Effect of commercially purified deoxynivalenol and zearalenone mycotoxins on microbial diversity of pig cecum contents

Abstract

Objective: Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) are mycotoxins that frequently contaminate maize and grain cereals, imposing risks to the health of both humans and animals and leading to economic losses. The gut microbiome has been shown to help combat the effects of such toxins, with certain microorganisms reported to contribute significantly to the detoxification process. Methods: We examined the cecum contents of three different dietary groups of pigs (control, as well as diets contaminated with 8 mg DON/kg feed or 0.8 mg ZEN/kg feed). Bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons were acquired from the cecum contents and evaluated by nextgeneration sequencing. Results: A total of 2,539,288 sequences were generated with ~500 nucleotide read lengths. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla, occupying more than 96% of all three groups. Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Megasphaera, and Campylobacter showed potential as biomarkers for each group. Particularly, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides were more abundant in the DON and ZEN groups than in the control. Additionally, 52,414 operational taxonomic units were detected in the three groups; those of Bacteroides, Lacto bacillus, Campylobacter, and Prevotella were most dominant and significantly varied between groups. Hence, contamination of feed by DON and ZEN affected the cecum microbiota, while Lactobacillus and Bacteroides were highly abundant and positively influenced the host physiology. Conclusion: Lactobacillus and Bacteroides play key roles in the process of detoxification and improving the immune response. We, therefore, believe that these results may be useful for determining whether disturbances in the intestinal microflora, such as the toxic effects of DON and ZEN, can be treated by modulating the intestinal bacterial flora.

Transmission of Zearalenone, Deoxynivalenol, and Their Derivatives from Sows to Piglets during Lactation

“…Such anti-inflammatory effect is not present anymore, probably in the presence of DON, a pro-inflammatory mycotoxin. When tested in combination, DON and ZEN are usually offered to the target animals at high levels [ 32 , 33 , 34 ] and no information is given on the role of ZEN in increasing DON absorption. It is known that intestines also contain estrogenic receptors and that xenoestrogens may affect gut function and integrity.…”

Pharmacological Applications and Action Mechanisms of Phytochemicals as Alternatives to Antibiotics in Pig Production

“…Deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are the main mycotoxins that frequently contaminate maize and grain cereals which are the main feedstuff in pig diets ( 141 ). The effects of toxic include immune modulation, disruption of intestinal barrier function, and cytotoxicity leading to cell death, which all result in impaired pig performance and impose risks to the health of both humans and animals ( 142 , 143 ). It is reported that the genera Lactobacillus (particularly in DON) and Bacteroides dominate the bacterial flora in both the DON and ZEN dietary treatments, and there may be potential opportunities to isolate and characterize useful probiotics that decrease the level of mycotoxins ( 143 ).…”

“…The effects of toxic include immune modulation, disruption of intestinal barrier function, and cytotoxicity leading to cell death, which all result in impaired pig performance and impose risks to the health of both humans and animals ( 142 , 143 ). It is reported that the genera Lactobacillus (particularly in DON) and Bacteroides dominate the bacterial flora in both the DON and ZEN dietary treatments, and there may be potential opportunities to isolate and characterize useful probiotics that decrease the level of mycotoxins ( 143 ). However, phytochemicals may potentially reduce tissue damage mediated by mycotoxins by regulating immune function, improving the abundance of intestinal flora, and decreasing oxidative stress.…”

Zearalenone regulates key factors of the Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology-associated protein 1–nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway in duodenum of post-weaning gilts

“…According to recent reports, the toxic effects of ZEA are not limited to estrogen-caused reproductive toxicity, but include other mechanisms that target general cells and tissues [10,11]. The oxidative stress caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the regulation of antioxidant enzymes may be one of the main mechanisms of in vivo and in vitro ZEA toxicity [12].…”

“…Different levels of ZEA cause different reactions in animals, and can result in reduced productivity, oxidative damage to organs and tissues, immune stress, reduced reproductive performance, and may even lead to acute death [ 7 – 9 ]. According to recent reports, the toxic effects of ZEA are not limited to estrogen-caused reproductive toxicity, but include other mechanisms that target general cells and tissues [ 10 , 11 ]. The oxidative stress caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the regulation of antioxidant enzymes may be one of the main mechanisms of in vivo and in vitro ZEA toxicity [ 12 ].…”