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Selenium, through incorporation into selenoproteins, is one of the key elements of the antioxidant system. Over the past few years there has been increased interest in exploring those molecular mechanisms in chicken, responsible for the... more
Selenium, through incorporation into selenoproteins, is one of the key elements of the antioxidant system. Over the past few years there has been increased interest in exploring those molecular mechanisms in chicken, responsible for the development of this protection system. In more detail, Cd/Pb poisoning and heat stress increase oxidation, mRNA levels of inflammatory proteins, and apoptotic proteins. Selenium seems to enhance the antioxidant status and alleviates these effects via upregulation of antioxidant proteins and other molecular effects. In this review, we analyze avian transcriptome key elements with particular emphasis on interactions with heavy metals and on relation to heat stress.
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The present work was part of a project intended to evaluate whether organic selenium (Se) has the potential to protect against toxic effects exerted by cadmium (Cd). For this reason, 300 as-hatched, one-day-old broiler chickens were... more
The present work was part of a project intended to evaluate whether organic selenium (Se) has the potential to protect against toxic effects exerted by cadmium (Cd). For this reason, 300 as-hatched, one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated in four dietary treatments with five replicate pens per treatment. Chickens in T1 treatment, were offered a diet supplemented with 0.3 ppm Se (as Se-yeast), without added Cd; in T2 treatment, they were offered a diet with 0.3 ppm Se and 10 ppm Cd; in T3 treatment, they were offered a diet with 0.3 ppm Se and 100 ppm Cd; in T4 treatment, chickens were offered a diet supplemented with 3 ppm Se and 100 ppm Cd. Cadmium was added to the diets in T2, T3, and T4 as CdCl2. On the fourth and sixth weeks, liver and breast samples were obtained from two broilers per replicate pen. Relative gene expression levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and 2 (SOD2), methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) and B3 (MSRB3), iodothyronine dei...
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Drinking-water availability, both of quantity and quality, critically limits animal farming in semiarid and arid areas, but differences among species exist. The aim of the present study was to investigate goat saline-water tolerance. A... more
Drinking-water availability, both of quantity and quality, critically limits animal farming in semiarid and arid areas, but differences among species exist. The aim of the present study was to investigate goat saline-water tolerance. A group of four castrated adult males were used in a 4-week experimental period, which followed a 2-week pre-trial period and preceded a 1-week post-trial period. Animals were offered alfalfa hay and concentrates at about maintenance level and were allowed consecutively the following five levels of water salinity: 0‰, 0.5‰, 5‰, 10‰ and 20‰ NaCl. Feed and water consumption were recorded daily during trial, while blood- and urine-sample collections were performed weekly. Plasma concentrations of aldosterone, sodium (Na), potassium (K), glucose, creatinine, urea and proteins, and haematological parameters were analysed. Furthermore, urine pH, specific weight and concentrations of Na, K and creatinine were measured, as well as plasma and urine osmolality. W...
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ABSTRACT 1. Although different impacts of various sources of selenium (Se) on chicken performance have been largely studied, there is a lack of comparative experiments studying the effects of these sources on the immune system and... more
ABSTRACT 1. Although different impacts of various sources of selenium (Se) on chicken performance have been largely studied, there is a lack of comparative experiments studying the effects of these sources on the immune system and antioxidant indices of broiler tissues. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of various sources and levels of dietary Se supplements on performance, antioxidant status and immune parameters in Ross 308 broiler chickens. 2. A total of 1200 1-d-old male broilers (Ross × Ross 308) were divided into 8 treatments with 6 replicate pens and 25 birds per pen. This experiment was conducted as a completely randomised design with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. Main factors included Se sources as sodium selenite (SS), Se-enriched yeast (SY), DL-selenomethionine (SM) and nano-selenium (NS) and levels at 0.1 or 0.4 mg/kg Se. 3. Dietary supplementation of organic Se sources significantly improved average daily gain (ADG), gain: feed ratio and European production efficiency factor (P < 0.05) compared to birds fed on diets supplemented with inorganic source. In addition, ADG was increased in response to increased level of supplemental Se. Based on contrast comparison, there were significant differences in these parameters between organic versus inorganic sources of Se. However, there was no difference between contrast comparisons of NS versus SM and SY. 4. Total anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBC) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) titres and hypersensitivity were enhanced by increasing supplemental concentration of Se and using organic sources of Se rather than SS (P < 0.05). 5. Oxidation resistance assessment of tissues demonstrated that supplementation of organic sources of Se and increase in supplemental concentration of Se ameliorated glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde formation (P < 0.05). Mostly, there were significant differences between organic versus inorganic sources of Se in oxidation resistance. 6. Overall, dietary supplementation of 0.4 mg/kg Se from an organic source resulted in better production performance and immune system response. Moreover, minimum formation of malondialdehyde in broiler tissue was observed in birds fed on diets supplemented with SM at 0.4 mg/kg. 7. It can be concluded that SM is more effective than other sources of Se in reducing lipid oxidation.
