z-bio 2021-11-17 465

　　Since MSG was first discovered in 1908, research on MSG has mainly focused on its potential neurotoxicity. The US Food and Drug Administration has identified MSG as a general safe food additive, which can be used in the food industry. Recent studies have found that MSG may be involved in the occurrence of obesity, and the related controversy is fierce. In order to further confirm the effect of MSG on body metabolism, Yin Yulong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Institute of Subtropical Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, led a scientific research team to conduct systematic studies using pigs as animal models in the past 3 years (pictured). Studies have found that monosodium glutamate can affect the composition of the intestinal microbes of growing pigs and the overall redox state of the intestine, which in turn affects the composition of fatty acids in the intestines and the concentration of toxins in the intestines, and then affects the permeability of the intestines and promotes fatty acids, iron, etc. The absorption of nutrients interferes with the energy balance in the body, and affects the central nervous system through endocannabinoid signaling pathways, triggers the gene network of feeding regulation and energy balance regulation, affects fat production and degradation in the liver, and inactivates the body The ability to perceive fatty acids changes the supply of fatty acids in muscle and adipose tissue, and ultimately promotes fat deposition in muscle and adipose tissue, and promotes obesity. In view of the modern diet in addition to MSG, fat is also a major factor in inducing obesity. The research team also considered the interaction of MSG and fat in the diet. Studies have found that MSG and fat have different mechanisms for promoting obesity and have an antagonistic effect on promoting obesity.

　　 The results of this study not only reveal the mechanism of dietary supplementation of fat and monosodium glutamate on energy balance and feeding regulation of growing pigs, but also provide dietary guidance for curbing the prevalence of human obesity. The research results were published in magazines such as Amino Acids, PLoS ONE, Obesity facts, Applied Physiology, Nutrition, Metabolism, and Biological Trace Element Research. The research results have promoted the widespread application of monosodium glutamate and other functional amino acids in the pig industry at home and abroad, adding more than 1.5 billion yuan in social and economic benefits each year.

　　 The research was mainly funded by the Major International Cooperation Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO. 31330075 and NO. 31110103909). The mid-term assessment was excellent. In view of the novelty and importance of this research, science FOUNDATION IN CHINA (China Science Foundation) reported on this research (2014, 22(2): 31).