LAUSR

ABSTRACT Co‐occurrence of mycotoxin contamination of feeds is a frequent problem, therefore the purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of T‐2 toxin and deoxynivalenol (DON) on lipid peroxidation, parameters and regulation of the glutathione redox system in broiler chickens in a sub‐chronic (7 day) study. The applied doses were: low mix: 0.23mg T‐2 toxin and 4.96mg DON/kg feed; medium mix: 1.21mg T‐2 toxin and 12.38mg DON/kg feed; and high mix: 2.42 T‐2 toxin and 24.86mg DON/kg feed. Liver samples were taken on days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 7 of the feeding trial. Lipid peroxidation decreased significantly as compared to the control on days 3 and 7 as effect of low and high doses, which can be related to the activation of the antioxidant system, which is supported by the elevated glutathione peroxidase activity and reduced glutathione concentration as compared to the control on day 3 in the medium and high dose groups. Gene expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) elevated on day 1 in a dose dependent manner, and showed continuous elevation in the highest dose group thereafter. The results suggested that common exposure of T‐2 toxin and DON induced oxidative stress in the liver of broiler chickens, which activated the enzymatic antioxidant system, and consequently decreased lipid peroxidation. HIGHLIGHTSCommon short‐term exposure to T‐2 toxin and DON decreased their known individual effect on feed refusal.Also, it was induced mild oxidative stress in the liver of chicken and increased expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 gene.Glutathione redox system responded rapidly and firmly.