Alleviation of zearalenone toxicity by modified halloysite nanotubes in the immune response of swine

Zearalenone (ZEN) has caused significant economic effects on swine production in China. There is growing concern that exposure to ZEN during pregnancy affects the health of the offspring due to changes in the development of the immune system. To assess the risks associated with maternal ZEN exposure, several immunological parameters were assessed in pregnant sows and their offspring. The main aim of the study was to determine if modified hallosite nanotubes (MHNTs) can be used to protect pigs against the adverse effects of ZEN. Eighteen pregnant sows (second parity Yorkshire sows) were randomly divided into three treatment groups: (1) basal diet (control group); (2) contaminated grain (instead of 50% mouldy corn); and (3) contaminated grain (instead of 50% mouldy corn) + 1% MHNTs. The pregnant sows were fed the different treated diets from days 35 to 70 of gestation. Dietary ZEN exposure decreased the organ coefficient and the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10, and increased ZEN residues and IL-4 mRNA expression in the spleen of pregnant sows and neonatal piglets. Decreases in the serum IgA and IgG levels were observed in the pregnant sows. Maternal ZEN exposure decreased the organ coefficient and the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ and IL-10, and increased IL-4 mRNA expression in the spleen of weaning piglets. Exposure to ZEN during pregnancy decreased the level of serum IgG in the weaning piglets. Maternal exposure to ZEN induced histopathological damage and oxidative stress in the spleens of pregnant sows and their piglets. The addition of MHNTs to ZEN-contaminated diets can mitigate the negative effects induced by ZEN in the swine.