EmergingFusarium-Mycotoxins Fusaproliferin, Beauvericin, Enniatins, And Moniliformin—A Review

Occurrence of modified mycotoxins in Latin America: an up-to-date review

The Latin America region has a considerable extent of varied climate conditions: from tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate to temperate. Among the surface territory, different agricultural products are produced, making them an important food source for human consumption. Fungal species commonly colonize those important agricultural products and often contaminate them with mycotoxins that have a major impact on health, welfare, and productivity. Nowadays, special attention is paid to modified mycotoxins, which are those that cannot be detected by conventional analytical methods. However, little data about their natural occurrence in food and feed is available, especially in Latin American countries, where, among all the countries in this region, only a few of them are working on this subject. Thus, the present review summarizes the published information available in order to determine the possible human exposure risk to these toxins.

Emerging mycotoxin occurrence in chicken feed and eggs from Algeria

Poultry farming has developed into one of Algeria's most productive industrial farming because of the growing demand for sources of protein among Algerian society. Laying hen feed consists mainly of cereals, which can be contaminated with molds and subsequently with their secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins. These later can pose a serious danger to the production and quality of eggs in the commercial layer industry. This work focuses on the detection of emerging mycotoxins, mainly enniatins (ENNs) and beauvericin (BEA), in poultry feed and eggs from different locations in Algeria. Two different QuEChERS-based extractions were established to extract ENNs and BEA from chicken feed and eggs. The determination of mycotoxin occurrence was achieved by a UHPLC-MS/MS method using 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water and MeOH as mobile phase, an ESI interface operating in positive mode, and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in MRM for the detection. Matrix-matched calibration curves were carried out for both matrices, obtaining good linearity (R2 > 0.99). The method performance was assessed in terms of extraction recovery (from 87 to 107%), matrix effect (from - 47 to - 86%), precision (RSD < 15%), and limits of quantitation (≤ 1.1 µg/kg for feed and ≤ 0.8 µg/kg for eggs). The analysis of 10 chicken feed samples and 35 egg samples composed of a 10-egg pool each showed that ENN B1 was the most common mycotoxin (i.e., found in 9 feed samples) with contamination levels ranging from 3.6 to 41.5 µg/kg, while BEA was detected only in one feed sample (12 µg/kg). However, eggs were not found to be contaminated with any mycotoxin at the detection limit levels. Our findings indicate that the searched mycotoxins are present in traces in feed and absent in eggs. This can be explained by the application of a mycotoxin binder. However, this does not put a stop on the conduction of additional research and ultimately setting regulations to prevent the occurrence of emerging mycotoxins.

Evaluating the combined and individual cytotoxic effect of beauvericin, enniatin B and ochratoxin a on breast cancer cells, leukemia cells, and fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Beauvericin (BEA), Enniatin B (ENN B), and Ochratoxin A (OTA) are mycotoxins produced by fungi species. Their main effect on several organs and systems is associated with chronic exposure going from immunotoxicity, estrogenic disorders, and renal failure to cancer (in animals and humans). OTA belongs to Group 1 according to the International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) and it has legislated limited values; not happening for BEA nor ENN B. Exposure to mixtures of mycotoxins occurs through food intake in daily consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implication of BEA, ENN B, and OTA individually and combined in producing cytotoxicity in cells for immunological studies and cancer cell lines (human leukemia cells (HL-60), fresh human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells). Cells were treated for 4 h and 24 h at different concentrations of BEA, ENN B, and OTA, respectively. Viability assays were carried out by flow cytometry using DAPI (4',6-diamindino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride) as a viability dye and the potential effects of synergism, addition, and antagonism were assessed through the Chou and Talalay method. Individual OTA treatment exerted the greatest cytotoxicity for PBMC cells (IC50 0.5 μM) while ENN B for HL-60 (IC50 0.25 μM) and MDA-MB-231 (IC50 0.15 μM). In binary combination [ENN B + OTA] resulted in exerting the greatest cytotoxicity for HL-60 and MDA-MB-231 cells; while [BEA + OTA] in PBMC cells. The triple combination resulted in being highly cytotoxic for PBMC cells compared to HL-60 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In summary, PBMC cells were the most sensible cells for all three mycotoxins and the presence of OTA in any of the combinations had the greatest toxicity causing synergism as the most common cytotoxic effect.

Natural Occurrence and Co-Occurrence of Beauvericin and Enniatins in Wheat Kernels from China

A total of 769 wheat kernels collected from six provinces in China were analyzed for beauvericin (BEA) and four enniatins (ENNs), namely, ENA, ENA1, ENB and ENB1, using a solid phase extraction (SPE) technique with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results show that the predominant toxin was BEA, which had a maximum of 387.67 μg/kg and an average of 37.69 μg/kg. With regard to ENNs, the prevalence and average concentrations of ENB and ENB1 were higher than those of ENA and ENA1. The geographical distribution of BEA and ENNs varied. Hubei and Shandong exhibited the highest and lowest positive rates of BEA and ENNs (13.46% and 87.5%, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed among these six provinces. There was a co-occurrence of BEA and ENNs, and 42.26% of samples were simultaneously detected with two or more toxins. Moreover, a significant linear correlation in concentrations was observed between the four ENN analogs (r range: 0.75~0.96, p < 0.05). This survey reveals that the contamination and co-contamination of BEA and ENNs in Chinese wheat kernels were very common.

Effect of the mycotoxins enniatin B and deoxynivalenol on the wheat aphid Sitobion avenae and on the predatory lacewing Chrysoperla carnea

BACKGROUND

Fusarium species are responsible for Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, resulting in yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and enniatins (ENNs) are common mycotoxins produced by Fusarium, affecting plant, animal and human health. Although DON's effects have been widely studied, limited research has explored the impact of ENNs on insects. This study examines the influence of DON and enniatin B (ENB), both singularly and in combination, on the wheat aphid Sitobion avenae and one of its predators, the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea.

RESULTS

When exposed to DON (100 mg L-1) or DON + ENB (100 mg L-1), S. avenae exhibited significantly increased mortality compared to the negative control. ENB (100 mg L-1) had no significant effect on aphid mortality. DON-treated aphids showed increasing mortality from 48 to 96 h. A dose-response relationship with DON revealed significant cumulative mortality starting at 25 mg L-1. By contrast, C. carnea larvae exposed to mycotoxins via cuticular application did not show significant differences in mortality when mycotoxins were dissolved in water but exhibited increased mortality with acetone-solubilized DON + ENB (100 mg L-1). Feeding C. carnea with aphids exposed to mycotoxins (indirect exposure) did not impact their survival or predatory activity. Additionally, the impact of mycotoxins on C. carnea was observed only with acetone-solubilized DON + ENB.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings shed light on the complex interactions involving mycotoxins, aphids and their predators, offering valuable insights for integrated pest management strategies. Further research should explore broader ecological consequences of mycotoxin contamination in agroecosystems. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cation Dependence of Enniatin B/Membrane-Interactions Assessed Using Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption (SEIRA) Spectroscopy

Enniatins are mycotoxins with well-known antibacterial, antifungal, antihelmintic and antiviral activity, which have recently come to attention as potential mitochondriotoxic anticancer agents. The cytotoxicity of enniatins is traced back to ionophoric properties, in which the cyclodepsipeptidic structure results in enniatin:cation-complexes of various stoichiometries proposed as membrane-active species. In this work, we employed a combination of surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy, tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLMs) and density functional theory (DFT)-based computational spectroscopy to monitor the cation-dependence (Mz+=Na+, K+, Cs+, Li+, Mg2+, Ca2+) on the mechanism of enniatin B (EB) incorporation into membranes and identify the functionally relevant EBn : Mz+ complexes formed. We find that Na+ promotes a cooperative incorporation, modelled via an autocatalytic mechanism and mediated by a distorted 2 : 1-EB2 : Na+ complex. K+ (and Cs+) leads to a direct but less efficient insertion into membranes due to the adoption of "ideal" EB2 : K+ sandwich complexes. In contrast, the presence of Li+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ causes a (partial) extraction of EB from the membrane via the formation of "belted" 1 : 1-EB : Mz+ complexes, which screen the cationic charge less efficiently. Our results point to a relevance of the cation dependence for the transport into the malignant cells where the mitochondriotoxic anticancer activity is exerted.

