chicks using RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq). Four groups of 1-day-old Cobb male broilers (n=4 cages/group, 6
chicks/cage) were fed a corn-soybean-based diet (control) and control supplemented with T-2 toxin at 1.0, 3.0,
and 6.0 mg/kg, respectively, for 2 weeks. The histological results showed that dietary supplementation of T-2
toxin at 3.0 and 6.0 mg/kg induced glandular gastric injury including serious inflammation, increased inflammatory
cells, mucosal edema, and necrosis and desquamation of the epithelial cells in the glandular stomach
of chicks. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that there were 671, 1393, and 1394 genes displayed ≥2 (P < 0.05)
differential expression in the dietary supplemental T-2 toxin at 1.0, 3.0, and 6.0 mg/kg, respectively, compared
with the control group. Notably, 204 differently expressed genes had shared similar changes among these three
doses of T-2 toxin. GO and KEGG pathway analysis results showed that many genes involved in oxidationreduction
process, inflammation, wound healing/bleeding, and apoptosis/carcinogenesis were affected by T-2
toxin exposure. In conclusion, this study systematically elucidated toxic mechanisms of T-2 toxin on the
glandular stomach, which might provide novel ideas to prevent adverse effects of T-2 toxin in chicks. |
