Toxicodynamic of combined mycotoxins: MicroRNAs and acute-phase proteins as diagnostic biomarkers

Mycotoxins, ubiquitous contaminants in food, present a global threat to human health and well-being. Mitigation efforts, such as the implementation of sound agricultural practices, thorough food processing, and the advancement of mycotoxin control technologies, have been instrumental in reducing mycotoxin exposure and associated toxicity. To comprehensively assess mycotoxins and their toxicodynamic implications, the deployment of effective and predictive strategies is imperative. Understanding the manner of action, transformation, and cumulative toxic effects of mycotoxins, moreover, their interactions with food matrices can be gleaned through gene expression and transcriptome analyses at cellular and molecular levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) govern the expression of target genes and enzymes that play pivotal roles in physiological, pathological, and toxicological responses, whereas acute phase proteins (APPs) exert regulatory control over the metabolism of therapeutic agents, both endogenously and posttranscriptionally. Consequently, this review aims to consolidate current knowledge concerning the regulatory role of miRNAs in the initiation of toxicological pathways by mycotoxins and explores the potential of APPs as biomarkers following mycotoxin exposure. The findings of this research highlight the potential utility of miRNAs and APPs as indicators for the detection and management of mycotoxins in food through biological processes. These markers offer promising avenues for enhancing the safety and quality of food products.

Suspected intoxication by Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) of dairy cattle in the Azores, Portugal

CASE HISTORY

An outbreak of suspected Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) intoxication among dairy cattle occurred on the island of Terceira in the Azores (Portugal), in October 2022. The animals affected were non-lactating dairy cows and heifers from five small farms grazing (free or tethered) a Kikuyu-dominant pasture. Of the 29 animals exposed, 17 were affected, and eight (five heifers and three adult cows) died, resulting in a morbidity rate of 58%, a mortality rate of 28% and a case mortality rate of 47%.

CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT

The clinical signs were non-specific and inconsistent, and included dry faeces, some with dark red blood; apathy and prostration; abdominal dilatation; tachycardia; tachypnoea; pale or jaundiced mucous membranes; sham drinking; sialorrhoea; and moderate to severe dehydration. Symptomatic treatment was provided but was ineffective. Haematology and serum biochemistry revealed an acute inflammatory leukogram, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, and azotaemia.The most consistent necropsy findings were haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium, an enlarged liver with rounded edges, non-perforated abomasal ulcers, and haemorrhagic lesions in the small and large intestines. Histopathology indicated myocarditis, hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, enteritis and colitis.Several fungal species were isolated from grass samples taken from affected pastures including several Fusarium spp., the genus implicated in Kikuyu toxicosis. Immediate removal of the animals from the pasture with Kikuyu was the only measure that prevented new cases and resulted in the recovery of some of the less affected animals.

DIAGNOSIS

The epidemiological features of this outbreak and the clinical signs and micro- and macroscopic lesions observed were highly suggestive of Kikuyu grass poisoning.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Although the weather conditions varied from other published cases, the grazing conditions (almost exclusive Kikuyu grass) and the post-mortem findings were very similar to those described in the literature, particularly the haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium. Kikuyu grass is very invasive and presents many desirable characteristics as cattle feed. Thus, an increase in cases of intoxication may be expected. Practitioners and farmers in areas where Kikuyu grass is abundant should be aware of the potential risks of grazing cattle exclusively on these pastures. They should also be aware of the early and subtle signs of Kikuyu intoxication to allow for timely removal of the animals from pasture.

Prediction of Deoxynivalenol Contamination in Wheat via Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy and Multivariate Data Analysis

The climate crisis further exacerbates the challenges for food production. For instance, the increasingly unpredictable growth of fungal species in the field can lead to an unprecedented high prevalence of several mycotoxins, including the most important toxic secondary metabolite produced by Fusarium spp., i.e., deoxynivalenol (DON). The presence of DON in crops may cause health problems in the population and livestock. Hence, there is a demand for advanced strategies facilitating the detection of DON contamination in cereal-based products. To address this need, we introduce infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) spectroscopy combined with advanced data modeling routines and optimized sample preparation protocols. In this study, we address the limited exploration of wheat commodities to date via IR-ATR spectroscopy. The focus of this study was optimizing the extraction protocol for wheat by testing various solvents aligned with a greener and more sustainable analytical approach. The employed chemometric method, i.e., sparse partial least-squares discriminant analysis, not only facilitated establishing robust classification models capable of discriminating between high vs low DON-contaminated samples adhering to the EU regulatory limit of 1250 μg/kg but also provided valuable insights into the relevant parameters shaping these models.

Aflatoxin B1 and Epstein-Barr virus-induced CCL22 expression stimulates B cell infection

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infects more than 90% of the adult population worldwide. EBV infection is associated with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) though alone is not sufficient to induce carcinogenesis implying the involvement of co-factors. BL is endemic in African regions faced with mycotoxins exposure. Exposure to mycotoxins and oncogenic viruses has been shown to increase cancer risks partly through the deregulation of the immune response. A recent transcriptome profiling of B cells exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) revealed an upregulation of the Chemokine ligand 22 (CCL22) expression although the underlying mechanisms were not investigated. Here, we tested whether mycotoxins and EBV exposure may together contribute to endemic BL (eBL) carcinogenesis via immunomodulatory mechanisms involving CCL22. Our results revealed that B cells exposure to AFB1 and EBV synergistically stimulated CCL22 secretion via the activation of Nuclear Factor-kappa B pathway. By expressing EBV latent genes in B cells, we revealed that elevated levels of CCL22 result not only from the expression of the latent membrane protein LMP1 as previously reported but also from the expression of other viral latent genes. Importantly, CCL22 overexpression resulting from AFB1-exposure in vitro increased EBV infection through the activation of phosphoinositide-3-kinase pathway. Moreover, inhibiting CCL22 in vitro and in humanized mice in vivo limited EBV infection and decreased viral genes expression, supporting the notion that CCL22 overexpression plays an important role in B cell infection. These findings unravel new mechanisms that may underpin eBL development and identify novel pathways that can be targeted in drug development.

Food-Grade Expression of Two Laccases in Pichia pastoris and Study on Their Enzymatic Degradation Characteristics for Mycotoxins

Mycotoxin contamination poses substantial health risks to humans and animals. In this study, the two laccases PpLac1 and AoLac2 from Pleurotus pulmonarius and Aspergillus oryzae were selected and heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris in a food-grade manner to detoxify aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN), and deoxynivalenol (DON). Both laccases exhibited degradation activity toward these three mycotoxins, while the efficiency of these for DON was relatively low. Therefore, molecular docking between these laccases and DON was conducted to analyze their potential interaction mechanisms. Furthermore, the degradation conditions of AFB1 and ZEN by the two laccases were optimized, and the optimal degradation rates for AFB1 and ZEN by PpLac1 reached 78.51 and 78.90%, while those for AFB1 and ZEN by AoLac2 reached 72.27 and 80.60%, respectively. The laccases PpLac1 and AoLac2 successfully transformed AFB1 and ZEN into the compounds AFQ1 and 15-OH-ZEN, which were 90 and 98% less toxic than the original compounds, respectively. Moreover, the culture supernatants demonstrated effective mycotoxin degradation results for AFB1 and ZEN in contaminated feed samples. The residual levels of AFB1 and ZEN in all samples ranged from 6.61 to 8.72 μg/kg and 3.44 to 98.15 μg/kg, respectively, and these levels were below the limit set by the European Union standards. All of the results in this study indicated that the two laccases have excellent application potential in the feed industry.

