Introduction: Patulin is considered the most common mycotoxins in moldy fruits especially apples and its products like juice and compote. Goji berry (lycium barbarum fruit) is a traditional Chinese herb. It has several biological activities as antioxidant, anti-aging and hypoglycemic properties.
Aim: To demonstrate the toxic effect of patulin on the pancreatic tissue and to evaluate the possible role of goji extract.
Material and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided equally into four groups. Group I served as the control group. Group II received subcutaneous injection of 2 ml/kg/day goji extract for four weeks. Group III received subcutaneous injection of patulin 0.2 mg/kg/day for four weeks. Group IV received patulin and goji extract with the same previous doses for four weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical studies were done.
Results: The administration of patulin led to degenerative changes in the pancreas. There was a significant increase in caspase-3 positive cells in both acini and islets of Langerhans. Ultrastructural examination revealed heterochromatic nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuoles and few secretory granules in acinar cells. The β cells of the islets exhibited a significant decrease in the area percentage and intensity of insulin positive cells. Goji extract could effectively improve these histological changes.
Conclusion: Patulin toxicity affected both exocrine acini and β cells of islets of Langerhans. The goji extract had a protective role on this toxicity.