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Zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites, alpha-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and beta-zearalenol (β-ZEL), are ubiquitous in plant materials used as feed components in dairy cattle diets. The aim of this study was to confirm the occurrence of ZEN and its selected metabolites in blood samples collected from different sites in the hepatic portal system (posthepatic–external jugular vein EJV; prehepatic–abdominal subcutaneous vein ASV and median caudal vein MCV) of dairy cows diagnosed with mastitis, ovarian cysts and pyometra. The presence of mycotoxins in the blood plasma was determined with the use of combined separation methods involving immunoaffinity columns, a liquid chromatography system and a mass spectrometry system. The parent compound was detected in all samples collected from diseased cows, whereas α-ZEL and β-ZEL were not identified in any samples, or their concentrations were below the limit of detection (LOD). Zearalenone levels were highest in cows with pyometra, where the percentage share of average ZEN concentrations reached 44%. Blood sampling sites were arranged in the following ascending order based on ZEN concentrations: EJV (10.53 pg/mL, 44.07% of the samples collected from this site), ASV (14.20 pg/mL, 49.59% of the samples) and MCV (26.67 pg/mL, 67.35% of the samples). The results of the study indicate that blood samples for toxicological analyses should be collected from the MCV (prehepatic vessel) of clinically healthy cows and/or cows with subclinical ZEN mycotoxicosis. This sampling site increases the probability of correct diagnosis of subclinical ZEN mycotoxicosis.
Wojciech Barański; Magdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka; Magdalena Mróz; Ewa Onyszek; Katarzyna Przybyłowicz; Arkadiusz Nowicki; Andrzej Babuchowski; Maciej Gajęcki. Occurrence of Zearalenone and Its Metabolites in the Blood of High-Yielding Dairy Cows at Selected Collection Sites in Various Disease States. Toxins 2021, 13, 446 .
AMA StyleWojciech Barański, Magdalena Gajęcka, Łukasz Zielonka, Magdalena Mróz, Ewa Onyszek, Katarzyna Przybyłowicz, Arkadiusz Nowicki, Andrzej Babuchowski, Maciej Gajęcki. Occurrence of Zearalenone and Its Metabolites in the Blood of High-Yielding Dairy Cows at Selected Collection Sites in Various Disease States. Toxins. 2021; 13 (7):446.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWojciech Barański; Magdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka; Magdalena Mróz; Ewa Onyszek; Katarzyna Przybyłowicz; Arkadiusz Nowicki; Andrzej Babuchowski; Maciej Gajęcki. 2021. "Occurrence of Zearalenone and Its Metabolites in the Blood of High-Yielding Dairy Cows at Selected Collection Sites in Various Disease States." Toxins 13, no. 7: 446.
The carry-over of zearalenone (ZEN) to the myocardium and its effects on coronary vascular reactivity in vivo have not been addressed in the literature to date. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the hypothesis that low ZEN doses (MABEL, NOAEL and LOAEL) administered per os to prepubertal gilts for 21 days affect the accumulation of ZEN, α-ZEL and β-ZEL in the myocardium and the reactivity of the porcine coronary arteries to vasoconstrictors: acetylcholine, potassium chloride and vasodilator sodium nitroprusside. The contractile response to acetylcholine in the presence of a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, indomethacin and / or an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME was also studied. The results of this study indicate that the carry-over of ZEN and its metabolites to the myocardium is a highly individualized process that occurs even at very low mycotoxin concentrations. The concentrations of the accumulated ZEN metabolites are inversely proportional to each other due to biotransformation processes. The levels of vasoconstrictors, acetylcholine and potassium chloride, were examined in the left anterior descending branch of the porcine coronary artery after oral administration of ZEN. The LOAEL dose clearly decreased vasoconstriction in response to both potassium chloride and acetylcholine (P< 0.05 for all values) and increased vasodilation in the presence of sodium nitroprusside (P = 0.021). The NOAEL dose significantly increased vasoconstriction caused by acetylcholine (P< 0.04), whereas the MABEL dose did not cause significant changes in the vascular response. Unlike higher doses of ZEN, 5 μg/kg had no negative influence on the vascular system.
Magdalena Gajęcka; Michał Majewski; Łukasz Zielonka; Waldemar Grzegorzewski; Ewa Onyszek; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Jerzy Juśkiewicz; Andrzej Babuchowski; Maciej Gajęcki. Concentration of Zearalenone, Alpha-Zearalenol and Beta-Zearalenol in the Myocardium and the Results of Isometric Analyses of the Coronary Artery in Prepubertal Gilts. Toxins 2021, 13, 396 .
AMA StyleMagdalena Gajęcka, Michał Majewski, Łukasz Zielonka, Waldemar Grzegorzewski, Ewa Onyszek, Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk, Jerzy Juśkiewicz, Andrzej Babuchowski, Maciej Gajęcki. Concentration of Zearalenone, Alpha-Zearalenol and Beta-Zearalenol in the Myocardium and the Results of Isometric Analyses of the Coronary Artery in Prepubertal Gilts. Toxins. 2021; 13 (6):396.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Gajęcka; Michał Majewski; Łukasz Zielonka; Waldemar Grzegorzewski; Ewa Onyszek; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Jerzy Juśkiewicz; Andrzej Babuchowski; Maciej Gajęcki. 2021. "Concentration of Zearalenone, Alpha-Zearalenol and Beta-Zearalenol in the Myocardium and the Results of Isometric Analyses of the Coronary Artery in Prepubertal Gilts." Toxins 13, no. 6: 396.
