Recent advances in assessing the effects of mycotoxins using animal models

Furian, Ana Flávia; Fighera, Michele Rechia; Royes, Luiz Fernando Freire; Oliveira, Mauro Schneider

doi:10.1016/j.cofs.2022.100874

Cited by 15 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Such a route may influence the extent of absorption and metabolism and cause a reduction in the AFB 1 and its metabolite concentration in tissues. Consequently, it is possible to suggest that the degree and rate of exposure, as well as tissue damage may be also modified; (b) The toxicity of aflatoxins varies according to animal species, age, and sex [ 54 ]. Apart from their toxicity to humans, there are species more susceptible to the mycotoxin actions, such as the avian ones [ 55 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intermittent Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 Did Not Affect Neurobehavioral Parameters and Biochemical Markers of Oxidative Stress

et al. 2023

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Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most common toxic mycotoxin that contaminates food. The treatment of its intoxication and the management of contaminations are a constant subject of health agendas worldwide. However, such efforts are not always enough to avoid population intoxication. Our objective was to investigate whether intermittent exposure to AFB1 would cause any impairment in biochemical and behavioral parameters, intending to simulate an irregular consumption. Male Wistar rats received four AFB1 administrations (250 μg/kg) by intragastric route separated by a 96-h interval. Toxicity was evaluated using behavioral tests (open field, object recognition, nest construction, marble burying, and splash test), biochemical markers of oxidative stress (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, liver, and kidneys), and plasma parameters of hepatic and renal functions. The intermittent exposure caused no modification in body weight gain as well as in organ weight. Both control and AFB1 groups presented similar profiles of behavior to all tests performed. Furthermore, AFB1 administrations alter neither antioxidant defenses nor markers of oxidation in all assayed tissues and in the plasma markers of hepatic and renal functions. Therefore, AFB1 intermittent administration did not cause its common damage from exposure to this toxicant, which must be avoided, and additional studies are required.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intermittent Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 Did Not Affect Neurobehavioral Parameters and Biochemical Markers of Oxidative Stress

et al. 2023

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“…In general, mycotoxin exposure can affect digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients ( Jia et al 2020 , Peillod et al 2021 , Xu et al 2022 ). Specifically, ZEA can lead to decreased feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, utilization of digested food, and/or damage the gastrointestinal tract ( Vasatkova et al 2009 , Furian et al 2022 ), resulting in weight loss. The disappearance of the effect at a dose of 10 mg/kg after the second week of treatment suggests that larvae have mechanisms to overcome the toxic effects of ZEA that appear to be dose-dependent.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of high doses of zearalenone on some antioxidant enzymes and locomotion of Tenebrio molitor larvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Janković-Tomanić,

Petković,

Vranković

et al. 2024

Journal of Insect Science

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The mealworm Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) feeds on wheat bran and is considered both a pest and an edible insect. Its larvae contain proteins and essential amino acids, fats, and minerals, making them suitable for animal and human consumption. Zearalenone (ZEA) is the mycotoxin most commonly associated with Fusarium spp. It is found in cereals and cereal products, so their consumption is a major risk for mycotoxin contamination. One of the most important effects of ZEA is the induction of oxidative stress, which leads to physiological and behavioral changes. This study deals with the effects of high doses of ZEA (10 and 20 mg/kg) on survival, molting, growth, weight gain, activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), and locomotion of mealworm larvae. Both doses of ZEA were found to (i) have no effect on survival, (ii) increase molting frequency, SOD, and GST activity, and (iii) decrease body weight and locomotion, with more pronounced changes at 20 mg/kg. These results indicated the susceptibility of T. molitor larvae to high doses of ZEA in feed.

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“…However, available animal studies indicate that mycotoxins decrease sperm count and overall efficiency in mammals [ 21 ], may reduce the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa in animal models [ 25 ], impair sperm motility and velocity [ 34 ], and decrease overall sperm quality in swine [ 35 ]. These effects of mycotoxins on sperm quality in animal studies have been attributed to the associated estrogenic and non-estrogenic disruptor effects [ 36 ], reduced testosterone production [ 37 ], reduction in chromatin structure of spermatozoa [ 38 ], and decreases in anti-oxidant assimilation [ 21 ]. However, it remains critical and important to test the nature of these relationships in humans.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association of Urinary Mycotoxins with Sperm Quality: A Case-Control Study in Southern Nigeria

Okonofua,

Ntoimo,

Unuabonah

et al. 2024

Toxins

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The objective of this study was to determine the association between mycotoxins and the quality of spermatozoa in Nigeria. We designed a prospective case-control study involving 136 men diagnosed with reduced sperm count and quality in five infertility clinics in southwest Nigeria and 154 normal fertile controls. Sperm analysis was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health OrganizationWHO, while Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry was used to assay three metabolites of mycotoxins (zearalenone, ochratoxin A, and deoxyvinelol) in the urine samples of cases and controls. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics and non-parametric linear regression. The results showed no overall significant difference in levels of these metabolites between the cases and control groups. In contrast, higher levels of zearalenone and ochratoxin A significantly decreased sperm motility in the cases. Similarly, an increase in the level of ochratoxin A decreased sperm morphology in the unadjusted model in the cases. We conclude that exposure to mycotoxins reduces the quality of spermatozoa (motility and morphology) in Nigerian men but may have no effect on sperm count. Efforts to reduce the exposure of men to mycotoxins are important interventions to improve sperm quality and reduce the prevalence of male infertility in the country.

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Recent advances in assessing the effects of mycotoxins using animal models

Cited by 15 publications

References 42 publications

Intermittent Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 Did Not Affect Neurobehavioral Parameters and Biochemical Markers of Oxidative Stress

Intermittent Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 Did Not Affect Neurobehavioral Parameters and Biochemical Markers of Oxidative Stress

Effects of high doses of zearalenone on some antioxidant enzymes and locomotion of Tenebrio molitor larvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Association of Urinary Mycotoxins with Sperm Quality: A Case-Control Study in Southern Nigeria

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