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Natural occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins (trichothecenes and zearalenone) in barley and corn in Korea.

Barley is produced in four provinces, Chonbuk, Chonnam, Kyungbuk, and Kyungnam, and corn is mainly produced in the Kangwon province in Korea. The natural occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins was surveyed in 39 barley and 46 corn samples from different areas. Five 8-ketotrichothecenes, namely deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), 4-acetylnivalenol (4-ANIV), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON), and 4,15-diacetylnivalenol (4,15-DANIV), and zearalenone (ZEA) were detected in barley. DON, NIV, and ZEA were the major contaminants in barley, with mean levels of 170, 1,011, and 287 ng/g, respectively. On the other hand, DON, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON), NIV, 4-ANIV, 4,15-DANIV, and ZEA were detected in corn samples. DON and 15-ADON were the major contaminants in corn, with mean levels of 310 and 297 ng/g, respectively. The survey indicated that the natural occurrence of monoacetyl-DON and the ratios of NIV to DON in two cereals were different. In addition, this is the first report of the natural occurrence of 4,15-DANIV in cereals.

Animals↗

Production of polyclonal antibodies to the trichothecene mycotoxin 4,15-diacetylnivalenol with the carrier-adjuvant cholera toxin.

The trichothecene mycotoxin 4,15-diacetylnivalenol (DNIV) was conjugated to cholera toxin (DNIV-CT) for use as an immunogen and as an adjuvant for specific antibody production. Repeated intravenous injection of 7.5 micrograms of the conjugate was effective at generating specific antibodies to DNIV in rabbits as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). When small amounts (1 to 10 micrograms per animal) of DNIV-CT were used to immunize mice, polyclonal antibodies were observed as early as 4 weeks of immunization. The relative affinity of the antibodies to DNIV increased with the immunogen dose in mice. Antibodies were not detectable in either rabbits or mice that were injected with DNIV conjugated to the carrier protein bovine serum albumin or when DNIV-CT was blocked with glutaraldehyde. Competitive ELISA of mouse and rabbit serum revealed that the antibodies were most specific for DNIV but reacted to a small extent with fusarenone-X, deoxynivalenol, and nivalenol. No reactivity was observed with 3- or 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol. The results suggest that specific polyclonal antibodies can be prepared against a trichothecene when CT is used as an adjuvant and carrier protein. DNIV antibodies will be useful for monitoring the compound in food in conjunction with other trichothecene antibodies, detection of DNIV-producing cultures, and investigation of 8-ketotrichothecene biosynthesis.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Simultaneous occurrence of fumonisin B1 and other mycotoxins in moldy corn collected from the People's Republic of China in regions with high incidences of esophageal cancer.

A total of 31 corn samples collected from households in the counties of Cixian and Linxian of the People's Republic of China, where high incidences of esophageal cancer have been reported, were analyzed for fumonisin B1 (FB1), aflatoxin, and total trichothecene mycotoxins. High levels of FB1 (18 to 155 ppm; mean, 74 ppm) were found in 16 of the samples that showed heavy mold contamination. FB1, at lower levels (20 to 60 ppm; mean, 35.3 ppm), was also found in 15 samples, collected from the same households, that did not show any visible mold contamination. The levels of aflatoxin in the samples were low (1 to 38.4 ppb; mean, 8.61 ppb). High levels of total type-A trichothecenes were also found in the moldy corn samples (139 to 2,030 ppb; mean, 627 ppb). Immunochromatography of selected samples revealed that these samples contained T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, iso-neosolaniol, monoacetoxyscirpenol, and several other type-A trichothecenes. The concentration of total type-B trichothecenes in 15 moldy corn samples was in the range of 470 to 5,826 ppb (mean, 2,359 ppb). High levels (3.7 to 5.0 mg/g) of FB1 were produced in corn in the laboratory by five Fusarium moniliforme strains isolated from the moldy corn. These fungi were also capable of forming various nitrosamines (5 to 16 micrograms per flask) in the presence of nitrate and precursor amines.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

China↗

Aspergillus nidulans verA is required for production of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin.

Aspergillus nidulans produces the carcinogenic mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (ST), the next-to-last precursor in the aflatoxin (AF) biosynthetic pathway found in the closely related fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. We identified and characterized an A. nidulans gene, verA, that is required for converting the AF precursor versicolorin A to ST. verA is closely related to several polyketide biosynthetic genes involved in polyketide production in Streptomyces spp. and exhibits extended sequence similarity to A. parasiticus ver-1, a gene proposed to encode an enzyme involved in converting versicolorin A to ST. By performing a sequence analysis of the region 3' to verA, we identified two additional open reading frames, designated ORF1 and ORF2. ORF2 is closely related to a number of cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases, while ORF1 shares identity with the gamma subunit of translation elongation factor 1. Given that several steps in the ST-AF pathway may require monooxygenase activity and that AF biosynthetic genes are clustered in A. flavus and A. parasiticus, we suggest that verA may be part of a cluster of genes required for ST biosynthesis. We disrupted the verA coding region by inserting the A. nidulans argB gene into the center of the coding region and transformed an A. nidulans argB2 mutant to arginine prototrophy. Seven transformants that produced DNA patterns indicative of a verA disruption event were grown under ST-inducing conditions, and all of the transformants produced versicolorin A but negligible amounts of ST (200-fold to almost 1,000-fold less than the wild type), confirming the hypothesis that verA encodes an enzyme necessary for converting versicolorin A to ST.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A sensitive and inexpensive yeast bioassay for the mycotoxin zearalenone and other compounds with estrogenic activity.

