Repeated ingestion of combined trona and monosodium glutamate alters selected biochemical and hematological parameters in Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Trona and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are cooking ingredients commonly used together in some West African countries including Nigeria and Ghana. Discrepancies regarding the safety of these agents are causes for concern.

Objective: To investigate the effects of repeated ingestion of combined trona and MSG on selected biochemical and hematological parameters in Wistar rats.

Method: Twenty four male rats weighing 160 ± 20 g were assigned into four groups (n = 6 per group). Rats were treated with distilled water (control), MSG (300 mg/kg bw), trona (500 mg/kg bw), and combined MSG (300 mg/kg bw) and trona (500 mg/kg bw) for 21 days. After the treatment, rats were euthanized and blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical assays. Data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Student's t-test, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Repeated ingestion of monosodium glutamate and trona caused significant increase in platelets and white blood cells compared to control. Total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total protein were significantly raised (p < 0.05). Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly reduced. Serum level of creatinine was also significantly raised (p < 0.05) in the treated rats compared to control.

Conclusion: Findings from the study indicate that repeated ingestion of combined trona and monosodium glutamate can dangerously alter the levels of endogenous antioxidants, hematological parameters, and biochemical indices of liver and kidney functions.