Toxicological and Medical Aspects of Aspergillus-Derived Mycotoxins Entering the Feed and Food Chain

Daphnia magna model for the study of mycotoxins present in food: Gliotoxin, ochratoxin A and its combination

Mycotoxins are low molecular weight compounds present in food and feed. Although their effects on human health have been widely described, their mechanisms of action are still undefined. Gliotoxin (GTX) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are among the most dangerous mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus spp. Therefore, their toxicity was studied in the Daphnia magna model, which has high capacity to predict cytotoxicity and assess ecotoxicity, comparable to mammalian models. The study consisted of a series of tests to evaluate the effects of mycotoxins GTX, OTA and their combinations at different dilutions on Daphnia magna that were conducted according to standardized OECD 202 and 211 guidelines. The following assays were carried out: acute toxicity test, heartbeat, delayed toxicity test, reproduction, growth rate test. Reproducibility was determined by observing the offspring after 21 days of GTX exposure. In acute and delayed toxicity transcript levels of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism (mox, gst, abcb1, and abcc5), and oxidative stress (vtg-SOD) were analyzed by qPCR. GTX showed acute toxicity and decreased heart rate in D. magna compared to OTA. On the other hand, OTA showed a delayed effect as evidenced by the immobility test. Both mycotoxins showed to increase genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism, while only the mycotoxin mixture increased oxidative stress. These results suggest that the mycotoxins tested could have negative impact on the environment and human health.

Monitoring Mycotoxin Exposure in Food-Producing Animals (Cattle, Pig, Poultry, and Sheep)

Food-producing animals are exposed to mycotoxins through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact with contaminated materials. This exposure can lead to serious consequences for animal health, affects the cost and quality of livestock production, and can even impact human health through foods of animal origin. Therefore, controlling mycotoxin exposure in animals is of utmost importance. A systematic literature search was conducted in this study to retrieve the results of monitoring exposure to mycotoxins in food-producing animals over the last five years (2019-2023), considering both external exposure (analysis of feed) and internal exposure (analysis of biomarkers in biological matrices). The most commonly used analytical technique for both approaches is LC-MS/MS due to its capability for multidetection. Several mycotoxins, especially those that are regulated (ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins, fumonisins, T-2, and HT-2), along with some emerging mycotoxins (sterigmatocystin, nivalenol, beauvericin, enniantins among others), were studied in 13,818 feed samples worldwide and were typically detected at low levels, although they occasionally exceeded regulatory levels. The occurrence of multiple exposure is widespread. Regarding animal biomonitoring, the primary objective of the studies retrieved was to study mycotoxin metabolism after toxin administration. Some compounds have been suggested as biomarkers of exposure in the plasma, urine, and feces of animal species such as pigs and poultry. However, further research is required, including many other mycotoxins and animal species, such as cattle and sheep.

Characterization of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PM415 as a potential bio-preserving probiotic

Animal feed is vulnerable to fungal infections, and the use of bio-preserving probiotics has received increasing attention. In contrast to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria spp., fewer Bacillus spp. have been recognized as antifungal probiotics. Therefore, our objective was to screen antifungal strains and provide more Bacillus candidates to bridge this gap. Here, we screened 56 bacterial strains for cyclic lipopeptide genes and conducted an antifungal assay with Aspergillus niger as a representative fungus. We found that a Bacillus strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PM415, isolated from pigeon manure, exhibited the highest fungal inhibition activity as demonstrated by the confrontation assay and morphological observation under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Preliminary safety assessment and probiotic characterization revealed its non-pathogenic feature and stress tolerance capability. Whole genome sequencing of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PM415 revealed a genome size of 4.16 Mbp and 84 housekeeping genes thereof were used for phylogenetic analysis showing that it is most closely related to Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LFB112. The in silico analysis further supported its non-pathogenic feature at the genomic level and revealed potential biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for its antifungal property. RNA-seq analysis revealed genome-wide changes in transportation, amino acid metabolism, non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) biosynthesis and glycan degradation during fungal antagonism. Our results suggest that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens PM415 is a safe and effective probiotic strain that can prevent fungal growth in animal feeds.

Gliotoxin elicits immunotoxicity in the early innate immune system of ducks

Gliotoxin (GT) belongs to the epipolythiodioxopiperazine (ETP) family, which is considered a crucial virulence determinant among the secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus fumigatus. The metabolites are commonly found in food and feed, contributing to the invasion and immune escape of Aspergillus fumigatus, thereby posing a significant threat to the health of livestock, poultry, and humans. Heterophil extracellular traps (HETs), a novel form of innate immune defense, have been documented in the chicken's innate immune systems for capturing and eliminating invading microbes. However, the effects and mechanisms of GT on the production of duck HETs in vitro remain unknown. In this study, we first confirmed the presence of HETs in duck innate immune systems and further investigated the molecular mechanism underlying GT-induced HETs release. Our results demonstrate that GT can trigger typical release of HETs in duck. The structures of GT-induced HETs structures were characterized by DNA decoration, citrullinated histones 3, and elastase. Furthermore, NADPH oxidase, glycolysis, ERK1/2 and p38 signaling pathway were found to regulate GT-induced HETs. In summary, our findings reveal that gliotoxin activates HETs release in the early innate immune system of duck while providing new insights into the immunotoxicity of GT towards ducks.

AFM1 exposure in male balb/c mice and intervention strategies against its immuno-physiological toxicity using clay mineral and lactic acid bacteria alone or in combination

CONTEXT

Aflatoxins are the most harmful mycotoxins that cause human and animal health concerns. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the primary hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 and is linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and immunotoxicity in humans and animals. Because of the important role of dairy products in human life, especially children, AFM1 is such a major concern to humans because of its frequent occurrence in dairy products at concentrations high enough to cause adverse effects to human and animal health. Reduced its bioavailability becomes a high priority in order to protect human and animal health.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate, in vivo, the ability of lactic acid bacteria (lactobacillus rhamnosus GAF01, LR) and clay mineral (bentonite, BT) mixture to mitigate/reduce AFM1-induced immunotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in exposed Balb/c mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo study was conducted using male Balb/c mice that treated, orally, by AFM1 alone or in combination with LR and/or BT, daily for 10 days as follows: group 1 control received 200 µl of PBS, group 2 treated with LR alone (2.108 CFU/mL), group 3 treated with BT alone (1 g/kg bw), group 4 treated with AFM1 alone (100 μg/kg), group 5 co-treated with LR + AFM1, group 6 co-treated with BT + AFM1, group 7 co-treated with BT + LR + AFM1. Forty-eight h after the end of the treatment, the mice were sacrificed and the blood, spleen, thymus, liver and kidney were collected. The blood was used for biochemical and immunological study. Spleen and thymus samples were used to thymocytes and splenocytes assessments. Liver and kidney samples were the target for evaluation of oxidative stress enzymes status and for histological assays.

RESULTS

The results showed that AFM1 caused toxicities in male Blab/c mice at different levels. Treatment with AFM1 resulted in severe stress of liver and kidney organs indicated by a significant change in the biochemical and immunological parameters, histopathology as well as a disorder in the profile of oxidative stress enzymes levels. Also, it was demonstrated that AFM1 caused toxicities in thymus and spleen organs. The co-treatment with LR and/or BT significantly improved the hepatic and renal tissues, regulated antioxidant enzyme activities, spleen and thymus viability and biochemical and immunological parameters. LR and BT alone showed to be safe during the treatment.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the LR and/or BT was able to reduce the biochemical, histopathological and immunological damages induced by AFM1 and indeed it could be exploited as one of the biological strategies for food and feedstuffs detoxification.