Diallel Analysis of Wheat Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight and Mycotoxin Accumulation under Conditions of Artificial Inoculation and Natural Infection

Breeding resistant wheat cultivars to Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium spp., is the best method for controlling the disease. The aim of this study was to estimate general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for FHB resistance in a set of eight genetically diverse winter wheat cultivars to identify potential donors of FHB resistance for crossing. FHB resistance of parents and F1 crosses produced by the half diallel scheme was evaluated under the conditions of artificial inoculation with F. graminearum and natural infection. Four FHB related traits were assessed: visual rating index (VRI), Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), and deoxynivalenol and zearalenone content in the harvested grain samples. Significant GCA effects for FHB resistance were observed for the parental cultivars with high FHB resistance for all studied FHB resistance related traits. The significant SCA and mid-parent heterosis effects for FHB resistance were rare under both artificial inoculation and natural infection conditions and involved crosses between parents with low FHB resistance. A significant negative correlation between grain yield under natural conditions and VRI (r = -0.43) and FDK (r = -0.47) under conditions of artificial inoculation was observed in the set of the studied F1 crosses. Some crosses showed high yield and high FHB resistance, indicating that breeding of FHB resistant genotypes could be performed without yield penalty. These crosses involved resistant cultivars with significant GCA effects for FHB resistance indicating that that they could be used as good donors of FHB resistance.

Advancing Mycotoxin Detection in Food and Feed: Novel Insights from Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)

The implementation of low-cost and rapid technologies for the on-site detection of mycotoxin-contaminated crops is a promising solution to address the growing concerns of the agri-food industry. Recently, there have been significant developments in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the direct detection of mycotoxins in food and feed. This review provides an overview of the most recent advancements in the utilization of SERS through the successful fabrication of novel nanostructured materials. Various bottom-up and top-down approaches have demonstrated their potential in improving sensitivity, while many applications exploit the immobilization of recognition elements and molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) to enhance specificity and reproducibility in complex matrices. Therefore, the design and fabrication of nanomaterials is of utmost importance and are presented herein. This paper uncovers that limited studies establish detection limits or conduct validation using naturally contaminated samples. One decade on, SERS is still lacking significant progress and there is a disconnect between the technology, the European regulatory limits, and the intended end-user. Ongoing challenges and potential solutions are discussed including nanofabrication, molecular binders, and data analytics. Recommendations to assay design, portability, and substrate stability are made to help improve the potential and feasibility of SERS for future on-site agri-food applications.

Investigation on the presence of mycotoxins in seed hemp varieties

In recent years, the cultivation of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in Europe has aroused interest among farmers for the potential market opportunities of its products; its cultivation has increased from 20,450 ha in 2015 to 33,020 ha in 2022. Thanks to the great versatility of this crop, there are opportunities in the food and nutraceutical fields (gluten free), cosmetics, energy and industrial sectors. As for several crops, hemp seeds may also be contaminated by fungal pathogens compromising its quality and safety. Considering the recent interest of consumers in using hemp for food purposes, in the present work, a small survey on mycotoxin contamination was carried out during 2018-2022 in hemp seed samples cultivated in Italy for food use. The results showed a limited occurrence of the most common regulated mycotoxins (aflatoxins [AFs], fumonisins [FBs], ochratoxin A [OTA], deoxynivalenol [DON] and zearalenone), but very high levels of alternariols, reaching a maximum value of 38510, 308, 226 and 288 ug/kg for tenuazonic acid [TeA], tentoxin [TEN], alternariol [AOH] and alternariol monoether, respectively. In the same period, an investigation carried out in an experimental field showed that fungal contamination and mycotoxin occurrence were influenced by different meteorological conditions and different varieties.

Development of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assays for the Rapid Detection of Toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and A. carbonarius in Nuts

Aspergillus species create major postharvest problems due to the food losses caused by their mere presence and the hazardous mycotoxins they produce, such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). These mycotoxins are mainly produced by A. flavus and A. carbonarius, respectively. In this study, we developed a rapid detection method for the two aforementioned species based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The primers were designed to target genes belonging to the mycotoxin clusters pks and aflT for A. carbonarius and A. flavus, respectively. Result visualization was carried out in real time via the detection of fluorescent signals. The method developed showed high sensitivity and specificity, with detection limits of 0.3 and 0.03 pg/reaction of purified DNA of A. carbonarius and A. flavus, respectively. The assays were further implemented on inoculated nuts, including pistachios and almonds, after one-step crude DNA extraction. These tests revealed a detection level of 0.5 spore/g that shows the effectiveness of LAMP as a rapid method for detecting potentially toxigenic Aspergillus spp. directly in food. The validation of the assays included tests on a larger scale that further confirmed their sensitivity and specificity, as well as enabling the production of ready-to-use LAMP prototype kits. These kits are easy to use and aim to simplify the screening of food samples in order to monitor the presence of specific Aspergillus contaminations.

Integrating a Multiple Isotopologue Reaction-Monitoring Technique and LC-MS/MS for Quantitation of Small Molecules: Ten Mycotoxins in Cereals as an Example

Accurate quantification of mycotoxin in cereals is crucial for ensuring food safety and human health. However, the preparation of traditional multisample external calibration curves (MSCCs) is labor-intensive and error-prone. Here, a multiple isotopologue reaction-monitoring (MIRM)-LC-MS/MS method for accurate quantitation of ten major mycotoxins in cereals was successfully developed and validated, where a novel one-sample multipoint calibration curve (OSCC) strategy is used instead of MSCCs. The OSCC can be established by examining the correlation between the calculated theoretical isotopic abundances and the measured abundance across various MIRM channels. In comparison to the MSCC, the OSCC strategy exhibits outstanding performance including superior selectivity, accuracy (78.4-108.6%), and precision (<12.5%). Furthermore, the proposed OSCC-MIRM-LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to investigate mycotoxin contamination in cereal samples in China. Considering the advantages of simplified workflows and improved throughput, the OSCC-MIRM-LC-MS/MS methodology holds great promise for accurately quantifying chemical contaminants in foods.

Aflatoxins and fumonisins in conventional and organic corn: a comprehensive review

This review analyzes the occurrence and co-exposure of aflatoxins and fumonisins in conventional and organic corn, and compares the vulnerability to contamination of both. The risks of fungal contamination in corn are real, mainly by the genera Aspergillus and Fusarium, producers of aflatoxins and fumonisins, respectively. Aflatoxins, especially AFB1, are related to a high incidence of liver cancer, and the International Agency Research of Cancer (IARC) classified them in group 1A 'carcinogenic to humans'. The occurrence in conventional corn is reported in many countries, including at higher levels than those established by legislation. IARC classified fumonisins in group 2B 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' due to their link with incidence of esophageal cancer. However, comparing corn and organic and conventional by-products from different regions, different results are observed. The co-occurrence of both mycotoxins is a worldwide problem; nevertheless, there is little data on the comparison of the co-exposure of these mycotoxins in corn and derivatives between both systems. It was found that the agricultural system is not a decisive factor in the final contamination, indicating the necessity of effective strategies to reduce contamination and co-exposure at levels that do not pose health risks.

Fusariotoxin-Induced Toxicity in Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Fibroblasts: A Comparison Between Differentiated and Undifferentiated Cells

Objectives

Humans are unknowingly exposed to mycotoxins through the consumption of plant-derived foods and processed products contaminated with these toxic compounds. In addition to agricultural losses, Fusarium toxins pose a threat to human health. However, the effects of fusariotoxins on the viability and proliferation of stem cells have not been fully explored. We investigated the cytotoxic effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) and B-trichothecene mix (MIX) on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the L929 fibroblast cell line.

Materials and Methods

MSCs were isolated from the dental pulp tissue. The doubling time and viability of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and L929 cells were determined using the MTT assay. The following doses of B-trichothecenes (0.25-16 µg/mL; 24 hours and 48 hours) were used to evaluate cytotoxicity. In addition, changes in the confluency-dependent response of DPSCs to DON toxicity were determined. Moreover, we investigated the effect of DON on cell death via acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double staining.

