• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.301-312
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• 2019

Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal worldwide, spreading from Africa throughout the world. It is particularly important in the semi-arid tropics due to its drought tolerance, and when cultivated in Southeast Asia commonly occurs as a second crop during the dry season. We recovered Fusarium from sorghum in Thailand and found F. proliferatum, F. thapsinum and F. verticillioides most frequently, and intermittent isolates of F. sacchari and F. beomiforme. The relatively high frequencies of F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides, suggest mycotoxin contamination, particularly fumonisins and moniliformin, should be evaluated. Genetic variation within the three commonly recovered species was characterized with vegetative compatibility, mating type, Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs), and female fertility. Effective population number ($N_e$) was highest for F. verticillioides and lowest for F. thapsinum with values based on mating type allele frequencies higher than those based on female fertility. Based on AFLP genetic variation, the F. thapsinum populations were the most closely related, the F. verticillioides populations were the most distantly related, and the F. proliferatum populations were in an intermediate position. The genetic variation observed could result if F. thapsinum is introduced primarily with seed, while F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides could arrive with seed or be carried over from previous crops, e.g., rice or maize, which sorghum is following. Confirmation of species transmission patterns is needed to understand the agricultural systems in which sorghum is grown in Southeast Asia, which are quite different from the systems found in Africa, Australia, India and the Americas.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.357-363
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• 2012

Several species belonging to the Gibberella fujikuroi species (Gf ) complex are commonly associated with rice and corn, not only causing serious diseases, but also producing fumonisins, a group of mycotoxins harmful to animals and humans. To characterize the population structure of the putative fumonisin-producing Gf complex in Korea, we obtained 276 candidate isolates from rice and corn harvested in 2009 and 2010 by diagnostic polymerase chain reaction with several specific primer sets. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using multilocus sequences (combined RPB2 and EF1A, totaling 1.6 kb) from these isolates. Among the 135 isolates from rice, F. fujikuroi (teleomorph: G. fujikuroi; 59.3%) and F. proliferatum (G. intermedia; 13.3%) were predominant, followed by F. concentricum (5.9%). Additionally, twenty-five (18.5%) rice isolates belonged in a distinct subclade of F. commune, a non-member of the Gf complex. In contrast, F. verticillioides was the most predominant species (38.3%) among the 141 corn isolates, and followed by F. fujikuroi (27.7%), F. proliferatum (14.9%), F. subglutinans (7.1%), and F. concentricum (2.8%). A single mating type (MAT1-1) was found predominantly among the Gf complex isolates examined. Possible distinct subclades were detected within the populations of F. fujikuroi and F. proliferatum; however, this needs further confirmation. This is the first reported population-level characterization of putative fumonisin-producing Gf complex associated with rice and corn in Korea.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.789-796
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sulfinpyrazone on fumonisin $B_1$-induced elevation of free sphingoid bases in LLC-$PK_1$ cells. Fumonis ins are a family of mycotoxins produced by the fungi Fusarium moniliforme which is common contaminant in corn. Fumonisins are also potent inhibiors of sphingosine and sphinganine N-acyltransferases (ceramide synthases), key enzymes in sphingolipid metabolism resulting in the elevation of free sphinganine. The cytosolic concentration of fumonisin B1 was known to be closely proportional to the elevation of free sphinganine in LLC-PK1 cells [Yoo, H.-S., Norred, W.P., Wang, E., Merrill, A.H., Jr., and Riley, R.T. (1992) Toxicol. Appl.Pharmacol. 114. 9-15]. Sulfinpyrazone, an anion transport inhibitor, reduced the elevated level of free sphinganine resulting from fumonisin B1 inhibition of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis. Fumonisin B1 at a concentration of 20${\mu}$M showed approximately 120pmol/$10^6$ cells relative to 3-10pmol/$10^6$ cells in control cultures, and sulfinpyrazone at a concentration of 200${\mu}$M partially reversed the increased level of free sphinganine induced by fumonisin $B_1$ down to normal level after exposure to fumonisin $B_1$ for 8 to 24hr. However, the reduced effect of sulfinpyrazone on the fumonisin $B_1$-induced elevation of intracellular sphinganine was not shown after 24hr. Fumonisin $B_1$ exposure to LLC-PK1 cells for 36 and 48hr showed approximately 74 and 80pmol per $10^6$ cells relative to 82 and 76pmol,respectively, in fumonisin $B_1$ plus sulfinpyrazone-treated cultures. Sulfinpyrazone-induced less elevation of free sphinganine in confluent cells after exposure to fumonisin $B_1$ suggested that either sulfinpyrazone may block the availability of fumonisin $B_1$ to cells or act on the fumonisin $B_1$ interaction with ceramide synthase.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.385-391
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• 1994

The occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins was surveyed in 68 corn samples imported from China. Four 8-ketotrichothecenes including deoxynivalenol (DON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON), and nivalenol (NIV) were detected in corn. In addition, the corn samples were contaminated with zearalenone (ZEA), fumonisin $B_1$, $(FB_1)$, fumonisin $B_2$, and fumonisin $B_3$. DON, 15-ADON, 3-ADON, ZEA, and $FB_1$ were major contaminants in corn, with mean levels of 277, 34, 37, 39, and 123 ng/g, respectively.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2019

Mycotoxin contamination is a global phenomenon and causes a wide array of negative effects and other complications. This study focused on commonly found mycotoxins in Africa and the possible means of prevention or reduction of their contaminating effects. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of mold and fungi; they are generally toxic to living organisms. Hundreds of mycotoxins have been identified thus far, with some, such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, zearalenone, fumonisins, and patulin, considered agro-economically important. Several factors contribute to the presence of mycotoxins in food, such as climatic conditions, pest infestation, and poor harvest and storage practices. Exposure to mycotoxins, which occurs mostly by ingestion, leads to various diseases, such as mycotoxicoses and mycoses that may eventually result in death. In light of this, this review of relevant literature focuses on mycotoxin contamination, as well as various methods for the prevention and control of their prevalence, to avert its debilitating consequences on human health. Clear evidence of mycotoxin contamination is present in Africa, and it was therefore recommended that adequate prevention and control of these toxic substances in our food system should be encouraged and that appropriate measures must be taken to ensure food safety as well as the enhanced or long-lifespan of the African populace. Governments, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations should tailor the limited resources available to tackle mycotoxin prevalence, as these will offer the best prospects for successful development of a sustainable food system in Africa.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.127-133
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contamination level of representative mycotoxins that have adverse effects on livestock by using LC-MS/MS method and to utilize the results as basic data for the establishment of quality control system for feed, and to provide information on production and storage. A total of nine mycotoxins, including aflatoxin $B_1$, aflatoxin $B_2$, aflatoxin $G_1$, aflatoxin $G_2$, ochratoxin A, fumonisin $B_1$, fumonisin $B_2$, deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN) were simultaneously analyzed in LC-MS/MS under ESI positive mode. Fumonisin $B_1$ and fumonisin $B_2$ were detected from 3 cases of 75 forage produced in Incheon area, the detection rate was 4.0%. The detection concentration was 0.01~0.02 mg/kg, which was lower than the domestic recommended limit. Fumonisins were detected in a slightly different manner from the results of mycotoxin studies reported in Korea, which is attributed to the high temperature and dry summer weather of the year. The result of LC-MS/MS method performance of 9 mycotoxins, the recovery of DON was quite low as $41.53{\pm}3.91%$ that is not suitable for simultaneous analysis. This is probably due to that the extract solution used in this study was not suitable for the extraction of DON, along with the characteristics of a very dry forage. For the study of mycotoxins in Incheon area forage for the first time, further investigation is needed for the safe supply of livestock products.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.369-375
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• 2011

Fusarium verticillioides (teleomorph: Gibberella moniliformis), a member of the Gibberellea fujikuroi species complex, causes rots of corn stalks and ears, and produces a group of mycotoxins known as fumonisins that are harmful to animals and humans. Here, we focus on the development of a species-specific PCR primer set for differentiating F. verticillioides from other fumonisin-producing Fusarium species belonging to the species complex, such as F. proliferatum, F. fujikuroi, and F. subglutinans that are frequently associated with corn. The specific primers (RVERT1 and RVERT2) derived from the nucleotide sequences of RNA polymerase II beta subunit (RPB2) gene amplified a 208 bp-DNA fragment from only F. verticillioides isolates among the potential fumonisin-producing species examined; all of these isolates were shown to carry FUM1 required for fumonisin biosynthesis. The PCR detection limit using this specific primer set was approximately 0.125 pg/${\mu}l$ genomic DNA of F. verticillioides. In addition, the F. verticillioides-specfic fragment was successfully amplified from genomic DNAs of corn samples contaminated with Fusarium spp. This primer set would provide a useful tool for the detection and differentiation of potential fumonisin-producing F. verticillioides strains in cereal samples.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.405-416
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• 1995

