Vitamin B6 Alleviates Aflatoxin B1-Induced Impairment of Testis Development by Activating the PI3K/Akt Signaling...

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Microbiology
• Nutritional science

Background:

• Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an environmental contaminant disrupting gut microbiota and causing health issues.
• Vitamin B6 (VB6) plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal and reproductive health.
• AFB1 exposure damages the intestinal barrier and induces inflammation, partly via gut microbiota alterations like increased *Enterococcus*.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of vitamin B6 (VB6) against Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced intestinal and testicular damage.
• To explore the mechanisms underlying AFB1-induced toxicity and VB6's therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

• Animal model (mice) exposed to AFB1 and/or *Enterococcus*.
• Analysis of serum metabolites and VB6 levels.
• Assessment of intestinal and testicular histopathology.
• Transcriptomic and Western blot analyses to evaluate key signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT).
• Evaluation of VB6 supplementation effects.

Main Results:

• AFB1 exposure reduced serum VB6 levels, disturbed serum metabolites, and exacerbated intestinal and testicular inflammation in mice.
• *Enterococcus* exposure mimicked these effects, reducing serum VB6 and causing damage.
• VB6 supplementation significantly ameliorated AFB1-induced intestinal and testicular injury.
• VB6 increased the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway components in AFB1-exposed testes.

Conclusions:

• AFB1 induces intestinal and testicular damage by disrupting gut microbiota.
• Vitamin B6 (VB6) shows significant therapeutic potential in mitigating AFB1-induced toxicity.
• Adequate VB6 intake is important for preventing and treating AFB1-related health problems, highlighting its role in gut and reproductive health.