Mycotoxins: Emerging toxic mechanisms, and unanswered research questions
Qinghua Wu1, Li You2, Wenda Wu3
1College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 50003, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Recently, a series of toxic mechanisms have been explored in mycotoxins. Emerging evidence show that mycotoxins may induce human neurodegenerative diseases (ND); however, this idea is still unproven. Besides to identify this hypothesis, some questions, for example, how the mycotoxins induce this disease and what the molecular mechanism is, as well as whether the brain-gut axis is involved in this context, should be answered. Very recent studies further reported an "immune evasion" mechanism in trichothecenes; moreover, hypoxia seems to play important function in this process; nevertheless, whether this "immune evasion" process is present in other mycotoxins, especially in aflatoxins, should be tested. In this work, we mainly discussed some key scientific questions that need to be answered in the toxic mechanisms of mycotoxins. We especially focused on the research questions in the key signaling pathways, balance mechanism of immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects, and the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. Interesting topics such as mycotoxins and aging, cytoskeleton and immunotoxicity are also discussed. More importantly, we compile a special issue: "New insight into mycotoxins and bacterial toxins: toxicity assessment, molecular mechanism and food safety" for Food and Chemical Toxicology. Researchers are encouraged to submit their newest work to this special issue.
Insights
Mycotoxins may cause neurodegenerative diseases (ND) through unknown mechanisms, potentially involving the brain-gut axis and immune evasion. Further research is needed to understand these complex toxicological pathways.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Mycotoxins are emerging as potential inducers of human neurodegenerative diseases (ND).
- The precise molecular mechanisms and involvement of the brain-gut axis remain largely unelucidated.
- Recent findings suggest immune evasion strategies in certain mycotoxins, like trichothecenes, potentially involving hypoxia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address key scientific questions regarding the toxic mechanisms of mycotoxins.
- To explore the link between mycotoxins and neurodegeneration, including molecular pathways and brain-gut axis involvement.
- To investigate the potential for immune evasion mechanisms in mycotoxins beyond trichothecenes, such as aflatoxins.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of critical research questions in mycotoxin toxicology.
- Focus on signaling pathways, immune modulation (stimulatory vs. suppressive effects), and the interplay of autophagy and apoptosis.
- Exploration of emerging topics like mycotoxins and aging, cytoskeleton, and immunotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Identified critical knowledge gaps in understanding mycotoxin-induced toxicity.
- Highlighted the need for research into mycotoxin-induced neurodegeneration and associated molecular mechanisms.
- Emphasized the importance of investigating immune evasion and related processes in mycotoxin toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Mycotoxin toxicity presents complex challenges requiring further investigation into molecular mechanisms.
- Understanding the role of the brain-gut axis and immune evasion is crucial for assessing mycotoxin risks.
- This work highlights key areas for future research and encourages submissions to a special issue on mycotoxins and bacterial toxins.
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