Mycotoxin Contamination: Occurrence, Biotransformation, Pathogenic Mechanisms, and Strategies for Nutritional...

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Food Safety
• Mycology

Background:

• Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites contaminating food, feed, and traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs).
• Key mycotoxins include aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEN), posing significant health risks.
• These toxins cause hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity, estrogenicity, immunotoxicity, and neurotoxicity through reactive metabolites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biosynthesis, biotransformation, and pathogenic mechanisms of AFB1, OTA, and ZEN.
• To discuss nutritional interventions for mitigating mycotoxin-induced toxicity.
• To provide insights for future research and theoretical foundation for dietary strategies against mycotoxin damage.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of mycotoxin biosynthesis and pathogenic mechanisms.
• Analysis of biotransformation pathways of AFB1, OTA, and ZEN.
• Evaluation of enterosorbents and dietary bioactive compounds for mycotoxin neutralization.

Main Results:

• Mycotoxins exert toxicity via carcinogenesis, estrogenic effects, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
• Enterosorbents reduce intestinal absorption, while bioactive compounds intervene in biotransformation and reinforce cytoprotection.
• Nutritional strategies can ameliorate mycotoxin-induced damage by targeting underlying mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Understanding mycotoxin toxicity mechanisms is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.
• Dietary strategies, including enterosorbents and bioactive compounds, show promise in preventing and managing mycotoxin-induced diseases.
• This review establishes a foundation for utilizing nutritional approaches to combat mycotoxin-related health issues.