Ochratoxin A Immunosuppression Cytotoxicity Mycotoxin Nephrotoxicity Fungal Toxins

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is an immunosuppressant fungal compound produced by toxigenic species of Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi. OTA is a key mycotoxin that can cause nephrotoxicity in different animals. In the current study, techniques were used to elucidate the genotoxic and immunosuppressive roles of OTA in rabbits. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study; they were distributed into four groups. Group I was given a diet containing OTA; Group II received selenium preparation in the form of an oral dose; Group III was given both selenium and OTA, and finally, Group IV was fed a standard control diet. Blood samples were collected from each rabbit, and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) were collected on the 20th day from the end of the experiment to estimate phagocytosis % and killing %. A comet assay was applied to observe DNA damage in lymphocytes introduced by OTA. Additionally, Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF α), Interleukin 2 (IL2), and Interleukin 6 (IL6) levels were measured using ELISA. Selenium was administered orally to two groups of the rabbits, either separately or combined with OTA, to determine its anticytotoxic capacity. Results showed that OTA reduced the percentage of phagocytosis, killing %, and Lymphocyte Stimulation Index (LSI). The comet assay recorded a significant increase in lymphocyte DNA damage. Furthermore, data revealed an elevation of IL2, IL6, and TNF α as a result of OTA usage. On the other hand, selenium showed a significant anticytotoxic effect, where the selenium-treated group did not show any alteration in cytokine levels, % of phagocytosis, killing %, or LSI compared to the control group. Meanwhile, it showed a significant effect in reducing DNA damage compared to OTA-treated Group I. This capacity of selenium as an antioxidant is promising for its use as feed additives to prevent the harmful effects of mycotoxins.

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