Abstract
Simple SummaryAflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin commonly present in feed, characterized by several toxic effects. AFB1 has been described as being responsible for naturally occurring animal kidney disorders. In addition, AFB1 seems to have a neurotoxical effect that leads to memory impairment behavior. AFB1 toxicity involves the induction of the oxidative stress pathway, rising lipid peroxidation, and it decreases antioxidant enzyme levels. Hence, in our research, we wanted to evaluate the potential protective effects of quercetin in AFB1-mediated toxicity in the brain and the ameliorative effect on behavioral alterations. This antioxidant effect of quercetin in the brains of AFB1-intoxicated mice is reflected in better cognitive and spatial memory capacity, as well as a better profile of anxiety and lethargy disorders. In conclusion, our study suggests that quercetin exerts a preventive role against oxidative stress by promoting antioxidative defense systems and limiting lipid peroxidation.Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin commonly present in feed, characterized by several toxic effects. AFB1 seems to have a neurotoxical effect that leads to memory impairment behavior. AFB1 toxicity involves the induction of the oxidative stress pathway, rising lipid peroxidation, and it decreases antioxidant enzyme levels. Hence, in our research, we wanted to evaluate the potential protective effects of quercetin 30 mg/kg in AFB1-mediated toxicity in the brain and the ameliorative effect on behavioral alterations. Oral supplementation with quercetin increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH) levels, superoxidedismutase (SOD) activity and catalase (CAT) in the brain, and it reduced lipid peroxidation in AFB1-treated mice. This antioxidant effect of quercetin in the brains of AFB1-intoxicated mice is reflected in better cognitive and spatial memory capacity, as well as a better profile of anxiety and lethargy disorders. In conclusion, our study suggests that quercetin exerts a preventive role against oxidative stress by promoting antioxidative defense systems and limiting lipid peroxidation.
Highlights
One of the main factors that can lead to the deterioration of poultry feed is fungal spoilage [1].Several factors can provide favorable conditions for the growth of fungi, like higher ambient temperatures, bad harvesting methods and inadequate drying of cereals in the field [2]
The high antioxidant power of quercetin is widely recognized [50], and our results demonstrate that quercetin treatment significantly reduced aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced oxidative stress, as demonstrated by the significant reduction of MDA marker of lipid peroxidation and by the increase in GSH, SOD, CAT levels in the brain tissue of mice exposed to AFB1 and treated with quercetin
The current study presents, for the first time, evidence of the neuroprotective effects of quercetin against AFB1-induced toxicity in the mouse brain
Summary
One of the main factors that can lead to the deterioration of poultry feed is fungal spoilage [1].Several factors can provide favorable conditions for the growth of fungi, like higher ambient temperatures, bad harvesting methods and inadequate drying of cereals in the field [2]. The storage of grains for longer periods due to the seasonal supply of cereals can be another factor that worsens the deterioration [1]. All these factors can bring about an increase in the development of Animals 2020, 10, 898; doi:10.3390/ani10050898 www.mdpi.com/journal/animals. Animals 2020, 10, 898 secondary fungal metabolites correlated with mycotoxin production [3]. The nutritional state of an animal may greatly influence its response to toxic substances. At this date, our knowledge of the neurotoxic effects of AFB1 is poor. It was demonstrated that prenatal exposure to AFB1, in rat offspring, can delay the development of reflex response and learning ability, as well as motor activity, locomotor coordination and exploratory behavior [8,9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
