Fumonisin B1 Concentrations Research Articles

Assessment of mycotoxins in infant flour and their decontamination in raw material during production processes in Ouagadougou.

The infant flours produced in Burkina Faso are essentially a mixture of cereals and legumes. These raw materials are frequently contaminated with mycotoxins which pose a huge food safety and public health threat. The objective of this study was to determine mycotoxin levels in raw materials and infant flours in Ouagadougou and to investigate the impact of decontamination on the raw materials used in infant flour production. A total of 22 cereals and 17 legumes as raw materials and 26 infant flour samples were analysed for aflatoxins, fumonisin B1 (FB1), and ochratoxin A (OTA) by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, while saline treatment and hand-sorting of grains in mycotoxin reduction were tested. All the samples of raw materials and infant flours were contaminated with aflatoxins, whereas 20.5% and 38.5% of raw materials and 57.7% and 61.5% of infant flours, respectively, were contaminated by FB1 and OTA. These decontamination assays significantly reduced the levels of mycotoxins. AFB1 was reduced by 48% after soaking of maize for 6h in a 6% NaCl solution. Sorting resulted in a 92% reduction in AFB1 content in peanut. However, soaking in saline solution did not reduce the FB1 and OTA contents. Sorting did not also reduce FB1 contents in peanut. Sorting and soaking in 6% saline solution for 6h are production processes that lead to a reduction in the level of contamination by aflatoxins in maize and peanut used as raw materials for infant flour production.

Sulcatone as a Plant-Derived Volatile Organic Compound for the Control of the Maize Weevil and Its Associated Phytopathogenic Fungi in Stored Maize.

Stored maize is frequently attacked by different pests, such as insects and microorganisms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bioactivities of sulcatone (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one) against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais and the phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium verticillioides, Aspergillus flavus, and A. parasiticus. Sulcatone showed a strong repellent effect with a maximum value of -92.1 ± 3.2% at 40 µM in two-choice olfactometer bioassays and an LC95 value of 17.2 µL/L air (95% 16.5-18.1) in a fumigant toxicity experiment. The antifungal effect of sulcatone was evaluated through the fumigant method, reporting MIC values of 3.5, 3.8, and 3.9 mM for F. verticillioides, A. parasiticus, and A. flavus, respectively. Additionally, a silo-bag experiment containing all pests was conducted to evaluate the potential use of sulcatone in a real storage system. Sulcatone caused 71.69 ± 1.57% weevil mortality in silo-bags and proved to be effective as a fungicidal and antimycotoxigenic agent since both ergosterol and fumonisin B1 content were significantly reduced by 60% in silo-bags containing sulcatone. This study demonstrated that sulcatone has the potential to be used for the control of both insects and fungi of stored maize, without affecting the germination of grains.

Volatilome of the maize phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium verticillioides: potential applications in diagnosis and biocontrol.

Fusarium verticillioides is a maize fungal phytopathogen and a producer of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fumonisin B1 (FB1). Our aim was to study the volatilome, conidial production, ergosterol and FB1 biosynthesis in maize cultures over a 30-day incubation period (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 days post inoculation [DPI]). The effect of pure VOCs on the same parameters was then evaluated to study their potential role as biocontrol agents. In total, 91 VOCs were detected, with volatile profiles being more similar between 5 and 10 DPI compared with 15, 20, 25 and 30 DPI. Ergosterol content increased steadily with incubation time, and three growth stages were identified: a lag phase (0 to 15 DPI), an exponential phase (15 to 20 DPI) and a stationary phase (20 to 30 DPI). The maximum concentration of FB1 was detected at 25 (0.030 μg FB1/μg ergosterol) and 30 DPI (0.037 μg FB1/μg ergosterol), whereas conidial production showed a maximum value at 15 DPI (4.3 ± 0.2 × 105 conidia/μg ergosterol). Regarding pure VOCs, minimal inhibitory concentration values ranged from 0.3 mm for 4-hexen-3-one to 7.4 mm for 2-undecanone. Pure VOCs reduced radial growth, conidial production and ergosterol and FB1 biosynthesis. The marked resemblance between VOC profiles at 5 and 10 DPI suggests that they could act as early indicators of fungal contamination, particularly 4-ethylguaiacol, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyanisole, heptanol and heptyl acetate. On the other hand, their role as inhibitors of fungal growth and FB1 biosynthesis prove their great potential as safer alternatives to control phytopathogenic fungi. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of fumonisin B1 on gene-specific DNA methylation related to cancer pathways of p53 signalling and PI3K/Akt signalling in human kidney cells

