Resveratrol Relieved Acute Liver Damage in Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) Induced by AFB1 via Modulation of Apoptosis and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways

Protective and Detoxifying Effects of Resveratrol on Zearalenone-Mediated Toxicity: A Review

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp. fungi and is widely found in moldy corn, wheat, barley, and other grains. ZEA is distributed to the whole body via blood circulation after metabolic transformation in animals. Through oxidative stress, immunosuppression, apoptosis, autophagy, and mitochondrial dysfunction, ZEA leads to hepatitis, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, abortion, and stillbirth in female animals, and decreased sperm motility in male animals. In recent years, due to the influence of climate, storage facilities, and other factors, the problem of ZEA pollution in global food crops has become particularly prominent, resulting in serious problems for the animal husbandry and feed industries, and threatening human health. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural product with therapeutic activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. RSV can alleviate ZEA-induced toxic effects by targeting signaling pathways such as NF-κB, Nrf2/Keap1, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR via attenuating oxidative damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, and regulating cellular autophagy. Therefore, this paper provides a review of the protective effect of RSV against ZEA-induced toxicity and its molecular mechanism, and discusses the safety and potential clinical applications of RSV in the search for natural mycotoxin detoxification agents.

Baicalin attenuates aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxicity via suppressing c-Jun-N-terminal kinase-mediated cell apoptosis

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is classified as a Class I carcinogen and common pollutant in human and animal food products. Prolonged exposure to AFB1 can induce hepatocyte apoptosis and lead to hepatotoxicity. Therefore, preventing AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity remains a critical issue and is of great significance. Baicalin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has a variety of pharmacodynamic activities, such as antiapoptotic and anticancer activities. This study systematically investigated the alleviating effect of baicalin on AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity from the perspective of apoptosis and explored the possible molecular mechanism. In the normal human liver cell line L02, baicalin treatment significantly inhibited AFB1-induced c-Jun-N-terminal Kinase (JNK) activation and cell apoptosis. In addition, the in vitro mechanism study demonstrated that baicalin alleviates AFB1-induced hepatocyte apoptosis through suppressing the translocation of phosphorylated JNK to the nucleus and decreasing the phosphorylated c-Jun/c-Jun ratio and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Molecular docking and drug affinity responsive target stability assays demonstrated that baicalin has the potential to target JNK. This study provides a basis for the therapeutic effect of baicalin on hepatocyte apoptosis caused by AFB1, indicating that the development of baicalin and JNK pathway inhibitors has broad application prospects in the prevention of hepatotoxicity, especially hepatocyte apoptosis.

The protective effects of Lactobacillus SNK-6 on growth, organ health, and intestinal function in geese exposed to low concentration Aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a prevalent mycotoxin present in feed ingredients. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) on the Landes geese exposed to AFB1. The 300 one-day-old Landes geese were randomly divided into five groups: The control group received a basic diet, while the other groups were fed a basic diet supplemented with 10 μg/kg AFB1, 10 μg/kg AFB1+ 4*108 cfu/g L. salivarius, 50 μg/kg AFB1, and 50 μg/kg AFB1 + 4*108 cfu/g L. salivarius for 63 d. Results showed that high level AFB1 exposure significantly decreased final BW and ADG, increased feed/gain ratio (F/G) and liver index (P < 0.05). L. salivarius improved levels of IL-1, IL-6, and IL-12 under low level of AFB1 exposure (P < 0.05), along with similar trends observed in serum IgA, IgG, IgM, T3, T4, TNF-ɑ, and EDT (P < 0.05). AFB1 exposure reduced jejunum villus high and villus high/crypt depth ratio, and suppressed expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 mRNA, and significant improved with L. salivarius supplementation under low level AFB1 exposure (P < 0.05). AFB1 significantly increased expression levels of TLR3 and NF-kB1, with supplementation of L. salivarius showing significant improvement under low AFB1 exposure (P < 0.05). Cecal microbiota sequencing revealed that under low level AFB1 exposure, supplementation with L. salivarius increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactococcus. In summary, supplementation with 4*108 cfu/g L. salivarius under 10 μg/kg AFB1 exposure improved growth performance and immune capacity, enhanced jejunum morphology, reduced liver inflammation, altered the cecal microbial structure, and positively affected the growth and development of geese.

