Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) are two of the most potent mycotoxins, recognized for their severe toxicity. In recent years, the consumption of bioactive substances has proven to be a valuable ally in combating their harmful effects on human health. For this purpose, this study evaluates the protective effects of fermented whey (FW) and pumpkin (P), as functional ingredients in bread, on duodenum tissue against sub-chronic toxicity induced by AFB1 and OTA. Nine groups of male and female Wistar rats (n = 5 per sex/group) were exposed to different combinations of AFB1, OTA, FW, and P for 28 days. The gene expression of apoptotic and antioxidant markers, including p53, Bax, Hmox1, NF-κB, and occludin, was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). AFB1 + OTA exposure led to an increased expression of p53 and NF-κB, with the downregulation of Bax and Hmox1. Occludin expression, which supports tight junction integrity, remained largely unaffected. Supplementation with FW and FW + P modulated gene expression favorably, offering protection against AFB1 and OTA toxicity. These bioactive components effectively mitigated oxidative stress and apoptosis in duodenal tissue. Notably, the results indicate that the protective effects of FW and P are not sex-dependent. These findings highlight the potential of FW and P as functional ingredients in combating the toxic effects of AFB1 and OTA in vivo.