High contamination levels of deoxynivalenol-induced erythrocyte damage in different models

Consumptions of DON-contaminated food by farm animals and humans lead to mycotoxicoses. Based on the previous studies, DON may cause the morphological, numerical and functional abnormity of erythrocyte in animals such as pigs, poultry, horses, mice, humans and so on. But at present, there is still a lack of full and systematic discussion of the DON-induced erythrocyte damage. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to summarize and update the prominent evidences, explore possible mechanisms, put forward preventive measures, and suggest a hypothesis for future research regarding the effects of DON on erythrocyte. And conclusions what we summarize are 1) Apart from ruminant, DON can induce erythrocyte damage in animals and there is a threshold level about damage. However, the value of threshold level and the extent of damage are still unclear; 2) DON exerts toxicity on erythrocyte mainly by penetrating the phospholipid bilayers, interacting with the cellular membranes, and phospholipid peroxidation. Most probably, more than one mechanism operates at the same time; 3) The existing methods for preventing damage can be classified as reducing absorption of DON through intestinal tract and blocking mechanisms that DON exerts toxicity on erythrocyte. •DON-contaminated food by farm animals and humans lead to mycotoxicoses.•Lack of full and systematic discussion of the DON-induced erythrocyte damage.•Mechanism 1) Penetration of the probably passes the phospholipid bilayers.•Mechanism 2) Interaction between the toxin and the cell membranes.•Mechanism 3) Free radical(s) mediated phospholipid peroxidation.