Evaluation of Activity of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Mediators and Nitrosative Stress in Liver Tissue of Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) Positive for Zearalenone (ZEN) Contamination in Campania Region, Southern Italy

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin commonly produced by Fusarium species and is often found in food and feed. It has been linked to reproductive problems in livestock and, less frequently, to hyperestrogenic effects in humans. However, information regarding the impact of ZEN on wild boars (Sus scrofa) remains scarce, despite this species being among the most frequently hunted game animals in Italy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ZEN on the hepatic system by examining nitrosative stress markers and the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in wild boars hunted in various areas of the Avellino province (Campania region, Italy) during the 2021–2022 hunting season. The findings revealed that exposure to ZEN was linked to a marked rise in both pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, except for IL-10, which did not increase significantly. In addition, ZEN stimulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which, in turn, led to elevated nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in the liver. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed a predominance of CD3-positive T-cells in the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate of ZEN-exposed wild boars, highlighting the importance of structured wildlife monitoring to protect food safety and safeguard human and animal health.