Interaction between the three frequently co-occurring Fusarium mycotoxins in rats

To test the complex, acute biochemical effects of combined, naturally co-occurring fusariotoxins, a 5-day rat study was performed. Mycotoxin treatment was invented by intraperitoneal injection: FB₁ (F): 9 µg/animal/day (approx. 30 µg/kg bw/day), DON (D): 16.5 µg/animal/day (approx. 55 µg/kg bw/day) and ZEN (Z): 12.75 µg/animal/day (approx. 42.5 µg/kg bw/day). The binary groups (FB₁ and DON [FD], FB₁ and ZEN [FZ] and DON and ZEN [DZ]) as well as the ternary (FB₁ , DON and ZEN [FDZ]) group were dosed at the same combined level as the individual mycotoxins. Body weight, feed intake and mortality were not affected by any of the treatments. FB₁ and DON in combination (FD) increased the plasma aspartate aminotransferase activity synergistically (compared to the individual FB₁ and DON). In the liver, both the total glutathione (GSH) and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were increased (p < 0.05) by the binary FB₁ and ZEN (FZ) and the DON and ZEN (DZ) groups as well as the ternary FB₁ , DON and ZEA group (FDZ) compared to the control. The GSH level of the ternary group was significantly increased compared to the FB₁ group, whereas the GPx activity of the ternary group was significantly increased compared to all three the individual mycotoxin groups. The Bliss independence method revealed synergism between DON and ZEN (DZ), as well as FB₁ and DON (FD) on liver GPx activity. None of the toxins alone or in combination exerted strong genotoxicity on lymphocytes, neither on the gross histopathological characteristics. However, even at these low levels acute exposure of more than one of these mycotoxins (FB₁ , DON and ZEN) affected metabolic and detoxification changes.

Silage review: Animal and human health risks from silage

Silage may contain several agents that are potentially hazardous to animal health, the safety of milk or other animal food products, or both. This paper reviews published literature about microbial hazards, plant toxins, and chemical hazards. Microbial hazards include Clostridium botulinum, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium bovis, and various mold species. High concentrations of C. botulinum in silage have been associated with cattle botulism. A high initial concentration of C. botulinum spores in forage in combination with poor silage fermentation conditions can promote the growth of C. botulinum in silage. The elevated pH level that is generally associated with aerobic deterioration of silage is a major factor influencing concentrations of L. monocytogenes, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, and molds in silage and may also encourage survival and growth of M. bovis, the bacterium that causes bovine tuberculosis. Soil is a major source of B. cereus spores in silage; growth of this bacterium in silage appears to be limited. Hazards from plant toxins include pyrrolizidine, tropane and tropolone alkaloids, phytoestrogens, prussic acid, and mimosine, compounds that exist naturally in certain plant species that may contaminate forages at harvesting. Another group of toxins belonging to this category are ergot alkaloids, which are produced by endophytic fungal species in forages such as tall fescue grass, sorghum, and ryegrass. Varying effects of ensiling on the degradation of these plant toxins have been reported. Chemical hazards include nitrate, nitrite, and toxic oxide gases of nitrogen produced from nitrate and high levels of butyric acid, biogenic amines, and ammonia. Chemical and microbiological hazards are associated with poorly fermented silages, which can be avoided by using proper silage-making practices and creating conditions that promote a rapid and sufficient reduction of the silage pH and prevent aerobic deterioration.

Rat feeding trials: A comprehensive assessment of contaminants in both genetically modified maize and resulting pellets

We analyzed a comprehensive set of contaminants in MON810 and NK603 genetically modified (GM) maize, and their non-GM counterparts, used in a rat feeding study (the GMO90 + project). Both the maize grains and the manufactured pellets were characterized. Only minor differences in contaminant levels between GM and corresponding non-GM harvests were evidenced. Fumonisin and deoxynivalenol mycotoxins were the pollutants present in the highest amounts, with concentrations that were however largely below acceptance reference values. Our data reporting slightly lower levels of fumonisin in MON810 compared to its non-GM counterpart corroborate the lower susceptibility of insect resistant Bt maize to fumonisin-producing fungi. Traces of glyphosate (0.016 mg/kg) were evidenced in grains from NK603 treated crops. Regarding the pellets, analysis of more than 650 potentially toxic substances revealed low amounts of various mycotoxins, pesticides and heavy metals. Concentrations of contaminants quantified in the pellets were however far below the maximum level of residues values set by regulatory agencies, and no substantial differences in contaminants between GM and non-GM pellets were observed. Moreover, when comparing the contamination status of grains and pellets, we demonstrate yet again that characterizing the grains is actually not sufficient to foresee the quality of the produced pellets.

Isolation and characterization of the Bacillus cereus BC7 strain, which is capable of zearalenone removal and intestinal flora modulation in mice

Zearalenone (ZEN) causes serious diseases in both animals and humans and thereby leads to substantial economic losses. The elimination of ZEN contamination from food and feed is an important concern worldwide. This study aimed to screen a bacterium that can efficiently detoxify ZEN both in vitro and in vivo. A bacterium (designated BC7) with high ZEN-removing capability was isolated from mouldy contaminated feeds and characterized as Bacillus cereus based on biochemical and 16S rRNA sequencing analyses. BC7 could remove 100% and 89.31% of 10 mg/L ZEN in Luria-Bertani (LB) medium and simulated gastric fluid (GSF), respectively, within 24 h at 37 °C. The effects of BC7 on ZEN detoxification and on the intestinal flora were further evaluated using four groups of mice that were intragastrically administered normal saline, BC7 culture (CFU = 3.45 × 10⁸/mL), ZEN (10 mg/kg BW) or BC7 culture (CFU = 3.45 × 10⁸/mL) + ZEN (10 mg/kg BW) for 2 weeks. ZEN showed distinct reproductive and hepatic toxicity, as characterized by increased weights of the uterus and liver, altered levels of oestradiol (E2) and luteinizing hormone (LH), increased secretion of the liver injury biomarkers alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), and abnormal histological phenotypes for the uterus, ovary and liver. However, BC7 could significantly reduce all the above-mentioned adverse effects caused by ZEN with no harmful effect on the reproductive system and liver in mice. Moreover, the addition of BC7 could efficiently renormalize the ZEN-induced perturbation of the gut microbiota and significantly increase the abundance of Lactobacillus to maintain the health of the intestinal flora in mice. In conclusion, Bacillus cereus BC7 could be used as a potential feed additive to efficiently remove ZEN in vitro or in vivo and to normalize the disordered gut microbiota in mice.

