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Immunobiological effects of fumonisin B1 in experimental subchronic mycotoxicoses in rats
M G Theumer1, A G López, D T Masih
1Micología, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria (5000), Córdoba, Argentina.
Abstract:
Fumonisin B1 (FB1), the principal secondary metabolite produced by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides (Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A), is a potent toxin that can be found in fungus-contaminated corn and corn-based food products. We have investigated the immunobiological effects of subchronic dietary exposure to FB1 in male Wistar rats. Animals were fed with diets containing 0 (control) or 100 ppm of FB1 for 12 weeks. The total FB1 intake on day 90 was 810 mg/kg of body weight. Food consumption, body weight, and body weight gain on day 90 were reduced in animals exposed to FB1. Histopathologic changes consisted of histiocytic perivascular infiltrate and an increased number of Kupffer cells in the liver, necrosis and apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells in the kidney, and increased mitotic figures and lymphocytic infiltrate in the small intestine. Serum enzyme alkaline phosphatase was significantly elevated in rats fed FB1, while triglyceride levels decreased compared to controls. Treatment with FB1 in vivo or in vitro did not have a significant effect on mitogen-induced proliferation of spleen mononuclear cells. However, increased levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and decreased levels of IL-10 were released by these cells in culture compared to controls. FB1 in vivo or in vitro decreased the hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) released by peritoneal macrophages, while no changes in levels of superoxide anion produced by total peritoneal cells were detected. The results from the present work demonstrate that subchronic FB1 intake could affect the small intestine and alter the interleukin profile and some main functions of macrophages in antitumor activity.
Insights
Subchronic exposure to Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a corn toxin, reduced rat body weight and altered the small intestine. FB1 also affected immune cell function, impacting interleukin profiles and macrophage activity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin found in contaminated corn and food products.
- Fusarium verticillioides is the primary fungus producing FB1.
- FB1 poses a potential health risk due to its presence in staple foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunobiological effects of subchronic dietary FB1 exposure in male Wistar rats.
- To assess the impact of FB1 on organ histopathology, serum markers, and immune cell function.
- To understand the consequences of FB1 contamination in food sources.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were fed diets with 0 (control) or 100 ppm FB1 for 12 weeks.
- Histopathological examination of liver, kidney, and small intestine was performed.
- Serum enzyme and lipid levels were analyzed.
- Immune cell proliferation, cytokine release (IL-4, IL-10), and macrophage function (H2O2, superoxide anion) were assessed in vitro and in vivo.
Main Results:
- FB1 exposure reduced food consumption, body weight, and weight gain.
- Histopathological changes included liver Kupffer cell increase, kidney tubular cell apoptosis, and small intestine inflammation.
- Serum alkaline phosphatase was elevated, and triglyceride levels decreased.
- FB1 altered interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 levels and reduced macrophage hydrogen peroxide release.
Conclusions:
- Subchronic FB1 intake negatively impacts the small intestine and alters immune responses.
- FB1 exposure affects the interleukin profile and key macrophage functions relevant to antitumor activity.
- These findings highlight the toxicological risks associated with FB1-contaminated food products.