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Toxins
Special Issues
Mycotoxins—Biomonitoring and Exposure
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Mycotoxins—Biomonitoring and Exposure

A special issue of Toxins (ISSN 2072-6651). This special issue belongs to the section "Mycotoxins".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2025) | Viewed by 3119

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. András Szabó

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Guest Editor
Department of Animal Health and Physiology, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Kaposvár, Hungary
Interests: mycotoxicosis; fusariotoxins; multitoxic effects; liver; kidney; phospholipids
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Omeralfaroug Ali

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
Interests: biological monitoring; clinical toxicology; nutrition; lipid metabolisim; oxidative stress; dose-response relationship

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing occurrence of mycotoxins in food and feed due to climate change raises significant concerns, as these toxins constitute serious hazards for humans and animals. Exposure can lead to acute poisoning or chronic health issues, which manifest as immune deficiency, gastrointestinal disorders, hormonal disturbances, and different cell-function disorders that might ultimately lead to cancer. However, the sensitivity of an individual depends on factors like the mycotoxin molecular structure, exposure dose and duration, species, and investigated systems/organs. Despite progress in detection methods, gaps remain in understanding exposure pathways and long-term health impacts. This Special Issue spotlights recent advancements in mycotoxin biomonitoring and exposure assessments for humans and farm animals, focusing on risk assessment strategies and public health implications. It aims to promote collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to minimize mycotoxin-related risks and enhance food safety. We invite experts to submit their original research (in vivo and in vitro), case studies, and reviews on topics like mycotoxin biomonitoring, human and animal exposure, emerging mycotoxins, and the One-Health approach.

Prof. Dr. András Szabó
Dr. Omeralfaroug Ali
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxins is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mycotoxin contamination
  • toxicology
  • biomarkers
  • risk assessment
  • control strategies
  • food safety
  • one-health approach

