Selenomethionine Alleviates Zearalenone-Induced Liver Injury in Rabbits Through SIRT1-FOXO1/P53 Signaling Pathway

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Zearalenone (ZEA) is an estrogenic mycotoxin impacting rabbit health and productivity.
• Selenomethionine (SeMet) is a feed additive known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of SeMet against ZEA-induced liver injury in rabbits.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of SeMet's action.

Main Methods:

• Rabbits were divided into five groups: control, ZEA-only, and SeMet pretreatment (0.2, 0.35, 0.5 mg/kg).
• ZEA was administered intragastrically after SeMet pretreatment.
• Liver function, histology, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis, and mitophagy were assessed.

Main Results:

• ZEA exposure elevated liver enzymes, disrupted liver architecture, and induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitophagy.
• SeMet pretreatment mitigated these ZEA-induced effects.
• SeMet activated SIRT1, reduced acetylated FOXO1/P53, and enhanced antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD2).

Conclusions:

• SeMet effectively protects against ZEA-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits.
• The protective mechanism involves the SIRT1-FOXO1/P53 pathway.
• A SeMet dose of 0.35 mg/kg showed optimal efficacy.