Neuroprotective Potential of Allium sativum against Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity: Impact on Short-Term Memory, Gliosis, and Oxidative Stress.

Suzan Hazzaa,Ghada Elgarawany,Seham Abdelaziz,Mabrouk Abd Eldaim,Mohamed Abdel-Daim

doi:10.3390/nu12041028

Suzan Hazzaa, Ghada Elgarawany + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041028

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Abstract

This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of Allium sativum against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity with respect to its impact on short-term memory in rats. Forty male Wistar albino rats were assigned into four groups. The control group received distilled water. The second group was administered Allium sativum powder (200 mg/kg of body weight) orally for 7 successive days, then was left without treatment until the 30th day. The third group was injected intraperitoneally with MSG (4 g/kg of body weight) for 7 successive days, then left without treatment until the 30th day. The fourth group was injected with MSG in the same manner as the third group and was treated with Allium sativum powder in the same manner as the second group, simultaneously. Phytochemical analysis of Allium sativum powder identified the presence of diallyl disulphide, carvone, diallyl trisulfide, and allyl tetrasulfide. MSG-induced excitotoxicity and cognitive deficit were represented by decreased distance moved and taking a long time to start moving from the center in the open field, as well as lack of curiosity in investigating the novel object and novel arm. Moreover, MSG altered hippocampus structure and increased MDA concentration and protein expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), calretinin, and caspase-3, whereas it decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and protein expression of Ki-67 in brain tissue. However, Allium sativum powder prevented MSG-induced neurotoxicity and improved short-term memory through enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing lipid peroxidation. In addition, it decreased protein expression of GFAP, calretinin, and caspase-3 and increased protein expression of Ki-67 in brain tissues and retained brain tissue architecture. This study indicated that Allium sativum powder ameliorated MSG-induced neurotoxicity through preventing oxidative stress-induced gliosis and apoptosis of brain tissue in rats.

Highlights

Food additives are considered a big problem in the food industry and should be subjected to periodical evaluation
The data are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)
The statistical analysis was Phytochemical of Allium sativum powder indicated the presence of diallyl T-maze disulphide, conducted by using analysis

Summary

Introduction

Food additives are considered a big problem in the food industry and should be subjected to periodical evaluation. Nutrients 2020, 12, 1028 neurotransmitter in the brain [1] It is one of the food additives that included in many food products in order to enhance their flavor. Higher intake of MSG builds up high level of glutamic acid in blood [2]. Glutamate (Glu) has many receptors in the brain tissue, including the hippocampus; daily intake of excess amounts of glutamic acid in food in the form of MSG impairs cell growth and induces hyperphagia, obesity, and many serious alterations in different organs. Neuronal necrosis and damage were induced by acute increase in Glu in many brain areas including the hippocampus after MSG administration at high concentrations. Glu can be considered as a “double-edged weapon”

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