In vitro study of AFB₁ and AFM₁ effects on human lymphoblastoid Jurkat T-cell model

Abstract

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus spp. that can occur as a natural contaminant in foods and feeds of vegetable origin. Post-ingestion, AFB₁ can be metabolized in the liver of mammals into hydroxylated aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) that is excreted with milk. Although several studies have been carried out to evaluate effects of AFB₁ on the immune system, studies regarding AFM₁ are moreover lacking. The aim of the current study was to investigate effects of AFB₁ and AFM₁ on immune function using a lymphoblastoid Jurkat T-cell line as an experimental model. Both AFB₁ and AFM₁ produced significant decreases in Jurkat cell proliferation, whereas only minor effects were noted on interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ cytokines mRNA expression in stimulated cells that had been pre-incubated with AFB₁ and AFM₁. Particularly, AFB₁, but not AFM₁, at the highest concentration (50 µM) induced a marked increase in IL-8 mRNA expression. The results of the current study suggested the existence of a concentration threshold for AFB₁ and AFM₁ needed to exert biological activity on cell viability and innate immunity.

• Aflatoxin B₁
• aflatoxin M₁
• Jurkat cells