Computational Applications: Beauvericin from a Mycotoxin into a Humanized Drug

Drug discovery was initially attributed to coincidence or experimental research. Historically, the traditional approaches were complex, lengthy, and expensive, entailing costly random screening of synthesized compounds or natural products coupled with in vivo validation largely depending on the availability of appropriate animal models. Currently, in silico modeling has become a vital tool for drug discovery and repurposing. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations are being used to find the best match between a ligand and a molecule, an approach that could help predict the biomolecular interactions between the drug and the target host. Beauvericin (BEA) is an emerging mycotoxin produced by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, being originally studied for its potential use as a pesticide. BEA is now considered a molecule of interest for its possible use in diverse biotechnological applications in the pharmaceutical industry and medicine. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the repurposing of BEA as a potential therapeutic agent for multiple diseases. Furthermore, considerable emphasis is given to the fundamental role of in silico techniques to (i) further investigate the activity spectrum of BEA, a secondary metabolite, and (ii) elucidate its mode of action.

PI3K/Akt/FoxO Pathway Mediates Antagonistic Toxicity in HepG2 Cells Coexposed to Deoxynivalenol and Enniatins

The emerging mycotoxins enniatins (ENNs) and the traditional mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) often co-contaminate various grain raw materials and foods. While the liver is their common target organ, the mechanism of their combined effect remains unclear. In this study, the combined cytotoxic effects of four ENNs (ENA, ENA1, ENB, and ENB1) with DON and their mechanisms were investigated using the HepG2 cell line. Additionally, a population exposure risk assessment of these mycotoxins was performed by using in vitro experiments and computer simulations. The results showed that only ENA at 1/4 IC50 and ENB1 at 1/8 IC50 coexposed with DON showed an additive effect, while ENB showed the strongest antagonism at IC50 (CI = 3.890). Co-incubation of ENNs regulated the signaling molecule levels which were disrupted by DON. Transcriptome analysis showed that ENB (IC50) up-regulated the PI3K/Akt/FoxO signaling pathway and inhibited the expression of apoptotic genes (Bax, P53, Caspase 3, etc.) via phosphorylation of FoxO, thereby reducing the cytotoxic effects caused by DON. Both types of mycotoxins posed serious health risks, and the cumulative risk of coexposure was particularly important for emerging mycotoxins.

Mechanistic insight into human androgen receptor-mediated endocrine disrupting potential of cyclic depsipeptide mycotoxin, beauvericin, and influencing environmental factors for its biosynthesis in Fusarium oxysporum KFCC 11363P on rice cereal

In current study, Fusarium mycotoxin, beauvericin (BEA), has endocrine disrupting potential through suppressing the exogenous androgen receptor (AR)-mediated transcriptional activation. BEA was classified as an AR antagonist, with IC30 and IC50 values indicating that it suppressed AR dimerization in the cytosol. BEA suppress the translocation of cytosolic activated ARs to the nucleus via exogenous androgens. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of environmental conditions for BEA production on rice cereal using response surface methodology. The environmental factors affecting the production of BEA, namely temperature, initial moisture content, and growth time were optimized at 20.28 °C, 42.79 % (w/w), and 17.31 days, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that BEA has endocrine disrupting potential through suppressing translocation of cytosolic ARs to nucleus, and temperature, initial moisture content, and growth time are important influencing environmental factors for its biosynthesis in Fusarium strains on cereal.

Endophytic Alternaria and Fusarium species associated to potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Iran and their capability to produce regulated and emerging mycotoxins

Endophytic fungi live inside virtually every plant species, without causing any apparent disease or damage to the host. Nevertheless, under particular conditions, mutualistic lifestyle of endophytes may change to pathogenic. In this study, the biodiversity of Alternaria and Fusarium species, the two most abundant endophytic fungi isolated from healthy potato plants in two climatically different regions of Iran, Ardebil in the north-west and Kerman in the south-east, was investigated. Seventy-five Fusarium strains and 83 Alternaria strains were molecularly characterized by multi-locus gene sequencing. Alternaria strains were characterized by the sequences of gpd and caM gene fragments and the phylogenetic tree was resolved in 3 well-separated clades. Seventy-three strains were included in the clade A, referred as Alternaria section, 6 strains were included in clade B, referred as Ulocladioides section, and 4 strains were included in clade C, referred as Infectoriae section. Fusarium strains, identified by sequencing the translation elongation factor 1α (tef1), β-tubulin (tub2) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genomic regions, were assigned to 13 species, viz. F. brachygibosum, F. clavum, F. equiseti, F. flocciferum, F. incarnatum, F. nirenbergiae, F. nygamai, F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum, F. redolens, F. sambucinum, F. solani and F. thapsinum. Twenty-six selected strains, representative of F. equiseti, F. nirenbergiae, F. oxysporum, F. nygamai, F. proliferatum, and F. sambucinum, were also tested for production of the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), T-2 toxin (T-2), beauvericin (BEA), enniatins (ENNs), fumonisins (FBs), fusaric acid (FA) and moniliformin (MON). None of the tested strains produced trichothecene toxins (DON, NIV, DAS and T-2). Two out of 2 F. equiseti isolates, 1/6 F. oxysporum, 1/3 F. proliferatum, and 1/9 F. nygamai did not produce any of the tested toxins; the rest of strains produced one or more BEA, ENNs, FBs, FA and MON toxins. The most toxigenic strain, F. nygamai ITEM-19012, produced the highest quantities of FBs (7946, 4693 and 4333 μg/g of B1, B2, and B3 respectively), along with the highest quantities of both BEA (4190 μg/g) and MON (538 μg/g). These findings suggest that contamination of potato tubers with mycotoxins in the field or at post-harvest, due to a change in lifestyle of endophytic microflora, should be carefully considered and furtherly investigated.

Toxicity of the emerging mycotoxins beauvericin and enniatins: A mini-review

Beauvericin and enniatins, emerging mycotoxins produced mainly by Fusarium species, are natural contaminants of cereals and cereal products. These mycotoxins are cyclic hexadepsipeptides with ionophore properties and their toxicity mechanism is related to their ability to transport cations across the cell membrane. Beauvericin and enniatins are cytotoxic, as they decrease cell viability, promote cell cycle arrest, and increase apoptosis and the generation of reactive oxygen species in several cell lines. They also cause changes at the transcriptomic level and have immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Toxicokinetic results are scarce, and, despite its proven toxic effects in vitro, no regulation or risk assessment has yet been performed due to a lack of in vivo data. This mini-review aims to report the information available in the literature on studies of in vitro and in vivo toxic effects with beauvericin and enniatins, which are mycotoxins of increasing interest to animal and human health.

Fungal Species and Mycotoxins Associated with Maize Ear Rots Collected from the Eastern Cape in South Africa

Maize production in South Africa is concentrated in its central provinces. The Eastern Cape contributes less than 1% of total production, but is steadily increasing its production and has been identified as a priority region for future growth. In this study, we surveyed ear rots at maize farms in the Eastern Cape, and mycotoxins were determined to be present in collected samples. Fungal isolations were made from mouldy ears and species identified using morphology and DNA sequences. Cladosporium, Diplodia, Fusarium and Gibberella ear rots were observed during field work, and of these, we collected 78 samples and isolated 83 fungal strains. Fusarium was identified from Fusarium ear rot (FER) and Gibberella ear rot (GER) and Stenocarpella from Diplodia ear rot (DER) samples, respectively. Using LC-MS/MS multi-mycotoxin analysis, it was revealed that 83% of the collected samples contained mycotoxins, and 17% contained no mycotoxins. Fifty percent of samples contained multiple mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, diplodiatoxin and zearalenone) and 33% contained a single mycotoxin. Fusarium verticillioides was not isolated and fumonisins not detected during this survey. This study revealed that ear rots in the Eastern Cape are caused by a wide range of species that may produce various mycotoxins.

