Immunobiological Effects of Fumonisin B1 in Experimental Subchronic Mycotoxicoses in Rats

Abstract

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), the principal secondary metabolite produced by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides (Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A), is a potent toxin that can be found in fungus-contaminated corn and corn-based food products. We have investigated the immunobiological effects of subchronic dietary exposure to FB1 in male Wistar rats. Animals were fed with diets containing 0 (control) or 100 ppm of FB1 for 12 weeks. The total FB1 intake on day 90 was 810 mg/kg of body weight. Food consumption, body weight, and body weight gain on day 90 were reduced in animals exposed to FB1. Histopathologic changes consisted of histiocytic perivascular infiltrate and an increased number of Kupffer cells in the liver, necrosis and apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells in the kidney, and increased mitotic figures and lymphocytic infiltrate in the small intestine. Serum enzyme alkaline phosphatase was significantly elevated in rats fed FB1, while triglyceride levels decreased compared to controls. Treatment with FB1 in vivo or in vitro did not have a significant effect on mitogen-induced proliferation of spleen mononuclear cells. However, increased levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and decreased levels of IL-10 were released by these cells in culture compared to controls. FB1 in vivo or in vitro decreased the hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) released by peritoneal macrophages, while no changes in levels of superoxide anion produced by total peritoneal cells were detected. The results from the present work demonstrate that subchronic FB1 intake could affect the small intestine and alter the interleukin profile and some main functions of macrophages in antitumor activity.

Effect of partially purified fumonisins on cellular immune response in experimental murine paracoccidioidomycosis

“…However, there were a significant supression of response to ConA in mice treated with PPF in relation to the normal control without treatment with PPF, suggesting that the FB 1 in our conditions of experiment does not affect the specific cellular immune response but can suppress in specific immune response. Our results are partially in accordance with the data of Theumer et al (2002), which they had observed no significant effect on mitogeninduced proliferation of spleen cells in mice treated with FB 1 and stimulated with phytohemaglutinin mitogen (PHA). The inflammatory reaction is a non-specific response and Gonzalez et al (2000) reported that the NO produced by spleen macrophages has crucial role in P. brasiliensis defense.…”

Oxidative stress and DNA interactions are not involved in Enniatin‐ and Beauvericin‐mediated apoptosis induction

“…These antioxidative properties were further confirmed in cell viability assays with KB-3-1 cells (Fig. 2d) [47]. FB 1 treatment decreased the H 2 O 2 production in peritoneal macrophages of rats in vivo and in vitro suggesting immunsuppressive effects, which could be related to a lower antitumour activity [47].…”

“…2d) [47]. FB 1 treatment decreased the H 2 O 2 production in peritoneal macrophages of rats in vivo and in vitro suggesting immunsuppressive effects, which could be related to a lower antitumour activity [47]. So far, this study gives evidence that ENN and BEA possess antioxidative properties which have to be further characterised in more detail.…”

Effect of dietary fumonisin b1 on certain immune parameters of weaned pigs

“…The effect of subchronic dietary exposure to FB 1 was investigated in male Wistar rats (Theumer et al, 2002). After feeding a diet containing 100 ppm of FB 1 for 12 weeks no significant effect on mitogen induced in vivo and in vitro proliferation of spleen mononuclear cells was found.…”