The use of histológical parameters to assess intestinal and liver health on broilers challenged isolatedly and simultaneously with cyclopiazonic acid and aflatoxin / B1 El uso de parámetros histológicos para evaluar la salud intestinal y hepática en pollos de engorde desafiados de forma aislada y simultánea con ácido ciclopiazónico y aflatoxina B1

Abstract Mycotoxins contaminate agricultural commodities, which contaminates animals. These toxins can damage vital organs, such as the liver, as well as the epithelial tissue. Among these mycotoxins are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), which can occur simultaneously in food. In broilers, mycotoxicosis has an economic impact due to several factors, such as low feed conversion rate, incidence of other diseases, and interference with reproductive capacity, all of which may lead to a public health problem. The aim of the present study was to histologically assess, through the I See Inside (ISI) method, harmful effects on broiler liver, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum in the presence of AFB1 and CPA isolatedly and simultaneously. Groups challenged with mycotoxins showed significant damage to both gut and liver fragments. All challenged-groups in all fragments impaired the parameters analyzed for intestinal epithelium. In the liver, AFB1 was predominantly harmful when the parameters were analyzed separately, but when analyzing the total ISI score, CPA was also found to be harmful to this organ. The other point analyzed was the great variation between the weights of the birds contaminated by mycotoxin while the negative control group presents a lesser variation.

Resumen Las micotoxinas contaminan los productos agrícolas, que a su vez contaminan a los animales. Estas toxinas pueden dañar órganos vitales, como el hígado y el tejido epitelial. Entre estas micotoxinas se encuentran la aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) y el ácido ciclopiazónico (CPA), que pueden hallarse simultáneamente en los alimentos. En los pollos de engorde, la micotoxicosis tiene un impacto económico debido a varios factores, como la baja tasa de conversión alimenticia, la incidencia de otras enfermedades y la interferencia de la capacidad reproductiva, que pueden llevar a un problema de salud pública. El objetivo de la presente investigación es la de evaluar histológicamente, a través del método "I See Inside" (ISI), los efectos nocivos sobre el hígado, duodeno, yeyuno e íleon de pollos de engorde en presencia de AFB1 y CPA de forma aislada y simultánea. Los grupos desafiados con micotoxinas presentaron un daño significativo tanto en el intestino como en los fragmentos del hígado. Todos los grupos tratados tuvieron alteraciones en los parámetros analizados para el epitelio intestinal. En el hígado, AFB1 fue predominantemente dañino cuando los parámetros se analizaron por separado, pero al examinar la puntuación ISI total, también se encontró que el CPA era perjudicial para este órgano. Otra cuestión que fue investigada fue la gran variación entre los pesos de las aves contaminadas por micotoxinas mientras el grupo de control negativo presentó una variación menor.

Influência da qualidade micotoxicológica e nutricional de híbridos de milho no custo da ração de frangos de corte / Influence of mycotoxicological and nutritional quality of maize hybrids on broiler chickens feed cost

Objetivou-se avaliar as variáveis micotoxicológicas e nutricionais de híbridos de milho com diferentes características que influenciam no custo da ração para frangos de corte. Foram avaliados 26 híbridos de milho geneticamente modificados nas safrinhas de 2016 e 2017, com diferentes germoplasmas, textura de endosperma e duração do ciclo. Nos híbridos, foram avaliados grãos avariados, fumonisinas (B1+B2) (FUM), aflatoxinas (B1+B2+G1+G2) (AFLA), zearalenona (ZEA), deoxinivalenol (DON), umidade, proteína bruta (PB), energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn), aminoácidos digestíveis para aves (lisina, metionina, cistina e treonina) e o respectivo custo da ração inicial para frangos de corte, que foi calculada pelo custo mínimo. A prevalência de FUM, AFLA, ZEA e DON foi de 90, 17, 33 e 0%, com médias de 3067, 1, 38 e 0µg/kg nos dois anos, respectivamente. A média de EMAn e PB foi de 3264kcal/kg e 8,02%, respectivamente, e diferiu (P<0,05) nos dois anos. O custo da ração foi influenciado significativamente (P<0,05) por FUM, PB, EMAn nos dois anos. Híbridos com tecnologia Viptera apresentam menor concentração por FUM e menor custo da ração. Híbridos de ciclo precoce têm menor concentração de FUM, maiores percentuais de PB e de aminoácidos digestíveis e menor custo da ração.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mycotoxicological and nutritional variables of maize hybrids with different characteristics that influence the broiler chicken's feed costs. In 2016 and 2017 winter crops, 26 genetically modified hybrids of maize with different germplasm, endosperm texture and cycle duration were evaluated. The analyzed variables were damaged grains, fumonisins (B 1 +B 2 ) (FUM), aflatoxins (B 1 +B 2 +G 1 +G 2 ) (AFLA), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), moisture, crude protein (CP), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), digestible amino acids for poultry (lysine, methionine, cystine and threonine) and the respective cost of the initial feed for broiler chickens calculated at the minimum cost. The prevalence of FUM, AFLA, ZEA and DON was 90, 17, 33 and 0%, with means of 3067, 1, 38 and 0µg/kg in the two years, respectively. The mean of AMEn and CP was 3264kcal/kg and 8.02%, respectively, and differed (P< 0.05) in the two years. The feed cost was significantly influenced (P<0.05) by FUM, PB, AMEn in two years. Hybrids with Viptera technology show lower concentration per FUM and lower feed cost. Early cycle hybrids have lower concentrations of FUM, higher percentages of CP and digestible amino acids, and lower feed costs.(AU)