Results

A DON and MIX showed a dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of both cells. DPSCs exposed to DON for 48 hours (IC50 = 0.5 μg/mL) were found to be 16-fold more sensitive than L929 cells (IC50 = 8 μg/mL). Compared with a culture with 80% confluency, DPSCs from a 50% confluent culture were more sensitive to varying doses of DON (0.25-4 µg/mL, 24-48 hours). Moreover, AO/EB staining showed that treatment of DPSCs with DON led to a significant increase in cell death (17% for 2.4 µg/mL; 50% for 4.8 µg/mL).

Conclusion

This study reveals that undifferentiated MSCs are significantly more sensitive to DON than differentiated somatic cells (L929). Given that humans are frequently exposed to these mycotoxins, our findings imply that prolonged exposure to them may also have harmful effects on cellular differentiation and embryonic development.

Efficacy of a multicomponent binding agent against combined exposure to zearalenone and ochratoxin A in weaned pigs

Introduction

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel multicomponent substance against combined exposure to the mycotoxins zearalenone (ZEN) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in weaned piglets.

Methods

In total, 60 piglets at the age of 28 days were equally allocated to four experimental groups (A-D), consisting of eight female and seven male piglets each (15 animals per group, for a total trial duration of 42 days). Animals from group A received typical weaner feed without mycotoxins or the test product [multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA)]. Group B animals received the same weaner feed contaminated with 0.992 mg ZEN/kg feed and 0.531 mg OTA/kg feed without the addition of the MMDA. Animals in group C received the same contaminated feed as group B with the addition of 1.5 g MMDA/kg feed, whereas group D received the same feed as group B with the inclusion of 3 g MMDA/kg feed. Clinical signs and performance parameters [body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR)] were evaluated, while mycotoxin residues were also assessed in the liver and kidney tissues.

Results

Findings showed improved FCR in the group that received the greatest dose of the test product (3 g MMDA/kg feed) compared to the group that received the lower dose (1.5 g MMDA/kg feed). A few hematological and biochemical parameters were slightly altered, predominantly within normal limits. The residue analysis demonstrated a reduction of OTA in liver samples, a-ZEL in the liver and total tested samples, and a total of ZEN and metabolite contents in all samples of the group that received the greatest MMDA dose in comparison to the group that received the toxins without the addition of the test product.

Discussion

Therefore, a positive effect of the MMDA at the greatest dosage regime on reducing bioavailability and tissue deposition of ZEN and OTA, with a particularly positive effect on FCR in weaned pigs, is suggested under concurrent ZEN and OTA exposure in vivo.

Protective effects of N-acetylcysteine and S-adenosyl-Lmethionine against nephrotoxicity and immunotoxicity induced by ochratoxin A in rats

Objective

The present study was designed to investigate the nephroprotective and immunoprotective effects of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) in comparison to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against ochratoxin A (OTA) - intoxication.

Methods

Forty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were categorized into four groups: Control; OTA intoxication (5 mg OTA/kg diet); OTA + NAC, rats received 200 mg NAC/day before feeding balanced diet contaminated with OTA; and (OTA + SAMe). Rats received 200 mg SAMe/day dissolved in distilled water orally just before feeding a balanced diet contaminated with OTA.

Results

OTA administration altered serum kidney function biomarkers. These effects were pronouncedly alleviated by treatment with NAC. Results revealed a correlation between OTA-induced immunotoxicity and the reduced white blood cell (WBC) count. Treatments with SAMe significantly improved the WBCs count and hemoglobin concentration.

Conclusion

NAC and SAMe have a protective role against nephrotoxicity and immunotoxicity induced by continuous administration of OTA. NAC was more effective in reducing OTA nephrotoxicity, whereas SAMe was more potent than NAC in reducing OTA immunotoxicity.

Deoxynivalenol and fumonisin predispose broilers to bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis lameness

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness is the most critical animal health and welfare issue facing the broiler industry worldwide. It is estimated that 1 to 2% of bird condemnation at marketing age is caused by BCO lameness, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in annual losses. Fast-growing broilers are prone to mechanical stress that triggers bacterial translocation across epithelial barriers into the bloodstream, followed by bacterial colonization in the growth plate of long bones, and eventually, bone necrosis and lameness. Mycotoxins (MTX) are secondary metabolites produced naturally by microfungi, of which deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin (FUM), and zearalenone are the most prevalent in corn and soybean-meal-based diets. The presence of these mycotoxins in feed has been proven to reduce the barrier strength of the intestinal tracts and trigger immunosuppressive effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of the DON and FUM-contaminated feeds on the incidence of BCO lameness in broilers reared in both wire- and litter-floors. 720 one-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to the 2 × 2 factorial design: 2 MTX diets containing DON and FUM on wire flooring (MTX-W) and litter flooring (MTX-L), and 2 diets without MTX contamination on control wire flooring (CW) and control litter flooring (CL). Throughout the trial, the cumulative incidence of lameness per treatment was assessed by necropsying the lame birds. Birds in the MTX-W group had a higher incidence of lameness compared to those in CW (73.3% vs. 62.0%) (P < 0.05), and birds in the MTX-L group had a higher incidence of lameness compared to birds in CL (54.0% vs. 34.0%) (P < 0.05). MTX elicited net increases in BCO to a greater degree on litter (+20%) than on wire flooring (+12%). The increased incidence of BCO lameness in the MTX-W coincided with increased intestinal permeability supporting a correlation between intestinal barrier integrity and BCO lameness. To conclude, DON and FUM are predisposing factors for increasing BCO. However, no significant interaction exists between the diet and floor types in inducing lameness in broilers.

Debunking the Myth of Fusarium poae T-2/HT-2 Toxin Production

Fusarium poae is commonly detected in field surveys of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of cereal crops and can produce a range of trichothecene mycotoxins. Although experimentally validated reports of F. poae strains producing T-2/HT-2 trichothecenes are rare, F. poae is frequently generalized in the literature as a producer of T-2/HT-2 toxins due to a single study from 2004 in which T-2/HT-2 toxins were detected at low levels from six out of forty-nine F. poae strains examined. To validate/substantiate the observations reported from the 2004 study, the producing strains were acquired and phylogenetically confirmed to be correctly assigned as F. poae; however, no evidence of T-2/HT-2 toxin production was observed from axenic cultures. Moreover, no evidence for a TRI16 ortholog, encoding a key acyltransferase shown to be necessary for T-2 toxin production in other Fusarium species, was observed in any of the de novo assembled genomes of the F. poae strains. Our findings corroborate multiple field-based and in vitro studies on FHB-associated Fusarium populations which also do not support the production of T-2/HT-2 toxins with F. poae and therefore conclude that F. poae should not be generalized as a T-2/HT-2 toxin producing species of Fusarium.

Advancing Global Health Surveillance of Mycotoxin Exposures using Minimally Invasive Sampling Techniques: A State-of-the-Science Review

Mycotoxins are a heterogeneous group of toxins produced by fungi that can grow in staple crops (e.g., maize, cereals), resulting in health risks due to widespread exposure from human consumption and inhalation. Dried blood spot (DBS), dried serum spot (DSS), and volumetric tip microsampling (VTS) assays were developed and validated for several important mycotoxins. This review summarizes studies that have developed these assays to monitor mycotoxin exposures in human biological samples and highlights future directions to facilitate minimally invasive sampling techniques as global public health tools. A systematic search of PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase (Elsevier), and CINAHL (EBSCO) was conducted. Key assay performance metrics were extracted to provide a critical review of the available methods. This search identified 11 published reports related to measuring mycotoxins (ochratoxins, aflatoxins, and fumonisins) using DBS/DSS and VTS assays. Multimycotoxin assays adapted for DBS/DSS and VTS have undergone sufficient laboratory validation for applications in large-scale population health and human biomonitoring studies. Future work should expand the number of mycotoxins that can be measured in multimycotoxin assays, continue to improve multimycotoxin assay sensitivities of several biomarkers with low detection rates, and validate multimycotoxin assays across diverse populations with varying exposure levels. Validated low-cost and ultrasensitive minimally invasive sampling methods should be deployed in human biomonitoring and public health surveillance studies to guide policy interventions to reduce inequities in global mycotoxin exposures.

