Effects of Bacillus subtilis ZJ-2019-1 on Zearalenone Toxicosis in Female Gilts

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the toxicity of zearalenone (ZEN) on the growth performance, genital organs, serum hormones, biomarkers, and histopathological changes of female gilts and to evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis ZJ-2019-1 in alleviating ZEN toxicosis in gilts. Twenty-four female gilts were randomly allocated to four groups with six replicates per group and one gilt per replicate, fed on four feeds prepared previously, which were basic diet (control group, C group), ZEN diet (Z group), Zlb diet (Zlb group) containing B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 in liquid form, and Zdb diet (Zdb group) containing B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 in dehydrated form. The results showed that the vulva size and relative weight of reproductive organs had no significant difference in the control group, Zlb group, and Zdb group, but were significantly lower than in the Z group (p < 0.05); the relative weight of the liver was lower in the C group, Zlb group, and Zbd group than in the Z group (0.05 < p < 0.1). The concentration of serum glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) was lower, but follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was higher in the Z group, Zlb group, and Zdb group than in the Z group (0.05 < p < 0.1). Additionally, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration had no significant difference in the C group, Zlb group, and Zdb group but was significantly lower than in the Z group (p < 0.05); estradiol (E2) was significantly lower in the Zlb group and Zdb group than that in C group, but significantly higher than that in Z group (p < 0.05); PRL was significantly higher in the Zlb group and Zdb group than in the C group, but was significantly lower than in Z group (p < 0.05). ZEN and its reduced metabolites were measured in biological samples after enzymatic hydrolysis of the conjugated forms. The concentration of serum ZEN and its metabolite, α-zeralenol (α-ZOL), had no significant difference in Zlb, Zdb, and control groups but was significantly lower than in the Z group (p < 0.05); urine ZEN and its metabolites, α-ZOL and β-zeralenol (β-ZOL), had no significant difference in Zlb, Zdb, and control groups but was significantly lower than in the Z group (p < 0.05). Cell damages were observed in the liver, uterus, and ovary of gilts in the Z group and alleviated in Zlb and Zdb groups, but the loss of oocytes was irreversible in the ovary. The ZEN-contaminated diet caused serious changes in female hormones and brought harm to the livers and reproductive organs, but B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 could naturally remove the ZEN significantly, which ameliorated the reproductive impairment in gilts caused by ZEN. The addition of B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 to ZEN-contaminated feeds could ameliorate the toxic effects effectively, regardless of liquid or dry culture. Therefore, the B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 strain has great potential industrial applications.

Carry-Over of Zearalenone and Its Metabolites to Intestinal Tissues and the Expression of CYP1A1 and GSTπ1 in the Colon of Gilts before Puberty

“…The levels of ZEN metabolites (α-ZEL and β-ZEL; see Table 2 and Table 3 , Figure 1 ) in intestinal tissues were proportional to the administered doses and time of exposure. The proportions of α-ZEL and β-ZEL were similar to those noted in other studies [ 3 ], which is natural in our opinion [ 5 , 45 ]. The bioavailability of ZEN metabolites in intestinal tissues was influenced by biotransformation processes during pubescence.…”

Screening of Pig-Derived Zearalenone-Degrading Bacteria through the Zearalenone Challenge Model, and Their Degradation Characteristics

“…Chang et al [ 42 ] reported that Bacillus subtilis could be used as the main component of compound probiotics; if these are added to feed, they could increase the production performance and alleviate the hepatic tissue damage of broilers by aflatoxins B1 and ZEN. Zhang et al [ 43 ] proved that Bacillus subtilis , if added to feed, could ease the toxicity of female pigs and alleviate cell damage. Shen et al [ 44 ] demonstrated that biodegradable Bacillus subtilis, as an additive, could significantly lower the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) of gilts which are fed a ZEN-contaminated diet.…”

Comparison of Ameliorative Effects between Probiotic and Biodegradable Bacillus subtilis on Zearalenone Toxicosis in Gilts

“…Previous study has indicated that vulva swelling is the main clinical symptom of ZEN-induced toxicity in mammals [23,24], which has an adverse impact on the reproductive system and the breeding performance. Similarly, our data also indicated that ZEN significantly caused an increase in vulva size.…”