Oxocarbon Acids and their Derivatives in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry

The biological and medicinal chemistry of the oxocarbon acids 2,3- dihydroxycycloprop-2-en-1-one (deltic acid), 3,4-dihydroxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (squaric acid), 4,5-dihydroxy-4-cyclopentene-1,2,3-trione (croconic acid), 5,6-dihydroxycyclohex- 5-ene-1,2,3,4-tetrone (rhodizonic acid) and their derivatives is reviewed and their key chemical properties and reactions are discussed. Applications of these compounds as potential bioisosteres in biological and medicinal chemistry are examined. Reviewed areas include cell imaging, bioconjugation reactions, antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, enzyme inhibition, and receptor pharmacology.

Light-Driven Tetra- and Octa-β-substituted Cationic Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines for Eradicating Fusarium oxysporum Conidia

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is an emerging therapeutic approach that can effectively inactivate diverse microbial forms, including vegetative forms and spores, while preserving host tissues and avoiding the development of resistance to the photosensitization procedure. This study evaluates the antifungal and sporicidal photodynamic activity of two water-soluble amphiphilic tetra- and octa-β-substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) dyes with dimethylaminopyridinium groups at the periphery (ZnPcs 1, 2) and their quaternized derivatives (ZnPcs 1a, 2a). Tetra(1, 1a)- and octa(2, 2a)-β-substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines were prepared and assessed as photosensitizers (PSs) for their effects on Fusarium oxysporum conidia. Antimicrobial photoinactivation experiments were performed with each PS at 0.1, 1, 10, and 20 µM under white light irradiation at an irradiance of 135 mW·cm-2, for 60 min (light dose of 486 J·cm-2). High PDI efficiency was observed for PSs 1a, 2, and 2a (10 µM), corresponding to inactivation until the method's detection limit. PS 1 (20 µM) also achieved a considerable reduction of >5 log10 in the concentration of viable conidia. The quaternized PSs (1a, 2a) showed better PDI performance than the non-quaternized ones (1, 2), even at the low concentration of 1 µM, and a light dose of 486 J·cm-2. These cationic phthalocyanines are potent photodynamic drugs for antifungal applications due to their ability to effectively inactivate resistant forms, like conidia, with low concentrations and reasonable energy doses.

Fungal and Toxin Contaminants in Cereal Grains and Flours: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cereal grains serve as the cornerstone of global nutrition, providing a significant portion of humanity's caloric requirements. However, the presence of fungal genera, such Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria, known for their mycotoxin-producing abilities, presents a significant threat to human health due to the adverse effects of these toxins. The primary objective of this study was to identify the predominant fungal contaminants in cereal grains utilized in breadmaking, as well as in flour and bread. Moreover, a systematic review, including meta-analysis, was conducted on the occurrence and levels of mycotoxins in wheat flour from the years 2013 to 2023. The genera most frequently reported were Fusarium, followed by Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Among the published reports, the majority focused on the analysis of Deoxynivalenol (DON), which garnered twice as many reports compared to those focusing on Aflatoxins, Zearalenone, and Ochratoxin A. The concentration of these toxins, in most cases determined by HPLC-MS/MS or HPLC coupled with a fluorescence detector (FLD), was occasionally observed to exceed the maximum limits established by national and/or international authorities. The prevalence of mycotoxins in flour samples from the European Union (EU) and China, as well as in foods intended for infants, exhibited a significant reduction compared to other commercial flours assessed by a meta-analysis investigation.

On the Potential Role of the (Pseudo-) Jahn-Teller Effect in the Membrane Transport Processes: Enniatin B and Beauvericin

The molecular structure of mycotoxins enniatin B and beauvericin, which are used as ionophores, was studied using density functional theory in various symmetry groups and singly charged states. We have shown that the charge addition or removal causes significant structural changes. Unlike the neutral C3 molecules, the stability of the charged C1 structures was explained by the Jahn-Teller or Pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect. This finding agrees with the available experimental X-ray structures of their metal complexes where electron density transfer from the metal can be expected. Hence, the membrane permeability of metal sandwich-structure complexes possessing antimicrobial activities is modulated by the conformational changes.

Bioinformatic Analysis of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthetic Potential in Pathogenic Fusarium

Fusarium species are among the filamentous fungi with the most pronounced impact on agricultural production and human health. The mycotoxins produced by pathogenic Fusarium not only attack various plants including crops, causing various plant diseases that lead to reduced yields and even death, but also penetrate into the food chain of humans and animals to cause food poisoning and consequent health hazards. Although sporadic studies have revealed some of the biosynthetic pathways of Fusarium toxins, they are insufficient to satisfy the need for a comprehensive understanding of Fusarium toxin production. In this study, we focused on 35 serious pathogenic Fusarium species with available genomes and systematically analyzed the ubiquity of the distribution of identified Fusarium- and non-Fusarium-derived fungal toxin biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) in these species through the mining of core genes and the comparative analysis of corresponding BGCs. Additionally, novel sesterterpene synthases and PKS_NRPS clusters were discovered and analyzed. This work is the first to systematically analyze the distribution of related mycotoxin biosynthesis in pathogenic Fusarium species. These findings enhance the knowledge of mycotoxin production and provide a theoretical grounding for the prevention of fungal toxin production using biotechnological approaches.

Emerging mycotoxins induce hepatotoxicity in pigs' precision-cut liver slices and HepG2 cells

Emerging mycotoxins are currently gaining more attention due to their high frequency of contamination in foods and grains. However, most data available in the literature are in vitro, with few in vivo results that prevent establishing their regulation. Beauvericin (BEA), enniatins (ENNs), emodin (EMO), apicidin (API) and aurofusarin (AFN) are emerging mycotoxins frequently found contaminating food and there is growing interest in studying their impact on the liver, a key organ in the metabolization of these components. We used an ex vivo model of precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) to verify morphological and transcriptional changes after acute exposure (4 h) to these mycotoxins. The human liver cell line HepG2 was used for comparison purposes. Most of the emerging mycotoxins were cytotoxic to the cells, except for AFN. In cells, BEA and ENNs were able to increase the expression of genes related to transcription factors, inflammation, and hepatic metabolism. In the explants, only ENN B1 led to significant changes in the morphology and expression of a few genes. Overall, our results demonstrate that BEA, ENNs, and API have the potential to be hepatotoxic.

Effect of Fungicide Treatment on Multi-Mycotoxin Occurrence in French Wheat during a 4-Year Period

Wheat represents one of the most widely consumed cereals worldwide. Cultivated in winter and spring, it is vulnerable to an array of different pathogens, including fungi, which are managed largely through the in-field application of fungicides. During this study, a 4-year field investigation (2018-2021) was performed in France, aiming to assess the efficacy of fungicide treatment to reduce mycotoxin contamination in common and durum wheat. Several different commercially available fungicides were applied via sprayers. Concentrations of mycotoxins and fungal metabolites in wheat were determined using a multi-analyte liquid-chromatography-tandem-mass-spectrometry-based method. The highest contamination levels and strongest effects of fungicides were observed in 2018, followed by 2021. A significant fungicide-mediated reduction was observed for the trichothecenes deoxynivalenol, deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside, nivalenol, and nivalenol-3-glucoside. Furthermore, fungicide treatment also reduced levels of culmorin and its hydroxy metabolites 5- and 15-hydroxy-culmorin, as well as aurofusarin. Interestingly, the Alternaria metabolite infectopyron was increased following fungicide treatment. In conclusion, fungicide treatment was effective in reducing mycotoxin levels in wheat. However, as complete prevention of mycotoxin contamination was not achieved, fungicide treatment should always be combined with other pre- and post-harvest mycotoxin mitigation strategies to improve food and feed safety.

