Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin derived from Fusarium species. It is commonly found in crops and has a high detection rate in animal feedstuffs. We previously confirmed that apoptosis could be induced by DON through the FOXO3a (Forkhead box 3a) signaling pathway. In this study, to identify a natural compound to mitigate DON-induced apoptosis via FOXO3a, we performed high-throughput screening. We found that ivangustin (IVAN) alleviated DON-induced cytotoxicity. It also decreased DON-mediated apoptosis and the expression levels of apoptosis-associated genes at the mRNA level. Furthermore, treatment with IVAN inhibited FOXO3a from translocating into the nucleus. The results demonstrated the mitigating effects of the natural compound IVAN on DON-induced apoptosis through the FOXO3a signaling pathway. This study focused on elucidating the mechanism underlying damage caused by DON. According to the results of this study, novel alternatives to mitigate DON cytotoxicity may be developed. This study could provide fundamental data for the formulation of mycotoxin alleviation strategies to improve pig productivity.