The mechanism underlying deoxynivalenol-induced damage and prospective nutritional regulation strategies

Abstract Deoxynivalenol (DON), which is commonly found in various cereals and their derivative products, has received considerable attention because of its significant threat to food security and agricultural economics, as well as its chronic harmful impact on humans and livestock. There is an urgent need to develop strategies to mitigate various DON-induced health issues in humans. This review presents the current research on DON toxicity, focusing on its worldwide contamination of foods and feeds, and reveals the main mechanisms of various toxicities induced by dietary DON exposure. Additionally, this study elucidates the molecular pathways underlying different nutritional strategies for mitigating DON-induced toxicity. Different types of DON-induced damage occur through various pathways, including the MAPK, NF-κB, caspase 3/GSDME, PERK, and Ca2+/CaM/CaMK II pathways. Some polyphenols, active proteins, and specific essential nutrients have shown potential in alleviating DON toxicity by regulating different signalling pathways, promoting cell division, inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and enhancing the body’s antioxidant capacity, among other effects. This review aims to provide a foundation for advancing research on novel detoxification strategies for DON-induced toxicity and to support the development of evidence-based safety protocols for DON control in the food industry.