The molecular mechanism of G2/M cell cycle arrest induced by AFB1 in the jejunum

Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) has potent hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, genotoxic, immunotoxic and other adverse effects in human and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of G 2 /M cell cycle arrest induced by AFB 1 in the jejunum of broilers. Broilers, as experimental animals, were fed 0.6 mg/kg AFB 1 diet for 3 weeks. Our results showed that AFB 1 reduced the jejunal villus height, villus height/crypt ratio and caused G 2 /M cell cycle arrest. The G 2 /M cell cycle was accompanied by the increase of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), p53, Chk2, p21 protein and mRNA expression, and the decrease of Mdm2, cdc25C, cdc2, cyclin B and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein and mRNA expression. In conclusion, AFB 1 blocked G 2 /M cell cycle by ATM pathway in the jejunum of broilers.