Advanced Research Journal of Biochemistry Vol. 3 (9) pp. 137-145, September, 2018. © Advanced Scholars Journals

Biochemistry and metabolism of aflatoxins, fumonisins and trichothecenesReview

*Eduardo E. S., Romário G. O. and Sérgio Antônio

Mycotoxin Laboratory, Chemistry and Food School, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 12 July, 2018

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review the biochemistry and metabolism of aflatoxins, fumonisins and trichothecenes. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic species of fungi, which can cause toxic effects in humans and animals. Food contamination by mycotoxins has been reported worldwide, mostly in foods that are susceptible to fungal growth, such as grains and cereals. Mycotoxins can lead to damage to health, and economic losses in agriculture. The most common mycotoxins found in routine food consumption and with consumption limits set by many countries, including Brazil, are: aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ e G₂, ochatoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin and fumonisin. The better understanding of the biochemistry and metabolism of mycotoxins is necessary to avoid problems caused by them and minimize their negative effects on agriculture and health. 

Key words: Aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, biochemistry, metabolism, food contamination.