In silico methods for metabolomic and toxicity prediction of zearalenone, α-zearalenone and β-zearalenone

Simultaneous determination of 78 pesticide residues and 16 mycotoxins in tsampa by an improved QuEChERS method coupled with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Tsampa may contain pesticide residues and mycotoxins, which may pose a risk to human health. Currently, pesticide detection and mycotoxin detection are two independent experiments. To improve the efficiency of the analysis, a method based on QuEChERS combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of 78 pesticides and 16 mycotoxins in tsampa was developed. All the target compounds showed good linear correlation with correlation coefficients (R2) greater than 0.9990. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the ranges of 0.10-3.00 μg kg-1 and 0.40-10.00 μg kg-1, respectively. The average recoveries of the pesticides and mycotoxins spiked at the 1, 2, and 10-fold LOQ were in the range of 73.0-115.2%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were lower than 11.7%. This method was applied to 19 batches of real samples in which 32% of samples exceeded the maximum residue limits of the European Union involving aflatoxin G2, ochratoxin A, and hexaconazole. It proved to be excellent, efficient, greatly simplified, and highly applicable, which could reduce the workload and time significantly for the daily monitoring of the pesticides and mycotoxins in tsampa.

Using In Silico Approach for Metabolomic and Toxicity Prediction of Alternariol

Alternariol is a metabolite produced by Alternaria fungus that can contaminate a variety of food and feed materials. The objective of the present paper was to provide a prediction of Phase I and II metabolites of alternariol and a detailed ADME/Tox profile for alternariol and its metabolites using an in silico working model based on the MetaTox, SwissADME, pKCMS, and PASS online computational programs. A number of 12 metabolites were identified as corresponding to the metabolomic profile of alternariol. ADME profile for AOH and predicted metabolites indicated a moderate or high intestinal absorption probability but a low probability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. In addition to cytotoxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and endocrine disruptor effects, the computational model has predicted other toxicological endpoints for the analyzed compounds, such as vascular toxicity, haemato-toxicity, diarrhea, and nephrotoxicity. AOH and its metabolites have been predicted to act as a substrate for different isoforms of phase I and II drug-metabolizing enzymes and to interact with the response to oxidative stress. In conclusion, in silico methods can represent a viable alternative to in vitro and in vivo tests for the prediction of mycotoxins metabolism and toxicity.

Impacts of co-exposure to zearalenone and trifloxystrobin on the enzymatic activity and gene expression in zebrafish

Although humans and animals are usually exposed to combinations of toxic substances, little is known about the interactive toxicity of mycotoxins and farm chemicals. Therefore, we can not precisely evaluate the health risks of combined exposure. In the present work, using different approaches, we examined the toxic impacts of zearalenone and trifloxystrobin on zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our findings showed that the lethal toxicity of zearalenone to embryonic fish with a 10-day LC₅₀ of 0.59 mg L^-1 was lower than trifloxystrobin (0.037 mg L^-1). Besides, the mixture of zearalenone and trifloxystrobin triggered acute synergetic toxicity to embryonic fish. Moreover, the contents of CAT, CYP450, and VTG were distinctly altered in most single and combined exposures. Transcriptional levels of 23 genes involved in the oxidative response, apoptosis, immune, and endocrine systems were determined. Our results implied that eight genes (cas9, apaf-1, bcl-2, il-8, trb, vtg1, erβ1, and tg) displayed greater changes when exposed to the mixture of zearalenone and trifloxystrobin compared with the corresponding individual chemicals. Our findings indicated that performing the risk assessment based on the combined impact rather than the individual dosage response of these chemicals was more accurate. Nevertheless, further investigations are still necessary to reveal the modes of action of mycotoxin and pesticide combinations and alleviate their effects on human health.

Zearalenone Exposure Affects the Keap1-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway and Glucose Nutrient Absorption Related Genes of Porcine Jejunal Epithelial Cells

This study aims to examine the impact of zearalenone (ZEA) on glucose nutrient absorption and the role of the Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in zearalenone-induced oxidative stress of porcine jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). For 24 and 36 h, the IPEC-J2 cells were exposed to ZEA at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 40 (Control, ZEA10, ZEA20, ZEA40) mol/L. With the increase of ZEA concentration and prolongation of the action time, the apoptosis rate and malondialdehyde level and relative expression of sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 1 (Sglt1), glucose transporter 2 (Glut2), Nrf2, quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and hemeoxygenase 1 (Ho1) at mRNA and protein level, fluorescence intensity of Nrf2 and reactive oxygen species increased significantly (p < 0.05), total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and relative expression of Keap1 at mRNA and protein level, fluorescence intensity of Sglt1 around the cytoplasm and the cell membrane of IPEC-J2 reduced significantly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ZEA can impact glucose absorption by affecting the expression of Sglt1 and Glut2, and ZEA can activate the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway by enhancing Nrf2, Nqo1, and Ho1 expression of IPEC-J2.

