Bifidobacterium breve alleviates gut-liver-axis injury caused by high-fat diet and aflatoxin B₁ in mice

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a common contaminant in cereals of global concern, and long-term low-dose exposure can adversely affect human health. Here, we showed that populations with dietary patterns characterized by high-fat diet (HFD) might have an increased risk of exposure to high levels of AFB₁. Our data indicated that chronic exposure of AFB₁ induced “gut-liver axis” injury in mice under HFD and normal diet (ND) patterns. AFB₁ further aggravated hepatic and intestinal injury, and intestinal microbiota disruption in HFD mice. Bifidobacterium breve BAA-2849 intervention analysis showed that liver injury and lipid disorders caused by AFB₁ exposure were alleviated by regulating the proportions of different gut microbes. We demonstrated through a mice model that the populations with a dietary pattern of HFD might be more susceptible to AFB₁ exposure and adverse effects on the gut-liver axis, and the toxicity of AFB₁ exposure can be alleviated by regulating the gut microbiota.