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The fatty acid (FA) profile of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LL) was used to investigate seasonal variation (September, November and March) in wild rabbits from Lemnos Island (Greece). The n-3 FA were particularly high... more
The fatty acid (FA) profile of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LL) was used to investigate seasonal variation (September, November and March) in wild rabbits from Lemnos Island (Greece). The n-3 FA were particularly high during early March in comparison (P<0.05) with late September and late November. Thrombogenicity index (TI) values were lower in March (P<0.05) compared to the other periods. High concentrations of odd- and branched-chain FA were found in the meat of wild rabbits; however, they were not different among the considered periods of the year. The present results showed that wild rabbit meat has a desirable FA profile, particularly during early spring, and it could be a good source of bioactive FA in human nutrition.
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Additional file 1. Positional candidate genes located within 1Â Mb from significant markers.
The beneficial properties of the flavanones hesperidin and naringin as feed additives in poultry have lately been under investigation. In broilers, both flavanones have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties while their individual... more
The beneficial properties of the flavanones hesperidin and naringin as feed additives in poultry have lately been under investigation. In broilers, both flavanones have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties while their individual effects on fatty acid (FA) composition and the underlying molecular mechanisms of their activity have not been explored. Here, we studied their effects on broiler meats’ FA profiles and on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory function. The experimental design comprised six treatment groups of broilers, each supplemented from day 11 until slaughter at 42 days with hesperidin, naringin or vitamin E, as follows: the E1 group received 0.75 g of hesperidin per kg of feed, E2 received 1.5 g hesperidin/kg feed, N1 received 0.75 g naringin/kg feed, N2 received 1.5 g naringin/kg feed, vitamin E (VE) received 0.2 g a-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed, and the control group was not provided with a supplemented ...
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The beneficial properties of the flavanones hesperidin and naringin as feed additives in poultry have lately been under investigation. In broilers, both flavanones have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties while their individual... more
The beneficial properties of the flavanones hesperidin and naringin as feed additives in poultry have lately been under investigation. In broilers, both flavanones have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties while their individual effects on fatty acid (FA) composition and the underlying molecular mechanisms of their activity have not been explored. Here, we studied their effects on broiler meats’ FA profiles and on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory function. The experimental design comprised six treatment groups of broilers, each supplemented from day 11 until slaughter at 42 days with hesperidin, naringin or vitamin E, as follows: the E1 group received 0.75 g of hesperidin per kg of feed, E2 received 1.5 g hesperidin/kg feed, N1 received 0.75 g naringin/kg feed, N2 received 1.5 g naringin/kg feed, vitamin E (VE) received 0.2 g a-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed, and the control group was not provided with a supplemented ...