Lactobacillus salivarius Ameliorates AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity via PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in Geese

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is commonly found in feed ingredients and foods all over the world, posing a significant threat to food safety and public health in animals and humans. Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) was recorded to improve the intestinal health and performance of chickens. However, whether L. salivarius can alleviate AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity in geese was unknown. A total of 300 Lande geese were randomly assigned to five groups: control group, AFB1 low-dose group (L), L. salivarius+AFB1 low-dose group (LL), AFB1 high dosage groups (H), L. salivarius+AFB1 high dosage groups (LH), respectively. The results showed that the concentrations of ALT, AST, and GGT significantly increased after exposure to AFB1. Similarly, severe damage of hepatic morphology was observed including the hepatic structure injury and inflammatory cell infiltration. The oxidative stress was evidenced by the elevated concentrations of MDA, and decreased activities of GSH-Px, GSH and SOD. The observation of immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, and western blotting showed that the expression of PINK1 and the value of LC3II/LC3I were increased, but that of p62 significantly decreased after AFB1 exposure. Moreover, the supplementation of L. salivarius effectively improved the geese performance, ameliorated AFB1-induced oxidative stress, inhibited mitochondrial mitophagy and enhanced the liver restoration to normal level. The present study demonstrated that L. salivarius ameliorated AFB1-induced the hepatotoxicity by decreasing the oxidative stress, and regulating the expression of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in the mitochondria of the geese liver. Furthermore, this investigation suggested that L. salivarius might serve as a novel and safe additive for preventing AFB1 contamination in poultry feed.

Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 by Phytochemicals in Agriculture and Food Science

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most toxic and harmful mycotoxin, has a high likelihood of occurring in animal feed and human food, which seriously affects agriculture and food safety and endangers animal and human health. Recently, natural plant products have attracted widespread attention due to their low toxicity, high biocompatibility, and simple composition, indicating significant potential for resisting AFB1. The mechanisms by which these phytochemicals resist toxins mainly involve antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic pathways. Moreover, these substances also inhibit the genotoxicity of AFB1 by directly influencing its metabolism in vivo, which contributes to its elimination. Here, we review various phytochemicals that resist AFB1 and their anti-AFB1 mechanisms in different animals, as well as the common characteristics of phytochemicals with anti-AFB1 function. Additionally, the shortcomings of current research and future research directions will be discussed. Overall, this comprehensive summary contributes to the better application of phytochemicals in agriculture and food safety.

Dietary pterostilbene exerts potential protective effects by regulating lipid metabolism and enhancing antioxidant capacity on liver in broilers

Intensive breeding of broilers met the increasing demands of human for broiler products, but it raised their increased susceptibility to various stressors resulting in the disorder of lipid metabolism. Pterostilbene, the methoxylated analogue of resveratrol, exhibits astonishing functions of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and glycolipid regulatory. The study aimed to elucidate the protective effects of pterostilbene on broiler liver and to explore the potential mechanisms. A total of 480 one-day-old male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (basal diet) and pterostilbene groups (PT200, PT400, and PT600 feeding with basal diet containing 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg pterostilbene, respectively). The results showed that the dietary pterostilbene supplementation significantly improved the ADG of broilers. Dietary pterostilbene supplementation regulated the expression levels of the genes Sirt1 and AMPK and the downstream genes related to lipid metabolism to protect liver function and reduce lipid accumulation in broilers. Dietary pterostilbene supplementation upregulated the expression levels of the Nrf2 gene and its downstream antioxidant genes (SOD, CAT, HO-1, NQO-1, GPX) and phase II detoxification enzyme-related genes (GST, GCLM, GCLC). Collectively, pterostilbene was confirmed the positive effects as a feed additive on lipid metabolism and antioxidant via regulating Sirt1/AMPK and Nrf2 signalling pathways in broilers.

