess a positive impact on human health. In this research, we aimed to investigate the effect of these compounds separately and together on the Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behavior induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) in rats. Forty male, Spargue Dawley rat pups (postnatal day 21), were randomly allocated into five groups: Normal saline (NS), MSG, MSG+TQ, MSG+T, and MSG+TQ+T. MSG (0.4 mg/kg/day), TQ (10 mg/kg/day) and T (30 mg/kg/day) were orally administered for 8 weeks. The behavioral tests proved that rats treated with TQ and/or T showed improved locomotor, attention and cognitive functions compared to the MSG group with more pronounced effect displayed with their combination. All treated groups showed improvement in MSG-induced aberrations in brain levels of GSH, IL-1ß, TNF-α, GFAP, glutamate, calcium, dopamine, norepinephrine, Wnt3a, ß-Catenin and BDNF. TQ and/or T treatment also enhanced the mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and Bcl2 while reducing the protein expression of TLR4, NFκB, NLRP3, caspase 1, Bax, AIF and GSK3ß as compared to the MSG group. However, the combined therapy showed more significant effects in all measured parameters. All of these findings were further confirmed by the histopathological examinations. Current results concluded that the combined therapy of TQ and T had higher protective effects than their individual supplementations against MSG-induced ADHD-like behavior in rats.

Cysteine protected cells from H2O2-induced damage and promoted long-chain fatty acids synthesis in vivo to improve γ-aminobutyric acid production in Levilactobacillus brevis.

Levilactobacillus brevis NPS-QW-145 isolated from kimchi is deficient in glutamate dehydrogenase-encoding gene (gdhA) to form glutamate, hence it required exogenous supplementation of glutamate/monosodium glutamate (MSG) for decarboxylation reaction to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). However, GABA conversion rate from MSG was relatively low. The individual effect of 20 amino acids on regulating GABA biosynthesis was investigated. Cysteine was selected to significantly improve GABA production from MSG. It was found that Lb. brevis was capable of producing H2O2, cysteine protected Lb. brevis against H2O2-induced oxidative damage to increase cell viability for the enhancement of GABA production. Moreover, cysteine promoted glucose consumption to produce acetyl-CoA for synthesizing long-chain fatty acids to significantly up-regulate GABA biosynthesis. These findings deciphered antioxidative capability of cysteine in Lb. brevis 145 and provided a theoretical basis for fatty acids synthesis-mediated GABA synthesis in Lb. brevis 145, and possibly in other lactic acid bacteria.

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE LIVER PARENCHYMA IN THE EXPERIMENTAL SUPPLEMENTATION OF RATION WITH THE FOOD ADDITIVES.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The aim of the paper was the experimental study of the morphological features of albino rat hepatocytes after the consumption of the complex of food additives (monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrite, Ponceau 4R) supplemented into the ration and consumed for four weeks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study was performed on 30 outbred albino rats of both genders, weighing 204±0.67 g. The ration of the experimental animals, supplemented with a combination of food additives, namely, monosodium glutamate, Ponceau 4R, sodium nitrate, was consumed for 1 and 4 weeks. The study of the structure of hepathocytes was carried out on traditional histological preparations and preparations stained with Best's carmine. RESULTS: Results: Supplementation of ration with the complex of food additives for one week showed the phenomena of fatty degeneration that dominated in hepatocytes, and in a longer consumption of food additives in the ration (for four weeks), the number of liver cells with the phenomena of hydropic degeneration significantly increased, while individual hepatocytes had signs of irreversible destructive changes. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Consumption of the complex of food additives supplemented into the standard ration of laboratory animals for 4 weeks leads to a significant change in the dimensions of the liver cells, a decrease in their glycogen content, and a progressive increase in the number of hepatocytes with alterations.

Production of plant-based fermented beverages possessing functional ingredients antioxidant, γ-aminobutyric acid and antimicrobials using a probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain L42g as an efficient starter culture.

