Use of modified halloysite nanotubes in the feed reduces the toxic effects of zearalenone on sow reproduction and piglet development

Optimized extraction and analysis methods using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for zearalenone and metabolites in human placental tissue

Zearalenone and its metabolites, a group of endocrine disrupting mycotoxins, have been linked to adverse reproductive health effects. They cross the placental barrier, potentially reaching the fetus. In this study, we adapted and optimized our protocol previously used for urine, to measure these mycotoxins in human placentas. We combined a supported liquid extraction step using Chem Elut cartridges with solid phase extraction on Discovery® DSC-NH2 tubes. The optimized extraction efficiencies were between 68 and 80% for all metabolites. Analysis was performed by UHPLC-HRMS using a Betasil™ Phenyl-Hexyl column eluted with a gradient of acetonitrile-methanol-water. The chromatography method separated all analytes in under 15 min. Validation experiments confirmed the method's sensitivity, with LODs ranging from 0.0055 to 0.011 pg/mg tissue. The method was linear over a range of 0.0025-1.5 pg/mg tissue with R2 values ≥ 0.994. Precision and accuracy calculations ranged from 4.7-7.9% and 0.6-6.7% respectively. The method was then successfully applied to a subset of placenta samples (n = 25) collected from an ongoing prospective birth cohort. Interestingly, 92% of the samples contained at least one measurable zearalenone metabolite, providing initial indication of potentially widespread exposure during pregnancy.

Functionally modified halloysite nanotubes for personalized bioapplications

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are naturally aluminosilicate clay minerals that have the benefits of large surface areas, high mechanical properties, easy functionalization, and high biocompatibility, HNTs have been developed as multifunctional nanoplatforms for various bioapplications. Although some reviews have summarized the properties and bioapplications of HNTs, it remains unclear how to functionalize the modifications of HNTs for their personalized bioapplications. In this review, based on the physicochemical properties of HNTs, we summarized the methods of functionalized modifications (surface modification and structure modification) on HNTs. Also, we highlighted their personalized bioapplications (anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, cancer theranostics, bone regenerative, and biosensing) by stressing on the main roles of HNTs. Finally, we provide perspectives on the future of functionalized modifications of HNTs for docking specific biological applications.

Betulinic acid alleviates zearalenone-induced uterine injury in mice

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin with estrogen-like biological activity, which widely present in feed and raw materials, with strong reproductive system toxicity and a major threat to animal reproduction. Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural plant compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological activities. However, the mechanism of ZEA-induced uterine injury and the protective effect of BA have not been reported. Our results show that ZEA could cause uterine histopathological damage and cellular ultrastructural damage, affecting the secretion of sex hormones, such as estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), and increase the mRNA and protein expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα). ZEA could inhibit the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), increase the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cause uterine oxidative stress. Furthermore, ZEA affected the homeostasis of uterine cell proliferation and death by regulating the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. ZEA-induced uterine injury might be related to the activation of p38/ERK MAPK signaling pathway. However, the regulatory effect of ZEA on the uterus was reversed after BA treatment. In conclusion, the uterus is an important target organ attacked by ZEA, and BA showed a good therapeutic effect.

Antimicrobial Nanomaterials Based on Halloysite Clay Mineral: Research Advances and Outlook

Bacterial infections represent one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Therefore, over the years, several nanomaterials with antibacterial properties have been developed. In this context, clay minerals, because of their intrinsic properties, have been efficiently used as antimicrobial agents since ancient times. Halloysite nanotubes are one of the emerging nanomaterials that have found application as antimicrobial agents in several fields. In this review, we summarize some examples of the use of pristine and modified halloysite nanotubes as antimicrobial agents, scaffolds for wound healing and orthopedic implants, fillers for active food packaging, and carriers for pesticides in food pest control.

Determination of Zearalenone and Its Derivatives in Feed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry with Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup and Isotope Dilution

In this study, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was established for the determination of zearalenone and its five derivatives in feed, including zearalanone, α-zearalanol, β-zearalanol, α-zearalenol, and β-zearalenol. An effective immunoaffinity column was prepared for sample purification, which was followed by the silane derivatization of the eluate after an immunoaffinity chromatography analysis for target compounds by GC-MS. Matrix effects were corrected by an isotope internal standard of zearalenone in this method. The six analytes had a good linear relationship in the range of 2-500 ng/mL, and the correlation coefficients were all greater than 0.99. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were less than 1.5 μg/kg and 5.0 μg/kg, respectively. The average spike recoveries for the six feed matrices ranged from 89.6% to 112.3% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 12.6%. Twenty actual feed samples were analyzed using the established method, and at least one target was detected. The established GC-MS method was proven to be reliable and suitable for the determination of zearalenone and its derivatives in feed.

