Animal studies suggest that chronic monosodium glutamate (MSG) intake induces kidney damage by oxidative
stress. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear, despite the growing evidence and consensus that
α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, glutamate receptors and cystine-glutamate antiporter play an important role in
up-regulation of oxidative stress in MSG-induced renal toxicity. This review summaries evidence from studies into
MSG-induced renal oxidative damage, possible mechanisms and their importance from a toxicological viewpoint.
