University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Abstract: Mycotoxins
are a group of compounds produced by various fungi and excreted into
the matrices on which they grow: often food intended for human
consumption or animal feed. High toxicity and carcinogenicity of these
compounds and their ability to cause various pathological conditions
has led to widespread screening of foods and feeds potentially polluted
with them. Maximum permissible levels in different matrices have also
been established. As these are quite low, analytical methods for
determination of mycotoxins have to be both sensitive and specific. In
addition, an appropriate sample preparation and preconcentration method
is needed to isolate analytes from rather complicated samples. In this
article, an overview of analytical and sample preparation methods is
given for the most often encountered mycotoxins in different samples,
mainly in food. Special emphasis is on liquid chromatography with
fluorescence and mass spectrometric detection, while in the field of
sample preparation various solid-phase extraction approaches are
discussed. However, an overview of other analytical and sample
preparation methods less often used is also given. Finally, different
matrices where mycotoxins have to be determined are discussed with the
emphasis on their specific characteristics important for the analysis
(human food and beverages, animal feed, biological samples,
environmental samples). Various issues important for accurate
qualitative and quantitative analyses are critically discussed:
sampling and choice of representative sample, sample preparation and
possible bias associated with it, specificity of the analytical method
and critical evaluation of results.
Manuscript ID: IJMS-35-04
Type of Paper: Review
Title: Health Hazards and Management of Mycotoxicosis: a Critical Review
Authors: Hussein A Sheashaa, Khaled M Mahmoud and Mohamed A Sobh
Affiliations:
Nephrology Unit, Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Abstract: Background. Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by fungi, Serveral mycotoxins
in agricultural products cause health hazards to people and animals and
lead to many economical problems. Dangerous mycotoxins are naturally
present in foods and in the environment. They are pathologically
classified as hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, vomitoxin and
neuro-musculotoxin, some of which are potentially carcinogenic and
mutagenic.
Prevention and Treatment.
Several effective ways for prevention and control of fungi and their
dangerous mycotoxins have been presented. The methods include
biological control and physical and chemical treatments. Selection of
fungal resistant hybrids of crops are recommended and further
experimented. Pre-harvesting preparation of the field and environments
should be aware of. Drying of commodities after post harvest is the
most economical and effective means for farmers or layment, but
sometimes is not suitable during rainy season or wet condition. Thermal
treatment or gamma irradiation is not effective or practically used by
villagers. Chemical treatments such as alkalinization and ammoniation
are well-recognized and industrially used. Some modifications of the
application of effective chemicals to the detoxification of mycotoxins
should be developed. International cooperations through authorized
organizations should be promoted and supported aiming the benefits for
the economics and health of people of all the nations.
Manuscript ID: IJMS-35-05
Type of Paper: Article
Title: Fumonisins and Trichothecenes in Cereals, Invisited
Authors: Selma Yazar and Gülden Omurtag
Affiliations:
Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, 34668, Haydarpasa - Istanbul, Turkey
Abstract: Fumonisins
are phytotoxic mycotoxins which are synthesized by various species of
the fungal genus Fusarium species such as Fusarium verticillioides
(Sacc.) Nirenberg (ex F. moniliforme Sheldon) and Fusarium
proliferatum. The trichothecene (TC) mycotoxins are secondary
metabolites produce by several fungal genera, especially Fusarium,
Stachybotrys, Trichoderma, Memnoniella and Myrothecium. Fusarium
mycotoxins are widely dispersed in cereals and their products.
Fumonisins and the trichothecenes (TCs) are hazardous for human and
animal health. Contamination with TCs causes a number of illnesses in
human and animals such as decrease in food consumption (anorexia),
depression or inhibition on immun system function and haematoxicity.
The purpose of this paper is to give a review of the papers published
on the field of fumonisin and trichothecene mycotoxins in cereals
consumed in the world.