Enniatin B1: Emerging Mycotoxin and Emerging Issues

Although over the last 10 years several studies have focused on the emerging mycotoxins known as enniatins (ENNs), there is still a lack of knowledge regarding their toxicological effects and the development of a correct risk assessment. This is especially true for enniatin B1 (ENN B1), considered the younger sister of the widely studied enniatin B (ENN B). ENN B1 has been found in several food commodities and, as with other mycotoxins, presents antibacterial and antifungal properties. On the other hand, ENN B1 has shown cytotoxic activity, impairment of the cell cycle, the induction of oxidative stress, and changes in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, as well as negative genotoxic and estrogenic effects. Overall, considering the paucity of information available regarding ENN B1, further studies are necessary to perform a risk assessment. This review summarizes information on the biological characteristics and toxicological effects of ENN B1 as well as the future challenges that this mycotoxin could present.

Survey of the enniatins and beauvericin in raw and UHT cow's milk in Poland

Introduction

The enniatins A, A1, B and B1 (ENNs) and beauvericin (BEA) are structurally related compounds produced by Fusarium species. They occur as contaminants in cereals, such as wheat, barley and maize. They are called "emerging mycotoxins", because they have been reported in feed and food and their toxic effects are not fully known. Data on their levels in food (especially in milk) are limited. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of ENNs and BEA in milk.

Material and Methods

A total of 103 bovine milk samples (76 of raw milk and 27 of UHT milk) were collected from different parts of Poland and analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Among the 76 raw milk samples, 31 (41%) and 15 (20%) samples were contaminated with ENN B and with BEA, respectively. No contamination with other enniatins was found. The highest concentration of BEA was found in raw milk and was 6.17 μg kg-1. Out of the 27 samples of UHT milk, 16 (59%) were contaminated with ENN B at concentrations ranging from 0.157 μg kg-1 to 0.587 μg kg-1 (limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.098 μg kg-1). Beauvericin was detected in 9 UHT milk samples (33%) at concentrations ranging from 0.101 μg kg-1 to 1.934 μg kg-1 (LOQ 0.095 μg kg-1).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated constant but low milk contamination in Poland with ENN B and BEA. The analysis of milk samples revealed that the emerging mycotoxins ENN B and BEA were measured in trace amounts. It does not suggest any immediate risk to milk consumers; however, it is unknown whether long-term exposure to low levels of toxins may be harmful.

Potential toxicity assessment of mycotoxin fusaric acid with the spectral shift profile on DNA

In this study, the multiple toxicities induced by three different doses (1, 5, and 10 μM) of fusaric acid (FA), a mycotoxin, was investigated with Allium test. Physiological (percent germination, root number, root length, and weight gain), cytogenetic (micronucleus = MN, chromosomal abnormalities = CAs, and mitotic index = MI), biochemical (proline level, malondialdehyde = MDA level, catalase = CAT activity, and superoxide dismutase = SOD activity), and anatomical parameters were used as indicators of toxicity. Allium cepa L. bulbs were divided into four groups as one control and three applications. The bulbs in the control group were germinated with tap water for 7 days, and the bulbs in the treatment groups were germinated with three different doses of FA for 7 days. As a result, FA exposure caused a decrease in all physiological parameters examined at all three doses. Besides, all FA doses caused a decrease in MI and an increase in the frequency of MN and the number of CAs. FA promoted CAs such as nucleus with vacuoles, nucleus buds, irregular mitosis, bridge, and misdirection in root meristem cells. DNA and FA interactions, which are the possible causes of genotoxic effects, were examined by spectral analysis, and FA could interact with DNA through intercalation, causing bathochromic and hypochromic shifts in the spectrum. FA also causes toxicity by inducing oxidative stress in cells, confirming this; dose-related increases in root MDA and proline levels were measured as a result of FA exposure. In the root SOD and CAT enzyme activities, increases up to 5 μM doses and decreases at 10 μM doses were measured. FA exposure induced anatomical damage such as necrosis, epidermis cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, thickening of the cortex cell wall, and unclear vascular tissue in root tip meristem cells. As a result, FA caused a comprehensive toxicity by showing an inhibitory effect in A. cepa test material, and the Allium test was a very useful test in determining this toxicity.

Encapsulation of Ammoides pusila Essential Oil into Mesoporous Silica Particles for the Enhancement of Their Activity against Fusarium avenaceum and Its Enniatins Production

Essential oils (EOs) that have antifungal activity and mycotoxin reduction ability are candidates to develop bioactive alternatives and environmentally friendly treatment against Fusarium species in cereals. However, their practical use is facing limitations such as high volatility, UV sensitivity, and fast oxidation. Encapsulation techniques are supposed to provide protection to the EOs and control their release into the environment. Ammoides pusilla essential oil (AP-EO) proved to be an efficient inhibitor of Fusarium avenaceum growth and its enniatins (ENNs) production. In the present work, AP-EO was encapsulated, using the impregnation method, into mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) with narrow slit pores (average diameter = 3.1 nm) and coated with chitosan. In contact assays using an agar medium, the antifungal activity of AP-EO at 0.1 µL mL^-1 improved by three times when encapsulated into MSPs without chitosan and the ENNs production was significantly inhibited both in coated and non-coated MSPs. Controls of MSPs also inhibited the ENNs production without affecting the mycelial growth. In fumigation experiments assessing the activity of the EO volatile compounds, encapsulation into MSPs improved significantly both the antifungal activity and ENNs inhibition. Moreover, coating with chitosan stopped the release of EO. Thus, encapsulation of an EO into MSPs improving its antifungal and antimycotoxin properties is a promising tool for the formulation of a natural fungicide that could be used in the agriculture or food industry to protect plant or food products from the contamination by toxigenic fungi such as Fusarium sp. and their potential mycotoxins.

Aggressiveness and mycotoxin profile of Fusarium avenaceum isolates causing Fusarium seedling blight and Fusarium head blight in UK malting barley

INTRODUCTION

Fusarium avenaceum causing Fusarium seedling blight (FSB) and Fusarium head blight (FHB) on barley is associated with economic losses of crop yield and quality, and the accumulation of mycotoxins including the enniatins (ENNs) A, A1, B and B1. Although F. avenaceum is the main producer of ENNs, studies on the ability of isolates to cause severe Fusarium diseases or produce mycotoxins in barley are limited.

METHODS

In this work, we investigated the aggressiveness of nine isolates of F. avenaceum to two cultivars of malting barley, Moonshine and Quench, and defined their ENN mycotoxin profiles in in vitro and in planta experiments. We assessed and compared the severity of FSB and FHB caused by these isolates to disease severity by F. graminearum, F. tricinctum and F. poae. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry assays were used to quantify pathogen DNA and mycotoxin accumulation, respectively, in barley heads.

RESULTS

Isolates of F. avenaceum were equally aggressive to barley stems and heads and caused the most severe FSB symptoms resulting in up to 55% reductions of stem and root length. Fusarium graminearum caused the most severe FHB disease, followed by the isolates of F. avenaceum with the most aggressive F. avenaceum isolates capable of causing similar bleaching of barley heads as F. avenaceum. Fusarium avenaceum isolates produced ENN B as the predominant mycotoxin, followed by ENN B1 and A1 in vitro. However, only the most aggressive isolates produced ENN A1 in planta and none produced ENN A or beauvericin (BEA) either in planta or in vitro.

