Assessment of the possible protective effect of lycopene on monosodium glutamate-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male albino rat

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), known as AJINO-MOTO, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. Glutamate is one of the most common amino acids found in nature, and is the main component of many proteins and peptides of most tissues. Glutamate is also produced in the body and plays an essential role in human metabolism. MSG is commonly used as a flavor enhancer. Lycopene (LPN) is a member of carotenoids, and it is an antioxidant substance found in tomato, and in other red fruits, and vegetables. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of LPN on MSG-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male albino rats. 40 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups with 10 rats in each group. Group I (control group). Group II animals received lycopene orally in a dose of 4 mg/kg b.w. per day for 14 days. Group III animals received MSG subcutaneously in a dose of 4 mg/g b.w. per day for 14 days. Group IV animals received MSG Plus LPN. At the end of the experiment, kidney specimens were processed for histopathological, immunohistochemistry and biochemical studies. Administration of lycopene decreased elevated serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and immunoexpression of the proapoptotic protein (Bax), induced by MSG. It increased the immunoexpression of the antiapoptotic protein (Bcl2). It also ameliorated the morphological changes induced by MSG. MSG has toxic effects on the kidneys as indicated by biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical results. Lycopene has protective effects against MSG-nephrotoxicity by reducing elevated serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, kidney damage, and apoptosis.