Mycotoxin exposure and adverse reproductive health outcomes in Africa: a review

It is well established that mycotoxin exposure can have adverse effects on reproductive health resulting to poor reproductive potential. The most studied mycotoxin in relation to poor reproductive health in humans is aflatoxin, although fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone have also been reported to impair reproductive function and cause abnormal foetal development. These potent fungal toxins contaminate many food products making them a prominent agricultural, food safety and public health challenge, especially in Africa due to little or lack of mycotoxin regulation in agricultural products. Neonates can be exposed to aflatoxins in utero, as the toxins pass from mother to the foetus through the placenta. This exposure may continue during breast feeding, to the introduction of weaning foods, and then foods taken by adults. The consequences of aflatoxin exposure in mothers, foetus and children are many, including anaemia in pregnancy, low birth weight, interference with nutrient absorption, suppression of immune function, child growth retardation and abnormal liver function. In males, reports have indicated a possible relationship between aflatoxin exposure and poor sperm quality culminating in infertility. Maternal exposure to fumonisin during early pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of neural tube defects among newborns in regions where maize is the common dietary staple with the possibility of chronic fumonisin exposure. Furthermore, zearalenone has been linked to precocious puberty and premature thelarche in girls, correlating with extremely high serum oestrogen levels. This review presents an overview of the several reports linking aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, and zearalenone exposure to poor reproductive health outcomes in Africa, with emphasis on birth outcomes, foetal health and infertility.

Aflatoxins in maize harvested in the Republic of Serbia over the period 2012-2016

Aflatoxins (AFs) are one of the most frequent contaminants in maize. The Republic of Serbia represents a leader in terms of maize production and exports in Europe. In recent years, Serbia faced climate changes. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine AF occurrence in 3000 maize samples collected during 2012-2016. In maize samples from 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016, AFs were detected in 72.3%, 24.7%, 36.7%, and 5.0% of the samples, in concentration ranges of 1.0-111.2, 1.2-65.2, 1.1-76.2, and 1.3-6.9 µg kg^-1, respectively. Contrary to this, in maize samples from 2014, no AFs were detected. Analysis of weather conditions indicates that 2012 was characterised by extreme drought conditions, 2013 and 2015 by lack of precipitation and high air temperatures, 2014 as the rainiest year in these years, while 2016 had moderate weather conditions.

Effect of water activity, temperature, and incubation period on fungal growth and ochratoxin A production on Nyjer seeds

Aspergillus fresenii and Aspergillus sulphureus produce ochratoxin A (OTA), which is a secondary metabolite of Aspergillus and Penicillium species, with nephrotoxic effects and potential carcinogenic activity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of temperature (20, 30, and 37 °C), water activity (0.82, 0.86, 0.90, 0.94, and 0.98 a_w), incubation period (5, 10, 15, and 30 days) on fungal growth, and OTA production by A. fresenii and A. sulphureus on Nyjer oil seeds. There was no fungal growth at 0.82 a_w. The two fungal species were able to produce OTA from the fifth day of incubation from 0.86 to 0.98 a_w and temperature 20 to 37 °C. Aspergillus fresenii produced the highest concentration of OTA (643 μg/kg) at 0.90 a_w and 37 °C within 15 days, while A. sulphureus produced the highest level of OTA (724 μg/kg) at 0.98 a_w and 20 °C within 10 days. The optimum water activity and temperature for the growth of both fungi were similar at 0.94 a_w and at 30 °C. There was statistically significant difference between the levels of OTA production among the two fungi. Overall, A. sulphureus produced significantly higher levels of OTA (p < 0.05). Higher temperature (37 °C) and 0.90-0.94 a_w were optimal for OTA production by A. fresenii. Our results show that Nyjer seeds can support the growth of A. fresenii and A. sulphureus and OTA production, and the two species had similar temperature and water activity requirements for growth but different requirements for OTA production on Nyjer seeds.

Multi-Mycotoxin Occurrence in Dairy Cattle Feeds from the Gauteng Province of South Africa: A Pilot Study Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS

The indispensable nature of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in agricultural systems is of worldwide concern, hence the need for surveillance studies to preserve public health. Thirteen dairy farms were surveyed and 40 dairy feeds of varying nature collected and analyzed for mycotoxins. Estimated levels of aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), ochratoxin A (OTA), citrinin (CIT), zearalenone (ZEN), α-zearalenol (α-ZEL), β-zearalenol (β-ZEL), deoxynivalenol (DON), 3- and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (ADONs), HT-2 toxin (HT-2), and beauvericin (BEA) were established using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Highest frequencies (40/40) were found for AFG₂ (range: <LOQ—116.1 ppb), α-ZEL (range: 0.98–13.24 ppb), and β-ZEL (range: 0.73–4.71 ppb), followed by AFB₂ at 37/40 (range: <LOQ—23.88 ppb), BEA at 36/40 (range: <LOQ—55.99 ppb), HT-2 at 35/40 (range: <LOQ—312.95 ppb), and FB₁ at 34/40 (range: <LOQ—1389.62 ppb). Apart from samples exceeding regulatory limits for total AFs in dairy feeds due to the high amounts of AFG₂ and AFB₂, levels of other mycotoxins were regarded as safe for dairy production in South Africa. This is the first-time the natural occurrence of the cold climate HT-2 in South African feeds was documented. Persistent co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins across samples, however, may elicit synergistic and/or additive effects in hosts, hence raising concerns about their impacts and how such interactions may affect the dairy livestock sector.

Multiplexed microfluidic fluorescence immunoassay with photodiode array signal acquisition for sub-minute and point-of-need detection of mycotoxins

Portable, rapid, cost effective and simple analytical tools are in increasing demand to facilitate the routine monitoring of target chemical/biological compounds at the point-of-need. Such devices are highly relevant within the context of food safety, particularly concerning the screening of highly toxic and strictly regulated mycotoxins. To achieve ultrarapid detection of mycotoxins, namely aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol, at the point-of-need, a novel multiplexed bead-based microfluidic competitive immunosensor, coupled with an array of a-Si:H thin-film photodiodes for integrated fluorescence signal acquisition, is reported. Simultaneously measuring the initial binding rate for each analyte of the sample under analysis against an internal reference, this device provided limits of detection below 1 ng mL-1 for all mycotoxins in a single-step assay and within 1 minute after mixing the sample under analysis with a fluorescent conjugate. The compatibility of the device with the analysis of mycotoxins spiked in corn samples was further demonstrated after performing a sample preparation procedure based on aqueous two-phase extraction. The short times of analysis and sensitivities in the low ng mL-1 range make these devices potentially competitive with the lateral flow devices that are currently the standard for this application. Furthermore, this device architecture and concept is amenable of being expanded to other analytes in food safety, biomedical and other applications.

