Preservation of Mimosa tenuiflora Antiaflatoxigenic Activity Using Microencapsulation by Spray-Drying.

Mimosa tenuiflora aqueous extract (MAE) is rich in phenolic compounds. Among them, condensed tannins have been demonstrated to exhibit a strong antioxidant and antiaflatoxin B1 activities in Aspergillus flavus. Since antioxidant capacity can change with time due to environmental interactions, this study aimed to evaluate the ability of encapsulation by spray-drying of Mimosa tenuiflora aqueous extract to preserve their biological activities through storage. A dry formulation may also facilitate transportation and uses. For that, three different wall materials were used and compared for their efficiency. Total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, antifungal and antiaflatoxin activities were measured after the production of the microparticles and after one year of storage at room temperature. These results confirmed that encapsulation by spray-drying using polysaccharide wall materials is able to preserve antiaflatoxin activity of Mimosa tenuiflora extract better than freezing.

Protective Effect of Nigella sativa and Nigella damascena Fixed Oils Against Aflatoxin Induced Mutagenicity in the Classical and Modified Ames Test.

The antioxidant and mutagenic/antimutagenic activities of the fixed oils from Nigella sativa (NSO) and Nigella damascena (NDO) seeds, obtained by cold press-extraction from the cultivar samples, were comparatively investigated for the first time. The antimutagenicity test was carried out using classical and modified Ames tests. The fatty acid composition of the fixed oils was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) while the quantification of thymoquinone in the fixed oils was determined by UPC2 . The main components of the NSO and NDO were found to be linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. The results of the Ames test confirmed the safety of NSO and NDO from the viewpoint of mutagenicity. The results of the three antioxidant test methods were correlated with each other, indicating NDO as having a superior antioxidant activity, when compared to the NSO. Both NSO and NDO exhibited a significant protective effect against the mutagenicity induced by aflatoxin B1 in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. When microsomal metabolism was terminated after metabolic activation of the mycotoxin, a significant increase in antimutagenic activity was observed, suggesting that the degradation of aflatoxin B1 epoxides by these oils may be a possible antimutagenic mechanism. It is worthy to note that this is the first study to assess the mutagenicity of NSO and NDO according to the OECD 471 guideline and to investigate antimutagenicity of NDO in comparison to NSO against aflatoxin.

Mimosa tenuiflora Aqueous Extract: Role of Condensed Tannins in Anti-Aflatoxin B1 Activity in Aspergillus flavus.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent carcinogenic mycotoxin that contaminates numerous crops pre- and post-harvest. To protect foods and feeds from such toxins without resorting to pesticides, the use of plant extracts has been increasingly studied. The most interesting candidate plants are those with strong antioxidative activity because oxidation reactions may interfere with AFB1 production. The present study investigates how an aqueous extract of Mimosa tenuiflora bark affects both the growth of Aspergillus flavus and AFB1 production. The results reveal a dose-dependent inhibition of toxin synthesis with no impact on fungal growth. AFB1 inhibition is related to a down-modulation of the cluster genes of the biosynthetic pathway and especially to the two internal regulators aflR and aflS. Its strong anti-oxidative activity also allows the aqueous extract to modulate the expression of genes involved in fungal oxidative-stress response, such as msnA, mtfA, atfA, or sod1. Finally, a bio-guided fractionation of the aqueous extract demonstrates that condensed tannins play a major role in the anti-aflatoxin activity of Mimosa tenuiflora bark.

Assessing the antifungal and aflatoxin B1 inhibitory efficacy of nanoencapsulated antifungal formulation based on combination of Ocimum spp. essential oils.

