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Ali S, Freire LGD, Rezende VT, Noman M, Ullah S, Abdullah, Badshah G, Afridi MS, Tonin FG, de Oliveira CAF. Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Foods: Unraveling the Knowledge Gaps on Their Persistence in Food Production Systems. Foods 2023; 12:4314. [PMID: 38231751 DOI: 10.3390/foods12234314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In this review, the intricate issue about the occurrence levels of mycotoxins in foods is discussed aiming to underline the main knowledge gaps on the persistence of these toxicants in the food production system. Mycotoxins have been a key challenge to the food industry, economic growth, and consumers' health. Despite a breadth of studies over the past decades, the persistence of mycotoxins in foods remain an overlooked concern that urges exploration. Therefore, we aimed to concisely underline the matter and provide possible biochemical and metabolic details that can be relevant to the food sector and overall public health. We also stress the application of computational modeling, high-throughput omics, and high-resolution imaging approaches, which can provide insights into the structural and physicochemical characteristics and the metabolic activities which occur in a stored cereal grain's embryo and endosperm and their relationship with storage fungi and mycotoxins on a cellular level. In addition, there is a need for extensive collaborative network and funding, which will play a key role in finding effective solutions against the persistence of mycotoxins at the genetic and molecular to metabolic levels in the food system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sher Ali
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Gabriel Dionisio Freire
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Theodoro Rezende
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Muhammad Noman
- Plant Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras 37200-000, MG, Brazil
| | - Sana Ullah
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Abdullah
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University Peshawar (AUP), Peshawar 25000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Gul Badshah
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Muhammad Siddique Afridi
- Department of Plant Pathology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras 37200-900, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernando Gustavo Tonin
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Augusto Fernandes de Oliveira
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
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Jaćević V, Dumanović J, Alomar SY, Resanović R, Milovanović Z, Nepovimova E, Wu Q, Franca TCC, Wu W, Kuča K. Research update on aflatoxins toxicity, metabolism, distribution, and detection: A concise overview. Toxicology 2023; 492:153549. [PMID: 37209941 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Serious health risks associated with the consumption of food products contaminated with aflatoxins (AFs) are worldwide recognized and depend predominantly on consumed AF concentration by diet. A low concentration of aflatoxins in cereals and related food commodities is unavoidable, especially in subtropic and tropic regions. Accordingly, risk assessment guidelines established by regulatory bodies in different countries help in the prevention of aflatoxin intoxication and the protection of public health. By assessing the maximal levels of aflatoxins in food products which are a potential risk to human health, it's possible to establish appropriate risk management strategies. Regarding, a few factors are crucial for making a rational risk management decision, such as toxicological profile, adequate information concerning the exposure duration, availability of routine and some novel analytical techniques, socioeconomic factors, food intake patterns, and maximal allowed levels of each aflatoxin in different food products which may be varied between countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Jaćević
- Department for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Poison Control Centre, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Jelena Dumanović
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Suliman Y Alomar
- King Saud University, College of Science, Zoology Department, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Radmila Resanović
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Milovanović
- Special Police Unit, Ministry of Interior, Trebevićka 12/A, 11 030 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, 1 Nanhuan Road, 434023 Jingzhou, Hubei, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Tanos Celmar Costa Franca
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to the Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Wenda Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuča
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 50005, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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Rahi S, Lanjekar V, Ghormade V. Development of a rapid dot-blot assay for ochratoxin A (OTA) detection using peptide conjugated gold nanoparticles for bio-recognition and detection. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.108842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Nguyen VTT, König S, Eggert S, Endres K, Kins S. The role of mycotoxins in neurodegenerative diseases: current state of the art and future perspectives of research. Biol Chem 2021; 403:3-26. [PMID: 34449171 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that can cause various diseases in humans and animals. The adverse health effects of mycotoxins such as liver failure, immune deficiency, and cancer are well-described. However, growing evidence suggests an additional link between these fungal metabolites and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the wealth of these initial reports, reliable conclusions are still constrained by limited access to human patients and availability of suitable cell or animal model systems. This review summarizes knowledge on mycotoxins associated with neurodegenerative diseases and the assumed underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The limitations of the common in vivo and in vitro experiments to identify the role of mycotoxins in neurotoxicity and thereby in neurodegenerative diseases are elucidated and possible future perspectives to further evolve this research field are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Thu Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Svenja König
- Department of Human Biology and Human Genetics, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Simone Eggert
- Department of Human Biology and Human Genetics, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Kristina Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Kins
- Department of Human Biology and Human Genetics, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
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Critical Assessment of Mycotoxins in Beverages and Their Control Measures. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13050323. [PMID: 33946240 PMCID: PMC8145492 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi that contaminate food products such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, beverages, and other agricultural commodities. Their occurrence in the food chain, especially in beverages, can pose a serious risk to human health, due to their toxicity, even at low concentrations. Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), patulin (PAT), fumonisins (FBs), trichothecenes (TCs), zearalenone (ZEN), and the alternaria toxins including alternariol, altenuene, and alternariol methyl ether have largely been identified in fruits and their derived products, such as beverages and drinks. The presence of mycotoxins in beverages is of high concern in some cases due to their levels being higher than the limits set by regulations. This review aims to summarize the toxicity of the major mycotoxins that occur in beverages, the methods available for their detection and quantification, and the strategies for their control. In addition, some novel techniques for controlling mycotoxins in the postharvest stage are highlighted.