Abstract Fumonisin B1 (FB1), which is emerged by contamination of corn and similar products with Fusarium species, causes a high risk for human and animal health. FB1 shows hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, immunotoxic and teratogenic effects. FB1 has also been linked to carcinogenesis processes that are unrelated to genotoxic pathways. Our goal was to investigate the role of gene-specific DNA methylation and expression of tumour suppressor genes in the toxicity of FB1 in human kidney (HK-2) cells. Using array panels, effects of FB1 exposure (10-100 μM) for 24 h on methylation levels of tumour suppressor genes were investigated. ToppGene Suite (Toppfun) portal was used to perform gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) and Reactome enrichment studies. The most of the genes were hypermethylated significantly at 100 μM concentrations of FB1. These results are consistent with the expression results which downregulate the selected genes of CD44, CDKN1A, CDKN2B, CTNNB1, MYC and p16. Functional enrichment analysis further elucidated the molecular mechanisms of FB1 in cancer-related pathways especially p53 signalling and PI3K/Akt signaling. It has been expected that the present study could contribute to the studies on the mechanisms that play a role in FB1 induced carcinogenesis.

Facile colorimetric sensing strategy for rapid and highly selective detection of Fumonisin B1 in food using Ag(I)–3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine catalytic system

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a secondary metabolite produced by Fusariums, which principally contaminates grains and their products, causing pathological and physiological toxicity to humans and animals. Herein, a convenient and rapid colorimetric strategy for FB1 detection was established based on the inhibition effect of FB1 on Ag(I)–3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) catalytic system. It was found that FB1 can hinder the generation of superoxide anions (O2·-) in the sensing solution, leading to a significant reduction of oxTMB production. Thus, the absorbance and color change of the solution are directly related to the concentration of FB1. Under optimal experimental conditions, there is a satisfactory sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 1.77 ng·mL−1. Moreover, such colorimetric strategy has outstanding selectivity, and can be used for the detection of FB1 residues in corn and infant rice flour, with a recovery rate of 90.15–109.74 %. Especially, the RGB values corresponding to chromogenic solutions with different FB1 contents can be easily recognized by a smartphone for qualitative and quantitative analysis of FB1. The colorimetric sensing strategy does not require the preparation of nanomaterial, providing a low-cost and promising analysis strategy for FB1 detection.

Maize Flour Processing Determines the Fumonisin Intake of South Malawi Residents

Maize flour is the staple food in many African countries, which is often contaminated with mycotoxin‐producing fungi. In this study, fungal contamination and the concentrations of fumonisins B1 and B2 in different types of maize flour in Malawi were examined, and the risk of mycotoxicosis, including endemic cancer, development was assessed. Data on the maize flour consumption of 187 Malawians were collected using a self‐generated questionnaire. Fifty‐nine samples of four differently processed types of flour from home‐grown maize were collected and screened for mycotoxins using high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS). Fumonisin B1 and B2 concentrations in maize flour and daily individual intakes were quantified by combined accelerated solvent extraction, solid phase extraction, and HPLC‐MS detection. The fumonisin concentrations ranged from 0.00 to 10,306.65 μg/kg maize, with a median concentration of 230.20 μg/kg (interquartile range (IQR), 592.77), and differed significantly among the four flour types. The median daily intake of fumonisins B1 and B2 per kilogram body weight was 3.01 μg (IQR, 6.47) and was significantly greater for deya flour (8.17 μg (IQR, 12.84)) than for mgaiwa flour (3.73 μg (IQR, 6.23); p = 0.046), gramil flour (1.08 μg (IQR, 2.39); p = 0.030), and white flour (1.18 μg (IQR, 2.78); p = 0.002). This intake exceeded the legitimate upper limit in 75% of individuals, by about nine times on average. The reduction of fumonisin intake is crucial to lower the associated disease risk and burden and can be achieved by changing the kernel processing method, improving storage conditions, and introducing sorghum and millet as possible staple food alternatives in Malawi.

