Effect of Different Concentrations of Deoxynivalenol-Contaminated Diets on Proventriculus Injury in Broiler Chickens

Deoxynivalenol (DON, also known as vomitoxin), a prevalent mycotoxin in contaminated feed, poses significant threats the poultry industry, yet its effects on proventriculus injury in broilers remain insufficiently explored. This study evaluates the effects of DON at different levels (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg feed) on broilers during different trial periods (9 and 14 days). Eighty-one-day-old male broilers were randomly allocated to control (basal diet) and DON-exposed (L, M, H) groups. Results demonstrated dose- and time-dependent proventriculus and gizzard injuries, with histopathological lesions (mucosal necrosis and shedding) prominent at ≥10 mg/kg and 14 days. Tight junction proteins (claudins, occludin, ZO-1) were disrupted, notably via claudin-15 downregulation at 10-15 mg/kg (P < 0.05), suggesting impaired nutrient absorption. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) surged at higher doses (P < 0.05), while antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, Nrf2, HO-1, GPx) initially increased but declined with prolonged exposure, exacerbating oxidative stress (P < 0.05). Apoptosis transiently spiked without sustained effects over 14 days, partially explaining avian DON resistance. In conclusion, DON at concentrations of 5-15 mg/kg temporarily enhanced antioxidant capacity but induced glandular inflammation (≥5 mg/kg), with cumulative oxidative damage outweighing transient apoptotic responses. These findings highlight critical thresholds for DON tolerance in poultry diets.