Introduction: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and sunset yellow (SY) are food additives that cause oxidative stress in body tissues. Curcumin has many therapeutic activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties.
Aim of the Work: This study aimed to compare the toxic effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and sunset yellow (SY) on the structure and function of multiple organs and to evaluate the possible protective effect of curcumin.
Material and Methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into six groups. Group I (control). Group II received curcumin. Group III received MSG; group IV received SY. Group V received MSG with curcumin, and group VI received SY with curcumin. All treatments were given daily to rats by oral gavage for 28 days. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical analysis at the end of the experiment. The liver, kidney, and testis were dissected for histological studies.
Results: Monosodium glutamate, and to a lesser extent SY caused a significant increase in body weight and protein carbonyl levels with a significant elevation in liver enzymes, total bilirubin, and lipid profile. Sections in the liver showed fatty degeneration, necrosis, and cellular infiltration. A significant increase in Caspase-3 positive immunoreactivity was also detected. Glomerular atrophy, degenerated tubules, and a significant decrease of BCL-2 positive cells were recorded in the kidney with significantly elevated urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels. In the testis, decreased height of germinal epithelium was confirmed by a significant decrease in PCNA-positive cells, testosterone and LH levels. A significant increase in collagen fibers deposition in the liver, kidney, and testis was noticed. Curcumin ameliorated the deleterious effects of MSG and SY on the structure and function of the examined organs.
Conclusion: Monosodium glutamate had more toxic effects in comparison to SY. Supplementation with curcumin extract could successfully ameliorate their toxic effects through its antioxidant action.