The Effects of Aflatoxin B1 on Liver Cholestasis and Its Nutritional Regulation in Ducks

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on cholestasis in duck liver and its nutritional regulation. Three hundred sixty 1-day-old ducks were randomly divided into six groups and fed for 4 weeks. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the experimental group diet contained 90 μg/kg of AFB1. Cholestyramine, atorvastatin calcium, taurine, and emodin were added to the diets of four experimental groups. The results show that in the AFB1 group, the growth properties, total bile acid (TBA) serum levels and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) liver levels decreased, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) and TBA liver levels increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, AFB1 caused cholestasis. Cholestyramine, atorvastatin calcium, taurine, and emodin could reduce the TBA serum and liver levels (p < 0.05), alleviating the symptoms of cholestasis. The qPCR results show that AFB1 upregulated cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) and cytochrome P450 family 8 subfamily B member 1 (CYP8B1) gene expression and downregulated ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 11 (BSEP) gene expression in the liver, and taurine and emodin downregulated CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 gene expression (p < 0.05). In summary, AFB1 negatively affects health and alters the expression of genes related to liver bile acid metabolism, leading to cholestasis. Cholestyramine, atorvastatin calcium, taurine, and emodin can alleviate AFB1-induced cholestasis.

Resveratrol alleviates inorganic arsenic-induced ferroptosis in chicken brain via activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a well-recognized environmental pollutant that induces severe brain injury in humans and animals. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ferroptotic effects of resveratrol (Res) were demonstrated in multiple animal experiments. In order to investigate the protective effect of Res on iAs-induced chicken brain injury, the 40 chickens (19-d-old, female) brain injury model was established by oral administration of iAs (30 mg/L NaAsO2) for 6 weeks. All chickens had free access to both food and water during the experiment. The biochemical indices, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and related protein levels of oxidative stress, inflammation and ferroptosis were then determined. Our results indicated that Res (1000 mg/kg) alleviated the iAs-induced brain injury after 6 weeks of oral administration, primarily by reducing the interleukin-1β mRNA expression and nuclear factor kappa B and malondialdehyde level, and increasing the antioxidant enzyme activity and the mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Taken together, our study demonstrates that Res effectively inhibits iAs-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis by mediating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating iAs-induced brain injury in chickens. This is the first time that the amelioration effects of Res on the iAs-induced brain have been investigated from multiple perspectives.

E-Stilbenes: General Chemical and Biological Aspects, Potential Pharmacological Activity Based on the Nrf2 Pathway

