Proteomic analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of deoxynivalenol-induced injury in the jejunum of piglets

Abstract Deoxynivalenol (DON), a prevalent Fusarium mycotoxin, poses a significant threat to intestinal health in piglets. This study established a deoxynivalenol (DON) intoxication model in piglets, revealing compromised intestinal barrier function accompanied by inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on intestinal samples from piglets (n = 6 per group), we identified 8,084 proteins, of which 124 showed significantly altered expression following DON exposure. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were significantly enriched in pathways such as glutathione metabolism and cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism, suggesting the activation of oxidative defense systems and xenobiotic detoxification mechanisms. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis uncovered potential disruptions in protein synthesis and secretion processes induced by DON. Notably, the solute carrier transporter SLC16A10 exhibited the most pronounced upregulation, implying that DON may exacerbate intestinal injury by disrupting amino acid transport and metabolic homeostasis. This study systematically delineates the protein expression profile associated with DON-induced intestinal damage, providing new targets for understanding its toxicological mechanisms and developing intervention strategies.