Abstract
Introduction: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is worldwide used food flavoring agent. Its safety as food additive is controversial. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin with antioxidant activities Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible toxic effect of MSG on the heart and to evaluate the potential protective effect of concomitant administration of vitamin C together with MSG on the heart of adult male albino rats. Material and methods: The current study was conducted on 60 adult male albino rats. Rats were divided into six equal groups. The first group was used as control group. Group II was treated with vitamin C (100mg/kg/day). Group III was treated with MSG (100mg/kg/day). Group IV was treated with MSG (4g/kg/day). Group V was treated with MSG (100mg/kg/day) together with vitamin C (100mg/kg/day). Group VI was treated with MSG (4g/kg/day) together with vitamin C (100mg/kg/day). All drugs were given orally for 45 days. The weight of the heart was recorded. The level of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) enzyme and the activity of creatine kinase MB (CK- MB) enzyme in serum were assessed. Histopathological examination of heart tissue was carried out. Results: Administration of MSG led to significant increase in the heart weight with significant elevation in the serum cTnI levels and serum CK-MB activity. Sections from low dose MSG treated rats revealed cloudy swelling, while sections form high dose MSG treated rats revealed extensive cloudy swelling with fiber separation and vascular congestion. Concomitant administration of vitamin C together with MSG significantly protected against all these changes Conclusion: It was concluded that MSG is cardiotoxic and that concomitant administration of vitamin C is protective against MSG cardiotoxicity. Recommendations: The current study recommends that the use of MSG should be restricted to very small amounts and should be under supervision of health authorities. The use of vitamin C as a natural and cheap dietary supplement is highly recommended especially in persons who consume diets reach in flavoring agents such as MSG.
Highlights
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is worldwide used food flavoring agent
The mean heart weights were increased significantly in MSG treated groups compared with control and vitamin C groups
These results were in accordance with Kingsley et al (2013), who reported that there was a significant increase in heart weight of rats treated with MSG 8mg/kg body weight for 28 days
Summary
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), the sodium salt of naturally occurring (non-essential) L form glutamic acid, is a well-known food flavor enhancer. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble ketolactone with two ionizable hydroxyl groups (Bielski, 1982). It has an antioxidant activity as it scavenges ROS and prevents oxidative damage to the important biological macromolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids (Konopacka, 2004). The present study was designed to evaluate the possible toxic effect of MSG on the heart and to evaluate the potential protective effect of concomitant administration of vitamin C together with MSG on the heart of adult male albino rats. This study was carried out on 60 adult male albino rats, their weight ranged from [125-150] grams They were obtained from the animal house of the Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt. The room temperature was about [22,23,24] oC and the animals were exposed to 12:12 hours light dark cycles
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