Efeito da ocratoxina A em suco de uva tinto sobre sobrevivência e geração de EROs em Caenoaerbiditis elegans / Effects of ochratoxin A in red grape juice on survival rate and ROs generation in Caenoaerbiditis elegans

O consumo do suco de uva vem crescendo ao longo dos anos em função das suas propriedades funcionais. No entanto, este produto não está livre de contaminantes como a ocratoxina A (OTA). O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito da presença de OTA em suco de uva Concord sobre geração de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) e taxa de sobrevivência em Caenoarbiditis elegans. Os vermes foram expostos por 30 minutos ao suco na presença de OTA (0, 1, 2 e 4 µg∙L-1). O suco em presença de OTA não afetou a sobrevivência do C. Elegans. A adição de suco livre de OTA reduziu a sobrevivência dos nematoides, embora não tenha influenciado a geração de EROs. Contudo o suco com a concentração mais elevada de OTA reduziu a geração de EROs. Assim, são necessários maiores estudos para entender os mecanismos de toxicidade da OTA neste modelo vivo.

Utilização de um filme de glicerol para o controle da produção de aflatoxina por Aspergillus parasiticus em amendoim / Use of glycerol coating to control aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus in peanut grains

Peanut grains are very susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. nomius and A. parasiticus. The aflatoxin B1 is most frequently found in peanuts, posing a high toxicological risk due to its carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic properties. Alternative methods to fungicides can be used to protect grains. GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) substances can be an interesting option to avoid contamination, specially glycerol. In the present work, the ability of glycerol films to prevent aflatoxin production by A. parasiticus in peanuts was evaluated. Glycerol was established in two different ways: by immersion and aspersion. Aspersion was more efficient in reducing aflatoxin production (86.3%) than was the immersion process (66.9%) (P < 0.05). At the same time, a progressive reduction in A. parasiticus colony diameters was observed (from 38.6 ± 0.9 to 34.4 ± 1.7 mm) when the fungus was grown on GYEP medium supplemented with glycerol (0 to 5%). However, varying concentrations did not influence the production of spores, colonies, conidiophores or spore condition. Peanuts coated with 5% glycerol (by immersion or aspersion) had improved characteristics, with a cleaner and more shiny appearance, which can make the resulting product more acceptable to the population. In conclusion, the reduction of aflatoxin production in peanut grains with glycerol, particularly by aspersion, was satisfactory, and this GRAS substance shows promising potential to be used to prevent mycotoxin contamination in grains.(AU)

O amendoim é muito suscetível à contaminação por aflatoxinas, que são metabólitos tóxicos produzidos por Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus e A. nomius. A aflatoxina B1 é a mais frequentemente encontrada nos amendoins e apresenta risco toxicológico devido às suas propriedades carcinogênicas, teratogênicas e mutagênicas. Entre os métodos de prevenção da contaminação, o uso de substâncias GRAS (substâncias geralmente consideradas seguras) pode apresentar grande potencial de exploração, especialmente o glicerol. No presente trabalho, foi avaliada a capacidade de filmes de glicerol para o controle da produção de aflatoxinas em amendoins. O glicerol foi inoculado por imersão ou aspersão, sendo a aspersão mais eficiente na redução da produção de aflatoxina (86,3%) que a imersão (66,9%) (P < 0,05). Ao mesmo tempo, foi observada uma redução nos diâmetros das colônias de A. parasiticus (38,6 ± 0,9 para 34,4 ± 1,7 mm) quando cultivado em meio GYEP suplementado com glicerol (0 a 5%). Apesar disto, diferentes concentrações não influenciaram a produção ou morfologia dos esporos e conidióforos. Amendoins revestidos com 5% de glicerol apresentaram características interessantes, tais com: maior brilho e coloração mais intensa, o que pode tornar o produto mais atraente para o consumidor. Em conclusão, a redução da produção de aflatoxinas em amendoim pelo glicerol, principalmente por aspersão foi satisfatória. Sendo assim, esta substância apresenta um potencial promissor para utilização para a prevenção da contaminação do amendoim por aflatoxinas.(AU)