Stilbenes are phytoalexins, and their biosynthesis can occur through a natural route (shikimate precursor) or an alternative route (in microorganism cultures). The latter is a metabolic engineering strategy to enhance production due to stilbenes recognized pharmacological and medicinal potential. It is believed that in the human body, these potential activities can be modulated by the regulation of the nuclear factor erythroid derived 2 (Nrf2), which increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Given this, our review aims to critically analyze evidence regarding E-stilbenes in human metabolism and the Nrf2 activation pathway, with an emphasis on inflammatory and oxidative stress aspects related to the pathophysiology of chronic and metabolic diseases. In this comprehensive literature review, it can be observed that despite the broad number of stilbenes, those most frequently explored in clinical trials and preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) were resveratrol, piceatannol, pterostilbene, polydatin, stilbestrol, and pinosylvin. In some cases, depending on the dose/concentration and chemical nature of the stilbene, it was possible to identify activation of the Nrf2 pathway. Furthermore, the use of some experimental models presented a challenge in comparing results. In view of the above, it can be suggested that E-stilbenes have a relationship with the Nrf2 pathway, whether directly or indirectly, through different biological pathways, and in different diseases or conditions that are mainly related to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Study on Dihydromyricetin Improving Aflatoxin Induced Liver Injury Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a toxic food/feed contaminant and the liver is its main target organ, thus it poses a great danger to organisms. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural flavonoid compound, can be used as a food additive with high safety and has been shown to have strong hepatoprotective effects. In this experiment, PPI network and KEGG pathway analysis were constructed by network pharmacological analysis technique using software and platforms such as Swiss, String, and David and Cytoscape. We screened AFB1 and DHM cross-targets and pathways of action, followed by molecular docking based on the strength of binding affinity of genes to DHM. In addition, we exposed AFB1 (200 μg/kg) to mice to establish a liver injury model. Histological observation, biochemical assay, oxidative stress indicator assay, TUNEL staining and Western blot were used to evaluate the liver injury. Network pharmacological results were screened to obtain 25 cross-targets of action and 20 pathways of action. It was found that DHM may exert anti-hepatic injury effects by inhibiting the overexpression of Caspase-3 protein and increasing the expression of Bcl-2 protein. DHM (200 mg/kg) was found to reduce AFB1-induced liver indices such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate acyltransferase (AST), and attenuate hepatic histopathological damage through animal models. Importantly, DHM inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in liver tissue and attenuated AFB1-induced oxidative stress injury by increasing glutathione-S-transferase (GST) glutathione (GPX) catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Meanwhile, DHM also restored the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and antioxidant proteins, Nrf2, Keap1 and its downstream HO-1, and down-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase-3 in AFB1-induced liver tissues. The results confirmed that liver injury caused by AFB1 exposure could be alleviated by DHM, providing valuable guidance for in-depth study of DHM in the treatment of liver-related diseases, and laying the foundation for in-depth development and utilization of DHM.

Pathological Role of Oxidative Stress in Aflatoxin-Induced Toxicity in Different Experimental Models and Protective Effect of Phytochemicals: A Review

Aflatoxin B1 is a secondary metabolite with a potentially devastating effect in causing liver damage in broiler chickens, and this is mainly facilitated through the generation of oxidative stress and malonaldehyde build-up. In the past few years, significant progress has been made in controlling the invasion of aflatoxins. Phytochemicals are some of the commonly used molecules endowed with potential therapeutic effects to ameliorate aflatoxin, by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species and enhancing intracellular antioxidant enzymes. Experimental models involving cell cultures and broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin or contaminated diet have been used to investigate the ameliorative effects of phytochemicals against aflatoxin toxicity. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used to identify relevant data sources. The retrieved information reported on the link between aflatoxin B1-included cytotoxicity and the ameliorative potential/role of phytochemicals in chickens. Importantly, retrieved data showed that phytochemicals may potentially protect against aflatoxin B1-induced cytotoxicity by ameliorating oxidative stress and enhancing intracellular antioxidants. Preclinical data indicate that activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), together with its downstream antioxidant genes, may be a potential therapeutic mechanism by which phytochemicals neutralize oxidative stress. This highlights the need for more research to determine whether phytochemicals can be considered a useful therapeutic intervention in controlling mycotoxins to improve broiler health and productivity.

Planting conditions can enhance the bioactivity of mulberry by affecting its composition

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) has a special significance in the history of agriculture and economic plant cultivation. Mulberry has strong environmental adaptability, a wide planting range, and abundant output. It is not only an important resource for silkworm breeding but also a raw ingredient for various foods and has great potential for the development of biological resources. The bioactivities of mulberry in different planting areas are not the same, which is an obstacle to the development of mulberry. This study collected information on the planting conditions of mulberry branches in 12 planting areas, such as altitude, temperature difference, and precipitation. A comparison of the levels of 12 constituents of mulberry branches from mulberry grown in different planting areas was then made. An in vitro model was used to study the bioactivities of mulberry branches in the 12 planting areas, and mathematical analysis was used to explain the possible reasons for the differences in the composition and bioactivities of mulberry branches in different planting areas. After studying mulberry samples from 12 planting areas in China, it was found that a small temperature difference could affect the antiapoptotic effect of mulberry branch on microvascular endothelial cells by changing the levels and proportions of rutin, hyperoside, and morusin. Adequate irrigation can promote the antioxidation of the mulberry branch on microvascular endothelial cells by changing the levels and proportions of scopoletin and quercitrin. The results of the analysis of planting conditions and the levels of active constituents and their correlation with bioactivities support the improvement of mulberry planting conditions and have great significance in the rational development of mulberry resources. This is the first time that a mathematical analysis method was used to analyze the effects of planting conditions on mulberry biological activity.

