THE EFFECT OF MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG) ON EMBRYONIC MORPHOGENESIS AND ORGAN HISTOPATHOLOGY OF THE KIDNEY OF MOUSES (Mus musculus)

Abstract

The widespread use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) has raised concerns regarding its toxicity to reproductive health and vital organs. MSG is known to trigger oxidative stress and cross the placental barrier, potentially disrupting fetal development and maternal organ integrity during pregnancy. This study aimed to analyze the effect of exposure to graded doses of MSG on embryo morphogenesis parameters and kidney histopathology in mice (Mus musculus). Administration of graded doses of monosodium glutamate (MSG) affected embryo morphogenesis and kidney histopathology in mice (Mus musculus). Subjects were divided into four groups: control, low dose (0.50 mg/BW), medium dose (0.75 mg/BW), and high dose (1 mg/BW), with MSG administered orally via gastric tube from days 6 to 18 of gestation. Embryo morphometry results showed a significant decrease in fetal weight and length at the medium and high doses, while the low dose had mild effects. Histopathological analysis of the maternal kidneys revealed hydropic tubular degeneration, lumen narrowing, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration that increased with increasing MSG dose. These findings indicate that MSG is teratogenic and nephrotoxic through oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms, thus excessive consumption has the potential to disrupt fetal growth and maternal kidney health.