Effect of feeding graded doses of Citrinin on clinical and teratology in female Wistar rats.

Citrinin is the one of the well-known mycotoxins, which is possibly spread all over the world. The graded doses of citrinin (1, 3 and 5 ppm CIT in feed) in female Wistar rats 10 weeks prior to mating, during mating and during organogenesis resulted in resorptions and post implantation losses, decreased fetal body weights and crown-rump lengths in fetuses of all groups. Various developmental anomalies recorded in fetuses of treated rats included gross (wrist drop, curled tail, stretched forelimb, subcutaneous haematoma), skeletal (incomplete ossification of skull bones, incomplete fusion of vertebral bodies, complete and partial agenesis of sternaebrae, metacarpals, metatarsals and phalanges, fused ribs and swing out ribs) and visceral (internal and external hydrocephalus, cerebellar hypoplasia, microphthalmia, roundening of heart, contracted kidneys, dilated renal pelvis and cryptorchid testes). The results suggest that CIT has adverse effects on fetal development which may be due to the longer bioavailability of citrinin in the animals.

Protective effects of silymarin on fumonisin B1-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of silymarin on experimental liver toxication induced by Fumonisin B1 (FB1) in BALB/c mice. The mice were divided into six groups (n = 15). Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 was the silymarin control (100 mg/kg by gavage). Groups 3 and 4 were treated with FB1 (Group 3, 1.5 mg/kg FB1, intraperitoneally; and Group 4, 4.5 mg/kg FB1). Group 5 received FB1 (1.5 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg), and Group 6 was given a higher dose of FB1 (4.5 mg/kg FB1) with silymarin (100 mg/kg). Silymarin treatment significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) the apoptotic rate. FB1 administration significantly increased (p < 0.0001) proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 expression. Furthermore, FB1 elevated the levels of caspase-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha mediators while silymarin significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) the expression of these factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) expressions were significantly elevated in Group 4 (p < 0.0001). Silymarin administration alleviated increased VEGF and FGF-2 expression levels (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, silymarin ameliorated toxic liver damage caused by FB1 in BALB/c mice.

Hepatic hyperplasia and damages induces by zearalenone Fusarium mycotoxins in BALB/c mice / Hiperplasia e danos hepáticos induzidos por micotoxinas do gênero Fusarium-zearalenone em camundongos BAB/c

CONTEXT: Zearalenone is a mycoestrogen and considered a mycotoxin. OBJECTIVE: To establish whether zearalenone produced hepatotoxicity via oral administration. METHODS: Zearalenone was orally administered at a dose of 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg ZEN/body weight/daily, respectively, for 14 days to three groups of BALB/c mice. Diagnostic modalities used to evaluate hepatic damage and impaired hepatic function pre- and post zearalenone administration included hepatic marker enzyme activity, pentobarbital sleeping time, cytochrome P-450 activities and histopathologic evaluation of liver. RESULTS: Significant histopathologic changes viz. sinusoidal congestion, cytoplasmic vacuolization, hepatocellular necrosis and neutrophil infiltration were observed after evaluating of liver section from each group after accumulated zearalenone exposure. Further, zearalenone exposure increased activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and lipid peroxides whereas activities of tissue glutathione and cytochrome P450 were decreased as compared to control mice. Zearalenone also increased the sleeping time and decreased sleeping latency after pentobarbital through intraperitoneal route as compared to control mice which indicates that the impairment of hepatic metabolizing enzymes by zearalenone. CONCLUSION: Zearalenone is a potential hepatotoxin by oral route.