Curcumin Alleviates Aflatoxin B1-Induced Liver Pyroptosis and Fibrosis by Regulating the JAK2/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway in Ducks

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a serious pollutant in feed and food which causes liver inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis. The Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of the transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway is widely involved in inflammatory response and promotes the activation of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, thus leading to pyroptosis and fibrosis. Curcumin is a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, whether AFB₁ exposure leads to the activation of the JAK2/NLRP3 signaling pathway in the liver and whether curcumin can regulate this pathway to influence pyroptosis and fibrosis in the liver remains unclear. In order to clarify these problems, we first treated ducklings with 0, 30, or 60 µg/kg AFB₁ for 21 days. We found that AFB₁ exposure caused growth inhibition, liver structural and functional damage, and activated JAK2/NLRP3-mediated liver pyroptosis and fibrosis in ducks. Secondly, ducklings were divided into a control group, 60 µg/kg AFB₁ group, and 60 µg/kg AFB₁ + 500 mg/kg curcumin group. We found that curcumin significantly inhibited the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome, as well as the occurrence of pyroptosis and fibrosis in AFB₁-exposed duck livers. These results suggested that curcumin alleviated AFB₁-induced liver pyroptosis and fibrosis by regulating the JAK2/NLRP3 signaling pathway in ducks. Curcumin is a potential agent for preventing and treating liver toxicity of AFB₁.

Biological function of resveratrol and its application in animal production: a review

With the prohibition of antibiotics in feed, plant functional substances have been widely studied as feed additives. Resveratrol, a natural stilbene, and a non-flavonoid polyphenol found in plants, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory features. Resveratrol generated intense scientific and public interest, primarily due to its widely reported ability to prevent cancer, delay aging and alleviate related metabolic diseases. Recently, resveratrol has been studied and applied as a feed additive in animal production. This review focuses on the outline of the absorption and metabolism and biological functions of resveratrol and summarizes the application of dietary resveratrol in animal production up to the present, including pigs, poultry, and ruminants. In pigs, dietary resveratrol improved intestinal health, mitochondrial function, meat quality, and more. In poultry, studies have shown that dietary resveratrol improves growth performance and meat and egg quality and alleviates heat stress induced adverse effects. There are few studies on dietary resveratrol in ruminants; however previous studies have indicated that dietary resveratrol increases nutrient digestibility and reduces methane emissions in sheep. It is hoped that this review could provide a specific theoretical basis and research ideas for the research and application of resveratrol.

Crosstalk between Mycotoxins and Intestinal Microbiota and the Alleviation Approach via Microorganisms

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungus. Due to their widespread distribution, difficulty in removal, and complicated subsequent harmful by-products, mycotoxins pose a threat to the health of humans and animals worldwide. Increasing studies in recent years have highlighted the impact of mycotoxins on the gut microbiota. Numerous researchers have sought to illustrate novel toxicological mechanisms of mycotoxins by examining alterations in the gut microbiota caused by mycotoxins. However, few efficient techniques have been found to ameliorate the toxicity of mycotoxins via microbial pathways in terms of animal husbandry, human health management, and the prognosis of mycotoxin poisoning. This review seeks to examine the crosstalk between five typical mycotoxins and gut microbes, summarize the functions of mycotoxins-induced alterations in gut microbes in toxicological processes and investigate the application prospects of microbes in mycotoxins prevention and therapy from a variety of perspectives. The work is intended to provide support for future research on the interaction between mycotoxins and gut microbes, and to advance the technology for preventing and controlling mycotoxins.