Medical Device-Associated Healthcare Infections: Sterilization and the Potential of Novel Biological Approaches to Ensure Patient Safety

Healthcare-associated infections caused by multi-drug-resistant pathogens are increasing globally, and current antimicrobial options have limited efficacy against these robust species. The WHO details the critically important bacterial and fungal species that are often associated with medical device HAIs. The effective sterilization of medical devices plays a key role in preventing infectious disease morbidity and mortality. A lack of adherence to protocol and limitations associated with each sterilization modality, however, allows for the incidence of disease. Furthermore, issues relating to carcinogenic emissions from ethylene oxide gas (EtO) have motivated the EPA to propose limiting EtO use or seeking alternative sterilization methods for medical devices. The Food and Drug Administration supports the sterilization of healthcare products using low-temperature VH2O2 as an alternative to EtO. With advances in biomaterial and medical devices and the increasing use of combination products, current sterilization modalities are becoming limited. Novel approaches to disinfection and sterilization of medical devices, biomaterials, and therapeutics are warranted to safeguard public health. Bacteriophages, endolysins, and antimicrobial peptides are considered promising options for the prophylactic and meta-phylactic control of infectious diseases. This timely review discusses the application of these biologics as antimicrobial agents against critically important WHO pathogens, including ESKAPE bacterial species.

Molecular docking analysis of Omt-A protein model from Aspergillus flavus with synthetic compounds

Aflatoxin is a potent mycotoxin of Aspergillus flavus that has been classified as a Group I carcinogen. O-methyltransferase A (Omt-A) is a critical enzyme in the formation of aflatoxin. It catalyzes the methylation of norsalic acid to form the highly toxic intermediate averantin. The ligand-protein interaction of Omt-A was performed with piperlonguminin and blasticidins. The maximum affinity of -10.6 was found for the 5ICC_A piperlonguminine at site1 (X,Y,Z: -15.282, 21.785, 5.672). Compounds such as Blasticidin S, Neoeriocitrin, Blasticidin S - hydrochloric acid, 6,6''-Bigenkwanin, Pipernomaline, and Eriodictyol were found to have binding features to protein residues, as shown by computational interaction at the molecular level.

Incidence of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in Wheat and Corn from Albania

In this study, aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were analyzed in grains, specifically wheat and corn, from Albania. To summarize, 71 wheat and 45 corn samples from different growing areas were collected. The multi-toxin analytical procedure involved sample extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The incidence of AF was 18% in the analyzed wheat and 71% in the corn samples. The concentration of AFs was much higher in the corn samples than in the wheat samples. The maximum permitted levels for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total AFs were not exceeded in the wheat samples, while they were exceeded in 36% of the corn samples. In the wheat samples, the AFB1 concentration varied between 0.2 and 0.4 µg kg-1. However, the highest concentrations in the corn samples were 2057, 2944, and 3550 µg kg-1. OTA was present in only three corn samples and one wheat sample. However, all contaminated samples exceeded the maximum permitted levels. This report reveals the presence of AFs and OTA in grain commodities, specifically wheat and corn, grown in Albania.

Vibrio gazogenes-dependent disruption of aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus: the connection with endosomal uptake and hyphal morphogenesis

Aflatoxins, a family of fungal secondary metabolites, are toxic and carcinogenic compounds that pose an enormous threat to global food safety and agricultural sustainability. Specifically agricultural products in African, Southeast Asian and hot and humid regions of American countries suffer most damage from aflatoxin producing molds due to the ideal climate conditions promoting their growth. Our recent studies suggest that Vibrio gazogenes (Vg), an estuarine bacterium non-pathogenic to plants and humans, can significantly inhibit aflatoxin biosynthesis in the producers. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying Vg-dependent aflatoxin inhibition using the prominent aflatoxin producer, Aspergillus flavus. We show that aflatoxin inhibition upon Vg treatment was associated with fungal uptake of Vg-prodigiosin, a red pigment, which was consistently visible inside fungal hyphae during treatment. The association of prodigiosin with aflatoxin inhibition was further evident as Serratia marcescens, another prodigiosin producer, significantly inhibited aflatoxin, while non-producers like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio fischeri did not. Also, pure prodigiosin significantly inhibited aflatoxin biosynthesis. Endocytosis inhibitors, filipin and natamycin, reduced the Vg-prodigiosin uptake by the fungus leading to a significant increase in aflatoxin production, suggesting that uptake is endocytosis-dependent. The Vg treatment also reduced hyphal fusion (>98% inhibition) and branching, which are both endosome-dependent processes. Our results, therefore, collectively support our theory that Vg-associated aflatoxin inhibition is mediated by an endocytosis-dependent uptake of Vg-prodigiosin, which possibly leads to a disruption of normal endosomal functions.

Naringin from Coffee Inhibits Foodborne Aspergillus fumigatus via the NDK Pathway: Evidence from an In Silico Study

In the tropics, coffee has been one of the most extensively cultivated economic crops, especially Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.). The coffee pulp, which includes phytochemicals with a proven antifungal action, is one of the most insufficiently utilized and neglected byproducts of coffee refining. In the current experiment, we carried out in silico screening of the isolated Arabica coffee phytochemicals for antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus: a foodborne fungus of great public health importance. As determined by the molecular docking interactions of the library compounds indicated, the best interactions were found to occur between the nucleoside-diphosphate kinase protein 6XP7 and the test molecules Naringin (-6.771 kcal/mol), followed by Epigallocatechin gallate (-5.687 kcal/mol). Therefore, Naringin was opted for further validation with molecular dynamic simulations. The ligand-protein complex RMSD indicated a fairly stable Naringin-NDK ligand-protein complex throughout the simulation period (2-16 Å). In ADME and gastrointestinal absorbability testing, Naringin was observed to be orally bioavailable, with very low intestinal absorption and a bioavailability score of 0.17. This was further supported by the boiled egg analysis data, which clearly indicated that the GI absorption of the Naringin molecule was obscure. We found that naringin could be harmful only when swallowed at a median lethal dose between 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. In accordance with these findings, the toxicity prediction reports suggested that Naringin, found especially in citrus fruits and tomatoes, is safe for human consumption after further investigation. Overall, Naringin may be an ideal candidate for developing anti-A. fumigatus treatments and food packaging materials. Thus, this study addresses the simultaneous problems of discarded coffee waste management and antifungal resistance to available medications.

Surveillance of ochratoxin A in cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions of Ghana

Cocoa is one of the agricultural commodities which is highly susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. During two crop/harvest seasons, the occurrence and distribution of ochratoxin A (OTA) in viable commercial cocoa beans were investigated. The cocoa bean samples were collected randomly from farmers across cocoa-growing regions of Ghana. OTA concentrations in the samples were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods following purification on immunoaffinity solid phase column. The result showed that 21.7% of all samples analyzed were contaminated with OTA at concentrations ranging from 0.01 μg/kg to 12.36 μg/kg. The Western South region had the highest occurrence of OTA-positive samples at 32.5%, followed by the Western North region at 28.75%, the Eastern and Volta regions at 25% each, Brong Ahafo (16.25%), Central (15%) and the Ashanti region at 11.25%. However, 0.9% and 3.5% of the total OTA-positive samples exceeded the OTA maximum limits of 10 μg/kg for cocoa beans and 3 μg/kg for cocoa powder, set by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency and the European Commission, respectively. During the Main and Light crop seasons, the highest concentrations of OTA were detected in the Western North region, reaching up to 12.36 μg/kg and 3.45 μg/kg, respectively. OTA concentrations between the cocoa-growing regions in the Main crop season were not significantly different (p > 0.05), however, the Light crop season indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two crop seasons. The need for regular monitoring and careful adherence to agronomic strategies such as good agricultural practices (GAPs), recommended code of practices (COPs) and good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for the prevention and reduction of OTA throughout the cocoa value chain cannot be overemphasized.

