This study aims to compare the genotoxic effects of low and high MSG doses in short and long term (6-12 weeks) exposure, as well as to investigate the potential protective effect of ginger co-administration against MSG genotoxicity. The expression of antioxidant genes (GST, MT1, CAT) and single and double strand DNA repair genes (XRCC1, FEN1) were analyzed also to detect DNA damage using the micronucleus assay. 120 Swiss albino male mice were allocated into six groups for each time interval exposure. Group 1 (Control), Group 2 received daily 160 mg/kg b.wt ginger, Group 3 (100 mg/kg b.wt MSG), Group 4 (240 mg/kg b.wt MSG), Group 5 (100 mg/kg b.wt MSG and 160 mg/kg b.wt ginger) and Group 6 (240 mg/kg b.wt MSG and 160 mg/kg b.wt ginger). Results revealed that high dose of MSG significantly increased GST expression in short- and long-term exposure. While short-term exposure to MSG both doses induced significant upregulation of CAT expression. The expression level of XECC1 was significantly increased by the MSG high dose in short-term treatment. Both doses significantly increased FEN1 expression level, particularly high dose of MSG in long-term exposure. The expressions of antioxidant genes and DNA repair genes are significantly downregulated in short and long exposure by both doses when co-administered with ginger. Moreover, long-term MSG exposure is associated with an increase micronucleus frequency. We concluded that MSG induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in mice. Additionally, ginger could be a potential candidate agent for reducing the genotoxicity caused by MSG.
Key words: Monosodium glutamate, ginger, genotoxicity, antioxidant genes, DNA repair genes
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