Evaluation of Spectral Transmission in Lens Tissue of Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Hyperglycemic Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used flavor enhancer, is linked to metabolic and ocular complications, potentially increasing cataract risk. This study evaluated spectral transmission in lens tissue of MSG-induced hyperglycemic male Wistar rats to assess optical changes. Ten male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (distilled water) or experimental (750 mg/kg MSG daily for 28 days) groups (n = 5 each) using a random number table. Body weight and blood glucose were monitored. Lenses were extracted on day 36, homogenized, and analyzed for spectral transmission (250–700 nm) using UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed with ANOVA test (p < 0.05) in GraphPad Prism. MSG-treated rats showed significant weight gain (p < 0.05) and hyperglycemia (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Lens transmittance was reduced (p = 0.053), and absorbance was increased (p = 0.145), suggesting protein aggregation. Chronic MSG exposure induces metabolic stress and may impair lens clarity in rats, potentially linked to cataract risk. Further studies on oxidative biomarkers are needed to confirm MSG’s ocular toxicity, specifically by quantifying lens- specific oxidative stress markers (GSH/GSSG ratio, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl content, 8- HdG, and activities of SOD, CAT, GPx).