Risks for animal health related to the presence of fumonisins, their modified forms and hidden forms in feed

Fumonisins, mycotoxins primarily produced by Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum, occur predominantly in cereal grains, especially in maize. The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risk to animal health related to fumonisins and their modified and hidden forms in feed. Fumonisin B1 (FB 1), FB 2 and FB 3 are the most common forms of fumonisins in feedstuffs and thus were included in the assessment. FB 1, FB 2 and FB 3 have the same mode of action and were considered as having similar toxicological profile and potencies. For fumonisins, the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) identified no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) for cattle, pig, poultry (chicken, ducks and turkeys), horse, and lowest-observed-adverse-effect levels (LOAELs) for fish (extrapolated from carp) and rabbits. No reference points could be identified for sheep, goats, dogs, cats and mink. The dietary exposure was estimated on 18,140 feed samples on FB 1-3 representing most of the feed commodities with potential presence of fumonisins. Samples were collected between 2003 and 2016 from 19 different European countries, but most of them from four Member States. To take into account the possible occurrence of hidden forms, an additional factor of 1.6, derived from the literature, was applied to the occurrence data. Modified forms of fumonisins, for which no data were identified concerning both the occurrence and the toxicity, were not included in the assessment. Based on mean exposure estimates, the risk of adverse health effects of feeds containing FB 1-3 was considered very low for ruminants, low for poultry, horse, rabbits, fish and of potential concern for pigs. The same conclusions apply to the sum of FB 1-3 and their hidden forms, except for pigs for which the risk of adverse health effect was considered of concern.

Application of biomarker methods to investigate FUMzyme mediated gastrointestinal hydrolysis of fumonisins in pigs

Fumonisins are among the most prevalent mycotoxins in feedstuffs. They disrupt the sphingolipid metabolism, thereby inducing a plethora of toxic effects in livestock. Supplementation with mycotoxin-degrading enzymes is a promising strategy for the detoxification of feedstuffs in the animals’ gastrointestinal tract. Here, we evaluated the suitability of the fumonisin esterase FumD as a feed additive (FUMzyme®) for the prevention of fumonisin toxicity in pigs by using a combination of different fumonisin biomarkers (sphinganine to sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio in serum and organs, concentrations of fumonisin B1 and hydrolysed derivatives in urine and faeces). In a pre-trial, we exposed pigs to 30 mg/kg fumonisins in feed and found the minimum effective dose of FUMzyme to be 15 U/kg. In a second trial we investigated the long-term efficacy of this minimum effective FUMzyme dose to counteract toxic effects elicited by 6 weeks of exposure to 2.5 mg/kg fumonisins in a diet containing naturally contaminated maize. Supplementation of feed with the minimum effective FUMzyme dose prevented an increase in the Sa/So ratio in serum and kidneys of fumonisin exposed pigs. The Sa/So ratio in serum proved to be the most reliable biomarker. The fumonisin pattern in faeces was less suitable as biomarker for assessing the efficacy of FUMzyme due to natural gastrointestinal hydrolysis of fumonisins. Analysis of urine samples provided additional information about gastrointestinal fumonisin hydrolysis before fumonisin absorption, but was analytically challenging because of low urinary fumonisin concentrations.

Effects of T-2 and Fumonisin B1 combined treatment on in vitro mouse embryo development and blastocyst quality

In the temperate region, most common mycotoxins are members of fusariotoxins. It often happens that food and forage are contaminated with two or more fusariotoxins at the same time. Effects of co-contamination are poorly documented, especially in the field of reproduction. The aim of our study was to assess the combined effect of the two common fusariotoxins, T-2 toxin (T-2) and Fumonisin B1 on early mouse embryo development in vitro. Embryo culture media contained either (1) 0.5 ng/ml T-2; 1, 2, or 10 ng/ml FB1 (group A, B, and C, respectively); or (2) 0.5 ng/ml T-2 and 1, 2, or 10 ng/ml FB1 (group TA, TB, and TC, respectively). Developmental rate, blastocoel expansion, cell number, and micronucleus rate were measured following 96 h culture. Although the developmental rate was similar to the control group (86.43% vs. 83.33, 78.79, 85.98, and 86.67%, respectively) in the case of single toxin treatments, the combined treatments induced significant decreases (14.5, 33.6, and 22.8% in TA, TB, and TC, respectively). The proportion of late blastocysts was lower in all treatments compared to control (83.6% vs. 0–83.6%). Combined treatment resulted in a significantly lower proportion of late blastocysts (25% in TA and 0% in TB and TC). Cell numbers decreased in all toxin-treated groups with a higher rate after combined treatments. No differences were detected in the micronucleus rate in the single or combined treatments compared to control. Our study shows that T-2 and FB1 toxins do not necessarily decrease the developmental rate, but co-contamination results in a significantly lower blastocyst rate and disturbs the blastocoel expansion as well. One possible explanation of this observation could be that the presence of two mycotoxins in the culture media intensifies their negative effects. All toxin treatments decreased the cell number in the blastocysts and this negative effect was more expressed after combined treatment.

Comparative Toxicokinetics and Plasma Protein Binding of Ochratoxin A in Four Avian Species

Ochratoxin A (OTA, 0.25 mg/kg body weight) was absorbed rapidly ( T_max = 0.31-1.88 h) in all avian species (broiler chickens, laying hens, turkeys, and Muscovy ducks) but more slowly in broiler chickens ( T_max = 1.43-4.63 h). The absolute oral bioavailability was complete in these bird species (88.0-109.6%). Ducks have a significantly higher volume of distribution ( V_d) and turkeys a lower V_d compared to chickens and layers (broiler chickens, 0.27 ± 0.12 L/kg; layers, 0.23 ± 0.08 L/kg; turkeys, 0.18 ± 0.04 L/kg; ducks, 0.76 ± 0.44 L/kg). This difference in V_d can be attributed to the species-dependent differences in plasma protein binding of OTA, namely ranging between 82.2 and 88.9% in ducks and between 96.5 and 98.8% in turkeys. No significant gender differences were found in toxicokinetics or plasma protein binding.

