The effect of coenzyme Q10 on oxidative stress parameters and testicular tissue damage in rats following monosodium glutamate induced excitatory intoxication

Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is known as a food flavor enhancer that can adversely affect the male reproductive system. The present study was investigated the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) against MSG-induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes in rat testicular tissue. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups including control, MSG, MSG + Q10-10 and MSG + Q10-20. MSG gavage (3 gr / kg) and Co-Q10 injection were performed at doses of 10 and 20 mg / kg (intraperitoneally) for 4 weeks. The activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was determined by ELISA and malondialdehyde (MDA) by thiobarbituric acid techniques in testicular tissue. Then, histological evaluation of testicular tissue was performed in the groups. Results: Monosodium glutamate increased the level of lipid peroxidation along with a significant decrease in the activity of CAT, SOD and GPX enzymes in testicular tissue. Co-administration of Co-Q10 in MSG groups reduced lipid peroxidation, increased the activity of CAT, SOD and GPx enzymes. On the other hand, Co-Q10 significantly reduced MSG-induced histopathological changes in the testicular tissue of treated rats. Conclusion: Co-Q10 supplementation can ameliorates MSG-induced testicular toxicity and reduce oxidative stress on testicular tissues.