An investigation of different antimycotoxin additives in swine intestinal explants challenged with aflatoxin and fumonisin: ex vivo and in vitro models

Abstract This study aimed to develop an ex vivo model to evaluate the efficacy of antimycotoxin additives (AMAs) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) using intestinal explants of growing pigs. Four assays of two treatments with 12 replicates each (24 jejunal explants used per assay) were performed using an Ussing Chamber (UC) system: two assays to evaluate two AMAs for AFB1 and two assays to evaluate two AMAs for FB1. The difference between the two assays for both AFB1 and FB1 was the composition of the additive used. The treatments for AFB1 assays were control [Buffer solution (BS) + 1 mg/l AFB1] and AMA (BS + 1 mg/l AFB1 + 0.5% AMA 1 or 2). The treatments for FB1 assays were control (BS + 50 mg/l FB1) and AMA (BS + 50 mg/l FB1 + 0.5% AMA 3 or 4). The efficacy of the four additives was also tested in vitro. The AFB1 concentrations in the explants from AMAs 1 and 2 were lower () than in the control. AMAs 1 and 2 reduced the jejunal absorption of AFB1 by 83.4 and 72.9%, respectively. Explants from AMAs 3 and 4 had lower FB1 () concentration when compared to the respective control treatment. AMAs 3 and 4 reduced the FB1 absorption by 31.9 and 17.6%, respectively. In the in vitro test, AMAs 1 and 2 provided 98.4 and 86.3% of AFB1 adsorption, respectively, while AMA 3 and 4 provided 91.2 and 80.5% FB1 adsorption, respectively. The ex vivo model can be a useful tool in evaluating the effectiveness of antimycotoxin additives for AFB1 and FB1 in swine. However, the low FB1 uptake in jejunal explants highlights the need for the development of additional information to improve the method.

Mycotoxin reduction and metabolite profiles of ogi produced using traditional fermentation methods

Mycotoxins are widely present in maize, a favourite staple food in sub-Saharan Africa. Food processing methods, like fermentation, have been suggested as potential ways to reduce mycotoxin contamination levels in the grain and, as a result, limit the exposure of crop consumers to the harmful effects of the toxins. The influence of four traditional fermentation processes [cold (with changed steeping liquor (CSL) and unchanged steeping liquor (USL), Fon and Goun procedures] on the mycotoxin reduction and metabolites profile of ogi, a fermented maize product, was studied. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography linked to high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-HR-TOF-MS) were respectively employed for the mycotoxin and metabolite profiles analyses of the samples. Among the nine mycotoxins detected in the raw maize samples, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) + fumonisin B2 (FB2) concentrations were found to exceed the European Union (EU) maximum limit. Both cold (containing USL and CSL) and Goun fermentation techniques were able to lower the AFB1 concentration below this threshold. The metabolomics result revealed that ogi produced using the cold (USL) and Fon fermentation processes had the highest number of most of the detected important compounds, whereas the Goun fermentation process produced the fewest compounds in total. There was no statistically significant difference in the ability of the specified natural fermentation processes to lower FB1, FB2, FB3, deoxynivalenol (DON), sterigmatocystin (STERIG), and zearalenone concentrations in maize (ZEN). In addition, the results demonstrated that the four natural fermentation processes evaluated had varying effects.

