Evaluation of Effects of Spirulina Extracts on Immunologic Dysfunction and Inflammation Associated with Aflatoxin B1 Induced Toxicity in Mice
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Date
2023-02
Authors
Gilbert, Kipkoech
Susan, Musembi
Masese, Johnson
David, Mburu
Mercy, Jepkorir
James, Kuria
Peter, Mwitari
Charles, Mutai
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
JSIR
Abstract
The contamination of foods by various mycotoxins has been reported as a major public health concern across
the world. The most predominant type of fungal toxins are aflatoxins which are synthesized by certain fungi that
contaminate agricultural crops or produce. The main aflatoxin producing fungi are Aspergillus flavus and
Aspergillus parasiticus which contaminate food crops in the farm and after harvesting. Out of all the types of
aflatoxins, the most potent type is aflatoxin B1. The mechanism of toxicity and health effects of aflatoxins have
been studied widely and it has been shown that aflatoxin B1 leads to liver necrosis, inflammation and liver
cancer. The use of natural products as a remedy to health consequences of aflatoxins in humans and animals is
gaining popularity. Owing to its anti-inflammatory effects, Spirulina plantesis has been studied for its
immunomodulatory effects. This study evaluated the effects of spirulina extract on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced
immune dysfunction and inflammation. Male BALB/c mice weighing 28-34g were randomly placed into 6
groups and orally treated as follows: Group 1 was not treated but received food and water for entire experimental
period. Group 2 received 200 µg/kg b.w of aflatoxin B1 orally. Group 3 received 1g/kg b.w of activated charcoal
and an hour later 200 µg/kg b.w of aflatoxin B1 orally. Group 4, 5 and 6 received 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and
150mg/kg b.w of Spirulina plantesis respectively then an hour later each group received 200 µg/kg b.w of
aflatoxin B1 orally. Treatments were done on a daily basis for 14 days. At the last day of the experiment, all the
mice were denied food and water for 12 hours, thereafter sacrificed and samples processed for immunological
studies. The results indicated that body weight significantly increased when treated with 100mg/kg
spirulina+AFB1 and 150mg/kg spirulina+AFB1 groups in compared to AFB1 treated group (p < 0.05). AFB1
was shown to increase serum level of IFN- γ and IL 2 and decrease levels of IL 4. Treatment with spirulina
extract had no significant effect on the serum concentrations of IL-4 and IL-2 (p > 0.05) in comparison with
aflatoxin B1 treated group, the serum levels of IFN- γ and IL-2 reduced significantly (p<0.05). Treatment with
spirulina extract at different doses had no significant effect on serum levels of immunoglobulins A, G and M (p
< 0.05). The mRNA expression of IL-4 was downregulated while that of TNFα, and IFNγ were upregulated. The
results showed that increasing mRNA expressions of TNFα, and IFNγ as a result of AFB1was prevented (p≤0.01)
by administration of spirulina extract. These findings suggests that spirulina extract could be used as a remedy
to AFB1 induced immune dysfunction and inflammation.
Description
Article
Keywords
Spirulina plantesis, Aflatoxin B1, Immune dysfunction, Inflammation, Liver necrosis, Liver necrosis
Citation
Gilbert, K., Susan, M., Johnson, M., David, M., Mercy, J., James, K., ... & Charles, M. (2023). Evaluation of Effects of Spirulina Extracts on Immunologic Dysfunction and Inflammation Associated with Aflatoxin B1 Induced Toxicity in Mice. Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research, 12(1), 1-7.