Immunotoxicity and uterine transcriptome analysis of the effect of zearalenone (ZEA) in sows during the embryo attachment period

Zearalenone is a mycotoxin and a pollutant that is commonly found in crops. Once ingested, ZEA can cause disturbances in the immune system and produce immunotoxicity. However, there is little research on the effect of ZEA exposure on the relationship between immune regulation and embryo implantation in the uteri of sows. Embryo implantation relies upon the fact that the relationship between the maternal and fetal immune systems is balanced. This balance is provided by the joint regulation of immune organs, cytokines, and uterine immunity. In this study, we investigated 20 sows with an initial weight of 100.00 ± 5.00 kg and 200 days in age. The sows were fed with diets containing ZEA at concentrations of 0 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg, respectively, from 8 to 14 days of gestation. We studied immunotoxicity and the uterine transcriptomics associated with the effect of ZEA in sows during embryo attachment. Following ZEA treatment, serum biochemical analysis and RT-qPCR were used to detect the concentration and mRNA expression levels of immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, and IgM, in the serum and spleen, respectively. The same analysis was carried out for a range of cytokines in the serum and spleen: IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF. Uterine transcriptome analysis revealed 75, 215, and 81 genes that were differentially expressed in the 0 mg/kg vs 1 mg/kg treatment, 0 mg/kg vs 10 mg/kg treatment, and 1 mg/kg vs 10 mg/kg treatment, respectively. GO terms analysis showed that the up-regulated genes related to the immune system were highly expressed. KEGG pathway analysis further revealed the importance of several metabolic pathways, including drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, and calcium signaling pathways. The differentially expressed genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. These findings expand our understanding of the gene expression profiles and signaling pathways associated with the immune response to ZEA exposure in sows during the embryo implantation window. This study provides valuable information for clarifying the molecular mechanism of ZEA's immunotoxicity to early pregnant sows in the future.

Zearalenone Affect the Intestinal Villi Associated with the Distribution and the Expression of Ghrelin and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen in Weaned Gilts

This study explored and investigated how zearalenone (ZEA) affects the morphology of small intestine and the distribution and expression of ghrelin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the small intestine of weaned gilts. A total of 20 weaned gilts (42-day-old, D × L × Y, weighing 12.84 ± 0.26 kg) were divided into the control and ZEA groups (ZEA at 1.04 mg/kg in diet) in a 35-d study. Histological observations of the small intestines revealed that villus injuries of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, such as atrophy, retardation and branching dysfunction, were observed in the ZEA treatment. The villi branch of the ileum in the ZEA group was obviously decreased compared to that of the ileum, jejunum and duodenum, and the number of lymphoid nodules of the ileum was increased. Additionally, the effect of ZEA (1.04 mg/kg) was decreased by the immunoreactivity and distribution of ghrelin and PCNA in the duodenal and jejunal mucosal epithelial cells. Interestingly, ZEA increased the immunoreactivity of ghrelin in the ileal mucosal epithelial cells and decreased the immunoreactivity expression of PCNA in the gland epithelium of the small intestine. In conclusion, ZEA (1.04 mg/kg) had adverse effects on the development and the absorptive capacity of the villi of the intestines; yet, the small intestine could resist or ameliorate the adverse effects of ZEA by changing the autocrine of ghrelin in intestinal epithelial cells.

Inflammatory cytokines as key players of apoptosis induced by environmental estrogens in the ovary

Natural and synthetic environmental estrogens (EEs), interfering with the physiological functions of the body's estrogens, are widespread and are rising much concern for their possible deleterious effects on human and animal health, in particular on reproduction. In fact, increasing evidence indicate that EEs can be responsible for a variety of disfunctions of the reproductive system especially in females such as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Because of their great structural diversity, the modes of action of EEs are controversial. One important way through which EEs exert their effects on reproduction is the induction of apoptosis in the ovary. In general, EEs can exert pro-and anti-apoptotic effects by agonizing or antagonizing numerous estrogen-dependent signaling pathways. In the present work, results concerning apoptotic pathways and diseases induced by representative EEs (such as zearalenone, bisphenol A and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate), in ovaries throughout development are presented into an integrated network. By reviewing and elaborating these studies, we propose inflammatory factors, centered on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as a major cause of the induction of apoptosis by EEs in the mammalian ovary. As a consequence, potential strategies to prevent such EE effect are suggested.