Manuscript ID: IJMS-35-06
Type of Paper: Articel
Title: Resveratrol Prevents Citrinin-Induced Apoptotic Biochemical Signaling in Human Hepatoma G2 Cells
Authors: Ching-Yu Lai and Wen-Hsiung Chan
Affiliations: Department
of Bioscience Technology and Center for Nanotechnology, Chung Yuan Christian
University, Chung Li, Taiwan 32023
Abstract: The mycotoxin citrinin
(CTN), a natural contaminant in foodstuffs and animal feeds, has cytotoxic and
genotoxic effects on various mammalian cells. CTN is known to cause cell
injury, including apoptosis, but the precise regulatory mechanisms of CTN
action are currently unclear. Resveratrol, a member of the phytoalexin family found in grapes and
other dietary plants, is known to have antioxidant and anti-tumor properties.
In the present study, we examined the effect of resveratrol on apoptotic
biochemical events caused by incubation of Hep G2 cells with CTN. Resveratrol
inhibited the CTN-induced ROS generation, activation of JNK, loss of
mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), activation of caspase-9, caspase-3 and
PAK2, and apoptosis. Study also found that both resveratrol and ROS scavengers
(i.e., NAC and α-tocopherol) abolished CTN-stimulated intracellular oxidative
stress and apoptosis. In addition, experiments further found that activation of
JNK is required for CTN-induced mitochondria-dependent apoptotic biochemical
changes such as loss of MMP, activation of caspases and PAK2. Moreover, we also
found that PAK2 activity is required for CTN-induced apoptosis. These results
demonstrated that CTN triggers apoptosis in Hep G2 cells via ROS generation and
JNK activation for activation of mitochondria-dependent cell death signaling
and these apoptotic biochemical events were blocked by pretreatment with
resveratrol through its antioxidant property.
Manuscript ID: IJMS-35-07
Type of Paper: Article
Title:
Influence of the Trichothecenes DON and T-2 Toxin on Physico-chemical
Characteristics in a Fermented Product with Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors:
Jaqueline Garda-Buffon and Eliana Badiale-Furlong
Affiliations: Mycotoxins Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Federal University Foundation of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul – Brazil,
Abstract: The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of these toxins
during the fermentation process on the characteristics of a fermented
product with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Alcoholic fermentation on a
laboratory scale was carried out using malt contaminated with DON and
T-2 toxin in a range of 0 to 1000ng/g. The process lasted 120 hours and
was carried out at
14 ºC. The levels of DON and T-2 toxin in the
fermented liquid phase were around 41% of the initial contamination.
T-2 toxin had some significant effects, increasing the consumption of
reducing sugars and leading to a decrease in pH when compared to the
values observed when it was absent. The alcohol profile was altered in
the presence of the studied mycotoxins, being this variation best
explained by T-2 toxin.
Type of Paper: Article
Title:
Production and Comparison of Monoclonal Antibodies against Fumonisin B
1 and Recombinant Single Chain Variable Fragment
Authors: Young-Jin
Cho
†, Jun-Bock Park
†,
Won-Ki Min, Yong-Cheol Park and Jin-Ho Seo *
Affiliations: Department
of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul
151-742, Republic of Korea; † These authors equally contributed to the
work. * Corresponding author: E-mail:
[email protected]; Tel: +82-31-290-2583; Fax: +82-31-293-4789
Abstract: A monoclonal antibody (mAb) against
fumonisin B1 (FMB1) was generated from the hybridoma cell line
D8A54, which was established by the fusion of Sp2/0-Ag14 myeloma cells with
spleen cells isolated from a BALB/c mouse immunized with a FMB1
conjugated to bovine serum albumin (FMB1-BSA). An isotype of this mAb
was identified as IgG1 class in the heavy chain and kappa class in the
light chain. The detection limit of 14nM was determined and 50 % binding
inhibition was reached at 305 nM free FMB1 by a competitive direct
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cdELISA). No cross-reactivities to other
mycotoxins, such as ochratoxin A (OTA), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)
and deoxynivalenol (DON) were observed, suggesting a highly specific FMB1
antibody. A recombinant single chain variable fragment antibody (scFv) has been
cloned from the hybridoma cell and was expressed as inclusion bodies in
recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli). The insoluble scFv antibody
against FMB1 was refolded and used to determine the FMB1 binding
activity. The refolded scFv had about 10-fold lower binding affinity compared
with the FMB1-specific monoclonal antibody.
