Tracing the protective activity of Lactobacillus plantarum using technetium-^99m-labeled zearalenone for organ toxicity

Abstract

Purpose: Zearalenone is a potent estrogenic metabolite produced by some Fusarium and Gibberella species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the accumulation of Technetium-[^99m]-labeled zearalenone in mice organs as well as to study the protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum.

Materials and methods: Two different groups of mice were used; the first group of mice received Technetium-[^99m]-zearalenone only, and the second group received both Technetium-[^99m] zearalenone and L. plantarum (as a protective agent). Technetium-[^99m]-labeled zearalenone was administered to mice by tail vein injection and L. plantarum was administered orally. Accumulation of labeled zearalenone in mice was monitored for 120 min.

Results: Labeled zearalenone was distributed primarily in the intestine (44.5%) and liver (20.12%) after 120 min in the first group of mice. In the second group of mice which received both Technetium-[^99m] zearalenone and L. plantarum, labeled zearalenone was accumulated primarily in the intestine (46.8%) and liver (18.9%). These results indicated the decrease in labeled zearalenone in the liver due to the effect of lactic acid bacteria.

Conclusion: Technetium-[^99m]-labeled zearalenone can be used as a new tracer for organ imaging and that L. plantarum can decrease the bioavailability of zearalenone in mice organs.

Keywords:

• Technetium-[99m]
• zearalenone
• distribution
• organ toxicity
• mice
• L. plantarum

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Centre under grant number 11040303.

Notes on contributors

M. H. Sanad

M. H. Sanad is an Egyptian scientist and researcher in nuclear medicine and radiochemistry. He is an associate professor in the Iodine Unit, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authorities. He has published 52 papers in nuclear medicine.

A. S. M. Fouzy

A. S. M. Fouzy is a professor of Contamination Foods in the Department of Food Toxin and Contaminants, National Research Center, Egypt, Cairo.

Hassan M. Sobhy

Hassan M. Sobhy is a professor in animal breeding and previous president of African Arab Institute.

Amal S. Hathout

Amal S. Hathout is a professor of Mycotoxin in the Department of Food Toxin and Contaminants, National Research Center, Egypt, Cairo.

Omaima A. Hussain

Omaima A. Hussain is a master student in the Department of Food Toxin and Contaminants, National Research Center, Egypt, Cairo.