Halloysite nanotubes - the nano-bio interface

The numerous biological applications of nanoparticles in general and nano-clays in particular are rooted in understanding and harnessing their dynamic nano-bio interface. Among clays, the intrinsically-mesoporous halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have emerged in recent years as promising nanomaterials. The diverse interactions of these nanotubes with living cells, encompassing electrostatic, van der Waals, and ion exchange, along with cellular response, are crucial in determining the behaviour of HNTs in biological systems. Thus, rational engineering of the nanotube properties allows for vast applications ranging from bacteria encapsulation for bioremediation, through algae flocculation for aquaculture, to intracellular drug delivery. This review summarizes the many aspects of the nano-bio interface of HNTs with different cell types (bacteria, algae and fungi, and mammalian cells), highlighting biocompatibility/bio-adverse properties, interaction mechanisms, and the latest cutting-edge technologies.

Functionalized nanoflower-like hydroxyl magnesium silicate for effective adsorption of aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is widely found in food and feed, poses a serious threat to the health of human and livestock. In this work, functionalized nanoflower-like hydroxyl magnesium silicate (FNHMS) was synthesized for adsorption of AFB1. First, bulk magnesium silicate (MS) was converted into nanoflower-like hydroxyl magnesium silicate (NHMS) by hydroxylation. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB) modification then enhanced the hydrophobicity and the affinity to AFB1 of NHMS. The adsorption performance for AFB1 followed the order of MS < NHMS < FNHMS, and the adsorption performance increased with the increase of the dose of CTMAB. Isothermal adsorption analysis indicated that the surface of FNHMS was heterogeneous. The adsorption capacity of FNHMS-0.4 to AFB1 was estimated to be 27.34 mg g^-1 and 28.61 mg g^-1 by Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm adsorption model, respectively. By analyzing the adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics, both physical adsorption and chemisorption existed in the process of AFB1 being adsorbed on FNHMS-0.4. Adsorption mechanisms analysis indicated that the adsorption followed the adsorption site priority of H > O > Mg. This work demonstrates that FNHMS could be a promising adsorbent for removal of AFB1.

A Novel Adsorbent Albite Modified with Cetylpyridinium Chloride for Efficient Removal of Zearalenone

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin and constitutes a potential health threat to humans and livestock. This study aimed to explore the potential of albite modified by the cationic surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as ZEN adsorbent. The organoalbite (OA) was characterized by SEM analysis, XRD analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and BET gas sorption measurement. In vitro adsorption of ZEN by OA was carried out by simulating the pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The characterization results showed that the surface of OA changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic after modification. Adsorption kinetic studies showed that ZEN adsorption behavior of OA occurred by chemisorption. The equilibrium adsorption data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm, indicating that the adsorption process of ZEN by OA was monolayer. The maximum adsorption capacity (q_m) values of OA for ZEN were 10.580 and 9.287 mg/g at pH 7 and pH 3, respectively. In addition, OA had a low desorption rate (about 2%), and co-existing amino acids (i.e., Lys and Met), vitamins (i.e., VB₁ and VE), and minerals (i.e., Fe²⁺ and Ca²⁺) did not affect the removal of ZEN. These results demonstrate that OA could be a promising mycotoxin adsorbent for removing the hydrophobic, weakly polar ZEN.

