Aflatoxins interfere in J774A.1 murine macrophages activation

Considering that aflatoxins (AF) are food contaminants exerting genotoxic, cancerogenic and immunotoxic properties and because only few studies have been performed about the immunotoxicity of AFB1 and AFM1 while no data are available regarding the immunotoxic effects of AFB2 and AFM2, the aim of the current study was evaluating the effects of AFB1, AFB2, AFM1 and AFM2, alone and in combination, on cultured LPS-activated J774A.1 macrophages. Methods: J774A.1 macrophages were exposed to AFB1, AFB2, AFM1 and AFM2 (1–50M), alone and in combination, for 24, 48 and 72 h; cytotoxicity was evaluated through MTT assay. The production of nitric oxide (NO) by J774A.1 macrophages, previously exposed to aflatoxins (5–30M), alone and in combination, and stimulated with LPS (1g/ml) for 24 h was evaluated by Greiss reagent. Data were statistically examined. Results of the study: AFB1 alone significantly reduced J774A.1 cell viability; combination with AFB2, AFM1 and AFM2 did not modify cell viability. AFB1, AFB2, AFM1, and AFM2 alone or in combination, significantly inhibited NO production. In conclusion, our results highlighted that these contaminants can interfere in immunomodulation; the effects of combination of aflatoxins are stronger than those induced by single mycotoxin suggesting interactions. The co-exposure due to food contamination may significantly affect immunoreactivity.