PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Mycotoxins”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1977

Field desorption mass spectrometry of mycotoxins and mycotoxin mixtures, and its application as a screening technique for foodstuffs.

The field desorption mass spectra of a variety of mycotoxins have been studied. These include the 4 aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, rubratoxin B, T-2 toxin, and zearalenone, as well as mixtures of these mycotoxins. The spectra of all of the mycotoxins exhibited molecular ions [M]+. Under the conditions employed, only rubratoxin B exhibited major fragmentation. The field desorption technique has been applied to the analysis of both spiked and naturally contaminated extracts of foodstuffs. The potential of the method as an analytical screening technique for the presence of mycotoxins has been evaluated.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1978

Mycotoxins in foodstuffs. XII. The influence of the water activity (a-w) of cakes on the growth of moulds and the formation of mycotoxins.

The influence of various a-w values (high, moderate and low, e.g. 0.92, 0.87, and 0.82) of cakes ("Rührkuchen", made of wheat flour, sugar, eggs, fat and water) on the development and the mycotoxin production of Aspergillus flavus (aflatoxins), A. versicolor (sterigmatocystin), A. ochraceus (ochratoxin A), Penicillium chrysogenum (citrinin) and P. expansum (patulin) was investigated. None of the moulds was able to germinate at an a-w of 0.82. An increase of the water activity resulted in a pronounced growth of the five fungi. Citrinin was not formed on the cakes at all. The yields of the other mycotoxins were not markedly influenced by the a-w (0.92 or 0.87). During the development of the moulds the a-w of the substrate was lowered at first (water requirement during germination and initial growth) and subsequently increased (initiation of the secondary metabolism).

Aspergillus↗
PubMed1992

The influence of contamination with separate mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, citrinin, patulin, penicillic acid or sterigmatocystin) on the in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibilities of some roughages (berseem hay and wheat straw).

In vitro study on berseem hay and wheat straw was undertaken to investigate the the effect of mycotoxin contamination on dry matter and organic matter digestibilities. The data revealed a negative effect of most studied mycotoxins on the materials digestibility. Among the investigated mycotoxins, penicillic acid with its two concentrations (5 and 10 nmol) was the most negative, affecting digestibilities of both feed materials. Wheat straw digestibility was more influenced than berseem hay by the ochratoxin A, citrinin and sterigmatocystin (besides the penicillic acid) particularly with their high level (10 nmol). Yet, some mycotoxins act as antibiotics which may affect only the harmful flora but encourage the rumen microflora resulting in slight improvement of digestibility. The rumen conditions were able to metabolize or deform the used levels of all mycotoxins studied. Thus, there were no detectable residues of these mycotoxins in the digestion media after the in vitro fermentation.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1991

Methods for determining ochratoxin A and other nephrotoxic mycotoxins.

Chemical assays are of major importance for the determination of mycotoxins. Generally, all chemical methods for the analysis of mycotoxins include the basic steps of extraction, clean-up, separation, detection, quantification and confirmation of identity. The various approaches that exist for the determination of nephrotoxic mycotoxins, and in particular the ochratoxins, are discussed below. In conventional procedures, clean-up is usually achieved by liquid-liquid extraction or adsorption column chromatography, followed by thin-layer chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet or fluorescence detection. The recent introduction of methods based on immunochemical principles has had a large impact on analytical methodology for mycotoxins, including the ochratoxins, in both the purification and determination steps. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay approach for screening and (semi-)quantitative determination and the immunoaffinity column approach for rapid clean-up followed by conventional instrumental analysis are rapidly gaining ground. These techniques also offer possibilities for automated systems. To assist analysts in improving their data in mycotoxin research, the Community Bureau of Reference of the European Commission has produced several reference materials for mycotoxins; others, such as a reference material for ochratoxin A in grains, are in development.

Chromatography↗
PubMed2026

Fungal drivers of mycotoxin contamination in wheat: Early warning and plasma-based control.

