In vitro study of AFB1 and AFM1 effects on human lymphoblastoid Jurkat T-cell model. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luongo, D.; Russo, R.; Balestrieri, A.; Marzocco, S.; Bergamo, P.; Severino, L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of immunotoxicology. Volume 11:Number 4(2014)
• Page Start: 353
• Page End: 358
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Immunotoxicology -- Periodicals; Poisons -- Immunology -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.97
• DOI: 10.3109/1547691X.2013.848250
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1547-691X

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a mycotoxin produced by <italic>Aspergillus spp.</italic> that can occur as a natural contaminant in foods and feeds of vegetable origin. Post-ingestion, AFB₁ can be metabolized in the liver of mammals into hydroxylated aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) that is excreted with milk. Although several studies have been carried out to evaluate effects of AFB₁ on the immune system, studies regarding AFM₁ are moreover lacking. The aim of the current study was to investigate effects of AFB₁ and AFM₁ on immune function using a lymphoblastoid Jurkat T-cell line as an experimental model. Both AFB₁ and AFM₁ produced significant decreases in Jurkat cell proliferation, whereas only minor effects were noted on interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-<italic>γ</italic> cytokines mRNA expression in stimulated cells that had been pre-incubated with AFB₁ and AFM₁. Particularly, AFB₁, but not AFM₁, at the highest concentration (50 µM) induced a marked increase in IL-8 mRNA expression. The results of the current study suggested the existence of a concentration threshold for AFB₁ and AFM₁ needed to exert biological activity on cell viability and innate immunity.</p> </abstract>