Mycotoxins-Induced Oxidative Stress and Disease

Mycotoxins are pharmacologically active mold metabolites produced in a strain-specific way that elicit some complicated toxicological activities [1]. More than 300 secondary metabolites have been identified while only around 30 have true toxic properties [2]. The chemical structures of mycotoxins vary significantly, but they are low molecular mass organic compounds [3]. Mycotoxins are small and quite stable molecules which are extremely difficult to remove and enter the food and feed chain while keeping their toxic properties [4]. So, the occurrence of mycotoxins is regulated by legal limits in all developed countries [5]. Mycotoxin contamination of the feed and food is a global problem because more than 25% of world grain production is contaminated by mycotoxins [6]. The synthesis of mycotoxins by moulds is genetically determined and closely related to primary metabolic pathways, such as amino acid and fatty acid metabolism. However, the actual toxin production is modulated by environmental factors such as substrate composition and quality, humidity and temperature. The occurrence of mycotoxins in animal feed exhibits a geographic pattern, for example Aspergillus species meet optimal conditions only in tropical and subtropical regions, whereas Fusarium and Penicillium species are adapted to the moderate climate. Worldwide trade with food and feed commodities results in a wide distribution of contaminated material [7].