Correlative metabologenomics of 110 fungi reveals metabolite-gene cluster pairs

Natural products research increasingly applies -omics technologies to guide molecular discovery. While the combined analysis of genomic and metabolomic datasets has proved valuable for identifying natural products and their biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in bacteria, this integrated approach lacks application to fungi. Because fungi are hyper-diverse and underexplored for new chemistry and bioactivities, we created a linked genomics-metabolomics dataset for 110 Ascomycetes, and optimized both gene cluster family (GCF) networking parameters and correlation-based scoring for pairing fungal natural products with their BGCs. Using a network of 3,007 GCFs (organized from 7,020 BGCs), we examined 25 known natural products originating from 16 known BGCs and observed statistically significant associations between 21 of these compounds and their validated BGCs. Furthermore, the scalable platform identified the BGC for the pestalamides, demystifying its biogenesis, and revealed more than 200 high-scoring natural product-GCF linkages to direct future discovery.

Characterization and Inhibitory Effects of Essential Oil and Nanoemulsion from Ocotea indecora (Shott) Mez in Aspergillus Species

The Aspergillus genus, the etiological agent of aspergillosis, is an important food contaminant and mycotoxin producer. Plant extracts and essential oils are a source of bioactive substances with antimicrobial potential that can be used instead of synthetic food preservatives. Species from the Lauraceae family and the Ocotea genus have been used as traditional medicinal herbs. Their essential oils can be nanoemulsified to enhance their stability and bioavailability and increase their use. Therefore, this study sought to prepare and characterize both nanoemulsion and essential oil from the Ocotea indecora's leaves, a native and endemic species from the Mata Atlântica forest in Brazil, and evaluate the activity against Aspergillus flavus RC 2054, Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999, and Aspergillus westerdjikiae NRRL 3174. The products were added to Sabouraud Dextrose Agar at concentrations of 256, 512, 1024, 2048, and 4096 µg/mL. The strains were inoculated and incubated for up to 96 h with two daily measurements. The results did not show fungicidal activity under these conditions. A fungistatic effect, however, was observed. The nanoemulsion decreased the fungistatic concentration of the essential oil more than ten times, mainly in A. westerdjikiae. There were no significant changes in aflatoxin production.

Identification and biodiversity patterns of Aspergillus species isolated from some soil invertebrates at high altitude using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses

Background

The carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic chemicals such as aflatoxin are a worldwide health problem. Aspergillus spp., responsible for most cases of aflatoxin contamination, are common in the environment and spread easily to many different types of food. The objectives of this study were to conduct a survey of fungi associated with three soil invertebrates in Taif, Saudi Arabia, identify these isolates and explore mycotoxins formation.

Methods

In total, 114 fungal isolates were collected from various soil invertebrates (millipedes, Armadillidium vulgare and Porcellio laevis) in Taif, Saudi Arabia, among them, 22 isolates were identified as Aspergillus spp. based on morphological and molecular characteristics followed by both Fusarium and Penicillium.

Results

The sequences of ITS 1 and ITS 4 were utilized. Using bootstrap analysis, phylogenetic tree was split into two distinct clusters. Five sub clusters were included inside the first major cluster, and their bootstrap value was 99%. While, there were two small clusters in the second major cluster. All the tested Aspergillus strains were able to have a single PCR fragment amplified using the primer AspTef. TEF-1 DNA sequence bootstrap analysis with 1,000 replicates revealed two distinct groups. Additionally, the Aspergillus isolates were grouped into two different clusters with about 65% genetic similarity using ISSR-PCR analysis. The standard polymerase chain reaction was used to effectively amplify the Aopks, afl-A and omt-A genes in aflatoxigenic Aspergillus strains. Four Aspergillus strains used in this investigation were shown to generate aflatoxin B1. While, three Aspergillus stains showed ochratoxin genes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the results indicate significant differences in the fungal community between ecoregions and soil invertebrates. Moreover, mycotoxin detection and identification among Aspergillus isolates were elucidated. This study could shed light on the risk of mycotoxin contamination along the supply chain.

Mycological evaluation of frozen meat with special reference to yeasts

Background and Aim

Fungi can play beneficial and detrimental roles in meat products; however, the diversity and significance of fungi in meat products are poorly understood. This study aimed to isolate and characterize fungal species from frozen beef samples collected from retail stores in the Qena Governorate, Egypt.

Materials and Methods

A total of 70 frozen beef samples were collected from retail stores in Qena, Egypt. All samples were subjected to mycological examination. Fungal colonies were identified using conventional approaches, as well as the VITEK 2 system and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region. Analyses of enzymatic activity, biofilm formation ability, and the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated yeasts were also conducted.

Results

Molds and yeasts were isolated from 40% and 60% of meat samples, respectively. Mold isolates were dominated by Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium spp., whereas yeast isolates were identified as Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Yarrowia lipolytica, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Compared to other yeast species, the highest production of lipase and protease was observed in Candida species. The strongest ability to form biofilms was observed in Candida spp., followed by S. cerevisiae, Y. lipolytica, and R. mucilaginosa. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that all yeast isolates showed notable resistance to fluconazole and itraconazole.

Conclusion

A significant correlation between antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation was observed in several species. This study highlights the importance of the dangers of yeasts in food products and the extent of their impact on public health.

The impact of endocrine disrupting compounds and carcinogens in wastewater: Implications for breast cancer

The incidence of breast cancer is often associated with geographic variation which indicates that a person's surrounding environment can be an important etiological factor in cancer development. Environmental risk factors can include exposure to sewage- or wastewater, which consist of a complex mixture of pathogens, mutagens and carcinogens. Wastewater contains primarily carbonaceous, nitrogenous and phosphorus compounds, however it can also contain trace amounts of chemical pollutants including toxic metal cations, hydrocarbons and pesticides. More importantly, the contamination of drinking water by wastewater is a potential source of exposure to mammary carcinogens and endocrine disrupting compounds. Organic solvents and other pollutants often found in wastewater have been detected in various tissues, including breast and adipose tissues. Furthermore, these pollutants such as phenolic compounds in some detergents and plastics, as well as parabens and pesticides can mimic estrogen. High estrogen levels are a well-established risk factor for estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. Therefore, exposure to wastewater is a risk factor for the initiation, progression and metastasis of breast cancer. Carcinogens present in wastewater can promote tumourigenesis through various mechanisms, including the formation of DNA adducts, gene mutations and oxidative stress. Lastly, the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewater can have negative implications for ER-positive breast cancers, where these molecules can activate ERα to promote cell proliferation, survival and metastasis. As such, strategies should be implemented to limit exposure, such as providing funding into treatment technologies and implementation of regulations that limit the production and use of these potentially harmful chemicals.