Plant-based probiotic beverages have gained increasing interest due to demand from health-conscious consumers. In this study, we aimed to isolate and screen lactic acid bacteria possessing functional properties for use as a starter culture of fermented almond and coix beverages. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L42g isolated from fermented beef was selected. Both intact cells and cell free supernatant of this strain exhibited high antioxidant activity based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging at 38.2% and 44.9%, respectively. L. plantarum L42g grown in MRS broth supplemented with 1% (w v-1) monosodium glutamate (MSG) produced a large amount of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at 496.7 µg mL-1. Moreover, strain L42g displayed remarkable antibacterial activity against several potential foodborne bacterial pathogens, including Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria inocua, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, Shigella sp., Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Strain L42g also possessed additional probiotic properties including abilities to tolerate gastrointestinal conditions, adhere to gut mucosa, co-aggregate with pathogens, be susceptible to antibiotics, and produce protease. Probiotic strain L42g was subsequently employed in fermenting almond and coix juices containing MSG (1%) supplementation. Levels of antioxidant, GABA and antibacterial formation along with cell growth were clearly higher in fermented almond juice than in fermented coix juice. Nonetheless, both fermented almond and coix juices meet the standards required for the consumption of fermented beverages. Therefore, L. plantarum strain L42g represents a promising starter culture for producing functional plant-based probiotic beverages.

MyD88 Deficiency, but Not Gut Microbiota Depletion, Is Sufficient to Modulate the Blood-Brain Barrier Function in the Mediobasal Hypothalamus.

Circumventricular organs (CVOs), including the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), have an incomplete blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we determined if the BBB function in the MBH is modulated by the gut microbiota or by the Toll-like receptor (TLR) adapter proteins TRIF or MyD88 signaling. By injecting mice with Evans blue, a marker for BBB permeability, we show that germ-free (GF) and conventionally raised (CONV-R) mice did not differ in the number of Evans blue-positive cells in MBH. Acute modulation of the gut microbiota did not change the number of Evans blue-positive cells. In contrast, CONV-R Myd88-/- and Trif-/- mice had a reduced number of cells in direct contact to the circulation compared to wildtype (WT) mice. This was accompanied by increased tight junction proteins in the blood vessels in Myd88-/- mice. To further characterize the BBB function, we injected WT and Myd88 -/- CONV-R mice as well as WT GF mice with monosodium glutamate (MSG), a neurotoxin that does not cross the BBB. While MSG caused vast cell death in the MBH in CONV-R and GF WT mice, Myd88 -/- mice were protected from such cell death suggesting that fewer cells are exposed to the neurotoxin in the Myd88 -/- mice. Taken together, our results suggest that MyD88 deficiency, but not gut microbiota depletion, is sufficient to modulate the BBB function in the MBH.

Dietary supplementation with monosodium glutamate enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of suckling piglets.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that increasing dietary content of glutamate through addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of their offspring. Thirty multiparous sows (Landrace × Large White) were assigned randomly into one of three dietary groups: control (a corn- and soybean meal-based diet), the basal diet + 1% MSG, and the basal diet + 2% MSG. Diets were made isonitrogenous by the addition of appropriate amounts of L-alanine. Lactating sows had free access to drinking water and were fed twice daily their respective diets. The number of live-born piglets was standardized to 9 per sow at day 0 of lactation (the day of farrowing). On days 3, 15, and 29 of lactation, body weight and milk consumption of piglets were measured, and blood samples obtained from sows and piglets at 2 h and 1 h after feeding, respectively. Feed intake of sows did not differ (P > 0.05) among the three groups of sows. Concentrations of aspartate, glutamine, citrulline, arginine, tryptophan, proline, branched-chain amino acids, and glutamate were greater (P < 0.05) in the plasma of MSG-supplemented sows and their piglets than for controls. When compared with the control, dietary supplementation with 1-2% MSG increased (P < 0.05): concentrations of many free amino acids (including glutamate plus glutamine) and all protein-bound amino acids in milk; the milk intake of piglets by 14-25%; and daily weight gains of piglets by 23-44%. These results indicate that dietary supplementation with 1-2% MSG to lactating sows enhances milk production to support the growth of sow-reared piglets.

Protective effect of Celastrus paniculatus on cognitive function in glutamate-induced brain-injured mice by reducing the intracellular influx of Ca.

