Evidence of the protective effect of l-arginine and vitamin D against monosodium glutamate-induced liver and kidney dysfunction in rats

[Display omitted] •Increasing MSG uptake above the safe limit significantly increase the body weight.•Increasing MSG uptake above safe limit produces liver and kidney dysfunctions.•MSG induces oxidative liver and kidney damage.•Vit D and l-Arg suppress the MSG-induced increase in food intake and body weight.•Vit D &l-Arg restore hepatic & renal MSG injury via inhibiting oxidative damage. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is frequently consumed as a flavor enhancer or food additive. Possible MSG-induced injurious effects on some organs have been stated in experimental animal models. Thus, in this study we tried to clarify effect and possible mechanism of action of MSG on liver and kidney, and if this results affected by the addition of l-Arginine or vitamin D to it. Animals divided into; Control, MSG treated, MSG + vitamin D treated, MSG + L-arginine treated group. Serum separated to determine liver and kidney function parameters. Kidneys and livers dissected out for histological examination and for assay of oxidative stress markers. MSG increased body weight and produced liver and kidney dysfunctions. The MSG-induced oxidative liver and kidney damage was proved. Vitamin D and l- Arginine have been shown to protect and restore the liver and the kidney capabilities in MSG models injury via inhibiting oxidative damage, vitamin D or l- Arginine suppresses the increased food intake and body weight gain induced by MSG. due to injurious effect of MSG, it should be avoided especially in liver or kidney disorders, foods containing excess MSG can be fortified with vitamin D or l- Arginine to overcome its adverse effects.