Protective effects of lycopene on mitochondrial oxidative injury and dysfunction in the liver of aflatoxin B1-exposed broilers

The mitigative role of novel aflatoxin-degrading enzymes in diverse broiler performance indicators and gut microbiota following the consumption of diets contaminated with aflatoxins

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore both the toxic effects of aflatoxins (AFs) and the protective effects of degrading enzymes (DE) on broilers exposed to AFs.

RESULTS

The findings reveal that a diet contaminated with 69.15 μg kg-1 of aflatoxin B1 had significant adverse effects on broilers. Specifically, it led to a reduction in average daily gain, dressed yield percentage, half-eviscerated yield with giblet yield percentage, eviscerated yield percentage, as well as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity and liver SOD activity (P < 0.05). Conversely, the diet increased the feed conversion ratio, liver index, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase levels and malondialdehyde levels in both serum and liver (P < 0.05). Additionally, AFs disrupted the intestinal microflora significantly (P < 0.05), altering the relative abundance of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus and Escherichia in broiler jejunum. The addition of DE to AF-contaminated feed mitigated these negative effects and reduced the residues of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2 and aflatoxin M1 in the liver and duodenum (P < 0.05). We also observed that broilers fed the diet pelleted at 80 °C exhibited improved dressing percentage and water holding capacity compared to those on the 75 °C diet.

CONCLUSION

In summary, DE serves as an effective feed additive for mitigating AF contamination in poultry production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aflatoxin B1 inhibited the development of primary myoblasts of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by degrading extracellular matrix

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has been recognized as a major contaminant in food and animal feed and which is a common mycotoxin with high toxicity. Previous research has found that AFB1 inhibited zebrafish muscle development. However, the potential mechanism of AFB1 on fish muscle development is unknown, so it is necessary to conduct further investigation. In the present research, the primary myoblast of grass carp was used as a model, we treated myoblasts with AFB1 for 24 h. Our results found that 5 μM AFB1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration (P < 0.05), and 10 μM AFB1 promoted lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (P < 0.05). Reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in 15, 5 and 10 μM AFB1 (P < 0.05), respectively. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities were decreased in 10, 10 and 15 μM AFB1 (P < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, 15 μM AFB1 induced oxidative damage by Nrf2 pathway, also induced apoptosis in primary myoblast of grass carp. Meanwhile, 15 μM AFB1 decreased MyoD gene and protein expression (P < 0.05). Importantly, 15 μM AFB1 decreased the protein expression of collagen Ⅰ and fibronectin (P < 0.05), and increased the protein levels of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) (P < 0.05). As a result, our findings suggested that AFB1 damaged the cell morphology, induced oxidative damage and apoptosis, degraded ECM components, in turn inhibiting myoblast development by activating the p38MAPK/urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs)/extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling pathway.

Dietary chamomile flowers extract improved performance and mitigated aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rabbits

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is among the poisonous mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed. Limited studies are available on the efficacy of chamomile (Cha) against oxidative stress, liver damage and pro-inflammatory response induced by AFB1. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Cha on the performance and protective effects against AFB1 in growing rabbits. The experimental rabbits were divided into four different groups, including Cha (70 mg kg day-1), AFB1 (AF; 30 μg kg day-1), AFB1+Cha (AFLCha) and control (CON). The results indicated that the AFB1 treatment had lower values of performance, and carcass parameters compared to the Cha and AFLCha treatments. Furthermore, the Cha and AFLCha groups had lower values of liver and kidney function activities compared to the AFB1 treatment. The higher values of antioxidant enzymes were observed in Cha and AFLCha treatments than in the AFB1 treatment. AFB1 treatments had higher levels of malondialdehyde and liver functions with lower levels of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione and superoxide dismutase) compared to Cha and CON groups. In conclusion, dietary Cha could mitigate the oxidative stress of AFB1-induced liver deterioration.

