Evaluation of selected serum biochemical and haematological parameters in gilts exposed per os to 100 ppb of zearalenone

Abstract

Zearalenone (ZEN) widely contaminates animal feed of plant origin. The recommended safe concentrations of ZEN in feeds for various animal species are set mainly based on the mycotoxin's hormonal properties (NOEL). Our growing knowledge about biologically active concentrations of ZEN, molecular mechanisms and cells/tissues targeted by ZEN indicates that the harmful effects exerted by this mycotoxin on animals may be far greater than previously believed. This experiment was performed on pre-pubertal gilts divided into a control group (n=9) and an experimental group (ZEN, n=9). The control group received placebo, whereas the experimental group was administered ZEN at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg feed (equivalent to 5 μg/kg BW/day) for 42 days. On days 14, 28 and 42 blood samples were collected from the animals to determine the concentrations of selected zearalenols, serum biochemical and haematological parameters. Conjugated ZEN was found in the blood serum of the experimental gilts. Changes in the analysed biochemical parameters included a transient increase in albumin and cholesterol levels. A statistically significant increase in the concentrations of neutrophilic and acidophilic granulocytes was observed in the white blood cell system. The results indicate that long-term per os exposure of pre-pubertal gilts to low doses of ZEN (below NOEL) has a modulatory effect on liver function and white blood cells.

Zearalenone Biodegradation by the Combination of Probiotics with Cell-Free Extracts of Aspergillus oryzae and its Mycotoxin-Alleviating Effect on Pig Production Performance

“…Their normal levels in this study indicated that liver cells and immune systems have not been damaged by ZEA at 300 μg/Kg dosage. The previous report showed that long-term exposure to a low dose of ZEA had no significant negative effect on serum ALT, AST, ALP, and E2 levels in pigs [36], which is in agreement with this study. The organ indexes of heart, liver, kidney, and spleen were not significantly changed by feeding the weaned piglets with 316 μg/Kg ZEA diets [37], which corresponds with this study.…”

Risks for animal health related to the presence of zearalenone and its modified forms in feed

“…No effects were observed in pigs given 10.4 lg ZEN/kg bw per day (NOEL), while oestrogenic effects like increased uterus weight and reddened and swollen vulva were observed in pigs given 17.6 lg ZEN/kg bw (LOEL). Several other papers, including papers not reviewed in previous EFSA opinions, have reported oestrogenic effects at similar exposure levels of 20 lg/kg bw per day (Gaje z cka et , 2016Rempe et al, 2013a,b;Jakimiuk et al, 2015;Przybylska-Gornowicz et al, 2015;Lewczuk et al, 2016). A review of the reported effect levels and no-effect levels indicate that young and developing gilts (until first cycling) are most vulnerable to ZEN, as indicated by studies finding effects from 17.6 lg/kg bw per day for female piglets.…”

The Influence of Zearalenone on Selected Hemostatic Parameters in Sexually Immature Gilts

“…However, the hematological indicators in the ZEN-exposed gilts in the present study did not differ significantly between any of the experimental groups ( Table 1 ). Previous studies have demonstrated that ZEN exposure increases granulocyte counts, particularly those of neutrophils, which can increase H 2 O 2 levels [ 84 , 85 ]. In the present study, catalase activity decreased on day 28 in the ZEN-exposed group.…”