The Effects of Incremental Doses of Aflatoxin B1 on In Vitro Ruminal Nutrient Digestibility and Fermentation Profile of a Lactating Dairy Cow Diet in a Dual-Flow Continuous Culture System

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a mycotoxin known to impair human and animal health. It is also believed to have a deleterious effect on ruminal nutrient digestibility under in vitro batch culture systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing the dose of AFB₁ on ruminal dry matter and nutrient digestibility, fermentation profile, and N flows using a dual-flow continuous culture system fed a diet formulated for lactating dairy cows. Eight fermenter vessels were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 10 d periods (7 d adaptation and 3 d sample collection). Treatments were randomly applied to fermenters on diet DM basis: (1) 0 μg of AFB₁/kg of DM (Control); (2) 50 μg of AFB₁/kg of DM (AF50); (3) 100 μg of AFB₁/kg of DM (AF100); and (4) 150 μg of AFB₁/kg of DM (AF150). Treatments did not affect nutrient digestibility, fermentation, and N flows. Aflatoxin B₁ concentration in ruminal fluid increased with dose but decreased to undetectable levels after 4 h post-dosing. In conclusion, adding incremental doses of AFB₁ did not affect ruminal fermentation, digestibility of nutrients, and N flows in a dual-flow continuous culture system fed diets formulated for lactating dairy cows.

Advanced mycotoxin control and decontamination techniques in view of an increased aflatoxin risk in Europe due to climate change

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus spp. found in staple food and feed commodities worldwide. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic, and pose a serious threat to the health of both humans and animals. The global economy and trade are significantly affected as well. Various models and datasets related to aflatoxins in maize have been developed and used but have not yet been linked. The prevention of crop loss due to aflatoxin contamination is complex and challenging. Hence, the set-up of advanced decontamination is crucial to cope with the challenge of climate change, growing population, unstable political scenarios, and food security problems also in European countries. After harvest, decontamination methods can be applied during transport, storage, or processing, but their application for aflatoxin reduction is still limited. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the effects of environmental factors on aflatoxin production because of climate change and to critically discuss the present-day and novel decontamination techniques to unravel gaps and limitations to propose them as a tool to tackle an increased aflatoxin risk in Europe.

Comprehensive review on patulin and Alternaria toxins in fruit and derived products

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi, which can contaminate various food commodities, including fruits and their derived products. Patulin and Alternaria toxins are among the most commonly encountered mycotoxins in fruit and their derived products. In this review, the sources, toxicity, and regulations related to these mycotoxins, as well as their detection and mitigation strategies are widely discussed. Patulin is a mycotoxin produced mainly by the fungal genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssochlamys. Alternaria toxins, produced by fungi in the Alternaria genus, are another common group of mycotoxins found in fruits and fruit products. The most prevalent Alternaria toxins are alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME). These mycotoxins are of concern due to their potential negative effects on human health. Ingesting fruits contaminated with these mycotoxins can cause acute and chronic health problems. Detection of patulin and Alternaria toxins in fruit and their derived products can be challenging due to their low concentrations and the complexity of the food matrices. Common analytical methods, good agricultural practices, and contamination monitoring of these mycotoxins are important for safe consumption of fruits and derived products. And Future research will continue to explore new methods for detecting and managing these mycotoxins, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the safety and quality of fruits and derived product supply.

Diversity of Filamentous Fungi Associated with Dairy Processing Environments and Spoiled Products in Brazil

Few studies have investigated the diversity of spoilage fungi from the dairy production chain in Brazil, despite their importance as spoilage microorganisms. In the present study, 109 filamentous fungi were isolated from various spoiled dairy products and dairy production environments. The isolates were identified through sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. In spoiled products, Penicillium and Cladosporium were the most frequent genera of filamentous fungi and were also present in the dairy environment, indicating that they may represent a primary source of contamination. For dairy production environments, the most frequent genera were Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Nigrospora. Four species (Hypoxylon griseobrunneum, Rhinocladiella similis, Coniochaeta rosae, and Paecilomyces maximus) were identified for the first time in dairy products or in dairy production environment. Phytopathogenic genera were also detected, such as Montagnula, Clonostachys, and Riopa. One species isolated from the dairy production environment is classified as the pathogenic fungi, R. similis. Regarding the phylogeny, 14 different families were observed and most of the fungi belong to the Ascomycota phylum. The understanding of fungal biodiversity in dairy products and environment can support the development of conservation strategies to control food spoilage. This includes the suitable use of preservatives in dairy products, as well as the application of specific cleaning and sanitizing protocols designed for a specific group of target microorganisms.

Healthy Zerumbone: From Natural Sources to Strategies to Improve Its Bioavailability and Oral Administration

Zerumbone is a multifunctional compound with antimicrobial, antitumor, hyperalgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications, and constitutes a point molecule for the future synthesis of derivatives with improved efficiency. This monocyclic sesquiterpenoid is found in high content in wild ginger (Zingiber zerumbet Smith), a perennial herb with economic importance as an ornamental as well as a medicinal plant. The presence of zerumbone is a distinctive feature that allows identification and differentiation from other species, not only in Zingiber, but also in Curcuma, Alpinia, Boesenbergia, Ethlingera and Ammomum spp., as well as related families (Costaceaee). To successfully use zerumbone in areas such as medicine, food and agriculture, further research on improving its low solubility and bioavailability, as well as its preservation, is a major current priority. In addition, despite its promising pharmacological activities, preclinical and clinical studies are required to demonstrate and evaluate the in vivo efficacy of zerumbone.

Insights into metabolic and pharmacological profiling of Aspergillus ficuum through bioinformatics and experimental techniques

BACKGROUND

Recently, numerous novel bioactive fungal metabolites have been identified that possess broad therapeutic activities including anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, and antitumor. The fungal mycochemicals as well as extracts have increased the interest of the scientific community in drug discovery research through a combination approach such as, molecular metabolic, pharmacological and computational techniques. Therefore, the natural fungus Aspergillus ficuum (A. ficuum) (FCBP-DNA-1266) was selected for metabolic and pharmacological profiling in this study.

RESULTS

The metabolic profile of A. ficuum was explored for the first time and revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as choline sulfate, noruron, hydroxyvittatine, aurasperone D, cetrimonium, kurilensoside, heneicosane, nonadecane and eicosane. Similarly, a pharmacological screen of A. ficuum was performed for the first time in in vivo and in vitro models. Interestingly, both the ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions of A. ficuum were found to be more active against Bacillus subtilis among five tested bacteria with their zone of inhibition (ZOI) values of 21.00 mm ±1.00 and 23.00 mm ±1.00, at a concentration of 150 μgmL^-1 respectively. Similarly, a significant decrease (P<0.001) and (P<0.01) in paw edema was observed in A. ficuum-treated animals at doses of 50 and 150 mgkg^-1, respectively, reflecting its potent anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, the docking results supported the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of A. ficuum. In addition, the crude extract demonstrated no acute toxicity and the highest percent radical scavenging was recorded for both n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts.

CONCLUSION

The metabolic profile of A. ficuum indicated the presence of biological relevant compounds. A. ficuum extract exhibited potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects supported by docking results. Furthermore, A. ficuum extract demonstrated the highest percentage of radical scavenging activity along with no acute toxicity.

Lactobacillus plantarum and Deoxynivalenol Detoxification: A Concise Review

ABSTRACT

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary fungal metabolites that contaminate feeds, and their levels remain stable during feed processing. The economic impact of mycotoxins on animal production happens mainly due to losses related to direct effects on animal health and trade losses related to grain rejection. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene mycotoxin that has contaminated approximately 60% of the grains worldwide. Ingestion of DON induces many toxic effects on human and animal health. Detoxification strategies to decrease DON levels in food and feeds include physical and chemical methods; however, they are not very effective when incorporated into the industrial production process. A valuable alternative to achieve this aim is the use of lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria can control fungal growth and thus overcome DON production or can detoxify the mycotoxin through adsorption and biotransformation. Some Lactobacillus spp. strains, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, have demonstrated preventive effects against DON toxicity in poultry and swine. This beneficial effect is associated with a binding capacity of lactic acid bacteria cell wall peptidoglycan with mycotoxins. Moreover, several antifungal compounds have been isolated from L. plantarum supernatants, including lactic, acetic, caproic, phenyl lactic, 3-hydroxylated fatty, and cyclic dipeptide acids. Biotransformation of DON by L. plantarum into other products is also hypothesized, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this concise review, we highlight the use of L. plantarum as an alternative approach to reduce DON levels and toxicity. Although the action mechanism of L. plantarum is still not fully understood, these bacteria are a safe, efficient, and low-cost strategy to reduce economic losses from mycotoxin contamination cases.

