The Effect of Aflatoxin B1 on Memory Processes, Morphological and Biochemical Blood Parameters of Mice

Mycotoxins are toxic products of the metabolism of mold fungi common in the environment. Mycotoxins include aflatoxins produced by fungi of the Aspergillus genus. Cereal grains are most often contaminated with aflatoxins, which results from improper storage. Aflatoxins are divided into three groups: B, G and M. Toxins from the first two groups are produced by fungi and occur in the environment, the next group are metabolites of aflatoxins of group B (AFB), present in cow’s milk and dairy products. The strongest effects are demonstrated by: AFB1, AFB2 and AFG1, AFG2. AFB1 metabolism takes place in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450. Substances are formed that are excreted in urine and bile from the body, as well as adducts that accumulate in the microsomal fraction, combining with nucleic acids and liver proteins. They have mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified AFB1 as carcinogenic to humans. Aflatoxins have immunotoxic effects. A safe dose of mycotoxins has not been determined. Aflatoxin poisoning can be acute or chronic.

The aim of the study was to collect data on the mechanisms of the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 on mammals and to check whether the intraperitoneal route of AFB1 administration can be used to model poisoning with this mycotoxin in laboratory animals.

The experiment was conducted on female Albino Swiss mice. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8. The animals were administered AFB1 intraperitoneally for 28 consecutive days once a day.

Group I received AFB1 at a dose of 0.1 LD50 (1 mg/kg b.w.).

Group II received AFB1 at a dose of 0.2 LD50 (2 mg/kg b.w.).

Group III received AFB1 at a dose of 0.5 LD50 (5 mg/kg b.w.).

Group IV received 0.9% NaCl.

After the first and last dose, a fresh spatial memory test was performed in the Y-maze. After the experiment was completed, the animals were decapitated.

Blood was collected for laboratory tests: morphology and biochemistry.

No statistically significant differences were found between groups in memory, peripheral blood count, transaminases, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, creatinine. A statistically significantly lower total protein concentration was demonstrated after the experiments in the AFB1 1 mg/kg group (mean ±SD= 4.9g/dL±0.243) compared to the control group (5.428g/dL±0.278) (p <0.05) and a statistically significant lower urea concentration in AFB11 mg/kg group (39.05mg/dL±0.844) compared to AFB1 5 mg/kg group (49.505mf/dL±4.774) (p<0.05).

Conclusion Intraperitoneal exposure to AFB1 does not cause significant abnormalities in morphological or biochemical blood tests. No dose-effect relationship.