Zearalenone (ZON) is a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by plant-pathogenic species of Fusarium. As a consequence of infection with Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium graminearum, ZON can be found in cereals and derived food products. Since ZON is suspected to be a cause of human disease, including premature puberty syndrome, as well as hyperestrogenism in farm animals, several countries have established monitoring programs and guidelines for ZON levels in grain intended for human consumption and animal feed. We developed a low-cost method for monitoring ZON contamination in grain based on a sensitive yeast bioassay. The indicator Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain YZRM7 is unable to grow unless an engineered pyrimidine biosynthetic gene is activated by the expressed human estrogen receptor in the presence of exogenous estrogenic substances. Deletion of the genes encoding ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters Pdr5p and Snq2p increases net ZON uptake synergistically. Less than 1 microg of ZON per liter of medium is sufficient to allow growth of the indicator strain. To prevent interference with pyrimidines potentially present in biological samples, we also disrupted the genes FUR1 and URK1, blocking the pyrimidine salvage pathway. The bioassay strain YZRM7 allows qualitative detection and quantification of total estrogenic activity in cereal extracts without requiring further cleanup steps. Its high sensitivity makes this assay suitable for low-cost monitoring of contamination of maize and small grain cereals with estrogenic Fusarium mycotxins.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Biological assays for two mycotoxins produced by Fusarium tricinctum.

A survey was made to detect microorganisms useful for assaying butenolide [4-acetamido-4-hydroxy-2-butenoic acid gamma-lactone] and T-2 toxin [4beta, 15-diacetoxy-8alpha-(3-methylbutyryloxy)-12,13-epoxytricothec -9-en-3alpha-ol]. These mycotoxins produced by strains of Fusarium tricinctum have been implicated in mycotoxicosis of livestock. Although butenolide proved to be a very weak antibiotic, assay discs containing 100 mug of this toxin inhibited Sprillum serpens NRRL B-2052, Vibrio tyrogenus NRRL B-1033, and Xanthomonas campestris NRRL B-1459. T-2 toxin had no effect on 54 bacterial strains but inhibited 6 of 11 fungi. Growth of Rhodotorula rubra NRRL Y-7222 and Penicillium digitatum NRRL 1202 was retarded by assay discs containing 4 mug of T-2 toxin. Solutions with less than 1 mug of T-2 per ml toxin were readily detected by a pea seed germination test. Germination was reduced more than 50% when seeds imbibed solutions of 0.5 mug of T-2 toxin per ml. Butenolide had no effect on pea seed germination at concentrations as high as 200 mug/ml.

Bacteria↗

Correlation of biological to chromatographic data for two mycotoxins elaborated by Fusarium.

Thirty-seven identified strains of Fusarium, most of them isolated from fescue grass, were tested for their ability to elaborate mycotoxins in laboratory culture. The presence of the toxins was determined by infrared light, thin-layer chromatography, mouse toxicity, fungistatic effects, and phytotoxic properties. A good correlation was demonstrated between T-2 toxin detection by thin-layer chromatography and inhibition of Rhodotorula rubra by culture extracts. All of the strains producing either butenolide or T-2 toxin were toxic to mice with but one exception; those producing T-2 toxin inhibited growth of the yeast.

Animals↗

Biological modification of trichothecene mycotoxins: acetylation and deacetylation of deoxynivalenols by Fusarium spp.

Attempts were made to elucidate the acetyl transformation of novel trichothecene mycotoxins, 3a,7a,15-trihydroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en-8-one (deoxynivalenol) and its derivatives, by trichothecene-producing strains of Fusarium nivale, F. roseum, and F. solani. In the peptone-supplemented Czapek-Dox medium, F. roseum converted 3a-acetoxy-7a,15-dihydroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en-8-one (3-acetyldeoxynivalenol) to deoxynivalenol. 3-Acetyldeoxynivalenol was also deacetylated by intact mycelia of the three strains in sugar-free Czapek-Dox medium. The growing F. nivale acetylated deoxynivalenol to afford a small amount of 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol. 3a,7a,15-Triacetoxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en-8-one (7,15-diacetyl-deoxynivalenol), which was then deacetylated to give 7a-acetoxy-3a,15-dihydroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en-8-one (7-acetyldeoxynivalenol). It was noted that the ester at C-7 was not hydrolyzed by the fungal mycelium.