Type of Paper: Article
Title: Isolation and Characterization of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin B1 Producing Fungi Infecting Grapevines Cultivated in Tunisia
Authors: S. Melki Ben Fredj
1,*, F. Mathieu
2 , A. Lebrihi
2, S. Chebil
1 and A. Mliki
1
Affiliations: 1
Technopark borj-Cdéria (ex INRST). Centre de Biotechnologie,
Laboratoire de Physiologie Moléculaire de la Vigne (LPMV), B.P. 901,
Hammam-Lif 2050. Tunisie; 2 Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de
Toulouse (ENSAT), Laboratoire de Génie Chimique UMR 5503
(CNRS/INPT/UPS), A. de l’Agrobiopôle BP 107, Auzeville-Tolosane 31450-
France.
Abstract: Toxigenic
potential of OTA and AFB1 have been evaluated for fungal strains
harvested from different vineyards in Tunisia. Among 100 strains of
Aspergillus isolated and identified. The most frequent strains were the
Aspergillus niger aggregate (72%). 5% were confirmed as OTA producers.
The high OTA potential producers were Aspergillus carbonarius (80% of
them). Among 100 Penicillium isolates, we revealed P. chrysogenum
(58%), P. brevicompactum (13%), P. verruculosum (22%), P. glabrum (5%),
P. minioluteum (2%). Only 89 % of P. chrysogenum and 77% of P.
verruculosum were able to produce OTA. 23% of Aspergillus flavus were
identified with significant amounts of aflatoxin B1 production (39%).
The quantification of this mycotoxin (AFB1) shows concentrations
between 0.021 and 0.054 mg/g. The study shows that Tunisian grapes can
be contaminated by OTA and AFB1.
Type of Paper: Article
Title: Synergistic and/or Antagonistic Actions of Beauvericin and T-2 Mycotoxins on Antioxidant Systems in Tomato Seedlings
Authors: Costantino Paciolla and Antonella Florio
Affiliations: Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, University of Bari, Italy
Abstract: During
their life cycle plants can undergo simultaneous attack by different
pathogens. It is well known that in various plant-pathogen interactions
mycotoxins are produced which have an important role in pathogenesis.
In addition it has been shown that many phytotoxins are responsible for
ROS production. Plants counteract the overaccumulation of ROS by
reinforcing defence systems such as the ascorbate-glutathione and other
antioxidant systems. In our study we have used T-2 and Beauvericin, two
mycotoxins with different action mechanisms produced by several
Fusarium species. Since the comprehension of the mechanisms of
mycotoxin actions on host plants at the cellular and biochemical level
is very important to prevent the development of the diseases, we have
studied in tomato plants both single and combined effects of the two
mycotoxins on some defence systems. So, we analyse the
ascorbate-glutathione cycle components and the POD enzymes. Moreover,
we determine the H2O2 content, as an index of oxidative stress. The
possible synergistic and/or antagonistic actions of Beauvericin and T-2
were discussed.
Type of Paper: Review
Title: Effects of Milling and Cooking Process on the Deoxynivalenol Content in Wheat
Authors: Masayo Kushiro, Hiroyuki Nakagawa and Hitoshi Nagasima
Affiliations: National Food Research Institute, 2-1-12 Kannondai, Tsukuba 305-8642, Japan
Abstract:
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a natural-occuring mycotoxin mainly produced by
Fusarium graminearum, a food-borne fungi widely distributed in crops
and occur as one of the most important mycotoxins in wheat and
wheat-based foods and feeds. DON belongs to a group of trichothecene
mycotoxin. DON and other trichothecenes affect animal and human health
causing diarrhea, vomiting, gastro-intestinal inflammation and
immunomodulation. The toxic mode of action of DON is considered to be a
noncompetitive inhibition of the biosynthesis of proteins in eukaryotic
cells. Since the rate of the occurrence of DON in wheat is high,
effective procedures to remove or eliminate DON from food products is
essential to minimize exposures in those who live on wheat. This paper
reviews recent researches on the effects of milling and cooking on the
concentration of DON as well as the changes on the toxicity.
Type of Paper: Review
Title: Mycotoxin Detection as Cops and Robbers Play: is it Suitable to Play?
Authors: Chiara Dall’Asta, Gianluigi Ingletto and Pietro Cozzini
Abstract: As
in a cops and robbers play we discover new mycotoxins, new food
pollutants, new xenoestrogens everyday and we are forced to develop
quicly new molecules as chemo- or biosensors or to modify
existing molecules able to recognize these new pollutants.