HIGHLIGHTS

Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Poultry Feed in Selected Chicken Rearing Villages of Bishoftu Ethiopia

Background

Aflatoxins (AFs) are major contaminants of feed used in the poultry industry that negatively affect animal and human health. In Ethiopia, previous studies on AFs mainly considered cattle feed and milk but scarce information exists for poultry feeds.

Methods

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of AFs in poultry feed in selected chicken rearing villages of Bishoftu. The study was conducted from December 2018 to May 2019. Thirty-three compound poultry feed samples were collected and analyzed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) and total AFs (AFT) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The moisture content of the samples was also determined.

Results

The result indicated that 31 (94%) from a total of 33 samples were contaminated with AFs. The mean levels of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 and AFT were 70.11 µg/kg, 13.50 µg/kg, 88.55 µg/kg, 18.00 µg/kg and 190.18 µg/kg, respectively. This study found AFs at a level above the limit of FDA regulatory levels of 20 µg/kg in 25 (72.75%) samples for AFT and 22 (66.67%) samples for AFB1. The analysis of moisture content of the samples, ranges from 7.33% to 11.17%, indicating all were at optimal value (<12%).

Conclusion

The study showed the high contamination of AFs in poultry feeds with optimal moisture content and hence further investigations are needed to address the cause. The study also supports the need for preventive strategies of AFs contamination in poultry feeds in Bishoftu.

Aspergillus-bees: A dynamic symbiotic association

Besides representing one of the most relevant threats of fungal origin to human and animal health, the genus Aspergillus includes opportunistic pathogens which may infect bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) in all developmental stages. At least 30 different species of Aspergillus have been isolated from managed and wild bees. Some efficient behavioral responses (e.g., diseased brood removal) exerted by bees negatively affect the chance to diagnose the pathology, and may contribute to the underestimation of aspergillosis importance in beekeeping. On the other hand, bee immune responses may be affected by biotic and abiotic stresses and suffer from the loose co-evolutionary relationships with Aspergillus pathogenic strains. However, if not pathogenic, these hive mycobiota components can prove to be beneficial to bees, by affecting the interaction with other pathogens and parasites and by detoxifying xenobiotics. The pathogenic aptitude of Aspergillus spp. likely derives from the combined action of toxins and hydrolytic enzymes, whose effects on bees have been largely overlooked until recently. Variation in the production of these virulence factors has been observed among strains, even belonging to the same species. Toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains/species may co-exist in a homeostatic equilibrium which is susceptible to be perturbed by several external factors, leading to mutualistic/antagonistic switch in the relationships between Aspergillus and bees.

The multiple biotoxicity integrated study in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) caused by Ochratoxin A: Oxidative damage, apoptosis and immunosuppression

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a common hazardous food contaminant that seriously endangers human and animal health. However, limited study is focused on aquatic animal. This research investigated the multiple biotoxicity of OTA on spleen (SP) and head kidney (HK) in grass carp and its related mechanism. Our data showed that, dietary supplemented with OTA above 1209 μg/kg caused histopathological damages by decreasing the number of lymphocytes and necrotizing renal parenchymal cells. Meanwhile, OTA caused oxidative damage and reduced the isoforms mRNAs transcripts of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., GPX1, GPX4, GSTO) partly due to suppressing NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). OTA triggered apoptosis through mitochondria and death receptor pathway potentially by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation. Besides, OTA exacerbated inflammation by down-regulation of anti-inflammatory factor (e.g., IL-10, IL-4) and up-regulations of pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), which could be ascribed to signaling meditation of Janus kinase / signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT). Additionally, the safe upper limits of OTA were estimated to be 677.6 and 695.08 μg/kg based on the immune-related indexes (C3 contents in the SP and LZ activities in the HK, respectively). Our study has provided a wide insight for toxicological assessment of feed pollutant in aquatic animals.

Effects of embryo injected with ochratoxins A on hatching quality and jejunum antioxidant capacity of ducks at hatching

Numerous studies have shown that ochratoxins A (OTA) exerts diverse toxicological effects, namely, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, genotoxicity, enterotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of embryonic exposure to OTA by different injection times and OTA doses on hatching quality and jejunal antioxidant capacity of ducks at hatching. In total, 480 fertilized eggs were weighed and randomly assigned into a 4 × 4 factorial design including four OTA doses (0, 2, 4, and 8 ng/g egg) on 8, 13, 18, and 23 of embryonic development (E8, E13, E18, and E23). Each treatment included 6 repeats with 5 eggs per repeat. The results showed that the injection time affected the hatching weight (P < 0.0001). The relative length of the jejunum and ileum on E18 and E23 was lower than on E8 and E13 (P < 0.05). Injection time, doses, and their interaction had no effect on jejunum morphology, namely, villous height (Vh), crypt depth (Cd), and villous height/crypt depth ratio Vh/Cd (P > 0.05). The injection time affected the activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.0001), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P < 0.05) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.0001). The activity of SOD and T-AOC activities in the jejunum of ducklings injected with OTA at the E8 and E13 was lower than that injected at the E18 (P < 0.05). The highest MDA content was observed in ducklings injected with OTA at the E13 (P < 0.05). The injection time (P < 0.0001), OTA doses and their interaction affected the contents of IL-1β (P < 0.05), which significantly increased especially on E13. In conclusion, the embryo injected with ochratoxins A affected the hatching weight, the relative length of jejunum and ileum, decreased the antioxidant capacity and increased the content of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β of the jejunum.

A review of the potential of lichen substances as antifungal agents: the effects of extracts and lichen secondary metabolites on Fusarium fungi

The present meta-analysis provides literature data on the effect of lichen extracts and single secondary metabolites used against Fusarium spp. moulds. Lichen extracts were obtained from 51 corticolous, 17 terricolous and 18 saxicolous lichen species and 37 secondary compounds were tested against eight fungal species, i.e., Fusarium acuminatum, F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. fujikuroi, F. oxysporum, F. roseum, F. solani and F. udum. The researchers used several test methods, mostly to determine MIC and IZ. Extracts were obtained using several solvents, mainly organic ones with use of the Soxhlet apparatus. The most frequently tested species was F. oxysporum, against which lichen substances from Alectoria sarmentosa, Cladonia mitis, C. rangiferina, Flavoparmelia caperata, Hypotrachyna cirrhata, Leucodermia leucomelos, Parmotrema austrosinense, P. reticulatum, Physcia aipolia, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Roccella montagnei and Umbilicaria nylanderiana and secondary metabolites such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoic acid, atranorin, lecanoric and (+)-usnic acids showed the highest antifungal potential. These agencies could compete with the potential of fungicides, such as flucytosine and fluconazole. Other species have been poorly investigated. Statistical analysis of literature data showed that the fungistatic potential of lichen extracts is significantly different from individual secondary metabolites. Similarly, the potential of secondary metabolites often differs significantly from that of non-lichen substances. This meta-analysis indicates the potential of lichen substances as future anti-fusarial agents.

Incidence of toxigenic Aspergillus and Fusarium species occurring in maize kernels from Kenyan households

Aspergillus and Fusarium are fungal genera that include toxigenic and pathogenic species, able to suffuse farmers’ crops and secrete an array of small molecular weight secondary metabolites which can cause health complications to humans and animals when ingested. In sub-Sahara Africa, contamination and persistence of these fungi is increased by the tropical climatic conditions which are ideal for the fungi to thrive. This study evaluated the incidence, regional distribution and toxigenic potential of Aspergillus and Fusarium species occurring in maize kernels from Eastern, Western, Coastal and the Lake Victoria agro-ecological zones of Kenya. Maize kernels were collected from 16 households in each agro-ecological zone. Single spore technique was used to isolate pure cultures of Aspergillus and Fusarium which were identified morphologically. Further, molecular analysis was done using the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1) region of the ribosomal DNA for Aspergillus and the translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF-1α) for Fusarium. The potential of the isolated fungi to produce mycotoxins was probed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the aflatoxin regulatory aflaR gene in Aspergillus, and the fumonisin backbone structure gene FUM1 in Fusarium. Among the potentially aflatoxigenic A. flavus species isolated, 55% were from Eastern, 27% from the Coastal zone, 13% from Lake Victoria zone and 5% from Western Kenya. Among the potentially fumonisin producing F. verticillioides isolated, 45% were from the Lake Victoria agro-ecological zone, 30% were from Western, 15% from Eastern Kenya and 10% from the Coastal agro-ecological zone. This study adds data on potential mycotoxin hotspots in Kenya useful in employing targeted and regional mycotoxin mitigation strategies in efforts to avert future mycotoxicoses outbreaks in Kenya.

Integration of In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of Gliotoxin Production Reveals a Narrow Range of Producing Fungal Species

Gliotoxin is a fungal secondary metabolite with impact on health and agriculture since it might act as virulence factor and contaminate human and animal food. Homologous gliotoxin (GT) gene clusters are spread across a number of fungal species although if they produce GT or other related epipolythiodioxopiperazines (ETPs) remains obscure. Using bioinformatic tools, we have identified homologous gli gene clusters similar to the A. fumigatus GT gene cluster in several fungal species. In silico study led to in vitro confirmation of GT and Bisdethiobis(methylthio)gliotoxin (bmGT) production in fungal strain cultures by HPLC detection. Despite we selected most similar homologous gli gene cluster in 20 different species, GT and bmGT were only detected in section Fumigati species and in a Trichoderma virens Q strain. Our results suggest that in silico gli homology analyses in different fungal strains to predict GT production might be only informative when accompanied by analysis about mycotoxin production in cell cultures.

Protective effects of methanolic leaf extracts of Monanthotaxis caffra against aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic fungi. The present study investigated the protective effect of methanolic leaf extracts of Monanthotaxis caffra (MLEMC) against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 animals each. Five groups were administered orally for seven days with three different concentrations of MLEMC (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg), curcumin (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (25% propylene glycol). The following day, these groups were administered 1 mg/kg b.w. of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The experiment was terminated three days after administration of AFB1. Group 6 represented untreated healthy control. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and liver histopathology were evaluated. Methanolic leaf extracts of M. caffra decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine in the sera of rats as compared with the AFB1 intoxicated group. Co-administration of MLEMC improved the histological characteristics of the hepatocytes in contrast to the AFB1 treated group, which had mild to severe hepatocellular injuries including bile duct proliferation, bile duct hyperplasia, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and fibrosis. Extracts of M. caffra were beneficial in mitigating the hepatotoxic effects of AFB1 in rats by reducing the levels of liver enzymes and preventing hepatic injury.

Updating the Methodology of Identifying Maize Hybrids Resistant to Ear Rot Pathogens and Their Toxins—Artificial Inoculation Tests for Kernel Resistance to Fusarium graminearum, F. verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus

Resistance to toxigenic fungi and their toxins in maize is a highly important research topic, as mean global losses are estimated at about 10% of the yield. Resistance and toxin data of the hybrids are mostly not given, so farmers are not informed about the food safety risks of their grown hybrids. According to the findings aflatoxin regularly occurs at preharvest in Hungary and possibly other countries in the region can be jeopardized. We tested, with an improved methodology (two isolates, three pathogens, and a toxin control), 18 commercial hybrids (2017–2020) for kernel resistance (%), and for toxin contamination separately by two–two isolates of F. graminearum, F. verticillioides (mg/kg), and A. flavus (μg/kg). The preharvest toxin contamination was measured in the controls. Highly significant kernel resistance and toxin content differences were identified between hybrids to the different fungi. Extreme high toxin production was found for each toxic species. Only about 10–15% of the hybrids showed higher resistance to the fungal species tested and lower contamination level of their toxins. The lacking correlations between resistance to different fungi and toxins suggest that resistance to different fungi and response to toxin contamination inherits independently, so a toxin analysis is necessary. For safety risk estimation, separated artificial and natural kernel infection and toxin data are needed against all pathogens. Higher resistance to A. flavus and F. verticillioides stabilizes or improves feed safety in hot and dry summers, balancing the harmful effect of climate changes. Resistance and toxin tests during variety registration is an utmost necessity. The exclusion of susceptible or highly susceptible hybrids from commercial production results in reduced toxin contamination.

The Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Worldwide

Due to global warming, the risk of aflatoxins exposure through the consumption of contaminated food has increased. Aflatoxins pose serious health hazards to humans’ and animals’ health because of their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic properties and their immunosuppressive effects. Aflatoxin contamination in various agricultural commodities has attracted much attention worldwide. Date palm fruits are among these important commodities that are vulnerable to fungal contamination and consequent aflatoxins production. Furthermore, dates are often consumed directly without any further processing, which may result in direct exposure to aflatoxins. Moreover, dates are the second dried fruits traded worldwide, which reflects the widespread consumption of dates due to their nutritive values in addition to religious and cultural values. Accordingly, this review summarizes and discusses the frequency and incidence of aflatoxin contamination in dates worldwide and outlines the analytical procedure for aflatoxin determination in dates for the first time. The susceptibility of date palm fruits to aflatoxins contamination has been documented at various levels in several regions. The findings urged the importance of conducting more comprehensive studies on aflatoxin occurrence and contamination levels in dates as a likely contributor to the dietary exposure to aflatoxins.

Mycotoxin Exposure during the First 1000 Days of Life and Its Impact on Children’s Health: A Clinical Overview

The first 1000 days of life are very sensitive to any event that alters health programming, and they represent a window for intervention to improve population health. Pregnant women, fetuses, and infants are particularly vulnerable to exposure to food contaminated with mycotoxins. This review aimed to gather data from the literature on mycotoxins exposure during intrauterine life and early childhood, and associated health risks, as assessed through human biomonitoring and mycotoxins occurrence in foods, in different continents. Maternal internal exposure to aflatoxins is associated with fetal growth restriction, while exposure to fumonisins increases the risk of offspring’s neural tube defects. Mycotoxin contamination of breast milk is reported worldwide, but data on adverse effects of the lactational transfer of mycotoxins on infant health are lacking. Young children are exposed to mycotoxins through contaminated infant formulas and baby foods. Both external and internal exposure to aflatoxins and fumonisins in children are reported to be associated with growth impairment. In low-income settings, where other co-factors can affect growth, this association should be interpreted with caution. Further studies on human biomonitoring of mother–infant pairs and young children are needed to guide management strategies aiming to minimize mycotoxin exposure at critical developmental stages.

Mycotoxins’ Toxicological Mechanisms Involving Humans, Livestock and Their Associated Health Concerns: A Review

Mycotoxins are well established toxic metabolic entities produced when fungi invade agricultural/farm produce, and this happens especially when the conditions are favourable. Exposure to mycotoxins can directly take place via the consumption of infected foods and feeds; humans can also be indirectly exposed from consuming animals fed with infected feeds. Among the hundreds of mycotoxins known to humans, around a handful have drawn the most concern because of their occurrence in food and severe effects on human health. The increasing public health importance of mycotoxins across human and livestock environments mandates the continued review of the relevant literature, especially with regard to understanding their toxicological mechanisms. In particular, our analysis of recently conducted reviews showed that the toxicological mechanisms of mycotoxins deserve additional attention to help provide enhanced understanding regarding this subject matter. For this reason, this current work reviewed the mycotoxins’ toxicological mechanisms involving humans, livestock, and their associated health concerns. In particular, we have deepened our understanding about how the mycotoxins’ toxicological mechanisms impact on the human cellular genome. Along with the significance of mycotoxin toxicities and their toxicological mechanisms, there are associated health concerns arising from exposures to these toxins, including DNA damage, kidney damage, DNA/RNA mutations, growth impairment in children, gene modifications, and immune impairment. More needs to be done to enhance the understanding regards the mechanisms underscoring the environmental implications of mycotoxins, which can be actualized via risk assessment studies into the conditions/factors facilitating mycotoxins’ toxicities.

Substantive Morphological Descriptions, Phylogenetic Analysis and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Aspergillus Species From Foeniculum vulgare

Ascomycetous fungi are found associated with a wide variety of substrates which range from fresh water to marine ecosystems, tropical to temperate forest soils and deserts, throughout the world over. These demystifying fungi exist as endophytes, pathogens and saprobes. They have been studied due to their ability to contaminate foods and feedstuffs, causing an elaboration of mycotoxins. The objectives of the study included extensive analyses of the morphological features of fungi, especially Aspergilli, which have been presented while studying them on specific mycological media. It is also an elaborate compilation of substantive macro- and micro-morphological characterization of different Aspergilli isolated from the spice Foeniculum vulgare used in India and other countries in the world. Further, a first of its kind attempt has been made to study their relative abundance and frequency of occurrence, molecular phylogeny and genetic relatedness to characterize the Aspergilli into specific sections, groups and clades. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was carried out to evaluate the functional consequences of nucleotide variations, synonymous and non-synonymous mutations in the protein structure. The study resulted in a total of 3,506 Aspergillus isolates, which were obtained from seventy (70) fennel samples, representing 14 Aspergillus species. The two most frequently found species were A. niger and A. flavus with a relative abundance of 32.24 and 11.63%, respectively. The taxonomy and current placements have been reappraised with suggestions and prospects for future research from six sections namely Terrei, Flavi, Fumigati, Nidulantes, Nigri, and Versicolores. In addition, a total number of 27 isolates were studied and deposited at the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and five Aspergillus species have been identified and are being reported for the first time from the fennel seeds, based on partial sequence analysis of the official fungal barcode namely, Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and a functional gene, beta tubulin gene locus, coupled with phenotypic characterization. SNPs for specific DNA regions have been used to identify variants in Aspergilli obtained from Indian fennel seeds for the first time. The need for a polyphasic approach of morphological identification and genetic characterization of Aspergilli from Foeniculum vulgare is addressed and presented here in adequate detail. Our current work makes extensive use of partial beta-tubulin gene sequences analyses to evaluate the association between SNPs in five Aspergillus species sections.

Practical Application of Urinary Zearalenone Monitoring System for Feed Hygiene Management of a Japanese Black Cattle Breeding Herd—The Relationship between Monthly Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Serum Amyloid A Concentrations

This study addresses an advantageous application of a urinary zearalenone (ZEN) monitoring system not only for surveillance of ZEN exposure at the production site of breeding cows but also for follow-up monitoring after improvement of feeds provided to the herd. As biomarkers of effect, serum levels of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations were used. Based on the results of urinary ZEN measurement, two cows from one herd had urinary ZEN concentrations which were two orders of magnitude higher (ZEN: 1.34 mg/kg, sterigmatocystin (STC): 0.08 mg/kg in roughages) than the levels of all cows from three other herds (ZEN: not detected, STC: not detected in roughages). For the follow-up monitoring of the herd with positive ZEN and STC exposure, urine, blood, and roughage samples were collected from five cows monthly for one year. A monitoring series in the breeding cattle herd indicated that feed concentrations were not necessarily reflected in urinary concentrations; urinary monitoring assay by ELISA may be a simple and accurate method that reflects the exposure/absorption of ZEN. Additionally, although the ZEN exposure level appeared not to be critical compared with the Japanese ZEN limitation in dietary feeds, a negative regression trend between the ZEN and AMH concentrations was observed, indicating that only at extremely universal mycotoxin exposure levels, ZEN exposure may affect the number of antral follicles in cattle. A negative regression trend between the ZEN and SAA concentrations could also be demonstrated, possibly indicating the innate immune suppression caused by low-level chronic ZEN exposure. Finally, significant differences (p = 0.0487) in calving intervals between pre-ZEN monitoring (mean ± SEM: 439.0 ± 41.2) and post-ZEN monitoring (349.9 ± 6.9) periods were observed in the monitored five cows. These preliminary results indicate that the urinary ZEN monitoring system may be a useful practical tool not only for detecting contaminated herds under field conditions but also provides an initial look at the effects of long-term chronic ZEN/STC (or other co-existing mycotoxins) exposure on herd productivity and fertility.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of AFB1 and OTA-toxicity through immunofluorescence and flow cytometry techniques: A systematic review

Due to the globalization, mycotoxins have been considered a major risk to human health being the main contaminants of foodstuffs. Among them, AFB1 and OTA are the most toxic and studied. Therefore, the goal of this review is to deepen the knowledge about the toxicological effects that AFB1 and OTA can induce on human health by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques in vitro and in vivo models. The examination of the selected reports shows that the majority of them are focused on immunotoxicity while the rest are concerned about nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, neurotoxicity, embryotoxicity, reproductive system, breast, esophageal and lung toxicity. In relation to immunofluorescence analysis, biological processes related to AFB1- and OTA-toxicity were evaluated such as inflammation, neuronal differentiation, DNA damage, oxidative stress and cell death. In flow cytometry analysis, a wide range of assays have been performed across the reviewed studies being apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis and intracellular ROS measurement the most employed. Although, the toxic effects of AFB1 and OTA have been reported, further research is needed to clarify AFB1 and OTA-mechanism of action on human health.

Urinary Biomarkers of Mycotoxin Induced Nephrotoxicity-Current Status and Expected Future Trends

The intensifying world-wide spread of mycotoxigenic fungal species has increased the possibility of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed and the human food chain. Growing evidence shows the deleterious toxicological effects of mycotoxins from infants to adults, while large population-based screening programs are often missing to identify affected individuals. The kidney functions as the major excretory system, which makes it particularly vulnerable to nephrotoxic injury. However, few studies have attempted to screen for kidney injury biomarkers in large, mycotoxin-exposed populations. As a result, there is an urgent need to screen them with sensitive biomarkers for potential nephrotoxicity. Although a plethora of biomarkers have been tested to estimate the harmful effects of a wide spectrum of toxicants, β₂-microglobulin (β₂-MG) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) are currently the dominant biomarkers employed routinely in environmental toxicology research. Nevertheless, kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are also emerging as useful and informative markers to reveal mycotoxin induced nephrotoxicity. In this opinion article we consider the nephrotoxic effects of mycotoxins, the biomarkers available to detect and quantify the kidney injuries caused by them, and to recommend biomarkers to screen mycotoxin-exposed populations for renal damage.