Plant materials can be contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins and their derivatives, whose toxic effects on humans and animals may remain subclinical. Zearalenone (ZEN), a low-molecular-weight compound, is produced by molds in crop plants as a secondary metabolite. The objective of this study will be to analyze the in vivo correlations between very low monotonic doses of ZEN (5, 10, and 15 μg ZEN/kg body weight—BW for 42 days) and the carryover of this mycotoxin and its selected metabolites from the intestinal contents to the intestinal walls, the mRNA expression of estrogen receptor alfa (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) genes, and the mRNA expression of genes modulating selected colon enzymes (CYP1A1 and GSTP1) in the intestinal mucosa of pre-pubertal gilts. An in vivo experiment will be performed on 60 clinically healthy animals with initial BW of 14.5 ± 2 kg. The gilts will be randomly divided into a control group (group C, n = 15) and three experimental groups (group ZEN5, group ZEN10, and group ZEN15; n = 15). Group ZEN5 will be administered per os 5 μg ZEN/kg BW (MABEL), group ZEN10—10 μg ZEN/kg BW (NOAEL), and group ZEN15—15 µg ZEN/kg BW (low LOAEL). In each group, five animals will be euthanized on analytical dates 1 (exposure day 7), 2 (exposure day 21), and 3 (exposure day 42). Samples for in vitro analyses will be collected from an intestinal segment resected from the following regions: the third (horizontal) part of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon. The experimental material will be collected under special conditions, and it will be transported to specialist laboratories where samples will be obtained for further analyses.
Magdalena Gajęcka; Magdalena Mróz; Paweł Brzuzan; Ewa Onyszek; Łukasz Zielonka; Karolina Lipczyńska-Ilczuk; Katarzyna Przybyłowicz; Andrzej Babuchowski; Maciej Gajęcki. Correlations between Low Doses of Zearalenone, Its Carryover Factor and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Different Segments of the Intestines in Pre-Pubertal Gilts—A Study Protocol. Toxins 2021, 13, 379 .
AMA StyleMagdalena Gajęcka, Magdalena Mróz, Paweł Brzuzan, Ewa Onyszek, Łukasz Zielonka, Karolina Lipczyńska-Ilczuk, Katarzyna Przybyłowicz, Andrzej Babuchowski, Maciej Gajęcki. Correlations between Low Doses of Zearalenone, Its Carryover Factor and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Different Segments of the Intestines in Pre-Pubertal Gilts—A Study Protocol. Toxins. 2021; 13 (6):379.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Gajęcka; Magdalena Mróz; Paweł Brzuzan; Ewa Onyszek; Łukasz Zielonka; Karolina Lipczyńska-Ilczuk; Katarzyna Przybyłowicz; Andrzej Babuchowski; Maciej Gajęcki. 2021. "Correlations between Low Doses of Zearalenone, Its Carryover Factor and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Different Segments of the Intestines in Pre-Pubertal Gilts—A Study Protocol." Toxins 13, no. 6: 379.
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi
Maciej T. Gajęcki; Magdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka. The Presence of Mycotoxins in Feed and Their Influence on Animal Health. Toxins 2020, 12, 663 .
AMA StyleMaciej T. Gajęcki, Magdalena Gajęcka, Łukasz Zielonka. The Presence of Mycotoxins in Feed and Their Influence on Animal Health. Toxins. 2020; 12 (10):663.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaciej T. Gajęcki; Magdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka. 2020. "The Presence of Mycotoxins in Feed and Their Influence on Animal Health." Toxins 12, no. 10: 663.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of single and combined administrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) on the histology and ultrastructure of pig liver. The study was performed on immature gilts, which were divided into four equal groups. Animals in the experimental groups received DON at a dose of 12 μg/kg body weight (BW) per day, ZEN at 40 μg/kg BW per day, or a mixture of DON (12 μg/kg BW per day) and ZEN (40 μg/kg BW). The control group received vehicle. The animals were killed after 1, 3, and 6 weeks of experiment. Treatment with mycotoxins resulted in several changes in liver histology and ultrastructure, including: (1) an increase in the thickness of the perilobular connective tissue and its penetration to the lobules in gilts receiving DON and DON + ZEN; (2) an increase in the total microscopic liver score (histology activity index (HAI)) in pigs receiving DON and DON + ZEN; (3) dilatation of hepatic sinusoids in pigs receiving ZEN, DON and DON + ZEN; (4) temporary changes in glycogen content in all experimental groups; (5) an increase in iron accumulation in the hepatocytes of gilts treated with ZEN and DON + ZEN; (6) changes in endoplasmic reticulum organization in the hepatocytes of pigs receiving toxins; (7) changes in morphology of Browicz–Kupffer cells after treatment with ZEN, DON, and DON + ZEN. The results show that low doses of mycotoxins used in the present study, even when applied for a short period, affected liver morphology.
Natalia Skiepko; Barbara Przybylska-Gornowicz; Magdalena Gajęcka; Maciej Gajęcki; Bogdan Lewczuk. Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on the Histology and Ultrastructure of Pig Liver. Toxins 2020, 12, 463 .
AMA StyleNatalia Skiepko, Barbara Przybylska-Gornowicz, Magdalena Gajęcka, Maciej Gajęcki, Bogdan Lewczuk. Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on the Histology and Ultrastructure of Pig Liver. Toxins. 2020; 12 (7):463.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNatalia Skiepko; Barbara Przybylska-Gornowicz; Magdalena Gajęcka; Maciej Gajęcki; Bogdan Lewczuk. 2020. "Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on the Histology and Ultrastructure of Pig Liver." Toxins 12, no. 7: 463.