Simultaneous detoxification of polar aflatoxin B1 and weak polar zearalenone from simulated gastrointestinal tract by zwitterionic montmorillonites

The current research focuses on the development of novel mycotoxins adsorbents using zwitterionic surfactants modified montmorillonites (ZMts) for simultaneous removal of highly health-hazardous polar aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and low polar zearalenone (ZER). Two types of ZMts including dodecyl dimethyl betaine (BS-12) and lauramidopropyl betaine (LAB-35) modified montmorillonites (BS-12/Mts and LAB-35/Mts) were fabricated, and the structural, interfacial and textural features of which were explored by different techniques. It is indicated that ZMts have different structural configurations based on the surfactant type and loadings, convert from hydrophilic to hydrophobic property, with a mesoporous network inherited from Mt. The resultant adsorbents show significant improvements on the detoxification efficiency of both AFB₁ and ZER. pH has little effect on the adsorption of ZMts, suggesting no desorption happens. The adsorption mechanisms of raw Mt, BS-12/Mts and LAB-35/Mts to AFB₁ and ZER were proposed based on the characterizations and adsorption isotherms. This study demonstrates that ZMts possess simultaneous detoxification functions to mycotoxins with different polarities, and provides new insights into development of versatile mycotoxins adsorbents.

Dietary exposure to mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) during post-implantation adversely affects placental development in mice

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a common food contaminant (ppb-ppm) derived from Fusarium fungi. With its estrogenicity and potential chronic exposure, ZEA poses a risk to pregnancy. Our previous studies implied post-implantational lethality by ZEA. Since a functional placenta is essential for fetal development and survival, it was hypothesized that ZEA may have adverse effects on placental development leading to post-implantational lethality. Exposure of young mice to 0, 0.8, 4, 10, and 40 ppm ZEA diets from gestation day 5.5 (D5.5) to D13.5 led to increased resorption of implantation sites, increased placental hemorrhage, decreased placental and fetal weights, proportionally reduced placental layers, and disorganized placental labyrinth vascular spaces in the 40 ppm ZEA group, as well as lipid accumulation in the labyrinth layer of all four ZEA treatment groups examined on D13.5. These data demonstrate adverse effects of ZEA on placental development.

Modified Palygorskite Improves Immunity, Antioxidant Ability, Intestinal Morphology, and Barrier Function in Broiler Chickens Fed Naturally Contaminated Diet with Permitted Feed Concentrations of Fusarium Mycotoxins

This study investigated effects of modified palygorskite (MPal) on immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier integrity in broiler chickens challenged with permitted feed Fusarium mycotoxin concentrations. One-day-old chicks were allocated into three treatments with eight replicates. Chickens in three groups were fed a basal diet with normal corn (control), contaminated diet containing moldy corn, with Fusarium mycotoxins contents in the diets lower than permitted feed mycotoxin concentrations, and the contaminated diet supplemented with 1 g/kg MPal for 42 days, respectively. Compared with control, moldy corn decreased bursa of Fabricius weight, jejunal secreted immunoglobulin A concentration, ileal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, jejunal and ileal villus height (VH) and VH/crypt depth (CD) ratio, and jejunal zonula occludens-1 and mucin 2 mRNA abundances at 42 days as well as ileal VH/CD ratio at 21 days; while they increased jejunal malondialdehyde accumulation at 21 and 42 days, jejunal SOD activity at 21 days, and serum diamine oxidase activity at 42 days, which were almost recovered by MPal. Moreover, dietary MPal upregulated ileal claudin-2 mRNA abundance compared with other two groups. The results indicated that MPal addition exerted protective effects on immunity, oxidative status, and intestinal barrier integrity in chickens challenged with permitted feed Fusarium mycotoxins levels.

Nanoparticles as a Solution for Eliminating the Risk of Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain filamentous fungi. The occurrence of mycotoxins in food and feed causes negative health impacts on both humans and animals. Clay binders, yeast cell walls, or antioxidant additives are the most widely used products for mycotoxin elimination to reduce their impact. Although conventional methods are constantly improving, current research trends are looking for innovative solutions. Nanotechnology approaches seem to be a promising, effective, and low-cost way to minimize the health effects of mycotoxins. This review aims to shed light on the critical knowledge gap in mycotoxin elimination by nanotechnology. There are three main strategies: mold inhibition, mycotoxin adsorption, and reducing the toxic effect via nanoparticles. One of the most promising methods is the use of carbon-based nanomaterials. Graphene has been shown to have a huge surface and high binding capacity for mycotoxins. Attention has also been drawn to polymeric nanoparticles; they could substitute adsorbents or enclose any substance, which would improve the health status of the organism. In light of these findings, this review gives new insights into possible future research that might overcome challenges associated with nanotechnology utilization for mycotoxin elimination from agricultural products.

