The Significance of Regulatory MicroRNAs: Their Roles in Toxicodynamics of Mycotoxins and in the Protection Offered by Dietary Therapeutics Against Mycotoxin‐Induced Toxicity

Abstract

Mycotoxins are contaminants commonly found in foods and represent a worldwide threat to human health and welfare. Efforts have been undertaken to reduce mycotoxins and their toxicity, including the introduction of good agricultural practices, appropriate food processing, specific biotransformation approaches, and pursue therapeutic agents to counteract mycotoxins. Efficient and predictive tools are required for investigations on mycotoxins and their toxicodynamics, and strategies for mycotoxin reduction. Gene expression and transcriptome analysis can unravel the mode of action, transformation and combined toxicity of mycotoxins, or mycotoxin's interactions with food components including dietary therapeutics, at the cellular level and from a molecular perspective. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate endogenously and posttranscriptionally the expression of target genes and enzymes involved in physiological, disease and toxicological responses, and the metabolism of therapeutic agents. Accordingly, this review aimed to collect up‐to‐date information on (1) the regulatory role of miRNAs in mycotoxin‐initiated toxicological processes and (2) the protective role of active ingredients from plants on mycotoxin‐induced toxicity. Through such a review of published evidence, we found some common signal pathways involving miRNAs shared by these two types of biological events. This finding indicates the possibility of using miRNAs as biomarkers in assessing and controlling mycotoxins in food via cellular mechanisms.

MicroRNA Expression Profiling in Porcine Liver, Jejunum and Serum upon Dietary DON Exposure Reveals Candidate Toxicity Biomarkers

“…MicroRNAs are suggested to play important roles in the toxicodynamics of mycotoxins, including DON, through the regulation of the expression of target genes and enzymes involved in physiological responses to diseases and toxic agents [ 12 ]. The broad impact of ssc-miR-16 was evident based on its high number of target genes.…”

“…Several studies have previously shown that DON impacts critical signaling pathways, and thereby has been associated with several molecular effects, including induction of cytotoxicity, cell signaling and differentiation in multiple organs in humans and animals [ 34 ] and autophagy [ 35 , 36 ]. Furthermore, it has been postulated that DON can upregulate a large number of microRNAs, leading to the modulation of gene expression [ 3 , 12 ]. The enrichment of multiple signaling pathways among the target genes of the four upregulated microRNAs observed in the present study is supported by the molecular impact of DON reported in other experimental set ups.…”

“…In recent years, first reports on the involvement of microRNAs in the toxicodynamics of mycotoxins became available. Although the role of microRNAs in mycotoxin toxicity was highlighted, reports primarily address the mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 or ochratoxin A and employ in vitro settings [ 12 ]. In contrast, studies investigating the relevance of microRNAs in DON toxicity are scarce ( Table S1 ), even more so in pigs.…”

Critical Assessment of Mycotoxins in Beverages and Their Control Measures

“…The regulatory roles of miRNAs in mycotoxin-induced toxicity have been studied using various novel biomarkers. This study helps us to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in apoptosis during the cell cytotoxicity assay [ 118 ].…”

Graphene-Based Steganographic Aptasensor for Information Computing and Monitoring Toxins of Biofilm in Food

“…In these circumstances, fungi will produce more mycotoxins to be discharged outside the biofilm. Mycotoxins are a kind of low-molecular-weight natural secondary metabolites that possesses strong toxicities to humans and animals (Rong et al, 2019). Therefore, the existence of biofilms will aggravate food pollution and other safety problems.…”