Vitamin B6 Alleviates Aflatoxin B1-Induced Impairment of Testis Development by Activating the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a harmful environmental contaminant known to disrupt gut microbiota and cause health problems. In recent years, the role of vitamin B6 (VB6) in maintaining intestinal and reproductive health has attracted much attention. AFB1 has been found to damage the intestinal barrier and cause inflammation by disrupting the intestinal microbiota, particularly by increasing the abundance of Enterococcus. In mice treated with AFB1, serum metabolites were disturbed, VB6 serum levels were reduced, and testicular inflammation was exacerbated. Enterococcus exposure in mice leads to a reduction in serum VB6 levels, which is accompanied by intestinal and testicular damage. However, VB6 supplementation significantly ameliorated AFB1-induced intestinal and testicular injury. Transcriptomics and Western blotting showed that after AFB1 exposure, VB6 could increase the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and kinase B (AKT) as well as their phosphorylated forms in the testes of mice. Based on the results, AFB1 leads to intestinal and testicular damage by disturbing the gut microbiota, and VB6 represents a potential therapeutic to counteract this damage. In conclusion, supplementation with adequate VB6 can ameliorate AFB1-induced intestinal and testicular damage, emphasizing the importance of VB6 intervention and providing a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of AFB1-related health issues.