The ameliorating effect of sodium selenite on the histological changes and expression of caspase-3 in the testis of monosodium glutamate-treated rats: Light and electron microscopic study

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a commonly used flavor enhancer that may contribute to male infertility. Sodium selenite is inorganic chemical form of selenium (Se). Se is best known as an antioxidant. This study was designed to investigate the possible ameliorating role of sodium selenite against MSG-induced testicular toxicity and histological changes. Forty male albino rats were allocated into four groups. Control group received distilled water, SE group received sodium selenite (0.25 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water orally, MSG group received MSG (6 mg/g/day) dissolved in distilled water orally, and MSG + SE group received both MSG and sodium selenite for 45 days. Testicular samples were prepared for biochemical, light, and electron microscopic studies. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 was done. MSG group demonstrated a significant increase in malondialdehyde level, marked damage of seminiferous tubules with a significant reduction in diameter and height of the lining epithelium. Spermatogenic cells showed disorganization, dark nuclei, reduction in number, and maturation arrest. Vacuolations of interstitial tissue and Leydig cells were also observed. Percent area of fibrosis and caspase-3 immunoexpression was significantly increased. Ultrastructurally, irregular tubular basement membrane and damaged germ cells were found. The spermatogenic, Sertoli, and Leydig cells showed irregular shrunken nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolations, and swollen mitochondria. MSG + SE group showed much better histological and ultrastructural picture and improvement of the measured biochemical and morphometric parameters. Percent area of caspase-3 immunoexpression was significantly decreased. In conclusion, sodium selenite ameliorated the testicular damaging effect of MSG through reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

The potential cytoprotective effect of Vitamin C and Vitamin E on monosodium glutamate-induced testicular toxicity in rats

“…In the present study, H&E-stained sections of MSG-group revealed many histological changes including disorganized germinal epithelium, a noticeable decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells and absence of sperms in lumina of tubules. Our findings came in harmony with the results of previous studies on MSG-induced testicular toxicity [17,40,41]. The maturation arrest observed in the present study, represented by few number of spermatogenic cells and absence of sperms, was explained by El-Wessemy who correlated this arrest to testosterone inhibition which caused stopping of spermatogenesis [42].…”

“…Also, MSG has toxic direct action on glutamate receptors and transporters that are expressed in epithelial cells of the seminiferous tubules [43]. Wide interstitial spaces filled with acidophilic hyaline material, congested blood vessels and numerous interstitial cells were observed in our study which confirmed other findings [41]. Previous studies attributed wide interstitial spaces to shrinkage of seminiferous tubules and hyperplasia of Leydig cells as a result of endocrine homeostasis disturbance [44].…”

“…Masson's trichrome-stained sections of MSG-group revealed marked deposition of collagen fibers in the capsule. Similar results were reported previously [41]. The oxidative stress occurring secondary to MSG may contribute to the observed testicular fibrosis as ROS can induce transformation of fibroblasts to more synthetic myofibroblasts [47].…”

Ameliorative Effect of Graviola (Annona muricata) on Mono Sodium Glutamate-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats: Antioxidant, Apoptotic, Anti-inflammatory, Lipogenesis Markers, and Histopathological Studies

“…This study shows that the administration of MSG led to significant increases in P53, caspase-3, and apoptotic (Bax) proteins and a substantial reduction in antiapoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins. This was in the same line with [92,93], who explained that glutamate-induced the Ca2 + influx and destruction of the internal mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in the unregulated mitochondrial permeability of the pores to apoptotic markers [94]. Graviola was found to decrease the higher levels of Bax, caspase 3, and P53 and significantly increase Bcl2 in MSG-treated rats.…”

Effects of Monosodium Glutamate Oral Administration on LH and Testosterone Levels in Serum of Adult Male Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

“…Sarhan [15] reported, MSG at a dose of 6 mg.gBW -1 per day for 45 days in male rats increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which was marked by an increase in MDA levels significantly. In addition, there is damage in the testis in the form of a decrease in the diameter and height of the epithelial layer in the seminiferous tubules.…”