Natural feed additives and bioactive supplements versus chemical additives as a safe and practical approach to combat foodborne mycotoxicoses

This review highlights the possible hazard of mycotoxins occurrence in foods and feeds in regards to foodborne diseases. The possible management of the risk of contamination of foods and feeds with mycotoxins by using natural feed additives, protecting against deleterious effects of mycotoxins or inhibiting the growth of fungi and mycotoxin production, is deeply investigated in the available literature and some effective measures for safe utilization of mycotoxin contaminated feed/food are proposed. The biological methods of decontamination, degradation or biotransformation of mycotoxins are deeply analyzed and discussed. Some natural antagonists against target fungi are also reviewed and a comparison is made with conventional fungicides for ensuring a safe prevention of mycotoxin contamination. The most common and useful chemical methods of mycotoxins decontamination of agricultural commodities or raw materials are also investigated, e.g., chemical additives inactivating or destroying and/or adsorbing mycotoxins as well as chemical additives inhibiting the growth of fungi and mycotoxin production. The practical use and safety of various kind of feed/food additives or herbal/biological supplements as possible approach for ameliorating the adverse effects of some dangerous mycotoxins is deeply investigated and some suggestions are given. Various possibilities for decreasing mycotoxins toxicity, e.g., by clarifying the mechanisms of their toxicity and using some target antidotes and vitamins as supplements to the diet, are also studied in the literature and appropriate discussions or suggestions are made in this regard. Some studies on animal diets such as low carbohydrate intake, increased protein content, calorie restriction or the importance of dietary fats are also investigated in the available literature for possible amelioration of the ailments associated with mycotoxins exposure. It could be concluded that natural feed additives and bioactive supplements would be more safe and practical approach to combat foodborne mycotoxicoses as compared to chemical additives.

A Three-Year Study on the Nutritional Composition and Occurrence of Mycotoxins of Corn Varieties with Different Transgenic Events Focusing on Poultry Nutrition

Corn is one of the most produced cereals in the world and plays a major role in poultry nutrition. As there is limited scientific information regarding the impact of transgenic technology on the quality and nutrient composition of the grains, this study investigated the effect of three major transgenic corn varieties-VT PRO3®, PowerCore® ULTRA, and Agrisure® Viptera 3-on the field traits, nutrient composition, and mycotoxin contamination of corn grains cultivated in southern Brazil during three consecutive harvests. VT PRO3®, while demonstrating superior crop yield, showed susceptibility to mycotoxins, particularly fumonisins. In contrast, PowerCore® ULTRA, with the lowest yield, consistently exhibited lower levels of fumonisins. VT PRO3® had higher AMEn than the other varieties, while PowerCore® ULTRA had the highest total and digestible amino acid contents over the three years. The study's comprehensive analysis reveals the distinct impact of transgenic corn technologies on both productivity and nutritional levels. Balancing the crops yield, mycotoxin resistance, and nutritional content of corn is crucial to meet the demands of the poultry feed industry. Such insights are essential for decision-making, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in agricultural production as well as meeting the demands of the poultry industry.

Investigating Metabolic Plant Response toward Deoxynivalenol Accumulation in Four Winter Cereals

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a phytotoxic agent supporting the spread of fungal diseases in cereals worldwide, i.e., fusarium head blight. It is known that DON accumulation may elicit changes in plant secondary metabolites in response to pathogen attack. This study maps the changes in selected secondary metabolite classes upon DON contamination occurring in fifteen Triticum spp. genotypes, among them emmer, spelt, and soft wheat, and 2 tritordeum varieties, cultivated in two different sites and over two harvest years. The main phenolic classes (i.e., alkylresorcinols, soluble, and cell-wall bound phenolic acids) were targeted analyzed, while changes in the lipidome signature were collected through untargeted HRMS experiments. The results, obtained across multiple Triticum species and in open fields, confirmed the modulation of first-line biological pathways already described in previous studies involving single cereal species or a limited germplasm, thus reinforcing the involvement of nonspecific chemical defenses in the plant response to pathogen attack.

Comparative Study of Spheroids (3D) and Monolayer Cultures (2D) for the In Vitro Assessment of Cytotoxicity Induced by the Mycotoxins Sterigmatocystin, Ochratoxin A and Patulin

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi associated with a variety of acute and chronic foodborne diseases. Current toxicology studies mainly rely on monolayer cell cultures and animal models, which are undeniably affected by several limitations. To bridge the gap between the current in vitro toxicology approach and the in vivo predictability of the data, we here investigated the cytotoxic effects induced by the mycotoxins sterigmatocystin (STE), ochratoxin A (OTA) and patulin (PAT) on different 2D and 3D cell cultures. We focused on human tumours (neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and epithelial breast cancer MDA-MB-213 cells) and healthy cells (bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, BM-MSC, and umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVECs). The cytotoxicity of STE, OTA, and PAT was determined after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure using an ATP assay in both culture models. Three-dimensional spheroids' morphology was also analysed using the MATLAB-based open source software AnaSP 1.4 version. Our results highlight how each cell line and different culture models showed specific sensitivities, reinforcing the importance of using more complex models for toxicology studies and a multiple cell line approach for an improved and more comprehensive risk assessment.

Fusarium sporotrichioides Produces Two HT-2-α-Glucosides on Rice

Fusarium is a genus that mostly consists of plant pathogenic fungi which are able to produce a broad range of toxic secondary metabolites. In this study, we focus on a type A trichothecene-producing isolate (15-39) of Fusarium sporotrichioides from Lower Austria. We assessed the secondary metabolite profile and optimized the toxin production conditions on autoclaved rice and found that in addition to large amounts of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, this strain was able to produce HT-2-glucoside. The optimal conditions for the production of T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, and HT-2-glucoside on autoclaved rice were incubation at 12 °C under constant light for four weeks, darkness at 30 °C for two weeks, and constant light for three weeks at 20 °C, respectively. The HT-2-glucoside was purified, and the structure elucidation by NMR revealed a mixture of two alpha-glucosides, presumably HT-2-3-O-alpha-glucoside and HT-2-4-O-alpha-glucoside. The efforts to separate the two compounds by HPLC were unsuccessful. No hydrolysis was observed with two the alpha-glucosidases or with human salivary amylase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae maltase. We propose that the two HT-2-alpha-glucosides are not formed by a glucosyltransferase as they are in plants, but by a trans-glycosylating alpha-glucosidase expressed by the fungus on the starch-containing rice medium.

Effect of Acrylamide and Mycotoxins in SH-SY5Y Cells: A Review

Thermal processes induce the formation of undesired toxic components, such as acrylamide (AA), which has been shown to induce brain toxicity in humans and classified as Group 2A by the International Agency of Research in Cancer (IARC), as well as some mycotoxins. AA and mycotoxins' toxicity is studied in several in vitro models, including the neuroblastoma cell line model SH-SY5Y cells. Both AA and mycotoxins occur together in the same food matrix cereal base (bread, pasta, potatoes, coffee roasting, etc.). Therefore, the goal of this review is to deepen the knowledge about the neurological effects that AA and mycotoxins can induce on the in vitro model SH-SY5Y and its mechanism of action (MoA) focusing on the experimental assays reported in publications of the last 10 years. The analysis of the latest publications shows that most of them are focused on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and alteration in protein expression, while others are interested in oxidative stress, axonopathy, and the disruption of neurite outgrowth. While both AA and mycotoxins have been studied in SH-SY5Y cells separately, the mixture of them is starting to draw the interest of the scientific community. This highlights a new and interesting field to explore due to the findings reported in several publications that can be compared and the implications in human health that both could cause. In relation to the assays used, the most employed were the MTT, axonopathy, and qPCR assays. The concentration dose range studied was 0.1-10 mM for AA and 2 fM to 200 µM depending on the toxicity and time of exposure for mycotoxins. A healthy and varied diet allows the incorporation of a large family of bioactive compounds that can mitigate the toxic effects associated with contaminants present in food. Although this has been reported in some publications for mycotoxins, there is still a big gap for AA which evidences that more investigations are needed to better explore the risks for human health when exposed to AA and mycotoxins.