Lycopene as a Therapeutic Agent against Aflatoxin B1-Related Toxicity: Mechanistic Insights and Future Directions

Aflatoxin (AFT) contamination poses a significant global public health and safety concern, prompting widespread apprehension. Of the various AFTs, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) stands out for its pronounced toxicity and its association with a spectrum of chronic ailments, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Lycopene, a lipid-soluble natural carotenoid, has emerged as a potential mitigator of the deleterious effects induced by AFB1 exposure, spanning cardiac injury, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, intestinal damage, and reproductive impairment. This protective mechanism operates by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid peroxidation, and activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, facilitating the activation of mitochondrial biogenesis, the endogenous antioxidant system, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1) pathways, as well as regulating the activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. This review provides an overview of the protective effects of lycopene against AFB1 exposure-induced toxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, it explores the safety profile and potential clinical applications of lycopene. The present review underscores lycopene's potential as a promising detoxification agent against AFB1 exposure, with the intent to stimulate further research and practical utilization in this domain.

Therapeutic detoxification of quercetin for aflatoxin B1-related toxicity: Roles of oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic enzymes

Aflatoxins (AFTs), a type of mycotoxin mainly produced by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus, could be detected in food, feed, Chinese herbal medicine, grain crops and poses a great threat to public health security. Among them, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most toxic one. Exposure to AFB1 poses various health risks to both humans and animals, including the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying these risks are intricate and dependent on specific contexts. This review primarily focuses on summarizing the protective effects of quercetin, a natural phenolic compound, in mitigating the toxic effects induced by AFB1 in both in vitro experiments and animal models. Additionally, the review explores the molecular mechanisms that underlie these protective effects. Quercetin has been demonstrated to not only have the direct inhibitory action on the production of AFTs from Aspergillus, both also possess potent ameliorative effects against AFB1-induced cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. These effects are attributed to the inhibition of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and inflammatory response. It could also directly target several metabolic enzymes (i.e., CYP3As and GSTA1) to reduce the production of toxic metabolites of AFB1 within cells, then reduce AFB1-induced cytotoxicity. In conclusion, this review highlights quercetin is a promising detoxification agent for AFB1. By advancing our understanding of the protective mechanisms offered by quercetin, we aim to contribute to the development of effective detoxification agents against AFB1, ultimately promoting better health outcomes.

Lycopene Maintains Mitochondrial Homeostasis to Counteract the Enterotoxicity of Deoxynivalenol

The intestinal tract is a target organ for Deoxynivalenol (DON) absorption and toxicity. Mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance is the gut toxicity mechanism of DON. Lycopene (LYC) has intestinal protective effects and can maintain mitochondrial homeostasis in response to various danger signals. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of LYC on DON-induced IPEC-J2 cells damage. These results showed that DON exposure induced an increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in IPEC-J2 cells. DON impaired IPEC-J2 cell barrier function and caused mitochondrial dysfunction by inducing mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) reducing, destroying mitochondrial fission factors, mitochondrial fusion factors, and mitophagy factors expression. However, adding LYC can reduce the toxic effects of DON-induced IPEC-J2 cells and decrease cellular oxidative stress, functional damage, mitochondrial dynamics imbalance, and mitophagy processes. In conclusion, LYC maintains mitochondrial homeostasis to counteract the IPEC-J2 cells' toxicity of DON.

Lycopene improves autophagy and attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

AIM

To evaluate the effect of lycopene on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis and elucidate the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Male rats were randomly assigned to the control group, CCl4 group, and lycopene group. The CCl4 group was intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 twice per week for 12 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with olive oil. Lycopene was orally administered during CCl4 treatment. Body weight and liver weight were recorded. Liver function was assessed. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors were measured. Histological changes and collagen expression were evaluated. The expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, HO-1, SIRT 1, REDD1, SHP2, P62, and LC3 in the liver was determined, as well as the levels of phosphorylated NF-κB and IκB α.

RESULTS

Lycopene significantly reduced the liver/body weight ratio, and AST (P=0.001) and ALT levels (P=0.009). It also significantly increased CAT and SOD activities (P<0.001) and decreased MDA content (P<0.001), IL-6 (P<0.001), and TNF-α (P=0.001). Histological analysis demonstrated that lycopene improved lobular architecture and decreased collagen expression. It also decreased the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, P62, and SHP2, and increased the ratio of LC3 II/I, as well as Beclin 1 and REDD1 expression. In addition, it reduced NF-κB and IκB-α phosphorylation, and elevated the levels of HO-1, SIRT 1, and PGC 1α.