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 590 KB  
Article
Assessing Kidney Injury Biomarkers and OTA Exposure in Urine of Lebanese Adolescents Amid Economic Crisis and Evolving Dietary Patterns
by Rouaa Daou, Maha Hoteit, Jad Chémali, Nikolaos Tzenios, Nassim Fares and André El Khoury
Toxins 2025, 17(12), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17120577 - 30 Nov 2025
Viewed by 227
Abstract
Although ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination has been previously reported in Lebanon, this study is the first worldwide to assess its potential impact on renal health among adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. In this cross-sectional study, the aim was to evaluate the levels [...] Read more.
Although ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination has been previously reported in Lebanon, this study is the first worldwide to assess its potential impact on renal health among adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. In this cross-sectional study, the aim was to evaluate the levels of OTA, OTα, and kidney injury biomarkers, as well as creatinuria and total proteinuria, while correlating these findings with dietary patterns. Urinary concentrations of OTA, its main metabolite ochratoxin α (OTa), the three renal injury biomarkers (N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase [NAG], Kidney Injury Molecule-1 [KIM-1], and human lipocalin-2 [NGAL]), and two renal function indicators (creatinine and total protein) were quantified. Associations between biomarker levels and dietary intake patterns were also evaluated. OTA and OTα were detected in 14.2% and 59.5% of urine samples, respectively. NGAL and NAG were found in all participants at low concentrations, with the NAG-to-creatinine ratio exceeding the clinical threshold in 1.5% of samples, while KIM-1 was detected in 86% of participants. A weak positive correlation between urinary OTα and NAG suggests subtle renal alterations possibly linked to OTA exposure. Correlations between biomarker levels and food consumption were generally weak and positive. Estimated dietary intake (EDI) of OTA generated from consumption patterns was shown to be less than the probable dietary intake (PDI) calculated from urinary OTA. However, this presented a limitation, as EDI was calculated from previous contamination data in Lebanon. Overall, these findings indicate that while renal injury biomarkers were present at low levels, they may reflect early kidney stress not yet manifesting as overt pathology and highlight the need for strengthened regulatory measures to limit OTA contamination in foods available on the Lebanese market and for longitudinal studies to confirm these preliminary findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins—Biomonitoring and Exposure)
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16 pages, 1365 KB  
Article
Dose-Dependent but Non-Interactive Effects of Ochratoxin A and Selenomethionine on Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Broiler Chickens
by Szabina Kulcsár, Krisztián Balogh, Erika Zándoki, Edward Agyarko, Omeralfaroug Ali, Benjámin Kövesi, Ágnes Freiler-Nagy, András Szabó and Miklós Mézes
Toxins 2025, 17(12), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17120568 - 25 Nov 2025
Viewed by 305
Abstract
This study examined the effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure and graded dietary selenium (Se) supplementation on fatty acid (FA) composition and oxidative stress markers in the liver of broiler chickens. OTA is known to generate oxidative stress, promote lipid peroxidation, and affect [...] Read more.
This study examined the effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure and graded dietary selenium (Se) supplementation on fatty acid (FA) composition and oxidative stress markers in the liver of broiler chickens. OTA is known to generate oxidative stress, promote lipid peroxidation, and affect the antioxidant system. Se, an essential trace element with antioxidant properties, may help counteract OTA-induced toxicity. In this short-term (5-day) in vivo feeding experiment, 21-day-old broiler chickens were divided into six groups, each with six birds: Control (diet free from Se), 0.3 mg/kg Se, 0.5 mg/kg Se, 2 mg/kg OTA, 2 mg/kg OTA + 0.3 mg/kg Se, 2 mg/kg OTA + 0.5 mg/kg Se. Our findings show that supplementing 0.3 mg/kg (p < 0.01) or 0.5 mg/kg Se (p < 0.001) in OTA-exposed birds significantly reduced the early oxidative stress markers (conjugated dienes and trienes) and significantly increased (0.3 mg/kg p < 0.01; 0.5 mg/kg p < 0.001) glutathione levels, indicating enhanced glutathione-dependent antioxidant protection. The treatments also significantly altered the ratio of monounsaturated and n6/n3 polyunsaturated FAs. OTA with 0.3 mg/kg Se supplementation significantly (p ˂ 0.05) reduced total unsaturation and FA average chain length. At a dose of 0.3 mg/kg, the interaction of Se and OTA altered the PUFA composition, while 0.5 mg/kg Se supplementation enhanced antioxidant defense and reduced lipid peroxidation. These results highlight the dual but separate role of Se, where inadequate doses may enhance OTA toxicity, while optimal supplementation may have a protective effect on hepatic lipid homeostasis. These findings can be used in the future progress of the mitigation strategy against OTA exposure in poultry nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins—Biomonitoring and Exposure)
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13 pages, 3153 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Activity of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Mediators and Nitrosative Stress in Liver Tissue of Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) Positive for Zearalenone (ZEN) Contamination in Campania Region, Southern Italy
by Sara Damiano, Consiglia Longobardi, Evaristo Di Napoli, Valentina Iovane, Francesco Ferrucci, Giuseppe Rizzo, Antonio Raffaele, Antonio Rubino, Valeria Russo and Roberto Ciarcia
Toxins 2025, 17(11), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17110553 - 5 Nov 2025