Acetylation↗

Tremorgenic mycotoxins from Aspergillus caespitosus.

Two tremorgenic mycotoxins were isolated from Aspergillus caespitosus, and identified as verruculogen and fumitremorgin B. They were produced at the rate of 172 and 325 mg per kg, respectively, on autoclaved cracked field corn.

Animals↗

Mycotoxin production by Chaetomium spp. and related fungi.

Screening for mycotoxin production by Chaetomium spp. and related fungi on rice culture was conducted by a combination of cytotoxicity tests using HeLa cells and thin-layer chromatography. Producers of sterigmatocystin, O-methylsterigmatocystin, chaetochromin, chaetocin, chetomin, cochliodinols, and mollicellin G were found and the taxonomic significance of these findings is discussed.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Antitumor effect of a mycotoxin: rubratoxin B.

The antitumor effect of rubratoxin B, a mycotoxin, has been studied. Yoshida ascites sarcoma cells, in vitro in contact for 30 min with the drug and injected immediately afterwards into young rats by the intraperitoneal route, produced the survival of 80% of the animals and the doubling of the median survival time of the rats developing neoplasia. In vivo administration of the drug by the intraperitoneal route 24 h after implantation of tumor cells determined the prolongation of median survival time; supplied by other routes both against T8 sarcoma of Guérin and Yoshida ascites sarcoma it was ineffective. The differences between in vitro and in vivo results can be explained by a rapid neutralization of the drug on behalf of the organism's enzymes or by being bound to proteins and peritoneal cells unlike tumor cells.

Animals↗

Renal effects of fumonisin mycotoxins in animals.

Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced worldwide by Fusarium fungi, principally F. moniliforme. The fungus is present in virtually all harvested corn, but the toxins produced are variable. The toxins, especially fumonisin B1, cause mild to fatal diseases in animals, with peculiar species specificity for the dominant signs of toxicity. The mechanism of toxicity is poorly understood, but it appears to be related to interference with sphingolipid biosynthesis in multiple organs. Whereas brain, lung, and liver are well-known target organs, toxic effects on the kidney are also widespread and have only recently begun to be characterized. Increased urine volume and decreased osmolarity are early changes associated with the toxin, as are increased excretions of high- and low-molecular-weight proteins. Enzymuria in vivo, reduced ion transport in vitro, and elevation of free sphinganine in renal tissue and in urine are present. An increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and histopathologic change in renal tubules occur later and at higher doses. The morphologic change principally affects the junction of cortex and medulla and includes prominent apoptosis of epithelial cells of proximal convoluted tubules. Nephrotoxicity has been reported in several species, and in rats and rabbits, the kidney appears to be the most sensitive target organ.

Animals↗

Correlation between alimentary mycotoxin contamination and specific diseases.

Several pathological cases including primitive hepatomas, Reye's syndrome, alimentary toxic aleukaemia, were encountered in two different Tunisian Sahel hospitals. Contamination of some nutriments of the patients by mycotoxins (aflatoxins, trichothecenes, ochratoxin A, citrinin) are most likely involved in the origin of these diseases.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Delayed dystonia with striatal CT lucencies induced by a mycotoxin (3-nitropropionic acid).

We describe a clinical syndrome of delayed dystonia in children subsequent to initial gastrointestinal symptoms and acute noninflammatory encephalopathy. The syndrome was caused by the ingestion of mildewed sugarcane containing the Arthrinium-produced mycotoxin, 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA). In the severely affected patients, intoxication usually was heralded by coma, with dystonia appearing 7 to 40 days after recovery from the coma. The dystonia was manifested as choreoathetosis, torsion spasms, or painful paroxysmal spasms of the extremities and was neither progressive nor reversible. CTs of the dystonic patients consistently showed bilateral hypodensities in the lenticular nuclei. The pathogenesis of the selective lenticular lesions induced by 3-NPA is not yet clear.

Carbohydrates↗

Abnormal behavioral effects elicited by a neurotropic mycotoxin, fumitremorgin A in mice.

Fumitremorgin A (FTA), a neurotropic mycotoxin induced dose-dependent abnormal behaviors, including tremor, clonic convulsion, kangaroo posture and tonic extensor convulsion in the mouse. FTA-induced tonic extensor convulsion was markedly suppressed by anticonvulsant, e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin. Phenobarbital, trimethadione, valproic acid and mephenesin decreased the occurrence of abnormal behaviors induced by FTA. Although pentylenetetrazol-induced tonic extensor convulsion was not affected by antipsychotic drugs (dopaminergic drugs) except chlorpromazine, FTA-induced abnormal behaviors were inhibited by antipsychotic drugs, e.g. chlorpromazine, haloperidol. Chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and muscimol inhibited FTA-induced abnormal behaviors. These findings suggest that both dopaminergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic systems are involved in FTA-induced abnormal behaviors. FTA-induced abnormal behaviors may be useful as a common experimental model for the primary evaluation of anticonvulsants, antipsychotic drugs and anxiolytic drugs.

Animals↗