Sometime new techniques and new protocols are required. For this
reason, there is a real need for rapid, sensitive and inexpensive
sensors for the detection of toxic pollutants along the food processing
chain to obtain real-time monitoring data on contamination, which may
be use for food safety assessment. This will result in an
enormous cost saving to agro-food industry through the prevention and
reduction of product recalls and reduced treatment costs.
Many
technologies for detecting low molecular weight pollutants exist. Those
that have recently been applied to xenobiotics detection include:
evanescent wave technologies, lateral flow and dipstick devices,
fluorescence polarization, microbead assays, flow injection liposome
immunoassays, capillary electrophoretic immunoassays, and flow
injection lipid bilayer assays. All these techniques require an
immunochemical approach based on an antigen-antibody interaction.
Although their high specificity against the analyte, these devices show
several drawbacks. Immunoassay such as dipsticks or ELISA kits should
be stored and used under controlled environmental conditions and may
give false positive/negative results due to matrix effects.
Thus,
there is a need of “smart molecules” showing biomimetic properties
towards food pollutants and xenobiotics. These compounds could exhibit
a substrate-selective recognition mechanism similar to that of
antibodies or enzymes, being at the same time more stable and
affordable. The development of such biomimetic compounds requires a
strong synthetic effort which should be driven by a sound molecular
design to allow a target-tailored approach. Molecular models are mostly
used for two reasons, the comprehension of some experimental data in
lack of structural informations or the design and the optimization of
new compounds to drive new synthesis. Here we present a brief review of
the methods used to detect mycotoxins and food pollutants, considering
goodness and limits. Then we proposed a new methodology, fast,
efficient and cheap, based on a combination of computer chemistry aided
design and fast fluorescence, that can help to drive synthesis in a
more efficient way.
Title: Trichothecenes: Transformation Reactions and Their Applications in Detoxification
Authors: Jianwei He
1, Ting Zhou
1,*, J. Christopher Young
1 and Greg J. Boland
2
Affiliations: (1)
Guelph Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph,
ON, N1G 5C9, Canada
[email protected]; (2) Department of
Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
Abstract: Trichothecenes are a group of structure related mycotoxins that
commonly contaminate cereals worldwide. Trichothecenes can cause
acute and chronic toxicity to a wide range of organisms, including
human beings and livestock. They bind to eukaryotic ribosomes,
block translation and inhibit the elongation of peptide chains, and
thus, inhibit protein synthesis. Physical decontamination
techniques included cleaning, sorting, separation, thermal
inactivation, irradiation, ultrasound, and adsorption have been
developed to reduce the concentration of trichothecenes in affected
grains. However, these methods cannot degrade or completely
remove the toxins, and usually cause losses of nutrients.
Approaches based on structural modification of trichothecenes to less
or non-toxic chemicals may provide an improved means to treating
trichothecenes-contaminated grains because they potentially can
overcome some of these limitations and be more efficient. This
paper describes the transformation reactions and toxicity of
transformation products of trichothecenes in chemical and biological
systems. Efforts will focus on discussing the current and
potential applications in detoxification of trichothecenes using
chemicals, enzymes, microorganisms and organisms related to these
reactions.
Type of Paper: Review
Title: Antibody-mediated Prevention of
Fusarium Mycotoxins in Field
Authors: Yucai Liao
Abstract: Fusarium mycotoxins directly accumulated in grains during infection of wheat and other cereal crops by
Fusarium
head blight (FHB) pathogens are detrimental to humans and domesticated
animals. Prevention of mycotoxins via the development of FHB-resistant
varieties has been a challenge due to the scarcity of natural
resistance against FHB pathogens. Various antibodies specific to
Fusarium fungi and mycotoxins are widely used in immunoassays and antibody-mediated resistance
in planta against
Fusarium pathogens has been demonstrated. Antibodies fused to antifungal proteins have shown a very significantly enhanced
Fusarium
resistance in transgenic plants. Thus, antibody fusions hold great
promise as an effective tool for the prevention of mycotoxin
contaminations in agriculture. This review highlights the utilization
of protective antibodies derived from phage display to increase
endogenous resistance of wheat to FHB pathogens and consequently to
reduce mycotoxins in field. The role played by
Fusarium -specific antibody in the resistance is also discussed.