Antagonism of cadmium-induced liver injury in ducks by α-bisabolol

Cadmium (Cd) is an ecological pollutant which causes hazardous effects in animals and humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of α-bisabolol (BISA) in antagonizing the Cd-induced hepatotoxicity in ducks. Two-week old ducks were allocated into 8 groups (10 ducks/group): Group I received basal diet and was gavaged with sunflower oil (BISA vehicle, 1.1 mL/kg/day); group II was administered BISA orally (50 mg/kg/day; diluted with sunflower oil); groups III, IV, and V were fed the basal diet mixed with CdCl2 at 37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg diet, respectively, and were gavaged with sunflower oil; group VI, VII, and VIII were given basal diet containing CdCl2 at the aforementioned consecutive doses plus BISA. All treatments were provided daily for 4 weeks. Exposure to CdCl2 induced mortality in ducks, increased hepatic Cd content and serum levels of hepatopathic biomarkers, and caused oxidative stress and morphological alterations in ducks' liver. Furthermore, exposure to Cd caused upregulation of the mRNA of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α and apoptotic gene Bax, and that of cyclooxygenase-2 protein in the liver. All effects of Cd were dose-dependent. BISA antagonized all of the aforementioned CdCl2-induced changes. These findings suggested that BISA exert the hepatoprotective effect against Cd toxicity through reducing the hepatic content of Cd as well as antagonizing oxidative insults, inflammation, and apoptosis. Thus, BISA has a great potential to be used as an antidote in the control of Cd poisoning.

The Efficacy of Additives for the Mitigation of Aflatoxins in Animal Feed: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

The contamination of animal feed with aflatoxins is an ongoing and growing serious issue, particularly for livestock farmers in tropical and subtropical regions. Exposure of animals to an aflatoxin-contaminated diet impairs feed efficiency and increases susceptibility to diseases, resulting in mortality, feed waste, and increased production costs. They can also be excreted in milk and thus pose a significant human health risk. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aim to compare and identify the most effective intervention to alleviate the negative impact of aflatoxins on the important livestock sector, poultry production. Eligible studies on the efficacy of feed additives to mitigate the toxic effect of aflatoxins in poultry were retrieved from different databases. Additives were classified into three categories based on their mode of action and composition: organic binder, inorganic binder, and antioxidant. Moreover, alanine transaminase (ALT), a liver enzyme, was the primary indicator. Supplementing aflatoxin-contaminated feeds with different categories of additives significantly reduces serum ALT levels (p < 0.001) compared with birds fed only a contaminated diet. Inorganic binder (P-score 0.8615) was ranked to be the most efficient in terms of counteracting the toxic effect of aflatoxins, followed by antioxidant (P-score 0.6159) and organic binder (P-score 0.5018). These findings will have significant importance for farmers, veterinarians, and animal nutrition companies when deciding which type of additives to use for mitigating exposure to aflatoxins, thus improving food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in developing countries.

Effects of Compound Mycotoxin Detoxifier on Alleviating Aflatoxin B1-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Intestine, Liver and Kidney of Broilers

In order to alleviate the toxic effects of aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) on inflammatory responses in the intestine, liver, and kidney of broilers, the aflatoxin B1-degrading enzyme, montmorillonite, and compound probiotics were selected and combined to make a triple-action compound mycotoxin detoxifier (CMD). The feeding experiment was divided into two stages. In the early feeding stage (1−21 day), a total of 200 one-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into four groups; in the later feeding stage (22−42 day), 160 broilers aged at 22 days were assigned to four groups: Group A: basal diet (4.31 μg/kg AFB1); Group B: basal diet with 40 μg/kg AFB1; Group C: Group A plus 1.5 g/kg CMD; Group D: Group B plus 1.5 g/kg CMD. After the feeding experiment, the intestine, liver, and kidney tissues of the broilers were selected to investigate the molecular mechanism for CMD to alleviate the tissue damages. Analyses of mRNA abundances and western blotting (WB) of inflammatory factors, as well as immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of intestine, liver, and kidney tissues showed that AFB1 aggravated the inflammatory responses through NF-κB and TN-α signaling pathways via TLR pattern receptors, while the addition of CMD significantly inhibited the inflammatory responses. Phylogenetic investigation showed that AFB1 significantly increased interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK-1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities (p < 0.05), which were restored to normal levels by CMD addition, indicating that CMD could alleviate cell inflammatory damages induced by AFB1.