The aim of the study was to explore the antifungal and aflatoxin B1 inhibitory efficacy of nanoencapsulated antifungal formulation. Mixture design response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to design the antifungal formulation (SBC 4:1:1) based on the combination of chemically characterized Ocimum sanctum (S), O. basilicum (B), and O. canum (C) against Aspergillus flavus. The SBC was incorporated inside the chitosan nanomatrix (Ne-SBC) using an ultrasonic probe (40 kHz) and interactions were confirmed by SEM, FTIR and XRD analysis. The results showed that the Ne-SBC possessed enhanced antifungal and aflatoxin B1 inhibitory effect over the free form of SBC. The biochemical and in silico results indicate that the antifungal and aflatoxin B1 inhibitory effect was related to perturbance in the plasma membrane function (ergosterol biosynthesis and membrane cation) mitochondrial membrane potential, C-sources utilization, antioxidant defense system, and the targeted gene products Erg 28, cytochrome c oxidase subunit Va, and Nor-1. In-situ observation revealed that Ne-SBC effectively protects the Avena sativa seeds from A. flavus and AFB1 contamination and preserves its sensory profile. The findings suggest that the fabrication of SBC inside the chitosan nano-matrix has promising use in the food industries as an antifungal agent.

Improvement of in vitro and in situ antifungal, AFB1 inhibitory and antioxidant activity of Origanum majorana L. essential oil through nanoemulsion and recommending as novel food preservative.

Origanum majorana essential oil (OmEO) encapsulated into chitosan nanoemulsion is being reported as a novel preservative of stored food items against fungi, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination and lipid peroxidation. The major component of OmEO identified through GC-MS was terpinen-4-ol (28.92%). HR-SEM, FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed successful encapsulation of OmEO into chitosan nanoemulsion (OmEO-CsNe). The results showed remarkable improvement in efficacy after nanoencapsulation, since OmEO-CsNe completely inhibited the growth and AFB1 production by Aspergillus flavus at 1.0 µL/mL, which was 2.5 and 1.5 µL/mL, respectively for OmEO. The inhibition of ergosterol followed by release of cellular ions and 260 and 280 nm absorbing materials demonstrated plasma membrane as possible antifungal target. Inhibition of methylglyoxal confirmed antiaflatoxigenic mode of action. OmEO-CsNe showed enhanced antioxidant activity (IC50 = 14.94 and 5.53 µL/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively) and caused in situ inhibition of lipid peroxidation and AFB1 production in maize (third most important staple crop after wheat and rice) without altering their sensory attributes and presented safety profile (LD50 = 11,889 µL/kg) when tested on mice. The findings indicate that the encapsulation considerably enhances the performance of OmEO, therefore can be recommended as a promising antifungal agent to extend the shelf-life of food items.

Effects of Melatonin and Flavonoid-Rich Fractions of Chromolaena odorata on the Alteration of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Nitric Oxide Induced by Aflatoxin B1 in the Gastric Mucosa of Wistar Rats.

In this study, we investigated serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) after ingestion of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in rats. We also studied the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the stomach after consumption of AFB1. Therefore, we hypothesized that a standard anti-inflammatory agent-melatonin (MEL), and the flavonoid-rich fractions from Chromolaena odorata (FRFC) could counteract the deleterious effects of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and NO after consumption of AFB1. Thirty-five Wistar rats (211.86 ± 27.23 g) were randomly selected into 5 groups, with 7 rats in each group. Group A (control); all rats in groups B, C, D, and E received 2.5 mg/kg AFB1 each orally on day 5, whereas those of groups C, D, and E received oral administration of 10 mg/kg MEL, 50 mg/kg FRFC1, and 100 mg/kg FRFC2, respectively, for 7 days. All of them were killed on the 8th day, 24 h after last treatment. Serum samples were analyzed for IL-1ß and TNF-α, whereas stomach tissue was evaluated for NO level. Significant (P < 0.5) increase in serum IL-1ß and TNF-α in rats given AFB1 only was recorded when compared with those in the control group. Conversely, we observed significant reduction in serum IL-1ß and TNF-α in all the groups that received MEL, FRFC1, and FRFC2 after pretreatment with AFB1 when compared with those that were given AFB1 only. In addition, there was a significant increase in NO in rats given AFB1 only when compared with control, whereas reduction in NO was significant in the groups C, D, and E that were given MEL, FRFC1, and FRFC2, respectively, when compared with AFB1 group. MEL and FRFC may be responsible for the prevention of increased gastric mucosal NO and inflammatory effects of proinflammatory cytokines induced by AFB1.

