Multi-parameter analysis of combined hepatotoxicity induced by mycotoxin mixtures in HepG2 cells

Evaluation of combined toxicity and exploring the corresponding mechanism is of great significance in characterising the interactions of mixed mycotoxins. This study used high content analysis and multiple evaluation models to estimate combined toxic hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells, due to aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol, which are often detected simultaneously in the same grain sample. All mycotoxins induced cell loss in HepG2 cells in a concentration dependent manner. The combined toxic effects observed by multiple evaluation models (CA, IA and CI) suggested a similar mechanism and dominant synergistic effects for binary and ternary combinations. Based on reactive oxygen species, intracellular glutathione (GSH), and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP) assessment, the synergistic mechanisms may be associated with mitochondrial damage by reducing GSH and MMP.