DISCUSSION

The capacity of F. avenaceum isolates to produce ENNs was related to the accumulation of pathogen DNA in barley heads, whilst FHB severity was related to the synthesis and accumulation of ENN A1 in planta. Cv. Moonshine was significantly more resistant than Quench to FSB or FHB, caused by any Fusarium isolate, and to the accumulation of pathogen DNA, ENNs or BEA. In conclusion, aggressive F. avenaceum isolates are potent ENN producers causing severe FSB and FHB with ENN A1 requiring further investigation as potential virulence factor for F. avenaceum in cereals.

Fusarium Head Blight on Wheat: Biology, Modern Detection and Diagnosis and Integrated Disease Management

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major threat for wheat production worldwide. Most reviews focus on Fusarium graminearum as a main causal agent of FHB. However, different Fusarium species are involved in this disease complex. These species differ in their geographic adaptation and mycotoxin profile. The incidence of FHB epidemics is highly correlated with weather conditions, especially rainy days with warm temperatures at anthesis and an abundance of primary inoculum. Yield losses due to the disease can reach up to 80% of the crop. This review summarizes the Fusarium species involved in the FHB disease complex with the corresponding mycotoxin profiles, disease cycle, diagnostic methods, the history of FHB epidemics, and the management strategy of the disease. In addition, it discusses the role of remote sensing technology in the integrated management of the disease. This technology can accelerate the phenotyping process in the breeding programs aiming at FHB-resistant varieties. Moreover, it can support the decision-making strategies to apply fungicides via monitoring and early detection of the diseases under field conditions. It can also be used for selective harvest to avoid mycotoxin-contaminated plots in the field.

Determination of Regulated and Emerging Mycotoxins in Organic and Conventional Gluten-Free Flours by LC-MS/MS

Gluten-free cereal products have grown in popularity in recent years as they are perceived as "healthier" alternatives and can be safely consumed by celiac patients, and people with gluten intolerance or wheat allergies. Molds that produce mycotoxins contaminate cereal crops, posing a threat to global food security. Maximum levels have been set for certain mycotoxins in cereal flours; however, little is known about the levels of emerging mycotoxins in these flours. The aim of this study was to develop an efficient, sensitive, and selective method for the detection of four emerging (beauvericin and enniatins A1, B, and B1) and three regulated (aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol) mycotoxins in gluten-free flours. Ultrasound-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion was used in the extraction of these mycotoxins from flour samples. The validated method was utilized for the LC-MS/MS analysis of conventional and organic wholegrain oat and rice flours. Six of the seven target mycotoxins were detected in these samples. Multi-mycotoxin contamination was found in all flour types, particularly in conventional wholegrain oat flour. Despite the low detection frequency in rice flour, one sample was found to contain zearalenone at a concentration of 83.2 μg/kg, which was higher than the level set by the European Commission for cereal flours. The emerging mycotoxins had the highest detection frequencies; enniatin B was present in 53% of the samples at a maximum concentration of 56 μg/kg, followed by enniatin B1 and beauvericin, which were detected in 46% of the samples, and at levels reaching 21 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg, respectively. These results highlight the need to improve the current knowledge and regulations on the presence of mycotoxins, particularly emerging ones, in gluten-free flours and cereal-based products.

Anthocyanin Content and Fusarium Mycotoxins in Pigmented Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. spp. aestivum): An Open Field Evaluation

Twelve Triticum aestivum L. spp. aestivum varieties with pigmented grain, namely one red, six purple, three blue, and two black, were grown in open fields over two consecutive years and screened to investigate their risk to the accumulation of multiple Fusarium-related mycotoxins. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and its modified forms DON3Glc, 3Ac-DON, 15Ac-DON, and T-2, HT-2, ZEN, and Enniatin B were quantified by means of UHPLC-MS/MS, along with 14 different cyanidin, petunidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin glycosides. A significant strong influence effect of the harvesting year (p = 0.0002) was noticed for DON content, which was more than doubled between harvesting years growing seasons (mean of 3746 µg kg^-1 vs. 1463 µg kg^-1). In addition, a striking influence of varieties with different grain colour on DON content (p < 0.0001) emerged in combination with the harvesting year (year×colour, p = 0.0091), with blue grains being more contaminated (mean of 5352 µg kg^-1) and red grain being less contaminated (mean of 715 µg kg^-1). The trend was maintained between the two harvesting years despite the highly variable absolute mycotoxin content. Varieties accumulating anthocyanins in the pericarp (purple coloration) had significantly lower DON content compared to those in which aleurone was involved (blue coloration).

Impact of Enniatin B and Beauvericin on Lysosomal Cathepsin B Secretion and Apoptosis Induction

Enniatin B (ENN B) and Beauvericin (BEA) are cyclohexadepsipeptides that can be isolated from Fusarium and Beauveria bassiana, respectively. Both compounds are cytotoxic and ionophoric. In the present study, the mechanism of cell death induced by these compounds was investigated. Epidermal carcinoma-derived cell line KB-3-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of these compounds. The extracellular secretion of cathepsin B increased in a concentration-dependent manner, and the lysosomal staining by lysotracker red was reduced upon the treatment with any of the compounds. However, the extracellular secretion of cathepsin L and cathepsin D were not affected. Inhibition of cathepsin B with specific inhibitor CA074 significantly reduced the cytotoxic effect of both compounds, while inhibition of cathepsin D or cathepsin L did not influence the cytotoxic activities of both compounds. In vitro labelling of lysosomal cysteine cathepsins with Ethyl (2S, 3S)-epoxysuccinate-Leu-Tyr-Acp-Lys (Biotin)-NH2 (DCG04) was not affected in case of cathepsin L upon the treatment with both compounds, while it was significantly reduced in case of cathepsin B. In conclusion, ENN B and BEA increase lysosomal Ph, which inhibits delivery of cathepsin B from Golgi to lysosomes, thereby inducing cathepsin B release in cytosol, which activates caspases and hence the apoptotic pathway.

Recent Research on Fusarium Mycotoxins in Maize—A Review

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most susceptible crops to pathogenic fungal infections, and in particular to the Fusarium species. Secondary metabolites of Fusarium spp.—mycotoxins are not only phytotoxic, but also harmful to humans and animals. They can cause acute or chronic diseases with various toxic effects. The European Union member states apply standards and legal regulations on the permissible levels of mycotoxins in food and feed. This review summarises the most recent knowledge on the occurrence of toxic secondary metabolites of Fusarium in maize, taking into account modified forms of mycotoxins, the progress in research related to the health effects of consuming food or feed contaminated with mycotoxins, and also the development of biological methods for limiting and/or eliminating the presence of the same in the food chain and in compound feed.

In Vitro Effects of Enniatin A on Steroidogenesis and Proliferation of Bovine Granulosa Cells

The emerging Fusarium mycotoxins enniatins (ENNs) have been the focus of new research because of their well-documented existence in various cereal and grain products. Research findings indicate that reproductive disorders may be caused by exposure to Fusarium mycotoxins, but little work has evaluated ENNs on reproductive function. Therefore, to determine the effects of ENNA on the proliferation and steroidogenesis of granulosa cells (GC), experiments were conducted using bovine GC cultures. In vitro, ENNA (1−5 μM) inhibited (p < 0.05) hormone-induced GC progesterone and estradiol production. The inhibitory effect of ENNA on estradiol production was more pronounced in small- than large-follicle GC. In large-follicle GC, 0.3 μM ENNA had no effect (p > 0.10) whereas 1 and 3 μM ENNA inhibited GC proliferation. In small-follicle GC, ENNA (1−5 μM) dramatically decreased (p < 0.05) GC proliferation. Using cell number data, the IC50 of ENNA was estimated at 2 μM for both follicle sizes. We conclude that ENNA can directly inhibit ovarian function in cattle, decreasing the proliferation and steroid production of GC.