Nanoencapsulated plant-based bioactive formulation against food-borne molds and aflatoxin B1 contamination: Preparation, characterization and stability evaluation in the food system.

A novel synergistic formulation (TML) based on the combination of thymol (T), methyl cinnamate (M), and linalool (L) has been prepared using the mixture design assay. Nanoencapsulation of developed formulation TML (Ne-TML) was prepared and characterised by SEM, XRD and FTIR. The Ne-TML was assessed for its antifungal and anti-aflatoxin B1 potential in vitro and in the food systems (Pennisetum glaucum L.), and also examined its effects on organoleptic properties. The Ne-TML cause complete inhibition of growth and AFB1 production at 0.3 µl/ml and 0.2 µl/ml. In-situ results revealed that Ne-TML exhibited maximum protection from fungal (75.40%) and aflatoxin B1 contamination (100%) at 0.3 µl/ml during six months of storage. The speculated antifungal mode of action of Ne-TML was related to the decrease in ergosterol content, membrane ions leakage, impairment in carbon-source utilization, mitochondrial functioning, anti-oxidative defence system (SOD, CAT, and GR) and Ver-1 gene of aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis.

Antimutagenic constituents from Monanthotaxis caffra (Sond.) Verdc.

OBJECTIVES: Monanthotaxis caffra (Sond.) Verdc. (Annonaceae) has been reported to possess antitumoural properties. Preliminary screening showed that the crude methanolic leaf extract had strong antimutagenic effects against aflatoxin B1 -induced mutagenicity. The aim of this study was to isolate and evaluate the antimutagenic properties of the active constituents from M. caffra. METHODS: Different chromatographic, spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques were used for the isolation and identification of the antimutagenic constituents. The antimutagenic effect of the extract and compounds was evaluated using Ames, Vitotox and Comet assays. KEY FINDINGS: Bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanolic leaf extract yielded two antimutagenic compounds identified as (+)-crotepoxide and 5,6-diacetoxy1-benzoyloxymethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene. Crotepoxide had strong antimutagenicity in the Vitotox assay with an IC50 value of 131 µg/ml. 5,6-Diacetoxy-1-benzoyloxymethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene showed strong antimutagenic activity in the Ames assay with an IC50 value of 348.9 µg/plate and no antimutagenic activity in the Vitotox test. Furthermore, the compound was able to inhibit, block or prevent biotransformation of aflatoxin B1 by repressing the proteins involved in transcription. CONCLUSIONS: Crotepoxide and 5,6-diacetoxy-1-benzoyloxymethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene have the potential to mitigate the risks arising from consumption of aflatoxin B1 -contaminated food and feed.

The Protective Role of Selenium in AFB1-Induced Tissue Damage and Cell Cycle Arrest in Chicken's Bursa of Fabricius.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a naturally occurring secondary metabolites of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, and is the most toxic form of aflatoxins. Selenium (Se) with antioxidant and detoxification functions is one of the essential trace elements for human beings and animals. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of Se on AFB1-induced tissue damage and cell cycle arrest in bursa of Fabricius (BF) of chickens. The results showed that a dietary supplement of 0.4 mg·kg-1 Se alleviated the histological lesions induced by AFB1, as demonstrated by decreasing vacuoles and nuclear debris, and relieving oxidative stress. Furthermore, flow cytometry studies showed that a Se supplement protected AFB1-induced G2M phase arrest at 7 days and G0G1 phase arrest at 14 and 21 days. Moreover, the mRNA expression results of ATM, Chk2, p53, p21, cdc25, PCNA, cyclin D1, cyclin E1, cyclin B3, CDK6, CDK2, and cdc2 indicated that Se supplement could restore these parameters to be close to those in the control group. It is concluded that a dietary supplement of 0.4 mg kg-1 Se could diminish AFB1-induced immune toxicity in chicken's BF by alleviating oxidative damage and cell cycle arrest through an ATM-Chk2-cdc25 route and the ATM-Chk2-p21 pathway.

