The Compromised Intestinal Barrier Induced by Mycotoxins

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites contaminating food and feed, posing risks to human and animal health.
• The intestine acts as a primary defense, comprising physical, chemical, immunological, and microbial barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on mycotoxin-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction.
• To elucidate mechanisms of intestinal integrity disruption by mycotoxins.
• To explore the impact of combined mycotoxin exposure.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies.
• Analysis of data on intestinal barrier components (physical, chemical, immunological, microbial).
• Focus on deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins, and ochratoxin A.

Main Results:

• Mycotoxins compromise intestinal integrity, thin mucus layers, imbalance inflammatory factors, and disrupt bacterial homeostasis.
• Deoxynivalenol is a key mycotoxin causing intestinal dysfunction.
• Mycotoxin exposure can contribute to chronic intestinal diseases.

Conclusions:

• Mycotoxins significantly impair intestinal barrier functions through multiple mechanisms.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for developing strategies against mycotoxicosis.
• Combined mycotoxin effects warrant further investigation.