β-caryophyllene protects against foodborne ochratoxin A-induced pancreatic toxicity: implications for food safety and environmental health.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a pervasive foodborne mycotoxin linked to multisystem toxicity, including pancreatic toxicity. Increasing evidence indicates that oxidative stress and inflammation caused by OTA are pivotal behind pancreatic damage. β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene found in consumable flora, demonstrates significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to examine the protective effect of BCP against OTA-induced pancreatic toxicity, focusing on the modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and NQO1 antioxidant pathway and the NF-κB-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Experimental animals were subjected to OTA to elicit pancreatic toxicity and simultaneously administered BCP at both low and high dosages. OTA exposure caused significant pancreatic damage, as indicated by increased oxidative stress, activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, and notable histoarchitectural disruption. BCP therapy markedly reduced OTA-induced pancreatic damage in a dose-dependent manner. BCP augmented intrinsic antioxidant defenses through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and NQO1 pathway, while simultaneously inhibiting NF-κB activation and subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. BCP significantly alleviates OTA-induced pancreatic damage by reestablishing redox equilibrium, suppressing inflammatory signaling pathways and normalizing the pathological changes. These findings offer new understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind OTA-induced pancreatic damage, and highlight BCP as a potential dietary strategy for mitigating mycotoxin-related pancreatic impairment.