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Effect of the feed additive Harufix+ on the liver and kidneys’ morpho-functional status in pigs with mycotoxicosis

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study on the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective efficacy of the feed additive Harufix+ under conditions of associated experimental mycotoxicosis in weaned piglets. The problem of the combined effects of mycotoxins is highly relevant, as it leads to profound destructive changes in organs, which was confi rmed by the conducted analysis. As a result of the toxicobiological action of a combination of mycotoxins (T-2 toxin at a concentration of 0,1 mg/kg, fumonisin B1 – 0,5 mg/kg, vomitoxin (DON) – 0,1 mg/kg, penicillic acid – 1 mg/kg), a complex pathological process developed in piglets. It was established that the consumption of contaminated feed without the use of a detoxifying agent led to the development of acute congestive hyperemia, protein granular degeneration of hepatocytes, karyorrhexis, and uneven infiltration of the liver parenchyma by inflammatory cells. In some animals, signs of the initial stage of atrophic cirrhosis with the formation of pseudolobules were observed. Histological alterations correlated with biochemical changes in the blood: a signifi cant increase in ALT activity up to 1,98 mmol/(h×L) was noted, indicating destruction of cytosolic cellular structures, as well as disturbances in the lipid profile (increased cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels). Nephrotoxic effects manifested as a decrease in the filtration capacity of nephrons, which was confi rmed by elevated levels of urea and creatinine in the blood serum of piglets in the third group. It was proven that the inclusion of Harufix+ in the diet made it possible to preserve the optimal histoarchitecture of the liver: a clear radial structure of the lobules was observed, and the cytoplasm of hepatocytes showed intense basophilic staining. The use of the preparation resulted in a 10,6 % decrease in ALT activity compared to the group without the detoxifying agent, indicating stabilization of cell membranes. Particular attention was paid to the ability of Harufix+ to optimize the protein-synthesizing function of hepatocytes, which was reflected in a significant increase in total protein levels (up to 56,2 g/L) and albumins. Lipid metabolism parameters in the group receiving the additive were more stable, and the functional state of the kidneys remained within normal limits, indicating a pronounced nephroprotective effect. It was concluded that Harufix+ effectively prevents the penetration of mycotoxins from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, neutralizes their cytotoxic effects, and helps maintain metabolic homeostasis in piglets. The scientifi c novelty of the results lies in confirming the complex protective effect of an additive based on organic mannanoligosaccharides on the structure and function of internal organs under conditions of multitoxicosis.

Keywords: piglets, associated mycotoxicosis, liver, kidneys, hepatotoxic effect, nephroprotective effect, histological changes, blood biochemical parameters, detoxification.

VOVKOTRUB N. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3297-454X


MELNYK A. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9129-4814


CHUB O. https://orcid.org/0000–0002–6049–1206


PIDDUBNYAK O. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9071-2041


TYSHKiVSKI M. https://оrcid.org.//0000-0003-0826-5276


ANDRIYCHUK A. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9144-5272


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Scientific Journal of Veterinary Medicine 1'2026