New Insights into the Deposition of Zearalenone in Minipigs: A Suitable Bioindicator for Internal Exposure

The detrimental footprint of mycotoxins in agriculture and on animal production has been widely recognized, especially in swine. Despite an increased number of research evaluating the toxicokinetics of mycotoxins in animal organisms, the absorption, distribution, metabolization, and excretion (ADME) patterns of zearalenone (ZEN) need further understanding. Furthermore, in vivo bioindicator for ZEN exposure in individual pigs has yet to be characterized. This study explored the ADME of ZEN in Bama Aroma pigs, a Chinese miniature pig breed, that has been used herein as a swine model. The findings revealed that ZEN was mainly metabolized into α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), and both ZEN and α-ZOL were mostly found in conjugated forms in the plasma, urine, and bile. The concentration and composition patterns of ZEN and its metabolites were tissue-specific, implying that the small intestine, liver, kidney, and lung play different roles in ZEN metabolism. The plasma concentrations of ZEN + α-ZOL highly correlated (R² = 0.993) with the ZEN dietary exposure and may be utilized as a bioindicator to investigate animal exposure and mitigation efficacy of mycotoxin detoxifiers. This research would provide both fundamental information and a useful animal model for ZEN toxicity and detoxification studies.

Further insight into the potential toxicity of zearalenone-14-glucoside based on toxicokinetics, tissue distribution, transformation, and excretion in rats

Bioaccumulation and biotransformation are critical factors that affect the release of easily metabolizable chemicals to cause human toxicity. The glucoside-type modified mycotoxin Zearalenone-14-Glucoside (Z14G) has attracted global attention for its high occurrence in foodstuffs and the potential threat to humans as its high rate of transformation into parent forms. Given the limited toxicokinetics information, this study assessed the absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion of Z14G, aiming to define the potential risk of Z14G. The toxicokinetics of Z14G were assessed after intravenous (IV) or oral administration (PO) in SD rats at doses of 10 mg/kg·b.w. In addition, comparative work with the parent mycotoxin ZEN was performed in parallel. The determination of Z14G and its metabolites (ZEN, α-zearalenol, β-zearalenol, α-zearalanol, β-zearalanol) proceeded with a sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method. Our research indicated that Z14G readily disappeared from the blood, and distributed throughout the tissues via transformation into its parent form ZEN, and excreted primarily through urine. More importantly, the metabolite α-ZEL was observed in most analyzed tissue, urine and feces samples. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of biotransformation with regard to Z14G, providing critical insight for the health risk assessment of co-exposure of humans to glucoside-type modified mycotoxins.

Empagliflozin induces apoptotic-signaling pathway in embryonic vasculature: In vivo and in silico approaches via chick’s yolk sac membrane model

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the vascular-toxicity of empagliflozin (EMP) in embryonic vasculature. Firstly, the vascular-toxicity of the drug as well as its interaction with apoptotic regulator proteins was predicted via in silico approach. In the next step, the apoptotic-signaling pathway in embryonic vasculature was evaluated using a chick’s YSM model. In silico simulation confirmed vascular-toxicity of EMP. There was also an accurate affinity between EMP, Bax and Bcl-2 (−7.9 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics assay revealed complex stability in the human body conditions. Furthermore, EMP is suggested to alter Bcl-2 more than BAX. Morphometric quantification of the vessels showed that the apoptotic activity of EMP in embryonic vasculature was related to a marked reduction in vessel area, vessel diameter and mean capillary area. Based on the qPCR and immunohistochemistry assays, enhanced expression level of BAX and reduced expression level of Bcl-2 confirmed apoptotic responses in the vessels of the YSM. We observed that induction of an apoptotic signal can cause the embryonic defect of the vascular system following EMP treatment. The acquired data also raised suspicions that alteration in apoptotic genes and proteins in the vasculature are two critical pathways in vascular-toxicity of EMP.

