Ochratoxin A induces liver inflammation: involvement of intestinal microbiota

Abstract

BackgroundOchratoxin A (OTA) is a widespread mycotoxin and induces liver inflammation to human and various species of animals. The intestinal microbiota has critical importance in liver inflammation; however, it remains to know whether intestinal microbiota mediates the liver inflammation induced by OTA. Here, we treated ducklings with oral gavage of OTA (235 μg/kg body weight) for 2 weeks. Then, the microbiota in the cecum and liver were analyzed with 16S rRNA sequencing, and the inflammation in the liver was analyzed. To explore the role of intestinal microbiota in OTA-induced liver inflammation, intestinal microbiota was cleared with antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation was conducted.ResultsHere, we find that OTA treatment in ducks altered the intestinal microbiota composition and structure [e.g., increasing the relative abundance of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-producing Bacteroides], and induced the accumulation of LPS and inflammation in the liver. Intriguingly, in antibiotic-treated ducks, OTA failed to induce these alterations in the liver. Notably, with the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) program, in which ducks were colonized with intestinal microbiota from control or OTA-treated ducks, we elucidated the involvement of intestinal microbiota, especially Bacteroides, in liver inflammation induced by OTA.ConclusionsThese results highlight the role of gut microbiota in OTA-induced liver inflammation and open a new window for novel preventative or therapeutic intervention for mycotoxicosis.

Protective Effect of Hydroxytyrosol Against Oxidative Stress Induced by the Ochratoxin in Kidney Cells: in vitro and in vivo Study

“…This gives an indication of the important protective effect of HT, even if the levels of these enzymes have not been restored to baseline. This may depend on the type of liver damage caused by OTA; in fact, it has recently been shown that OTA is also capable of inducing liver inflammation (37). OTA has been seen to be directly linked to kidney diseases, and in fact, we found significantly increased creatinine levels in OTA-treated animals.…”

The Effectiveness of Dietary Byproduct Antioxidants on Induced CYP Genes Expression and Histological Alteration in Piglets Liver and Kidney Fed with Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A

“…Recently, it was proved that OTA-containing feed altered the intestinal microbiota in ducks, affecting the cecum microbiota diversity and composition as well as the intestinal barrier. As a result, Gram-negative bacterial-derived lipopolysaccharides entered the blood and liver, causing liver inflammation [91]. In the case of immune-mediated liver injury, the expression of CYP2E1 was decreased [92].…”

Microbial Community and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Mapping in the Intestinal Tract of Quail

“…Numerous investigations have indicated that the gut microbiota plays a vital role in nutrient absorption, immune response, physiological metabolism, and organ development of the host [ 24 , 25 ]. Disturbance of gut microbiota in poultry can result in increased susceptibility to pathogen colonization and cause serious losses to farmers [ 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Therefore, the characterization of the gastrointestinal microbial community in healthy quail may help to understand and predict changes in microbiota related to physiological and pathological states.…”