Fumonisins – Importance and occurence of a new group of mycotoxins.

The research investigates the significance and occurrence of fumonisins, a type of mycotoxins generated by certain Fusarium species, primarily in corn-based foods. It considers their health impacts on both humans and animals, with particular focus on their connection to various diseases and potential to cause cancer.

Importance of Fumonisins

• Fumonisins are toxins produced by Fusarium species, notably Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum. These mycotoxins are predominantly found in maize (corn) and maize-based products.
• The importance of fumonisins lies in their potential health impacts on both human and animal consumers of infected food products. In different species of animals, like horses, pigs, cows, and poultry, various diseases have been linked to fumonisin consumption.
• The paper also discusses the possible association of fumonisins to human esophageal cancer, although it acknowledges that no direct causality has been established yet.

Effects on Animal Health

• Horses exposed to fumonisin levels of 5-10 parts per million (ppm) in feed can develop Equine Leucoencephalomalacia, a disease affecting the brain and liver.
• Pigs exhibit different toxic reactions based on the levels of fumonisin ingested—with hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) effects occurring from 10 to 150 ppm, and pneumotoxic (lung-damaging) effects seen with amounts exceeding 150 ppm.
• It appears that cattle and poultry are less affected by fumonisins, although the paper does not provide specific details about this.

Effects on Human Health

• The study also discussed potential health impacts in rats and humans. In rats, a diet including 50 ppm of fumonisin B1 led to liver and kidney toxicity, and chronic exposure resulted in liver cancer.
• In humans, fumonisins are being studied for a potential role in the development of esophageal cancer, although this research is not yet conclusive.

Mode of Action

• The study suggests that the fumonisins’ potential toxicity might result from inhibiting sphingolipid biosynthesis. This occurs by blocking the enzyme sphyngosine or sphinganine-N-acyltransferase, thereby disrupting normal cell functioning.
• Understanding this mechanism is crucial for developing strategies for treating diseases associated with fumonisin consumption and possibly preventing the growth of these mycotoxins.

Research Method

• Fumonisins were detected in 299 corn-based food samples from Munich. The toxins were identified by performing an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), a commonly used analytical biochemistry assay to detect the presence of specific substances in a mixture.