Searching for Novel Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitors: Structure-Guided Screening of Natural Compounds for a Tyrosine Kinase Therapeutic Target in Cancers

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase molecular target with broad importance for drug discovery, especially in the field of cancer therapeutics. ALK belongs to the insulin receptor superfamily that is involved in various malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and neuroblastoma. ALK has been shown to play a role in cancer progression and metastasis, making it one of the prime targets to develop novel anticancer therapeutics. In this context, natural compounds can be an important resource to unravel novel ALK inhibitors. In this study, we report a structure-based virtual screening of natural compounds from the ZINC database, with an eye to potential inhibitors of ALK. Molecular docking was performed on a natural compound library, and top hits holding good binding affinity, docking score, and specificity toward ALK were selected. The hits were further evaluated based on the PAINS (pan-assay interference compounds) filter, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) properties, PASS (prediction of activity spectra for substances) analysis, and two-dimensional interaction of protein-ligand complexes. Importantly, two natural compounds (ZINC03845566 and ZINC03999625) were identified as potential candidates for ALK, having appreciable affinity and specificity toward the ALK binding pocket and depicting drug-like properties as predicted from ADMET analysis and their physicochemical parameters. An all-atom molecular dynamics simulation for 100 ns on ALK promised stable ALK-ligand complexes. Hence, we conclude that ZINC03845566 and ZINC03999625 can act as potential ALK inhibitors against cancers where ALK plays a role, for example, in lung cancer, among others. All in all, these findings inform future discovery and translational research for ALK inhibitors as anticancer drugs.

Carry-Over of Zearalenone and Its Metabolites to Intestinal Tissues and the Expression of CYP1A1 and GSTπ1 in the Colon of Gilts before Puberty

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether low doses of zearalenone (ZEN) affect the carry-over of ZEN and its metabolites to intestinal tissues and the expression of CYP1A1 and GSTπ1 in the large intestine. Prepubertal gilts (with a BW of up to 14.5 kg) were exposed in group ZEN to daily ZEN5 doses of 5 μg/kg BW (n = 15); in group ZEN10, 10 μg/kg BW (n = 15); in group ZEN15, 15 μg/kg BW (n = 15); or were administered a placebo (group C, n = 15) throughout the experiment. After euthanasia, tissues were sampled on exposure days 7, 21, and 42 (D1, D2, and D3, respectively). The results confirmed that the administered ZEN doses (LOAEL, NOAEL, and MABEL) were appropriate to reliably assess the carry-over of ZEN. Based on the observations made during 42 days of exposure to pure ZEN, it can be hypothesized that all mycotoxins (ZEN, α-zearalenol, and β-zearalenol) contribute to a balance between intestinal cells and the expression of selected genes encoding enzymes that participate in biotransformation processes in the large intestine; modulate feminization processes in prepubertal gilts; and elicit flexible, adaptive responses of the macroorganism to mycotoxin exposure at the analyzed doses.

Pedunculagin isolated from Plinia cauliflora seeds exhibits genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic effects in bacteria and human lymphocytes

Pedunculagin (PD), an ellagitannin found in different plant species, possesses several pharmaceutical properties, including antitumor, antioxidant, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of PD alone on DNA remain to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic activities of PD isolated from Plinia cauliflora seeds using in silico and in vitro assays. To elucidate the biological activities of PD, in silico tools indicative of antioxidant, antineoplastic, and chemopreventive activities of PD were used. Subsequently, the mutagenic/antimutagenic effects of PD were later assessed using bacteria with the Ames test, and the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects utilizing human lymphocytes as evidenced by trypan blue exclusion test and CometChip assay. In silico analysis indicated potential antioxidant, chemopreventive, free radical scavenger, and cytostatic activities of PD. In the Ames test, PD was found to be not mutagenic; however, this plant component protected DNA against damage-mediated by mutagens 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide and sodium azide. Regarding human lymphocytes, PD alone was cytotoxic and genotoxic; however, it also reduced DNA damage induced by doxorubicin at co- and post-treatment. In conclusion, PD showed genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic effects in human lymphocytes and antimutagenic effects in bacteria.

