Abstract:
Reproductive dysfunction is often characterized by malfunction of the reproductive tissues,
which may lead to disruption of the synergistic rhythm that should bring about a progression of sexual
events and the conception of new life. This may therefore result in the sexual dysfunction and infertility
that can be seen in couples having prolonged biological difficulty in reproducing their offspring
after having unrestricted sexual intercourse for at least twelve months. Several factors have been
implicated in the cause and progression of reproductive dysfunction, including poor nutrition, drug
side effects, disease states, and toxicant ingestion. A well-known food additive that has been found to
be potent at initiating reproductive anomalies in males is monosodium glutamate (MSG). This regular
flavor enhancer is widely used as a taste enhancer in several diets. The different mechanisms by which
it may induce reproductive dysfunctions include spermatogenic alteration resulting in a low sperm
count, high sperm abnormality, reduced live sperm and decreased sperm pH, oxidative damage
(increased lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities), histological alteration
(blood hemorrhage, distorted germ and Sertoli cells), as well as gonadotropin imbalance (reduced
testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations). Therefore,
this review discusses various established mechanisms through which MSG may induce reproductive
dysfunction and the treatment strategies to ameliorate its toxic effects.