Deoxynivalenol and T-2 Toxin as Major Concerns in Durum Wheat from Italy

Fusarium Head Blight is a devastating disease of wheat caused by a complex of Fusarium species producing a wide range of mycotoxins. Fusarium species occurrence is variable in different geographical areas and subjected to a continuous evolution in their distribution. A total of 141 durum wheat field samples were collected in different regions of Italy in three years, and analyzed for Fusarium species and related mycotoxin occurrence. Mycotoxin contamination varied according to year and geographical origin. The highest mycotoxin contamination was detected in 2014. Deoxynivalenol was detected with an average of 240 µg/kg only in Central and Northern Italy; and T-2 and HT-2 toxins with an average of 150 µg/kg in Southern Italy. Approximately 80% of samples from Southern Italy in 2013/2014 showed T-2 and HT-2 levels over the EU recommended limits. Fusarium graminearum occurred mostly in Northern Italy, while F. langsethiae occurred in Southern Italy. These data showed that a real mycotoxin risk related to Fusarium exists on the whole in Italy, but varies according with geographical areas and environmental conditions. Consistent monitoring of Fusarium species and related mycotoxin distribution on a long period is worthwhile to generate more accurate knowledge on Fusarium species profile and mycotoxins associated and better establish the climatic change impact on wheat Fusarium epidemiology.

Diversity of Fusarium Species Isolated from Symptomatic Plants Belonging to a Wide Range of Agri-Food and Ornamental Crops in Lebanon

Lebanon is a small Mediterranean country with different pedoclimatic conditions that allow the growth of both temperate and tropical plants. Currently, few studies are available on the occurrence and diversity of Fusarium species on Lebanese crops. A wide population of Fusarium strains was isolated from different symptomatic plants in the last 10 years. In the present investigation, a set of 134 representative strains were molecularly identified by sequencing the translation elongation factor, used in Fusarium as a barcoding gene. Great variability was observed, since the strains were grouped into nine different Fusarium Species Complexes (SCs). Fusarium oxysporum SC and Fusarium solani SC were the most frequent (53% and 24%, respectively). Members of important mycotoxigenic SCs were also detected: F. fujikuroi SC (7%), F. sambucinum SC (5%), F. incarnatum-equiseti SC (3%), and F. tricinctum SC (4%). Two strains belonging to F. lateritium SC, a single strain belonging to F. burgessii SC, and a single strain belonging to F. redolens SC were also detected. This paper reports, for the first time, the occurrence of several Fusarium species on Lebanese host plants. The clear picture of the Fusarium species distribution provided in this study can pose a basis for both a better understanding of the potential phytopathological and toxicological risks and planning future Fusarium management strategies in Lebanon.

The Occurrence and Co-Occurrence of Regulated, Emerging, and Masked Mycotoxins in Rice Bran and Maize from Southeast Asia

Raw feed materials are often contaminated with mycotoxins, and co-occurrence of mycotoxins occurs frequently. A total of 250 samples i.e., rice bran and maize from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand were analysed using state-of-the-art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for monitoring the occurrence of regulated, emerging, and masked mycotoxins. Seven regulated mycotoxins – aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisin B₁, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, HT-2, and T-2 toxin were detected as well as some emerging mycotoxins, such as beauvericin, enniatin type B, stachybotrylactam, sterigmatocystin, and masked mycotoxins, specifically zearalenone-14-glucoside, and zearalenone-16-glucoside. Aspergillus and Fusarium mycotoxins were the most prevalent compounds identified, especially aflatoxins and fumonisin B₁ in 100% and 95% of samples, respectively. Of the emerging toxins, beauvericin and enniatin type B showed high occurrences, with more than 90% of rice bran and maize contaminated, whereas zearalenone-14-glucoside and zearalenone-16-glucoside were found in rice bran in the range of 56–60%. Regulated mycotoxins (DON and ZEN) were the most frequent mycotoxin combination with emerging mycotoxins (BEA and ENN type B) in rice bran and maize. This study indicates that mycotoxin occurrence and co-occurrence are common in raw feed materials, and it is critical to monitor mycotoxin levels in ASEAN’s feedstuffs so that mitigation strategies can be developed and implemented.

Interaction of the Emerging Mycotoxins Beauvericin, Cyclopiazonic Acid, and Sterigmatocystin with Human Serum Albumin

Beauvericin (BEA), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), and sterigmatocystin (STC) are emerging mycotoxins. They appear as contaminants in food and animal feed, leading to economic losses and health risks. Human serum albumin (HSA) forms stable complexes with certain mycotoxins, including ochratoxins, alternariol, citrinin, and zearalenone. HSA binding can influence the toxicokinetics of xenobiotics, and albumin can also be considered and applied as a relatively cheap affinity protein. Therefore, we examined the potential interactions of BEA, CPA, and STC with HSA employing fluorescence spectroscopy, ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, and molecular modeling. Spectroscopic and ultracentrifugation studies demonstrated the formation of low-affinity BEA–HSA (K_a ≈ 10³ L/mol) and moderately strong CPA–HSA and STC–HSA complexes (K_a ≈ 10⁴ L/mol). In ultrafiltration experiments, CPA slightly displaced each site marker (warfarin, naproxen, and camptothecin) tested, while BEA and STC did not affect significantly the albumin binding of these drugs. Modeling studies suggest that CPA occupies Sudlow’s site I, while STC binds to the Heme site (FA1) on HSA. Considering the interactions of CPA with the site markers, the CPA–HSA interaction may have toxicological importance.

Distribution, pathogenicity and disease control of Fusarium tricinctum

Plant pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium tricinctum cause various plant diseases worldwide, especially in temperate regions. In cereals, F. tricinctum is one of the most common species causing Fusarium head blight (FHB) and root rot. Infection with F. tricinctum results in high yield losses and reduction in quality, mainly due to mycotoxin contamination of grain. Mycotoxins produced by F. tricinctum, such as enniatins (ENs) and moniliformin (MON), which are the most studied mycotoxins, have been reported to have multiple toxic effects on humans and animals. Although chemical control of Fusarium infection has been applied to grains, it is not always effective in controlling disease or reducing the level of mycotoxins in wheat grains. To the contrary, chemical control may significantly increase infection of F. tricinctum in fungicide-treated plots after treatment. Our studies show that the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, has good control effects against F. tricinctum. Therefore, its use as a biological control agent against various plant pathogens may be an effective strategy to control the spread of Fusarium pathogens. Here, we conduct a review of the literature involving this plant pathogen, its diversity, virulence, and methods to control.

Cocktails of Mycotoxins, Phytoestrogens, and Other Secondary Metabolites in Diets of Dairy Cows in Austria: Inferences from Diet Composition and Geo-Climatic Factors

Dairy production is a pivotal economic sector of Austrian and European agriculture. Dietary toxins and endocrine disruptors of natural origin such as mycotoxins and phytoestrogens can affect animal health, reproduction, and productivity. This study characterized the profile of a wide spectrum of fungal, plant, and unspecific secondary metabolites, including regulated, emerging, and modified mycotoxins, phytoestrogens, and cyanogenic glucosides, in complete diets of lactating cows from 100 Austrian dairy farms. To achieve this, a validated multi-metabolite liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization−tandem mass spectrometric (LC/ESI−MS/MS) method was employed, detecting 155 of >800 tested metabolites. Additionally, the most influential dietary and geo-climatic factors related to the dietary mycotoxin contamination of Austrian dairy cattle were recognized. We evidenced that the diets of Austrian dairy cows presented ubiquitous contamination with mixtures of mycotoxins and phytoestrogens. Metabolites derived from Fusarium spp. presented the highest concentrations, were the most recurrent, and had the highest diversity among the detected fungal compounds. Zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisin B1 were the most frequently occurring mycotoxins considered in the EU legislation, with detection frequencies >70%. Among the investigated dietary factors, inclusion of maize silage (MS) and straw in the diets was the most influential factor in contamination with Fusarium-derived and other fungal toxins and metabolites, and temperature was the most influential among the geo-climatic factors.

