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Health Problems with Mycotoxins in Cattle—A Review
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi that can contaminate animal feed. Cattle may be exposed to these toxins through contaminated feed sources such as cereal grains (e.g., corn, barley), silage, hay, and other roughages, where aflatoxins, fumonisins, T-2 toxins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxins, and emerging mycotoxins are most commonly found. Cattle are generally less sensitive to mycotoxins, mainly due to detoxification processes occurring in the rumen. The rumen plays a key role in the degradation or transformation of mycotoxins through the activity of ruminal microorganisms and enzymes before these toxins are absorbed into the bloodstream. However, despite this natural defense, mycotoxins have been shown to impact ruminant health. This article aimed to analyze the literature on the negative effects of mycotoxin exposure on cattle health. In January 2025, a systematic search of various databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Web of Science) was conducted in Google Chrome to identify studies assessing the association between mycotoxin exposure and health complications in cattle. Symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning are nonspecific and include metabolic and hormonal imbalances, inflammatory conditions, weakened immune response, digestive disorders, reduced productivity, and reproductive issues. These toxins may also compromise the safety of the food chain, including the quality of milk and meat products. Due to the increasing risk of mycotoxin contamination in feed, a comprehensive approach to feed management is essential. This includes regular monitoring, proper storage of raw materials, and the use of plant protection products that minimize the risk of contamination.
The Action of Cannabidiol on Doxycycline Cytotoxicity in Human Cells—In Vitro Study
Improper use of drugs in both animal and human therapy, such as doxycycline (DOX), lead to the accumulation of residues in edible animal tissues as well as in the environment. Plant-derived compounds reduce the adverse effects of drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) in two concentrations: lower (1.56 µg/mL) (DOX + C1) and higher (3.125 µg/mL) (DOX + C2) on the cytotoxicity of doxycycline in human cells. The toxicity of DOX and its CBD-containing mixtures was assessed after 72 h of exposure in three human cell lines: neural (SH-SY5Y), hepatic (HepG2), and kidney (HEK-293). The exposure to DOX resulted in inhibition of mitochondrial activity (SH-SY5Y) and inhibition of DNA synthesis (HepG2 and HEK-293). IC50 values for DOX ranged from 9.8 to >200 µg/mL in SH-SY5Y cells, 13.4 to 200 µg/mL in HepG2 cells, and 8.9 to 30.4 µg/mL in HEK-293 cells. The nature of the interaction depended on both the cell lines and the concentration of CBD in the mixture. Both CBD mixtures demonstrated a synergistic interaction in neuronal cells. In HepG2 cells, both mixtures showed additive and antagonistic interactions. In HEK-293 cells, the DOX + C1 mixture exhibited an antagonistic (protective) effect, while the DOX + C2 mixture showed an additive effect. There were no changes in oxidative stress levels; however, alterations in apoptosis levels and cell morphology were observed following exposure to the mixtures. The presence of doxycycline in the diet and the environment poses a health risk to consumers. The increasing consumption of CBD-containing products may reduce the risk associated with the presence of this drug in food. It is worth emphasizing the need for research aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of pharmaceuticals on the health of humans and animals.
Protective Action of Cannabidiol on Tiamulin Toxicity in Humans—In Vitro Study
The growing awareness and need to protect public health, including food safety, require a thorough study of the mechanism of action of veterinary drugs in consumers to reduce their negative impact on humans. Inappropriate use of veterinary drugs in animal husbandry, such as tiamulin, leads to the appearance of residues in edible animal tissues. The use of natural substances of plant origin, extracted from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), such as cannabidiol (CBD), is one of the solutions to minimize the negative effects of tiamulin. This study aimed to determine the effect of CBD on the cytotoxicity of tiamulin in humans. The cytotoxic activity of tiamulin and the effect of its mixtures with CBD were tested after 72 h exposure to three human cell lines: SH-SY5Y, HepG2 and HEK-293. Cytotoxic concentrations (IC50) of the tested drug and in combination with CBD were assessed using five biochemical endpoints: mitochondrial and lysosomal activity, proliferation, cell membrane integrity and effects on DNA synthesis. Oxidative stress, cell death and cellular morphology were also assessed. The nature of the interaction between the veterinary drug and CBD was assessed using the combination index. The long-term effect of tiamulin inhibited lysosomal (SH-SY5SY) and mitochondrial (HepG2) activity and DNA synthesis (HEK-293). IC50 values for tiamulin ranged from 2.1 to >200 µg/mL (SH-SY5SY), 13.9 to 39.5 µg/mL (HepG2) and 8.5 to 76.9 µg/mL (HEK-293). IC50 values for the drug/CBD mixtures were higher. Reduced levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis and changes in cell morphology were demonstrated after exposure to the mixtures. Interactions between the veterinary drug and CBD showed a concentration-dependent nature of tiamulin in cell culture, ranging from antagonistic (low concentrations) to synergistic effects at high drug concentrations. The increased risk to human health associated with the presence of the veterinary drug in food products and the protective nature of CBD use underline the importance of these studies in food toxicology and require further investigation.