Trichothecene
Trichothecene
Trichothecene (pronounced: tri-ko-the-seen) is a group of sesquiterpenoid mycotoxins produced by various species of fungi, including those belonging to the Fusarium, Myrothecium, and Stachybotrys genera.
Etymology
The term "Trichothecene" is derived from the Greek words "tricho" meaning hair and "thecene" referring to the theca, or case, in which the spores of these fungi are contained.
Definition
Trichothecenes are toxic compounds that inhibit protein synthesis, affecting various biological systems and leading to a range of health effects in humans and animals. They are often associated with food contamination, particularly in grains and cereals, and can cause a disease known as Fusarium Head Blight or scab in wheat and barley.
Types of Trichothecenes
There are more than 150 known trichothecenes, but the most commonly encountered ones include:
- Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin
- T-2 Toxin
- HT-2 Toxin
- Nivalenol
Health Effects
Exposure to trichothecenes can lead to a variety of health effects, depending on the type of trichothecene, the level of exposure, and the duration of exposure. Symptoms can range from nausea and vomiting to skin irritation, bleeding, and in severe cases, shock and death.
Related Terms
- Mycotoxin: A toxic compound produced by fungi.
- Fusarium: A genus of fungi, some species of which produce trichothecenes.
- Stachybotrys: A genus of fungi, also known as black mold, which can produce trichothecenes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trichothecene
- Wikipedia's article - Trichothecene
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