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Vinification by-products display great potential for utilization as feed additives rich in antioxidant compounds. Thus, the effect of dietary ground grape pomace (GGP), wine lees extract rich in yeast cell walls (WYC), and grape stem... more
Vinification by-products display great potential for utilization as feed additives rich in antioxidant compounds. Thus, the effect of dietary ground grape pomace (GGP), wine lees extract rich in yeast cell walls (WYC), and grape stem extracts (PE) on the relative expression of several genes involved in liver oxidative mechanisms and the oxidative status of the blood and breast muscle of broiler chickens was investigated. In total, 240 one-day-old as hatched chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to four treatments, with four replicate pens and 15 birds in each pen. Birds were fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 25 g/kg GGP, or 2 g/kg WYC, or 1 g starch including 100 mg pure stem extract/kg (PE) for 42 days. The polyphenolic content of vinification by-products was determined using an LC-MS/MS library indicating as prevailing compounds procyanidin B1 and B2, gallic acid, caftaric acid, (+)-catechin, quercetin, and trans-resveratrol. Body weight and feed consumptio...
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The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the natural flavonoid quercetin dietary supplementation on the alteration of egg metallome by applying the basic principles of elemental metabolomics. One hundred and... more
The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the natural flavonoid quercetin dietary supplementation on the alteration of egg metallome by applying the basic principles of elemental metabolomics. One hundred and ninety-two laying hens were allocated into 4 treatment groups: the control (C) group that was fed with a commercial basal diet and the other experimental groups that were offered the same diet further supplemented with quercetin at 200, 400 and 800 mg per kg of feed (Q2, Q4 and Q8 group, respectively) for 28 days. The diets contained the same vitamin and mineral premix, thus all birds received the same amount of elements since no differences on feed intake existed. The egg elemental profile consisted of As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, V, Zn and was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Quercetin supplementation altered the elemental profile. Most notably, quercetin altered the element concen...
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The basic principles of elemental metabolomics were applied to investigate whether alteration of egg metallome could be achieved after two flavonoids addition, namely hesperidin and naringin in diets of laying hens. A total of 72 hens... more
The basic principles of elemental metabolomics were applied to investigate whether alteration of egg metallome could be achieved after two flavonoids addition, namely hesperidin and naringin in diets of laying hens. A total of 72 hens were divided into six groups: Control (C) (basal diet), E1 (750 mg hesperidin/kg diet), E2 (1500 mg hesperidin/kg diet), N1 (750 mg naringin/kg diet), N2 (1500 mg naringin/kg diet), and VE (200 mg vitamin E/kg diet). The same diet was provided to birds of all treatments, with the exception of added supplements. The diets had the same vitamin and mineral premix; thus, all birds received the same number of elements because no differences on feed intake existed. The egg elemental profile consisted of As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, V, Zn, and was determined using ICP-MS. Flavonoid supplementation altered the elemental profile. Most notably, in both albumen and yolk, hesperidin increased Ni, Pb, and Sr concentration while it dec...
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Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of fundamental importance to health due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties, attributed to its presence within at least 25 selenoproteins (Sel). In this review,... more
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of fundamental importance to health due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties, attributed to its presence within at least 25 selenoproteins (Sel). In this review, we describe some of the recent progress, in our understanding, on the impact of maternal Se intake during the periconceptional period on offspring development and health. Maternal nutrition affects the performance and health of the progeny, and both maternal and offspring Se supplementations are essential for the optimal health and antioxidant protection of the offspring. The case of Se in epigenetic programming and early life nutrition is also discussed.
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Research Interests: Biology()
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This study presents the comprehensive elemental profile of Greek Graviera (Gruyère) cheeses. In total, 105 samples from nine different geographic regions produced from sheep, goat and cow milk and their mixtures were assessed. Elemental... more
This study presents the comprehensive elemental profile of Greek Graviera (Gruyère) cheeses. In total, 105 samples from nine different geographic regions produced from sheep, goat and cow milk and their mixtures were assessed. Elemental signatures of 61 elements were investigated for determination of geographic origin and milk type. Regional and milk type classification through Linear Discriminant Analysis was successful for almost all cases, while a less optimistic cross validation exercise presented lower classification rates. That points to further research using a much larger sample set, increasing confidence for cheese authentication utilizing also bioinformatics tools under development. This is the first study reporting signatures of 61 elements in dairy products including all sixteen rare earth elements and all seven precious metals. Safety and quality were assessed regarding toxic and nutritive elements. According to both EU and USA regulations and directives, Graviera is a ...