The Molecular Mechanisms of Protective Role of Se on the G2/M Phase Arrest of Jejunum Caused by AFB1.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most toxic among the mycotoxins and causes detrimental health effects on human and animals. Selenium (Se) plays an important role in chemopreventive, antioxidant, anticarcinogen, and detoxification and involved in cell cycle regulation. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms of selenium involved in inhibition of G2/M cell cycle arrest of broiler's jejunum. A total of 240 one-day-old healthy Cobb broilers were randomly divided into four groups and fed with basal diet (control group), 0.6 mg/kg AFB1 (AFB1 group), 0.4 mg/kg Se (+Se group), and 0.6 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.4 mg/kg Se (AFB1 + Se group) for 21 days, respectively. The histological observation and morphological analysis revealed that 0.4 mg/kg Se prevented the AFB1-associated lesions of jejunum including the shedding of the apical region of villi, the decreased villus height, and villus height/crypt ratio. The cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed that 0.4 mg/kg Se ameliorated the AFB1-induced G2/M phase arrest in jejunal cells. Moreover, the expressions of ATM, Chk2, p53, Mdm2, p21, PCNA, Cdc25, cyclin B, and Cdc2 analyzed by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR demonstrated that 0.4 mg/kg Se restored these parameters to be close to those in the control group. In conclusion, Se promoted cell cycle recovery from the AFB1-induced G2/M phase arrest by the molecular regulation of ATM pathway in the jejunum of broilers. The outcomes from the present study may lead to a better understanding of the nature of selenium's essentiality and its protective roles against AFB1.

Protective Effect of Selenium on Aflatoxin B1-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice.

Aflatoxins have been considered as one of the major risk factors of male infertility, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most highly toxic and prevalent member of the aflatoxins family. Selenium (Se), an essential nutritional trace mineral for normal testicular development and male fertility, has received extensive intensive on protective effects of male reproductive system due to its potential antioxidant and activating testosterone synthesis. To investigate the protective effect of Se on AFB1-induced testicular toxicity, the mice were orally administered with AFB1 (0.75 mg/kg) and Se (0.2 mg/kg or 0.4 mg/kg) for 45 days. We found that that Se elevated testes index, sperm functional parameters (concentration, malformation, and motility), and the level of serum testosterone in AFB1-exposed mice. Moreover, our results showed that Se attenuated the AFB1-induced oxidative stress and the reduction of testicular testosterone synthesis enzyme protein expression such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc), and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17ß-HSD) in AFB1-exposed mice. These results demonstrated that Se conferred protection against AFB1-induced testicular toxicity and can be attributed to its antioxidant and increased testosterone level by stimulating protein expression of StAR and testosterone synthetic enzymes.

Activated carbons as potentially useful non-nutritive additives to prevent the effect of fumonisin B1 on sodium bentonite activity against chronic aflatoxicosis.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) are mycotoxins that often co-occur in feedstuffs. The ingestion of AFB1 causes aflatoxicosis in humans and animals. Sodium bentonite (NaB), a cheap non-nutritive unselective sequestering agent incorporated in animal diets, can effectively prevent aflatoxicosis. Fumonisins are responsible for equine leukoencephalomalacia and porcine pulmonary oedema, and often have subclinical toxic effects in poultries. Fumonisin B1 and aflatoxin B1 are both strongly adsorbed in vitro on sodium bentonite. Co-adsorption studies, carried out with a weight ratio of FB1 to AFB1 that mimics the natural occurrence (200:1), showed that FB1 greatly decreases the in vitro ability of NaB to adsorb AFB1. The ability of two activated carbons to adsorb FB1 was also investigated. Both carbons showed high affinity for FB1. A complex behaviour of the FB1 adsorption isotherms with pH was observed. In vitro results suggest that under natural contamination levels of AFB1 and FB1, a mixture of activated carbon and sodium bentonite might be potentially useful for prevention of sub-acute aflatoxicosis.