CRISPR-Cas12a-based aptasensor for sensitive and selective FB1 detection

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a common mycotoxin found in agricultural products. Therefore, establishing rapid detection methods is an important means to prevent the harm of FB1. This study was based on the clustered, regularly spaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas12a system with the introduction of aptamer F10. This study aimed to design CRISPR RNA (crRNA) to specifically recognize the aptamer F10, which formed the competitive relationship between the target molecule and crRNA for nucleic acid aptamer. Finally, a new type of biosensor was established using the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a protein and amplifying the signal with a fluorescent probe. This study observed a linear relationship of FB1 concentrations in the range of 25–500 nM. The standard curve was y = −0.2586 × x + 775.3, R2 = 0.9922, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 16.84 nM. The recovery of the maize sample was 92.2–101.93% and 92.24–103.96%. The total assay time was 40 min. The biosensor showed high specificity and sensitivity for FB1 after the introduction of the aptamer F10, and the workflow was simple, convenient, and fast, which was suitable for point-of-care (POC) detection in the field. Our designed biosensor validated the principle of detecting small molecules using CRISPR-Cas12a systems, further facilitating its application in the diagnostic field.

Visual Measurement of Fumonisin B1 with Bipolar Electrodes Array-Based Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a toxin produced by the metabolism of Fusarium oxysporum, which can cause serious effects on the nervous, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems of humans or animals; it is known as one of the highly toxic epidemic contaminants. Herein, we report the visual inspection of FB1 using bipolar electrodes (BPEs) with an array-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform. The sensor consists of a PDMS cover and a glass substrate containing an array of 10 ITO electrodes. A specific sensing interface was constructed on the cathode of the BPE, which could modulate the ECL reactions that occurred at the anode of BPEs. To amplify the ECL signal, methylene blue (MB)-encapsulated Zr-MOFs (MB@Zr-MOFs) were synthesized and immobilized on the cathode of the BPE, which could amplify the ECL signal at the anode. By coupling the cyclic amplification effect of the DNA walker and nicking endonuclease (Nb.BbvCI), the biosensor can realize the visual measurement of FB1 in the range of 5 × 10−5~0.5 ng/mL. In addition, the developed biosensor was used to monitor the concentration of FB1 in maize and peanut samples. The recoveries were in the range of 99.2%~110.6%, which demonstrated the good accuracy of the designed BPE-ECL biosensor for FB1 assay in food samples.

Effect of Abiotic Conditions on Growth, Mycotoxin Production, and Gene Expression by Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex Strains from Maize.

Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) strains are a major concern for food quantity and quality due to their strong ability to synthesize mycotoxins. The effects of interacting conditions of water activity, temperature, and incubation time on the growth rate, toxin production, and expression level of biosynthetic genes were examined. High temperature and water availability increased fungal growth. Higher water activity was in favor of toxin accumulation. The maximum amounts of fusaric acid (FA) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) were usually observed at 20-25 °C. F. andiyazi could produce a higher content of moniliformin (MON) in the cool environment than F. fujikuroi. The expression profile of biosynthetic genes under environmental conditions varied wildly; it was suggested that these genes might be expressed in a strain-dependent manner. FB1 concentration was positively related to the expression of FUM1, while a similar correlation of FUB8 and FUB12 with FA production could be observed in F. andiyazi, F. fujikuroi, and F. subglutinans. This study provides useful information in the monitoring and prevention of such toxins entering the maize production chain.

Characterization of mycotoxins and microbial community in whole-plant corn ensiled in different silo types during aerobic exposure.

Silage can be contaminated with mycotoxins and accidental fungi after aerobic exposure. The study assessed the effects of bunker silos (BS), round bales (RB), and silage bags (SB) on the nutritional characteristics, fermentation quality, aerobic stability, mycotoxin levels and microbial communities of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS). After 90 days of fermentation, silages were opened and sampled at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days of exposure. SB group conserved higher lactic acid and dry matter contents and a lower pH value than other groups after 9 days of exposure (p < 0.05). The SB group showed the longest aerobic stability (202 h) among all silages (p < 0.05). The concentrations of aflatoxin B1, trichothecenes and fumonisin B1 were significantly lower in SB after 9 days of exposure (p < 0.05). Acetobacter became the dominant bacteria in BS and RB groups after 5 days of exposure. However, Lactobacillus still dominated the bacterial community in SB group. Acetobacter was positively correlated with pH, acetic acid content, and ammonia-N content (p < 0.05). Lactobacillus was positively correlated with Kazachstania and Candida abundances (p < 0.01) but negatively correlated with Fusarium abundance (p < 0.05). Considering the feed value and food safety of silage in the feeding process, silage bags are recommended for WPCS according to the observed nutritional quality, fermentation index and mycotoxin content.

