Effects of High Levels of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on Growth Performance, and Hematological and Immunological Parameters in Pigs

Abstract

Background: Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) are common food contaminants produced by Fusarium sp. Mycotoxins are a potential health hazard because of their toxicological effects on both humans and farmed animals. Methods: We analyzed three groups of pigs: a control group (fed a standard diet), and the DON and ZEN groups, fed a diet containing 8 mg/kg DON and 0.8 mg/kg ZEN respectively, for four weeks. Results: DON and ZEN exposure decreased body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), food conversion rate (FCR), and the serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM. The total antioxidant levels significantly decreased in serum and increased in urine samples of both treatment groups. Additionally, DON and ZEN exposure increased serotonin levels in urine. Hematological parameters were not affected by the investigated toxins. Microscopic lesions were evident in sections of kidneys from either treatment group: we found sporadic interstitial nephritis in the DON group and renal glomerulus atrophy in the ZEN group. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokine marker genes were reduced in tissues from DON- and ZEN-exposed pigs. Conclusions: chronic ingestion of high doses of DON and ZEN alters the immune response and causes organs damage, and might be associated with various diseases in pigs.

Modified Palygorskite Improves Immunity, Antioxidant Ability, Intestinal Morphology, and Barrier Function in Broiler Chickens Fed Naturally Contaminated Diet with Permitted Feed Concentrations of Fusarium Mycotoxins

“…Reduced intestinal SIgA content, coupled with simultaneously decreased relative bursa of Fabricius weight in this study, further indicated that the permitted feed of Fusarium mycotoxins could induce immunosuppression in broiler chickens. This result was consistent with some reports, in which Fusarium mycotoxins decreased IgM, IgG, and/or SIgA (IgA) concentrations in animals [ 8 , 48 ]. In broiler chickens, Chen et al have reported that dietary Pal supplementation could improve immunity via enhancing intestinal IgM and SIgA contents [ 34 ].…”

“…The cytotoxicity resulting from Fusarium mycotoxin contamination has been reported in cell culture experiments [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Moreover, available studies have already demonstrated that higher dosages of Fusarium mycotoxins exceeding permitted feed concentrations of mycotoxins could induce impairment on animals including broiler chickens and pigs, as characterized by growth retardation, immunosuppression, oxidative stress, and/or reproductive disorders [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. However, those kinds of mycotoxin levels in the animals’ feed are strictly forbidden, and various dosages of Fusarium mycotoxins that lower than permitted feed of mycotoxins concentrations are more common in practice.…”

Colon Microbiome of Pigs Fed Diet Contaminated with Commercial Purified Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone

“…Waters Acquity UPLC ® BEH C18 columns (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm particle size) were used for both DON and ZEN toxin analyses. The complete details of the mass spectrometry system running method, the excitation and emission wavelengths, and the limits of detection and quantification, were as described by Reddy et al [ 7 ]. We found that the amounts of DON and ZEN in the mixed corn feed were 7.38 and 0.67 mg/kg, respectively; these values were close to the original concentrations.…”

“…Following DON exposure, the initial adverse effect in pigs is a reduced feed intake. DON adversely affects the growth performance, immune response, and reproductive performance in growing pigs [ 6 , 7 ]. A DON-contaminated diet influences the gastrointestinal tract, causing epithelial wounds in the stomach and intestine and, foremost, an intestinal inflammatory response in pigs [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Detoxifying deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated feedstuff: consequences of sodium sulphite (SoS) treatment on performance and blood parameters in fattening pigs

“…These cereals are often used as major components of diets for fattening pigs, and mycotoxin exposure can therefore pose a risk to pig production. Problems in animal production mainly occur due to a decreased feed intake (FI) and live weight gain (LWG) caused by the very sensitive response of pigs to DON exposure (Dänicke et al 2004;Pestka 2007;Pierron et al 2016;Reddy et al 2018). Besides their negative impact on the performance of pigs, mycotoxins can have further adverse consequences.…”