Present investigation evaluates the protective effect of Celastrus paniculatus (CP) on the cognitive function in neuronal injured mice. Neuronal injury was induced by oral administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) at a dose of 1.66 g/kg/day for 30 days. Mice in the CP-treated group receives CP 30 mg/kg ip and CP + GGA-treated group received CP 30 mg/kg ip and glutamic acid (GGA, 1.5 mg/kg, ip) 30 min prior to the administration of MSG for 30 days. Assessment of cognitive function was done using Morris water maze. Level of inflammatory cytokines and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was estimated in the brain tissue of brain-injured mice. Moreover, intracellular concentration of Ca+ ion was estimated in the brain tissue and expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 protein was estimated in the brain tissue by western blot assay. Cognitive function was attenuated in CP-treated glutamate-injured mice. Data of the study suggest that treatment with CP reduces the level of inflammatory cytokines and production of ROS in the brain tissue compared to negative control group. There was reduction in the concentration of Ca+ ion in the neuronal cells in CP-treated group than negative control group of mice. Treatment with CP ameliorates the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 in the brain tissue of glutamate-induced brain-injured mice. In conclusion, data of the study suggest that treatment with CP attenuates the cognitive function and neuronal apoptosis in glutamate-induced neuronal injury by reducing the concentration of intracellular Ca+ ion.

Neuroprotective effect of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides against monosodium glutamate-induced excitotoxicity.

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.

Role of cysteine in the improvement of γ-aminobutyric acid production by nonproteolytic Levilactobacillus brevis in coculture with Streptococcus thermophilus.

Previous research has showed that nonproteolytic Levilactobacillus brevis 145 (L) in coculture with Streptococcus thermophilus 1275 (S), not Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus (Lbu), was able to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during milk fermentation in the presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG). It was assumed that differences of casein hydrolysis patterns between Strep. thermophilus 1275 and L. bulgaricus caused the phenomenon. Moreover, the GABA content was low and residual MSG was high in SL-fermented milk. In our research, comparison of peptide profiles determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry showed that αS2-casein, ß-casein, and κ-casein degradation by L. bulgaricus and Strep. thermophilus varied. Importantly, the peptide number in the L and Lbu coculture group increased compared with the Lbu monoculture group, whereas the peptide number in the SL coculture group decreased in comparison with S monoculture group, suggesting that L. bulgaricus was not able to provide peptides for the growth of Lb. brevis 145. Furthermore, we found that after supplementation with cysteine (50 mg/L) during milk fermentation by SL, 10 g/L MSG was converted into 4.8 g/L GABA with a minimum level of residual MSG, viable cell counts of Lb. brevis and lactic acid production were increased, and the casein hydrolysis pattern was not influenced. Moreover, sulfhydryl group-containing chemicals including cystine, reduced glutathione, and oxidized glutathione showed effects similar to that of cysteine in improving GABA production. Finally, when L. bulgaricus YIB2 was combined with SL, supplementation of cysteine was also able to significantly improve GABA production.

Maternal supplementation of high-value PUFA-Rich Isochrysis sp. biomass prevents monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in first-generation Wistar rats.

