Mycotoxin-containing diet causes oxidative stress in the mouse

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Food Safety
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Mycotoxins like Aflatoxin (AF), Zearalenone (ZEN), and Deoxynivalenol (DON) are prevalent in food commodities.
• Individual mycotoxins are known to cause liver toxicity and oxidative stress.
• Limited in vivo data exists on the combined effects of naturally occurring multiple mycotoxins on tissue toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vivo effects of naturally occurring multiple mycotoxins on tissue toxicity and oxidative stress.
• To assess the impact of mycotoxin-contaminated maize on mouse health indicators.

Main Methods:

• Mice were fed diets containing mycotoxin-contaminated maize (AF, ZEN, DON) at 0%, 5%, and 20% doses.
• Blood and tissue samples (liver, kidney, spleen) were collected for analysis.
• Oxidative stress biomarkers including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured.

Main Results:

• Mycotoxin exposure led to increased liver, kidney, and spleen indexes and altered organ morphology.
• Elevated serum and liver GPx activity and MDA levels indicated oxidative stress.
• Decreased serum, liver, and kidney CAT activity, and liver and kidney SOD activity further confirmed oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

• Naturally occurring mycotoxins in contaminated maize are toxic in vivo.
• Combined exposure to AF, ZEN, and DON induces significant oxidative stress in mice.
• These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with consuming mycotoxin-contaminated food products.