The effect of T-2 toxin on cell metabolism, oxidative stress and ER stress in 3D hepatic cell cultures of chicken origin

Abstract

T-2 toxin is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by different Fusarium species that often contaminate cereal grains and their processed food products. Since poultry species consume mainly cereals, they are at a greater risk of T-2 toxin exposure. The toxin has genotoxic, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory effects in poultry, leading to reduced productivity. The main cellular effect of the toxin is the inhibition of protein synthesis. It also induces oxidative stress that could lead to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Therefore, the investigation of the cellular effects of T-2 toxin is highly important to agriculture and veterinary medicine.