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.

A 2-year study reveals implications of feeding management and exposure to mycotoxins on udder health, performance, and fertility in dairy herds

We recently reported the ubiquitous occurrence of mycotoxins and their secondary metabolites in dairy rations and a substantial variation in the feeding management among Austrian dairy farms. The present study aimed to characterize to which extent these factors contribute to the fertility, udder health traits, and performance of dairy herds. During 2019 and 2020, we surveyed 100 dairy farms, visiting each farm 2 times and collecting data and feed samples. Data collection involved information on the main feed ingredients, nutrient composition, and the levels of mycotoxin and other metabolites in the diet. The annual fertility and milk data of the herds were obtained from the national reporting agency. Calving interval was the target criterion for fertility performance, whereas the percentage of primiparous and multiparous cows in the herd with somatic cell counts above 200,000 cells/mL was the criterion for impaired udder health. For each criterion, herds were classified into 3 groups: high/long, mid, and low/short, with the cut-off corresponding to the <25th and >75th percentiles and the rest of the data, respectively. Accordingly, for the calving interval, the cut-offs for the long and short groups were ≥400 and ≤380 d, for the udder health in primiparous cows were ≥20% and ≤8% of the herd, and for the udder health in multiparous cows were ≥35% and ≤20% of the herd, respectively. Quantitative approaches were further performed to define potential risk factors in the herds. The high somatic cell count group had higher dietary exposure to enniatins (2.8 vs. 1.62 mg/cow per d), deoxynivalenol (4.91 vs. 2.3 mg/cow per d), culmorin (9.48 vs. 5.72 mg/cow per d), beauvericin (0.32 vs. 0.18 mg/cow per d), and siccanol (13.3 vs. 5.15 mg/cow per d), and total Fusarium metabolites (42.8 vs. 23.2 mg/cow per d) and used more corn silage in the ration (26.9% vs. 17.3% diet DM) compared with the low counterparts. Beauvericin was the most substantial contributing variable among the Fusarium metabolites, as indicated by logistic regression and modeling analyses. Logistic analysis indicated that herds with high proportions of cows with milk fat-to-protein ratio >1.5 had an increased odds for a longer calving interval, which was found to be significant for primiparous cows (odds ratio = 5.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.65-21.7). As well, herds with high proportions of multiparous cows showing levels of milk urea nitrogen >30 mg/dL had an increased odds for longer calving intervals (odds ratio = 2.96, 95% confidence interval = 1.22-7.87). In conclusion, the present findings suggest that dietary contamination of Fusarium mycotoxins (especially emerging ones), likely due to increased use of corn silage in the diet, seems to be a risk factor for impairing the udder health of primiparous cows. Mismatching dietary energy and protein supply of multiparous cows contributed to reduced herd fertility performance.

Impacts of abiotic factors on the growth of three commercial biological control agents, on the growth and mycotoxinogenesis of Fusarium graminearum and on their interaction

BACKGROUND

Evolving climatic conditions impact the behavior of microorganisms. The lack of efficiency of beneficial microorganisms against pathogens can be due to these evolving abiotic factors more favorable to the development and adaptation of pathogens. It is therefore of great interest to understand their impact (especially temperature increase and relative humidity (RH) variation) on pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. This work aimed to examine the possible effects of increasing temperature (20, 25, 30 and 33 °C) and RH (40%, 50%, 60% and 80%) on the growth and mycotoxin production (deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN)) of Fusarium graminearum, on the growth of three commercial biocontrol agents (BCAs; Mycostop®, Xedavir® and Polyversum®) and on the pathogen-BCA interaction.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that BCAs have contrasting impacts on the growth and mycotoxinogenesis of F. graminearum depending on abiotic factors. At 25 °C and regardless of RH, commercial BCAs limit DON production by F. graminearum, but at 30 °C and intermediate RH, Xedavir® is no longer effective. The ability of Xedavir® to control the production of ZEN production by F. graminearum is also affected by abiotic factors. However, increasing temperature has an opposite effect on its ability to control the accumulation of ZEN. Polyversum® oomycete is the BCA with the most resilient efficacy against F. graminearum toxinogenesis under the different abiotic factors.

CONCLUSION

This work provides new knowledge of the effect of these abiotic parameters on the interaction between BCA and F. graminearum, especially on the production of mycotoxins. It paves the way for the development of efficient and resilient mycotoxin biocontrol strategies using beneficial microorganisms against F. graminearum, thus contributing to global food security. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Luminescent Bacteria as Bioindicators in Screening and Selection of Enzymes Detoxifying Various Mycotoxins

Interest in enzymes capable of neutralizing various mycotoxins is quite high. The methods used for the screening and selection of enzymes that catalyze the detoxification of mycotoxins should be sensitive and fast. However toxic compounds can be generated under the action of such enzymes. Thus, the assessment of the overall reduction in the toxic properties of reaction media towards bioluminescent bacteria seems to be the most reasonable control method allowing a quick search for the effective enzymatic biocatalysts. The influence of a wide range of mycotoxins and glucanases, which hydrolyze toxins with different chemical structures, on the analytical characteristics of luminescent photobacteria as a biosensing element has been studied. Different glucanases (β-glucosidase and endoglucanase) were initially selected for reactions with 10 mycotoxins based on the results of molecular docking which was performed in silico with 20 mycotoxins. Finally, the biorecognizing luminescent cells were used to estimate the residual toxicity of reaction media with mycotoxins after their interaction with enzymes. The notable non-catalytic decrease in toxicity of media containing deoxynivalenol was revealed with luminous cells for both types of tested glucanases, whereas β-glucosidase provided a significant catalytic detoxification of media with aflatoxin B2 and zearalenone at pH 6.0.

Determination of Mycotoxins in Plant-Based Meat Alternatives (PBMAs) and Ingredients after Microwave Cooking

In this study, we investigate the role of microwave cooking in reducing mycotoxin contamination in plant-based food matrices, with a focus on veggie burgers (purchased and home-made) and their ingredients (soybean, potatoes, zucchini, carrots). Two different conditions were studied (Max-Min) that were 800 W for 60 s and 800 W for 90 s, respectively. The degradation patterns of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), fumonisins (FB1, FB2, FB3), trichothecenes (T2, HT2, ZEA), and ochratoxin A (OTA) were studied. The extraction procedures were conducted with the QuEChERS extraction, and the analyses were conducted with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that degradation under microwave cooking varies considerably across different food matrices and cooking conditions. This study provides valuable insights into the degradation of mycotoxins during microwave cooking and underscores the need for more research in this area to ensure food safety.

An Occurrence Study of Mycotoxins in Plant-Based Beverages Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Mycotoxins are toxic mold metabolites that can adversely affect human and animal health. More than 400 mycotoxins have been identified so far. Cereals and nuts are the predominant mycotoxin-contaminated foodstuffs. Plant-based drinks produced from cereals, nuts, and legumes have grown in popularity. The mycotoxins accumulated in these crops may transfer to these beverages. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and optimized for the assessment of 22 mycotoxins in commercially available plant-based drinks in Latvia and Lithuania. A total of 64% of the seventy-two analyzed beverages were positive for one to sixteen mycotoxins, with deoxynivalenol, beauvericin, and enniatins A, B, B1, T-2, and HT-2 toxins detected most frequently. The European Commission has not yet set guidelines for the maximum mycotoxin concentrations in plant-based beverages, nor has the European Food Safety Authority conducted a risk assessment. Therefore, acute exposure studies were provided for the Latvian population based on the assumed replacement of dairy milk with plant-based beverages to ascertain the safety of plant-based milk substitutes. Based on the observed levels of mycotoxin prevalence and contamination levels and assumed exposure, it can be concluded that tested plant-based beverages may be relatively safe. However, exposure to emerging mycotoxins should be considered.

