THE ROLE OF MYCOTOXINS IN HUMAN LIFE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/health-2025.4.2Keywords:
mycotoxin biosynthesis, toxicological profiles, public health, detoxification methods.Abstract
Mycotoxins are low-molecular-weight secondary metabolites produced by molds (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium). Unlike antibiotics, mycotoxins serve no beneficial economic purpose; instead, they pose serious threats to animal and human health and compromise the safety of food and feed. Over 400 mycotoxins have been identified, with aflatoxin, fumonisin, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A among the most studied. Even at low concentrations, these compounds can trigger acute or chronic diseases, affecting multiple organ systems and leading to immunosuppression, carcinogenesis, and reproductive toxicity. Assessment of exposure pathways, toxicodynamics, and prevention strategies is essential for safeguarding public health. Mycotoxins–secondary metabolites synthesized by filamentous fungi–have become a significant public health concern due to their presence in food and feed products. Globally, cereal crops, nuts, coffee, spices, and dairy are frequently contaminated with these compounds. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that approximately 36% of global crop diseases and losses are attributable to fungal toxins, resulting in economic damages exceeding US $15 billion annually. These toxins exhibit diverse physicochemical properties: they are often thermostable, acid-resistant, lipid-soluble, and bioaccumulate within human and animal tissues. Their health impacts vary widely, ranging from acute illnesses–such as nausea, diarrhea, or central nervous system effects–to chronic outcomes like immunosuppression, hepatic and renal disorders, reproductive impairment, and carcinogenesis. Despite ongoing research, gaps remain concerning the mechanisms of mycotoxin biosynthesis in fungi, synergistic interactions in co-contaminated foodstuffs, and the efficacy of detoxification methods. This review aims to assess major mycotoxins' toxicological profiles, elucidate human exposure pathways, and evaluate current strategies for mitigation within the context of infectious disease risk.
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