FBs, secondary metabolites of several species of Fusaria, especially Fusarium moniliforme and F proliferatum, are commonly contaminated in com and other food grains throughout the world. Only recently identified, these mycotoxins have been associated field outbreaks of ELEM in horses and PPE in pigs. Currently, naturally or experimentally induced FB toxicosis has been studied in poultry, ruminants and rabbits. Poultry fed FB showed decreased growth rate, performance, and immune competence, as well as embryopathic, and embryocidal effects, and ricktes. Ruminants seem to be relatively less susceptible to FBs than other doestic animal. FB toxicosis reveals that liver is a target organ in all species, although other organs are affected in a species specific manner. Recently, the main target organs for $FB_1$ toxicity in rabbits was shown to be the kidney. Even low concentrations of FBs are likely to be a problem for animal health. A current study being conducted showed that feed containing low level of $FB_1$ reduces the ability of pulmonary intravascular macrophages in pig to clear blood-borne particles which would increase the susceptibility of animals to bacterial disease. The mechanism of FB toxicity remains unknown, but may be related to altered sphingolipid biosynthesis by inhibiting sphinganine N-acyltransferase. Elevations of serum and tissue SA:SO ratio have been observed in horse, pig, chicken, turkey, and rabbit, which could could serve as in effective biomarker for consumption of FB-containing feeds. There is limited information detailing dose-effect relationships either from field cases or in the laboratory. More research on the factors, including the prevalence and tolerance levels of FBs in feedstuffs that cause domestic animal disease associated with FBs, is urgently needed.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.569-574
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• 1999

One hundred and ninety seven corn samples, which collected from each local province in Korea between 1995 and 1996, were analyzed for fumonisin $B_1\;(FB_1)$ and $B_2\;(FB_2)$ contamination using fluometric HPLC. $FB_1$ and $FB_2$ were detected in 143 (72.6%) and 128 (62.4%) samples from 197 samples at the concentrations ranging from 0 to $224.2\;{\mu}g/g$ for $FB_1$ and from 0 to $60.0\;{\mu}g/g$ for $FB_2$, respectively. The total fumonisin levels analyzed from 143 samples were 15.4, 37.5 and 14% for concentrations below $10\;{\mu}g/g$, above $10\;{\mu}g/g$ and above $30\;{\mu}g/g$, respectively. The total fumonisin levels containing above $10\;{\mu}g/g$ were detected the highest concentration with 53.2% in samples collected from Kangwon, and followed by Kyeongki (45.0%), Cheonbuk (40.0%), Chungbuk (26.9%) and Kyeongbuk (11.1%). The total fumonisin level containing above $10\;{\mu}g/g$ in samples collected in 1996 was higher than that in 1995. Both fumonisin $B_1$ and $B_2$ from samples collected in 1995 were detected higher than that in 1996 and $FB_1$ was detected the highest level in samples collected from Kyeongki province and followed by Kangwon, Cheonbuk, Chungbuk and Kyeogbuk (11.1%). Also, similar results were observed in $FB_2$.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.281-288
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• 2010

Total aflatoxin ($B_1+B_2+G_1+G_2$) maximum levels of 15 ${\mu}g/kg$ ($B_1=10\;{\mu}g/kg$) were set for grain, beans, peanut, nuts & their processed food (grinding, cutting etc.), processed cereal product & processed bean product, confectionaries (peanut or nut-containing food), soybean paste, red pepper paste, dried red pepper, processed com products for popcorn and steamed rice. The maximum levels for aflatoxin $M_1$ are 0.5 ${\mu}g/kg$ for raw milk and milks before manufacturing processing. The patulin maximum level is 50 ${\mu}g/kg$ in apple juice and apple juice concentrate (including concentrate to use as raw material and converted by concentration multiple). The ochratoxin A is managed at the maximum levels of 5 ${\mu}g/kg$ in wheat, barley, rye, coffee beans and roasted coffee, 10 ${\mu}g/kg$ in instant coffee and raisin, 2 ${\mu}g/kg$ in Grape juice, concentrated grape juice as reconstituted and wine. The fumonisins ($B_1+B_2$) maximum levels are 4000 ${\mu}g/kg$ in com, 2000 ${\mu}g/kg$ in com processed food (grinding, cutting etc.) and com powder, 1000 ${\mu}g/kg$ in processed com products. Standards for mycotoxins in food have been established and the mycotoxin risk in food is managed reasonably and scientifically, based on risk assessment and exposure analysis.