Aflatoxin B ₁ Instigated Redox Imbalance is Accompanied by Amplified Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase/tryptophan Catabolism in the Spleen and Erythrocyte of Male Wistar Rats: Protective Influence of Dietary Rutin

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rutin, a dietary flavonoid, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The underlying mechanism of protection of rutin against Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced immunotoxicity is not completely elucidated. This study investigated the protective effect of rutin against Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced immunotoxicity in male Wistar rats, supported by molecular docking and dynamics simulations. METHODS: (1.5 mg/kg bwt) + Rutin (50 mg/kg bwt) orally for 30 days. RESULTS: -rutin (-10.4 kcal/mol) with IDO. Rutin co-treatment restored oxidative, inflammatory, and hematological indices, mitigated histological damage, and normalized CD4+ T cells and IDO activity, as supported by computational studies. DISCUSSION: The activities/expression of immunosuppressive indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase is mostly regulated by inflammation and oxidative stress. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the modulation of immunotoxicity of AFB1 by dietary rutin.