Data Analyses and Modelling for Risk Based Monitoring of Mycotoxins in Animal Feed

Following legislation, European Member States should have multi-annual control programs for contaminants, such as for mycotoxins, in feed and food. These programs need to be risk based implying the checks are regular and proportional to the estimated risk for animal and human health. This study aimed to prioritize feed products in the Netherlands for deoxynivalenol and aflatoxin B₁ monitoring. Historical mycotoxin monitoring results from the period 2007–2016 were combined with data from other sources. Based on occurrence, groundnuts had high priority for aflatoxin B₁ monitoring; some feed materials (maize and maize products and several oil seed products) and complete/complementary feed excluding dairy cattle and young animals had medium priority; and all other animal feeds and feed materials had low priority. For deoxynivalenol, maize by-products had a high priority, complete and complementary feed for pigs had a medium priority and all other feed and feed materials a low priority. Also including health consequence estimations showed that feed materials that ranked highest for aflatoxin B₁ included sunflower seed and palmkernel expeller/extracts and maize. For deoxynivalenol, maize products were ranked highest, followed by various small grain cereals (products); all other feed materials were of lower concern. Results of this study have proven to be useful in setting up the annual risk based control program for mycotoxins in animal feed and feed materials.

Role of mycotoxins in herds with and without problems with tail necrosis in neonatal pigs

This study aimed to investigate a possible involvement of mycotoxins in neonatal tail necrosis in piglets. Ten affected and 10 non-affected farms were selected. Sow feed samples were analysed for the presence of 23 mycotoxins by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Blood plasma samples of sows and their piglets were analysed for the presence of deoxynivalenol (DON), de-epoxydeoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 toxin, zearalenone, alfa-zearalenol, and beta-zearalenol, using LC-MS/MS. Additionally, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was performed to detect DON-glucuronide (DON-Glca). There was a significant difference between case herds and control herds for mean DON concentrations in feed and sow plasma. For piglet samples, concentrations of DON were above the limit of quantification of 0.1 ng/ml in only 12 samples. Positive correlations were found between DON concentrations in sow feed and plasma of sows; DON concentration in sow feed and DON-Glca concentration in plasma of sows; and between DON and DON-Glca concentration in sow-plasma. In conclusion, high prevalence of DON in feed samples was found, with significantly higher concentrations in case herds, as well as the presence of DON and DON-Glca in sow plasma. Additional research is needed to identify risk factors, including within-herd factors, associated with neonatal tail necrosis in piglets.

Thiosemicarbazone scaffold for the design of antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic agents: evaluation of ligands and related copper complexes

The issue of food contamination by aflatoxins presently constitutes a social emergency, since they represent a severe risk for human and animal health. On the other hand, the use of pesticides has to be contained, since this generates long term residues in food and in the environment. Here we present the synthesis of a series of chelating ligands based on the thiosemicarbazone scaffold, to be evaluated for their antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic effects. Starting from molecules of natural origin of known antifungal properties, we introduced the thio- group and then the corresponding copper complexes were synthesised. Some molecules highlighted aflatoxin inhibition in the range 67–92% at 100 μM. The most active compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on human cells. While all the copper complexes showed high cytotoxicity in the micromolar range, one of the ligand has no effect on cell proliferation. This hit was chosen for further analysis of mutagenicity and genotoxicity on bacteria, plants and human cells. Analysis of the data underlined the importance of the safety profile evaluation for hit compounds to be developed as crop-protective agents and at the same time that the thiosemicarbazone scaffold represents a good starting point for the development of aflatoxigenic inhibitors.

Effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) and its microbial biotransformation product deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) on a trout, pig, mouse, and human cell line

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene produced by various Fusarium species, is one of the most prevalent food- and feed-associated mycotoxins. The effects of DON and deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) were assessed in five different cell lines from different tissues and species starting from the first line of defense, the trout gill (RTgill-W1) and pig intestinal cells (IPEC-1 and IPEC-J2) over immune cells, as second line of defense (mouse macrophages RAW 264.7) to human liver cells (HepG2). Viability was assessed with a WST-1 assay, except for RTgill-W1, where a neutral red (NR) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was performed. Additionally, more sensitive parameters, such as interleukin-, nitric oxide (NO)-, and albumin-release were determined. Viability was affected by DON at concentrations starting at 10 μmol/L (RTgill-W1), 0.9 μmol/L (IPEC-1), 3.5 μmol/L (IPEC-J2), and 0.9 μmol/L (HepG2), whereas DOM-1 did not have such an effect. Additionally, NO was decreased (0.84 μmol/L DON), whereas interleukin (IL)-6 was increased (0.42 μmol/L DON) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated DON-, but not DOM-1-treated RAW cells. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α release, however, was not affected. Interestingly, albumin secretion of HepG2 cells was decreased by both DON and DOM-1 but at a much higher concentration for DOM-1 (228 versus 0.9 μmol/L for DON). 98.9% of DOM-1 was retrieved by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry at the end of the experiment, proving its stability. In this study, IL-6 was the most sensitive parameter, followed by NO and albumin release and viability for HepG2 and IPEC-1.

Forthcoming Challenges in Mycotoxins Toxicology Research for Safer Food-A Need for Multi-Omics Approach

The presence of mycotoxins in food represents a severe threat for public health and welfare, and poses relevant research challenges in the food toxicology field. Nowadays, food toxicologists have to provide answers to food-related toxicological issues, but at the same time they should provide the appropriate knowledge in background to effectively support the evidence-based decision-making in food safety. Therefore, keeping in mind that regulatory actions should be based on sound scientific findings, the present opinion addresses the main challenges in providing reliable data for supporting the risk assessment of foodborne mycotoxins.