Fungal Species and Multi-Mycotoxin Associated with Post-Harvest Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Grain in Eastern Ethiopia

Sorghum is the main staple food crop in developing countries, including Ethiopia. However, sorghum grain quantity and quality are affected by contaminating fungi both under field and post-harvest stage. The aim of the current study was to assessed fungal species and multi-mycotoxins associated with sorghum grain in post-harvest samples collected from eastern Ethiopia. Fungal genera of Aspergillus, Alternaria, Bipolaris, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, and Rhizoctonia were recovered in the infected grain. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) was used for quantification of multiple mycotoxins/fungal metabolites. Overall, 94 metabolites were detected and grouped into eight categories. All metabolites were detected either in one or more samples. Among major mycotoxins and derivatives, deoxynivalenol (137 μg/kg), zearalenone (121 μg/kg), ochratoxin A (115 μg/kg), and fumonisin B₁ (112 μg/kg) were detected with maximum concentrations, while aflatoxin B₁ had relatively lower concentrations (23.6 μg/kg). Different emerging mycotoxins were also detected, with tenuazonic acid (1515 μg/kg) occurring at the maximum concentration among Alternaria metabolites. Fusaric acid (2786 μg/kg) from Fusarium metabolites and kojic acid (4584 μg/kg) were detected with the maximum concentration among Fusarium and Aspergillus metabolites, respectively. Unspecific metabolites were recognized with neoechinulin A (1996 μg/kg) at the maximum concentration, followed by cyclo (L-Pro-L-Tyr) (574 μg/kg) and cyclo (L-Pro-L-Val) (410 μg/kg). Moreover, metabolites form other fungal genera and bacterial metabolites were also detected at varying levels. Apparently, the study revealed that sorghum grains collected across those districts were significantly contaminated with co-occurrences of several mycotoxins. Farmers should be the main target groups to be trained on the improved management of sorghum production.

Effects of grape phenolics, myricetin and piceatannol, on bovine granulosa and theca cell proliferation and steroid production in vitro

Myricetin (a flavonol) and piceatannol (a stilbenoid) are naturally occurring phenolic compounds in red wine with cardio-protective and anti-carcinogenic effects, but their potential reproductive effects have not been investigated. Thus, the present study was designed to determine if myricetin and piceatannol can directly affect ovarian function using bovine granulosa cells (GC) and theca cells (TC) as in vitro model systems to evaluate effects on cell proliferation and steroid production. In Experiment 1 and 2, myricetin and piceatannol at 30 μM blocked insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)-induced progesterone production by GC without affecting GC numbers. In contrast, myricetin stimulated IGF1-induced estradiol production, whereas piceatannol at 30 μM inhibited IGF1-induced estradiol production by 90% in GC. In Experiment 3 and 4, TC androstenedione and progesterone production and TC proliferation was inhibited by myricetin and piceatannol at 30 μM. In Experiment 5, piceatannol (30 μM) reduced the Fusarium mycotoxin, beauvericin (6 μM)-induced inhibition on progesterone production and cell proliferation. Myricetin (30 μM) reduced the inhibitory effect of beauvericin on estradiol but not progesterone production or cell proliferation. In conclusion, the red wine phenols, myricetin and piceatannol, directly affected GC and TC steroidogenesis, and were able to reduce some of the inhibitory effects of beauvericin on GC function.

Mycotoxin Co-Occurrence in Michigan Harvested Maize Grain

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi that, depending on the type and exposure levels, can be a threat to human and animal health. When multiple mycotoxins occur together, their risk effects on human and animal health can be additive or synergistic. Little information is known about the specific types of mycotoxins or their co-occurrence in the state of Michigan and the Great Lakes region of the United States. To understand the types, incidences, severities, and frequency of co-occurrence of mycotoxins in maize grain (Zea mays L.), samples were collected from across Michigan over two years and analyzed for 20 different mycotoxins. Every sample was contaminated with at least four and six mycotoxins in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Incidence and severity of each mycotoxin varied by year and across locations. Correlations were found between mycotoxins, particularly mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. Environmental differences at each location played a role in which mycotoxins were present and at what levels. Overall, data from this study demonstrated that mycotoxin co-occurrence occurs at high levels in Michigan, especially with mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp., such as deoxynivalenol.

An Interlaboratory Comparison Study of Regulated and Emerging Mycotoxins Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry: Challenges and Future Directions of Routine Multi-Mycotoxin Analysis including Emerging Mycotoxins

The present interlaboratory comparison study involved nine laboratories located throughout the world that tested for 24 regulated and non-regulated mycotoxins by applying their in-house LC-MS/MS multi-toxin method to 10 individual lots of 4 matrix commodities, including complex chicken and swine feed, soy and corn gluten. In total, more than 6000 data points were collected and analyzed statistically by calculating a consensus value in combination with a target standard deviation following a modified Horwitz equation. The performance of each participant was evaluated by a z-score assessment with a satisfying range of ±2, leading to an overall success rate of 70% for all tested compounds. Equal performance for both regulated and emerging mycotoxins indicates that participating routine laboratories have successfully expanded their analytical portfolio in view of potentially new regulations. In addition, the study design proved to be fit for the purpose of providing future certified reference materials, which surpass current analyte matrix combinations and exceed the typical scope of the regulatory framework.

Phylogenetic Diversity and Mycotoxin Potential of Emergent Phytopathogens Within the Fusarium tricinctum Species Complex

Recent studies on multiple continents indicate members of the Fusarium tricinctum species complex (FTSC) are emerging as prevalent pathogens of small-grain cereals, pulses, and other economically important crops. These understudied fusaria produce structurally diverse mycotoxins, among which enniatins (ENNs) and moniliformin (MON) are the most frequent and of greatest concern to food and feed safety. Herein a large survey of fusaria in the Fusarium Research Center and Agricultural Research Service culture collections was undertaken to assess species diversity and mycotoxin potential within the FTSC. A 151-strain collection originating from diverse hosts and substrates from different agroclimatic regions throughout the world was selected from 460 FTSC strains to represent the breadth of FTSC phylogenetic diversity. Evolutionary relationships inferred from a five-locus dataset, using maximum likelihood and parsimony, resolved the 151 strains as 24 phylogenetically distinct species, including nine that are new to science. Of the five genes analyzed, nearly full-length phosphate permease sequences contained the most phylogenetically informative characters, establishing its suitability for species-level phylogenetics within the FTSC. Fifteen of the species produced ENNs, MON, the sphingosine analog 2-amino-14,16-dimethyloctadecan-3-ol (AOD), and the toxic pigment aurofusarin (AUR) on a cracked corn kernel substrate. Interestingly, the five earliest diverging species in the FTSC phylogeny (i.e., F. iranicum, F. flocciferum, F. torulosum, and Fusarium spp. FTSC 8 and 24) failed to produce AOD and MON, but synthesized ENNs and/or AUR. Moreover, our reassessment of nine published phylogenetic studies on the FTSC identified 11 additional novel taxa, suggesting this complex comprises at least 36 species.

Role of Nrf2 Nucleus Translocation in Beauvericin-Induced Cell Damage in Rat Hepatocytes

Beauvericin (BEA), a food-borne mycotoxin metabolite derived from the fungus Beauveria Bassiana, is proven to exhibit high hepatotoxicity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying BEA-induced liver damage is not fully understood. Herein, the effect of Nrf2 nuclear translocation-induced by BEA in hepatocytes was investigated. CCK8 solution was used to determine the appropriate concentrations of BEA (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 μmol/L), and BRL3A cells were then exposed to different concentrations of BEA for 12 h. Our results reveal that BEA exposure is associated with high cytotoxicity, lowered cell viability, damaged cellular morphology, and increased apoptosis rate. BEA could lead to oxidative damage through the overproduction of ROS and unbalanced redox, trigger the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway and Nrf2 nuclear translocation for transcriptional activation of downstream antioxidative genes. Additionally, BEA treatment upregulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins (LC3, p62, Beclin1, and ATG5) indicating a correlation between Nrf2 activation and autophagy, which warrants further studies. Furthermore, ML385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, partially ameliorated BEA-induced cell injury while CDDO, an Nrf2 activator, aggravated liver damage. The present study emphasizes the role of Nrf2 nuclear translocation in BEA-induced oxidative stress associated with the hepatotoxic nature of BEA.

