Pomegranate Juice Mitigates Morphology, Fetal Heart and Kidney Inflammation Induced by Monosodium Glutamate Through Decreasing TNF-α and IL-6 Levels

Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a prevalent flavor enhancer in the food production business, faces opposition due to its detrimental effects on organs and its potential to induce developmental inflammatory damage in fetuses. This study aims to evaluate the impact of maternal intake of MSG on the structural and functional development of the fetus's heart and kidneys, specifically examining the expression of the inflammatory genes tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether the effects might be alleviated by the ingestion of pomegranate juice, recognized for its antioxidant attributes. Methods: Forty-two pregnant females were randomly assigned to six groups (n=7): the control group "C" received distilled water; "G1" received 10 ml (Pg. J) /kg body weight; "G2" received 0.55 g MSG /kg body weight; "G3" received 0.55 g MSG /kg body weight in conjunction with 10 ml (Pg. J) /kg body weight; "G4" received 1.6 g MSG /kg body weight; and "G5" received 1.6 g MSG /kg body weight along with 10 ml (Pg. J) /kg body weight. All groups received oral administration daily from the first to the twentieth day of gestation. Results: Exposure to MSG significantly diminishes maternal body and uterine weight, as well as fetal body weight, while elevating fetal mortality rates. The alterations were more significant at elevated dosages of (MSG). Histological analysis of the embryonic heart and renal tissues demonstrated alterations in both the cardiac and renal structures. Significant elevation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 was detected at the mRNA level in MSG-treated groups. The unfavorable effects were mitigated by the co-administration of pomegranate juice, which significantly enhanced tissue structure and inflammatory gene expression. Conclusion: MSG exposure during pregnancy impairs fetal development, while pomegranate juice exerts protective effects. These findings highlight the need to limit MSG intake and promote antioxidant-rich diets during pregnancy.