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Title: Use of mechanism-based and exposure biomarkers to assess fumonisin toxicity in humans, animals and plants and efficacy of processing methods using mechanism-based bioassays

Author
item Riley, Ronald
item Voss, Kenneth
item Zitomer, Nicholas
item Glenn, Anthony - Tony
item BURNS, TANTIANA - University Of Georgia
item MERRILL, ALFRED - Georgia Institute Of Technology
item TORRES, OLGA - Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
item GELINEAU VAN WAES, JANEE - Creighton University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/27/2010
Publication Date: 6/27/2010
Citation: Riley, R.T., Voss, K.A., Zitomer, N.C., Glenn, A.E., Burns, T., Merrill, A.H., Torres, O., Gelineau Van Waes, J. 2010. Use of mechanism-based and exposure biomarkers to assess fumonisin toxicity in humans, animals and plants and efficacy of processing methods using mechanism-based bioassays. Proceedings of Phyco & Mycotoxins/VI Latinamerican Congress of Mycotoxicology and II International Symposium on Fungal and Algal Toxins in Industry. June 27-July 1, 2010. Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. p. 40-43.

Interpretive Summary: Abstract of proceedings to be presented - no summary required.

Technical Abstract: Background: Fumonisins (FB) are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium verticillioides and several other Fusarium species. They are known causes of animal and plant diseases and suspected causes of human diseases where maize is consumed in large amounts and diets are likely to be deficient in critical nutrients. There is no single diagnostic approach that can identify/pinpoint when a disease outbreak is due to exposure to FB or even when FB could be a possible contributing factor to a disease outbreak of unknown etiology. One major problem is that the dose-response studies necessary to reveal the threshold for changes in mechanism-specific biochemical alterations (mechanism-based biomarkers) have not been statistically correlated with either the thresholds for disease or exposure biomarkers (parent compound in tissues/fluids). The key is to better define the underlying biochemical changes and the thresholds that ultimately lead to undesired consequences (adverse physiological effects). Fortunately for FB the first site of action or more precisely, the proximate cause/key event is known. However, the linkage of the proximate cause to the downstream effects and, most importantly for the adverse effects in target organs is not as well understood. Aims: The purpose of this talk is to briefly summarize the current state of biomarker development for FBs. Approach: Combining information about known exposure, clinical indicators and biomarkers could in the future provide a useful approach for identifying disease causation in the most economical and definitive manner. Results and Discussion: The following is a brief overview of recent and ongoing collaborative studies conducted by scientists in the Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit in collaboration with scientists from other institutions. Conclusions: The use of mechanism-based and exposure biomarkers for FBs have great potential for answering basic questions about disease thresholds in animals and humans, the mechanistic basis for species and sex sensitivity, efficacy of processing methods and for identifying potential strategies for reducing accumulation in plants.