Mycotoxin contamination in wheat is a major food safety concern; however, quantitative evidence linking fungal community signals, mycotoxin exceedance risk, and wheat quality traits in naturally contaminated wheat remains limited. In this study, wheat samples were collected from mycotoxin-prone monitoring sites under unusually rainy conditions in 2022 to explore early-warning indicators and post-harvest mitigation strategies. According to the National Food Safety Standard of China GB 2761-2017, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEN) exceeded the maximum limits in 52.24, 47.76, and 23.88% of samples, respectively; 38.81% exceeded the reference EU threshold for T-2 toxin, and 46.27% showed co-contamination with at least two mycotoxins above their respective thresholds. Although Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Epicoccum dominated the fungal community, Fusarium abundance was significantly associated with DON contamination and Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDKs). Mediation analysis identified DON as a significant mediator linking Fusarium abundance to FDKs, accounting for 68.41% of the total effect. In addition, Fusarium abundance above 3.70% showed strong predictive performance for DON exceedance, with an area under the curve of 0.906, indicating its potential as an early-warning indicator. Culture-based assays confirmed the toxigenic potential of Aspergillus and Fusarium isolates under simulated temperature and moisture conditions. After optimization using a toxin-spiked wheat flour model, dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma degraded AFB1, DON, and ZEN by 29.30-35.68%, disrupted the morphology of toxigenic fungi, and did not significantly affect wheat quality. This study provides practical insights into mycotoxin risk warning and post-harvest mitigation in wheat.

Triticum↗
PubMed2026

Integrated functional, metabolomic, and biotransformation profiling of mycotoxin hepatotoxicity in 2D and 3D human hepatic models.

Mycotoxins pose a major risk to food safety and human health, yet their hepatotoxic mechanisms remain incompletely characterized due to limitations in conventional in vitro models. In this study, we systematically compared mycotoxin-induced hepatotoxicity and metabolomic profiling across two human hepatic models cultured under 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid conditions. The various mycotoxins (Aflatoxin B1, Citrinin, Deoxynivalenol, Ochratoxin A, Patulin, and Zearalenone) exhibit distinct metabolic signatures, thereby serving as an appropriate panel for comprehensively evaluating diverse hepatotoxic mechanisms. Mycotoxin exposure induced concentration-dependent hepatotoxicity accompanied by functional impairment and structural disruption in hepatic models. Metabolomic profiling revealed distinctive regulatory patterns between 2D and 3D hepatic models, with 3D spheroids showing consistent down-regulation across multiple intracellular metabolic pathways and altered extracellular metabolite release, whereas 2D monolayers predominantly exhibited global metabolic activation. In silico-assisted MS/MS analysis further demonstrated that Phase I biotransformation was largely conserved across models, whereas Phase II conjugation reactions were more frequently detected and exhibited greater model specificity in 3D spheroids. Overall, these findings indicate that 3D hepatic spheroids capture more integrated and coordinated hepatotoxic and metabolic responses to mycotoxins compared with 2D monolayer systems. These distinctive regulatory dynamics support their value as a physiologically relevant platform for toxicity assessment and mechanistic investigation.

3D hepatic spheroids↗
PubMed1977

Food mycotoxins survey and monitoring programs.

Traditionally, mycotoxin problems have come to our attention mainly because of outbreaks of animal diseases and in several instances human diseases and there are then related to a mycotoxin as the causative agent. Undoubtedly this will continue to be a very important means for uncovering mycotoxin problems. However, in recent years, now that practical, sensitive analytical methods have become available, we have been able to seek out mycotoxin contamination, monitor problem foods and survey problem foods for a number of mycotoxins. Examples of effective programs, and effective peanut control program; import, export and manufacturing quality control programs are presented. Points of testing, sampling, sample preparation; types of tests such as screening, multidetection chemical and confirmation tests are discussed.

Food Analysis↗
PubMed1991

Incidence of molds and mycotoxins in commercial animal feed mills in seven midwestern states, 1988-1989.