CONCLUSION

Lycopene attenuates CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis because of its effect on autophagy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Hepatoprotective effects of chlorogenic acid on mice exposed to aflatoxin B1: Modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is widely distributed in crops and feeds, and ingestion of AFB1-contaminated crops is harmful to human/animal health. This study was designed to investigate hepatoprotective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA), due to its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, on mice exposed to AFB1. Male Kunming mice were orally fed with CGA prior to daily AFB1 exposure for 18 consecutive days. The results showed that CGA treatment reduced the serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic malondialdehyde content and pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesis, prevented histopathological changes of the liver, increased hepatic glutathione level, catalase activity and IL10 mRNA expression in mice subjected to AFB1. Taken together, CGA exerted the protective effect on AFB1-induced hepatic damage by modulating redox status and inflammation, suggesting that CGA may be a candidate compound for the treatment of aflatoxicosis.

Research Progress on Lycopene in Swine and Poultry Nutrition: An Update

Oxidative stress and in-feed antibiotics restrictions have accelerated the development of natural, green, safe feed additives for swine and poultry diets. Lycopene has the greatest antioxidant potential among the carotenoids, due to its specific chemical structure. In the past decade, increasing attention has been paid to lycopene as a functional additive for swine and poultry feed. In this review, we systematically summarized the latest research progress on lycopene in swine and poultry nutrition during the past ten years (2013-2022). We primarily focused on the effects of lycopene on productivity, meat and egg quality, antioxidant function, immune function, lipid metabolism, and intestinal physiological functions. The output of this review highlights the crucial foundation of lycopene as a functional feed supplement for animal nutrition.

Protective effects of lycopene on TiO2 nanoparticle-induced damage in the liver of mice

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂ ) is one of the most widely used and produced nanomaterials. Studies have demonstrated that nano-TiO₂ could induce hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress, and lycopene has strong antioxidant capacity. The present study aimed to explore if lycopene protects the liver of mice from nano-TiO₂ damage. Ninety-six ICR mice were randomly divided into eight groups. They were control group, nano-TiO₂ -treated group (50 mg/kg BW), lycopene-treated groups (5, 20, and 40 mg/kg BW), and 50 mg/kg BW nano-TiO₂ - and lycopene-co-treated groups (nano-TiO₂  + 5 mg/kg BW of lycopene, nano-TiO₂  + 20 mg/kg BW of lycopene, nano-TiO₂  + 40 mg/kg BW of lycopene). After treated by gavage for 30 days, the histopathology of the liver was observed. Liver function was evaluated using changes in serum biochemical indicators of the liver (AST, ALT, ALP); and the level of ROS was indirectly reflected by the level of SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, GSH, and T-AOC. TUNEL assay was performed to examine the apoptosis of hepatocytes. Proteins of p53, cleaved-caspase 9, cleaved-caspase 3, Bcl-2, and Bax as well as p38 were detected. Results showed that lycopene alleviated the liver pathological damage and reduced the injury to liver function induced by nano-TiO₂ , as well as decreased nano-TiO₂ -induced ROS. Meanwhile, lycopene mitigated apoptosis resulting from nano-TiO₂ , accompanied by the reversed expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Furthermore, lycopene significantly reversed the upregulation of p-p38 induced by nano-TiO₂ . In conclusion, this study demonstrated that nano-TiO₂ resulted in hepatocyte apoptosis through ROS/ROS-p38 MAPK pathway and led to liver function injury. Lycopene protected mice liver against the hepatotoxicity of nano-TiO₂ through antioxidant property.

Compound mycotoxin detoxifier alleviating aflatoxin B1 toxic effects on broiler growth performance, organ damage and gut microbiota