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of long-term (48 days), per os administration of specific zearalenone (ZEN) doses (20 and 40 μg ZEN/kg BW in experimental groups EI and EII, which were equivalent to 200% and 400% of the upper range limit of the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL), respectively) on the bioavailability of ZEN and the rate of changes in estradiol and testosterone concentrations in the peripheral blood of pre-pubertal gilts. ZEN and α-ZEL levels were similar until day 28. After day 28, α-ZEL concentrations increased significantly in group EI, whereas a significant rise in ZEN levels was noted in group EII. The presence of estradiol in peripheral blood plasma was not observed until day 20 of the experiment. Spontaneous secretion of estradiol was minimal, and it was determined at very low levels of up to 10 pg/mL in EI and EII groups. Testosterone concentrations ranged from 4 to 9 ng/mL in all groups. A decrease in the concentrations of both analyzed hormones was reported in the last stage of the experiment. The results of the experiment indicate that: (i) The bioavailability of ZEN in peripheral blood has low diagnostic value, (ii) exposure to low doses of ZEN induces minor changes in the concentrations of the analyzed hormones, which could lead to situational supraphysiological hormone levels and changes in endogenous hormonal balance.
Łukasz Zielonka; Magdalena Gajęcka; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Michał Dąbrowski; Maciej T. Gajęcki. The Effect of Different Doses of Zearalenone in Feed on the Bioavailability of Zearalenone and Alpha-Zearalenol, and the Concentrations of Estradiol and Testosterone in the Peripheral Blood of Pre-Pubertal Gilts. Toxins 2020, 12, 144 .
AMA StyleŁukasz Zielonka, Magdalena Gajęcka, Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk, Michał Dąbrowski, Maciej T. Gajęcki. The Effect of Different Doses of Zearalenone in Feed on the Bioavailability of Zearalenone and Alpha-Zearalenol, and the Concentrations of Estradiol and Testosterone in the Peripheral Blood of Pre-Pubertal Gilts. Toxins. 2020; 12 (3):144.
Chicago/Turabian StyleŁukasz Zielonka; Magdalena Gajęcka; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Michał Dąbrowski; Maciej T. Gajęcki. 2020. "The Effect of Different Doses of Zearalenone in Feed on the Bioavailability of Zearalenone and Alpha-Zearalenol, and the Concentrations of Estradiol and Testosterone in the Peripheral Blood of Pre-Pubertal Gilts." Toxins 12, no. 3: 144.
Plant-based materials used in the production of pig feed are very often contaminated with deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. Daily intake of small amounts of these mycotoxins with feed induces various subclinical states in gilts and influences different biological processes. The aim of this preclinical study was to determine the correlation between monotonic doses of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (40 μg/kg body weight and 12 μg/kg body weight, respectively, administered over a period of 42 days) and the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors in the intestinal tract and the mRNA expression of selected colonic enzymes. The immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptor alpha was observed in the colon, but its intensity varied in different weeks of exposure. A minor increase in estrogen receptor beta expression was noted only in the colon, whereas the expression of cytochrome P450 1A1 enzyme mRNA and mRNA isoform of the glutathione S-transferase π gene decreased. The observed correlations suggest that the risk of loss of control over the biotransformation and biological activity of the parent compounds in distal intestinal mucosa is delayed.
Magdalena Gajęcka; Michał Dąbrowski; Iwona Otrocka-Domagała; Paweł Brzuzan; Anna Rykaczewska; Katarzyna Cieplińska; Marzena Barasińska; Maciej T. Gajęcki; Łukasz Zielonka. Correlations between exposure to deoxynivalenol and zearalenone and the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors in the intestinal epithelium and the mRNA expression of selected colonic enzymes in pre-pubertal gilts. Toxicon 2019, 173, 75 -93.
AMA StyleMagdalena Gajęcka, Michał Dąbrowski, Iwona Otrocka-Domagała, Paweł Brzuzan, Anna Rykaczewska, Katarzyna Cieplińska, Marzena Barasińska, Maciej T. Gajęcki, Łukasz Zielonka. Correlations between exposure to deoxynivalenol and zearalenone and the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors in the intestinal epithelium and the mRNA expression of selected colonic enzymes in pre-pubertal gilts. Toxicon. 2019; 173 ():75-93.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Gajęcka; Michał Dąbrowski; Iwona Otrocka-Domagała; Paweł Brzuzan; Anna Rykaczewska; Katarzyna Cieplińska; Marzena Barasińska; Maciej T. Gajęcki; Łukasz Zielonka. 2019. "Correlations between exposure to deoxynivalenol and zearalenone and the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors in the intestinal epithelium and the mRNA expression of selected colonic enzymes in pre-pubertal gilts." Toxicon 173, no. : 75-93.
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin that not only binds to estrogen receptors, but also interacts with steroidogenic enzymes and acts as an endocrine disruptor. The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that low doses, minimal anticipated biological effect level (MABEL), no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and lowest-adverse-effect level (LOAEL), of ZEN administered orally for 42 days can induce changes in the peripheral blood concentrations of selected steroid hormones (estradiol, progesterone and testosterone) in pre-pubertal gilts. The experiment was performed on 60 clinically healthy gilts with average BW of 14.5 ± 2 kg, divided into three experimental groups and a control group. Group ZEN5 animals were orally administered ZEN at 5 μg ZEN/kg BW, group ZEN10 - at 10 μg ZEN/kg BW, group ZEN15 - at 15 μg ZEN/kg BW, whereas group C received a placebo. Five gilts from every group were euthanized on analytical dates 1, 2 and 3 (days 7, 14 and 42 of the experiment). Qualitative and quantitative changes in the biotransformation of low ZEN doses were observed. These processes were least pronounced in group ZEN5 (MABEL dose) where ZEN metabolites were not detected on the first analytical date, and where β-ZEL was the predominant metabolite on successive dates. The above was accompanied by an increase in the concentration of estradiol (E2) which, together with "free ZEN", probably suppressed progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) levels.