Plant Metabolites Affect Fusarium proliferatum Metabolism and In Vitro Fumonisin Biosynthesis.

Fusarium proliferatum is a common hemi-biotrophic pathogen that infect a wide range of host plants, often leading to substantial crop loss and yield reduction. F. proliferatum synthesizes various mycotoxins, and fumonisins B are the most prevalent. They act as virulence factors and specific effectors that elicit host resistance. The effects of selected plant metabolites on the metabolism of the F. proliferatum strain were analyzed in this study. Quercetin-3-glucoside (Q-3-Glc) and kaempferol-3-rutinoside (K-3-Rut) induced the pathogen's growth, while DIMBOA, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (Iso-3-Rut), ferulic acid (FA), protodioscin, and neochlorogenic acid (NClA) inhibited fungal growth. The expression of seven F. proliferatum genes related to primary metabolism and four FUM genes was measured using RT-qPCR upon plant metabolite addition to liquid cultures. The expression of CPR6 and SSC1 genes was induced 24 h after the addition of chlorogenic acid (ClA), while DIMBOA and protodioscin reduced their expression. The transcription of FUM1 on the third day of the experiment was increased by all metabolites except for Q-3-Glc when compared to the control culture. The expression of FUM6 was induced by protodioscin, K-3-Rut, and ClA, while FA and DIMBOA inhibited its expression. FUM19 was induced by all metabolites except FA. The highest concentration of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in control culture was 6.21 µg/mL. Protodioscin did not affect the FB content, while DIMBOA delayed their synthesis/secretion. Flavonoids and phenolic acids displayed similar effects. The results suggest that sole metabolites can have lower impacts on pathogen metabolism and mycotoxin synthesis than when combined with other compounds present in plant extracts. These synergistic effects require additional studies to reveal the mechanisms behind them.

Determination of Fumonisin B1 by Aptamer-Based Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer.

Fumonisin FB is produced by Fusarium moniliforme Sheld, of which FB1 is the most common and the most toxic. The establishment of a rapid detection method is an important means to prevent and control FB1 pollution. A highly sensitive fluorescent sensor based on an aptamer for the rapid detection of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in corn was established. In this study, 5-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) was labeled on the aptamer of FB1 (F10). F10 was adsorbed on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) by π-π stacking. The FAM fluorescence signal could be quenched by fluorescence resonance energy transfer between fluorescent molecules and graphene oxide (GO). In the presence of FB1, the binding efficiency of the aptamer to GO was reduced. Therefore, the content of FB1 in corn samples was determined by fluorescence measurements of mixed FAM-labeled F10, GO and corn samples. This method had a good linear relationship in an FB1 concentration range of 0-3000 ng/mL. The equation was y = 0.2576x + 10.98, R2 = 0.9936. The limit of detection was 14.42 ng/mL, and the limit of quantification was 43.70 ng/mL. The recovery of a spiked standard in the corn sample was 89.13-102.08%, and the time of detection was 30 min.

Assessment of mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1) in hen’s eggs in Jordan

The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of mycotoxins (Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone (ZEA), Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Fumonisin B1 (FB1)) in local hen's table eggs (white and yolk) as well as their stability upon refrigeration. Two hundred and fifty of fresh table eggs samples collected from Jordan governorates were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography- Mass Spectrophotometry (LC– MS/MS) More than half (67%) of the tested samples were positive for mycotoxins. The mean concentration of AFB1, FB1 and ZEA was 0.5 ± 0.4, 0.5 ± 0.2 and 3.2 ± 1.5 μg/kg, respectively. The overall prevalence of AFB1, ZEA, FB1 was 56.8, 16.0 and 7.6%, respectively. DON was not found in any of the samples. The highest prevalence was observed in Amman (85.7%) followed by Mafraq (78.6%), Karak (75.0%) and Zarqa'a (66.6%). None of the investigated mycotoxins were detected in egg whites. However, the prevalence of AFB1, ZEA, FB1 in egg yolk was 21.3, 16 and 7.6%, respectively. Refrigeration up to 4 weeks did not decrease the mycotoxin concentration significantly. Mycotoxin concentration in all investigated samples in this study were well below both the International and Jordanian acceptable limits. However, continuous exposure may lead to bioaccumulation over a long term and pose a threat to health.

