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Monosodium Glutamate Induces Cytotoxicity in Rat Liver via Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening
Adeola Oluwakemi Olowofolahan1, Oluwatobi Andrew Adeosun2, Olufunso Olabode Olorunsogo2
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. mr_adeola@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a major food additive used as a flavor enhancer. A lot of controversies have been generated over the use of MSG. The present study therefore investigated whether MSG would induce cytotoxicity via the induction of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore opening. 36 male albino rats were used for this study. The rats were equally divided into six groups: group I is the control while group II, III, IV, V, and VI were orally treated with MSG (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) daily for 28 days. The opening of the pore, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase activity, mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and hepatic DNA fragmentation were determined spectrophotometrically. Histological assessment of prostate and brain was carried out. The results show that MSG at concentrations ≤30 µg/ml did not induce mPT pore opening while higher concentrations caused significant induction of pore opening. Also, at lower doses (25 and 50 mg/kg), MSG did not cause any significant induction of mPT pore opening while at higher doses, there were significant induction of pore opening. Similar trend of results was recorded for cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase activity and lipid peroxidation. The histological results show that at low doses (25 and 50 mg/kg), no significant lesion was observed while higher doses caused benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the prostate and necrotic damage in the brain. MSG administration at low dose is tolerable while high doses induce cytotoxicity via mPT pore opening.
Insights
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) at high doses induces cytotoxicity by opening the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore. Low doses of MSG are tolerable, but higher doses cause significant cellular damage and tissue lesions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used food additive, but its safety remains controversial.
- Concerns exist regarding MSG's potential to induce cellular damage and adverse health effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of MSG to induce cytotoxicity through the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore.
- To evaluate the dose-dependent effects of MSG on cellular and tissue integrity.
Main Methods:
- Male albino rats were orally administered varying doses of MSG (25–400 mg/kg) daily for 28 days.
- Assessed mPT pore opening, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase activity, lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation.
- Conducted histological examinations of the prostate and brain tissues.
Main Results:
- MSG induced significant mPT pore opening, cytochrome c release, ATPase activity, and lipid peroxidation at higher doses (≥100 mg/kg).
- Low doses (25 and 50 mg/kg) did not cause significant mPT pore opening or cellular damage.
- High-dose MSG exposure led to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and necrotic brain damage.
Conclusions:
- MSG induces cytotoxicity via mPT pore opening, particularly at high doses.
- Low-dose MSG administration appears tolerable, while high doses pose significant health risks.
- The study highlights the dose-dependent toxicity of MSG and its impact on cellular and organ systems.
