Biomarkers of Deoxynivalenol Toxicity in Chickens with Special Emphasis on Metabolic and Welfare Parameters

Abstract

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, is the most widespread mycotoxin in poultry feed worldwide. Long term-exposure from low to moderate DON concentrations can produce alteration in growth performance and impairment of the health status of birds. To evaluate the efficacy of mycotoxin-detoxifying agent alleviating the toxic effects of DON, the most relevant biomarkers of toxicity of DON in chickens should be firstly determined. The specific biomarker of exposure of DON in chickens is DON-3 sulphate found in different biological matrices (plasma and excreta). Regarding the nonspecific biomarkers called also biomarkers of effect, the most relevant ones are the impairment of the productive parameters, the intestinal morphology (reduction of villus height) and the enlargement of the gizzard. Moreover, the biomarkers of effect related to physiology (decrease of blood proteins, triglycerides, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and lymphocytes and the increase of alanine transaminase (ALT)), immunity (response to common vaccines and release of some proinflammatory cytokines) and welfare status of the birds (such as the increase of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the stress index), has been reported. This review highlights the available information regarding both types of biomarkers of DON toxicity in chickens.

Mechanisms by which microbial enzymes degrade four mycotoxins and application in animal production: A review

“…DON, also known as vomitoxin, is a trichothecene produced by Fusarium species ( Riahi et al., 2021 ). It is mainly found in grains such as wheat, barley, and corn.…”

A NADPH-Dependent Aldo/Keto Reductase Is Responsible for Detoxifying 3-Keto-Deoxynivalenol to 3-epi-Deoxynivalenol in Pelagibacterium halotolerans ANSP101

“…Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin mainly produced by Fusarium [5]. DON can cause emesis and loss of appetite when ingested by animals [6], whereas the long-term ingestion of DON causes animals to experience chronic intestinal bowel diseases, immune inhibition, susceptibility to infections, and reduced growth performance and reproductive performance [7,8]. Because of its toxicity and ubiquity, DON is considered a serious concern for food and feed security [9].…”

Effect of deoxynivalenol on inflammatory injury on the glandular stomach in chick embryos

“…Deoxynivalenol ( DON ), also known as vomitoxin, belongs to the trichothecene family, and is mainly generated by Fusarium graminearum or F. culmorum ( Riahi et al, 2021 ). It is a strongly pathogenic compound that not only contaminates wheat, corn, barley, potatoes, and other crops, but also occurs in cereal products (e.g., beer and soy sauce) and animal products (e.g., meat, eggs, and milk) ( Yang et al, 2020 ), causing serious food safety problems ( Wang et al, 2020 ).…”