Antifungal activity of essential oil of Ziziphora clinopodioides and the inhibition of aflatoxin B1 production in maize grain.

The aim of this study was to determine the antifungal effect of the essential oil obtained from Ziziphora clinopodioides L on two fungi species including Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus using microdilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined for the essential oil at 10 different concentrations (i.e. 25,000, 12,500, 6250, 3125, 1562.5, 781.25, 390.625, 195.31, 97.65, and 48.82 µg/ml). Finally, the effect of the essential oil at six levels (6250, 3125, 1600, 800, 400, and 196 µg/ml) was investigated on the growth and activity of A. flavus and A. parasiticus, and also toxin production of these species in maize at 0.97 aw and 25°C after 29 days. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) content was assayed by enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay technique. Results showed that essential oil of Z. clinopodioides was found more effective on A. parasiticus than A. flavus in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Z. clinopodioides oil exhibited the same MIC value in the liquid medium against all fungal strains (48.82 µg/ml), while it showed different activity against A. flavus and A. parasiticus with MFC values of 781.25 and 390.625 µg/ml respectively. Under storage condition in maize, AFB1 production was significantly (p < 0.05) repressed at the concentration of 6250 µg/ml for A. flavus and 6250 and 3125 µg/ml for A. parasiticus. At the lower concentrations, the AFB1 production increased gradually. The results of the present study indicated that the essential oil of Z. clinopodioides had significant antifungal activity (p < 0.05); therefore, it can be used as an antifungal agent in the food and medicinal industries.

Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Blockage of Renal Cells in Broilers Fed a Diet Containing Aflatoxin B1.

The aim of the study was to investigate the competency of selenium (Se) in counteracting the adverse effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on apoptosis, cell cycle, and proliferation of nephritic cells. Two hundred forty 1-day-old healthy male avian broilers were randomly divided into four groups and fed basal diet (control group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 diet (AFB1 group), 0.4 mg/kg Se diet (+Se group), and 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.4 mg/kg Se diet (AFB1 + Se group), respectively. Compared to the control group, the number of apoptotic renal cells and expressions of Bax and caspase-3 messenger RNA (mRNA) were significantly increased, while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the AFB1 and the +Se groups (p < 0.01). A significantly decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and arrested G0/G1 phases of the cell cycle were also seen in the AFB1 and the +Se groups when compared with those of the control group. Moreover, these parameters were restored to the control group levels in the AFB1 + Se group. These results suggested that sodium selenite supplied in the diet could effectively inhibit AFB1-induced apoptosis and cell cycle blockage in renal cells of broiler.

Synergistic effect of black tea and curcumin in improving the hepatotoxicity induced by aflatoxin B1 in rats.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a toxic compound commonly found as a contaminant in human food. It is carcinogenic due its potential in inducing the oxidative stress and distortion of the most antioxidant enzymes. Since black tea possesses strong antioxidant activity, it protects cells and tissues against oxidative stress. Curcumin (CMN), a naturally occurring agent, has a combination of biological and pharmacological properties that include antioxidant activity. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the possible role of separate and mixed supplementation of black tea extract and CMN in the hepatotoxicity induced by AFB1 in rats. A total of 48: adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups with six rats in each group. Group 1 (normal control) includes rats that received no treatment. Groups 2, 3, and 4 (positive control) include rats that received olive oil, black tea extract, and CMN, respectively. Group 5 includes rats that received AFB1 at a dose of 750 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) dissolved in olive oil. Groups 6, 7, and 8 include rats that received AFB1 along with 2% black tea extract, CMN at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w., and both black tea extract and CMN at the same previous doses, respectively. After 90 days, biochemical and histopathological examination was carried out for the blood samples and liver tissues. A significant decrease in the antioxidant enzymes and a significant increase in the lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide in the rats treated with AFB1 were observed. Moreover, there were dramatic changes in the liver function biomarkers, lipid profile, and liver architecture. Supplementation of black tea extract or CMN showed an efficient role in repairing the distortion of the biochemical and histological changes induced by AFB1 in liver. This improvement was more pronounced when both CMN and black tea were used together.