A total of 82 feed manufacturers located within seven midwestern states (Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan) participated in a survey of mold and mycotoxin contamination of corn. Samples were submitted from a composite of the grading samples taken from each incoming load of corn. The survey was initiated in July 1988. During the 12-mo period, moisture content of the corn samples upon receipt at the laboratory ranged from 10.5 to 13.3%. The greatest variation occurred in the springtime. Iowa's corn samples were driest (11.2%), and samples submitted from Ohio were wettest (12.8%). Mold counts averaged 2.63 x 10(4) per gram during the year. The predominant mold found was Fusarium sp. Samples were checked by black light and averaged 25.4% positive during the period. When assayed for mycotoxins, 19.5% of the samples were positive for at least one of the following: aflatoxin, zearalenone, T2 toxin and deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin). Aflatoxin and T2 toxin made up the majority of these samples containing toxin. The highest incidence of mycotoxin-contaminated corn (48%) occurred in samples submitted in July of 1988. Over the 12-mo period, the highest mycotoxin contamination occurred in Iowa, Illinois and Michigan. When samples were subjected to 90% relative humidity and 32 degrees C, an average of 3.9 d was required for mold growth to appear. After incubation, 24.7% of the samples contained one of the four toxins. The data indicate that mold and mycotoxin contamination of mixed samples of corn is widespread, even in the midwestern corn belt of the U.S.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1992

Recent progress on analytical techniques for mycotoxins in feedstuffs.

Analysis of mycotoxins in feedstuffs is a difficult task because only trace amounts of the toxins are present in the sample. However, rapid progress in the area of mycotoxin analysis has been made during the last few years. Simplified sample cleanup protocols and new chromatographic methods, especially HPLC, have been developed. New, more sensitive and versatile instruments such as high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and gas chromatography/tandem MS/MS are coming to the market. After 15 yr of laboratory research, immunoassay techniques have gained more acceptance as analytical tools for mycotoxins. Several immunoassay kits for mycotoxins are currently available. The development of these new techniques and their application for monitoring various mycotoxins in foods and feeds are described in this review.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1992

Mycotoxins and reproduction in domestic livestock.

Molds are parasitic plants that are ubiquitous in livestock feedstuffs. Even though molds themselves reduce the quality of grains, their synthesis of chemical substances termed mycotoxins causes the greatest monetary loss to the animal industry. Five major mycotoxins that impair growth and reproductive efficiency in North America are aflatoxins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin, and ergot. Aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Consumption of grains containing aflatoxins by swine affects reproduction indirectly by reducing feed intake and growth. In swine, aflatoxins impair liver and kidney function, delay blood clotting, increase susceptibility to bruising, and interfere with cellular humoral immune systems. Ruminants are comparatively resistant to aflatoxicosis, but presence of aflatoxins in milk of dairy cows is closely monitored for human safety. Depending on environmental conditions, Fusarium roseum can produce either zearalenone or deoxynivalenol. Days 7 to 10 postmating seem to be a critical period of gestation for zearalenone to exert its detrimental actions on early embryonic development. Presence of deoxynivalenol in swine feedstuffs decreases feed intake, causes feed refusal, and induces occasional vomiting. Several species of Penicillium and Aspergillus produce ochratoxin, a mycotoxin that causes necrosis of kidney tissue. Ergot alkaloids produced by Claviceps purpurea on wheat can cause reproductive problems and are associated with lactational failure in swine. Various methods have been developed to remove mycotoxins from infected feedstuffs. Chemical analyses in laboratories as well as diagnostic kits suitable for use at the elevator or farm can be used successfully to identify which mycotoxins are present in suspect feedstuffs.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Risk assessment to humans of mycotoxins in animal-derived food products.

This paper addresses approaches for assessing potential human health hazards from the presence of natural toxicants, such as mycotoxins, in animal food products. At high levels in feed these mycotoxins may cause loss or illness of farm animals, through development of animal toxicoses, such as aflatoxicosis. At lower levels in feed these mycotoxins may have no apparent effect on livestock production, but their residues and related substances may move up the food chain. This indirect intake of mycotoxins and related substances from the consumption of animal food products may pose a health hazard to humans. These health hazards are compared to the possible health hazards from the direct intake by humans of cereal and other food crops that may contain mycotoxins.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1979

Simultaneous extraction and fractionation and thin layer chromatographic determination of 14 mycotoxins in grains.