Anna Rykaczewska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Ewa Onyszek; Katarzyna Cieplińska; Michał Dąbrowski; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Maria Bulińska; Andrzej Babuchowski; Maciej T. Gajęcki; Łukasz Zielonka. Imbalance in the Blood Concentrations of Selected Steroids in Pre-pubertal Gilts Depending on the Time of Exposure to Low Doses of Zearalenone. Toxins 2019, 11, 561 .
AMA StyleAnna Rykaczewska, Magdalena Gajęcka, Ewa Onyszek, Katarzyna Cieplińska, Michał Dąbrowski, Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk, Maria Bulińska, Andrzej Babuchowski, Maciej T. Gajęcki, Łukasz Zielonka. Imbalance in the Blood Concentrations of Selected Steroids in Pre-pubertal Gilts Depending on the Time of Exposure to Low Doses of Zearalenone. Toxins. 2019; 11 (10):561.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Rykaczewska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Ewa Onyszek; Katarzyna Cieplińska; Michał Dąbrowski; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Maria Bulińska; Andrzej Babuchowski; Maciej T. Gajęcki; Łukasz Zielonka. 2019. "Imbalance in the Blood Concentrations of Selected Steroids in Pre-pubertal Gilts Depending on the Time of Exposure to Low Doses of Zearalenone." Toxins 11, no. 10: 561.
Zearalenone is a frequent contaminant of cereals and their by-products in regions with a temperate climate. This toxic molecule is produced naturally by Fusarium fungi in crops. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of low zearalenone doses (LOAEL, NOAEL and MABEL) on the intestinal microbiome of gilts on different days of exposure (days 7, 21 and 42). Intestinal contents were sampled from the duodenal cap, the third part of the duodenum, jejunum, caecum and the descending colon. The experiment was performed on 60 clinically healthy gilts with average BW of 14.5 ± 2 kg, divided into three experimental groups and a control group. Group ZEN5 animals were orally administered ZEN at 5 μg /kg BW, group ZEN10-10 μg ZEN/kg BW and group ZEN15-15 µg ZEN/kg BW. Five gilts from every group were euthanized on analytical dates 1, 2 and 3. Differences in the log values of microbial counts, mainly Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, were observed between the proximal and distal segments of the intestinal tract on different analytical dates as well as in the entire intestinal tract. Zearalenone affected the colony counts of intestinal microbiota rather than microbiome diversity, and its effect was greatest in groups ZEN10 and ZEN15. Microbial colony counts were similar in groups ZEN5 and C. In the analysed mycobiome, ZEN exerted a stimulatory effect on the log values of yeast and mould counts in all intestinal segments, in particular in the colon, and the greatest increase was noted on the first analytical date.
Katarzyna Cieplińska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Michał Dąbrowski; Anna Rykaczewska; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Maria Bulińska; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej T. Gajęcki. Time-Dependent Changes in the Intestinal Microbiome of Gilts Exposed to Low Zearalenone Doses. Toxins 2019, 11, 296 .
AMA StyleKatarzyna Cieplińska, Magdalena Gajęcka, Michał Dąbrowski, Anna Rykaczewska, Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk, Maria Bulińska, Łukasz Zielonka, Maciej T. Gajęcki. Time-Dependent Changes in the Intestinal Microbiome of Gilts Exposed to Low Zearalenone Doses. Toxins. 2019; 11 (5):296.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Cieplińska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Michał Dąbrowski; Anna Rykaczewska; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Maria Bulińska; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej T. Gajęcki. 2019. "Time-Dependent Changes in the Intestinal Microbiome of Gilts Exposed to Low Zearalenone Doses." Toxins 11, no. 5: 296.
Zearalenone is a toxic low-molecular-weight molecule that is naturally produced by moulds on crops as a secondary metabolite. The aim of this study was to determine the genotoxicity of caecal water collected successively from the caecal contents of gilts exposed to low doses (LOAEL, NOAEL, and MABEL) of zearalenone. The experiment was performed on 60 clinically healthy gilts with average BW of 14.5 ± 2 kg, divided into three experimental groups and a control group. Group ZEN5 were orally administered ZEN at 5 μg/kg BW, group ZEN10—10 μg ZEN/kg BW and group ZEN15—15 µg ZEN/kg BW. Five gilts from every group were euthanized on analytical dates 1, 2, and 3. Caecal water samples for in vitro analysis were collected from the ileocaecal region. The genotoxicity of caecal water was noted, particularly after date 1 in groups ZEN10 and ZEN15 with a decreasing trend. Electrophoresis revealed the presence of numerous comets without tails in groups C and ZEN5 and fewer comets with clearly expressed tails in groups ZEN10 and ZEN15. The distribution of LLC-PK1 cells ranged from 15% to 20% in groups C and ZEN5, and from 30% to 60% in groups ZEN10 and ZEN15. The analysis of caecal water genotoxicity during exposure to very low doses of ZEN revealed the presence of a counter response and a compensatory effect in gilts.
Katarzyna Cieplińska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Adriana Nowak; Michał Dąbrowski; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej T. Gajęcki. The Genotoxicity of Caecal Water in Gilts Exposed to Low Doses of Zearalenone. Toxins 2018, 10, 350 .
