Impact of a Single Oral Acute Dose of Aflatoxin B(1) on Liver Function/Cytokines and the Lymphoproliferative Response in C57Bl/6 Mice

Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)), a mycotoxin found in food and feed, exerts harmful effects on humans and animals. The liver is the earliest target of AFB(1), and its effects have been evaluated in animal models exposed to acute or chronic doses. Considering the possibility of sporadic ingestion of AFB(1)-contaminated food, this study investigated the impact of a single oral dose of AFB(1) on liver function/cytokines and the lymphoproliferative response in mice. C57BL/6 mice were treated with a single oral AFB(1) dose (44, 442 or 663 μg AFB(1)/kg of body weight) on the first day. Liver function (ALT, γ-GT, and total protein), cytokines (IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-17), histopathology, and the spleen lymphoproliferative response to mitogens were evaluated on the 5th day. Although AFB(1) did not produce any significant changes in the biochemical parameters, 663 μg AFB(1)/kg-induced hepatic upregulation of IL-4 and IFN-γ, along with liver tissue injury and suppression of the lymphoproliferative response to ConA (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a single oral dose of AFB(1) exposure can induce liver tissue lesions, liver cytokine modulation, and immune suppression in C57BL/6 mice.