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ABSTRACT 1. A total of 1440 one-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were allocated to 12 dietary treatments to evaluate dose-dependent effects of α-tocopheryl acetate (α-TOA) combined with zinc (Zn) supplementation on humoral and cellular... more
ABSTRACT 1. A total of 1440 one-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were allocated to 12 dietary treatments to evaluate dose-dependent effects of α-tocopheryl acetate (α-TOA) combined with zinc (Zn) supplementation on humoral and cellular immune responses, antioxidant enzymes, serum and hepatic contents of vitamins and minerals in broilers. 2. Three levels of supplemental α-TOA (0, 150 and 300 mg/kg) and 4 levels of Zn (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) were combined as a completely randomised design as a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement. 3. Concentrations of serum α-tocopherol and selenium were influenced by the interaction of α-TOA and Zn. The interaction of α-TOA and Zn affected malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in serum and liver (p < 0.05). Incremental amounts of supplemental Zn augmented the effects of α-TOA in reducing serum and hepatic MDA concentrations. 4. The interaction of α-TOA and Zn on antibody titres (p < 0.05) was such that increasing level of Zn at each α-TOA level led to a linear enhancement in antibody titre. Moreover, dietary supplementation with α-TOA and Zn resulted in an increase in relative weight of lymphoid organs (thymus, bursa, spleen; p < 0.05) along with an increase in humoral and cellular immune responses (p < 0.05). 5. In conclusion, α-TOA with Zn showed interactive effects in improving oxidative stability and humoral immune responses, which could result from their impact on the concentrations of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in tissues.
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Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that has several important functions in animal and human health. The biological functions of Se are carried out by selenoproteins (encoded by twenty-five genes in human and twenty-four in mice),... more
Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that has several important functions in animal and human health. The biological functions of Se are carried out by selenoproteins (encoded by twenty-five genes in human and twenty-four in mice), which are reportedly present in all three domains of life. As a component of selenoproteins, Se has structural and enzymatic functions; in the latter context it is best recognized for its catalytic and antioxidant activities. In this review, we highlight the biological functions of Se and selenoproteins followed by an elaborated review of the relationship between Se and female reproductive function. Data pertaining to Se status and female fertility and reproduction are sparse, with most such studies focusing on the role of Se in pregnancy. Only recently has some light been shed on its potential role in ovarian physiology. The exact underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms through which Se or selenoproteins modulate female reproduction are la...
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Research Interests: Aging, Biology, Medicine, Gene expression, Biological Sciences, and 15 moreGrowth Hormone, Human Growth Hormone, Kidney, Animals, Male, Phosphates, Body Weight, Amino Acid Sequence, Base Sequence, Growth Factor, Bone and Bones, Nucleotides, Molecular Sequence Data, cDNA cloning, and Medical and Health Sciences
Research Interests: Kinetics, Biology, Medicine, Cell line, Humans, and 15 moreInsulin, Glucose Metabolism, Low Dose, Animals, Parathyroid Hormone, Cattle, Glucose Transport, Rats, Osteoblasts, Growth Factor, Recombinant Proteins, Glycogen, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Biochemistry and cell biology, and fibroblasts
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In osteoblasts only the type III Na(+)-dependent phosphate (NaPi) transporter isoforms Pit-1 and Pit-2 have been identified. We tested the effects of extracellular Pi, Ca(2+) and IGF-I on Na(d)Pi transport and Pit-1 or Pit-2 mRNA... more
In osteoblasts only the type III Na(+)-dependent phosphate (NaPi) transporter isoforms Pit-1 and Pit-2 have been identified. We tested the effects of extracellular Pi, Ca(2+) and IGF-I on Na(d)Pi transport and Pit-1 or Pit-2 mRNA expression in rat osteoblastic (PyMS) cells. The v(max) of Na(d)Pi transport was higher in cells kept in Pi-free, serum-free medium for 24 h than in controls at 1 mM Pi (2.47+/-0.20 vs 1.83+/-0.17 nmol/mg protein x 10 min). The apparent affinity constant (K(M)) for Pi remained unchanged. Pi withdrawal for 24 h did not impair cell viability whereas increasing the extracellular Pi to 5 mM resulted in cell death. Pit-1 (but not Pit-2) mRNA was upregulated following Pi deprivation, Ca(2+) treatment or after treatment with 1 nM IGF-I, known to stimulate Na(d)Pi transport and cell proliferation. IGF-I also stimulated Na(d)Pi transport and Pit-1 mRNA in primary rat calvarial osteoblasts. Expression of Pit-1 mRNA in vivo and the coordinate regulation of Pit-1 mRNA ...
