Cytoprotective and genoprotective effects of β-glucans against aflatoxin B1-induced DNA damage in broiler chicken lymphocytes

The polysaccharide beta-glucan presents beneficial effects on the immune system, although the mechanisms of the immunomodulatory effect remain poorly understood. The potential cytoprotective and genoprotective effects of beta-glucans were evaluated in broiler chicken lymphocytes exposed to increasing concentrations of aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) and/or beta-glucans. AFB(1) significantly decreased cell viability at the concentrations of 10 and 20 mu g/ml at 72 h of incubation (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, the AFB(1) concentrations of 1, 10 and 20 mu g/ml increased DNA fragmentation levels at 24 h (p < 0.001). Conversely, lymphocyte death was prevented by beta-glucans at the concentrations of 1% and 10%, indicating a cytoprotective effect. Reactive oxygen species levels were increased in the cells treated with 20 mu g/ml AFB(1) at 24 h (p <0.05) and 10% beta-glucans with or without AFB(1) at 24,48 and 72 h of incubation (p < 0.001). DNA damage increased by more than 100% in AFB-rtreated lymphocytes when compared to control group. beta-glucans at 1% was able to fully revert the AFB(1)-induced lymphocyte DNA damage, indicating a genoprotective effect and maintaining DNA integrity. In conclusion, beta-glucans showed in vitro dose-dependent cytoprotective and genoprotective effects in broiler chicken lymphocytes exposed to AFB(1). (c) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.