Monosodium Glutamate’s Dose-Dependent Effects on Prostate Cancer Markers and Sperm Quality

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavor enhancer with controversial health effects. While high doses have been associated with oxidative stress and repro ductive toxicity, low doses may exert protective effects. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on serum markers of prostate cancer and semen quality in male Wistar rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into six groups (n = 6 per group) and orally administered varying doses of MSG (0, 15, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Serum total Prostate Specific Antigen (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), Total Acid Phos phatase (TAP), Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP), and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) were measured using ELISA. Sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology were assessed from epididymal samples. Our results showed that MSG exhibited a biphasic (hormetic) response. 15 mg/kg MSG reduced TAP by -64% (p < 0.001), fPSA by -60% (p < 0.001) and tPSA by -60% (p < 0.001), GGT by -19.4% (p