Efficiency of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) Pamp. essential oil as a mycotoxicant against postharvest mycobiota of table grapes.

BACKGROUND: In order to get a potent botanical fungicide for the management of fungal decay of table grapes, an experiment was conducted in which 20 essential oils of higher plants were screened at 0.33 µL mL(-1) against dominant fungi causing decay of table grapes, including Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. ochraceus. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory/fungicidal concentration, fungitoxic spectrum and mycotoxin inhibition activity of the most potent oil were determined. The efficacy of the most potent oil in preservation of table grapes, along with organoleptic evaluation, was also carried out by storing 1 kg of grapes in the oil vapour. RESULTS: Artemisia nilagirica oil was found to be most toxic, exhibiting 100% mycelia inhibition of all test fungi. Moreover, 0.29 µL mL(-1) A. nilagirica oil was fungistatic and 0.58 µL mL(-1) was fungicidal for all tested species of Aspergillus. The oil exhibited a broad range of fungitoxicity against other grape berry-rotting fungi. Artemisia nilagirica oil completely suppressed the growth and mycotoxin (AFB1 and OTA) secretion of aflatoxigenic and ochratoxigenic strains of Aspergillus at 1.6 µL mL(-1) . During the in vivo experiment, fumigation of 1 kg of table grapes with 200 and 300 µL dosage of A. nilagirica oil enhanced the shelf life for up to 9 days. The oil did not show any phytotoxic effect. Besides, oil application did not substantively change the sensory properties of the fruits. CONCLUSION: Artemisia nilagirica oil can be used as an alternative botanical fungicide for the control of fruit-rotting fungi of stored grapes.

Effect of selenium supplementation on aflatoxin B1-induced histopathological lesions and apoptosis in bursa of Fabricius in broilers.

To investigate the effects of sodium selenite against aflatoxin B1 (AFB 1), 200 male Avian broilers, divided into five groups, were fed with basal diet (control group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 (AFB1 group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.2 mg/kg Se (+Se group I), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.4 mg/kg Se (+Se group II) and 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.6 mg/kg Se (+Se group III), respectively. Compared with the control group, decreased relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and contents of serum immunoglobulin, more vacuoles and debris in the bursal lymphoid follicle, and increased percentage of apoptotic bursal cells were observed in the AFB1 group. Sodium selenite, however, could increase the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and contents of serum immunoglobulin, and ameliorate histopathological lesions. The percentages of apoptotic bursal cells, through flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling method, in the three +Se groups were lower than those in the AFB 1 group. Compared with the AFB 1 group, moreover, the mRNA expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 by qRT-PCR in the three +Se groups were decreased, while the expression of Bcl-2 was increased. The results indicate that sodium selenite in diet can protect chicken from AFB 1-induced impairment of humoral immune function by reducing bursal histopathological lesions and percentages of apoptotic bursal cells.

