Effects of repeated fumonisin B₁ exposure on markers of oxidative stress in liver, kidneys, and lungs of C57BL/6 mice

Abstract

Fu monisin B₁ (FB₁) is a mycotoxin commonly found in maize and maize-based products. Ingestion of FB₁-contaminated causes a myriad of dose- and species-dependent toxic effects to human and animal health. In the present study we evaluated the effects of FB₁ (8 mg/kg, i.p. for 4 days) on body weight and oxidative stress parameters in the liver, kidney and lung of C57BL/6 male mice. No changes in the organ-to-body weight ratio, organ-to-adrenal gland weight ratio or organ-to-brain weight ratio were found. On the other hand, FB₁ exposure increased NPSH levels in liver and lungs whereas decreased FRAP content in liver and kidneys. Levels of TBARS, ascorbic acid and NOx content were not altered by FB₁. In summary, four days of FB₁ exposure are sufficient to disrupt antioxidant defenses in liver, kidneys and lungs of C57BL/6 male mice without concomitant changes in organs weight.

Keywords:

• Mycotoxins
• toxicity
• antioxidant defense
• nonprotein thiol groups

Acknowledgments

Authors thank Dr Carlos Fernando de Mello for providing laboratory facilities. We also thank to Viviane Nogueira Zorzi for their technical assistance.

Additional information

Funding

Research supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (FAPERGS grant #16/2551-0000365-3) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq grant #471653/2013-6). M.D., M.S.O., and A.F.F. are the recipientes of CNPq fellowships; A.C.M.B., M.L.F are the recipients of Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) fellowships.