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Mutagenic activity of Fusarium moniliforme isolates in the Salmonella typhimurium assay
Abstract:
A total of 33 isolates of Fusarium moniliforme from several food or feed crops were grown on sterile cracked corn, and chloroform-isopropanol extracts were assayed for mutagenic activity in the Salmonella typhimurium-microsome system by using tester strain TA98 or TA100 or both. Extracts of 21 (64%) of the isolates assayed against TA100 were mutagenic. Activities of seven of these extracts were increased markedly with incorporation of the liver homogenate (S-9) into the assay. Seven (33%) of the isolates assayed against TA98 were weakly active, with the liver homogenate having little effect on reversion rates.
Insights
Mutagenic activity was found in 64% of Fusarium moniliforme isolates tested against Salmonella typhimurium TA100. Liver homogenate (S-9) significantly enhanced mutagenicity in some extracts, indicating potential genotoxicity in food crops.
Area of Science:
- Food safety
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Fusarium moniliforme is a common fungal contaminant of food and feed crops.
- Some fungal metabolites can exhibit mutagenic properties, posing a risk to consumer health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mutagenic potential of Fusarium moniliforme isolates from various food and feed crops.
- To investigate the role of metabolic activation in the mutagenicity of these fungal extracts.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three Fusarium moniliforme isolates were cultured on sterile cracked corn.
- Chloroform-isopropanol extracts were subjected to mutagenicity assays using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, with and without liver homogenate (S-9).
Main Results:
- Mutagenic activity was detected in extracts from 21 (64%) of the isolates when assayed against strain TA100.
- Seven of these mutagenic extracts showed significantly increased activity in the presence of S-9.
- Seven isolates (33%) exhibited weak mutagenic activity against strain TA98, with minimal S-9 effect.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of Fusarium moniliforme isolates possess mutagenic potential, particularly detectable with strain TA100.
- Metabolic activation by liver homogenate can enhance the mutagenicity of certain fungal extracts, suggesting the formation of reactive metabolites.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring Fusarium moniliforme contamination in food and feed for potential health risks.