Deepening the Whole Transcriptomics of Bovine Liver Cells Exposed to AFB1: A Spotlight on Toll-like Receptor 2

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a food contaminant metabolized mostly in the liver and leading to hepatic damage. Livestock species are differently susceptible to AFB1, but the underlying mechanisms of toxicity have not yet been fully investigated, especially in ruminants. Thus, the aim of the present study was to better characterize the molecular mechanism by which AFB1 exerts hepatotoxicity in cattle. The bovine fetal hepatocyte cell line (BFH12) was exposed for 48 h to three different AFB1 concentrations (0.9 µM, 1.8 µM and 3.6 µM). Whole-transcriptomic changes were measured by RNA-seq analysis, showing significant differences in the expression of genes mainly involved in inflammatory response, oxidative stress, drug metabolism, apoptosis and cancer. As a confirmatory step, post-translational investigations on genes of interest were implemented. Cell death associated with necrosis rather than apoptosis events was noted. As far as the toxicity mechanism is concerned, a molecular pathway linking inflammatory response and oxidative stress was postulated. Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) activation, consequent to AFB1 exposure, triggers an intracellular signaling cascade involving a kinase (p38β MAPK), which in turn allows the nuclear translocation of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) and NF-κB, finally leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, a p38β MAPK negative role in cytoprotective genes regulation was postulated. Overall, our investigations improved the actual knowledge on the molecular effects of this worldwide relevant natural toxin in cattle.