Colon Microbiome of Pigs Fed Diet Contaminated with Commercial Purified Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone

Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) can seriously affect animal health, with potentially severe economic losses. Previous studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota plays a significant role in detoxification. We analyzed the colon contents from three groups of pigs (fed either a standard diet, or a diet with 8 mg/kg DON or ZEN). Bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons were obtained from the colon contents, and sequenced using next-generation sequencing on the MiSeq platform. Overall, 2,444,635 gene sequences were generated, with ≥2000 sequences examined. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in all three groups. The sequences of Lactobacillus, Megasphaera, and Faecalibacterium genera, and the unclassified Clostridiaceae family, represented more than 1.2% of the total, with significantly different abundances among the groups. Lactobacillus was especially more abundant in the DON (7.6%) and ZEN (2.7%) groups than in the control (0.2%). A total of 48,346 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in the three groups. Two OTUs, classified as Lactobacillus, were the most dominant in the DON and ZEN groups. The abundances of the remaining OTUs were also significantly different among the groups. Thus, the mycotoxin-contaminated feed significantly affected the colon microbiota, especially Lactobacillus, which was the most abundant. Therefore, we speculate that Lactobacillus plays a major role in detoxification of these mycotoxins.

Halloysite clay nanotubes for life sciences applications: From drug encapsulation to bioscaffold

Natural forming clay halloysite is an emerging nanomaterial carrier for sustained drug delivery. These 50 nm diameter aluminosilicate tubes, with inner - alumina and outer - silica surface layers, can be loaded with 10-30 wt% of drug molecules, DNA and enzymes. The opposite charge of the inner and outer halloysite surface allow for selective drug adsorption inside or outside the clay nanotubes. The drug loaded halloysite enhanced the zeta potential of minus 50-60 mV allowing for stable aqueous nanocolloids. Halloysite nanoformulations provide an extended 10-20 h release profile, and may be functionalized (e.g., clogging tubes' end with polymers extending release time to 1-2 weeks or allowing for triggered release), which renders these clay nanostructures as promising controlled delivery systems. Recent studies demonstrate the potential of abundantly available halloysite clay nanotubes for life science applications, from drug delivery via oral or topical administration, to tissue scaffolds and regenerative medicine, while assessing their cellular internalization, stability, biosafety and biocompatibility are featured. The benefits and limitations of halloysite clay nanotubes are discussed, as well as the directions for future developments.

Effects of High Levels of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on Growth Performance, and Hematological and Immunological Parameters in Pigs

Background: Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) are common food contaminants produced by Fusarium sp. Mycotoxins are a potential health hazard because of their toxicological effects on both humans and farmed animals. Methods: We analyzed three groups of pigs: a control group (fed a standard diet), and the DON and ZEN groups, fed a diet containing 8 mg/kg DON and 0.8 mg/kg ZEN respectively, for four weeks. Results: DON and ZEN exposure decreased body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), food conversion rate (FCR), and the serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM. The total antioxidant levels significantly decreased in serum and increased in urine samples of both treatment groups. Additionally, DON and ZEN exposure increased serotonin levels in urine. Hematological parameters were not affected by the investigated toxins. Microscopic lesions were evident in sections of kidneys from either treatment group: we found sporadic interstitial nephritis in the DON group and renal glomerulus atrophy in the ZEN group. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokine marker genes were reduced in tissues from DON- and ZEN-exposed pigs. Conclusions: chronic ingestion of high doses of DON and ZEN alters the immune response and causes organs damage, and might be associated with various diseases in pigs.

Evaluation of nonionic surfactant modified montmorillonite as mycotoxins adsorbent for aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone

This work aims at exploring the potential of nonionic surfactant octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (OP-10) modified montmorillonites (NMts) as mycotoxins adsorbent. The resulting NMts has different structural configurations, organic carbon contents, surface hydrophobicity and textural properties at different surfactant loadings. The prepared NMts were used for adsorption of polar aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and weak polar zearalenone (ZER) in both single and binary-contaminate systems by simulating conditions of gastrointestinal tract. The adsorption capacities of NMts to AFB₁ and ZER increased up to 2.78 and 8.54 mg/g respectively from 0.51 and 0.00 mg/g of raw montmorillonite (Mt). High adsorption capacities of NMts to AFB₁ and ZER could be reached at low surfactant loadings. There was little decrease from pH of 3.5 to 6.5 but became negligible with increasing the surfactant loadings. In binary-contaminate adsorption system, the adsorption of ZER was obviously affected by the existence of AFB₁, while ZER had little effect on the adsorption process of AFB₁ due to different adsorption mechanism. This study demonstrates that NMts could be a promising adsorbent for simultaneous detoxification of polar and non-polar mycotoxins.

