Multiomics Integration Reveals AFB1 Causes Liver Damage Involving the Gut-Microbiota-Lipid Metabolism Axis in Piglet

Prolonged exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) poses a significant threat to livestock production. The liver is the main target, but the role of the gut-liver axis and lipid metabolism in pig hepatic toxicity is not well understood. This study evaluates the impact of AFB1 on piglet liver injury via the gut-liver axis using multiomics analysis. Chronic AFB1 exposure significantly impaired the piglet growth and induced liver injury. Meanwhile, AFB1 caused gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal barrier damage in the piglets. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) demonstrated that AFB1-altered microbiota causally contribute to hepatic inflammation in mice. Multiomics analysis revealed systemic disruption of lipid metabolism pathways, which might be involved in the intestinal flora imbalance caused by AFB1. Abnormal lipid metabolism subsequently leads to the accumulation of inflammatory lipid mediators in the plasma, ultimately causing severe liver damage. The findings highlight the crucial roles of gut microbiota and lipid metabolism in AFB1-induced liver toxicity.