Aflatoxins (AF) are harmful metabolites produced by Aspergillums species principally by Aspergillus. flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic, teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic. The main objective of the current study was to evaluate protective effects of Spirulina platensis extract against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced biochemical changes in male Swiss albino mice. Randomly 25 healthy inbred mice were allocated into five groups, each having 5 mice. Group I (Control group), mice received normal diet. Group II mice received 100 mg/kg/day of S. platensis extract. Group III mice received 200 µg/kg/day of AFB1. Group IV mice received S. platensis extract 100 mg/kg/day and 200 µg/kg/day of AFB1. Group V mice received S. platensis extract 200 mg/kg/day and 200 µg/kg/day of AFB1 for 28 days. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), globulin, albumin and total plasma protein were analyzed in blood samples using an automated biochemistry analyser. Data analysis was done using one way ANOVA with Tukey’s Honestly Significantly Differenced (HSD) post-hoc analysis. Statistical significance level was set at P<0.05. Results showed that compared to group 1 (control), group 3 (200 µg/Kg/day AFB1) had increased levels of ALT; (44.0±6.83 IU/L vs. 61.0±8.19 IU/L; p=0.054), AST (176.75±44.34 IU/L vs. 256±115.99 IU/L; p=0.0195) and ALP (51.75±11.89 IU/L vs. 59.40±6.91 IU/L; p =0.049). Mice that were co-treated with 200 µg/Kg/day of AFB1 and 200 mg/Kg/day of S. platensis extract exhibited lower levels compared to mice treated with only 200 mg/Kg/day of AFB1; ALT (49.8±7.9 IU/L vs. 61.5±8.19 IU/L; p=0.039), AST (229.8±95 IU/L vs. 256±11.15 IU/L; p=0.04819) and ALP (26.5±13.48 IU/L vs. 49.75±4.1 IU/L; p=0.0444). In conclusion, our study findings suggest that supplementation of S. platensis extract at a level of 100 mg/Kg/day and 200 mg/Kg/day can reverse elevation of ALT, AST and ALP serum levels caused by 200 µg/Kg/day of AFB1 in male Swiss albino mice.

Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are the main Aspergillums species that form aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic, teratogenic, carcinogenic and immunosuppressive. This study aimed to assess Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) extract inhibitory effect against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced immunotoxicity in male Swiss albino mice. Twenty-five inbred weaned mice were randomly divided into five groups. Group I (Control group), were given routine diet. Treatments administered were: Group II (S. platensis extract 100 mg/kg/day), Group III (AFB1 200 µg/kg/day), Group IV (S. platensis extract 100 mg/kg/day and AFB1 200 µg/kg/day) and Group V (S. platensis extract 200 mg/kg/day and AFB1 200 µg/kg/day) for 28 consecutive days. Blood was aseptically collected and centrifuged to obtain serum. Quantitative determination of IgG, IgM and IgA in blood serum was done using ELIZA kits. One-way ANOVA data analysis was done. Post-hoc analysis was done using Tukey’s Honestly Significantly Differenced (HSD). P<0.05 statistical significance level was considered significant. Compared to group I (control), treatment with AFB1 200 µg/Kg/day (group III) led to reduced IgA (0.7147±0.001 vs. 0.7075±0.010); reduced IgM (0.0916±0.003 vs. 0.0866±0.019) and elevated IgG (0.1746±0.001 vs. 0.2808±0.243) mean levels. Supplementation of S. platensis extract 200 mg/Kg/day (group V) reversed the AFB1 (200 µg/kg/day)-induced depression of IgA levels (0.7124±0.005 vs. 0.7075±0.010; P=0.05437); IgM (0.1005±0.004 vs. 0.0866±0.019; P=0.0178); as well as the induced elevation of IgG levels (0.1749±0.001 vs. 0.2808±0.243; P=0.0155). In conclusion, immune changes in IgG and IgM caused by AFB1 could be reversed by supplementation of S. platensis extract.

The contamination of foods by various mycotoxins has been reported as a major public health concern across the world. The most predominant type of fungal toxins are aflatoxins which are synthesized by certain fungi that contaminate agricultural crops or produce. The main aflatoxin producing fungi are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus which contaminate food crops in the farm and after harvesting. Out of all the types of aflatoxins, the most potent type is aflatoxin B1. The mechanism of toxicity and health effects of aflatoxins have been studied widely and it has been shown that aflatoxin B1 leads to liver necrosis, inflammation and liver cancer. The use of natural products as a remedy to health consequences of aflatoxins in humans and animals is gaining popularity. Owing to its anti-inflammatory effects, Spirulina plantesis has been studied for its immunomodulatory effects. This study evaluated the effects of spirulina extract on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced immune dysfunction and inflammation. Male BALB/c mice weighing 28-34g were randomly placed into 6 groups and orally treated as follows: Group 1 was not treated but received food and water for entire experimental period. Group 2 received 200 µg/kg b.w of aflatoxin B1 orally. Group 3 received 1g/kg b.w of activated charcoal and an hour later 200 µg/kg b.w of aflatoxin B1 orally. Group 4, 5 and 6 received 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg b.w of Spirulina plantesis respectively then an hour later each group received 200 µg/kg b.w of aflatoxin B1 orally. Treatments were done on a daily basis for 14 days. At the last day of the experiment, all the mice were denied food and water for 12 hours, thereafter sacrificed and samples processed for immunological studies. The results indicated that body weight significantly increased when treated with 100mg/kg spirulina+AFB1 and 150mg/kg spirulina+AFB1 groups in compared to AFB1 treated group (p < 0.05). AFB1 was shown to increase serum level of IFN- γ and IL 2 and decrease levels of IL 4. Treatment with spirulina extract had no significant effect on the serum concentrations of IL-4 and IL-2 (p > 0.05) in comparison with aflatoxin B1 treated group, the serum levels of IFN- γ and IL-2 reduced significantly (p<0.05). Treatment with spirulina extract at different doses had no significant effect on serum levels of immunoglobulins A, G and M (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of IL-4 was downregulated while that of TNFα, and IFNγ were upregulated. The results showed that increasing mRNA expressions of TNFα, and IFNγ as a result of AFB1was prevented (p≤0.01) by administration of spirulina extract. These findings suggests that spirulina extract could be used as a remedy to AFB1 induced immune dysfunction and inflammation.