AMA StyleKatarzyna Cieplińska, Magdalena Gajęcka, Adriana Nowak, Michał Dąbrowski, Łukasz Zielonka, Maciej T. Gajęcki. The Genotoxicity of Caecal Water in Gilts Exposed to Low Doses of Zearalenone. Toxins. 2018; 10 (9):350.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Cieplińska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Adriana Nowak; Michał Dąbrowski; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej T. Gajęcki. 2018. "The Genotoxicity of Caecal Water in Gilts Exposed to Low Doses of Zearalenone." Toxins 10, no. 9: 350.
Most plant materials are contaminated with small doses of Fusarium mycotoxins and its modified forms that exert subclinical toxic effects on humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the carry-over of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (pure parent compounds) to intestinal and liver tissues during 6 weeks of exposure to mycotoxins administered per os to gilts. The experiment was performed on 36 gilts with average body weight of 25 ± 2 kg, divided into 2 groups: an experimental group (group E, administered zearalenone at 40 μg/kg BW and deoxynivalenol at 12 μg/kg BW daily with feed) and a control group administered placebo. Tissue saturation with mycotoxins was analysed by liquid chromatography in samples collected at weekly intervals. Six gilts were euthanized in each week of the study. The conducted analyses revealed: (i) a non-uniform increase in zearalenone levels in the duodenum, jejunum, ascending colon and the liver; and (ii) an increase in deoxynivalenol levels, mainly in the ileum, caecum, ascending colon and the transverse colon, and a minor increase in the liver. The degree of tissue saturation was determined by the type of mycotoxin, but not by the time of exposure.
Magdalena Gajęcka; Agnieszka Waśkiewicz; Łukasz Zielonka; Piotr Goliński; Anna Rykaczewska; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Maciej T. Gajęcki. Mycotoxin levels in the digestive tissues of immature gilts exposed to zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. Toxicon 2018, 153, 1 -11.
AMA StyleMagdalena Gajęcka, Agnieszka Waśkiewicz, Łukasz Zielonka, Piotr Goliński, Anna Rykaczewska, Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk, Maciej T. Gajęcki. Mycotoxin levels in the digestive tissues of immature gilts exposed to zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. Toxicon. 2018; 153 ():1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Gajęcka; Agnieszka Waśkiewicz; Łukasz Zielonka; Piotr Goliński; Anna Rykaczewska; Sylwia Lisieska-Żołnierczyk; Maciej T. Gajęcki. 2018. "Mycotoxin levels in the digestive tissues of immature gilts exposed to zearalenone and deoxynivalenol." Toxicon 153, no. : 1-11.
The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to low doses of zearalenone (ZEN) induces changes in the serum biochemical profile and body weights (BW). Pre-pubertal gilts (with BW of up to 14.5 kg) were administered ZEN in daily doses of 5 μg/kg BW (group 1, n = 15), 10 μg/kg BW (group 2, n = 15), 15 μg/kg BW (group 3, n = 15) or placebo (control group C, n = 15) throughout the experiment. Blood was sampled for analysis on 10 dates (at five-day intervals). Minor but statistically significant differences in the analysed serum biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, glucose, total protein, iron, BUN and urea) were observed in the studied groups. The biochemical parameters of the analysed gilts indicate that the maintenance of homeostasis and biotransformation of ZEN require considerable energy expenditure. Beginning on the fourth analytical date, BW gains were consistently higher in the experimental groups than in group C. The observed decrease in glucose and total protein levels can probably be attributed to higher BW gains and the ongoing ZEN biotransformation processes in the enterocytes and the liver.
Anna Rykaczewska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Michał Dąbrowski; Anita Wiśniewska; Justyna Szcześniewska; Maciej T. Gajęcki; Łukasz Zielonka. Growth performance, selected blood biochemical parameters and body weights of pre-pubertal gilts fed diets supplemented with different doses of zearalenone (ZEN). Toxicon 2018, 152, 84 -94.
AMA StyleAnna Rykaczewska, Magdalena Gajęcka, Michał Dąbrowski, Anita Wiśniewska, Justyna Szcześniewska, Maciej T. Gajęcki, Łukasz Zielonka. Growth performance, selected blood biochemical parameters and body weights of pre-pubertal gilts fed diets supplemented with different doses of zearalenone (ZEN). Toxicon. 2018; 152 ():84-94.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Rykaczewska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Michał Dąbrowski; Anita Wiśniewska; Justyna Szcześniewska; Maciej T. Gajęcki; Łukasz Zielonka. 2018. "Growth performance, selected blood biochemical parameters and body weights of pre-pubertal gilts fed diets supplemented with different doses of zearalenone (ZEN)." Toxicon 152, no. : 84-94.
The contamination of feed with mycotoxins results in reduced growth, feed refusal, immunosuppression, and health problems. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) are among the most important mycotoxins. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of low doses of these mycotoxins on the histological structure and ultrastructure of the large intestine in the pig. The study was performed on 36 immature gilts of mixed breed (White Polish Big × Polish White Earhanging), which were divided into four groups administrated per os with ZEN at 40 µg/kg BW, DON at 12 µg/kg BW, a mixture of ZEN (40 µg/kg BW) and DON (12 µg/kg BW) or a placebo. The pigs were killed by intravenous overdose of pentobarbital after one, three, and six weeks of treatment. The cecum, ascending and descending colon samples were prepared for light and electron microscopy. Administration of toxins did not influence the architecture of the mucosa and submucosa in the large intestine. ZEN and ZEN + DON significantly decreased the number of goblet cells in the cecum and descending colon. The mycotoxins changed the number of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the large intestine, which usually increased in number. However, this effect differed between the intestine segments and toxins. Mycotoxins induced some changes in the ultrastructure of the mucosal epithelium. They did not affect the expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen and the intestinal barrier permeability. The obtained results indicate that mycotoxins especially ZEN may influence the defense mechanisms of the large intestine.
