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The Effects of Apocynin on Monosodium Glutamate Induced Liver Damage of Rats
Begum Sahin1, Merve Acikel Elmas1, Ozlem Bingol Ozakpinar2
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is found in refined foods. Apocynin (APO) is a selective NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate possible effects of MSG and the curative effects of APO in rats. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (Normal control, APO, MSG and MSG + APO, n:7 for each group). The MSG and MSG + APO groups received 120 mg/kg MSG solution orally for 28 consecutive days. The APO and MSG + APO groups received 25 mg/kg APO solution orally for 5 days until the end of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and liver tissue and blood samples were taken for histological, ultrastructural, and biochemical analyses. In the MSG group, vacuolization and loss in glycogen content in the hepatocytes, leukocyte infiltration and fibrosis in the liver parenchyme and portal triads, were observed. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP (TUNEL)-positivity and NADPH oxidase (NOX)-2-positivity were higher in the MSG group compared with the other experimental groups. The concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were higher, whereas albumin, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide (SOD) levels were lower in the MSG group. All these data has been reversed in MSG + APO group. The histological and biochemical criteria indicated the prominent ameliorating effect of APO on MSG -induced liver injury.
Insights
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes liver damage in rats, evidenced by cellular changes and elevated liver enzymes. Apocynin (APO) effectively reversed these MSG-induced liver injuries, demonstrating its protective potential.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common food additive found in processed foods.
- NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes play a role in cellular oxidative stress and inflammation.
- MSG consumption has been linked to potential adverse health effects, including liver damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of MSG on rat liver.
- To evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of apocynin (APO) in mitigating MSG-induced liver injury.
- To explore the role of NADPH oxidase (NOX) in MSG-induced hepatotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, APO, MSG, and MSG + APO.
- MSG (120 mg/kg) was administered orally for 28 days; APO (25 mg/kg) was administered orally for the last 5 days.
- Liver tissues and blood samples were analyzed using histological, ultrastructural, and biochemical methods.
Main Results:
- MSG administration led to significant liver damage, including vacuolization, glycogen loss, inflammation, fibrosis, and increased TUNEL and NOX-2 positivity.
- Biochemical markers of liver injury (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, MDA, MPO) were elevated in the MSG group, while protective markers (albumin, GSH, SOD) were decreased.
- Apocynin treatment significantly reversed these MSG-induced pathological and biochemical changes, indicating a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Monosodium glutamate induces significant liver injury in rats, characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Apocynin demonstrates a prominent ameliorating effect on MSG-induced liver damage.
- NADPH oxidase inhibition by APO may be a key mechanism in protecting against MSG hepatotoxicity.
