Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) use for food addictive have become quite alarming taken together with the huge reports of its toxic effects in the different organ of the body. Thus, this study demonstrates the therapeutic potentials of Mc on MSG-induced ovarian toxicity in female Wistar rats.

Methods: A total of 28 female rats (weight=165±3g) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (A – D, n=7) and treated orally as follows: A – PBS (1 ml daily for 21 days); B – Mc (200 mg/kg daily for 14 days); C – MSG (4 g/kg daily for 21 days); D – MSG then Mc (4 g/kg MSG daily for 21 days followed by 200 mg/kg Mc daily for subsequent 14 days).

Results: Mc was effective in reversing the toxic effects of MSG as evidence of improved cellular morphology of the ovary which shows a wide cortex with numerous primary, secondary and Graafian follicles, as well as newly formed and degenerated corpora lutea. Mc also improved the body weight changes as well as modulated ovarian oxidative redox activities by improving the antioxidative system (SOD, GPx) and inhibiting lipid peroxidation following MSG intake. Furthermore, Mc effectively modulates hormonal activities following MSG perturbation thereby restoring proper ovarian functions.

Conclusion: This study, thus concludes that Mc has therapeutic potential in modulating various cellular mechanisms by which MSG induces ovarian toxicity and subsequent infertility in Wistar rats

Keywords: Monosodium glutamate, ovary, infertility, Momordica charantia