Evaluation of potential interactions involving trichothecene mycotoxins using the chick embryotoxicity bioassay

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Mycotoxicology
• Developmental Toxicology

Background:

• Trichothecenes are a group of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium fungi.
• Deoxynivalenol (DON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON), and HT-2 toxin are common trichothecenes with known toxicity.
• Understanding interactions between these toxins is crucial for risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential toxicological interactions between deoxynivalenol (DON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON), and HT-2 toxin.
• To determine if combined exposure to these trichothecenes results in synergistic, antagonistic, or additive toxicity.
• To evaluate the utility of the Chick Embryotoxicity Screening Test (CHEST) for assessing trichothecene interactions.

Main Methods:

• The Chick Embryotoxicity Screening Test (CHEST) was employed.
• Chick embryos were exposed to various concentrations of individual and combined trichothecenes (DON, 15-ADON, HT-2 toxin).
• Percent mortality was used as the primary endpoint to assess toxicity.

Main Results:

• The combined toxicity of any two tested trichothecenes was found to be additive.
• Observed mortality values closely matched expected values, with discrepancies rarely exceeding 10%.
• These results suggest a lack of significant synergistic or antagonistic interactions between the tested trichothecene combinations.

Conclusions:

• The additive toxicity of DON, 15-ADON, and HT-2 toxin combinations was confirmed in the CHEST assay.
• The findings support the use of the CHEST assay for evaluating trichothecene mixture toxicity.
• Limitations of the CHEST assay for comprehensive toxicological assessment were also discussed.