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Spatiotemporal release of growth factors from a delivery device can profoundly affect the efficacy of bone growth induction. Here, we report on a delivery platform based on the encapsulation of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in... more
Spatiotemporal release of growth factors from a delivery device can profoundly affect the efficacy of bone growth induction. Here, we report on a delivery platform based on the encapsulation of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in different poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microsphere (MS) formulations to control IGF-I release kinetics. In vitro IGF-I release profiles generally exhibited an initial burst (14-36% of total IGF-I content), which was followed by a more or less pronounced dormant phase with little release (2 to 34 days), and finally, a third phase of re-increased IGF-I release. The osteoinductive potential of these different IGF-I PL(G)A MS formulations was tested in studies using 8-mm metaphyseal drill hole bone defects in sheep. Histomorphometric analysis at 3 and 6 weeks after surgery showed that new bone formation was improved in the defects locally treated with IGF-I PL(G)A MS (n=5) as compared to defects filled with IGF-I-free PL(G)A MS (n=4). The extent of new bone formation was affected by the particular release kinetics, although a definitive relationship was not evident. Local administration of IGF-I resulted in down-regulation of inflammatory marker genes in all IGF-I treated defects. The over-expression of growth factor genes in response to IGF-I delivery was restricted to formulations that produced osteogenic responses. These experiments demonstrate the osteoinductive potential of sustained IGF-I delivery and show the importance of delivery kinetics for successful IGF-I-based therapies.
Research Interests: Kinetics, Wound Healing, Bone Healing, Gene expression, Bone Regeneration, and 15 moreHumans, Animals, Drug Delivery Systems, Solubility, Osteogenesis, Microspheres, Polyesters, Recombinant Proteins, Lactic Acid, Drug Compounding, Bone and Bones, Gene Expression Regulation, Random Allocation, Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, and Inflammation Mediators
OBJECTIVE: X-linked hypophosphatemia, a renal phosphate (Pi)-wasting disorder with defective bone mineralization, is caused by mutations in the PHEX gene (a Pi-regulating gene with homology to endopeptidases on the X chromosome). We... more
OBJECTIVE: X-linked hypophosphatemia, a renal phosphate (Pi)-wasting disorder with defective bone mineralization, is caused by mutations in the PHEX gene (a Pi-regulating gene with homology to endopeptidases on the X chromosome). We wondered whether changes in Phex and neprilysin (NEP) (another member of the family of zinc endopeptidases) mRNA expression could be observed in relation to vitamin D and Pi metabolism during GH- and IGF-I-stimulated growth of hypophysectomized rats. DESIGN: Animals were infused s.c. for 2 days with vehicle, 200 mU (67 microg) GH or 300 microg IGF-I/rat per 24 h. We determined serum osteocalcin and osteocalcin mRNA in bone, Phex mRNA in bone and lungs, serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)) and serum Pi levels, and renal expression of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3)-1alpha-hydroxylase (1alpha-hydroxylase), of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3)-24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase) and of the Na-dependent Pi-cotransporter type I and II (Na(d)Pi-I and -II). RESULTS: As ...
