Veterinary Archives, Vol. 71 No. 5, 2001.
Short communication, Note
Fumonisins and their effects on animal health.
Maja Šegvić
; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Stjepan Pepeljnjak
; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by certain Fusarium moulds, principally Fusarium moniliforme a worldwide corn contaminant. It is already well known that fumonisins are associated with various animal toxicosis and carcinomas, including leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), porcine pulmonary oedema (PPE), hepatotoxicosis, hepatocarcinomas, nephrotoxicosis and immunosuppressive effects. Among fumonisin isomers FB1 is a predominant molecular form and major toxicant. It has been found that FB1 disrupts the sphingolipid metabolism on many types of cells and tissues through the inhibition of ceramide synthase, a key enzyme in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis and reacylation of free sphingosine. The second mechanism of toxicity involves changes in polyunsaturated fatty acid and disruption of membrane phospholipids. Different toxic effects of FB1 were evaluated in many kinds of animal, such as Equidae, swine, rat, mice rabbit, chicken, non-human primates and others. Exposure assessment, legislative and efficient detoxification is needed to be done in order to avoid unwanted consequences and economic losses.
Keywords
fumonisins; Fusarium moniliforme; animal toxicosis; ceramide synthase; phospholipids
Hrčak ID:
89420
URI
Publication date:
17.10.2001.
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