Investigation of Deoxynivalenol Contamination in Local Area and Evaluation of Its Multiple Intestinal Toxicity

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi widespread in wheat, corn, barley and other grain crops, posing the potential for being toxic to human and animal health, especially in the small intestine, which is the primary target organ for defense against the invasion of toxins. This study firstly investigated DON contamination in a local area of a wheat production district in China. Subsequently, the mechanism of DON toxicity was analyzed through cellular molecular biology combining with intestinal flora and gene transcription analysis; the results indicated that DON exposure can decrease IPEC−J2 cell viability and antioxidant capacity, stimulate the secretion and expression of proinflammatory factors, destroy the gut microbiota and affect normal functions of the body. It is illustrated that DON could induce intestinal damage through structural damage, functional injury and even intestinal internal environment disturbance, and, also, these intestinal toxicity effects are intrinsically interrelated. This study may provide multifaceted information for the treatment of intestinal injury induced by DON.