Researchers led by Heba M. Abdou of Alexandria University, Egypt, have published a new scientific paper titled “Efficacy of Plasmalogens on Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity in Male Rats Through NF-κB and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathways.”

In the study, the researchers used an MSG-induced rat model of neurotoxicity to examine the potential protective effects of plasmalogens. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used food additive, has been associated in experimental studies, particularly at high doses, with neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. The results showed that plasmalogen administration improved antioxidant defenses, reduced inflammatory markers, and attenuated hippocampal neuronal damage caused by MSG exposure. The findings suggest that plasmalogens may exert neuroprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions and by modulating the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2025), Article ID 3673280.
Authors: Heba M. Abdou, Fatma A. Hamaad, Ghada M. Abd Elmageed, Hideki Katano, Mamdooh H. Ghoneum.