Pro-oxidant effect of vitamin c with chronic monosodium glutamate organ toxicity in albino rats

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as a favour enhancer with many drawbacks on all body functions as recorded by several studies especially hepato-neuro toxicity. This experiment was designed to measure the extent of sub-chronic low-dose MSG damage on brain, liver, kidneys and adrenal glands of rats and the protective degree of concomitant vitamin C intake. Rats were randomly allocated into four equal groups for 90 days experiment. A group consists of control rats, B group was treated with vitamin C (200 mg/kg/day, orally) for 90 days, C group was treated with MSG in distilled water (60 mg/Kg/day, orally) for 90 days and D group was treated with MSG plus vitamin C. Biochemical analysis, Biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured in homogenates of brain, liver, and kidneys. Histopathological examination using hematoxylin-eosin staining of the brain, liver, kidneys and adrenal gland was done. Our data showed that MSG and Vit. C co-treatment decreased brain, liver and Kidneys MDA levels, Urea, uric acid, Cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL levels that were increased in MSG group. HDL, absolute organ weights and GSH content in the brain, Liver and Kidneys were increased in D group comparing to C group. Vit C had no improving effects on ALT, AST and Creatinine levels. Brain, Liver, kidneys, and adrenals histological sections show degeneration, atrophy, fibrosis and chronic inflammatory cells that were improved in brain and kidney only. In conclusion Vit. C supplementation ameliorated chronic MSG-induced oxidative stress, biochemical and histopathological changes in Brain and Kidneys but caused pro oxidative liver damage.