Effect of MSG as a food additive on organo-somatic indicator and sperms abnormalities in adult male mice

Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of the non-essential amino acid glutamic acid. It is naturally present in the organs and tissues of the human body, such as in our digestive system, brain, milk, and blood. The aim of this project study was to investigate the effect of MSG that is used as a food additive on organo-somatic index and on sperm abnormalities. Methods: In the present project, MSG was given orally at a dose of 4 mg/g body weight dissolved in drinking water and given to three groups of male mice for different periods 7, 14, and 21 days beside to control group which treated with drinking water only for 7 days orally. Each group contained five animals to study the organo-somatic indicator and sperm abnormalities assay. Results: The results show that there were no significant differences between the control group with the treated groups for 14 and 21 days, respectively, in the liver, kidney, and testes. While there was a significant difference between control group compared with the treated group for 7 days in all the organs (liver, kidney, and testes) in organo-somatic index. A significant increase in the weight of the mice was observed after the administration of MSG for 7 days with no change in the liver, kidney and testes. This led to decrease the organo-somatic index. In sperm abnormalities study, the results showed a significant difference, such as an increase in the number of abnormal sperm in treating animals for 1, 2, and 3 weeks compared with the control group. The results showed a different types of sperm abnormalities as headless, tailless, hook less, and abnormal sperm head. There was a statistically significant reduction in the normal sperms of the mice that received MSG for 7, 14, and 21 days compared with the control group. Conclusion: A significant increase in the weight of the mice was observed after the administration of MSG, and there was a significant reduction in the normal sperms of the mice that received MSG.