Biomarkers of Exposure to Zearalenone in In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

The measurement of human exposure to mycotoxins is necessary for its association with adverse health effects. This exposure is usually estimated from contamination levels of foodstuffs, which are the primary source of toxin exposure, and data on food consumption patterns. However, variations in contamination level, intestinal absorption, toxin distribution, and excretion lead to individual variations in toxin exposure that can be more readily measured with a biomarker. This review deals with the latest literature information about ZEN biomarkers in humans, animals, and cell line cultures. Their presence in urine, biomarkers that have effects in the kidney, liver, reproductive system and blood and biomarkers of cell response have been reported. It has highlighted the importance of determining α-zearalenol and β-zearalenol biomarkers to estimate the probable dietary intake (PDI) of a specific population or to characterize the severity of exposure to ZEN in animals or cell lines. α-ZEL and β-ZEL are cytotoxic by inhibiting cell proliferation, total protein and DNA syntheses, in this sense, an induction of expression proteins Hsp27 and Hsp70 was observed, and an increase in gene expression (TLR4, NF-kBp65, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MGMT, α-GST, Hsp70, Nrf2, L-Fabp, HO-1, MAPK8), the determination of which indicates an oxidative stress effect. The integrity of the cell or tissue membrane is assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which increase at exposure of ZEN (84.2 µM), and the proportions of some fatty acids of the renal tissue membrane were increased at treatments with ZEN. This review allows starting future studies of animal and population exposure in parallel with those of health effects works.

Effects of Voghiera garlic extracts in neuronal human cell line against zearalenone's derivates and beauvericin

The Fusarium toxins constitute one of the largest groups of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species, which are major pathogens of cereal plants. In the present study neuroprotection effect of Allium sativum L garlic extract which is known as Voghiera garlic, from a local garlic ecotype of Ferrara (Italy) was examined on an undifferentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells against ZEA's metabolites (α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL)) and beauvericin (BEA) mycotoxins which are considered as the most reported Fusarium mycotoxins, via MTT (3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, over 24 h and 48 h through direct treatment, simultaneous treatment and pre-treatment strategies. The results demonstrated remarkable improvement in cells viability in simultaneous and pre-treatment strategy with Voghiera garlic extract (VGE); specifically, for simultaneous treatment of VGE with β-ZEL which viability increased significantly up to 56%, and subsequently with α-ZEL and BEA by up to 38% and 37% respectively, compared to each mycotoxin tested alone for their highest concentrations assayed, while direct treatments for each mycotoxins individually decreased significantly (for α-ZEL up to 69%, for β-ZEL 82% and for BEA up to 43%). It is proposed by the present study that VGE extract found to be effective in reducing the cytotoxicity/neurotoxicity of α-ZEL, β-ZEL and BEA mycotoxins encountered in food and feed commodity.

Improvement of the enzymatic detoxification activity towards mycotoxins through structure-based engineering

Mycotoxin contamination of food and feed is posing a serious threat to the global food safety and public health. Biological detoxification mediated by enzymes has emerged as a promising approach, as they can specifically degrade mycotoxins into non-toxic ones. However, the low degradation efficiency and stability limit their further application. To optimize the enzymes for mycotoxin removal, modification strategies that combine computational design with their structural data have been developed. Accordingly, this review will comprehensively summarize the recent trends in structure-based engineering to improve the enzyme catalytic efficiency, selectivity and stability in mycotoxins detoxification, which also provides perspectives in obtaining innovative and effective biocatalysts for mycotoxins degradation.

Structure-toxicity relationships, toxicity mechanisms and health risk assessment of food-borne modified deoxynivalenol and zearalenone: A comprehensive review

Mycotoxin, as one of the most common pollutants in foodstuffs, poses great threat to food security and human health. Specifically, deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN)-two mycotoxin contaminants with considerable toxicity widely existing in food products-have aroused broad public concerns. Adding to this picture, modified forms of DON and ZEN, have emerged as another potential environmental and health threat, owing to their higher re-transformation rate into parent mycotoxins inducing accumulation of mycotoxin in humans and animals. Given this, a better understanding of the toxicity of modified mycotoxins is urgently needed. Moreover, the lack of toxicity data means a proper risk assessment of modified mycotoxins remains challenging. To better evaluate the toxicity of modified DON and ZEN, we have reviewed the relationship between their structures and toxicities. The toxicity mechanisms behind modified DON and ZEN have also been discussed; briefly, these involve acute, subacute, chronic, and combined toxicities. In addition, this review also addresses the global occurrence of modified DON and ZEN, and summarizes novel methods-including in silico analysis and implementation of relative potency factors-for risk assessment of modified DON and ZEN. Finally, the health risk assessment of modified DON and ZEN has also been discussed comprehensively.

