Abstract
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA), which widely coexist in milk, may pose a serious threat to human health. Mucin is a major component of the intestinal mucus layer, which plays an important role in maintaining intestinal mucosal homeostasis. However, the effect of mycotoxins AFM1 and OTA on intestinal mucin production is still not clear. This study aimed to investigate individual and interactive effects of mycotoxins AFM1 and OTA on the intestinal barrier and the mRNA expression of intestinal mucin (MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B) and on protein production in Caco-2/HT29-MTX cultures after 48 h of exposure. Our results show that individual mycotoxins and their mixtures significantly reduced intestinal cell viability and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, as well as significantly altered intestinal mucin mRNA expression and protein abundance. Moreover, OTA showed toxicity similar to AFM1 in cell viability and TEER value at the same concentration. When the two mycotoxins acted in combination, the synergistic effects observed in the assessment of cell viability and protein abundance in all mono- and co-cultures. In general, this study provides evidence that AFM1 and OTA can damage the intestine, and it contributes to optimized maximum permissible limits of mycotoxins in milk.
Highlights
Mycotoxins are structurally diverse low-molecular-weight metabolites produced by the secondary metabolism of some filamentous fungi or molds [1]
We proved that Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) significantly damaged the intestinal cell viability and increased intestinal permeability, and changed the expression and secretion of mucin
We evaluated the correlations between cell viability values, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, mucin mRNA expression, We evaluated the correlations between cell viability values, TEER values, mucin mRNA
Summary
Mycotoxins are structurally diverse low-molecular-weight metabolites produced by the secondary metabolism of some filamentous fungi or molds [1]. They can contaminate a variety of animal feed, as well as foods for humans, including mostly cereals, milk, and other dairy products [2]. A report suggested that as much as 50% of commodities may be contaminated by mycotoxins in certain. Cow milk consumption is high because it is important in the diet of all age groups [5]. The coexistence of mycotoxins in milk and dairy products has recently attracted much attention, especially the coexistence of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
