Neuroimmune disruptions from naturally occurring levels of mycotoxins

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 May 1. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-14146-4. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Substantial pieces of evidence support the potential of exogenous toxins in disrupting neuroimmune homeostasis. It appears that mycotoxins are one of the noticeable sources of naturally occurring substances dysregulating the immune system, which involves the physiology of many organs, such as the central nervous system (CNS). The induction of inflammatory responses in microglial cells and astrocytes, the CNS resident cells with immunological characteristics, could interrupt the hemostasis upon even with low-level exposure to mycotoxins. The inevitable widespread occurrence of a low level of mycotoxins in foods and feed is likely increasing worldwide, predisposing individuals to potential neuroimmunological dysregulations. This paper reviews the current understanding of mycotoxins' neuro-immunotoxic features under low-dose exposure and the possible ways for detoxification and clearance as a perspective.

Keywords: Food-borne toxins; Low-dose exposure; Mycotoxins; Neuroimmune disruptions.

Publication types

  • Review