INTRACELLULAR MECHANISMS OF A-TRICHOTHECENES INVOLVED IN THE REGULATION OF CELL SURVIVAL AND APOPTOSIS: A REVIEW

Abstract

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi. Mycotoxins are worldwide contaminats of animal feed, food and food products. T-2 toxin and its metabolit HT-2 toxin are one of the most toxic mycotoxins of type A trichothecenes, which are produced mainly by Fusarium species. T-2 and HT-2 toxin cause a different toxic effects in both animal and human. They are inhibitors of DNA and RNA synthesis and synthesis of proteins in several cellular systems, immunosuppressive agents, induce lesions in hematopoetic, lymphoid and digestive tract, impact reproduction functions and cause oxidative stress. T-2 toxin is a strong cytotoxic mycotoxin, which can induce apoptosis of various cells. This review examine the T-2 toxin induce cytotoxicity up to apoptosis on various cells, for instance cells of imunite system, on ovarian granulosa cells as well as induction of maternal and fetal toxicity.