ISSUE FOCUS 40 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2023 The gastrointestinal tract represents the first barrier against ingested chemicals, feed contaminants and natural toxins. Following ingestion of mycotoxin-contaminated feed, intestinal epithelial cells can be exposed to high concentrations of toxins. This is especially important when considering toxins with poor intestinal absorption, such as fumonisin B1 (FB1; Bouhet et al., 2004). The biological actions of mycotoxins can cause direct intestinal damage. Trichothecenes affect actively dividing cells, such as those lining the gastrointestinal tract. They directly affect protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells due to the interaction with the ribosomal units, preventing either initiation of protein synthesis or elongation of the polypeptidic chains (Ueno, 1984). It should be noted that the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is also sensitive to trichothecene-induced apoptosis, affecting mainly the gastric mucosa, gastric granular epithelium and intestinal crypt cell epithelium (Bondy and Pestka, 2000). The toxic action of trichothecenes results in extensive necrosis of oral mucosa and gizzard lesions (Leeson et al., 1995). The T-2 toxin inhibits DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells, affecting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro (Rocha et al., 2005). It should also be mentioned that the primary effect of T-2 toxin is executed through its contact with the mouth epithelium (beak cavity and tongue). DIRECT IMPACT OF MYCOTOXINS ON THE GASTROINTESTINAL BARRIER Another important effect of some mycotoxins, “Although mycotoxins are an unavoidable problem and can have a detrimental effect on gut health and the microbiome, some key management practices can help reduce the risk of such occurrences. Alltech believes that effective mycotoxin management is about seeing the whole challenge, from the farm to the feed mill and from risk assessment to feed management.” GUT HEALTH AND MYCOTOXINS: WHAT DO WE KNOW SO FAR? Dr. Alexandra Weaver, PhD Global Technical Support Alltech Mycotoxin Management Dr. Radka Borutova, DVM, PhD European Technical Support Manager Alltech Mycotoxin Management
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