A Portable Optical Fiber Tip Facet LSPR Aptasensor for Detection of Fumonisin B1

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin that mainly contaminates food crops. To avoid the harmful effect of FB1 on the human body, it is necessary to establish a convenient, sensitive, and accurate FB1 detection method. In this study, an optical fiber tip facet biosensor based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) that adapts to a general detection platform was developed. An optical fiber end face was assembled with –NH <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> , Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), and aptamer, and the fabricating parameters were optimized. The results showed that the optical fiber LSPR biosensor had a good linear relationship ( <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${R}^{\text {2}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> = 0.9817) between the logarithmic FB1 concentration and the LSPR peak shifts within the linear range of concentrations of 0.8–200.0 ng/mL and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.17 ng/mL, as well as selectivity, recovery rates (96.08%–112.23%), and repeatability relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.37%. It was validated by corn. Therefore, it was feasible that a tip facet optical fiber LSPR biosensor could be used to detect FB1, with advantages of convenience, renewability, and low cost. It is easy to popularize and apply.

Comparison of some mycotoxin concentration and prevalence in premium and economic class of adult dog foods

The aim of this study determined the concentrations of total aflatoxin, ochratoxin-A, fumonisin-B1 and zearalenone in 40 different extruded dry type from premium (or with high price) (P-food) (n = 20) and economic (or with low price) (E-food) (n = 20) class foods with different nutritional content. According to ingredients, lamb meal (or by products) + cereal grain (LG-food), fish meal (or by products) + cereal grain (FG-food), chicken meal (or by products) + cereal grain (CG-food), and animal by-products + grain-free (GFree-food) (with potato or tapioca) were selected equal numbers for E-food and P-foods. Total aflatoxin was not detected in the Gfree-dog foods and the FG-dog foods. The total aflatoxin concentrations of P-food and E-food were 1.30 ppb and 1.98 ppb in DM, respectively (P = 0.154). The fumonisin-B1 was detected in 10% of P-foods and 70% of E-foods (P < 0.001). The fumonisin-B1 concentration in GFree-food of dog was lower than those of other dog foods (P < 0.05). The highest fumonisin-B1 concentration of dog foods was in E-food of CG-food (3107 ppb in DM). The zearalenone concentration of GFree-food was lower than those of LG-food, FG-food and CG-food (P < 0.05). As a result, the total mycotoxins concentration of GFree-food (106 ppb in DM) were lower than those of other dog foods. The total mycotoxin, total aflatoxin, ochratoxin-A and fumonisin-B1 concentration of E-food were higher than those of P-foods. The highest total mycotoxin concentration was in the E-food classes of CG-food. Therefore, zearalenone concentration of P-food was higher than that of E-food. Highlights The total mycotoxin, total aflatoxin, ochratoxin-A and fumonisin-B1 concentration of the economic class dog food were higher than those of the premium class dog food. The highest total mycotoxin concentration was in the economic class dog food with chicken + grain. Ochratoxin-A has not been detected in any of the premium class dog foods. Economic class of grain-free dog foods contained very low concentrations of fumonisin-B1 and zearelenone mycotoxins, while premium class of they contained none.

Establishment of an Improved ELONA Method for Detecting Fumonisin B1 Based on Aptamers and Hemin-CDs Conjugates

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a strong mycotoxin that is ubiquitous in agricultural products. The establishment of rapid detection methods is an important means to prevent and control FB1 contamination. In this study, an improved enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA) method was designed and tested to detect the contents of FB1 in maize (corn) samples. F10 modified with biotin was bound to an enzyme label plate that was coated with streptavidin (SA) in advance, and carbon dots (CDs) were used to catalyze the color of tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). The complementary chain of F10 was modified with an amino group and coupled with CDs to obtain conjugates. The sample and conjugates were then added to the enzyme plate coated with F10 (an FB1 aptamer). Upon completion of the color reaction, the absorbance was measured at 450 nm. The LOD of this method was 4.30 ng/mL and the LOQ was 13.03 ng/mL. We observed a linear relationship in the FB1 concentration range of 0–100 ng/mL. The standard curve was y = −0.001482 × x + 0.3463, R2 = 0.9918, and the experimental results could be directly measured visually. The recovery of the maize sample was 97.5–99.23% and 94.54–99.25%, and the total detection time was 1 h.

