Positive and negative effects of monosodium glutamate on morphofunctional characteristics of the pancreas (an analytical literature review)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14739/2310-1210.2026.1.336662

Keywords:

monosodium glutamate, pancreas, rats, food additive, metabolism

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used as a flavor enhancer in the food industry; however, its effects on the pancreas remain insufficiently studied. Experimental animal studies and clinical observations regarding the potential toxicity of this substance have yielded varying results depending on the organ systems involved and the administered dose.

Aim: to highlight the specific effects of monosodium glutamate on the pancreas of rats of different ages, based on the analysis of relevant scientific literature.

Materials and methods. This review summarizes and analyzes scientific studies published between 2015 and 2025, selected through systematic searches in established scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science. The following keywords and their combinations were used: monosodium glutamate, pancreas, white rats, food additive, metabolism.

Results. The analyzed literature confirms the significant clinical and research relevance of this topic, given the extensive use of MSG in the food industry. Experimental studies consistently demonstrate the dose-dependent negative effects of MSG administration on the pancreas in animals of various age groups. However, clinical findings regarding the effects of dietary MSG exposure in humans remain inconsistent and inconclusive.

Conclusions. Based on the available literature, there is a distinct need for comprehensive investigations into the systemic effects of MSG, particularly focusing on the pancreas. The presence of glutamate receptors and transporters in the pancreas suggests that this organ is a direct target for MSG action.

Author Biographies

M. Yu. Kochmar, Uzhhorod National University

MD. PhD, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Human Anatomy and Histology

Yu. V. Lytvak, Uzhhorod National University

MD, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Human Anatomy and Histology

T. V. Harapko, Uzhhorod National University

MD, PhD, DSc, Professor of the Department of Human Anatomy and Histology

O. I. Hetsko, Uzhhorod National University

MD, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Human Anatomy and Histology

M. B. Zavadska, Uzhhorod National University

MD, Assistant, Department of Human Anatomy and Histology

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Published

2026-02-11

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1.
Kochmar MY, Lytvak YV, Harapko TV, Hetsko OI, Zavadska MB. Positive and negative effects of monosodium glutamate on morphofunctional characteristics of the pancreas (an analytical literature review). Zaporozhye Medical Journal [Internet]. 2026Feb.11 [cited 2026May13];28(1):65-70. Available from: https://zmj.zsmu.edu.ua/article/view/336662

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 1 (2026)

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Review

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Copyright (c) 2026 M. Yu. Kochmar, Y. V. Lytvak, T. V. Harapko, O. I. Hetsko, M. B. Zavadska

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