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of compound mycotoxin detoxifier (CMD) on alleviating the toxic effect of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) for broiler growth performance. One-kilogram CMD consists of 667 g aflatoxin B₁-degrading enzyme (ADE, 1,467 U/g), 200 g montmorillonite and 133 g compound probiotics (CP). The feeding experiment was divided into 2 stages (1-21 d and 22-42 d). In the early stage, a total of 300 one-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into 6 groups, 5 replications for each group, 10 broilers (half male and half female) in each replication. In the later feeding stage, about 240 twenty-two-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into 6 groups, 8 replications for each group, 5 broilers in each replication. Group A: basal diet; group B: basal diet with 40 μg/kg AFB₁; group C: basal diet with 1 g/kg CMD; groups D, E, and F: basal diet with 40 μg/kg AFB₁ plus 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg CMD, respectively. The results indicated that AFB₁ significantly decreased average daily gain (ADG), protein metabolic rate, organ index of thymus, bursa of Fabricius (BF), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and catalase activities in serum, and increased AFB₁ residues in serum and liver (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining analysis of jejunum, liver and kidney showed that AFB₁ caused the main pathological changes with different degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration. However, CMD additions could alleviate the negative effects of AFB₁ on the above parameters. The gut microbiota analysis indicated that AFB₁ could significantly increase the abundances of Staphylococcus-xylosu, Esherichia-coli-g-Escherichia-Shigella, and decrease Lactobacillus-aviarius abundance (P < 0.05), but which were adjusted to almost the same levels as the control group by CMD addition. The correlative analysis showed that Lactobacillus-aviarius abundance was positively correlated with ADG, SOD and BF (P < 0.05), whereas Staphylococcus-xylosus abundance was positively correlated with AFB₁ residues in serum and liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CMD could keep gut microbiota stable, alleviate histological lesions, increase growth performance, and reduce mycotoxin toxicity. The optimal CMD addition should be 1 g/kg in AFB₁-contaminated broilers diet.

Lycopene Modulates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

The complicated disorder of hypercholesterolemia has several underlying factors, including genetic and lifestyle factors. Low LDL cholesterol and elevated serum total cholesterol are its defining features. A carotenoid with antioxidant quality is lycopene. Examining lycopene activity in an animal model of hypercholesterolemia induced using food was the aim of this investigation. Triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and plasma total cholesterol were all measured. Biomarkers of renal and cardiac function were also examined. Apoptotic indicators, pro-inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress were also assessed. Additionally, the mRNA expression of paraoxonase 1 (PON-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and PPAR-γ coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) in cardiac and renal tissues was examined. Rats showed elevated serum lipid levels, renal and cardiac dysfunction, significant oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers at the end of the study. Treatment with lycopene significantly corrected and restored these changes. Additionally, lycopene markedly increased the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and PON-1, and decreased PPAR-γ expression. It was determined that lycopene has the capacity to modulate the PPAR-γ and PON-1 signaling pathway in order to preserve the cellular energy metabolism of the heart and kidney, which in turn reduces tissue inflammatory response and apoptosis. According to these findings, lycopene may be utilized as a medication to treat hypercholesterolemia. However, further studies should be conducted first to determine the appropriate dose and any adverse effects that may appear after lycopene usage in humans.

Effects of tannic acid on growth performance, relative organ weight, antioxidative status, and intestinal histomorphology in broilers exposed to aflatoxin B1

A total of 480 one-day-old AA broiler chicks were randomly allocated to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial to investigate the effects of tannic acid (TA) on growth performance, relative organ weight, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health in broilers dietary exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Treatments were as follows: (1) CON, control diet; (2) TA, CON + 250 mg/kg TA; (3) AFB1, CON + 500 μg/kg AFB1; and (4) TA+AFB1, CON + 250 mg/kg TA + 500 μg/kg AFB1. There were 10 replicate pens with 12 broilers per replicate. Dietary AFB1 challenge increased the feed conversion ratio during days 1 to 21 (P < 0.05). The TA in the diet did not show significant effects on the growth performance of broilers during the whole experiment period (P > 0.05). The liver and kidney relative weight was increased in the AF challenge groups compared with the CON (P < 0.05). The addition of TA could alleviate the relative weight increase of liver and kidney caused by AFB1 (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the AFB1 diets had lower activity of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total superoxide dismutase, S-transferase, and total antioxidant capacity in plasma, liver and jejunum, and greater malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). Dietary supplemented with 250 mg/kg TA increased the activities of antioxidative enzymes, and decreased malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). In addition, AFB1 significantly reduced the villus height and crypt depth ratio in the ileum on day 42 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 250 mg/kg TA could partially protect the antioxidant capacity and prevent the enlargement of liver in broilers dietary challenged with 500 μg/kg AFB1.

Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity and Protective Effects of Curcumin: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

One of the most significant classes of mycotoxins, aflatoxins (AFTs), can cause a variety of detrimental outcomes, including cancer, hepatitis, aberrant mutations, and reproductive issues. Among the 21 identified AFTs, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most harmful to humans and animals. The mechanisms of AFB1-induced toxicity are connected to the generation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), upregulation of CYP450 activities, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, necrosis, and inflammatory response. Several signaling pathways, including p53, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB, NLRP3, MAPKs, and Wnt/β-catenin have been shown to contribute to AFB1-mediated toxic effects in mammalian cells. Curcumin, a natural product with multiple therapeutic activities (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and immunoregulation activities), could revise AFB1-induced harmful effects by targeting these pathways. Therefore, the potential therapeutic use of curcumin against AFB1-related side effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms are summarized. This review, in our opinion, advances significant knowledge, sparks larger discussions, and drives additional improvements in the hazardous examination of AFTs and detoxifying the application of curcumin.

