Fumonisins

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Fumonisins (pronunciation: fyoo-moh-ni-sins) are a group of Mycotoxins produced by certain Fusarium species, most notably Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum. These toxins are commonly found in maize and maize-based products, and are associated with various diseases in humans and animals.

Etymology

The term "Fumonisin" is derived from the name of the fungus Fusarium moniliforme, which was the original name of Fusarium verticillioides, and the Latin word "sinus", meaning poison.

Types of Fumonisins

There are several types of fumonisins, the most important of which are Fumonisin B1, B2, and B3. These are referred to as FB1, FB2, and FB3 respectively.

  • Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is the most prevalent and toxicologically significant of the fumonisins. It is a potent inhibitor of sphingolipid biosynthesis, and has been associated with diseases such as equine leukoencephalomalacia, porcine pulmonary edema, and esophageal and liver cancer in humans.
  • Fumonisin B2 (FB2) and Fumonisin B3 (FB3) are less prevalent and less toxic than FB1, but they can still pose a significant health risk, particularly when consumed in large amounts or over a long period of time.

Health Effects

Fumonisins are toxic and carcinogenic. They have been associated with a variety of adverse health effects in humans and animals, including Leukoencephalomalacia, Porcine Pulmonary Edema, and Esophageal Cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified fumonisins as Group 2B carcinogens, meaning they are possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of fumonisins in food and feed involve good agricultural and manufacturing practices, such as crop rotation, use of resistant maize varieties, and proper storage conditions. In addition, various detoxification methods have been developed, including physical, chemical, and biological methods.

See Also

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