Effects of Zearalenone Exposure on the TGF-β1/Smad3 Signaling Pathway and the Expression of Proliferation or Apoptosis Related Genes of Post-Weaning Gilts

Zearalenone (ZEA) is an estrogenic toxin produced by Fusarium species, which is widely distributed and posed a great health risk to both humans and farm animals. Reproductive disorders associated with ZEA such as premature puberty, infertility and abortion have plagued the animal husbandry, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. Because transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling pathway is involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of cells, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (BCL-2) and BCL-2 associated X protein (BAX) that all play indispensable roles in the normal development of the uterus, it is hypothesized that ZEA induces reproductive disorders is closely related to the expression of these genes. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of dietary ZEA at the concentrations of 0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg on the mRNA and protein expression of these genes in the uteri of post-weaning gilts and to explore the possible molecular mechanism. Forty healthy post-weaning female piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) aged 38 d were randomly allocated to basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control), 0.5 (ZEA0.5), 1.0 (ZEA1.0), or 1.5 (ZEA1.5) mg/kg purified ZEA, and fed for 35 d. Piglets were euthanized at the end of the experiment and samples were taken and subjected to immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. The relative mRNA expressions of PCNA, BCL-2 and Smad3 in the uteri of post-weaning gilts increased linearly (p < 0.05) and quadratically (p < 0.05) as ZEA concentration increased in the diet. The relative protein expressions of PCNA, BAX, BCL-2, TGF-β1, Smad3, and phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) in the uteri of post-weaning gilts increased linearly (p < 0.05) and quadratically (p < 0.001) with an increasing level of ZEA. The results showed that uterine cells in the ZEA (0.5–1.5 mg/kg) treatments were in a high proliferation state, indicating that ZEA could accelerate the proliferation of uteri and promote the development of the uteri. At the same time, the results suggested that ZEA activates the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, suggesting it plays an important role in accelerating the development of the uterus.

Toxicity of zearalenone on the intestines of pregnant sows and their offspring and alleviation with modified halloysite nanotubes

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of maternal exposure to zearalenone (ZEN) on the intestines of pregnant sows and offspring on postnatal days (PD) 1, 21 and 188. Eighteen pregnant sows (six per treatment) were fed a control diet (ZEN, 0.03 mg kg^-1 ), ZEN diet (ZEN, 2.77 mg kg^-1 ) and ZEN + 1% modified halloysite nanotube (MHNT) diet (ZEN, 2.76 mg kg^-1 ) respectively from gestation days (GD) 35 to 70. At the end of the experiment, three sows of each group on GD70 and the offspring on PD1, PD21 and PD188 were killed to analyze the changes of intestines.

RESULTS

The results showed that ZEN caused oxidative stress, an inflammatory response, changes in the structure of jejunum and alterations of the bacterial numbers in cecal digesta in pregnant sows and PD1 and PD21 piglets. On PD188, bacterial numbers were also altered. MHNTs supplementation reduced the amount of ZEN in the intestine and reversed to a large extent the effects induced by ZEN on the intestines of pregnant sows and offspring.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained from this study indicated that MHNTs treatment was beneficial for the adsorption of ZEN in the intestine of sows. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recent Advances on Surface Modification of Halloysite Nanotubes for Multifunctional Applications

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are natural occurring mineral clay nanotubes that have excellent application potential in different fields. However, HNTs are heterogeneous in size, surface charge, and formation of surfacial hydrogen bond, which lead to weak affinity and aggregation at a certain extent. It is very important to modify the HNTs’ surface to expand its applications. In this review, the structural characteristics, performance, and the related applications of surface-modified HNTs are reviewed. We focus on the surface-modified variation of HNTs, the effects of surface modification on the materials and related applications in various regions. In addition, future prospects and the meaning of surface modification were also discussed in HNTs studies. This review provides a reference for the application of HNTs modifications in the field of new nanomaterials.