CONTEXTO: Zearalenone é um micoestrógeno e considerado como micotoxina. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o Zearalenone produz hepatotoxicidade por administração via oral. MÉTODOS: Zearalenone foi administrada por via oral em doses de 50 µg, 100 µg e 200 µg/peso corporal/dia/14 dias, respectivamente, para três grupos de camundongos BAB/C. Modalidades diagnósticas usadas para avaliar o dano hepático e comprometimento da função hepática pré- e pós-administração de Zearalenone incluíram atividade enzimática de marcadores hepáticos, tempo de sono por pentobarbital, atividade do citocromo P-450 e avaliação histopatológica hepática. RESULTADOS: Alterações histopatológicas significantes como congestão sinusoidal, vacuolização citoplasmática, necrose hepatocelular e infiltração neutrofílica foram observadas após avaliação histológica de cada grupo após exposição acumulada de Zearalenone. Além disto, a exposição à Zearalenone incrementou a atividade das enzimas alanina transaminase e aspartato transaminase e peróxidos lipídicos, ao passo que as atividades teciduais de glutationa e citocromo P-450 diminuiram, quando comparadas com camundongos-controle. Zearalenone também aumentou o tempo de sono e diminuiu a latência do sono após a administração de pentobarbital por via intra-abdominal, quando comparados com camundongos-controle, o que indica o comprometimento das enzimas do metabolismo hepático por ela. CONCLUSÃO: Zearalenone é uma potente hepatotoxina quando administrada por via oral.

Technetium-99m-labeled deoxynivalenol from Fusarium mycotoxin alters organ toxicity in BALB/c mice by oral and intravenous route

The toxicity of deoxynivalenol, both intravenously and orally, was investigated in male and female BALB/c mice. Technetium-99m (99m Tc)-labeled deoxynivalenol was administered to mice by tail vein injection and orally dosed. Distribution of labeled deoxynivalenol at 26 hours was monitored by gamma-scintigraphy. In the evaluated organs, the accumulation of radioactive deoxynivalenol was correlated with the amount of radioactivity. In addition, the toxicity of deoxynivalenol was measured by biochemical assays followed by histopathological findings. Kidney and hepatic marker enzymes were significantly increased in intravenously administered deoxynivalenol as compared to orally treated mice. Intravenously treated mice showed severe damage in liver and kidney when compared to those orally exposed. Biodistribution of 99mTc-labeled deoxynivalenol differed between oral and intravenous treatment. In intravenously exposed mice, deoxynivalenol was distributed primarily in the liver and kidney whereas in oral exposure, it was found in the stomach and intestines after 26 hours. Deoxynivalenol toxicity, associated with its biodistribution and organ toxicity, was greatest where it had accumulated. The results show that the toxicity of deoxynivalenol is associated with organ accumulation.(AU)

Fungitoxidade in vitro de extratos vegetais sobre Exserohilum turcicum (Pass) Leonard & Suggs / In vitro fungitoxicity of plant extracts on Exserohilum turcicum (Pass) Leonard & Suggs

A helmintosporiose, causada pelo fungo Exserohilum turcicum, é uma das principais doenças do milho-pipoca cultivado no Brasil. Devido às características da cultura, como porte da planta, extensão da área de plantio e rentabilidade econômica, o emprego de resistência genética e controle químico têm sido as principais formas de controle da doença. O emprego de agrotóxicos na agricultura tem levado riscos à saúde humana e freqüentes danos ao meio ambiente. Assim, na busca de métodos alternativos para o controle da helmintosporiose foi avaliado o efeito fungitóxico dos extratos vegetais das plantas Achillea milefollium (mil-folhas), Cymbopogon citratus (capim-limão), Artemisia camphorata (cânfora) e Rosmarinus officinalis (alecrim) no crescimento micelial de E. turcicum, em dois meios de cultura (BDA - batata-dextrose-ágar; e LCH - lactose caseína hidrolisada). Os extratos de alecrim e cânfora foram os que apresentaram maior inibição do crescimento micelial nos dois meios de cultura, enquanto que os extratos de mil-folhas e capim limão estimularam o crescimento micelial em meio LCH.

