The current modern era causes lifestyle changes, especially in urban communities, in terms of daily consumption patterns that tend to be accustomed to consuming fast food that contains many additional compounds. A compound commonly known as a food flavoring additive is monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt that is naturally produced from L-glutamic acid. Apart from its role in enhancing the taste of food, several studies have shown that MSG has toxic effects on human and animal tissues including the reproductive system which may cause infertility. Glutamate in MSG has a direct reaction effect at the cellular level, one of which forms free radicals and causes oxidative stress. The increase in free radicals in the body can cause damage to the organs of the body including the testes. Damage caused by MSG can also occur centrally in the hypothalamus so that it interferes with the hormonal and endocrine reproductive systems. Damage to pituitary cells will inhibit the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), resulting in a decrease in gonadotropin levels, either luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by the pituitary gland. This article aims to discuss in detail how MSG affects male fertility.
In 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has killed more than 6.6 millions of people around the world as of end of 2022. The long-term impact of COVID-19 is persisted, including its impact on male reproduction. SARS-CoV-2 enters into host cells using the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) receptors. Both of these receptors are expressed more in men, and therefore men are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 potentially cause infertility by damaging testicular tissues and interfering with the process of spermatogenesis. A decrease in serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as a decrease in sperm quality in men with COVID-19 compared to healthy men of the same age has been reported in several studies. Utilizing existing research data, this study aims to explore in detail of how SARS-CoV-2 tends to affect male fertility.
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