Cytotoxic effects of mycotoxin combinations in mammalian kidney cells

The cytotoxicity of three Fusarium mycotoxins (beauvericin, deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin) has been investigated using the NR assay, after 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. The IC50 values ranged from 6.77 to 11.08, 3.30 to 10.00 and 0.004 to 0.005 for beauvericin, deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin, respectively. Once the potential interaction has been detected, a quantitative assessment is necessary to ensure and characterize these interactions, that is, each mycotoxin contributes to the toxic effect in accord with its own potency. Combination of mycotoxins was determined in Vero cells after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure. Isobolograms and median effect method of Chou and Talalay were used to assess the nature and quantitative aspects of interaction observed between studied mycotoxins. Median effect analysis was used to calculate the combination index (CI) with values >1 indicating synergism, 1 additive effect, and <1 antagonism. CI values of BEA + DON (1.22–2.74), BEA + T-2 toxin (1.43–5.89), DON + T-2 toxin (3.13–7.62) and BEA + DON + T-2 toxin (1.32–2.68) for 24, 48 and 72 h produced antagonistic effects in Vero cells. The highest antagonistic effect in Vero cells was observed with binary DON and T-2 toxin mixture.