Diversity of Fusarium spp. Associated with Wheat Node and Grain in Representative Sites Across the Western Canadian Prairies

Fusarium head blight (FHB) and Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR) are major wheat diseases. Populations of FHB and FCRR pathogens are highly dynamic, and shifts in these populations in different regions is reported. Analyzing fungal populations associated with wheat node and grain tissues collected from different regions can provide useful information and predict diseases that might affect subsequent crops and effective disease management practices. In this study, wheat node and grain samples were collected from four representative sites across the western Canadian prairies in the 2018 growing season to characterize the major Fusarium spp. and other mycobiota associated with wheat in these regions. In total, 994 fungal isolates were recovered, and based on culture and molecular diagnostic methods, three genera constituted over 90% of all fungal isolates, namely Alternaria (39.6%), Fusarium (27.8%), and Parastagonospora (23.9%). A quantitative PCR (qPCR) diagnostic toolkit was developed to quantify the most frequently isolated Fusarium spp. in infected wheat tissues: Fusarium avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. graminearum, and F. poae. This qPCR specificity was validated in silico, in vitro, and in planta and proved specific to the target species. The qPCR results showed that F. graminearum was not detected frequently from wheat node and grain samples collected from four locations in this study. F. poae was the most abundant Fusarium species in grain samples in all tested locations. However, in node samples, F. culmorum (Beaverlodge and Scott) and F. avenaceum (Lacombe and Lethbridge) were the most abundant species. Trichothecene genotyping showed that the 3ADON is the most dominant trichothecene genotype (68%), followed by type-A trichothecenes (29.5%), whereas the 15ADON trichothecene genotype was least dominant (2.5%) and the NIV genotype was not detected. Moreover, a total of 129 translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1α) sequences from nine Fusarium spp. were compared at the haplotype level to evaluate genetic variability and distribution. F. avenaceum and F. poae exhibited higher diversity as reflected by higher number of haplotypes present in these two species compared with the rest.

Characterization of Fusarium acuminatum: A Potential Enniatins Producer in Tunisian Wheat

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), caused by multiple species of Fusarium in small grain cereals, is a significant and long-standing problem anywhere in the world. Knowing regional Fusarium spp. present on non-symptomatic grains and their potential for mycotoxin production is of concern for identifying novel actions for FHB and mycotoxin management, such as treatments with essential oils. Analyzing the mycotoxin content of grains from non-symptomatic ears of different wheat varieties cultivated in Tunisia, we isolated Fusaria specimens identified as F. culmorum and F. acuminatum using analysis of the partial DNA sequence of the β-tubulin gene and ITS region. Two isolates of the latter species, uncommon in cereal grains in this region until now, were shown to be effective producers of enniatins in vitro, with 1390 and 3089 µg g⁻¹ mycelial biomass (dry) in 11-day-old cultures. The susceptibility of an isolate of F. acuminatum to the fungistatic and antimycotoxin effects of eight essential oils was measured. Essential oils from Ammoides pusilla and Thymus capitatus used at 0.1 µL mL⁻¹ in an agar culture medium, affected the mycelial growth by 55% and 79%, respectively and reduced the accumulation of enniatins per unit of mycelial colony by 26% and 52%, respectively. Finally, F. acuminatum was shown to be a contaminant of wheat grains in Tunisia and it may contribute to the contamination in enniatins. Two essential oils of Tunisian plants could be used for developing a biofungicide limiting both its mycelial growth and its accumulation of mycotoxins in grains.

Mycotoxins along the tea supply chain: A dark side of an ancient and high valued aromatic beverage

ABSTRACTSTea (Camellia sinensis L.) is a high valued beverage worldwide since ancient times; more than three billion cups of tea are consumed each day. Leaf extracts of the plant are used for food preservation, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. Nevertheless, tea contaminated with mycotoxins poses a serious health threat to humans. Mycotoxin production by tea fungi is induced by a variety of factors, including poor processing methods and environmental factors such as high temperature and humidity. This review summarizes the studies published to date on mycotoxin prevalence, toxicity, the effects of climate change on mycotoxin production, and the methods used to detect and decontaminate tea mycotoxins. While many investigations in this domain have been carried out on the prevalence of aflatoxins and ochratoxins in black, green, pu-erh, and herbal teas, much less information is available on zearalenone, fumonisins, and Alternaria toxins. Mycotoxins in teas were detected using several methods; the most commonly used being the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection, followed by HPLC with tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Further, mycotoxins decontamination methods for teas included physical, chemical, and biological methods, with physical methods being most prevalent. Finally, research gaps and future directions have also been discussed.

Cytochrome P450 isoforms contribution, plasma protein binding, toxicokinetics of enniatin A in rats and in vivo clearance prediction in humans

Emerging mycotoxins, such as enniatin A (ENNA), are becoming a worldwide concern owing to their presence in different types of food and feed. However, comprehensive toxicokinetic data that links intake, exposure and toxicological effects of ENNA has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, the present study investigated the in vitro (rat and human) and in vivo (rat) toxicokinetic properties of ENNA. Towards this, an easily applicable and sensitive bioanalytical method was developed and validated for the estimation of ENNA in rat plasma. ENNA exhibited high plasma protein binding (99%), high hepatic clearance and mainly underwent metabolism via CYP3A4 (74%). The in-house predicted hepatic clearance (54 mL/min/kg) and observed in vivo rat clearance (55 mL/min/kg) were comparable. The predicted in vivo human hepatic clearance was 18 mL/min/kg. ENNA underwent slow absorption (T_max = 4 h) and rapid elimination following oral administration to rats. The absolute oral bioavailability was 47%. The toxicokinetic findings for ENNA from this study will help in designing and interpreting toxicological studies in rats. Besides, these findings could be used in physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model development for exposure predictions and risk assessment for ENNA in humans.

Fusarium Head Blight of Small Grains in Pennsylvania: Unravelling Species Diversity, Toxin Types, Growth, and Triazole Sensitivity

Fusarium graminearum is the main causal species of Fusarium head blight (FHB) globally. Recent changes in the trichothecene (toxin) types in the North American FHB pathogens support the need for continued surveillance. In this study, 461 isolates were obtained from symptomatic spikes of wheat, spelt, barley, and rye crops during 2018 and 2019. These were all identified to species and toxin types using molecular-based approaches. An additional set of 77 F. graminearum isolates obtained from overwintering crop residues during winter 2012 were molecularly identified to toxin types. A subset of 31 F. graminearum isolates (15 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol [15ADON] and 16 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol [3ADON]) were assessed for mycelial growth, macroconidia, perithecia, and ascospore production, and sensitivity to two triazoles. Ninety percent of isolates obtained from the symptomatic spikes (n = 418) belonged to F. graminearum, with four other species found at a lower frequency (n = 39). The F. graminearum isolates from symptomatic spikes were mainly of the 15ADON (95%), followed by 3ADON (4%), nivalenol (0.7%), and NX-2 (0.3%) toxin types. All F. graminearum isolates obtained from overwintering residue were of the 15ADON type. The toxin types could not be differentiated based on the multivariate analysis of growth and reproduction traits. All isolates were sensitive to tebuconazole and metconazole fungicides in vitro. This study confirms the dominance of F. graminearum and suggests ecological and environmental factors, to be further identified, that lead to similar composition of toxin types in the northern United States. Our results may be useful to assess the sustainability of FHB management practices and provide a baseline for future FHB surveys.