Chemical Properties
Off-White Solid
Uses
Deoxynivalenol is a tricothecene mycotoxin and potent protein synthesis inhibitor. Deoxynivalenol exhibits cytotoxic activity in vivo via the ribotoxic stress response. Deoxynivalenol induces p38-mediated gene expression and apoptosis in leukocytes; activity results in systemic expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other proinflammatory cytokines. Also induces migration of NF-κB into the nucleus.
Uses
Deoxynivalenol is a natural type B trichothecene produced by certain species of the fungus Fusarium, particularly those found on cereal crops, including wheat, barley, oats, maize, and rye. This mycotoxin can induce vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss as well as other physiological and toxicological effects. It inhibits protein biosynthesis, binds to peptidyl transferase, and inhibits the synthesis of RNA and DNA, contributing to immunotoxicity. It passes the blood-brain barrier at different rates in different animals and this may be related to anorexia.
Description
Vomitoxin or deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the
trichothecenes (mycotoxins) which comprise a large
group (148 or more have been identified) of protein
synthesis inhibitors. These mycotoxins are also powerful
immunosuppressants which may predispose animals to
other diseases.
Vomitoxin is the most commonly found
trichothecene in moldy corn (maize), but a number of
other biologically active trichothecenes are produced by
species of the fungus Fusarium. These include nivalenol,
T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), and
monoacetoxyscipenol (MAS). These mycotoxins are most
toxic when fed to swine and other monogastric animals
including humans. Poultry are generally more resistant
to trichothecenes than hogs, whereas T-2 toxin and DAS
appear to be more toxic to chickens than vomitoxin. Toxins
already present in corn at harvest may increase in stored
ear corn. Extended periods of warm, rainy, or damp
weather from flowering time onward promote infection
of corn by Fusarium species (1–7).
Definition
ChEBI:Deoxynivalenol is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium to which wheat, barley, maize (corn) and their products are susceptible to contamination. It has a role as a mycotoxin. It is a trichothecene, a cyclic ketone, a secondary alpha-hydroxy ketone, a primary alcohol, an enone and a triol.
General Description
Deoxynivalenol belongs to the class of type B trichothecene mycotoxins typically produced by the species of Fusarium genus. It is cytotoxic and is known to hinder the macromolecular synthesis.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene mycotoxin that inhibits the synthesis of DNA and RNA as well as protein synthesis at the ribosomal level. DON induces IL-6 mediated serum hyperelevation of IgA, as well as phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK 1,2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 and 2 (JNK 1,2) in mice. An in vitro study with porcine ovarian granulosa cells suggests a dose dependent association of DON on porcine ovarian functions. It was also shown that LPS and its downstream mediators can interact with DON to modulate proliferative, cytotoxic and apoptotic outcomes in leukocytes in a tissue specific manner.