Effects of Compound Mycotoxin Detoxifier on Alleviating Aflatoxin B1-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Intestine, Liver and Kidney of Broilers

In order to alleviate the toxic effects of aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) on inflammatory responses in the intestine, liver, and kidney of broilers, the aflatoxin B1-degrading enzyme, montmorillonite, and compound probiotics were selected and combined to make a triple-action compound mycotoxin detoxifier (CMD). The feeding experiment was divided into two stages. In the early feeding stage (1−21 day), a total of 200 one-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into four groups; in the later feeding stage (22−42 day), 160 broilers aged at 22 days were assigned to four groups: Group A: basal diet (4.31 μg/kg AFB1); Group B: basal diet with 40 μg/kg AFB1; Group C: Group A plus 1.5 g/kg CMD; Group D: Group B plus 1.5 g/kg CMD. After the feeding experiment, the intestine, liver, and kidney tissues of the broilers were selected to investigate the molecular mechanism for CMD to alleviate the tissue damages. Analyses of mRNA abundances and western blotting (WB) of inflammatory factors, as well as immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of intestine, liver, and kidney tissues showed that AFB1 aggravated the inflammatory responses through NF-κB and TN-α signaling pathways via TLR pattern receptors, while the addition of CMD significantly inhibited the inflammatory responses. Phylogenetic investigation showed that AFB1 significantly increased interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK-1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities (p < 0.05), which were restored to normal levels by CMD addition, indicating that CMD could alleviate cell inflammatory damages induced by AFB1.

Progress on the detoxification of aflatoxin B1 using natural anti-oxidants

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus fungi. The most toxic among them is Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) which is known to have genotoxic, immunotoxic, teratogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic toxic effects (amongst others). The mechanisms responsible for its toxicity include the induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and DNAdamage. Studies have found that natural anti-oxidants can reduce the damage that AFB1 inflicts on the body by alleviating oxidative stress and inhibiting the biotransformation of AFB1. Therefore, this review outlines the latest progress in research on the use of natural anti-oxidants as antidotes to aflatoxin poisoning and their detoxification mechanisms. It also considers the problems that may possibly arise from their use and their application prospects. Our aim is to provide a useful reference for the prevention and treatment of AFB1 poisoning.

Bioenergetic Status of the Intestinal and Hepatic Cells after Short Term Exposure to Fumonisin B1 and Aflatoxin B1

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are frequent contaminants of staple foods such as maize. Oral exposure to these toxins poses health hazards by disrupting cellular signaling. However, little is known regarding the multifaced mitochondrial dysfunction-linked toxicity of FB1 and AFB1. Here, we show that after exposure to FB1 and AFB1, mitochondrial respiration significantly decreased by measuring the oxygen consumption rate (OCR), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The current work shows that the integrity of mitochondria (MMP and ROS), that is the central component of cell apoptosis, is disrupted by FB1 and AFB1 in undifferentiated Caco-2 and HepG2 cells as in vitro models for human intestine and liver, respectively. It hypothesizes that FB1 and AFB1 could disrupt the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and break the balance of transferring H⁺ between the mitochondrial inner membrane and mitochondrial matrix, however, the proton leak is not increasing and, as a result, ATP synthesis is blocked. At the sub-toxic exposure of 1.0 µg/mL for 24 h, i.e., a viability of 95% in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, the mitochondrial respiration was, however, stimulated. This suggests that the treated cells could reserve energy for mitochondrial respiration with the exposure of FB1 and AFB1, which could be a survival advantage.