Simultaneous adsorption of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone by mono- and di-alkyl cationic surfactants modified montmorillonites

Organo-montmorillonites (OMts) modified with mono- and di-alkyl cationic surfactants were prepared to remove polar mycotoxin aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and weak polar, hydrophobic mycotoxin zearalenone (ZER) simultaneously. The structural and surface properties of the prepared OMts were investigated. In vitro adsorption experiments were carried out to simulate the in vivo conditions of gastrointestinal tract of animals by a batch mode. The adsorption of AFB₁ and ZER in both single and binary-contaminate systems were investigated systematically. Both OMts showed super enhanced adsorption capacities towards AFB₁ and ZER whenever in single and binary-contaminate systems compared with raw Mt, indicating the effectiveness of the prepared OMts acted as mycotoxins adsorbents. DODAC-Mt showed a higher adsorption capacity towards AFB₁ and ZER than OTAB-Mt. The equilibrium data of AFB₁ on OMts were fitted satisfactorily with Freundlich and Linear models, suggesting the co-existence of different adsorption mechanism which were proposed to be ion-dipole interactions (between surfactant cations and carbonyl groups of AFB₁) and adsorption/partition mechanisms. The adsorption isotherms of OMts to ZER matched best with Linear models, implying the adsorption/partition mechanism. For simultaneous adsorption, the adsorption process of one mycotoxin was slightly affected by the presence of the other mycotoxin due to the requirement of partial same sorption sites. In addition, the solution pH had negligible influence on the adsorption process of OMts, meaning no desorption occurred when the adsorbents pass through from stomach to intestine as animal feed.

Binase Immobilized on Halloysite Nanotubes Exerts Enhanced Cytotoxicity toward Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells

Many ribonucleases (RNases) are considered as promising tools for antitumor therapy because of their selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Binase, the RNase from Bacillus pumilus, triggers apoptotic response in cancer cells expressing RAS oncogene which is mutated in a large percentage of prevalent and deadly malignancies including colorectal cancer. The specific antitumor effect of binase toward RAS-transformed cells is due to its direct binding of RAS protein and inhibition of downstream signaling. However, the delivery of proteins to the intestine is complicated by their degradation in the digestive tract and subsequent loss of therapeutic activity. Therefore, the search of new systems for effective delivery of therapeutic proteins is an actual task. This study is aimed to the investigation of antitumor effect of binase immobilized on natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Here, we have developed the method of binase immobilization on HNTs and optimized the conditions for the enzyme loading and release (i); we have found the non-toxic concentration of pure HNTs which allows to distinguish HNTs- and binase-induced cytotoxic effects (ii); using dark-field and fluorescent microscopy we have proved the absorption of binase-loaded HNTs on the cell surface (iii) and demonstrated that binase-halloysite nanoformulations possessed twice enhanced cytotoxicity toward tumor colon cells as compared to the cytotoxicity of binase itself (iv). The enhanced antitumor activity of biocompatible binase-HNTs complex confirms the advisability of its future development for clinical practice.

Zearalenone as an endocrine disruptor in humans

Zearalenone (ZEA), a fungal mycotoxin, is present in a wide range of human foods. Many animal studies have found ZEA to possess a disruptive effect on the hormonal balance, mainly due to its similarity to naturally-occurring estrogens. With increasing consciousness of the adverse effects of endocrine disruptors on human health, it is becoming more important to monitor ZEA concentrations in food and identify its potential effects on human health. Based on a review of recent studies on animal models and molecular pathways in which ZEA is reported to have an influence on humans, we postulate that ZEA might act as an endocrine disruptor in humans in a similar way to animals. Moreover, its endocrine-disrupting effect might be also a causative factor in carcinogenesis. This review article summarizes the latest knowledge about the influence of ZEA on the human hormonal balance.