Prenatal supplementation of high-value PUFA (HVPUFA) is essential for adequate brain development in infants. As marine microalgal derived omega-3 fatty acids are considered an alternative source of fish oil, their neuroprotective role on monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity, bioavailability, and disease prevention in first-generation (F1) animals need to be explored at molecular level. This study tested the long term supplementation of microalgal derived ω-3 PUFAs from parent rats to its offspring rats and studied the neuroprotective role in monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity in F1 rats. The parent animals were divided into three groups: control, microalgal-administered group (5.7 mg of EPA and 1.4 mg of DHA/kg BW from Isochrysis sp.), and fish oil-administered group (4.2 mg of EPA and 2.9 mg of DHA/kg BW derived from fish oil) (FG) and continued up to F1 generation. The F1 male rats from respective parents were separated for disease induction: group I animals (control) were administered with 500 µl of Milli-q water alone and group II (disease control), III (Microalga), and IV (fish oil) animals were administered with 2 g/kg bodyweight of MSG for 10 alternative days. Microalga-treated F1 rats showed significant HDL (43 mg/dl) levels when compared to their experimental groups. Brain tissues of microalga-treated F1 rats (MG) showed higher concentration of DHA (10.1 mg/100 mg tissue) and ARA (18.7 mg/100 mg tissue) levels and significant reduction of MDA (30 nM mg protein) levels. Furthermore, MSG induced neurotoxicity was ameliorated through the activation of CREB and BDNF genes The mRNA expressions of CREB and BDNF were 1.5-fold higher and NMDA levels were 2.0-fold higher in treated groups compared to disease control group. However, the expressions of antioxidant genes (SOD, catalase, and GPX) and apoptotic genes (Bcl-2 and Caspase-3) were significantly reduced in MG treated F1 rats when compared to disease control rats. Histopathological results also showed minimal focal damage in the tissues of MG F1 rats. Prenatal and continuous supply of microalgal biomass improves brain DHA and greatly reduced the consequences of MSG neurotoxicity in F1 rats.

The ameliorative potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Amaranthus hybridus on monosodium glutamate-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: Amaranthus hybridus (AH) is a food plant commonly eaten in our country known as a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potentials of aqueous extract of A. hybridus on Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) -induced testicular toxicity in adult Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats weighing 160-180 g were divided into four groups. Group A served as control; rats in Group B were given 300 mg/kg of body weight (BW) of aqueous leaf extract of AH; rats in Group C were given 4 mg/g (BW) of 40% MSG; and rats in Group D were given 4 mg/g (BW) of 40% MSG and 300 mg/kg (BW) of extract orally for 6 weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in body weight and a significant reduction in testis weight, testis volume, and testis/body weight ratio in the group given only MSG when compared with controls. Histologically, rats in Groups A and B had normal testicular architecture, while the rats given MSG only showed a significant derangement in testicular histoarchitecture and impaired sperm parameters when compared with controls and the rats given AH. However, these derangements were alleviated in the MSG+AH group when compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Aqueous leaf extract of AH ameliorated the testicular derangement resulting from MSG administration.

Dietary supplementation with monosodium glutamate with dietary balance such as protein, salt and sugar intake with increasing T1R3 taste receptor gene expression in healthy females.

We previously showed that chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia was associated with lingual taste receptor gene expression, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) improved dysgeusia by upregulating taste 1 receptor 3(T1R3) gene expression. In recent years, decreased taste sensitivity has also been reported in some young people, and these are partly due to their disordered eating habits. From these background, we investigated the effects of MSG supplementation on taste receptor expression and dietary intake in healthy females. Fifteen young healthy volunteers were enrolled for the present crossover study and divided in two groups (dietary supplementation with MSG at 2.7 g / day or 0.27 g / day). The relative expression of T1R3, a subunit of both umami and sweet taste receptors, in the tongue was assessed by quantitative PCR analysis. Food intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire (FFQg), and body composition was measured using Omron HBF-701. T1R3 expression levels in the tongue and taste sensitivity increased significantly in participants who consumed <10 g of MSG daily, whereas no alteration was observed in participants who consumed >10 g of MSG daily. Furthermore, protein, fat, and carbohydrate (PFC) balance and salt and sugar intake improved by MSG supplementation. In conclusion, MSG supplementation increased T1R3 expression in the tongue and improved dietary balance. J. Med. Invest. 68 : 315-320, August, 2021.

Protective effects of Rosemary extract and/or Fluoxetine on Monosodium Glutamate-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in rat.

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.

Omega-3 Rich Oils Attenuate ADHD-Like Behaviour Induced by Dietary Monosodium Glutamate in Rats.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> 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. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> 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 kg¹ 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 kg¹ b.wt.) by intra-gastric tube. Biochemical and behavioural parameters were tested as well as microscopic examination of brain tissue was done. <b>Results:</b> 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. <b>Conclusion:</b> Dietary supplementation with walnut; fenugreek or fish oils at the tested dose could modulate the condition of ADHD in rats.