Beetroot Fruit Powder Attenuates Cardiotoxicity Induced by Monosodium Glutamate via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Cardiotoxicity, defined as damage to cardiac muscle resulting from exposure to toxic substances, is a growing concern in both environmental and medical contexts. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used food additive, has been implicated in cardiac toxicity through mechanisms involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris), rich in nitrates, betalains, and flavonoids, possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may counteract MSG-induced cardiac damage.<br /> <b>Objective:</b> This study investigated the cardioprotective potential of beetroot fruit powder (BFP) against MSG-induced cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats by evaluating its effects on inflammatory, oxidative, apoptotic, cardiac functional markers, and DNA fragmentation index.<br /> <b>Methods:</b> Fifty male Wistar rats (185–205 g) were randomly divided into five groups: control, MSG-only, MSG + low-dose BFP (0.18 g/kg), MSG + high-dose BFP (0.36 g/kg), and MSG recovery group. MSG was administered orally (6 g/kg) for 21 days. BFP treatments were co-administered with MSG. On day 22, cardiac tissues were harvested and analyzed for inflammatory markers (MPO, NO, CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB), oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, GST), cardiac enzymes (LDH, SDH, CK, GGT), caspase-3 activity, and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay). Histological examination was also performed.<br /> <b>Results:</b> MSG exposure significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, caspase-3 activity, and cardiac dysfunction markers, alongside pronounced DNA fragmentation and histological alterations. BFP co-treatment, particularly at the high dose, significantly attenuated these changes by reducing pro-inflammatory markers, restoring antioxidant enzyme levels, normalizing cardiac enzyme activities, and lowering DNA fragmentation index. Histology confirmed structural recovery of cardiac tissue in BFP-treated groups. These results underscore the potential of BFP as a dietary intervention to mitigate chemically induced myocardial injury. While the MSG dose used exceeds typical human exposure, this model provides valuable mechanistic insights. Future studies should explore chronic, lower-dose MSG exposure, gene-level regulatory mechanisms, and translational trials in humans.<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> Beetroot fruit powder demonstrates a potent cardioprotective effect against MSG-induced toxicity by modulating oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic, and functional biomarkers. These findings highlight its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating chemically-induced cardiac injury.