Histopathological and Histochemical Assessment of Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Hepatic Toxicity and the Amelioration with Propolis.

Introduction: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is utilized to enhance appetite and there is rising solicitude that MSG has a role in the evolution of hepatic disturbances. Propolis has been notified to have a considerable role in the amelioration of hepatic toxicity. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of propolis on hepatotoxicity induced by MSG. Materials and methods: Forty-eight male rats were divided into four equal groups (Gp). GpI was served as a control, GpII was treated orally with propolis (90mg/kg bw) and GpIII was treated with MSG (97 mg/kg bw). GpIV was treated with MSG and propolis in the same doses as GpII and GpIII. All agents were administrated orally once daily for 6 weeks. Then, rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver tissues were harvested for histopathological and histochemical examinations with determination of oxidative markers. Results: The results showed that the levels of ALT, AST, and ALP significantly augmented in MSG-treated rats whereas serum albumin level significantly declined. Rats’ exposure to MSG increased oxidative parameters; malondialdehyde (MDA) in the tissue, in parallel with decreased antioxidant enzymes levels as well as histopathological damages in the hepatic tissue. The administration of propolis highly mitigated the hepatotoxic influences of MSG based on biochemical and histological alterations. Conclusion: In summary, the study obviously indicates that MSG-induced hepatic toxicity could be protected by propolis administration and such beneficial properties could be attributed to the polyphenolic compounds present in these natural products.