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Virtual Screening of Natural Compounds as Potential PI 3K-AKT1 Signaling Pathway Inhibitors and Experimental Validation. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020492. [PMID: 33477701 PMCID: PMC7831918 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A computational screening for natural compounds suitable to bind the AKT protein has been performed after the generation of a pharmacophore model based on the experimental structure of AKT1 complexed with IQO, a well-known inhibitor. The compounds resulted as being most suitable from the screening have been further investigated by molecular docking, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) analysis and toxicity profiles. Two compounds selected at the end of the computational analysis, i.e., ZINC2429155 (also named STL1) and ZINC1447881 (also named AC1), have been tested in an experimental assay, together with IQO as a positive control and quercetin as a negative control. Only STL1 clearly inhibited AKT activation negatively modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Molecular Docking Simulations on Histone Deacetylases (HDAC)-1 and -2 to Investigate the Flavone Binding. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120568. [PMID: 33291755 PMCID: PMC7761979 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications through acetylation are fundamental for remodelling chromatin and consequently activating gene expression. The imbalance between acetylation and deacetylation activity causes transcriptional dysregulation associated with several disorders. Flavones, small molecules of plant origin, are known to interfere with class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes and to enhance acetylation, restoring cell homeostasis. To investigate the possible physical interactions of flavones on human HDAC1 and 2, we carried out in silico molecular docking simulations. Our data have revealed how flavone, and other two flavones previously investigated, i.e., apigenin and luteolin, can interact as ligands with HDAC1 and 2 at the active site binding pocket. Regulation of HDAC activity by dietary flavones could have important implications in developing epigenetic therapy to regulate the cell gene expression.
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8
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Rissato DF, de Santi Rampazzo AP, Borges SC, Sousa FC, Busso C, Buttow NC, Natali MRM. Chronic ingestion of deoxynivalenol-contaminated diet dose-dependently decreases the area of myenteric neurons and gliocytes of rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13770. [PMID: 31793155 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp., is commonly found in cereals ingested by humans and animals. Its ingestion is correlated with hepatic, hematologic, renal, splenic, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and neural damages, according to dose, duration of exposure and species. In this work, the effects of the ingestion of DON-contaminated diet at concentrations considered tolerable for human and animal intake were assessed. METHODS Male Wistar rats aging 21 days were allotted to five groups that were given, for 42 days, diets contaminated with different concentrations of DON (0, 0.2, 0.75, 1.75, and 2 mg kg-1 of chow). Food ingestion, bodyweight, oxidative status and morphometric analyses of gliocytes, and neurons of jejunal myenteric ganglia were recorded. KEY RESULTS At these concentrations, there was no food rejection, decrease in bodyweight gain, changes in oxidative status, or loss of either neurons or gliocytes. However, DON decreased gliocyte area, general neuronal population, nitrergic, cholinergic and NADH-diaphorase positive subpopulations and, as a result, ganglion area. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES It was concluded that, even in the absence of visible effect, DON exposure reduces cell body area of gliocytes and neurons of the myenteric plexus of the rat jejunum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Furlan Rissato
- Ingá University Center, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.,Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernando Carlos Sousa
- Coordination of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Dois Vizinhos Campus, Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Cleverson Busso
- Coordination of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Dois Vizinhos Campus, Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Nilza Cristina Buttow
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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10
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Tao X, Huang Y, Wang C, Chen F, Yang L, Ling L, Che Z, Chen X. Recent developments in molecular docking technology applied in food science: a review. Int J Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Tao
- School of Food and Bioengineering Xihua University Chengdu Sichuan 610039 China
| | - Yukun Huang
- School of Food and Bioengineering Xihua University Chengdu Sichuan 610039 China
- Key Laboratory of Food Non Thermal Processing Engineering Technology Research Center of Food Non Thermal Processing Yibin Xihua University Research Institute Yibin Sichuan 644404 China
| | - Chong Wang
- School of Food and Bioengineering Xihua University Chengdu Sichuan 610039 China
| | - Fang Chen
- School of Food and Bioengineering Xihua University Chengdu Sichuan 610039 China
| | - Lingling Yang
- School of Food and Bioengineering Xihua University Chengdu Sichuan 610039 China
| | - Li Ling
- School of Food and Bioengineering Xihua University Chengdu Sichuan 610039 China
- College of Pharmacy Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengdu Sichuan 611137 China
| | - Zhenming Che
- School of Food and Bioengineering Xihua University Chengdu Sichuan 610039 China
| | - Xianggui Chen
- School of Food and Bioengineering Xihua University Chengdu Sichuan 610039 China
- Key Laboratory of Food Non Thermal Processing Engineering Technology Research Center of Food Non Thermal Processing Yibin Xihua University Research Institute Yibin Sichuan 644404 China
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11
