A Review of the Mycotoxin Enniatin B

Alessandra Prosperini*, Houda Berrada, Maria Jose Ruiz, Francesca Caloni, Teresa Coccini, Leon J. Spicer, Maria Chiara Perego, Alessandra Lafranconi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

Mycotoxin enniatin B (ENN B) is a secondary metabolism product by Fusarium fungi. It is a well-known antibacterial, antihelmintic, antifungal, herbicidal, and insecticidal compound. It has been found as a contaminant in several food commodities, particularly in cereal grains, co-occurring also with other mycotoxins. The primary mechanism of action of ENN B is mainly due to its ionophoric characteristics, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. In the last two decades, it has been a topic of great interest since its potent mammalian cytotoxic activity was demonstrated in several mammalian cell lines. Moreover, the co-exposure in vitro with other mycotoxins enhances its toxic potential through synergic effects, depending on the concentrations tested. Despite its clear cytotoxic effect, European Food Safety Authority stated that acute exposure to ENNs, such as ENN B, does not indicate concern for human health, but a concern might be the chronic exposure. However, given the lack of relevant toxicity data, no firm conclusion could be drawn and a risk assessment was not possible. In fact, very few studies have been carried out in vivo and, in these studies, no adverse effects were observed. So, research on toxicological effects induced by ENN B is still on-going. Recently, some studies are dealing with new advances regarding ENN B. This review summarizes the information on biochemical and biological activity of ENN B, focusing on toxicological aspects and on the latest advances in research on ENN B.

Original languageEnglish
Article number304
Number of pages11
JournalFrontiers in Public Health
Volume5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Nov 2017

Keywords

  • enniatin B
  • toxic effects
  • biological properties
  • biochemical activities
  • emerging findings
  • FUNGUS VERTICILLIUM-HEMIPTERIGENUM
  • FUSARIUM-AVENACEUM
  • QUANTITATIVE-DETERMINATION
  • RISK-ASSESSMENT
  • CACO-2 CELLS
  • BEAUVERICIN
  • TOXICITY
  • CYTOTOXICITY
  • A(1)
  • APOPTOSIS

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