The adverse effect of long term intake of Monosodium Glutamate on kidney performance

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive that is considered as a water and environmental pollutant and affects the tissues of the living being. This study was aimed to find the effect of long-term administration of MSG on the mass of mesangial cells of the kidneys. Forty adult male rats were divided into four groups (10 each). Control groups 1&2 were supplied orally with distilled water for 30 and 60 days, respectively. Treatment groups 1&2 were supplied orally with 15 mg/kg Bwt of MSG for 30 & 60 days, respectively. Control and treatment groups were sacrificed, specimens of kidneys were obtained, fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed by Routine histological techniques, stained by Hematoxylin and eosin, and PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) stains then examined under the light microscope. The result found enlargement in a mesangial mass represented by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of mesangial cells leading to mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. Accordingly, the study showed an increase in creatinine values, indicating a disturbance in renal function. This will lead to a decrease in the sizes of the glomeruli of renal corpuscles and a relative increase of Bowman’s space. With the time of the experiment, the glomerular capillaries and gates of basement membranes will be closed, resulting in renal filtration disorders. It was concluded that the long-term intake of MSG leads to indirect narrowing of the glomerular capillary lumen, causing kidney failure.