Barbara Przybylska-Gornowicz; Bogdan Lewczuk; Magdalena Prusik; Maria Hanuszewska; Marcela Petrusewicz-Kosińska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej Gajęcki. The Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on the Pig Large Intestine. A Light and Electron Microscopy Study. Toxins 2018, 10, 148 .
AMA StyleBarbara Przybylska-Gornowicz, Bogdan Lewczuk, Magdalena Prusik, Maria Hanuszewska, Marcela Petrusewicz-Kosińska, Magdalena Gajęcka, Łukasz Zielonka, Maciej Gajęcki. The Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on the Pig Large Intestine. A Light and Electron Microscopy Study. Toxins. 2018; 10 (4):148.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBarbara Przybylska-Gornowicz; Bogdan Lewczuk; Magdalena Prusik; Maria Hanuszewska; Marcela Petrusewicz-Kosińska; Magdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej Gajęcki. 2018. "The Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on the Pig Large Intestine. A Light and Electron Microscopy Study." Toxins 10, no. 4: 148.
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most prevalent mycotoxins in Europe. Pigs are an animal species that is most susceptible to this mycotoxin. Deoxynivalenol causes significant losses in pig production by lowering feed intake, decreasing daily weight gains, disrupting immune responses, and increasing susceptibility to diseases. The aim of this experiment was to determine the influence of feed contaminated with DON at concentrations insignificantly higher than recommended by the European Commission (900 µg/kg). The experimental feed contained 1008 μg DON/kg. The experiment was performed on eight weaners from the same litter. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (M, n = 4) fed contaminated feed and a control group (C, n = 4) administered feed free of mycotoxins. The experiment lasted for six weeks, and peripheral blood samples were collected from the animals for analyses of selected morphological parameters and changes in the percentages of CD4+8−, CD4−8+, and CD4+8+ lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APC) with CD14+172+ (monocytes), CD172ahigh4−14− (conventional dendritic cells, cDC), and CD172adim4+14− (plasmacytoid dendritic cells, pDC) phenotypes. The morphological parameters of porcine blood samples were determined by flow cytometry with non-fluorescent particle-size calibration standards, and no differences were observed between groups M and C. An immunophenotyping analysis of lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DC) revealed an increase in the percentage of CD4+8−, CD172ahigh4−14−, and CD172adim4+14− cells, and a decrease in the number of CD4−8+ cells in group M. The results of this experiment suggest that prolonged exposure to low doses of DON can change the proportions of immunocompetent cells (a shift towards humoral immunity), without affecting their overall counts.
Michał Dąbrowski; Ewa Jakimiuk; Mirosław Baranowski; Magdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki. The Effect of Deoxynivalenol on Selected Populations of Immunocompetent Cells in Porcine Blood—A Preliminary Study. Molecules 2017, 22, 691 .
AMA StyleMichał Dąbrowski, Ewa Jakimiuk, Mirosław Baranowski, Magdalena Gajęcka, Łukasz Zielonka, Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki. The Effect of Deoxynivalenol on Selected Populations of Immunocompetent Cells in Porcine Blood—A Preliminary Study. Molecules. 2017; 22 (5):691.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichał Dąbrowski; Ewa Jakimiuk; Mirosław Baranowski; Magdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki. 2017. "The Effect of Deoxynivalenol on Selected Populations of Immunocompetent Cells in Porcine Blood—A Preliminary Study." Molecules 22, no. 5: 691.
Most plant food products and feed ingredients can be contaminated with small doses of fusarial mycotoxins, which cause subclinical changes in humans and animals. The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the effect of low doses of zearalenone (40 µg/kg BW) and deoxynivalenol (12 µg/kg BW) administered daily per os to gilts on T-lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4+CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4-CD8+) in mesenteric blood during six-week exposure. The experiment was conducted on 36 gilts with an average body weight of 25±2 kg, divided into two groups: experimental (E – which received ZEN + DON) and control (C – which received a placebo). Changes in percentages of particular T-lymphocyte subsets were assessed by flow cytometry. Blood samples were taken at regular weekly intervals from 6 gilts during laparotomy, immediately before the heart’s action ceased. The analyses demonstrated that the E group had a transient decrease in the percentage of T-lymphocytes CD4+CD8+, as well as some disturbance in the linear correlation of growth within the same population of lymphocytes. Mixed low-dose mycotoxin can also be a cause of temporary immunity decline, as well as a factor responsible for disturbances during the maturation of the immune system.
Michał Dąbrowski; Łukasz Zielonka; Mirosław Baranowski; Magdalena Gajęcka; Anna Rykaczewska; Maciej T. Gajęcki. Percent changes in mesenteric blood T-lymphocyte subsets in gilts induced by low-dose zearalenone-deoxynivalenol mycotoxin. Medycyna Weterynaryjna 2017, 73, 585 -590.