Research Interests: Vitamin D, Gene expression, Growth Hormone, Kidney, Animals, and 15 moreMale, Proteins, Lung, Calcitriol, Clinical Sciences, European, Rats, Phosphates, Body Weight, Bone and Bones, Protein Biosynthesis, Gene Expression Regulation, bone development, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and Paediatrics and reproductive medicine
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Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I) exerts an important role during skeletal growth and bone formation. Therefore, its localized delivery appears attractive for the treatment of bone defects. To prolong IGF I delivery, we entrapped the... more
Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I) exerts an important role during skeletal growth and bone formation. Therefore, its localized delivery appears attractive for the treatment of bone defects. To prolong IGF I delivery, we entrapped the protein into biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres (PLGA MS) and evaluated the potential of this delivery system for new bone formation in two defect models of ovine long bones, i.e., a 8-mm methaphyseal drill hole and a 10-mm segmental tibia defect. Administration of 100 microg of IGF I in PLGA MS resulted in new bone formation within 3 weeks in the drill hole and bridging of the segmental defect within 8 weeks. The observed increase of 12% newly formed bone in the drill hole defect after 3 weeks was substantial, compared to the measured morphometric bone-to-total area ratio of 31% bone in normal cancellous bone. Bone regeneration was further explored by measuring gene expression of typical markers for local mediators and growth factors by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Inflammation was reduced in presence of IGF I and this in vivo observation was corroborated in vitro by quantifying gene expression of inflammatory proteins and by assessing the activation of the NF-kappaB pathway, playing an important role in the regulation of inflammation. Administration of the IGF I delivery system downregulated inflammatory marker gene expression at the site of bone injury, induced new bone formation and reduced bone resorption, and resulted in bridging of 10-mm segmental tibial defects within 8 weeks.
Research Interests: Engineering, Fracture, Drug delivery, Cell Culture, Bone Regeneration, and 15 moreBiological Sciences, Cancellous bone, Bone, Female, Animals, Exploration, Animal Model, Drug Delivery Systems, Fracture Healing, Consolidation, Delivery System, Bone Formation, Biological activity, Bone Resorption, and Bone Diseases
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Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I) exerts an important role during skeletal growth and bone formation. Therefore, its localized delivery appears attractive for the treatment of bone defects. To prolong IGF I delivery, we entrapped the... more
Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I) exerts an important role during skeletal growth and bone formation. Therefore, its localized delivery appears attractive for the treatment of bone defects. To prolong IGF I delivery, we entrapped the protein into biodegradable ...
Research Interests: Engineering, Fracture, Drug delivery, Cell Culture, Bone Regeneration, and 15 moreBiological Sciences, Cancellous bone, Bone, Female, Animals, Exploration, Animal Model, Drug Delivery Systems, Fracture Healing, Consolidation, Delivery System, Bone Formation, Biological activity, Bone Resorption, and Bone Diseases
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Research Interests: Vitamin D, Gene expression, Growth Hormone, Kidney, Animals, and 15 moreMale, Proteins, Lung, Calcitriol, Clinical Sciences, European, Rats, Phosphates, Body Weight, Bone and Bones, Protein Biosynthesis, Gene Expression Regulation, bone development, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and Paediatrics and reproductive medicine
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Mycotoxins appear to be the “Achilles’ heel” of the agriculture sector inducing enormous economic losses and representing a severe risk to the health of humans and animals. Although novel determination protocols have been developed and... more
Mycotoxins appear to be the “Achilles’ heel” of the agriculture sector inducing enormous economic losses and representing a severe risk to the health of humans and animals. Although novel determination protocols have been developed and legislation has been implemented within Europe, the side effects of mycotoxins on the homeostatic mechanisms of the animals have not been extensively considered. Feed mycotoxin contamination and the effects on the antioxidant status of livestock (poultry, swine, and ruminants) are presented. The findings support the idea that the antioxidant systems in both monogastrics and ruminants are challenged under the detrimental effect of mycotoxins by increasing the toxic lipid peroxidation by-product malondialdehyde (MDA) and inhibiting the activity of antioxidant defense mechanisms. The degree of oxidative stress is related to the duration of contamination, co-contamination, the synergetic effects, toxin levels, animal age, species, and productive stage. Si...