Type of Paper: Article
Title: A Screening Program for Aflatoxin M1 Detection in Dairy Products in Southern Italy
Authors: Maria Teresa Montagna 1, Christian Napoli 1, Osvalda De Giglio 1, Roberta Iatta 1 and Fiorenza Minervini 2
Affiliations: 1 Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology – Hygyene section, University of Bari, Bari Italy.
2 Institute of Food Productions Sciences, CNR Bari, Bari Italy.
Abstract: A screening survey on the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1)
was carried out on 265 samples of cheese from milk of cow (92), buffalo
(51), goat (13), sheep (93), sheep-goat (16) collected in Apulia region
(Southern Italy). All samples were selected as unripened, medium and
long-term ripened cheeses. AFM1 was found in 16.6% of
analyzed samples. The higher positive incidence was for medium and
long-term ripened cheeses, specially for sheep-goat ones; while buffalo
cheeses tested always negative. These results show the usefulness to
provide more appropriate controls in order to ensure a better
observance of the current sanitary regulation.
Type of Paper: Article
Title: Developmental Toxicity of Ochratoxin A in Rat Embryo Midbrain Micromass Cultures
Authors: Wilk–Zasadna Iwona and Minta Maria *
Affiliations: Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
Abstract:
Embryonic midbrain micromass cultures were exposed for 5 days to
ochratoxin A (OTA) at seven concentrations (ranged from 0.16 to 10
µg/mL). Cell viability was assessed in neutral red uptake test (NRU),
and differentiation – by immunoenzymatic deteßmination of structural
proteins (ß
III-tubulin, MAP2, GFAP) expression level as well
as by computer image analysis. Dose dependent decrease of cell number
and differentiation was observed. Concentration-response curves were
analysed and the mean inhibition concentrations (µg/mL) for
cytotoxicity (IC
50) and differentiation (ID
50)
were calculated. There were no significant differences in sensitivity
of neurons in early and late stage of differentiation and astrocytes to
toxic activity of this compound. For all endpoinds ID 50 value was very
low (< 10
µg/mL) so OTA was classified as a strong teratogen. IC
50/ ID
50 ratios < 1 pointed out that with harmful action of OTA the basic cytotoxicity should be connected.
Key Words:
Ochratoxin A; developmental neurotoxicity;
in vitro; embryo midbrain cells; micromass cultures; computer image analysis; immunocytochemistry.
Type of Paper: Review
Title: Zearalenone Mycotoxin and Animal Reproductive Function in Farm Animals
Authors: Minervini F.1 and Dell'Aquila M.E.2
Affiliations: 1 Institute of
Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Council of Research (CNR),
Bari, Italy. 2 Department of Animal Production, University of Bari ,
Italy.
Abstract:
Farm animals are exposed to zearalenone through the feed because of the
widespread occurrence of this mycotoxin in cereals and clinical
reproductive disorders due to mycotoxin effects are often reported in
farm animal species. This review describes the in vitro
effects of zearalenone and its derivatives on functional parameters of
oocytes and sperm cells in farm animals. The impairment of semen
quality and female reproductive function induced by zearalenone could
be a factor responsible for the reproductive failure in farm animals.
Type of Paper: Article
Title: Inflammatory and Hematotoxic Potential of Stachybotrys Chartarum (Ehrenb.) Hughes Metabolites
Authors: Elena Piecková
Abstract:
A mould Stachybotrys chartarum belong to risky indoor environmetal
microorganisms. Most of its strains can produce - among other toxicants
- several trichothecene mycotoxins, both intra- and extracellular.
Complex secondary metabolites of stachybotrys-isolates from mouldy
dwellings/public buildings in Slovakia were intratracheally instilled
in Wistar male rats (4 microg in 0.2 % dimethylsulphoxide;
diacetoxyscirpenol as positive control). After 3 d, hematological
parameters and inflammatory response biomarkers in broncholaveolar
lavage fluid (BALF) were measured and statistically analysed. The
exometabolites proved to be erythrocyte (Ery) suppressors (decreasing
of total Ery count, hemoglobin and hematocrite). Inflammation indicated
by significantly higher total BALF cell and lower alveolar macrophages
counts, with increased number of granulocytes related to the BALF
cells, occurred as well. S. chartarum toxic metabolites can contribute
to damage of airways as well as hematological disorders in exposed
occupants of mouldy buildings also due to their hematotoxic and
inflammation inducing properties.
