Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, contaminating various foodstuffs, including grains, nuts, and processed foods. Chronic and acute exposure to these compounds has been linked to a wide range of adverse health effects, including carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunosuppression, and endocrine disruption. Analyzing mycotoxins in urine provides a reliable measure of an individual’s exposure, reflecting both recent dietary intake and internal metabolism. This test utilizes Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), a highly sensitive and specific technique, to detect and quantify significant mycotoxins, including aflatoxin (AFL), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FUM), ochratoxin A (OTA), T-2 toxin (Trichothecene), and zearalenone (ZEA).
Aflatoxins (AFL), primarily produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are among the most studied mycotoxins due to their potent hepatotoxic and carcinogenic properties. Aflatoxin B1, the most toxic of the group, undergoes metabolic activation in the liver, forming reactive epoxides that interact with DNA, leading to mutagenesis and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sixteen different types of aflatoxins have been discovered, and the most common types are aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, and M2. Total urinary aflatoxins serve as a biomarker of exposure, offering insights into both dietary intake and hepatic metabolism.
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species. Its toxic effects are mediated by inhibiting ribosomal peptidyl transferase, which leads to impaired protein synthesis and cellular stress responses. Chronic exposure has been associated with immune dysregulation, intestinal inflammation, and disruptions in nutrient absorption. DON in urine indicates systemic exposure and potential gastrointestinal or immune-related disturbances.
Fumonisins, produced predominantly by Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum, are structurally similar to sphingolipids and disrupt sphingolipid metabolism by inhibiting ceramide synthase. This leads to alterations in cellular signaling, increased oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Fumonisin B1 is the most prevalent and has been implicated in esophageal cancer, neural tube defects, and hepatotoxicity. Urinary fumonisin analysis directly measures exposure, particularly in populations consuming high levels of contaminated corn-based products.
Ochratoxin A (OTA), produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species, exhibits nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and immunosuppressive properties. It is a potent protein synthesis inhibitor and disrupts mitochondrial function through oxidative stress and apoptosis. OTA has been classified as a possible human carcinogen due to its nephro-carcinogenic effects. Urinary OTA levels are a dietary and environmental exposure biomarker, with prolonged elimination indicating persistent bioaccumulation.
T-2 toxin, a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, interferes with protein synthesis, induces oxidative stress, and damages cell membranes through lipid peroxidation. It has been linked to immunotoxicity, hematopoietic suppression, and neurotoxicity. The detection of T-2 in urine measures systemic exposure and potential toxicological effects.
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species. It binds to estrogen receptors, disrupting the endocrine system and causing reproductive toxicity. ZEA has been implicated in hyper-estrogenism, infertility, and developmental abnormalities. Its presence in urine and metabolites reflects recent exposure and potential hormonal imbalances.
Fluorescence-activated cell Sorting (FACS) is a powerful and highly sensitive method for detecting mycotoxins in urine. By utilizing specific antibodies conjugated with fluorescent markers, this technique enables precise, high-throughput quantification of multiple mycotoxins simultaneously.
