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A mutagenic metabolite produced by Fusarium moniliforme isolated from Linxian county, China
Abstract:
Fusarin C, a fungal metabolite, was recently isolated and identified from corn meal inoculated with Fusarium moniliforme which was one of the most common fungi associated with corn in Linxian county, a high-incidence area of esophageal cancer. In the presence of S-9 mix, fusarin C significantly increased the number of revertants in Salmonella typhimurium TA 100, and induced SCE, micronuclei, chromosome aberrations and 6-TG resistant mutants in V79 cells. The toxic action of fusarin C on V79 cells was much stronger in the absence of S-9 mix. However, fusarin C did not show, at the largest concentration used, any significant mutagenic or clastogenic effect on the cells without the addition of S-9 mix. The possible relationship between the consumption of corn contaminated with F. moniliforme and the cause of esophageal cancer was discussed.
Insights
Fusarin C, a fungal toxin found in contaminated corn, demonstrated mutagenic and clastogenic effects in laboratory tests. This suggests a potential link between Fusarium moniliforme-infected corn consumption and esophageal cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Toxicology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Fusarin C is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium moniliforme, a fungus commonly found on corn.
- Linxian county, China, has a high incidence of esophageal cancer and significant corn contamination with F. moniliforme.
- Understanding the toxicological profile of Fusarin C is crucial for assessing health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mutagenic and clastogenic potential of Fusarin C.
- To evaluate the influence of metabolic activation (S-9 mix) on Fusarin C's toxicity.
- To explore the possible association between Fusarin C exposure and esophageal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Fusarin C from contaminated corn.
- Bacterial reverse mutation assay using Salmonella typhimurium TA 100.
- In vitro cytogenetic assays in V79 cells, including sister chromatid exchange (SCE), micronuclei formation, and chromosome aberrations.
- Assessment of 6-thioguanine (6-TG) resistance in V79 cells.
Main Results:
- Fusarin C significantly increased revertants in Salmonella typhimurium TA 100 in the presence of S-9 mix.
- Fusarin C induced SCE, micronuclei, chromosome aberrations, and 6-TG resistant mutants in V79 cells, particularly without S-9 mix.
- The toxic effect of Fusarin C on V79 cells was more pronounced in the absence of S-9 mix, though mutagenic/clastogenic effects were not significant without metabolic activation.
Conclusions:
- Fusarin C exhibits mutagenic and clastogenic properties in vitro.
- Metabolic activation influences the toxicological outcome of Fusarin C exposure.
- The findings support the hypothesis linking consumption of F. moniliforme-contaminated corn to the high incidence of esophageal cancer in Linxian county.