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König S, Pace S, Pein H, Heinekamp T, Kramer J, Romp E, Straßburger M, Troisi F, Proschak A, Dworschak J, Scherlach K, Rossi A, Sautebin L, Haeggström JZ, Hertweck C, Brakhage AA, Gerstmeier J, Proschak E, Werz O. Gliotoxin from Aspergillus fumigatus Abrogates Leukotriene B 4 Formation through Inhibition of Leukotriene A 4 Hydrolase. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:524-534.e5. [PMID: 30745237 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The epidithiodioxopiperazine gliotoxin is a virulence factor of Aspergillus fumigatus, the most important airborne fungal pathogen of humans. Gliotoxin suppresses innate immunity in invasive aspergillosis, particularly by compromising neutrophils, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Neutrophils are the first responders among innate immune cells recruited to sites of infection by the chemoattractant leukotriene (LT)B4 that is biosynthesized by 5-lipoxygenase and LTA4 hydrolase (LTA4H). Here, we identified gliotoxin as inhibitor of LTA4H that selectively abrogates LTB4 formation in human leukocytes and in distinct animal models. Gliotoxin failed to inhibit the formation of other eicosanoids and the aminopeptidase activity of the bifunctional LTA4H. Suppression of LTB4 formation by gliotoxin required the cellular environment and/or reducing conditions, and only the reduced form of gliotoxin inhibited LTA4H activity. Conclusively, gliotoxin suppresses the biosynthesis of the potent neutrophil chemoattractant LTB4 by direct interference with LTA4H thereby impairing neutrophil functions in invasive aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie König
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Simona Pace
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Helmut Pein
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Thorsten Heinekamp
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jan Kramer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Erik Romp
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Straßburger
- Transfer Group Antiinfectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Fabiana Troisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Anna Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Dworschak
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Kirstin Scherlach
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Antonietta Rossi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lidia Sautebin
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Jesper Z Haeggström
- Division of Physiological Chemistry II, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jana Gerstmeier
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Oliver Werz
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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Dellafiora L, Aichinger G, Geib E, Sánchez-Barrionuevo L, Brock M, Cánovas D, Dall'Asta C, Marko D. Hybrid in silico/in vitro target fishing to assign function to "orphan" compounds of food origin - The case of the fungal metabolite atromentin. Food Chem 2018; 270:61-69. [PMID: 30174092 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Many small molecules of food origin may effect human health but lack an adequate description of their biological activity. To fill this knowledge gap, a first-line workflow is needed to assign putative functions, rank the endpoints for testing and guide wet-lab experiments. In this framework, the identification of potential biological targets can be used to probe the activity of orphan compounds using a so-called "target fishing" approach. Here, we present a proof of concept study using an in silico/in vitro target fishing approach on the fungal secondary metabolite atromentin. The procedure relies on a computational screening for activity identification coupled with experimental trials for dose-response characterization. Computational results identified estrogen receptors and 17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase as potential targets. Experiments confirmed a weak estrogenic activity, supporting the reliability of the procedure. Despite limited estrogenicity of atromentin, the proposed inhibition of 17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase should be considered as a source for endocrine disruptive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Dellafiora
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Via G.P. Usberti 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Georg Aichinger
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Elena Geib
- Fungal Genetics and Biology Groups, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD Nottingham, UK.
| | | | - Matthias Brock
- Fungal Genetics and Biology Groups, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD Nottingham, UK.
| | - David Cánovas
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Sevilla, 41012, Spain.
| | - Chiara Dall'Asta
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Via G.P. Usberti 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Doris Marko
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Ratnaseelan AM, Tsilioni I, Theoharides TC. Effects of Mycotoxins on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Immune Processes. Clin Ther 2018; 40:903-917. [PMID: 29880330 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The effects of air pollutants have been receiving increased attention both clinically and in the media. One such pollutant is mold, fungal growth in the form of multicellular filaments known as hyphae. The growth of molds is omnipresent not only in outdoor settings but also in indoor environments containing excessive amounts of moisture. METHODS PubMed was searched for relevant articles using terms such as mold, mycotoxins, fungi, immunity, inflammation, neurodevelopment, cognition, Alzheimer's, and autism. FINDINGS Exposure to molds is most commonly associated with allergies and asthma. However, it is now thought to be associated with many complex health problems, since some molds, especially Trichoderma, Fusarium and Stachybotrys spp, produce mycotoxins that are absorbed from the skin, airways, and intestinal lining. People exposed to molds and mycotoxins present with symptoms affecting multiple organs, including the lungs, musculoskeletal system, as well as the central and peripheral nervous systems. Furthermore, evidence has recently implicated exposure to mycotoxins in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. The effects of mycotoxins can be mediated via different pathways that include the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially from mast cells. IMPLICATIONS The information reviewed indicates that exposure to mold and mycotoxins can affect the nervous system, directly or through immune cell activation, thus contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarane M Ratnaseelan
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Irene Tsilioni
- Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Theoharis C Theoharides
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
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