Toxicokinetics of Zearalenone following Oral Administration in Female Dezhou Donkeys

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin produced by various Fusarium strains, that is present in food and feed raw materials worldwide, causing toxicity effects in animals and humans. This research aimed to explore the toxicokinetics of ZEN on female Dezhou donkeys following a single oral exposure dosage of 2 mg/kg BW (body weight). The sample collection of donkeys plasma was carried out at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 min, 2 h, 2.5 h, 3 h, 3.5 h, 4 h, 4.5 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h and 120 h via intravenous catheter, and fecal and urinary samples were severally collected at 0 h and every 6 h until 120 h. The concentrations of ZEN, α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), β-zearalenol (β-ZOL), α-zearalanol (α-ZAL), β-zearalanol (β-ZAL), zearalanone (ZAN) in plasma, urine, and feces were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. Only ZEN was detected in plasma, and the maximum was 15.34 ± 5.12 µg/L occurred at 0.48 h after gavage. The total plasma clearance (Cl) of ZEN was 95.20 ± 8.01 L·kg·BW-1·h-1. In addition, the volume of distribution (Vd) was up to 216.17 ± 58.71 L/kg. The percentage of total ZEN (ZEN plus the main metabolites) excretion in feces and urine was 2.49% and 2.10%, respectively. In summary, ZEN was fast absorbed and relatively slowly excreted in female donkeys during 120 h after a single gavage, indicating a trend of wider tissue distribution and longer tissue persistence.

Deciphering the Microbiological Mechanisms Underlying the Impact of Different Storage Conditions on Rice Grain Quality

Different storage conditions can influence microbial community structure and metabolic functions, affecting rice grains' quality. However, the microbiological mechanisms by which different storage conditions affect the quality of rice grains are not yet well understood. This study monitored the quality (the content of starch, protein, etc.) and microbial community structure of rice grains stored under different storage conditions with nitrogen gas atmosphere (RA: normal temperature, horizontal ventilation, RB: normal temperature, vertical ventilation, RC: quasi-low temperature, horizontal ventilation). The results revealed that the rice grains stored under condition RB exhibited significantly lower quality compared to condition RA and RC. In addition, under this condition, the highest relative abundance of Aspergillus (16.0%) and Penicillium (0.4%) and the highest levels of aflatoxin A (3.77 ± 0.07 μg/kg) and ochratoxin B1 (3.19 ± 0.05 μg/kg) were detected, which suggested a higher risk of fungal toxin contamination. Finally, co-occurrence network analysis was performed, and the results revealed that butyl 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with Moesziomyces and Alternaria. These findings will contribute to the knowledge base of rice storage management and guide the development of effective control measures against undesirable microbial activities.

Monitoring of Animal Feed Contamination by Mycotoxins: Results of Five Years of Official Control by an Accredited Italian Laboratory

Mycotoxin contamination of animal feed is a complex issue in both animal wellness and food safety. The most diffused mycotoxins subject to the official control of animal feed are Aflatoxin B1 (AF), Zearalenone (ZEA), Deoxynivalenol (DON), Ochratoxin A (OCRA), Fumonisins (FUMO), and T-2/HT-2 toxins. This work describes the results of five years of monitoring focused on the evaluation of mycotoxin contamination of animal feed. Analytical determinations were carried out by means of accredited ELISA. The obtained results showed a non-alarming scenario, with several samples resulting as "non-compliant" according to the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) set in European Regulation No. 574/2011. Out of 722 analyzed samples coming from 2 Italian regions, Apulia and Basilicata, 14 samples were characterized by mycotoxin concentrations higher than related MRL; in particular, 5, 4, and 5 non-compliant samples for DON, AF, and ZEA, respectively. This study also evaluated the possible correlations between mycotoxin type and feed use with a special focus on animal sensitivity to mycotoxins.

Modulation of Broiler Intestinal Changes Induced by Clostridium perfringens and Deoxynivalenol through Probiotic, Paraprobiotic, and Postbiotic Supplementation

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a DON and Clostridium perfringens (CP) challenge on the intestinal morphology, morphometry, oxidative stress, and immune response of broilers. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of a Lactobacillus spp. mixture as an approach to mitigate the damage induced by the challenge. One-day-old broiler chickens (n = 252) were divided into seven treatment groups: Control, DON, CP, CP + DON, VL (DON + CP + viable Lactobacillus spp. mixture), HIL (DON + CP + heat-inactivated Lactobacillus spp. mixture), and LCS (DON + CP + Lactobacillus spp. mixture culture supernatant). Macroscopic evaluation of the intestines revealed that the CP + DON group exhibited the highest lesion score, while the VL and HIL groups showed the lowest scores. Microscopically, all Lactobacillus spp. treatments mitigated the morphological changes induced by the challenge. DON increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the jejunum, and CP increased ROS levels in the jejunum and ileum. Notably, the Lactobacillus spp. treatments did not improve the antioxidant defense against CP-induced oxidative stress. In summary, a Lactobacillus spp. mixture, whether used as a probiotic, paraprobiotic, or postbiotic, exerted a partially protective effect in mitigating most of the intestinal damage induced by DON and CP challenges.

Fusarium biocontrol: antagonism and mycotoxin elimination by lactic acid bacteria

Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species are secondary metabolites with low molecular weight formed by filamentous fungi generally resistant to different environmental factors and, therefore, undergo slow degradation. Contamination by Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals and millets is the foremost quality challenge the food and feed industry faces across the globe. Several types of chemical preservatives are employed in the mitigation process of these mycotoxins, and they help in long-term storage; however, chemical preservatives can be used only to some extent, so the complete elimination of toxins from foods is still a herculean task. The growing demand for green-labeled food drives to evade the use of chemicals in the production processes is getting much demand. Thus, the biocontrol of food toxins is important in the developing food sector. Fusarium mycotoxins are world-spread contaminants naturally occurring in commodities, food, and feed. The major mycotoxins Fusarium species produce are deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, zearalenone, and T2/HT2 toxins. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), generally regarded as safe (GRAS), is a well-explored bacterial community in food preparations and preservation for ages. Recent research suggests that LAB are the best choice for extenuating Fusarium mycotoxins. Apart from Fusarium mycotoxins, this review focuses on the latest studies on the mechanisms of how LAB effectively detoxify and remove these mycotoxins through their various bioactive molecules and background information of these molecules.

Hazards reported on food of plant origin in the Rapid Alert System for Foodand Feed (RASFF) from 1997 to 2021 and their occurrence, prevention and reduction

Between 1997 and 2021 notifications for foods of plant origin covered 44.6% of all notifications in the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). A two-way joining cluster analysis for notifications on plants reported in the RASFF in 1997-2021 was carried out. The following variables were considered: hazard, product category and country of origin in relation to year of notification. In the period studied mainly mycotoxins, pesticide residues and pathogenic micro-organisms were reported. The most frequently notified product categories were nuts and seeds, fruit and vegetables and herbs and spices. The submitted products originated from Asian, African and South-American countries. The study findings were followed by a literature analysis outlining the occurrence and prevention and reduction possibilities of the mentioned hazards, which can be used in these countries. Attention was drawn to the need to carry out controls at EU border inspection posts, monitor and update hazard limits and improve the rapid exchange of information and response to detected hazards.

Improvement of the sensitivity of lateral flow systems for detecting mycotoxins: Up-to-date strategies and future perspectives

Mycotoxins are dangerous human and animal health-threatening secondary fungal metabolites that can be found in various food and agricultural products. Several countries have established regulations to restrict their presence in food and agricultural products destined for human and animal consumption. Consequently, the need to develop highly sensitive and smart detection systems was recognized worldwide. Lateral flow assay possesses the advantages of easy operation, rapidity, stability, accuracy, and specificity, and it plays an important role in the detection of mycotoxins. Nevertheless, strategies to comprehensively improve the sensitivity of lateral flow assay to mycotoxins in food have rarely been highlighted and discussed. In this article, a comprehensive overview was presented on the application of lateral flow assay in mycotoxin detection in food samples by highlighting the principle of lateral flow assay, presenting a detailed discussion on various analytical performance-improvement strategies, such as the development of high-affinity recognition reagents, immunogen immobilization methods, and signal amplification. Additionally, a detailed discussion on the various signal analyzers and interpretation approaches was provided. Finally, current hurdles and future perspectives on the application of lateral flow assay in the detection of mycotoxins were discussed.

