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September 10, 2025Open Access

Monosodium glutamate exacerbated the lipopolysaccharide-induced reproductive toxicity of male Wistar rats

OOOlalekan Bukunmi OgunroUniversity of Ibadan FAFolake Olubukola AsejejeAjayi Crowther University ZHZainab Olamide HamzatUniversity of Ibadan

Key Points

MSG exacerbated reproductive toxicity, leading to decreased sperm count and motility in male rats.
Results showed significant hormonal depletion, with testosterone, FSH, and LH levels markedly reduced after MSG and LPS exposure.
Assessment through oxidative stress indicators revealed increased TBARS levels and decreased antioxidant enzymes in MSG + LPS group.
Findings suggest serious reproductive risks linked to combined dietary and inflammatory exposures, highlighting the need for caution.

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common food additive that has been linked to oxidative stress and reproductive dysfunction. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin, is known to induce systemic inflammation, leading to oxidative damage and hormonal disruption. This study investigated whether MSG exacerbates LPS-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats via oxidative stress and endocrine dysfunction. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): control (distilled water), MSG (1500 mg/kg), LPS (250 µL/kg), and a combination of MSG + LPS. MSG was used in the background of LPS to model a real-life "double-hit" exposure where dietary and microbial toxins co-exist. We hypothesised that MSG would amplify LPS-induced reproductive damage through converging mechanisms such as ROS generation, antioxidant depletion, and hormonal dysregulation. Compared to control, MSG and LPS significantly reduced sperm count (MSG: p = 0.0001; LPS: p = 0.0001), motility (p = 0.0001; p = 0.0001), and viability (p = 0.0001; p = 0.0001), with more pronounced effects in the MSG + LPS group (p = 0.0001). The number of abnormal sperm cells was, however, increased significantly (p = 0.0001 for MSG; p = 0.0001 for LPS; p = 0.0009 for MSG + LPS). Serum testosterone (p = 0.0001 for MSG; p = 0.0001 for LPS; p = 0.0001 for MSG + LPS), FSH (p = 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001), and LH (p = 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001) were significantly decreased. Antioxidant enzymes/parameter SOD (p = 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001), CAT (p = 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001), GST (p = 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001), and GSH (p = 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001) were depleted, while TBARS levels increased significantly (p = 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001). Histological analysis revealed extensive structural damage in the MSG + LPS group. These findings suggest that MSG potentiated LPS-induced testicular toxicity through oxidative stress and endocrine suppression, underscoring potential reproductive risks associated with combined dietary and inflammatory exposures.

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