Evaluation of Adsorbent’s Efficiency by Using Biomarker Approaches in Farm Animals: A Systematic Review

The secondary metabolism of toxigenic fungi can produce mycotoxins, substances that are toxic for both humans and animals. Mycotoxins and their by-products found in various biological tissues are considered biomarkers, and concentrations of these substances are directly proportional to the level of exposure. Mineral adsorbents are substances that may prevent mycotoxin absorption. The aim of this review is to study the feasibility of biomarkers as tools to assess the efficiency of mineral adsorbents against mycotoxin absorption in farm animals. In the systematic review, data from the scientific literature between the 2001 and 2022 were searched based on established criteria selection and eligibility. A total of 22 articles were included. The most used species as animal models were poultry and cattle, while the most common biological samples were milk, serum, and liver. Biomarkers most frequently analyzed were aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and unmetabolized aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The most used analytical method was liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Biomarkers are adequate tools to assess the efficiency of mineral adsorbents against the aflatoxins and deoxynivalenol in farm animals, but further studies are needed to provide reliable biomarkers for other mycotoxins.