Helminthosporiose is caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum and represents one of the main diseases in popcorn grown in Brazil. Due to its characteristics, such as plant size, planting area extension and economic profitability, the use of genetic resistance and chemical control has constituted the main procedure against such disease. The use of pesticides in agriculture has resulted in risks to the human health and frequent damages to the environment. Thus, the fungitoxic effect of plant extracts of Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass), Artemisia camphorata (camphor) and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) on the mycelial growth of E. turcicum was evaluated by using two culture media (PDA - potato dextrose agar, and LCH - lactose-casein hydrolysate) in order to set alternative methods for controlling helminthosporiose. Rosemary and camphor extracts led to higher mycelial growth inhibition in both culture media, whereas yarrow and lemon grass extracts stimulated mycelial growth in LCH medium.

effect of ochratoxin on antimicrobial polypeptide expression in channel catfish [Ictalurus punctatus]

Mycotoxins contamination of agricultural commodities poses a serious risk to animal health, including aquaculture species. While chronic effects of mycotoxins, including immunosupression, are much more important than acute toxicities, they are much less evident. Ochratoxin A [OA] is the most immunotoxic ochratoxin, yet little is known about its effect on immune function in fish. Antimicrobial polypeptides [AMPPs] are one of the most potent, innate, host defense factors, yet very little is known about what types of chronic stressors affect their expression. Among the most prevalent and potent AMPPs in fish are histone-like proteins [HLP]. In this study, fish were fed 2, 4, or 8 ppm OA. Skin antibacterial activity was measured on Days 0, 28 and 56. Feeding 2, 4 or 8 ppm OA resulted in no changes in AMPP expression in any treatment group. Our data suggests that the immunosuppression of OA is probably due to impaired cell-mediated immune mechanisms other than a direct effect on antimicrobial polypeptide expression

Validity of method for determining deoxynivalenol through high performance liquid chromatography with detection in the ultraviolet in wheat samples / Validación de un método para la determinación de deoxinivalenol por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución con deteccíon ultravioleta en muestras de trigo

With the purpose of evaluating the wheat grain and wheat flour contamination by Deoxynivalenol (DON) in the municipality of Chapeco-SC, and standardize an useful method to detect this mycotoxin by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), six samples of wheat grains from different storage location, and one sample of wheat grain from the flour milling industry were obtained during in the month of august 2008. Samples belong to a corporation from Chapeco-SC that stores and processes wheat grains, flour and wheat middlings, among other products. The extraction has been carried out with methanol: water (100: 100 v / v), filtered paper filter and applied in immunoaffinity column specific DON. After the wash with water column, the toxin was eluted with methanol. The detection and quantification Deoxynivalenol in samples was carrid out through the method of HPLC in the UV-visible with detection 244 nm. The 6 analyzed samples of wheat grain showed DON levels within 7.0 and 10.1 ppb, while the wheat flour contained 90.2 ppb. DON contents in wheat grains and wheat flour are lower than the limits claimed by the studied corporated importers and the international legislation.

Con el objetivo de evaluar la contaminación por Deoxinivalenol (DON) en granos y harina del trigo en la municipalidad de Chapeco-SC y estandarizar un método de deteccíon para este micotoxina por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (CLAR), se procesaron durante el mes de agosto de 2008, seis muestras de granos del trigo en diferentes situaciones de almacenamiento y una muestra de harina de trigo de un molino . Las muestras pertenecen a una cooperativa de Chapeco-SC que procesa y almacena granos y harinas de trigo entre otros productos. La extracción de la micotoxina se obtuvo con metanol: agua (100: 100 v / v), filtrado en papel filtro y aplicado a una columna de inmunoafinidad específica (DON). Después del lavado de la columna con agua, la toxina fue elucidada con metanol. La detección y cuantificación de Deoxinivalenol en las muestras se determinó por el método CLAR en el UV- visible con una longitud de onda de 244 nm. Las 6 muestras analizadas del grano, mostraron que el DON nivela entre 7,0 y 10, 1 ppb, mientras la harina del trigo alcanzó las 90,2 ppb. Los niveles de DON en los granos y harina de trigo tienen límites menores que los exigidos por las cooperativas importadoras estudiadas y la legislación internacional.

[Survey of storage wheat contamination to zearalenone producer Fusarium species in East Azarbaidgjan]

Contamination of storage wheat to zearalenone producer molds represents a significant hazard to consumer health and has thus received increasing attention from food safety authorities and legislators. Various species of Fusarium genus are producer of different mycotoxins including zearalenone at certain conditions. These mycotoxins can enter into the human food and animal feed chain and cause premature or early thelarche, gynecomastia, primary and secondary mycotoxicosis in humans and animals. In this survey, contamination of 162 randomly collected wheat samples to zearalenone producer Fusarium was investigated using direct microscopic examination and culturing samples in specific media. From studied 162 collected wheat samples, 160 [99%] samples had fungal contamination. Aspergillus niger, Penicillium Sp, other species of Asergillus [A. Fumigatus, A. Flavous, A. Niveus, A. cchraceus,..] Fusarium Sp, Alternaria Sp, Cladesporium Sp, Gliocladium Sp. and Trichotecium Sp. were the most frequently detected microorganisms respectively. The presence of moulds sue as Aspergillus Sp, Penicillium Sp, Fusarium Sp, Alternaria Sp, Cladesporium Sp, Gliocladium Sp, and Trichotecium Sp. in consumer wheat samples can lead to the presence of harmful mycotoxins and then could result in serious toxicity and illness in humans. As the fungal contamination has a strong influence on the ultimate quality of wheat, wheat end products and food safety, more attention to the quality and safety of wheat and wheat stored places are necessary