AMA StyleMichał Dąbrowski, Łukasz Zielonka, Mirosław Baranowski, Magdalena Gajęcka, Anna Rykaczewska, Maciej T. Gajęcki. Percent changes in mesenteric blood T-lymphocyte subsets in gilts induced by low-dose zearalenone-deoxynivalenol mycotoxin. Medycyna Weterynaryjna. 2017; 73 (9):585-590.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichał Dąbrowski; Łukasz Zielonka; Mirosław Baranowski; Magdalena Gajęcka; Anna Rykaczewska; Maciej T. Gajęcki. 2017. "Percent changes in mesenteric blood T-lymphocyte subsets in gilts induced by low-dose zearalenone-deoxynivalenol mycotoxin." Medycyna Weterynaryjna 73, no. 9: 585-590.
This study demonstrates that low doses (somewhat above the No Observed Adverse Effect Level, NOAEL) of the mycoestrogen zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites display multispecificity towards various biological targets in gilts. The observed responses in gilts were surprising. The presence of ZEN and zearalenols (ZELs) did not evoke a response in the porcine gastrointestinal tract, which was attributed to dietary tolerance. Lymphocyte proliferation was intensified in jejunal mesenteric lymph nodes, and lymphocyte counts increased in the jejunal epithelium with time of exposure. In the distal digestive tract, fecal bacterial counts decreased, the activity of fecal bacterial enzymes and lactic acid bacteria increased, and cecal water was characterized by higher genotoxicity. The accompanying hyperestrogenism led to changes in mRNA activity of selected enzymes (cytochrome P450, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, nitric oxide synthases) and receptors (estrogen and progesterone receptors), and it stimulated post-translational modifications which play an important role in non-genomic mechanisms of signal transmission. Hyperestrogenism influences the regulation of the host’s steroid hormones (estron, estradiol and progesteron), it affects the virulence of bacterial genes encoding bacterial hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs), and it participates in detoxification processes by slowing down intestinal activity, provoking energy deficits and promoting antiporter activity at the level of enterocytes. In most cases, hyperestrogenism fulfils all of the above roles. The results of this study indicate that low doses of ZEN alleviate inflammatory processes in the digestive system, in particular in the proximal and distal intestinal tract, and increase body weight gains in gilts.
Magdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej Gajęcki. Activity of Zearalenone in the Porcine Intestinal Tract. Molecules 2016, 22, 18 .
AMA StyleMagdalena Gajęcka, Łukasz Zielonka, Maciej Gajęcki. Activity of Zearalenone in the Porcine Intestinal Tract. Molecules. 2016; 22 (1):18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Gajęcka; Łukasz Zielonka; Maciej Gajęcki. 2016. "Activity of Zearalenone in the Porcine Intestinal Tract." Molecules 22, no. 1: 18.
The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to low doses of ZEN + DON induces changes in serum biochemical and hematological parameters in pre-pubertal gilts. In the evaluated groups, minor but statistically significant changes were noted in selected serum biochemical parameters, including glucose, total cholesterol, ALT, AST, AP, total bilirubin, Pin, Fe, K and Cl, and in hematological parameters, including WBC, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, Ht, Hb, MCHC, HDW and PLT. A statistical analysis of the results revealed significant differences between groups in the values of WBC, eosinophils, basophils, Hb, Ht, PLT, glucose, ALT, AP, total bilirubin, Fe and K. Change trends were noted mainly in weeks II and V-VI. An analysis of the metabolic profile of pre-pubertal gilts exposed to ZEN + DON indicates that homeostasis and biotransformation of ZEN + DON can be toned down at the expense of the animals' energy reserves. Body weight gains were lower in group E, and BW gains were not observed in weeks II and VI. The activity levels of gilts decreased in the first weeks of exposure (I and II), but the drop was minimized by a compensatory effect, or in the last two weeks of exposure due to nutrient deficiency or insufficient supply of protein and energy with feed and feed additives, which decreased BW gains. Low doses of mycotoxins induce completely different changes in the metabolic test than higher doses. The above can probably be attributed to: (i) a negative compensatory effect, (ii) initiation of adaptive mechanisms and stimulation of the immune system, probably due to the allergizing properties of mycotoxins, (iii) excessive loss of energy and protein due to more effective feed utilization, or (iv) involvement in detoxification processes which leads to fatigue. Depending on the body's energy stores, the above processes tend to tone down the biotransformation of low doses of the examined mycotoxins but in the present study, the BW of gilts did not increase under exposure to a combination of ZEN + DON.
Magdalena Gajęcka; Michał Tarasiuk; Łukasz Zielonka; Michał Dąbrowski; Jakub Nicpoń; Mirosław Baranowski; Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki. Changes in the metabolic profile and body weight of pre-pubertal gilts during prolonged monotonic exposure to low doses of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. Toxicon 2016, 125, 32 -43.
AMA StyleMagdalena Gajęcka, Michał Tarasiuk, Łukasz Zielonka, Michał Dąbrowski, Jakub Nicpoń, Mirosław Baranowski, Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki. Changes in the metabolic profile and body weight of pre-pubertal gilts during prolonged monotonic exposure to low doses of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. Toxicon. 2016; 125 ():32-43.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Gajęcka; Michał Tarasiuk; Łukasz Zielonka; Michał Dąbrowski; Jakub Nicpoń; Mirosław Baranowski; Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki. 2016. "Changes in the metabolic profile and body weight of pre-pubertal gilts during prolonged monotonic exposure to low doses of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol." Toxicon 125, no. : 32-43.
Magdalena Gajęcka; Michał Tarasiuk; Łukasz Zielonka; Michał Dąbrowski; Maciej Gajęcki. Risk assessment for changes in the metabolic profile and body weights of pre-pubertal gilts during long-term monotonic exposure to low doses of zearalenone (ZEN). Research in Veterinary Science 2016, 109, 169 -180.
AMA StyleMagdalena Gajęcka, Michał Tarasiuk, Łukasz Zielonka, Michał Dąbrowski, Maciej Gajęcki. Risk assessment for changes in the metabolic profile and body weights of pre-pubertal gilts during long-term monotonic exposure to low doses of zearalenone (ZEN). Research in Veterinary Science. 2016; 109 ():169-180.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Gajęcka; Michał Tarasiuk; Łukasz Zielonka; Michał Dąbrowski; Maciej Gajęcki. 2016. "Risk assessment for changes in the metabolic profile and body weights of pre-pubertal gilts during long-term monotonic exposure to low doses of zearalenone (ZEN)." Research in Veterinary Science 109, no. : 169-180.
The study was performed on 18 clinically healthy female wild boars with initial body weight of 35 ± 2 kg. The animals were divided into two experimental groups (group I and group II) and one control group (group C) of 6 boars per group. Group I animals were administered per os pure zearalenone (ZEN) at 150 μg/kg BW every two months for 7 subsequent days, whereas group II animals received feed naturally contaminated with ZEN at 50 μg/kg BW/day. Female wild boars were exposed to ZEN over a period of 1 year. Control group animals were fed a placebo. Tissue samples (dorsal muscles, left lobe of liver, left kidney, spleen, apical part of the cardiac muscle, cranial lobe of lung, left ovary, central part of the left horn of the uterus) were collected on the last day of the experiment within 3 minutes after slaughter. In group I, the highest ZEN levels were noted in the spleen (19.813 ng/g), cardiac muscle (18.105 ng/g) and kidneys (14.555 ng/g). In group II, the highest concentrations of ZEN were observed in muscle tissue (12.033 ng/g), uterus (10.821 ng/g) and kidneys (10.463 ng/g). The highest values of the carry-over factor were noted in the same tissues. In the examined female wild boars, per os exposure to natural sources of the parent substance or a combination of ZEN and its metabolites led to different concentrations of ZEN in the analyzed tissues. Zearalenone concentrations were compatible with CF values in both experimental groups.
Magdalena Gajęcka; Piotr Sławuta; Jakub Nicpoń; Roman Kołacz; Zdzisław Kiełbowicz; Łukasz Zielonka; Michał Dabrowski; Wojciech Szweda; Maciej Gajęcki; Józef Nicpoń. Zearalenone and its metabolites in the tissues of female wild boars exposed per os to mycotoxins. Toxicon 2016, 114, 1 -12.
AMA StyleMagdalena Gajęcka, Piotr Sławuta, Jakub Nicpoń, Roman Kołacz, Zdzisław Kiełbowicz, Łukasz Zielonka, Michał Dabrowski, Wojciech Szweda, Maciej Gajęcki, Józef Nicpoń. Zearalenone and its metabolites in the tissues of female wild boars exposed per os to mycotoxins. Toxicon. 2016; 114 ():1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Gajęcka; Piotr Sławuta; Jakub Nicpoń; Roman Kołacz; Zdzisław Kiełbowicz; Łukasz Zielonka; Michał Dabrowski; Wojciech Szweda; Maciej Gajęcki; Józef Nicpoń. 2016. "Zearalenone and its metabolites in the tissues of female wild boars exposed per os to mycotoxins." Toxicon 114, no. : 1-12.
Zearalenone and deoxynivalenol are secondary metabolites of fungi of the genus Fusarium. The presence of mycotoxins in cereals and the resulting contamination of feeds and foods pose health risks for animals and humans. The dangers associated with high doses of mycotoxins have been extensively researched but very little is known about NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) doses or exposure to a combination of mycotoxins (mixed mycotoxicoses). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of six-week exposure to NOAEL doses of individual and combined mycotoxins on the subpopulations of CD4+8−, CD4−8+ and CD4+8+ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of pigs. The experiment was performed on 72 gilts with average body weight of 25 kg, divided into three experimental groups (E1, E2 and E3, administered zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON) and ZEN + DON, respectively, on a daily basis) and a control group (C) receiving placebo. Changes in lymphocyte subpopulations were evaluated by flow cytometry at weekly intervals (experimental days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42). A linear increase in the percentage of CD4+8+ lymphocytes was highly correlated with time (r = 0.682) in group C. The correlations and linear increase in the above subpopulation were disrupted in the remaining groups. In group E3, a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in CD4+8+ counts was observed in week 5, which could point to a transient depletion of regulatory mechanisms of immune responses. The noted results also suggest that in mixed mycotoxicosis, ZEN and DON exerted stronger immunomodulatory effects.
Michał Dąbrowski; Kazimierz Obremski; Magdalena Gajęcka; Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki; Łukasz Zielonka. Changes in the Subpopulations of Porcine Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Induced by Exposure to Low Doses of Zearalenone (ZEN) and Deoxynivalenol (DON). Molecules 2016, 21, 557 .
AMA StyleMichał Dąbrowski, Kazimierz Obremski, Magdalena Gajęcka, Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki, Łukasz Zielonka. Changes in the Subpopulations of Porcine Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Induced by Exposure to Low Doses of Zearalenone (ZEN) and Deoxynivalenol (DON). Molecules. 2016; 21 (5):557.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichał Dąbrowski; Kazimierz Obremski; Magdalena Gajęcka; Maciej Tadeusz Gajęcki; Łukasz Zielonka. 2016. "Changes in the Subpopulations of Porcine Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Induced by Exposure to Low Doses of Zearalenone (ZEN) and Deoxynivalenol (DON)." Molecules 21, no. 5: 557.