Phytic Acid Exposure Alters AflatoxinB1-Induced Reproductive and Oxidative Toxicity in Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

The increased use of feed in Egypt's aquaculture and animal industries raises concerns about the possible presence of mycotoxins in feedstuffs. The use of alternative medicine, such as botanicals and nutritional supplements, has become popular with inflammatory cases. The present study aimed to testify the role played by phytic acid (IP6) in enhancing the reproductive and oxidative toxicity induced in aflatoxinB1 (AFB1) treated white male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) throughout treatment and withdrawal periods. One hundred and twenty white male albino rats were grouped into four groups. Group 1, was injected with 300 μg kg−1 body wt of AFB1 once every 3 days for 15 days and left uninjected for another 15 days to study the withdrawal effect. Group 2, was injected with 300 μg kg−1 body wt of AFB1 once every 3 days for 15 days and treated simultaneously with IP6 daily for another 15 days. Group 3, was treated daily with IP6 (40 mg kg−1 body wt) for 15 days and with no treatment for other 15 days. Group 4, injected with equivalent volume of sterile phosphate buffer saline solution as a control group. Sera were taken at the experimental intervals and assayed for testosterone hormone, follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to determine the toxicological impact of AFB1 and the possibility of amelioration by phytic acid on the reproductive performance of the studied animal. The effects of AFB1 treatment on the absolute and relative weight of testis as well as its histopathologic effect on the testis and the possibility of amelioration by IP6 treatment were evaluated. The activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidants, in addition to lipid peroxidation were measured in the testis’ homogenate of AFB1-treated rats. A decrease in sex hormone levels, an increase in testicular lipid peroxidation product levels and a significant decrease in testicular glutathione content, catalase and total peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were recorded. The histopathologic alterations revealed a degeneration and highly mitotic division within the spermatogenic nuclei, in addition to some karyomegaly and nuclear pyknosis. It is concluded that the reduction in the toxicity of free radicals by phytic acid might be responsible for the protective influence observed.

Toxicity Effect of Aflatoxin B1 on Reproductive System of Albino Male Rats

“…However, AFB1 is the most toxic one. Direct consequences consumption of aflatoxins-contaminated feed include; decreased feed intake, feed rejection, poor feed conversion (Akande et al, 2006), decreased body weight, increased disease incidence due to immune-suppression (Meissonnier et al, 2006) and reduced reproductive capacities (El-Saad and Mahmoud, 2007) which leads to economic losses in agriculture and domestic animals (Wu, 2006). Also it can be carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, tremorgenic and hemorrhagic.…”

A Comprehensive Review of Male Reproductive Toxic Effects of Aflatoxin

“…Though both these proteins could be targets of agents that disrupt cytoplasmic bridges between spermatids, since cytochalasins, like AFs, are also of fungal origin, the target for AFB1 in the seminiferous epithelium could be actin microfilaments as has been proposed for cytochalasin D (Russell et al, 1987). Alternatively, AFB1 treatment would bring about oxidative damage to the cells (Abu El-Saad & Mahmoud, 2009) and the disruption of the cytoskeletal element in the cytoplasmic bridge would be a consequence of this damage (Lin et al, 2006).…”

Evidence Based Phytopharmacological Potential of Herbal Extracts in Post-Ingestion Management of Mycotoxins in Animal Models

“…It also has an impact on the immune system leading to immunosuppression and low weight gain [3]. Some cases of aflatoxin poisoning have been associated with reduced reproductive potencies [4]. Aflatoxin B1 has also been shown to be teratogenic, mutagenic and tremorgenic [4].…”

“…Some cases of aflatoxin poisoning have been associated with reduced reproductive potencies [4]. Aflatoxin B1 has also been shown to be teratogenic, mutagenic and tremorgenic [4]. It is also associated with destructive effects of the vital organs of the body such as the kidneys, central nervous system and more importantly the liver.…”

“…Deleterious effects on sexual maturation, hormone levels, gestation and growth of fetus are also reported [10,11]. Aflatoxins can cause death in 72 hours when administered in chronic doses [4][5][6][7][8].…”