Correlations between exposure to deoxynivalenol and zearalenone and the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors in the intestinal epithelium and the mRNA expression of selected colonic enzymes in pre-pubertal gilts.

Plant-based materials used in the production of pig feed are very often contaminated with deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. Daily intake of small amounts of these mycotoxins with feed induces various subclinical states in gilts and influences different biological processes. The aim of this preclinical study was to determine the correlation between monotonic doses of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (40 μg/kg body weight and 12 μg/kg body weight, respectively, administered over a period of 42 days) and the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors in the intestinal tract and the mRNA expression of selected colonic enzymes.

Imbalance in the Blood Concentrations of Selected Steroids in Pre-pubertal Gilts Depending on the Time of Exposure to Low Doses of Zearalenone.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin that not only binds to estrogen receptors, but also interacts with steroidogenic enzymes and acts as an endocrine disruptor. The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that low doses, minimal anticipated biological effect level (MABEL), no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and lowest-adverse-effect level (LOAEL), of ZEN administered orally for 42 days can induce changes in the peripheral blood concentrations of selected steroid hormones (estradiol, progesterone and testosterone) in pre-pubertal gilts. The experiment was performed on 60 clinically healthy gilts with average BW of 14.

Time-Dependent Changes in the Intestinal Microbiome of Gilts Exposed to Low Zearalenone Doses.

Zearalenone is a frequent contaminant of cereals and their by-products in regions with a temperate climate. This toxic molecule is produced naturally by fungi in crops. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of low zearalenone doses (LOAEL, NOAEL and MABEL) on the intestinal microbiome of gilts on different days of exposure (days 7, 21 and 42).

Mycotoxin levels in the digestive tissues of immature gilts exposed to zearalenone and deoxynivalenol.

Most plant materials are contaminated with small doses of Fusarium mycotoxins and its modified forms that exert subclinical toxic effects on humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the carry-over of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (pure parent compounds) to intestinal and liver tissues during 6 weeks of exposure to mycotoxins administered per os to gilts. The experiment was performed on 36 gilts with average body weight of 25 ± 2 kg, divided into 2 groups: an experimental group (group E, administered zearalenone at 40 μg/kg BW and deoxynivalenol at 12 μg/kg BW daily with feed) and a control group administered placebo.

Growth performance, selected blood biochemical parameters and body weights of pre-pubertal gilts fed diets supplemented with different doses of zearalenone (ZEN).

The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to low doses of zearalenone (ZEN) induces changes in the serum biochemical profile and body weights (BW). Pre-pubertal gilts (with BW of up to 14.5 kg) were administered ZEN in daily doses of 5 μg/kg BW (group 1, n = 15), 10 μg/kg BW (group 2, n = 15), 15 μg/kg BW (group 3, n = 15) or placebo (control group C, n = 15) throughout the experiment.