Evaluation of immunomodulatory effects of zearalenone in mice

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species. The toxicity of ZEA has been evaluated for reproductive and developmental effects; however, there is little evidence about its acute toxicity or general immunotoxicity. In the present study, immune regulatory functions were investigated in mice that had been exposed to ZEA (5 or 20 mg/kg BW) daily for 14 days. Results showed that sub-populations of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and CD11c⁺ cells in the spleen and CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and F4/80⁺ cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of ZEA (20 mg/kg)-exposed hosts were decreased compared to those in the control mice. However, CD19⁺ and CD11c⁺ cells were increased in the MLN of the ZEA mice and CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ cells were decreased in the spleen and MLN. There were differential changes in the immune cell populations of the small intestine of the ZEA mice as well, depending on small intestine location. In ex vivo experiments, ZEA treatments resulted in increased proliferative capacities of mitogen-induced splenocytes and MLN cells; such changes were paralleled by significant increases in interferon (IFN)-γ production. With regard to serum isotypes, IgM levels were decreased and IgE levels were increased in the 20 mg/kg ZEA-treated mice. Mucosal IgA levels were decreased in the duodenum and vagina of these hosts. Serum analyzes also revealed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were decreased and interleukin (IL)-6 levels increased as a result of ZEA exposures. ZEA treatment also led to increased apoptosis in the spleen and Peyer's patches; these changes were associated with changes in the ratios of Bax:Bcl-2. Following priming with different TLR ligands, ZEA exposure led to differentially modulated TLR signaling and variable production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Taken together, these results indicated that ZEA could alter the normal expression/function of different immune system components and this would likely lead to immunomodulation in situ.