Activation of Ustilaginoidin Biosynthesis Gene uvpks1 in Villosiclava virens Albino Strain LN02 Influences Development, Stress Responses, and Inhibition of Rice Seed Germination

Villosiclava virens (anamorph: Ustilaginoidea virens) is the pathogen of rice false smut (RFS), which is a destructive rice fungal disease. The albino strain LN02 is a natural white-phenotype mutant of V. virens due to its incapability to produce toxic ustilaginoidins. In this study, three strains including the normal strain P1, albino strain LN02, and complemented strain uvpks1C-1 of the LN02 strain were employed to investigate the activation of the ustilaginoidin biosynthesis gene uvpks1 in the albino strain LN02 to influence sporulation, conidia germination, pigment production, stress responses, and the inhibition of rice seed germination. The activation of the ustilaginoidin biosynthesis gene uvpks1 increased fungal tolerances to NaCl-induced osmotic stress, Congo-red-induced cell wall stress, SDS-induced cell membrane stress, and H2O2-induced oxidative stress. The activation of uvpks1 also increased sporulation, conidia germination, pigment production, and the inhibition of rice seed germination. In addition, the activation of uvpks1 was able to increase the mycelial growth of the V. virens albino strain LN02 at 23 °C and a pH from 5.5 to 7.5. The findings help in understanding the effects of the activation of uvpks1 in albino strain LN02 on development, pigment production, stress responses, and the inhibition of rice seed germination by controlling ustilaginoidin biosynthesis.

Silica-Calcite Sedimentary Rock (Opoka) Enhances the Immunological Status and Improves the Growth Rate in Broilers Exposed to Ochratoxin A in Feed

Mycotoxins, such as Ochratoxin A (OTA), originating from fungi like Aspergillus and Penicillium, represent serious health hazards to poultry. The use of mycotoxin-adsorbing feed additives can reduce these risks. Opoka, a porous transitional rock, shows promise as one of these additives. This study is the first to examine the effect of Opoka administered with OTA on zootechnical parameters and the immune response of chickens. A 42-day investigation examined the impact of 1% of Opoka supplementation in feed on OTA-challenged broiler chickens. Seventy-two chickens were allocated into three groups of twenty-four individuals each: a control group, an OTA-exposed (2 mg/kg feed) group, and an OTA (2 mg/kg feed) plus 1% of Opoka group. Growth and blood parameters were monitored at predetermined intervals, and comprehensive biochemical, hematological, and cytometric analyses were conducted. The study showed that OTA exposure had a negative impact on chicken weight gain. However, adding Opoka to the diet improved weight gain, indicating its potential as a protective agent. Chickens fed with Opoka also had an increased white blood cell count, which suggests an improved immune response and elevated glucose and cholesterol concentrations. These findings indicate that Opoka may be useful in mitigating health complications caused by OTA exposure in broilers.

Recent advances in biosynthesis of mycotoxin-degrading enzymes and their applications in food and feed

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi in food and feed, which can cause serious health problems. Bioenzymatic degradation is gaining increasing popularity due to its high specificity, gentle degradation conditions, and environmental friendliness. We reviewed recently reported biosynthetic mycotoxin-degrading enzymes, traditional and novel expression systems, enzyme optimization strategies, food and feed applications, safety evaluation of both degrading enzymes and degradation products, and commercialization potentials. Special emphasis is given to the novel expression systems, advanced optimization strategies, and safety considerations for industrial use. Over ten types of recombinases such as oxidoreductase and hydrolase have been studied in the enzymatic hydrolysis of mycotoxins. Besides traditional expression system of Escherichia coli and yeasts, these enzymes can also be expressed in novel systems such as Bacillus subtilis and lactic acid bacteria. To meet the requirements of industrial applications in terms of degradation efficacy and stability, genetic engineering and computational tools are used to optimize enzymatic expression. Currently, registration and technical difficulties have restricted commercial application of mycotoxin-degrading enzymes. To overcome these obstacles, systematic safety evaluation of both biosynthetic enzymes and their degradation products, in-depth understanding of degradation mechanisms and a comprehensive evaluation of their impact on food and feed quality are urgently needed.

Global systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence and concentration of aflatoxins in peanuts oil and probabilistic risk assessment

Exposure to mycotoxins in food is largely unavoidable, and concerns about their health effects are growing. Consumption of vegetable oils such as peanuts oil has increased, hence several studies have been conducted on concentration of aflatoxins (AFs) in peanuts oil. Search was performed in Scopus and PubMed databases on prevalence and concentration of AFs in peanuts oil from 1 January 2005 to 15 April 29, 2022. Prevalence and concentration of AFs in peanuts oil was meta-analyzed based on country and type of AFs subgroups. In addition, health risk was calculated using monte carlo simulation method. Pooled prevalence of AFB1 in peanuts oil was 47.9%; AFB2, 46.45%; AFG1, 46.92% and AFG2, 54.01%. The Overall prevalence of AFTs was 49.30%, 95%CI (35.80-62.84%). Pooled concentration of AFB1 in peanuts oil was 2.30 μg/kg; AFB2, 0.77 μg/kg; AFG1, 0.07 μg/kg; AFG1, 0.28 μg/kg. The sort of country based on mean of MOEs in the adults consumers was Japan (47,059) > China (17,670) > Ethiopia (7,398) > Sudan (6,974) > USA (1,012) and sort of country based on mean of MOEs in the children was Japan (120,994) > China (46,991) > Ethiopia (19,251) > Sudan (18,200) > USA (2,620). Therefore, adults consumers were in considerable health risk in Ethiopia, Sudan and USA and for children in USA (MOE < 10,000).

The Identification and Role of the Key Mycotoxin of Pestalotiopsis kenyana Causing Leaf Spot Disease of Zanthoxylum schinifolium

Leaf spot is a common disease of Zanthoxylum schinifolium (Z. schinifolium), which can seriously harm the plant's ability to grow, flower, and fruit. Therefore, it is important to identify the mechanism of leaf spot caused by Pestalotiopsis kenyana (P. kenyana) for thorough comprehension and disease control. In this study, to verify whether the mycotoxins produced by P. kenyana cause leaf spot disease, the best medium for P. kenyana, namely PDB, was used. The mycotoxins were determined by ammonium sulfate precipitation as non-protein substances. The crude mycotoxin of P. kenyana was prepared, and the optimal eluent was eluted with petroleum either/ethyle acetate (3:1, v/v) and purified by silica gel column chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography to obtain the pure mycotoxins PK-1, PK-2, and PK-3. The PK-3 had the highest toxicity to Z. schinifolium, which may be the primary mycotoxin, according to the biological activity test using the spray method. The physiological and biochemical indexes of Z. schinifolium plants treated with PK-3 mycotoxin were determined. Within 35 days after mycotoxin treatment, the results showed that the protein content and malondialdehyde content of leaves increased over time. The soluble sugar and chlorophyll content decreased over time. The superoxide dismutase activity and catalase activity of the leaves increased first and then decreased, and the above changes were the same as those of Z. schinifolium inoculated with the spore suspension of the pathogen. Therefore, it is believed that the mycotoxin pestalopyrone could be a virulence factor that helps P. kenyana induce the infection of Z. schinifolium. In this study, the pathogenic mechanism of Z. schinifolium leaf spot was discussed, offering a theoretical foundation for improved disease prevention and control.

