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A review of the toxic effects and mechanisms of action of fumonisin B1

Unit of Excellence for Immunotoxicology, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland helene.stockmann-juvala{at}ttl.fi

K Savolainen

New Technologies and Risks, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland

Fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, which commonly infects corn and other agricultural products. Fusarium species can also be found in moisture-damaged buildings, and, therefore, exposure of humans to Fusarium mycotoxins including FB₁ may take place. FB₁ bears a clear structural similarity to the cellular sphingolipids, and this similarity has been shown to disturb the metabolism of sphingolipids by inhibiting the enzyme ceramide synthase leading to accumulation of sphinganine in cells and tissues. FB₁ is neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, and nephrotoxic in animals, and it has been classified as a possible carcinogen to humans. The cellular mechanisms behind FB₁-induced toxicity include the induction of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity, as well as alterations in cytokine expression. The effects of FB₁ on different parameters vary markedly depending on what types of cells are studied or what species they originate from. These aspects are important to consider when evaluating the toxic potential of FB₁.

Key Words: apoptosis • fumonisin B1 • mechanisms • oxidative stress • toxicity

Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 27, No. 11, 799-809 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0960327108099525


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