Lipid Metabolism Disorders, Lymphocytes Cells Death, and Renal Toxicity Induced by Very Low Levels of Deoxynivalenol and Fumonisin B1 Alone or in Combination Following 7 Days Oral Administration to Mice

Scope: In our previous study focused on in vitro interactive effect of Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1), we reported that these toxins tested at low level and in association could lead to additive or synergistic cytotoxic effect. The aim of the present study is to confirm those findings by in vivo study. Materials and Methods: Swiss mice were orally administered with low doses of DON (45 μg/kg bw/day), FB1 (110 μg/kg bw/day), and their mixture (DON + FB1) for 7 days. Results: As results, no death or abnormal symptoms were observed in all groups. The significant of loss of weight was observed in females group treated with FB1 and its association with DON. Serum chemistry examinations revealed that disorders in lipid metabolism, renal filtration perturb and a rhabdomyolysis. DON has been found as particular inducer of kidney cell deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation and blood lymphocytes cell death as measured by lymphocytes DNA fragmentation. Female mice were more sensitive and the mixture of DON and FB1 led to additive or more than additive effect particularly for their target kidney which showed different pattern of toxicity. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the no-observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) of both DON and FB1 should be low than 45 μg/kg bw/day and 110 µg/kg bw/day, respectively in mice.