Updated Review of the Toxicity of Selected Fusarium Toxins and Their Modified Forms

Mycotoxins are one of the most dangerous food and feed contaminants, hence they have significant influence on human and animal health. This study reviews the information reported over the last few years on the toxic effects of the most relevant and studied Fusarium toxins and their modified forms. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and its metabolites can induce intracellular oxidative stress, resulting in DNA damage. Recent studies have also revealed the capability of DON and its metabolites to disturb the cell cycle and alter amino acid expression. Several studies have attempted to explore the mechanism of action of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in anorexia induction. Among other findings, two neurotransmitters associated with this process have been identified, namely substance P and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine). For zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites, the literature points out that, in addition to their generally acknowledged estrogenic and oxidative potentials, they can also modify DNA by altering methylation patterns and histone acetylation. The ability of the compounds to induce alterations in the expression of major metabolic genes suggests that these compounds can contribute to the development of numerous metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

Protective Effects of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Fridericia chica on Undifferentiated Human Neuroblastoma Cells Exposed to α-Zearalenol (α-ZEL) and β-Zearalenol (β-ZEL)

Fridericia chica (Bignoniaceae) is a traditional medicinal plant. The aim of this research was to determine the protective effects of the hydroethanolic extract from the F. chica leaves (HEFc) against the cytotoxicity of zearalenone (α-ZEL) and β-ZEL on SH-SY5Y cells. Free radical scavenging activity of HEFc was evaluated using the DPPH method. The cytotoxicity of both zearalenone metabolites and HEFc was examined using MTT test, as was the cytoprotective effects of the HEFc on cells treated with these mycotoxins. The chemical composition of HEFc was determined using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. HEFc elicited good DPPH radical scavenging activity following a concentration-dependent relationship. Cells exposed to α-ZEL exhibited a viability ˂50% after 48 h of treatment (25 and 50 µM), while those exposed to β-ZEL showed viability ˂50% (100 µM) and ˂25% (25-100 µM) after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. HEFc showed a significant increase in cell viability after exposure to α-ZEL (25 and 50 µM) and β-ZEL (6-100 µM) (p < 0.05). UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analyses allowed the identification of 10 phytochemical components in the HEFc. In short, the hydroethanolic extract of F. chica grown in Colombian Caribbean can protect against the effects of mycotoxins and it is a valuable source of compounds with antioxidant properties.

FT-ICR-MS-based metabolomics: A deep dive into plant metabolism

Metabolomics involves the identification and quantification of metabolites to unravel the chemical footprints behind cellular regulatory processes and to decipher metabolic networks, opening new insights to understand the correlation between genes and metabolites. In plants, it is estimated the existence of hundreds of thousands of metabolites and the majority is still unknown. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) is a powerful analytical technique to tackle such challenges. The resolving power and sensitivity of this ultrahigh mass accuracy mass analyzer is such that a complex mixture, such as plant extracts, can be analyzed and thousands of metabolite signals can be detected simultaneously and distinguished based on the naturally abundant elemental isotopes. In this review, FT-ICR-MS-based plant metabolomics studies are described, emphasizing FT-ICR-MS increasing applications in plant science through targeted and untargeted approaches, allowing for a better understanding of plant development, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and the discovery of new natural nutraceutical compounds. Improved metabolite extraction protocols compatible with FT-ICR-MS, metabolite analysis methods and metabolite identification platforms are also explored as well as new in silico approaches. Most recent advances in MS imaging are also discussed.

Zearalenone alters the excitability of rat neuronal networks after acute in vitro exposure

