Lycopene May Shield Livestock from Deadly Fungal Toxin in Feed

A common fungal toxin found in cereal crops poses serious risks to livestock health, particularly in swine. Deoxynivalenol (DON) contaminates staples like wheat and maize, damaging intestinal cells and weakening immune defences. New research now highlights how lycopene, a natural antioxidant, could help counteract these harmful effects. DON exposure triggers severe cellular damage in porcine epithelial cells. The toxin causes a sharp rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and iron overload, leading to oxidative stress and cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis—a form of iron-dependent cell death—play a central role in this toxicity.

The toxin also disrupts the intestinal barrier by reducing cell viability, impairing motility, and altering cytoskeletal structure. A key protein, PGAM5, becomes overactive under DON exposure, further driving stress responses and cell death pathways within mitochondria.

Lycopene, found in tomatoes and other red fruits, has shown promise in reversing these effects. The antioxidant neutralises ROS, restores mitochondrial function, and suppresses PGAM5 activity. This reduces mitophagy and ferroptosis, safeguarding cells from DON-induced damage. Additionally, lycopene boosts tight junction proteins, helping to repair the intestinal barrier and maintain epithelial cohesion. The findings suggest that adding lycopene or lycopene-rich ingredients to animal feed could help protect livestock from DON’s gastrointestinal and immune impacts. By restoring cellular health and barrier function, this natural compound offers a practical way to mitigate the risks of fungal contamination in feed crops.