The Effect of Low Doses of Zearalenone (ZEN) on the Bone Marrow Microenvironment and Haematological Parameters of Blood Plasma in Pre-Pubertal Gilts.

Magdalena Mróz,Łukasz Zielonka,Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki,Katarzyna E Przybyłowicz,Magdalena Gajęcka,Tomasz Sawicki,Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk

doi:10.3390/toxins14020105

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether low doses of zearalenone (ZEN) influence the carry-over of ZEN and its metabolites to the bone marrow microenvironment and, consequently, haematological parameters. Pre-pubertal gilts (with a body weight of up to 14.5 kg) were exposed to daily ZEN doses of 5 μg/kg BW (group ZEN5, n = 15), 10 μg/kg BW (group ZEN10, n = 15), 15 μg/kg BW (group ZEN15, n = 15), or were administered a placebo (group C, n = 15) throughout the entire experiment. Bone marrow was sampled on three dates (exposure dates 7, 21, and 42—after slaughter) and blood for haematological analyses was sampled on 10 dates. Significant differences in the analysed haematological parameters (WBC White Blood Cells, MONO—Monocytes, NEUT—Neutrophils, LYMPH—Lymphocytes, LUC—Large Unstained Cells, RBC—Red Blood Cells, HGB—Haemoglobin, HCT—Haematocrit, MCH—Mean Corpuscular Volume, MCHC—Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentrations, PLT—Platelet Count and MPV—Mean Platelet Volume) were observed between groups. The results of the experiment suggest that exposure to low ZEN doses triggered compensatory and adaptive mechanisms, stimulated the local immune system, promoted eryptosis, intensified mycotoxin biotransformation processes in the liver, and produced negative correlations between mycotoxin concentrations and selected haematological parameters.

Highlights

IntroductionZearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites (ZELs), α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL), are the most ubiquitous mycotoxins in plant materials
The significant differences in the haematological parameters of pre-pubertal gilts exposed to various doses of ZEN (MABEL, highest NOAEL values, and Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL)) for 6 weeks did not exceed the reference range [32,33]
In view of the above, the results noted in group C were unambiguous, and they could be used as a reference in a risk assessment analysis, where each result is considered within a range of positive control or negative control values during subchronic exposure to the mycotoxin

Summary

Introduction

Zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites (ZELs), α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZEL), are the most ubiquitous mycotoxins in plant materials. They are frequently referred to as xenobiotics. These mycotoxins disrupt reproductive functions because they are structurally similar to oestradiol [1,2]. Alpha-ZEL is the main ZEN metabolite that affects pigs. Other animal species, including broilers, cows, and sheep, are more susceptible to β-ZEL, which is characterized by lower levels of metabolic activity [3]. Zearalenone’s activity is determined by biotransformation processes in plants and animals as well as the immune status of the reproductive system

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