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin commonly produced by Fusarium species and is often found in food and feed. It has been linked to reproductive problems in livestock and, less frequently, to hyperestrogenic effects in humans. However, information regarding the impact of ZEN on [...] Read more.
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin commonly produced by Fusarium species and is often found in food and feed. It has been linked to reproductive problems in livestock and, less frequently, to hyperestrogenic effects in humans. However, information regarding the impact of ZEN on wild boars (Sus scrofa) remains scarce, despite this species being among the most frequently hunted game animals in Italy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ZEN on the hepatic system by examining nitrosative stress markers and the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in wild boars hunted in various areas of the Avellino province (Campania region, Italy) during the 2021–2022 hunting season. The findings revealed that exposure to ZEN was linked to a marked rise in both pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, except for IL-10, which did not increase significantly. In addition, ZEN stimulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which, in turn, led to elevated nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in the liver. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed a predominance of CD3-positive T-cells in the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate of ZEN-exposed wild boars, highlighting the importance of structured wildlife monitoring to protect food safety and safeguard human and animal health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins—Biomonitoring and Exposure)
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19 pages, 2851 KB  
Article
Short-Term Effects of Dietary Selenomethionine Supplementation on Hepatic and Renal Transcriptomic Alterations Induced by Ochratoxin a in Broiler Chickens
by Benjamin Kövesi, Szabina Kulcsár, Zsolt Ancsin, Márta Erdélyi, Erika Zándoki, Márk Tóth, Patrik Gömbös, Ágnes Freiler-Nagy, Krisztián Balogh and Miklós Mézes
Toxins 2025, 17(9), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17090460 - 12 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 685
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin commonly found in poultry feed, induces oxidative stress and disrupts redox homeostasis in vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, may mitigate OTA-induced toxicity by supporting the antioxidant defense systems. This [...] Read more.
Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin commonly found in poultry feed, induces oxidative stress and disrupts redox homeostasis in vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, may mitigate OTA-induced toxicity by supporting the antioxidant defense systems. This study investigated the short-term effects of dietary selenomethionine (SeMet) supplementation on OTA-induced oxidative and transcriptional responses in broiler chickens. Fifty-four 3-week-old birds were fed diets containing 2 mg/kg OTA, a target supplementation of 0.5 mg/kg Se (measured as 0.59 mg/kg as SeMet), or a combination of the two for five days. Liver and kidney samples were collected on Days 1 and 5 for biochemical and gene expression analyses. Exposure to OTA significantly modulated the expression of redox-sensitive transcription factors (NRF2, KEAP1), selenoproteins (GPX3, GPX4, SELK), and detoxification-related genes (AHR, AHRR, CYP1A2). SeMet alone enhanced selenoenzyme expression and antioxidant capacity, while co-exposure partially attenuated OTA-induced oxidative stress, resulting in more pronounced NRF2 activation in the kidneys and CYP1A2 induction in the liver. This is the first study to characterize the transcriptomic responses to OTA exposure in poultry within the first five days, providing novel insight into organ-specific mechanisms and emphasizing the epidemiological relevance of Se supplementation in mitigating the risk of feed contamination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins—Biomonitoring and Exposure)
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14 pages, 309 KB  
Article
Biomonitoring Pilot Surveys of Zearalenone in Breastmilk and the Urine of Children in Central Portugal
by Sofia Duarte, Inês Duarte, Myrella Duarte, Ana Paiva, Ricardo Cabeças, Liliana J. G. Silva, André M. P. T. Pereira, Celeste Lino and Angelina Pena
Toxins 2025, 17(4), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17040162 - 25 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 946
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin that acts primarily as an endocrine disruptor. Biomonitoring studies are needed to assess exposure and risk, particularly among vulnerable groups. This study reports two pilot biomonitoring surveys of ZEA in 38 lactating mothers and 42 children (5–12 years [...] Read more.
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin that acts primarily as an endocrine disruptor. Biomonitoring studies are needed to assess exposure and risk, particularly among vulnerable groups. This study reports two pilot biomonitoring surveys of ZEA in 38 lactating mothers and 42 children (5–12 years old). Both were associated with a questionnaire to collect data on the sociodemographics and eating habits of the participants. About 76% of urine samples were contaminated (188.12 ± 235.99 ng/mL), with the hazard quotient reaching 2.36 in the worst-case scenario for younger children. Of the analyzed breastmilk samples, 55.26% were contaminated (158.26 ± 77.50). A statistically significant association between ZEA contamination of breastmilk and the maternal consumption of wholemeal bread, cereal flakes, sausages, smoked meat and pork was found, suggesting that these foods are determinants of higher exposure. The hazard quotient in the worst-case scenario for breastfed babies under 16 weeks was estimated as 0.61. Results confirm frequent exposure to this endocrine disruptor among these two vulnerable groups in central Portugal, showing the need for further studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins—Biomonitoring and Exposure)
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