EMBRYOTOXIC AND TERATOGENIC EFFECTS OF MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE AND SACCHARIN ON WADER (Rasbora lateristriata) FISH

The widespread utilization of food additives has garnered increasing attention owing to the safety implications. The continuous reassessment of potential toxicogenic and teratogenic risks associated with food additives is imperative. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and saccharin, which are prevalently used in the food industry, were the focus of this study. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of MSG, saccharin, and the MSG-saccharin combination on the embryos of wader (Rasbora lateristriata) fish. Observations were conducted at 24, 48, and 72 h postfertilization (hpf) following substance administration. The findings indicated that the MSG- and MSG-saccharin-treated groups exhibited higher incidences of spinal abnormalities, pericardial edema, and bradycardia. Regarding safety, the survival rates of the saccharin-treated groups were higher than those of the MSG- and MSG-saccharin-treated groups. The observations further suggested variations in survival and hatching rates, body pigmentation, and blood clotting. Spinal irregularities, pericardial edema, and bradycardia were the predominant abnormalities recorded. These results establish the developmental risks associated with MSG and its combination with saccharin, emphasizing the need for further investigations to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities.