Metabolic profile of the masked mycotoxin T-2 toxin-3-glucoside in rats (in vitro andin vivo) and humans (in vitro)

Abstract

The metabolic profile of T-2 toxin-3-glucoside (T2-Glc) in humans and rats was investigated using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF). When rat and human liver microsomes were incubated with T2-Glc, a total of five metabolites were detected. T2-Glc exposed a higher metabolic stability in rats and human than T-2 toxin (T-2). The metabolism of T2-Glc by the intestinal microbiota of human and rats was also investigated, and three metabolites were observed. T2-Glc was reconverted to T-2 during incubation with fresh faeces. Furthermore,in vivo metabolism of T2-Glc in rats after oral administration was carried out, and three metabolites were detected in rat urine and faeces (T-2, HT-2 toxin and 3'-OH-T2-Glc).In vivo metabolism results indicated that T2-Glc was mainly metabolised in the gastro-intestinal tract with a low absorption level in rats. The results demonstrated that hydroxylation (C-3' and C-4'), hydrolysis (C-4 and C-8) and deconjugation are the main metabolic pathways of T2-Glc in mammals.