Effects of Chinese Gallnut Tannic Acid on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, Antioxidative Status, Intestinal Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbial Shedding in Broilers Challenged with Aflatoxin B1

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of tannic acid (TA) on growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health in broilers challenged with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A total of 480 1-d-old broilers were randomly allotted into 4 treatments: 1) CON, control diet, 2) AF, CON + 60 μg/kg AFB1 of feed during d 1 to 21, CON + 120 μg/kg AFB1 of feed during d 22 to 42, 3) TA1, AF +250 mg/kg TA, 4) TA2, AF +500 mg/kg TA. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were increased in the TA1 during d 1 to 21, d 22 to 42 and d1 to 42 compared with CON and AF treatments (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the TA2 diet had greater ADG and ADFI than those fed the CON and AF diets during the finisher and the whole period (P < 0.05). Administration of TA decreased the relative weight of liver and kidney compared with broilers fed the AF diet on d 42 (P < 0.05). The blood activity of alanine transferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was increased in the AF treatment compared with the CON (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the TA1 decreased the ALT content on d 21, and the level of ALT and GGT was decreased in the TA2 compared with the AF group on d 42 (P < 0.05). The activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in plasma, and the hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) was decreased in the AF group compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The TA decreased plasma malondialdehyde concentration, and increased plasma T-SOD, GSH-Px, total antioxidant capacity, and hepatic GST activity compared to the AF (P < 0.05). The crypt depth of jejunum was decreased in the TA1 treatment on d 21, and the villus height of ileum was increased in the TA2 group on d 42 compared with the AF treatment (P < 0.05). The cecal Lactobacillus counts on d 21 was tended to increase in the TA treatments compared with the AF (P = 0.061). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg TA could improve the growth, antioxidant capacity, and partially protected the intestinal health of broilers challenged with AFB1.

Aflatoxin B1-activated heterophil extracellular traps result in the immunotoxicity to liver and kidney in chickens

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin with strong toxicity and play a large proportion in aspergillosis. Heterophil extracellular traps (HETs) was considered as an innate immune response of chickens to resist pathogens. AFB1 has been reported to trigger macrophages extracellular traps (METs) in THP-1 cells and RAW264.7 cells, but whether AFB1 could also activate HETs release, and the mechanism underlying AFB1-activated HETs in chicken remains unclear. In this study, we confirmed that AFB1could induce HETs release, which was a network of DNA-based structures consist of citrullinated histone 3 (citH3) and elastase. Meanwhile, AFB1-activated HETs rely on the glycolytic process to provide energy, NADPH oxidase and p38 signaling pathway. Moreover, it has been verified that AFB1-activated HETs release could significantly increase the biochemical indexes of liver (ALT and AST) and kidney (CRE and BUN) in serum. In addition, histopathological observation showed that AFB1 caused swelling, necrosis and vacuolation of hepatocytes in liver, and necrosis, exfoliated of nephrocyte in kidney. Further investigation demonstrated that AFB1 significantly decreased the levels of SOD and GSH-PX but increased the level of MDA, and meanwhile induced the mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, iNOS, COX-2, NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-3 and caspase-11. However, all these AFB1-induced biochemical indexes and histopathological changes were effectively alleviated by DNase I (the standard degradant for HETs). In conclusion, it has preliminary confirmed that AFB1-activated HETs formation contributed to the immunotoxicity in chicken and provide new strategies for the therapy in aspergillosis.

Total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae protect hepatocytes against aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in broiler chickens

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common mycotoxin in food and in the environment that lead to multi-organ injury in humans and animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the detoxification properties of dietary total flavonoids of Rhizoma drynariae (TFRD), a Chinese herbal, on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatic oxidative damage and apoptosis of liver of broiler chickens. A total of 160 healthy specific pathogen free (SPF) 21-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to 4 groups, including the CON group (basal diet), TFRD group (basal diet with 125 mg/kg TFRD), AFB1 group (100 μg/kg body weight), and AFB1 (100 μg/kg body weight) + TFRD (basal diet with 125 mg/kg TFRD) group. The exposure of AFB1 continued for seven days. The results showed that TFRD treatment alleviated the abnormal changes of growth performance and liver morphology, reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Moreover, TFRD promoted the antioxidant capacity of serum, increased the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.05), while decreased MDA contents (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, supplementation of TFRD significantly increased the expression of antioxidant-related genes (SOD, CAT, GST, and GPX1) in liver (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that AFB1 was involved in the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, leading to hepatocyte apoptosis. At the same time, TFRD treatment inhibited AFB1-induced apoptosis and significantly changed mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes, including PI3K, AKT, Bax, and Bcl-2 (p < 0.05). The results indicated that TFRD could alleviate AFB1-induced liver injury in broiler chickens.