Dimethylpolysulfides production as the major mechanism behind wheat fungal pathogen biocontrol, by Arthrobacter and Microbacterium actinomycetes

IMPORTANCE

As the management of wheat fungal diseases becomes increasingly challenging, the use of bacterial agents with biocontrol potential against the two major wheat phytopathogens, Fusarium graminearum and Zymoseptoria tritici, may prove to be an interesting alternative to conventional pest management. Here, we have shown that dimethylpolysulfide volatiles are ubiquitously and predominantly produced by wheat-associated Microbacterium and Arthrobacter actinomycetes, displaying antifungal activity against both pathogens. By limiting pathogen growth and DON virulence factor production, the use of such DMPS-producing strains as soil biocontrol inoculants could limit the supply of pathogen inocula in soil and plant residues, providing an attractive alternative to dimethyldisulfide fumigant, which has many non-targeted toxicities. Notably, this study demonstrates the importance of bacterial volatile organic compound uptake by inhibited F. graminearum, providing new insights for the study of volatiles-mediated toxicity mechanisms within bacteria-fungus signaling crosstalk.

Early-Life Exposure to the Mycotoxin Fumonisin B1 and Developmental Programming of the Ovary of the Offspring: The Possible Role of Autophagy in Fertility Recovery

Mycotoxins are produced by more than one hundred fungi and produce secondary metabolites that contaminate various agricultural commodities, especially rice and corn. Their presence in the food chain is considered a serious problem worldwide. In recent years, a link between exposure to mycotoxins and impaired fertility has been suggested. Consequently, it has become vital to investigate the interactive effects of these mycotoxins on ovarian function. In this study, we investigated the intergenerational effects of the mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) on ovarian structure and function. Virgin Wistar albino female rats were separated into control and FB1 treatment groups and examined from day 6 of pregnancy until delivery (20 and 50 mg/kg b.w./day). The obtained female rats of the first (F1) and second generations (F2) were euthanized at 4 weeks of age, and ovary samples were collected. We found that the ovary weight index increased with the high dose of the treatment (50 mg/kg b.w./day) among both F1 and F2, in a manner similar to that observed in polycystic ovary syndrome. As expected, FB1 at a high dose (50 mg/kg b.w.) reduced the number of primordial follicles in F1 and F2, leading to an accelerated age-related decline in reproductive capacity. Moreover, it reduced the fertility rate among the F1 female rats by affecting follicle growth and development, as the number of secondary and tertiary follicles decreased. Histopathological changes were evidenced by the altered structures of most of the growing follicle oocytes, as revealed by a thinning irregular zona pellucida and pyknosis in granulosa cells. These findings are concomitant with steroidogenesis- and folliculogenesis-related gene expression, as evidenced by the decrease in CYP19 activity and estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) gene expression. Additionally, GDF-9 mRNA levels were significantly decreased, and IGF-1 mRNA levels were significantly increased. However, the results from the ovaries of the F2 treatment groups were different and unexpected. While there was no significant variation in CYP19 activity compared to the control, the ESR2 significantly increased, leading to stereological and histopathological changes similar to those of the control, except for some altered follicles. The hallmark histological feature was the appearance of vacuolar structures within the oocyte and between granulosa cell layers. Interestingly, the autophagic marker LC3 was significantly increased in the F2 offspring, whereas this protein was significantly decreased in the F1 offspring. Therefore, we suggest that the promotion of autophagy in the ovaries of the F2 offspring may be considered a recovery mechanism from the effect of prenatal FB1 exposure. Thus, autophagy corrected the effect of FB1 during the early life of the F1 female rats, leading to F2 offspring with ovarian structure and function similar to those of the control. However, the offspring, treated female rats may experience early ovarian aging because their ovarian pool was affected.

Effect of Mycotoxins in Silage on Biogas Production

Mycotoxins can pose a threat to biogas production as they can contaminate the feedstock used in biogas production, such as agricultural crops and other organic materials. This research study evaluated the contents of deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), fumonisin (FUM), and aflatoxin (AFL) mycotoxins in maize silage prior to it being processed in a biogas plant and in digestate produced at the end of the anaerobic digestion (AD) process. In the experiment, three samples of silage were collected from one silage warehouse: Variant 1 = low contamination, Variant 2 = medium contamination, and Variant 3 = heavy contamination, which were subjected to investigation. A significantly reduced biogas production was recorded that was proportional to the increasing contamination with molds, which was primarily due to the AD of silage caused by technologically erroneous silage treatment. The AD was connected with changes in silage composition expressed by the values of VS content, sugar content, lactic acid content, acetic acid content, and the ratio of lactic acid content to acetic acid content. The production of biogas and methane decreased with the increasing contents of NDF, ADF, CF, and lignin. The only exception was Variant 2, in which the content of ADF, CF, and lignin was lower (by 8-11%) than that in Variant 1, and only the content of NDF was higher (by 9%) than that in Variant 1. A secondary factor that also correlated with changes in the composition of the substrate was the development of undesirable organisms, which further contributed to its degradation and to the production of mycotoxins. It was also demonstrated in this study that during the AD process, the tested mycotoxins were degraded, and their content was reduced by 27-100%. Only the variant with low mold contamination showed a DON concentration increase of 27.8%.

Subinhibitory effects of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol on filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus

AIMS

Aspergillus fungi are common members of the soil microbiota. Some physiological and structural characteristics of Aspergillus species make them important participants in soil ecological processes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), a common metabolite of soil and rhizosphere bacteria, on the physiology of Aspergillus fumigatus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Integrated analysis using microscopy, spectrophotometry, and liquid chromatography showed the following effects of 2,4-DAPG on Aspergillus physiology. It was found that A. fumigatus in the biofilm state is resistant to high concentrations of 2,4-DAPG. However, experimental exposure led to a depletion of the extracellular polymeric substance, changes in the structure of the cell wall of the mycelium (increase in the content of α- and β-glucans, chitin, and ergosterol), and conidia (decrease in the content of DHN-melanin). 2,4-DAPG significantly reduced the production of mycotoxins (gliotoxin and fumagillin) but increased the secretion of proteases and galactosaminogalactan.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the data obtained suggest that 2,4-DAPG-producing Pseudomonas bacteria are unlikely to directly eliminate A. fumigatus fungi, as they exhibit a high level of resistance when in the biofilm state. However, at low concentrations, 2,4-DAPG significantly alters the physiology of aspergilli, potentially reducing the adaptive and competitive capabilities of these fungi.

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.

Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Foods: Unraveling the Knowledge Gaps on Their Persistence in Food Production Systems

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.

The Reaction of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Contamination of the Medium with Aflatoxins B2 and G1, Ochratoxin A and Zearalenone in Aerobic Cultures

The mechanisms by which yeast cells respond to environmental stress include the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and the reduction of oxidative stress. The response of yeast exposed to aflatoxins B2+G1 (AFB2+G1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEA) in aerobic conditions was studied. After 72 h of yeast cultivation in media contaminated with mycotoxins, the growth of yeast biomass, the level of malondialdehyde, and the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase were examined; the expression profile of the following heat shock proteins was also determined: HSP31, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP104. It was demonstrated that at the tested concentrations, both AFB2+G1 and ZEA inhibited yeast biomass growth. OTA at a concentration of 8.4 [µg/L] raised the MDA level. Intensified lipoperoxidation and increased activity of SOD and GPx were observed, regardless of the level of contamination with ZEA (300 µg/L or 900 µg/L). Increased contamination with AFB2+G1 and OTA caused an increase in the production of most HSPs tested (HSP31, HSP40, HSP70, HSP104). ZEA contamination in the used concentration ranges reduced the production of HSP31. The response of yeast cells to the presence of mycotoxin as a stressor resulted in the expression of certain HSPs, but the response was not systematic, which was manifested in different profiles of protein expression depending on the mycotoxin used. The tested mycotoxins influenced the induction of oxidative stress in yeast cells to varying degrees, which resulted in the activation of mainly SOD without GST mobilization or with a small involvement of GPx.