What tis a Mucotoxiw? » Mycotoxins are toxins produced by some species of mold (myco means fungal). » These mycotoxins are some of the most toxic substances in existence. » These are secondary metabolites (chemicals) of a fungus that produce toxic results in another organism. » Lack of visible appearance of fungus does not negate presence of mycotoxins. Toxins can remain in the organism after fungus has been J removed.» In considering the effects of mycotoxins on animals, it is important to distinguish between “mycotoxicosis” and “mycosis.”: » Mycotoxicosis is used to describe the action of mycotoxins and is frequently mediated through a number of organs, notably the liver, kidney, lungs, and the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. » Mycosis” refers to a generalized invasion of living tissues by growing fungi. ts» Due to their diverse chemical structures, mycotoxins may exhibit a number of biological effects, including both acute and chronic toxic effects as well as carcinogenic, mutagenic, genotoxic, and immunotoxic effects.Characteristics of M y cotoxins » Odorless » Tasteless » Resistant to degradation » Production is variable » Produced on surfaces of spores » Remain active on dead spores » May contaminate food products » Cause short- & long-term effects » Multiple exposure routes » Produced by numerous species LlM yootoxin Types » Aflatoxins » Citrinin » Ergot Alkaloids » Fumonisins » Ochratoxin » Patulin » Trichothecenes » Zearalenone —aAflatoxins >» Sources : Aspergillus flavus & A.paraciticus includes Aflatoxin B1, B2,G1, G2, MI and M2 » advisory level is 0.5 ppm. » Aflatoxins have been found in corn, peanuts and peanut products, cotton seeds, peppers, rice, pistachios, tree nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and other oil seeds, copra, and dried fruits (figs, raisins). » Aflatoxin Bl is most toxic in this group and is one of the most potent naturally occurring carcinogens. » Other significant members of the aflatoxin family, such as Mi) and M2, are metabolites of AFB| and AFB2, respectively, and originally isolated from bovine milk.» Primarily attacks the liver, and causes cirrhosis, necrosis, and carcinomas with a secondary affect of immune suppression. » Risk factor for neonatal jaundice, in areas of maternal consumption. » Does not stay in the body for long periods of time, usually excreted within 96 hours in animals.» Aflatoxins are mutagenic, teratogenic, and hepatocarcinogenic. » Aflatoxin B1 is one of the most potent naturally occurring carcinogen, extensive research was primarily done on this toxin. The main target organ of Aflatoxin is the liver. » AFB1 also affects other organs and tissues including the \ungs and the entire respiratory system.Ochratoxtw Sources Ochratoxins, are produced by a number of fungi in the genera Aspergil/us and Penici/lium. The largest amounts of ochratoxins are made by A. ochraceus and P. cyclopium. - includes Ochratoxin A, B, and C » Advisory level is less than ppm. Mechanism of toxic target the renal proximal tubule » - Disrupt protein synthesis » -Bind strongly to protein (albumin) » -Interfere with synthesis of tRNA & mRNA » -Disrupt carbohydrate metabolism » -Increase the generation of free radical» Ochratoxin A, the most toxic member of this group of mycotoxins, has been found to bea potent nephrotoxic causing kidney damage as well as liver necrosis and enteritis in many animal species. » Ochratoxins are produced primarily in cereal grains (barley, oats, corn, wheat) and mixed feed during storage. » It has been found in other commodities, including beans, coffee, nuts, olives, raisin, cheese, fish, pork, milk powder, fruit juices wine ,beer, peppers.Clinical sign: » a. Acute : vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration & depression » b. Subacute to chronic : weight loss, dehydration, Immunosupression, teratogenicity, carcinogenesis & hemorrhage iTrichothecenes (TCTCs) » Source: Fusarium Stachybotrys, F. Trichothecium, F.Cepha/osporium ~ T-2 mycotoxins, Vomitoxin (or) Deoxynivalenol (DON). Advisory level of DON is 1 ppm. Mechanism of action: disrupts protein synthesis. Worldwide frequent natural occurrence in cereal grains has been reported. Contamination of this toxin in corn and wheat is generally high. Also, contamination of barley, oats, sorghum, rye, sunflower seeds, and mixed feeds has also been reported.» The TCTC mycotoxicosis affect many organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic, nervous, immune, skin,hepatobiliary, and cardiovascular systems. Clinical signs: anorexia, Immunosuppression, voriting., hemorrhage, edema, necrosis of skin tissues. itsErgot Alkaloids >» Source : Claviceps purpurea: barley, wheat & oats. » mechanism of toxicity: a. potent initiators of contraction in smooth muscle b. mimic the action of dopamine. » Clinical sign: gastrointestinal stress; convulsions; fetal abortion; extreme burning and cold sensations in fingers, hands, and feet; gangrene of the extremities.Mycotoxins and their physiological effect Mycotoxins | Producing organism Chemical structure Effect on mammalian cells Aflatoxins (Bl, B2, G1, G2, MI, M2) | Aspergillus Difuranocoumarin derivatives Carcinogenic Citrinin Fumonisin Trichothecenes [Penicillium Fusarium Alternaria Fusarium Trichoderma Benzopyran derivate Isoflavonoid Sesquiterpenoid compounds Nephrotoxic Careinogenic Hepatotoxic Cytotoxic Immunosuppressive ‘Ochratoxin Aspergillus Penicillium Diliydroisocoumarin derivatives linked to phenylalanine Carcinogenic Nephrotoxic Hepatotoxic Teratogenic Patulin Penicillium Aspergillus ‘Unsaturated heterocyclic lactones Carcinogenic Immunotoxic Genetoxic Zearalenone | Fusarium Phenol resoreyclic acid lactone Estrogenic activity Potential carcinogenic and teratogenic