Biomarcadores para avaliação da exposição humana às micotoxinas / Biomarkers for assessment of human exposure to mycotoxins

Atualmente, as micotoxinas representam um risco de contaminação ambiental, acarretando sérios prejuízos à saúde humana. Essas toxinas podem estar presentes em diferentes tipos de alimentos, que constituem a principal fonte de exposição para o homem. As exposições podem ser monitoradas através do uso de biomarcadores, que elucidam a relação causa/efeito e dose/efeito na avaliação de risco à saúde para fins de diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial. Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica do período de 1981-2005, no MEDLINE, sobre utilização e propostas de biomarcadores para a exposição a aflatoxinas, fumonisinas, desoxinivalenol e ocratoxina A. Os possíveis biomarcadores para avaliar a exposição humana às aflatoxinas foram os metabólitos urinários de aflatoxina B1, como aflatoxina M1, aflatoxina P1, aflatoxina Q1, aflatoxina livre em soro ou plasma, os adutos de AFB-N7-guanina, os adutos de albumina ou mutação no gene supressor de tumor p53, presentes em fluidos biológicos. Para as fumonisinas, os biomarcadores foram os níveis de fumonisina B1 e fumonisina B2 livres, ou de esfinganina e esfingosina em sangue e urina. O desoxinivalenol tem como biomarcadores de exposição os produtos de seu metabolismo e adutos macromoleculares (proteína/DNA) presentes nos fluidos biológicos. Para a exposição à ocratoxina A (OA) os biomarcadores se restringem à quantificação da própria toxina nos fluidos biológicos. A avaliação da exposição às micotoxinas constitui um importante aspecto para a saúde pública, tendo em vista a possibilidade de prevenir ou minimizar a incidência de doenças decorrentes da sua interação com o organismo.

Currently, mycotoxins represent a risk of environmental contamination, causing serious damages to human health. Those toxins can be found in different kinds of foods, and they constitute the main source of human exposure. The evaluation of such exposures can be monitored through the use of biomarkers, which elucidates the cause/effect and dose/effect relation in the evaluation of health risks for clinical and laboratory diagnostic purposes. The MEDLINE review about the use of biomarkers for assessment of aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A was carried out from 1981 to 2005. The biomarkers for assessment of human exposure to aflatoxins were the urinary metabolites of aflatoxin B1: aflatoxin M1, aflatoxin P1, aflatoxin Q1, the free aflatoxin in serum or plasma, the AFB-N7-guanine adducts and the albumin adducts or mutation in the tumour suppressor gene p53 present in human biological fluids. As far as fumonisins are concerned, levels of free fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2, or levels of sphinganine and sphingosin, were quantified in blood and urine. As exposure biomarkers, deoxynivalenol has its own metabolism products and adducts (protein/DNA) present in human fluids. As to ochratoxin A exposure, we measure it in biological fluids, once it enables us to prevent or minimize the incidence of deaths or illnesses provoked by chemical exposure.

Effect of the mycotoxin zearalenone on the testis of mice and the protective role of vitamin E: Histological and toxicological study