Effect of T-2 toxin-contaminated diet on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The T-2 toxin, a fungal metabolite produced by Fusarium molds, occurs in a range of agriculture products. Reduced availability of fish meal has led to increasing use of cereals as a source of protein in commercial aquaculture feeds, which has increased the potential for mycotoxin contamination. The purpose of this study was to investigate toxicity of T-2 toxin intake in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters and oxidative stress indices. In a four-week feeding trial, fish were fed a commercial diet with 5.3 mg/kg T-2 toxin added. Ingestion of contaminated diet did not lead to mortality of fish, probably due to lower feed intake. On the other hand, it significantly affected haematological variables such as haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell counts leading to anemia and white blood cell counts leading to leukopenia due to lymphopenia. Plasma glucose concentration and alanine amino transferase activity showed a significant increase while triglycerides concentration decreased. Activity of ceruloplasmin was significantly decreased in plasma. Further, liver glutathione S-transferase activity was significantly increased and catalase activity decreased, in parallel with a significant increase in caudal kidney catalase activity and a decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity. Finally, lipid peroxidation (detected as malondialdehyde) was significantly increased in the liver and caudal kidney. Changes in non-specific immune response and cytokine levels in head kidney indicated immune system sensitivity to T-2 toxin. Overall, the results demonstrate that this feed-borne mycotoxin is able to induce anaemia and oxidative stress and cause changes in the immune response of common carp.

Fusarium Species and Their Associated Mycotoxins

The genus Fusarium includes numerous toxigenic species that are pathogenic to plants or humans, and are able to colonize a wide range of environments on earth. The genus comprises around 70 well-known species, identified by using a polyphasic approach, and as many as 300 putative species, according to phylogenetic species concepts; many putative species do not yet have formal names. Fusarium is one of the most economically important fungal genera because of yield loss due to plant pathogenic activity; mycotoxin contamination of food and feed products which often render them unaccep for marketing; and health impacts to humans and livestock, due to consumption of mycotoxins. Among the most important mycotoxins produced by species of Fusarium are the trichothecenes and the fumonisins. Fumonisins cause fatal livestock diseases and are considered potentially carcinogenic mycotoxins for humans, while trichothecenes are potent inhibitors of protein synthesis. This chapter summarizes the main aspects of morphology, pathology, and toxigenicity of the main Fusarium species that colonize different agricultural crops and environments worldwide, and cause mycotoxin contamination of food and feed.

The Impact of Deoxynivalenol on Pigeon Health: Occurrence in Feed, Toxicokinetics and Interaction with Salmonellosis

Seed-based pigeon diets could be expected to result in exposure of pigeons to mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Ingestion of low to moderate contamination levels of DON may impair intestinal health, immune function and/or pathogen fitness, resulting in altered host-pathogen interactions and thus different outcome of infections. Here we demonstrate that DON was one of the most frequently detected mycotoxins in seed-based racing pigeons feed, contaminating 5 out of 10 samples (range 177–1,466 μg/kg). Subsequently, a toxicokinetic analysis revealed a low absolute oral bioavailability (F) of DON in pigeons (30.4%), which is comparable to other avian species. Furthermore, semi-quantitative analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry revealed that DON-3α-sulphate is the major metabolite of DON in pigeons after intravenous as well as oral administration. Following ingestion of DON contaminated feed, the intestinal epithelial cells are exposed to significant DON concentrations which eventually may affect intestinal translocation and colonization of bacteria. Feeding pigeons a DON contaminated diet resulted in an increased percentage of pigeons shedding Salmonella compared to birds fed control diet, 87 ± 17% versus 74 ± 13%, respectively. However, no impact of DON was observed on the Salmonella induced disease signs, organ lesions, faecal and organ Salmonella counts. The presented risk assessment indicates that pigeons are frequently exposed to mycotoxins such as DON, which can affect the outcome of a Salmonella infection. The increasing number of pigeons shedding Salmonella suggests that DON can promote the spread of the bacterium within pigeon populations.

Co-Occurrence of Regulated, Masked and Emerging Mycotoxins and Secondary Metabolites in Finished Feed and Maize-An Extensive Survey

Global trade of agricultural commodities (e.g., animal feed) requires monitoring for fungal toxins. Also, little is known about masked and emerging toxins and metabolites. 1926 samples from 52 countries were analysed for toxins and metabolites. Of 162 compounds detected, up to 68 metabolites were found in a single sample. A subset of 1113 finished feed, maize and maize silage samples containing 57 compounds from 2012 to 2015 from 44 countries was investigated using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisins showed large increases of annual medians in Europe. Within a region, distinct trends were observed, suggesting importance of local meteorology and cultivars. In 2015, median DON concentrations increased to 1400 μ g·kg - 1 in Austria, but were stable in Germany at 350 μ g·kg - 1 . In 2014, enniatins occurred at median concentrations of 250 μ g·kg - 1 in Europe, at levels similar to DON and ZEN. The latter were frequently correlated with DON-3-glucoside and ZEN-14-sulfate. Co-occurrence of regulated toxins was frequent with e.g., enniatins, and moniliformin. Correlation was observed between DON and DON-3-glucoside and with beauvericin. Results indicate that considerably more than 25% of agricultural commodities could be contaminated with mycotoxins as suggested by FAO, although this is at least partly due to the lower limits of detection in the current survey. Observed contamination percentages ranged from 7.1 to 79% for B trichothecenes and 88% for ZEN.

Tools for Defusing a Major Global Food and Feed Safety Risk: Nonbiological Postharvest Procedures To Decontaminate Mycotoxins in Foods and Feeds

Mycotoxin contamination of foods and animal feeds is a worldwide problem for human and animal health. Controlling mycotoxin contamination has drawn the attention of scientists and other food and feed stakeholders all over the world. Despite best efforts targeting field and storage preventive measures, environmental conditions can still lead to mycotoxin contamination. This raises a need for developing decontamination methods to inactivate or remove the toxins from contaminated products. At present, decontamination methods applied include an array of both biological and nonbiological methods. The targeted use of nonbiological methods spans from the latter half of last century, when ammoniation and ozonation were first used to inactivate mycotoxins in animal feeds, to the novel techniques being developed today such as photosensitization. Effectiveness and drawbacks of different nonbiological methods have been reported in the literature, and this review examines the utility of these methods in addressing food safety. Particular consideration is given to the application of such methods in the developing world, where mycotoxin contamination is a serious food safety issue in staple crops such as maize and rice.