Multifaceted toxicity assessment of catalyst composites in transgenic zebrafish embryos

Recent development in the field of nanomaterials has given rise into the inquiries regarding the toxicological characteristics of the nanomaterials. While many individual nanomaterials have been screened for their toxicological effects, composites that accompany nanomaterials are not common subjects to such screening through toxicological assessment. One of the widely used composites that accompany nanomaterials is catalyst composite used to reduce air pollution, which was selected as a target composite with nanomaterials for the multifaceted toxicological assessment. As existing studies did not possess any significant data regarding such catalyst composites, this study focuses on investigating toxicological characteristics of catalyst composites from various angles in both in-vitro and in-vivo settings. Initial toxicological assessment on catalyst composites was conducted using HUVECs for cell viability assays, and subsequent in-vivo assay regarding their direct influence on living organisms was done. The zebrafish embryo and its transgenic lines were used in the in-vivo assays to obtain multifaceted analytic results. Data obtained from the in-vivo assays include blood vessel formation, mutated heart morphology, and heart functionality change. Our multifaceted toxicological assessment pointed out that chemical composites augmented with nanomaterials can too have toxicological threat as much as individual nanomaterials do and alarms us with their danger. This manuscript provides a multifaceted assessment for composites augmented with nanomaterials, of which their toxicological threats have been overlooked.

Modified halloysite nanotubes reduce the toxic effects of zearalenone in gestating sows on growth and muscle development of their offsprings

Background

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin that is primarily produced by Fusarium fungi and has been proven to affect the reproductive capacity of many species to varying degrees. The present experiment was designed to study the maternal persistent effects of zearalenone toxicity in gestating sows on growth and muscle development of their offsprings, and the alleviation of zearalenone toxicity by modified halloysite nanotubes (MHNTs).

Methods

Eighteen sows were fed with one of three dietary treatments that included the following: (1) a control diet, (2) a contaminated grain diet (with 50 % moldy corn, 2.77 mg/kg ZEN), and (3) a contaminated grain diet (with 50 % moldy corn, 2.76 mg/kg ZEN) + 1 % MHNTs. Each sow was exclusively fed its experimental diets from 35 to 70 d of gestation at a total of 2 kg daily. Muscle samples were collected from six piglets per treatment at birth, weaning and finishing.

Results

The results showed that feeding the sows with the ZEN-contaminated diets from 35 to 70 d of gestation decreased the ADG, ADFI and G:F of their offsprings (P < 0.05). The muscle fiber numbers in the newborn, weaning and growing-finishing pigs and the muscle fiber diameters at birth and weaning were also decreased by maternal ZEN exposure (P < 0.05). The expressions of IGF-I, IGF-II, Myf-5 and Mstn at birth and IGF-II, Pax7, Myf-5 and MyoD1 at weaning were altered by feeding gestating sows with ZEN-contaminated diets (P < 0.05). The MHNTs reduced most of the ZEN-induced toxic effects: the ADG and ADFI on growth performance, the muscle fiber numbers at weaning and finishing and the muscle fiber diameters at weaning (P < 0.05). The expression levels of IGF-II and Mstn in newborn piglets and IGF-II and Myf-5 in weaning piglets were also prevented by adding 1 % MHNTs (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that the offsprings of sows fed with ZEN-contaminated diets from 35 to 70 day of gestation exhibited weakening on growth performance, physiological changes in their muscle fibers and alterations of mRNA expression in their muscle tissues, and also indicated that MHNTs prevented most of the ZEN-induced weakening in the muscle tissues.

Crumbled or mashed feed had no significant effect on the performance of lactating sows or their offspring

Background

Physical and chemical properties of feedstuffs can be changed by feed processing. Moreover, through various mechanisms, feed processing can affect growth performance and feed efficiency of swine, nutrition value of the feed. Weaning-to service-intervals (WSI), subsequent farrowing rates, and total-born litter sizes were determined by feed intake and metabolic state during lactation.

Methods

A total of 20 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with an average body weight (BW) of 266.1 kg 4 d before farrowing were used to determine the effect of feed processing on the performance of lactating sows and their offspring. The following two dietary treatments were used: 1) Crumble diet (C); and 2) Mash diet (M). Ten replications were used for each treatment. Back fat thickness of sows was measured 6 cm off the midline at the 10th rib using a real-time ultrasound instrument at 4 d before farrowing, 1 d after farrowing, and during weaning. Sow BW were also checked at 4 d before farrowing, 1 d after farrowing, and during weaning. Fecal score of sows were assessed on d 14. Fecal score of piglets were observed on d 7, 15, and 24. Data were analyzed using t-test procedure of SAS (2014) with sow as experimental unit.

Results

No significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed in the reproduction performance of sows between the two treatments. In addition, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the growth performance of piglets between the two treatments. Fecal score of sows or piglets showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference either.

Conclusions

In conclusion, different feed processing (mash or crumble) did not make any significant difference on the performance of lactation sow or their piglets.