Type of Paper: Article
Title: Synergistic Effects of Ochratoxin A and Diacetoxyscirpenol in Wistar Rats
Authors: Basilico Maria L. Z*. and Basilico Juan. C.
Affiliation:
Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Food Engineering. Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). Santa Fe. Argentina
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to study the synergistic effects of Ochratoxin
A (OTA) and diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) administered to Wistar rats as
pure mycotoxins or together with their respective mycelium: Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL 3174 (Peoria, USA) and Fusarium sambucinum ITEM 955 (Bari, Italia). Nutritional, hematologic, seric, urinary and tissue (liver and kidney) parameters were monitored.
A synergistic effect of the combined administration, within the diet,
of OTA (2.5 mg/kg diet) + DAS (1 mg/kg diet) was found, compared to the
administration of each toxin separately. The toxic effect significantly
intensified when both mycelia were included in the diet.
Type of Paper: Article
Title: Genotoxicity of Ochratoxin A
Authors: Lerda D., Biaggi Bistoni M., Pelliccioni P. and Litterio N.
Affiliation:
Facultad de Agronomí– Universidad Católica de Códoba – Campus: camino a Alta Gracia Km 7,5 – 5000 Códoba – Argentina
Abstract: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by different mold species Aspergillus and Penicillium. This
compound was tested in chromosome aberrations (CA), sister chromatid
exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) in human lymphocytes, and, in Allium cepa
(onion), the chromosomal aberrations (CA) assay was used. We found that
OTA present an increase in the incidence of genetic harm measured by
chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchange, micronuclei and
chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa for the higher concentrations. These results indicate that human lymphocytes cells and plants cells (Allium cepa) have a very sensitive cellular response to the mycotoxin ochratoxin A as observed at the highest concentrations.
Type of Paper: Review
Title: Mechanisms Involved in the Attenuation of Aflatoxin Toxicity in Animals
Authors: Doralinda Guzmán-de-Peña
Affiliation:
Laboratorio de Micotoxinas. Departamento de Biotecnologia y Bioquímica.
Unidad Irapuato. CINVESTAV-IPN. Km 9.6 Libramiento Norte Irapuato ,
Guanajuato.36850 Mexico
Abstract:
Aflatoxin B1 is a contaminant frequently found in foods. This mycotoxin
has acute and chronic effects such as liver cancer and immunosupresion
in farm and laboratory animals. There is no sufficient data to assure
human intoxication by aflatoxin B1 exposure. However, there are reports
that show a straight correlation between ingestion of AFB1 contaminated
corn and acute non-viral hepatitis and death in humans.
This article analyzes the different mechanisms such as:
prevention of the epóxido production, decrease in the biological
effective dose, absorption and adsorption by different agents that lead
to belittle the AFB 1 toxicity. The effect of some cultural practices,
to prepare traditional food from corn for human consumption, in the
toxicity of AFB 1 it is also analyzed.
Type of Paper: Review
Title: T-2 Toxin-Induced Toxicity in Pregnant Mice and Rats
Authors: Kunio Doi 1, 2, Noriaki Ishigami 3 and Shinya Sehata 4
Affiliations:
1 Nippon Institute for Biological Science, 9-2221-1, Shin-Machi, Ome,
Tokyo 198-0024, Japan. 2 Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate
School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo,
1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan. 3 Fukui Safety Research
Laboratories, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 5-10 Yamagishi Mikuni-Cho,
Sakai-Shi, Fukui 913-0032, Japan. 4 Daiichi Sankyo Inc., 399 Thornall
Street, Edison, NJ 08837, U.S.A.
