The effect of dietary fibre sources on aflatoxicosis in the weanling male rat

Abstract

1.Two experiments with mal: weanling rats were conducted in which they received individually and restrictedly either a basal semi-purified diet containing starch as the principal carbohydrate or the same diet to which mixed aflatoxins were added in quantities providing from 0-1 3 to 0.4mg aflatoxin BJkg diet. Various natural ingredients, or semi-purified sources of dietiry fibre were substituted for a portion of the starch in the basal diet containing aflatoxin. The diets were fed fcr 13-14 weeks after which the rats were given ad lib. a commercial rodent diet until they were killed at 109 weeks of age.2. Two further experiments were conducted in which twenty-four rats in each experiment received the basal diet plus aflatoxin, or diets in which a portion of the starch was replaced by gum arabic or by wheat offal. After 13 or more weeks the absorption, retention and excretion of W-labelled aflatoxin B, was measured in each rat.3. The addition of gum aratdc or wheat bran to the diet decreased the effects of the toxin in the first two experiments, but as measured b) several characteristics, only wheat bran provided an effect which persisted during the period when neither it nor the toxin was given. The effects included an apparent reduction in tumour incidence. The change in the content of starch in the basal diet, occurring as a consequence of adding the test ingredients is also considered to be an associated cause of the effects observed.4. In comparison to starch, wheat offal increased the total 14C in the faeces and the proportion of the total found during the first 48 h after dosing. Rats receiving starch excreted more 14C in their urine and retained more 14C in their livers. The differences between gum arabic and starch were not significant as measured by 14C excretion and retention. Liver size as a proportion of carcass weight was less in rats receiving wheat offal or gum arabic, and rats receiving wheat offal had a lower incidence of fat-loaded hepatocyks.

Effect of dietary macronutrients on aflatoxicosis: a mini‐review

“…In addition, the excretion of AFM 1 was reduced as compared with rats receiving the starch‐rich diet . Conversely, rats receiving diets containing a greater amount of starch retained more C‐labelled AFB 1 in the liver, suggesting an influence of carbohydrate on the absorption, excretion and liver retention of AFB 1 . This is supported by another study in which Wistar rats administered 400 µg kg −1 AFB 1 and manno‐oligosaccharides showed clear liver tissue damage and signs of toxicity .…”

“…However, the influence of carbohydrate on aflatoxicosis is not well understood. A study found that partial substitution of dietary starch (principal carbohydrate source) mixed with AFB 1 by other sources of dietary fiber caused an apparent reduction in tumor incidence in male rats . In addition, the excretion of AFM 1 was reduced as compared with rats receiving the starch‐rich diet .…”

“…A study found that partial substitution of dietary starch (principal carbohydrate source) mixed with AFB 1 by other sources of dietary fiber caused an apparent reduction in tumor incidence in male rats . In addition, the excretion of AFM 1 was reduced as compared with rats receiving the starch‐rich diet . Conversely, rats receiving diets containing a greater amount of starch retained more C‐labelled AFB 1 in the liver, suggesting an influence of carbohydrate on the absorption, excretion and liver retention of AFB 1 .…”

The effects of gum arabic, wheat offal and various of its fractions on the metabolism of 14C-labelled aflatoxin B1 in the male weanling rat

“…A previous investigation demonstrated that the faecal excretion of 14C by rats given 14C-labelled aflatoxin B, orally was increased when a part of their dietary starch was replaced by wheat offal (Frape et al 1981). There are several mechanisms by which such an effect might be achieved.…”

“…In two of four experiments previously reported (Frape et al 1981) the intestinal absorption, retention and excretion of 14C-labelled aflatoxin was measured over a period of several days following a single dose in rats receiving wheat offal or gum arabic in their diet. The purpose of the experiments to be described was to investigate the distribution of 14C radioactivity in male rats relatively soon after an oral dose of 14C-labelled aflatoxin B, and to measure how this distribution might be influenced by replacing a portion of the dietary starch by wheat offal or gum arabic.…”