Effects of sodium selenite on aflatoxin B1-induced decrease of ileal IgA+ cell numbers and immunoglobulin contents in...

Area of Science:

• Poultry immunology
• Toxicology
• Nutritional biochemistry

Background:

• Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin that can cause significant health issues in poultry.
• AFB1 exposure can lead to immunologic injury in the avian ileum, affecting gut health and productivity.
• Understanding the protective mechanisms against AFB1 toxicity is crucial for animal welfare and food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of sodium selenite (Se) against AFB1-induced ileum mucosal immunologic injury in broiler chickens.
• To assess the impact of AFB1 and Se supplementation on humoral immune parameters in the ileum.

Main Methods:

• One hundred eighty-one-day-old male broiler chickens were allocated into four groups: control, AFB1-exposed, Se-supplemented, and AFB1 + Se-supplemented.
• Ileum mucosal samples were analyzed for IgA-positive cells using immunohistochemistry.
• Secretory IgA (sIgA), IgA, IgG, and IgM levels in the ileum mucosa were quantified using ELISA.

Main Results:

• AFB1 exposure significantly decreased IgA(+) cell counts and sIgA, IgA, IgG, and IgM levels in the ileum mucosa compared to controls.
• Sodium selenite supplementation in AFB1-exposed birds significantly increased IgA(+) cell counts and immunoglobulin levels.
• The immune parameters in the AFB1 + Se group were comparable to those in the control group, indicating restoration of function.

Conclusions:

• Dietary exposure to 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 impairs the humoral immune function of the ileum mucosa in broiler chickens.
• Supplementation with 0.4 mg/kg dietary selenium effectively protects the ileum mucosal humoral immune function against AFB1-induced damage.
• Sodium selenite shows potential as a protective agent against AFB1 toxicity in poultry.