A simple, systematic analytical method for multiple mycotoxins was developed for detecting 14 mycotoxins; aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, sterigmatocystin, T-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol, neosolaniol, fusarenon X, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, citrinin, luteoskyrin, and rugulosin. These mycotoxins were extracted with 20% H2SO4-4% KCl-acetonitrile (2 + 20 + 178), defatted with isooctane, and transferred to chloroform. The chloroform extract was cleaned up by silica gel column chromatography; the first 10 toxins were eluted with chloroform-methanol (97 + 3) and the remaining 4 toxins with benzene-acetone-acetic acid (75 + 20 + 5). Each fraction was analyzed by thin layer chromatography for the final determination. The method has been applied to polished rice, rough rice, corn, wheat, and peanuts as an analytical screening procedure. The detection limits in these commodities ranged from 10.00 to 800.0 microgram/kg, depending on the mycotoxin, but all limits were superior to those obtained for the individual mycotoxins by using other methods.

Arachis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Rationales for the establishment of limits and regulations for mycotoxins.

Although 50 countries have enacted or proposed regulations for control of alfatoxins in food or feed, and 15 of these countries also have regulations for permitted levels of contamination by other mycotoxins, very few countries have formally presented the rationale for the need to regulate, or for the selection of a particular maximum tolerated level. After several successive inquiries, information concerning the rationale for regulation was obtained from 21 countries. Most of the responses concerned limits for aflatoxin in food, and most of these were based on a vague, unsupported statement of the carcinogenic risk for humans. There was a general consensus that exposure to a potential human carcinogen that could not be totally avoided should be limited to the lowest practical level; the definition of practicality depended on whether the country was an importer or producer of the potentially contaminated commodity. A claim to a hazard evaluation was made by six countries (Canada, Belgium, India, United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland) without providing specifics; and one country, South Africa, referred to a risk determination. The most comprehensive rationale for any mycotoxin regulation was provided by the United States in support of limits for aflatoxin in specific animal feedstuffs. The responses provided no rationale for setting limits for other mycotoxins; but scholarly risk assessments for zearalenone and ochratoxin A have been published by Canadian government scientists, and a symposium presentation provides the information that in Norway patulin is regulated for quality control purposes only. It is apparent that, in most countries, either the scientific basis for regulation of mycotoxins is nonexistent, or the science has not been fully utilized.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1992

Mycotoxins in foods and feeds in the United States.

Mycotoxins are considered unavoidable contaminants in foods and feeds because agronomic technology has not yet advanced to the stage at which preharvest infection of susceptible crops by fungi can be eliminated. The aflatoxins have received greater attention than any of the other mycotoxins because of their demonstrated carcinogenic effects in susceptible animals and their acute toxic effects in humans. Since 1965, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enforced regulatory limits on the concentrations of these toxins in foods and feeds involved in interstate commerce. The FDA routinely monitors the food and feed industries through compliance programs to ensure that the levels of exposure to these toxins are kept as low as practical. This report summarizes data generated from compliance programs on aflatoxins for the fiscal years 1989, 1990, and the first half of 1991. Commodities sampled included peanuts and peanut products, tree nuts, corn and corn products, cottonseed, and milk. Higher than usual levels of contamination were found in corn examined from all areas of the United States in 1989 as a result of the severe drought that affected the 1988 corn crop. The drought in parts of the South and Southeast in 1990 resulted in increased contamination in corn and peanuts from those areas. A review of the surveillance data obtained on deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin, penicillic acid, and patulin over the years along with available toxicological data for these mycotoxins indicated that no regulatory actions were warranted. The lack of sufficient surveillance data on other mycotoxins that occur in the United States can be attributed in part to the unavailability of reliable analytical methodology.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1991

Ochratoxin A and other mycotoxins in cereals from an area of Balkan endemic nephropathy and urinary tract tumours in Bulgaria.

The etiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy and urinary tract tumours in the rural population of the endemic regions remains unknown. As one hypothesis involves mycotoxins, a survey was carried out to investigate the possible involvement of the nephrotoxic mycotoxins ochratoxin A and citrinin. Recently, this survey was extended to screening for the presence of other mycotoxins--aflatoxins, citrinin, sterigmatocystin and zearalenone. A total of 524 samples of home-produced and home-stored beans and maize from the harvests of 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989 and 1990 were analysed. Ochratoxin A was found in samples from both endemic and nonendemic areas, but more of the samples from affected families were contaminated, and at higher levels, than those from unaffected households. Citrinin and aflatoxins B1 and G1 were also found more frequently in samples from endemic areas. These results support the theory that mycotoxins are involved in the etiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy and urinary tract tumours.

Aflatoxins↗