Zearalenone [ZEN] is a non steroidal mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium fungi. It is frequently detected in cereals used for human food stuffs and animal feeds such as wheat, maize and rice. Zearalenone and its metabolites constitute an important class of endocrine disruptors which causes estrogenic effects and can alter reproduction. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the histological and biochemical toxic effects of Zearalenone on the testicular tissue of mice and the possible role of vitamin E in preventing such effects. The study was carried out on forty adult male mice classified into three groups; a control group which comprised three subgroups; [negative control that received no treatment and two positive controls receiving intraperitoneal injection of either olive oil or vitamin E], ZEN-treated group where zearalenone intoxication was induced by daily intraperitoneal injection in a dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt for 3 days, while the protected group received vitamin E by intraperitoneal injection in a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt daily for 3 days, simultaneously with zearalenone in a similar dose to that of ZEN-treated group. By the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for estimation of serum testosterone level. The mice were then sacrificed and fresh specimens were taken from the testis and processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. Biochemical analysis of serum testosterone demonstrated significant decrease in the hormonal level in the ZEN-treated group compared to the control group, while vitamin E-protected group revealed nearly normal levels with no significant difference from the control subgroups. Light microscopic examination of ZEN- treated group revealed loss of normal architecture of the testicular tissue as several seminiferous tubules showed disorganization of the spermatogenic cells and dissolution of the intercellular connections. Ultrastructural examination of the same group revealed many degenerated cells with electron dense cytoplasm and dense irregular nuclei, multiple apoptotic spermatogenic cells, spermatids with various degrees of degeneration and failure of acrosomal cap formation together with multiple abnormal spermatozoa with irregular heads. Extensive exfoliation of spermatids together with other degenerated cells were frequently depicted in the lumen. Many Leydig cells appeared degenerated with irregular nuclei. On the other hand, vitamin E-protected group showed amelioration of most of the degenerative changes depicted in the ZEN treated group. Exposure to the mycoloxin zearalenone demonstrated a considerable risk on the testicular structure and function of mice. Simultaneous administration of vitamin E was efficient in preventing most of such toxic effects. Therefore, mycological analysis should be regular for food stuffs especially cereals. Whereas, vitamin E can be recommended for protecion against zearalenone intoxication

Fungal toxicity with special reference to mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins are fungal secondary metabolites formed by consecutive series of enzyme-catalysed reactions from a few biochemically simple intermediates of primary metabolism. These mycotoxins can enter the human and animal food chain by direct or indirect contamination. Mycotoxins are equally harmful to animal and human beings. Realizing the importance of mycotoxins to the health of man and animals there have been concentrated efforts to develop highly sensitive analytical methods for detection and proper determination of mycotoxins in food, mixed feeds and feed ingredients, animal tissue, blood, urine and milk. Most of the mycotoxins are identified and most current research on it is concentrated on increasing sensitivity accuracy and reproducibility and above all to decrease the time of determination. A detailed review of mycotoxin and their detection is summarised in the paper.

Early ultrastructural changes of apoptosis induced by fumonisin B1 in rat liver

A time sequential study was performed to investigate the histological and ultrastructural findings of fumonisin B1-induced apoptosis in the male Sprague-Dawley rat liver. Six hours after administration of FB1, marked morphologic changes of hepatocytes included the appearance of small vacuoles along the margin of cell membrane. Twelve hours after injection of FB1, acidophilic degeneration of cells occurred, but no fragmented nucleus was evident around the centrilobular area, with few apoptotic cells. By electron microscope, the degenerated acidophilic cells revealed following changes: characteristic formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, condensed cytoplasm, detachment from neighboring cells, and as well as margination of nuclear chromatin and swollen mitochondria with amorphous matrical deposit. The number of apoptotic cells or bodies was further enhanced at 24 hours in the vicinity of dense acidophilic cells, resulting in a marked increase over the values of control rats. Serum analysis revealed the elevation of cholesterol levels from the beginning to the end of this experiment. Morphologic data and serum findings in this study support the theory that FB1-induced alteration of membrane lipid constituents of the hepatocytes are likely to be early key events in explaining the FB1 apoptotic effect.

Desempenho de perus de corte alimentados com níveis crescentes de afloxinas, com ou sem adiçäo de adsorvente / Turkey performance fed with increasing aflatoxins levels, with or without adsorvent inclusion

