The intestinal barrier as an emerging target in the toxicological assessment of mycotoxins.

ABSTRACT: Mycotoxins, the secondary metabolites of fungal species, are the most frequently occurring natural food contaminants in human and animal diets. Risk assessment of mycotoxins focused as yet on their mutagenic, genotoxic and potential carcinogenic effects. Recently, there is an increasing awareness of the adverse effects of various mycotoxins on vulnerable structures in the intestines. In particular, an impairment of the barrier function of the epithelial lining cells and the sealing tight junction proteins has been noted, as this could result in an increased translocation of luminal antigens and pathogens and an excessive activation of the immune system. The current review aims to provide a summary of the available evidence regarding direct effects of various mycotoxins on the intestinal ep

SUBMITTER: Akbari P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5316402 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature