Fumonisin B(1): a neurotoxic mycotoxin.
Abstract: Fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp. moulds that contaminate crop, predominantly maize, all around the world. More than 15 types of fumonisins have been indentified so far, but FB(1) is the most abundant and toxicologically the most significant one. FB(1) has a wide range of toxic effects, depending on animal species. In horses FB(1) causes equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), in pigs pulmonary oedema and in experimental rodents nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. In humans exposure to FB(1) is linked with higher incidence of primary liver cancer and oesophageal cancer, which are frequent in certain regions of the world (such as Transkei region in South Africa) where maize is staple food. The occurrence of neural tube defect in children in some countries of Central America (such as Mexico and Honduras) is connected with the consumption of FB(1)-contaminated maize-based food. However, possible involvement of FB(1) in the development of human diseases is not clear. Nevertheless, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified FB(1) as a possible carcinogen to humans (group 2B). FB(1) is a causative agent of ELEM, a brain disorder in equines, indicating that brain is a target organ of FB(1) toxicity. Several studies on experimental animals or on cell cultures of neural origin have established that FB(1) has a neurodegenerative potential, although the mechanism of its neurotoxicity is still vague. The aim of this article is to give an overview of available literature on FB(1) neurotoxicity and involved mechanisms, and to offer a new perspective for future studies.
Publication Date: 2013-01-22 PubMed ID: 23334049DOI: 10.2478/10004-1254-63-2012-2239Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article abstract discusses the effects and potential risks associated with a toxic compound called Fumonisin B(1). This toxin is produced by specific types of molds found in crops such as maize and has been linked to various health issues in animals and humans.
Fumonisin B(1) Origin and Impact
- Fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) is a type of mycotoxin, a toxic compound produced by certain species of molds, specifically Fusarium spp. These molds frequently contaminate crops worldwide, with maize being the most commonly affected.
- There are more than 15 types of fumonisins, but FB(1) is the most common and most toxicologically significant due to its prevalence and the range and severity of its effects.
Effects of FB(1) on Different Species
- FB(1) has a range of toxic effects, which vary depending on the affected species. In horses, FB(1) can cause equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), a severe and usually fatal brain disease. In pigs, it can lead to pulmonary edema, which is fluid accumulation in the lung tissues. In experimental rodents, FB(1) has been linked to kidney (nephrotoxicity) and liver damage (hepatotoxicity).
Impact of FB(1) on Human Health
- In humans, exposure to FB(1) has been associated with an increased incidence of primary liver and esophageal cancer, particularly in regions where maize is a dietary staple, such as the Transkei region in South Africa.
- A rise in neural tube defects in children in Central America, specifically Mexico and Honduras, has also been linked to consumption of FB(1)-contaminated maize-based foods. However, the exact role of FB(1) in the development of these health issues is not definitively understood.
- Despite these possible links, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified FB(1) as a “possible carcinogen to humans” (group 2B) as more research is needed to establish a definite connection.
FB(1) Neurotoxicity
- The fact that FB(1) causes ELEM, a brain disorder, indicates the brain is a potential target for FB(1) toxicity, suggesting a neurological potential for the toxin.
- Several studies carried out on experimental animals or cell cultures of neural origin have shown that FB(1) could potentially cause neurodegenerative conditions. However, the exact mechanism of its neurotoxic effects is not yet clear.
- The article aims to review the available literature about FB(1)’s neurotoxicity and the mechanisms involved, offering a new perspective on future studies.
Cite This Article
APA
Domijan AM.
(2013).
Fumonisin B(1): a neurotoxic mycotoxin.
Arh Hig Rada Toksikol, 63(4), 531-544.
https://doi.org/10.2478/10004-1254-63-2012-2239 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Carcinogens / toxicity
- Cell Culture Techniques
- Disease Models, Animal
- Esophageal Neoplasms / chemically induced
- Esophageal Neoplasms / microbiology
- Food Contamination / analysis
- Food Microbiology
- Fumonisins / toxicity
- Fusarium / pathogenicity
- Humans
- Leukoencephalopathies / chemically induced
- Leukoencephalopathies / microbiology
- Leukoencephalopathies / veterinary
- Liver Neoplasms / chemically induced
- Liver Neoplasms / microbiology
- Neural Tube Defects / chemically induced
- Neural Tube Defects / microbiology
- Neurotoxins / toxicity
- Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
- Pulmonary Edema / chemically induced
- Pulmonary Edema / microbiology
- Pulmonary Edema / veterinary
- Zea mays / microbiology
Citations
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