Worldwide Mycotoxins Exposure in Pig and Poultry Feed Formulations

The purpose of this review is to present information about raw materials that can be used in pig and poultry diets and the factors responsible for variations in their mycotoxin contents. The levels of mycotoxins in pig and poultry feeds are calculated based on mycotoxin contamination levels of the raw materials with different diet formulations, to highlight the important role the stage of production and the raw materials used can have on mycotoxins levels in diets. Our analysis focuses on mycotoxins for which maximum tolerated levels or regulatory guidelines exist, and for which sufficient contamination data are available. Raw materials used in feed formulation vary considerably depending on the species of animal, and the stage of production. Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites whose frequency and levels also vary considerably depending on the raw materials used and on the geographic location where they were produced. Although several reviews of existing data and of the literature on worldwide mycotoxin contamination of food and feed are available, the impact of the different raw materials used on feed formulation has not been widely studied.

Deoxynivalenol and Its Modified Forms: Are There Major Differences?

Considering the diverse toxic effects of the Fusarium toxin deoxynivalenol (DON), its common occurrence in wheat-based products, and its stability during processing, DON constitutes an increasing health concern for humans and animals. In addition to the parent compound DON, human and animal exposure encompasses the acetylated fungal metabolites 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3ADON) and 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15ADON) as well as the plant-derived DON-glucoside (DON3G) and the bacterial product de-epoxy-DON (DOM-1). In the current study we used the well-established Caco-2 cell model to compare the effects of these naturally occurring forms of DON on cell viability and markers of barrier integrity, as well as on the release of the pro-inflammatory chemokine chemokine CXC motif ligand (CXCL8). Results show that 3ADON is less potent in inducing adverse effects on barrier integrity when compared to DON, whereas 15ADON appears to be slightly more potent than DON. In contrast, DON3G and DOM-1 exerted no measurable adverse effects on the intestinal barrier. It was also demonstrated that galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are able to protect epithelial cells against DON and its acetylated forms, which suggests that GOS are beneficial food additives in the protection of vulnerable segments of the human population against adverse effects of DON and its derivatives.

Mycotoxins, the unknowns: trends in food availability and consumer perceptions

Food consumption habits have been changing rapidly over the last decades, and the impact of these changes on the levels of dietary exposure to mycotoxins could be relevant. In this paper, trends in availability of specific foods that are most affected by mycotoxins were analysed, and comparisons were made among different world regions. The food commodities that have been registering very high availability levels and annual increases over the last 20 years are groundnuts and nuts in Africa and Asia, and maize in Africa, which represent an important part of the diets in those regions. Other foods, which are regularly consumed only by subgroups of populations, show increasing trends in many high- or medium-income regions. Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Australia & New Zealand, Western Africa and Eastern Asia are the regions experiencing the most dynamic changes in availability for selected foods. As individual food consumption is determined, among others, by personal risk perceptions, a literature review on the level and drivers of awareness and perception of mycotoxin risks was conducted. The scarce evidence found show a very low level of awareness and a generally moderate perception of risks derived from mycotoxin exposure, lower than risk perceptions associated with other foodborne hazards. Among the determinants of perceived risks, the education level emerges as being inversely related to the risk perception. More research is needed on these aspects, in order to better inform risk management and communication strategies related to mycotoxins.

Individual and combined effects of feed artificially contaminated with with fumonisin B1 and T-2 toxin in weaned rabbits

Co-contamination of feed and feed raw materials with two or more mycotoxins is frequently reported, however, only a few studies have investigated the combined effects of low doses of multiple mycotoxins. In the present study the individual and combined effects of 10 mg/kg fumonisin B1 and 2 mg/kg T-2 toxin (n=12/group) were investigated in weaned rabbits. Mycotoxin contaminated feed was produced by adding fungal cultures of Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium sporotrichioides, and fed to 40 days old rabbits during 28 days. Feed intake and body weight were measured weekly, serum biochemistry and antioxidant parameters on day 0, 14 and 28, while histopathological examination and comet assay were performed at the end of the experiment. T-2 exposure both alone and in combination resulted in 15-18% less final body weight compared to the control and FB1 treatment. There was a significant increase in the concentration of plasma total protein, albumin, fructosamine and creatinine in the group treated with FB1 compared to the control. The liver and the kidney of most animals treated with T-2 toxin, FB1 and their combination showed pathological changes, occurring more frequent in animals exposed to both toxins. T-2 resulted in depletion of lymphocytes in the spleen. FB1 and T-2 exerted synergistic effect on the antioxidant/oxidative parameters after 2 weeks of exposure, manifesting in less glutathione and glutathione peroxidase, while more malondialdehyde was produced. Both toxins caused DNA damage in the lymphocytes, which was more pronounced in the group fed T-2 toxin and T-2 combined with FB1, without additive or synergistic effects.

Effect of Degradation of Zearalenone-Contaminated Feed by Bacillus licheniformis CK1 on Postweaning Female Piglets

Zearalenone (ZEA), an estrogenic mycotoxin, is mainly produced by Fusarium fungi. In this study, Bacillus licheniformis CK1 isolated from soil with the capability of degrading ZEA was evaluated for its efficacy in reducing the adverse effects of ZEA in piglets. The gilts were fed one of the following three diets for 14 days: a basic diet for the control group; the basic diet supplemented with ZEA-contaminated basic diet for the treatment 1 (T1) group; and the basic diet supplemented with fermented ZEA-contaminated basic diet by CK1 for the treatment 2 (T2) group. The actual ZEA contents (analyzed) were 0, 1.20 ± 0.11, 0.47 ± 0.22 mg/kg for the control, T1, and T2 diets, respectively. The results showed that the T1 group had significantly increased the size of vulva and the relative weight of reproductive organs compared to the control group at the end of the trial. The T1 group significantly decreased the concentration of the luteinizing hormone (LH) compared with the control and T2 groups. Expression of ERβ was significantly up-regulated in the T2 group compared with the control. In addition, expression of ERβ was not different between the control and the T1 group. In summary, our results suggest that Bacillus licheniformis CK1 could detoxify ZEA in feed and reduce the adverse effects of ZEA in the gilts.

