Effect of deoxynivalenol on the levels of toll-like receptors 2 and 9 and their mRNA expression in enterocytes in the porcine large intestine: a preliminary study

Deoxynivalenol (DON), one of the most prevalent mycotoxins in the world, and is capable of inducing immune disorders in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feed contaminated with DON on the number of TLR2- and TLR9-positive cells and their mRNA expression in the porcine large intestine. The experiment was conducted on two equal groups of pigs (n=4). The experimental group (E) was administered feed contaminated with DON (1008 μg/kg of feed) for 6 weeks, and the control group (C) was administered non-contaminated feed over the same period of time. A decrease in the expression of TLR2 mRNA was noted in the cecum. The percentage of TLR9-positive enterocytes increased in the ascending colon and decreased in the cecum. The results of this study indicate that DON can modify the local immune response by changing the expression of TLRs.