Abstract:
T-2 toxin is a cytotoxic secondary fungal metabolite that belongs to
the trichothecene mycotoxins. This mycotoxin is a well known
inhibitor of protein synthesis through its high binding affinity to the
peptidyltransferase which is an integral part of the ribosomal 60s
subunit, and it also inhibits the synthesis of DNA and RNA, probably
secondary to the inhibition of protein synthesis. In addition,
T-2 toxin is said to induce apoptosis in many types of cells bearing
high proliferating activity. T-2 toxin readily passes the
placenta and is distributed to fetal tissues which include many
component cells bearing high proliferating activity. This paper
reviews the reported data related to T-2 toxin-induced maternal and
fetal toxicities in pregnant mice and rats. The mechanisms of T-2
toxin-induced apoptosis in maternal and fetal tissues are also
discussed in this paper.
Type of Paper: Article
Title: Intestinal
Structure and Function of Broiler Chickens on Diets Supplemented with
Synbiotic Containing Enterococcus Faecium and Oligosaccharides
Author: Wageha Awad
E-Mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Synbiotics
are defined as biopreparations containing strains of microorganisms and
synergistically acting components of natural origin. Synbiotics has
been demonstrated to modify the composition of the microflora, restore
the microbial balance and therefore have the potential to provide
health benefits. Since the gastrointestinal mucosa is the surface of
contact with synbiotics, it seems evident that the first effects of
those additives relate to digestive function. However, the positive
impact of synbiotics on the gastrointestinal function has not been
extensively characterized. Thus the objective of this work was to
evaluate the efficacy of the synbiotic BIOMIN IMBO as a feed additive
in broiler nutrition and evaluating its effect on the intestinal
morphometry and nutrient absorption of 35-day-old broilers. The body
weight (BW), average daily weight gain and FCR were significantly (P
< 0.05) increased by the dietary inclusion of the synbiotic compared
with the controls. Furthermore, the addition of synbiotic increased (P
< 0.05) the villus height/crypt depth ratio and villus height in
both duodenum and ileum. The duodenal crypt depth remained unaffected
(P > 0.05). However, the ileal crypt depth was decreased by dietary
supplementation of synbiotic compared with control. At the end of the
feeding period, the basal and glucose stimulated short-circuit current
(Isc), and electrical tissue conductivity (Gt) were measured in the
isolated gut mucosa to characterize the electrical properties of the
gut. The addition of glucose on the mucosal side in Ussing chamber
produced a significant increase (P = 0.01) in short-circuit current
(Isc) in both jejunum and colon relative to the basal values in
synbiotic treated group. This increase in Isc for synbiotic group in
jejunum is equivalent to an increase of about 3 times that for the
basal values, while in the control group is about half fold that for
the basal value. In colon the addition of glucose on the mucosal side
in ussing chamber produced a significant increase in the Isc (P =
0.001) in both groups relative to the basal values. In addition, the
DIsc after glucose addition to the large intestine was greater than the
DIsc in the small intestine in both control and synbiotic groups. This
result suggests that the addition of synbiotic to broiler feed
increased the intestinal sodium glucose transport. Additionally,
the results indicated that the conductivity of jejunal and colonic
tissues remained unaffected by the dietary inclusion of synbiotic and
support the concept that this additive enhances the maintenance and
function of the epithelial barrier. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of
synbiotic feed additive (Biomin® IMBO) significantly increased the
growth performance and improved intestinal histomorphology and nutrient
absorption. This indicates that the synbiotic can be used as a growth
promoter in broiler diets and can improve the gut health. Therefore,
this product might be promising alternatives for antibiotic growth
promoters.
Type of Paper: Review
Title: Strategies to Lower Mycotoxin Intoxication Risk in Cattle Fed with Forage Diets
Authors: Cecilia L. Fulgueira and Susana L. Amigot
Abstract:
Although they may vary according to region, cattle-rearing production
systems are based upon the direct grazing of forage resources with
supplementary feeding, such as: grains, crop by-products, and stored
forages like hay, silages and haylages. Fungal and/or mycotoxin
contamination in forages is an additive process that begins in the
field and potentially increases during storage. Mycotoxins can cause
both acute effects, triggering serious health problems in humans and
animals, and chronic ones that can further diminish productivity. The
intoxication risk can be lowered by assessing the quality of a forage
through toxic-fungal and chemico-fermentative parameters. Other
strategies involve resorting to chemical and/or microbial additives so
as to either enhance spontaneous forage fermentation or inhibit its
excessive fermentation.