No Association between Mycotoxin Exposure and Autism: A Pilot Case-Control Study in School-Aged Children

Evaluation of environmental risk factors in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is needed for a more complete understanding of disease etiology and best approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. A pilot experiment in 54 children (n = 25 ASD, n = 29 controls; aged 12.4 ± 3.9 years) screened for 87 urinary mycotoxins via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to assess current exposure. Zearalenone, zearalenone-4-glucoside, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, and altenuene were detected in 9/54 (20%) samples, most near the limit of detection. No mycotoxin/group of mycotoxins was associated with ASD-diagnosed children. To identify potential correlates of mycotoxin presence in urine, we further compared the nine subjects where a urinary mycotoxin was confirmed to the remaining 45 participants and found no difference based on the presence or absence of mycotoxin for age (t-test; p = 0.322), gender (Fisher’s exact test; p = 0.456), exposure or not to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Fisher’s exact test; p = 0.367), or to other medications (Fisher’s exact test; p = 1.00). While no positive association was found, more sophisticated sample preparation techniques and instrumentation, coupled with selectivity for a smaller group of mycotoxins, could improve sensitivity and detection. Further, broadening sampling to in utero (mothers) and newborn-toddler years would cover additional exposure windows.

Comparison of the amount of bioaccessible fumonisin B1 and B2 in maize and rice inoculated with Fusarium verticillioides (MRC 826) and determined by in vitro digestion-preliminary results

In this study the occurrence of hidden fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) was analysed, on two cereal substrates (maize and rice), inoculated with Fusarium verticillioides (MRC 826), in order to determine the ratio of hidden FB1 and FB2. Two parallel methods were applied: an in vitro human digestion sample pre-treatment and the routine extraction procedure, in both cases with subsequent LC-MS analysis. It was found that all samples showed higher concentration of total fumonisin B1 after digestion, as compared to that of free fumonisin analysed only after extraction. The percentage of the hidden form by maize was 18.8 % (±2.4) for FB1 and 36.8 % (±3.8) for FB2, while for rice it was 32.3 % (±11.3) and 58.0 (±6.8), respectively, expressed as the proportion to total fumonisin B1, for the total dataset. Significant differences were found in the FB1 and FB2 concentration measured after the different digestion phases (saliva, gastric and duodenal) in case of both matrixes. The results are useful for human risk assessment, since both humans and animals may be exposed to markedly higher toxin load, as determined merely by conventional analytical methods.

Modelling approach to limit aflatoxin B1 contamination in dairy cattle compound feed

Feeding dairy cattle with safe compound feed helps farmers to ensure food safety. However, several ingredients often used in compound feed production can be contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which may result into milk contaminated with aflatoxin M1. Given the number of ingredients and their amounts used in the production of compound feed, it is very costly to check every batch of ingredients for AFB1 contamination. Which is the reason, why a risk-based approach is taken in the latest years. This study aimed to estimate the probability of AFB1 contamination of compound feed for dairy cattle, and to limit this contamination, by optimisation of the compound feed formulation, using a modelling approach. The modelling approach comprised integrating a linear optimisation programming model to a Monte Carlo simulation model. This model was applied to the case of producing compound feed for dairy cattle in the Netherlands, using national monitoring data on AFB1 contamination in feed materials collected in the period 2000-2010. Results from this case study showed the model can be used to produce safe compound feed with the lowest possible probability of AFB1 contamination.

Antioxidant Secondary Metabolites in Cereals: Potential Involvement in Resistance to Fusarium and Mycotoxin Accumulation

Gibberella and Fusarium Ear Rot and Fusarium Head Blight are major diseases affecting European cereals. These diseases are mainly caused by fungi of the Fusarium genus, primarily Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides. These Fusarium species pose a serious threat to food safety because of their ability to produce a wide range of mycotoxins, including type B trichothecenes and fumonisins. Many factors such as environmental, agronomic or genetic ones may contribute to high levels of accumulation of mycotoxins in the grain and there is an urgent need to implement efficient and sustainable management strategies to reduce mycotoxin contamination. Actually, fungicides are not fully efficient to control the mycotoxin risk. In addition, because of harmful effects on human health and environment, their use should be seriously restricted in the near future. To durably solve the problem of mycotoxin accumulation, the breeding of tolerant genotypes is one of the most promising strategies for cereals. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of plant resistance to both Fusarium and mycotoxin contamination will shed light on plant-pathogen interactions and provide relevant information for improving breeding programs. Resistance to Fusarium depends on the plant ability in preventing initial infection and containing the development of the toxigenic fungi while resistance to mycotoxin contamination is also related to the capacity of plant tissues in reducing mycotoxin accumulation. This capacity can result from two mechanisms: metabolic transformation of the toxin into less toxic compounds and inhibition of toxin biosynthesis. This last mechanism involves host metabolites able to interfere with mycotoxin biosynthesis. This review aims at gathering the latest scientific advances that support the contribution of grain antioxidant secondary metabolites to the mechanisms of plant resistance to Fusarium and mycotoxin accumulation.

In vivo contribution of deoxynivalenol-3-β-D-glucoside to deoxynivalenol exposure in broiler chickens and pigs: oral bioavailability, hydrolysis and toxicokinetics

Crossover animal trials were performed with intravenous and oral administration of deoxynivalenol-3-β-D-glucoside (DON3G) and deoxynivalenol (DON) to broiler chickens and pigs. Systemic plasma concentrations of DON, DON3G and de-epoxy-DON were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to unravel phase II metabolism of DON. Additionally for pigs, portal plasma was analysed to study presystemic hydrolysis and metabolism. Data were processed via tailor-made compartmental toxicokinetic models. The results in broiler chickens indicate that DON3G is not hydrolysed to DON in vivo. Furthermore, the absolute oral bioavailability of DON3G in broiler chickens was low (3.79 ± 2.68 %) and comparable to that of DON (5.56 ± 2.05 %). After PO DON3G administration to pigs, only DON was detected in plasma, indicating a complete presystemic hydrolysis of the absorbed fraction of DON3G. However, the absorbed fraction of DON3G, recovered as DON, was approximately 5 times lower than after PO DON administration, 16.1 ± 5.4 compared with 81.3 ± 17.4 %. Analysis of phase II metabolites revealed that biotransformation of DON and DON3G in pigs mainly consists of glucuronidation, whereas in chickens predominantly conjugation with sulphate occurred. The extent of phase II metabolism is notably higher for chickens than for pigs, which might explain the differences in sensitivity of these species to DON. Although in vitro studies demonstrate a decreased toxicity of DON3G compared with DON, the species-dependent toxicokinetic data and in vivo hydrolysis to DON illustrate the toxicological relevance and consequently the need for further research to establish a tolerable daily intake.