Progress on the detoxification of aflatoxin B1 using natural anti-oxidants

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus fungi. The most toxic among them is Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) which is known to have genotoxic, immunotoxic, teratogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic toxic effects (amongst others). The mechanisms responsible for its toxicity include the induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and DNAdamage. Studies have found that natural anti-oxidants can reduce the damage that AFB1 inflicts on the body by alleviating oxidative stress and inhibiting the biotransformation of AFB1. Therefore, this review outlines the latest progress in research on the use of natural anti-oxidants as antidotes to aflatoxin poisoning and their detoxification mechanisms. It also considers the problems that may possibly arise from their use and their application prospects. Our aim is to provide a useful reference for the prevention and treatment of AFB1 poisoning.

Identifying Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated With Inflammation-Drug and Drug-Drug Interactions in Pharmacologic Treatments for COVID-19 by Bioinformatics and System Biology Analyses: The Role of Pregnane X Receptor

Of the patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), approximately 14–53% developed liver injury resulting in poor outcomes. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the primary cause of liver injury in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we elucidated liver injury mechanism induced by drugs of pharmacologic treatments against SARS-CoV-2 (DPTS) using bioinformatics and systems biology. Totally, 1209 genes directly related to 216 DPTS (DPTSGs) were genes encoding pharmacokinetics and therapeutic targets of DPTS and enriched in the pathways related to drug metabolism of CYP450s, pregnane X receptor (PXR), and COVID-19 adverse outcome. A network, constructed by 110 candidate targets which were the shared part of DPTSGs and 445 DILI targets, identified 49 key targets and four Molecular Complex Detection clusters. Enrichment results revealed that the 4 clusters were related to inflammatory responses, CYP450s regulated by PXR, NRF2-regualted oxidative stress, and HLA-related adaptive immunity respectively. In cluster 1, IL6, IL1B, TNF, and CCL2 of the top ten key targets were enriched in COVID-19 adverse outcomes pathway, indicating the exacerbation of COVID-19 inflammation on DILI. PXR-CYP3A4 expression of cluster 2 caused DILI through inflammation-drug interaction and drug-drug interactions among pharmaco-immunomodulatory agents, including tocilizumab, glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and hydrocortisone), and ritonavir. NRF2 of cluster 3 and HLA targets of cluster four promoted DILI, being related to ritonavir/glucocorticoids and clavulanate/vancomycin. This study showed the pivotal role of PXR associated with inflammation-drug and drug-drug interactions on DILI and highlighted the cautious clinical decision-making for pharmacotherapy to avoid DILI in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Dietary phenolic-type Nrf2-activators: implications in the control of toxin-induced hepatic disorders

Numerous studies have exemplified the importance of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in the alleviation of toxin-induced hepatic disorders primarily through eliminating oxidative stress. Whereafter, increasingly more efforts have been contributed to finding Nrf2-activators, especially from dietary polyphenols. The present review summarized the phenolic-type Nrf2-activators published in the past few decades, analyzed their effectiveness based on their structural characteristics and outlined their related mechanisms. It turns out that flavonoids are the largest group of phenolic-type Nrf2-activators, followed by nonflavonoids and phenolic acids. When counting on subgroups, the top three types are flavonols, flavones, and hydroxycinnamic acids, with curcuminoids having the highest effective doses. Moreover, most polyphenols work through the phosphorylation of Nrf2. Besides, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (Akt) are the frequent targets of these Nrf2-activators, which indirectly mediate the behavior of Nrf2. However, current data are not sufficient to conclude any structure-activity relationship.