Dietary and socioeconomic risk factors for fumonisin exposure among women of reproductive age in 18 municipalities in Guatemala from 2013 to 2014.

Fumonisin exposure is common in populations where maize is a dietary staple, such as in Guatemala, and has been associated with negative health outcomes including neural tube defects. The objective of this study was to estimate fumonisin B1 (FB1) exposure among Guatemalan reproductive-age women and develop a better understanding of the dietary and sociodemographic risk factors for exposure. A cross-sectional study in 18 municipalities in Guatemala was conducted. Midwives and study nurses enrolled consenting women and collected individual and household demographic and socioeconomic data. A food frequency questionnaire was administered to estimate quantity and types of food products consumed. A urine sample was collected and urinary fumonisin B1 (uFB1) concentration was measured. A univariable analysis was conducted to identify predictors of low/high uFB1. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, 775 women had analyzable urine samples. Higher uFB1 levels were associated with speaking Mayan (OR = 2.33, 95% CI:1.44-3.77), less than high school education (OR = 1.61, 95% CI:1.12-2.30), increasing dietary proportion of maize-based foods (OR = 1.02, 95% CI:1.01-1.03), and consumption of tostadas (fried tortillas) (OR = 1.11, 95% CI:1.02-1.22). Lower uFB1 levels were associated with consumption of highly processed maize-based foods (OR = 0.93, 95% CI:0.87-0.99). Tortillas were the most frequently consumed maize-based food among study participants and significantly associated with high uFB1 exposure in the univariable but not multivariable analysis. Consumption of >4,750 grams/week of maize-based foods, >5,184 g/week of locally produced maize-based foods, and >110 servings/week of tortillas were also significantly associated with high uFB1 exposure in univariable analysis. Populations with low socioeconomic status/education levels and high consumption of maize-based foods had higher fumonisin exposure. Interventions aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to mycotoxins through maize in Guatemala, including the increased consumption of non-maize-based foods, should be further explored.

Association between forage mycotoxins and liver disease in horses.

BackgroundOutbreaks of liver disease in horses are common but the etiology of most remains unknown. Forage mycotoxins have been suspected to be a cause.ObjectivesTo examine the association between outbreaks of liver disease and the presence of mycotoxins in forage stored on the same premises.AnimalsPremises were identified where ≥4 horses were contemporaneously affected by liver disease, and a control group was formed from premises where ≥4 horses had been examined and found to have no evidence of liver disease.MethodsForage was collected from 29 case and 12 control premises. The forage was analyzed for mycotoxin content using a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method, targeting 54 mycotoxins. The presence and distribution of mycotoxins between case and control samples was compared.ResultsMycotoxins were found in 23/29 (79%) case samples and 10/12 (83%) control samples (P > .99; relative risk, 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64‐1.75). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) total mycotoxin concentration was similar in case and control samples (85.8 μg/kg [1.6‐268] vs. 315 μg/kg [6.3‐860]; P = .16). Ten mycotoxins were found exclusively in case premises comprising fumonisin B1, 15‐acetyldeoxynivalenol, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, aflatoxins B1 and G1, methylergonovine, nivalenol, verruculogen, and wortmannin. The median (IQR) concentration of fumonisin B1 was significantly higher in case versus control samples (0 μg/kg [0‐81.7] vs. 0 μg/kg [0‐0]; P = .04).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSeveral mycotoxins with known hepatotoxic potential were found, alone or in combination, exclusively at case premises, consistent with the hypothesis that forage‐associated mycotoxicosis may be a cause of outbreaks of liver disease in horses in the United Kingdom.