Gastrointestinal Degradation of Fumonisin B₁ by Carboxylesterase FumD Prevents Fumonisin Induced Alteration of Sphingolipid Metabolism in Turkey and Swine

The mycotoxin fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) is a frequent contaminant of feed and causes various adverse health effects in domestic animals. Hence, effective strategies are needed to prevent the impact of fumonisins on livestock productivity. Here we evaluated the capability of the fumonisin carboxylesterase FumD to degrade FB₁ to its less toxic metabolite hydrolyzed FB₁ (HFB₁) in the gastrointestinal tract of turkeys and pigs. First, an ex vivo pig model was used to examine the activity of FumD under digestive conditions. Within 2 h of incubation with FumD, FB₁ was completely degraded to HFB₁ in the duodenum and jejunum, respectively. To test the efficacy of the commercial application of FumD (FUMzyme) in vivo, female turkeys (n = 5) received either basal feed (CON), fumonisin-contaminated feed (15 mg/kg FB₁+FB₂; FB) or fumonisin-contaminated feed supplemented with FUMzyme (15 U/kg; FB+FUMzyme) for 14 days ad libitum. Addition of FUMzyme resulted in significantly decreased levels of FB₁ in excreta, whereas HFB₁ concentrations were significantly increased. Compared to the FB group (0.24 ± 0.02), the mean serum sphinganine-to-sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio was significantly reduced in the FB+FUMzyme group (0.19 ± 0.02), thus resembling values of the CON group (0.16 ± 0.02). Similarly, exposure of piglets (n = 10) to 2 mg/kg FB₁+FB₂ for 42 days caused significantly elevated serum Sa/So ratios (0.39 ± 0.15) compared to the CON group (0.14 ± 0.01). Supplementation with FUMzyme (60 U/kg) resulted in gastrointestinal degradation of FB₁ and unaffected Sa/So ratios (0.16 ± 0.02). Thus, the carboxylesterase FumD represents an effective strategy to detoxify FB₁ in the digestive tract of turkeys and pigs.

Mycotoxin Contamination in the EU Feed Supply Chain: A Focus on Cereal Byproducts

Mycotoxins represent a risk to the feed supply chain with an impact on economies and international trade. A high percentage of feed samples have been reported to be contaminated with more than one mycotoxin. In most cases, the concentrations were low enough to ensure compliance with the European Union (EU) guidance values or maximum admitted levels. However, mycotoxin co-contamination might still exert adverse effects on animals due to additive/synergistic interactions. Studies on the fate of mycotoxins during cereal processing, such as milling, production of ethanol fuels, and beer brewing, have shown that mycotoxins are concentrated into fractions that are commonly used as animal feed. Published data show a high variability in mycotoxin repartitioning, mainly due to the type of mycotoxins, the level and extent of fungal contamination, and a failure to understand the complexity of food processing technologies. Precise knowledge of mycotoxin repartitioning during technological processes is critical and may provide a sound technical basis for feed managers to conform to legislation requirements and reduce the risk of severe adverse market and trade repercussions. Regular, economical and straightforward feed testing is critical to reach a quick and accurate diagnosis of feed quality. The use of rapid methods represents a future challenge.

FUM Gene Expression Profile and Fumonisin Production by Fusarium verticillioides Inoculated in Bt and Non-Bt Maize

This study aimed to determine the levels of fumonisins produced by Fusarium verticillioides and FUM gene expression on Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and non-Bt maize, post harvest, during different periods of incubation. Transgenic hybrids 30F35 YG, 2B710 Hx and their isogenic (30F35 and 2B710) were collected from the field and a subset of 30 samples selected for the experiments. Maize samples were sterilized by gamma radiation at a dose of 20 kGy. Samples were then inoculated with F. verticillioides and analyzed under controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity for fumonisin B1 and B2 (FB1 and FB2) production and FUM1, FUM3, FUM6, FUM7, FUM8, FUM13, FUM14, FUM15, and FUM19 expression. 2B710 Hx and 30F35 YG kernel samples were virtually intact when compared to the non-Bt hybrids that came from the field. Statistical analysis showed that FB1 production was significantly lower in 30F35 YG and 2B710 Hx than in the 30F35 and 2B710 hybrids (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference for FB2 production (P > 0.05). The kernel injuries observed in the non-Bt samples have possibly facilitated F. verticillioides penetration and promoted FB1 production under controlled conditions. FUM genes were expressed by F. verticillioides in all of the samples. However, there was indication of lower expression of a few FUM genes in the Bt hybrids; and a weak association between FB1 production and the relative expression of some of the FUM genes were observed in the 30F35 YG hybrid.

Multiplex surface plasmon resonance biosensing and its transferability towards imaging nanoplasmonics for detection of mycotoxins in barley

A 6-plex mycotoxin assay was developed on a portable nanostructured iSPR and compared with a benchmark double 3-plex SPR assay.

Mycotoxins Deoxynivalenol and Fumonisins Alter the Extrinsic Component of Intestinal Barrier in Broiler Chickens

Deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins (FBs) are secondary metabolites produced by Fusarium fungi that frequently contaminate broiler feed. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of DON and/or FBs on the intestinal barrier in broiler chickens, more specifically on the mucus layer and antioxidative response to oxidative stress. One-day-old broiler chicks were divided into four groups, each consisting of eight pens of seven birds each, and were fed for 15 days either a control diet, a DON-contaminated diet (4.6 mg DON/kg feed), a FBs-contaminated diet (25.4 mg FB1 + FB2/kg feed), or a DON+FBs-contaminated diet (4.3 mg DON and 22.9 mg FB1 + FB2/kg feed). DON and FBs affected the duodenal mucus layer by suppressing intestinal mucin (MUC) 2 gene expression and altering the mucin monosaccharide composition. Both mycotoxins decreased gene expression of the intestinal zinc transporter (ZnT)-1 and regulated intracellular methionine homeostasis, which are both important for preserving the cell's critical antioxidant activity. Feeding a DON- and/or FBs-contaminated diet, at concentrations close to the European Union maximum guidance levels (5 mg DON and 20 mg FB1 + FB2/kg feed) changes the intestinal mucus layer and several intestinal epithelial antioxidative mechanisms.