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Because mycotoxins weaken the receiving host, they may improve the environment for further fungal proliferation. The production of toxins depends on the surrounding intrinsic and extrinsic environments and these substances vary greatly in their toxicity, depending on the organism infected and its susceptibility, metabolism, and defense mechanisms.
Mycotoxicology is the branch of mycology that focuses on analyzing and studying the toxins produced by fungi, known as mycotoxins. [1] In the food industry it is important to adopt measures that keep mycotoxin levels as low as practicable, especially those that are heat-stable.
Upon consumption, the toxin inhibits ribosomal protein, DNA and RNA synthesis, [22] [21] [23] mitochondrial functions [24] [25] [26] cell division [27] [28] while simultaneously activating a cellular stress response named ribotoxic stress response. [29] The trichothecene mycotoxins can be absorbed though topical, oral, and inhalational routes. [21]
Mycotoxin production also relies heavily on water activity, the ideal range would be from 0.83 to 0.9 aw and higher. [37] Humidity plays a key in the production of mycotoxins as well. [37] Higher levels of humidity (between 70% and 90%) and moisture (between 20% and 25%) allow mycotoxins to grow more rapidly. [37]
The toxins, named mycotoxins, deter other organisms from consuming the food the fungi colonise. As with bacterial toxins, there is a wide array of fungal toxins. Arguably one of the more dangerous mycotoxins is aflatoxin produced by certain species of the genus Aspergillus (notably A. flavus). If ingested repeatedly, this toxin can cause ...
Zearalenone (ZEN), also known as RAL and F-2 mycotoxin, is a potent estrogenic metabolite produced by some Fusarium and Gibberella species. [1] Specifically, the Gibberella zeae, the fungal species where zearalenone was initially detected, in its asexual/anamorph stage is known as Fusarium graminearum. [2]
Citrinin is a mycotoxin which is often found in food. It is a secondary metabolite produced by fungi that contaminates long-stored food and it can cause a variety of toxic effects, including kidney, liver and cell damage.
T-2 mycotoxin is a trichothecene mycotoxin.It is a naturally occurring mold byproduct of Fusarium spp. fungus which is toxic to humans and other animals. The clinical condition it causes is alimentary toxic aleukia and a host of symptoms related to organs as diverse as the skin, airway, and stomach.