Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used food additive; however, its chronic effects on female reproductive health remain unclear. Previous studies have mainly focused on neurotoxic and metabolic outcomes, leaving a gap in understanding its impact on ovarian function. This study investigated the effects of chronic MSG exposure on ovarian structure and follicular development in female mice. An experimental post-test-only control group design was used at the Biomedical Laboratory, Poltekkes Kemenkes Riau, Indonesia, from August to October 2024. Twenty-four female Swiss mice (Mus musculus), aged 8–10 weeks and weighing 25–30 g, were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 per group). The control group received standard feed, while the treatment groups were administered MSG orally at low (0,25 g/kg body weight/day), medium (1 g/kg body weight/day), and high (4 g/kg body weight/day) doses for eight weeks. Ovarian tissues were examined using histopathology and flow cytometry. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), post-hoc tests, and correlation analysis. The medium- and high-dose groups showed significant reductions in primary (12,3 ± 2,1; 8,7 ± 1,9) and secondary follicles (7,8 ± 1,5; 4,9 ± 1,2), accompanied by tissue degeneration and germ cell apoptosis. A strong negative correlation was observed between MSG dose and mature follicle count (r = –0,72; p < 0,01). In conclusion, these findings demonstrate dose-dependent ovarian impairment, underscoring the need for dietary risk evaluation and increased public awareness regarding excessive MSG consumption.ChE is not strong enough to assess changes in body composition clinically.
Fathunikmah et al. (Wed,) studied this question.