Protective effect of Spirulina platensis extract on aflatoxin B1 immunotoxicities in mice

Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are the main Aspergillums species that form aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic, teratogenic, carcinogenic and immunosuppressive. This study aimed to assess Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) extract inhibitory effect against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced immunotoxicity in male Swiss albino mice. Twenty-five inbred weaned mice were randomly divided into five groups. Group I (Control group), were given routine diet. Treatments administered were: Group II (S. platensis extract 100 mg/kg/day), Group III (AFB1 200 µg/kg/day), Group IV (S. platensis extract 100 mg/kg/day and AFB1 200 µg/kg/day) and Group V (S. platensis extract 200 mg/kg/day and AFB1 200 µg/kg/day) for 28 consecutive days. Blood was aseptically collected and centrifuged to obtain serum. Quantitative determination of IgG, IgM and IgA in blood serum was done using ELIZA kits. One-way ANOVA data analysis was done. Post-hoc analysis was done using Tukey’s Honestly Significantly Differenced (HSD). P<0.05 statistical significance level was considered significant. Compared to group I (control), treatment with AFB1 200 µg/Kg/day (group III) led to reduced IgA (0.7147±0.001 vs. 0.7075±0.010); reduced IgM (0.0916±0.003 vs. 0.0866±0.019) and elevated IgG (0.1746±0.001 vs. 0.2808±0.243) mean levels. Supplementation of S. platensis extract 200 mg/Kg/day (group V) reversed the AFB1 (200 µg/kg/day)-induced depression of IgA levels (0.7124±0.005 vs. 0.7075±0.010; P=0.05437); IgM (0.1005±0.004 vs. 0.0866±0.019; P=0.0178); as well as the induced elevation of IgG levels (0.1749±0.001 vs. 0.2808±0.243; P=0.0155). In conclusion, immune changes in IgG and IgM caused by AFB1 could be reversed by supplementation of S. platensis extract.