Janus-Faced Molecules against Plant Pathogenic Fungi

The high cytotoxicity of the secondary metabolites of mycotoxins is capable of killing microbes and tumour cells alike, similarly to the genotoxic effect characteristic of Janus-faced molecules. The "double-edged sword" effect of several cytotoxins is known, and these agents have, therefore, been utilized only reluctantly against fungal infections. In this review, consideration was given to (a) toxins that could be used against plant and human pathogens, (b) animal models that measure the effect of antifungal agents, (c) known antifungal agents that have been described and efficiently prevent the growth of fungal cells, and (d) the chemical interactions that are characteristic of antifungal agents. The utilization of apoptotic effects against tumour growth by agents that, at the same time, induce mutations may raise ethical issues. Nevertheless, it deserves consideration despite the mutagenic impact of Janus-faced molecules for those patients who suffer from plant pathogenic fungal infections and are older than their fertility age, in the same way that the short-term cytotoxicity of cancer treatment is favoured over the long-term mutagenic effect.

Key Global Actions for Mycotoxin Management in Wheat and Other Small Grains

Mycotoxins in small grains are a significant and long-standing problem. These contaminants may be produced by members of several fungal genera, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Claviceps, and Penicillium. Interventions that limit contamination can be made both pre-harvest and post-harvest. Many problems and strategies to control them and the toxins they produce are similar regardless of the location at which they are employed, while others are more common in some areas than in others. Increased knowledge of host-plant resistance, better agronomic methods, improved fungicide management, and better storage strategies all have application on a global basis. We summarize the major pre- and post-harvest control strategies currently in use. In the area of pre-harvest, these include resistant host lines, fungicides and their application guided by epidemiological models, and multiple cultural practices. In the area of post-harvest, drying, storage, cleaning and sorting, and some end-product processes were the most important at the global level. We also employed the Nominal Group discussion technique to identify and prioritize potential steps forward and to reduce problems associated with human and animal consumption of these grains. Identifying existing and potentially novel mechanisms to effectively manage mycotoxin problems in these grains is essential to ensure the safety of humans and domesticated animals that consume these grains.

Biological risk assessment in the History and Historical Documentation Library of the University of Milan

There are billions of books that in recent and in ancient times have been produced by the human race containing evidence of its intellectual and cultural efforts. Even when stored in libraries, not all these books survive over time undamaged, because in the biosphere their materials are potential nutrients. This is the unfortunate case of the History and Historical Documentation Library of the University of Milan, where biological agents have badly affected rare and valuable old books. An entomological monitoring was carried out using sticky traps and collecting insects during inspections. The beetle Gastrallus pubens Fairmaire, rarely identified in European libraries so far, was the main biological agent responsible for the book damage, since several tunnels due to larval activity and holes made by adults were observed. Using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were found to be the most abundant phyla. Ascomycota was the dominant phylum among three fungal phyla. As bacteria and fungi spread by the insects are primary indications of the insect presence in the library, in this paper a potential biomarker able to detect the G. pubens presence before visible infestation was searched for among the bacterial and fungal community peculiar in the insect frass and gut, but also found on books and the surfaces of shelves. Symbiotaphrina, an ascomycete fungus described as one of the symbiotic levuliform fungi, present in the anobiid beetles' gut, was the only one found in all samples analyzed and has therefore been proposed as a putative biomarker.

Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A Using Salvia farinacea and Azadirachta indica Water Extract and Application in Meat Products

Seventy-five samples of selected meat products, including luncheon, beef burger, sausage, basterma, and kofta, were collected from Alexandria and New Borg El-Arab cities (Egypt). The samples were subjected to mycological examination as well as for detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) residues. Besides, the study evaluated the effect of aqueous leaf extracts from mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea) and neem (Azadirachta indica), individually and in combination, on the growth of human pathogens Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus producing AFB1, as well as Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger which produce OTA. The obtained results revealed that sausage samples had the highest mould count with a mean value of 13.20×102/g, followed by basterma samples 12.05×102/g, then beef burger 7.39×102/g. In contrast, luncheon and kofta samples had the lowest count with a mean value of 5.51×102/g and 2.82×102/g. The findings revealed the antifungal potential of tested extracts. The total inhibition of A. parasitcus and A. niger growth was observed at 2 mg/mL of the combined extract. Salvia farinacea extract had the highest total phenolic content and total flavonoid content with a value of 174.1 and 52.6 mg g-1, respectively. Rutin was the major phenolic component in neem and combined extracts, accounting for 19123 and 8882 μg/g, respectively. Besides, the study investigated detoxification of AFB1 and OTA using combined extract in albino rats. The results confirmed the convenient and safe use of Salvia farinacea and Azadirachta indica extract and their combination as natural antifungal and antioxidant agents. The combined extract could be used as a natural preservative in food processing to control or prevent contamination.

Biomonitoring aflatoxin B1 exposure of residents from the Amazon region: a pilot study

The present study was a pilot study that aimed to evaluate the occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) in the human diets and its presence in human urine as a metabolite (aflatoxin M1; AFM1). Volunteers from the Amazon region were evaluated before and after the consumption of 2 Brazil nuts/day for thirty days. At the end of 30 days (t=30) without the consumption of Brazil nuts, 9 samples (30%) were positive for AFM1. After 30 days (t=30) consuming 2 Brazil nuts per day, there was a reduction to 2 positive samples (7%). Questionnaires were also applied to volunteers, and the foods most often cited as consumed in their normal diet were cereals and bovine milk. However, there was no statistical relationship between these foods and the levels of AFM1 in the urine or in relation to those who already consumed Brazil nuts in culinary preparations or derived products. Despite the reduction of positive samples for AFM1 after 30 days of Brazil nut consumption, we suggest further studies regarding the clinical condition and genetics of individuals from the Amazon region, as well as the nutrient levels of the diet, e.g. for selenium, and which may protect the human body against aflatoxins.

Essential oils and their nanoformulations as green preservatives to boost food safety against mycotoxin contamination of food commodities: a review

Postharvest food spoilage due to fungal and mycotoxin contamination is a major challenge in tropical countries, leading to severe adverse effects on human health. Because of the negative effects of synthetic preservatives on both human health and the environment, it has been recommended that chemicals that have a botanical origin, with an eco-friendly nature and a favorable safety profile, should be used as green preservatives. Recently, the food industry and consumers have been shifting drastically towards green consumerism because of their increased concerns about health and the environment. Among different plant-based products, essential oils (EOs) and their bioactive components are strongly preferred as antimicrobial food preservatives. Despite having potent antimicrobial efficacy and preservation potential against fungal and mycotoxin contamination, essential oils and their bioactive components have limited practical applicability caused by their high volatility and their instability, implying the development of techniques to overcome the challenges associated with EO application. Essential oils and their bioactive components are promising alternatives to synthetic preservatives. To overcome challenges associated with EOs, nanotechnology has emerged as a novel technology in the food industries. Nanoencapsulation may boost the preservative potential of different essential oils by improving their solubility, stability, and targeted sustainable release. Nanoencapsulation of EOs is therefore currently being practiced to improve the stability and bioactivity of natural products. The present review has dealt extensively with the application of EOs and their nanoformulated products encapsulated in suitable polymeric matrices, so as to recommend them as novel green preservatives against foodborne molds and mycotoxin-induced deterioration of stored food commodities. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.