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, detectable in various cereals and processed food products worldwide. ZEA displays a significant estrogenic activity, thus its main health risk is the interference with sexual maturation and reproduction processes. However, in addition to being key hormonal regulators of reproductive function, estrogenic compounds have a widespread role in brain, as neurotrophic and neuroprotective factors, and they may influence the activity of several brain areas not directly linked to reproduction, as well. Therefore, in the present study, acute effects of ZEA were studied on certain neuronal functions in rats. Experiments were performed on rat brain slices or live rats. Slices were incubated in ZEA-containing (10-100 μM) solution for 30 min. Electrically evoked and spontaneous field potentials were studied in the neocortex and in the hippocampus. At higher concentrations, ZEA incubation of the slices altered excitability and the pattern of epileptiform activity in neocortex and inhibited the development of LTP in hippocampus. For the verification of these in vitro results, in vivo electrophysiological and immunohistochemical investigations were also performed. ZEA was administered systemically (5 mg/kg, i.p.) to male rats and somatosensory evoked potentials and neuronal activation studied by c-fos expression were analyzed. No neuronal activation could be demonstrated in the hippocampus within 2 h of the injection. In the somatosensory cortex, ZEA did not change in vivo evoked potential parameters, but the activation of a small neuronal population could be demonstrated with the c-fos technique in this brain area. This result could be associated with the ZEA-induced alteration of epileptiform activity observed in vitro. Altogether, the toxin altered the excitability and plasticity of neuronal networks after direct treatment in slices, but the effects were less prominent on the given brain areas after systemic treatment in vivo. A probable explanation for the partial lack of in vivo effects may be that after a single injection, ZEA did not cross the blood-brain barrier at sufficient rate to allow the build-up of comparable concentrations in the investigated brain areas. However, in case of compromised blood-brain barrier functions or long-term repeated exposure, alterations in cortical and hippocampal functions cannot be ruled out.

Correlations between Low Doses of Zearalenone, Its Carryover Factor and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Different Segments of the Intestines in Pre-Pubertal Gilts-A Study Protocol

Plant materials can be contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins and their derivatives, whose toxic effects on humans and animals may remain subclinical. Zearalenone (ZEN), a low-molecular-weight compound, is produced by molds in crop plants as a secondary metabolite. The objective of this study will be to analyze the in vivo correlations between very low monotonic doses of ZEN (5, 10, and 15 μg ZEN/kg body weight—BW for 42 days) and the carryover of this mycotoxin and its selected metabolites from the intestinal contents to the intestinal walls, the mRNA expression of estrogen receptor alfa (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) genes, and the mRNA expression of genes modulating selected colon enzymes (CYP1A1 and GSTP1) in the intestinal mucosa of pre-pubertal gilts. An in vivo experiment will be performed on 60 clinically healthy animals with initial BW of 14.5 ± 2 kg. The gilts will be randomly divided into a control group (group C, n = 15) and three experimental groups (group ZEN5, group ZEN10, and group ZEN15; n = 15). Group ZEN5 will be administered per os 5 μg ZEN/kg BW (MABEL), group ZEN10—10 μg ZEN/kg BW (NOAEL), and group ZEN15—15 µg ZEN/kg BW (low LOAEL). In each group, five animals will be euthanized on analytical dates 1 (exposure day 7), 2 (exposure day 21), and 3 (exposure day 42). Samples for in vitro analyses will be collected from an intestinal segment resected from the following regions: the third (horizontal) part of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon. The experimental material will be collected under special conditions, and it will be transported to specialist laboratories where samples will be obtained for further analyses.

Study of enzymatic activity in human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y exposed to zearalenone's derivates and beauvericin

Beauvericin (BEA), α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL), are produced by several Fusarium species that contaminate cereal grains. These mycotoxins can cause cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity in various cell lines and they are also capable of produce oxidative stress at molecular level. However, mammalian cells are equipped with a protective endogenous antioxidant system formed by no-enzymatic antioxidant and enzymatic protective systems such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The aim of this study was evaluating the effects of α-ZEL, β-ZEL and BEA, on enzymatic GPx, GST, CAT and SOD activity in human neuroblastoma cells using the SH-SY5Y cell line, over 24 h and 48 h with different treatments at the following concentration range: from 1.56 to 12.5 μM for α-ZEL and β-ZEL, from 0.39 to 2.5 μM for BEA, from 1.87 to 25 μM for binary combinations and from 3.43 to 27.5 μM for tertiary combination. SH-SY5Y cells exposed to α-ZEL, β-ZEL and BEA revealed an overall increase in the activity of i) GPx, after 24 h of exposure up to 24-fold in individual treatments and 15-fold in binary combination; ii) GST after 24 h of exposure up to 10-fold (only in combination forms), and iii) SOD up to 3.5- and 5-fold in individual and combined treatment, respectively after 48 h of exposure. On the other hand, CAT activity decreased significantly in all treatments up to 92% after 24 h except for β-ZEL + BEA, which revealed the opposite.