Este trabalho foi realizado durante o veräo de 1995/1996 com o objetivo de determinar o nível de aflatoxinas (AFL) capaz de causar prejuízos no desempenho de perus de corte criados sob condiçöes ambientais de baixo desafio, bem como avaliar a eficácia da adiçäo de bentonita sódica natural (BSN) como um adsorvente. Foram utilizados 1008 perus de corte, alojados em 84 boxes seguindo um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados com 14 tratamentos distribuídos em um arranjo fatorial 7 x 2, sendo 7 níveis de adiçäo de AFL (0, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000 e 2000ppb) e 2 níveis de adiçäo de BSN (0 e 0,5 porcento). Aos 21 dias de idade, as aves alimentadas com as dietas sem adiçäo de BSN mostraram uma reduçäo significativa (P<0,05) no ganho de peso (GP) e no consumo de raçäo (CR) com níveis de AFL iguais ou superiores a 500ppb, enquanto que aves alimentadas com as dietas com 0,5 porcento de BSN mostraram reduçäo significativa (P<0,05) no GP e CR apenas à partir de 1000ppb de AFL. Estes mesmos resultados foram observados aos 40 dias de idade, entretanto aos 70 dias ocorreu uma reduçäo significativa (P<0,05) no GP e CR das aves à partir de 500ppb de AFL, com ou sem adiçäo de BSN, demonstrando um efeito cumulativo desta micotoxina. Em geral, em todos os níveis de adiçäo de AFL que ocorreu reduçäo significativa no GP e CR das aves, esta foi cerca de 15 a 20 porcento menor nos grupos alimentados com 0,5 porcento de BSN. A conversäo alimentar (CA) das aves foi menos afetada pelos níveis de AFL dietéticos, embora tenha existido uma tendência de piora na CA com altos níveis de AFL, em todas as idades. Aflatoxinas tiveram um grande efeito sobre a taxa de mortalidade (porcentagem MOR), sendo que já aos 21 dias a porcentagem MOR verificada nos lotes que receberam 1000 e 2000ppb de AFL, sem BSN, foi de 15,3 e 72,2 porcento, respectivamente. Antes de completar 40 dias de experimento, 100 porcento das aves alimentadas com dietas contendo 2000ppb de AFL, sem e com BSN, morreram. A adiçäo de 0,5 porcento de BSN proporcionaou uma reduçäo média de 35 porcento na porcentagem MOR em comparaçäo aves alimentadas com dietas sem BSN. Com base nos resultados pode ser concluído que AFL säo extremamente deletérias aos perus e que a adiçäo de 0,5 porcento de BSN na raçäo protege particalmente os perus dos efeitos negativos desta micotoxina.

Patulina em alimentos: aspectos toxicologicos e analiticos / Toxicological and analytical aspects of patulin in foods

A patulina, micotoxina presente em frutas, principalmente na maca, e produzida por fungos dos generos Penicillium, Aspergillus, Byssochlamys, Gymnoascus e Paecilomyces. Esta micotoxina produz efeitos agudos em animais de experimentacao, alem de ser provavel agente toxico teratogenico, mutagenico e/ou carcinogenico. Portanto, pela ingestao de macas e de seus produtos industrializados como, poe exemplo, o suco, existe a possibilidade de grande numero de pessoas estarem expostas a patulina. A fim de contribuir para o entendimento dos efeitos toxicos decorrentes da exposicao a patulina e alterar para os riscos de seu aparecimento, preparou-se esta monografia que trata da ocorrencia da micotoxina em alimentos, suas caracteristicas gerais, propriedades fisico-quimicas, disposicao toxicocinetica, bem como seus aspectos analiticos

Aislamiento, identificación y determinación de la capacidad toxicogénica de hongos contaminantes de cereales y productos alimenticios / Isolation, identification and determination of the toxicogenic capacity of fungi contaminating cereals and alimentary products

Se determinó en la ciudad de Santa Fe y su zona de influencia, la capacidad toxicogénica, mediante la aplicación de ensayos biológicos rápidos, a hongos contaminantes de cereales y productos alimenticios elaborados con ellos. Los alimentos estudiados fueron: soja, maíz, trigo y sus derivados: los géneros frecuentes aislados fueron: aspergillus, penicillium y fusarium, identificandose las especies de aquellos que resultaron toxicogénicos. Las acciones citotóxicas detectadas mediante los ensayos aplicados fueron: capacidad mutagénica, hemólisis de glóbulos rojos humanos y elongación e inhibición de células de bacillus thuringiensis

Mycotoxin research in Brazil

This review summarizes published research articles on mycotoxins carried out in Brazil since 1961. Most of the papers dealt with the occurrence and levels of mycotoxins in foods and feeds. Nevertheless, the data obtained are still insufficient to have a representative panorama for the country. Most of the investigations involved only aflatoxins and were conducted in the State of SÒo Paulo. In recent years, the incidence in other states has also been verified and the analyses have been extended to mycotoxins other than aflatoxins. Along with the surveys, active research on analytical method evaluation and development is going on. At a slower pace, microbiological studies are also being undertaken. Considering their practical importance, relatively few studies have been accomplished on the prevention and control of mycotoxin contamination and on detoxification. The toxic effects in animals have also been reported. The number of papers published increased from 14 in 1961-1970 and 26 in 1971-1980 to 45 in 1981-1990. Thus, increasing research activity is evident. However, considering the continued existence and the seriousness of the problem, more intense and integrated research in all areas of mycotoxins should be encouraged.