Buckwheat achenes antioxidant profile modulates Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin production.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.) is a "pseudo-cereal" of great interest in the production of healthy foods since its flour, derived from achenes, is enriched with bioactive compounds and, due to the absence of gluten, may be used in composition of celiac diets. Amongst buckwheat species, F. tataricum achenes possess a larger amount of the antioxidant flavenol rutin than the common buckwheat F. esculentum. Ongoing climate change may favor plant susceptibility to the attack by pathogenic, often mycotoxigenic, fungi with consequent increase of mycotoxins in previously unexploited feeds and foodstuffs. In particular, Aspergillus flavus, under suitable environmental conditions such as those currently occurring in Italy, may produce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most carcinogenic compound of fungal origin which is classified by IARC as Category 1. In this study, the viable achenes of two buckwheat species, F. tataricum (var. Golden) and F. esculentum (var. Aelita) were inoculated with an AFB1-producing A. flavus NRRL 3357 to analyze their relative performances against fungal invasion and toxin contamination. Notably, we sought the existence of a correlation between the amount of tocols/flavonols in the achenes of buckwheat, infected and non-infected with A. flavus, and to analyze the ability of the pathogen to grow and produce toxin during achene infection. Results suggest that achenes of F. tataricum, the best producer of antioxidant compounds in this study, are less susceptible to A. flavus infection and consequently, but not proportionally, to mycotoxin contamination compared with F. esculentum. Moreover, rutin-derived quercetin appears to be more efficient in inhibiting aflatoxin biosynthesis than the parent compound.

Effects of sodium selenite on aflatoxin B1-induced decrease of ileal IgA+ cell numbers and immunoglobulin contents in broilers.

This study was aimed to assess the protective effect of sodium selenite on the ileum mucosal immunologic injury induced by AFB1. One hundred eighty-one-day-old healthy male Avian broilers were divided into four groups of three replicates and 15 birds per replicate and fed with basal diet (control group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 (AFB1 group), 0.4 mg/kg Se (+Se group), and 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.4 mg/kg Se (AFB1 + Se group) respectively. The numbers of IgA(+) cells of ileum were determined by immunohistochemistry as well as the contents of sIgA, IgA, IgG, and IgM in the mucosa of ileum by ELISA. Compared with those in the control group, the numbers of IgA(+) cells as well as the sIgA, IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were decreased in the AFB1 group. However, compared with those in the AFB1 group, the numbers of IgA(+) cells as well as the sIgA, IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were increased in the AFB1 + Se group, and these data had no difference between AFB1 + Se group and control group. It was concluded that 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 could reduce the humoral immune function of the ileum mucosa, but 0.4 mg/kg supplemented dietary selenium could protect the mucosal humoral immune function from AFB1-induced impairment.

Antioxidant, mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of an aqueous extract of Limoniastrum guyonianum gall.

An aqueous extract of Limoniastrum guyonianum gall (G extract) was tested on Salmonella typhimurium to assess its mutagenic and antimutagenic effects. This extract showed no mutagenicity when tested with S. typhimurium strain TA104 either with or without exogenous metabolic activation mixture (S9), whereas our findings revealed that the aqueous gall extract induced a mutagenic effect in S. typhimurium TA1538 when tested in the presence, as well as in the absence, of S9 activation mixture at the concentration of 500 µg/mL. Thus, the same concentration produced a mutagenic effect, when incubated with S. typhimurium TA100 in the presence of metabolic activation mixture. In contrast, our results showed a weak antimutagenic potential of the same extract against sodium azide in the presence of S. typhimurium TA100 and S. typhimurium TA1538 without metabolic activation (S9), whereas, in the presence of S. typhimurium TA104, we obtained a significant inhibition percentage (76.39%) toward 3.25 µg/plate of methylmethanesulfonate. Antimutagenicity against aflatoxin B1, 4-nitro-o-phenylene-diamine and 2-aminoanthracène was significant, with an inhibition percentage of, respectively, 70.63, 99.3 and 63.37% in the presence of, respectively, S. typhimurium TA100, S. typhimurium TA1538 and S. typhimurium TA104 strains at a concentration of 250 µg/plate after metabolic activation (S9). Antioxidant capacity of the tested extract was evaluated using the enzymatic (xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay) and the nonenzymatic (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) system. G extract exhibited high antioxidant activity.