The Protective Effects of N-Carbamylglutamate on Changes in the Testicular Tissue Structure of Newborn Mice Induced by Monosodium Glutamate

Background and Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used in convenience food and oxidative damage caused by the consumption of this compound has been proven. On the other hand, N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) plays a key role in protecting cells against thermal and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of NCG on the changes in the testicular tissue structure of baby mice caused by MSG consumption. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four equal groups of six. The first group received 60 mg/kg MSG intraperitoneally, the second group received 500 mg/kg NCG by gavage, the third group received 500 mg/kg MSG and 60 mg/kg NCG simultaneously, and the fourth group received the same volume of normal saline as the other groups from the first day of pregnancy until delivery. On the 21st day of pregnancy and after the birth of the babies, the weight, head-to-tail length, and abdominal circumference of the newborns were examined, and then slides were prepared from the testicular tissue of the male babies and examined and compared under a light microscope. Findings: The use of NCG increased the cephalo-caudal index (39.26±1.99) compared to the MSG group (34.05±0.67) (p=0.038). The use of MSG increased the mean thickness of the testicular capsule (13.35±0.75), which was statistically significant compared to the NCG group (11.85±0.9) (p=0.043). The use of NCG also significantly increased the diameter of the seminiferous tubules (56.57±5.17) compared to the MSG group (52.25±4.79) (p=0.031). The mean number of spermatogonial stem cells in the NCG group (25.13±3.29) was significantly higher compared to the MSG group (32.15±2.36) (p=0.021). Conclusion: From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the use of NCG can reduce the negative effects of MSG on testicular tissue.