Raheem Kadhim Abaas
Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
Adil jabar Atiyah
Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
Shuai Huang
School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China, 570228
ABSTRACT
Background: Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that pose significant health risks to livestock, leading to oxidative stress, liver dysfunction, and renal impairment. Moringa oleifera leaves are known for their antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, which may mitigate the adverse effects of mycotoxin exposure. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Moringa oleifera leaves on glutathione (GSH) levels, liver enzymes, and kidney function in ram lambs exposed to mycotoxins. Methods: Twenty ram lambs (average weight: 23 kg, age: 4–5 months) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups and housed in controlled conditions. The study was conducted at the animal farm of Baghdad’s College of Veterinary Medicine from January 24, 2023, to March 24, 2023. The dietary treatments were as follows: Control (C): Fed a concentrate ration (2.5% body weight) with alfalfa hay. G1: Fed the same control diet supplemented with 50 g of Moringa oleifera leaves daily. G2: Fed a diet contaminated with mycotoxins. G3: Fed the same mycotoxin-contaminated diet as G2 but supplemented with 50 g of Moringa oleifera leaves daily. All animals had free access to water. Blood and serum samples were collected at baseline (0 days), one month, and two months post-treatment to assess glutathione (GSH) levels, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), and kidney function markers (urea and creatinine). Results: Mycotoxin exposure (G2) significantly increased serum ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine levels, indicating hepatic and renal dysfunction. Additionally, GSH levels were markedly reduced in the mycotoxin-exposed group compared to the control. However, supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaves (G3) significantly improved antioxidant activity, as evidenced by increased GSH levels and a reduction in liver enzyme and kidney function markers compared to the mycotoxin-exposed group. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaves demonstrated a protective role against mycotoxin-induced oxidative stress and organ dysfunction by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms and improving liver and kidney function. These findings support the potential use of Moringa oleifera as a natural dietary supplement to mitigate the toxic effects of mycotoxin contamination in livestock feed.
Keywords: Moringa Oleifera, GSH, Urea, Liver Enzymes and Creatinine.
