Disease: hepatotoxicity

Enhancing the Substrate Adaptability of Laccase through Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction for Applications in Mycotoxin Detoxification

Researchers used evolutionary analysis to redesign a fungal enzyme called laccase to better detoxify harmful mold toxins found in grains. The new engineered enzyme (LacANC278) can break down both aflatoxin and zearalenone toxins much more effectively than the original enzyme, and converts them into less harmful substances. This enzyme works without expensive helper chemicals and works well at room temperature, making it practical for treating contaminated corn and other grains.

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Selected rhizobacteria strains improved the tolerance of Vicia faba plants to microcystins contaminated irrigation water and reduced human health risk

Farmers in semi-arid regions like Morocco often irrigate crops with water containing toxic cyanobacterial compounds called microcystins, which accumulate in food crops and harm human health. This study showed that inoculating faba bean plants with beneficial soil bacteria, particularly Achromobacter marplatensis, reduced microcystin accumulation in plants by 36% and promoted healthier plant growth despite contaminated water. The approach offers an affordable, sustainable solution to protect food crops in areas with microcystin-contaminated irrigation water.

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Green Myco-Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Cortinarius sp.: Hepatoprotective, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Potential for Biomedical Applications

Researchers used mushroom extracts to create tiny zinc oxide particles in an environmentally friendly way. These nanoparticles were tested in mice with liver damage and showed significant protective effects. The particles also demonstrated strong abilities to fight bacteria and fungal infections while acting as powerful antioxidants, suggesting potential use in future medical treatments.

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Health benefits of fish and fish by-products—a nutritional and functional perspective

Fish is an excellent food that provides many important nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that help protect our hearts, brains, and overall health. Different fish species offer various health benefits including protecting against heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and brain disorders. However, some fish can contain harmful contaminants like mercury, so choosing safer options like salmon and cod is important for children and pregnant women.

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A comprehensive review of mycotoxins, their toxicity, and innovative detoxification methods

Mycotoxins are poisons produced by molds that commonly contaminate foods like grains, nuts, and spices, causing serious health problems in people and animals. This comprehensive review examines how these toxins affect our health, how to detect them in food, and various methods to remove or destroy them. Traditional approaches using biological agents and chemicals work well but are only partially effective, while newer innovative methods using nanoparticles and plant extracts show greater promise for more complete protection of our food supply.

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Edible Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Review on Bioactive Compounds with Health Benefits and Processing Aspects

Mushrooms are nutrient-rich foods packed with beneficial compounds that can help prevent various diseases including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. They contain natural antioxidants and immune-boosting substances that support overall health. Scientists are developing new extraction methods to capture these beneficial compounds more efficiently, and various cooking and processing techniques can help preserve their nutritional value for daily consumption.

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Pleurotus eryngii Culture Filtrate and Aqueous Extracts Alleviate Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis

This research demonstrates that extracts from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii) can effectively prevent the production of aflatoxin B1, a highly toxic and cancer-causing substance produced by certain molds that contaminate crops like corn and wheat. The mushroom extracts work by inhibiting the toxin production by up to 94%, offering a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. The study suggests that compounds in mushrooms, including special sugars and enzymes, may help protect food supplies from this dangerous contamination, which is becoming increasingly important as climate change creates more favorable conditions for mold growth.

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Pleurotus spp.—an effective way in degradation mycotoxins? A comprehensive review

This review examines how oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) can break down mycotoxins—harmful compounds produced by molds in food and animal feed. These mushrooms produce special enzymes that can degrade toxins like aflatoxins and zearalenone, potentially reaching 30-100% degradation depending on conditions. This offers a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detoxification methods currently used in the food industry.

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Novel method for rapid monitoring of OPFRs by LLE and GC–MS as a tool for assessing biodegradation: validation and applicability

This study developed a new analytical method to detect and measure organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in water samples. Researchers tested whether certain fungi, particularly white-rot fungi like Ganoderma lucidum and Trametes versicolor, could break down these toxic chemicals that are difficult to remove by conventional water treatment. The results show these fungi can effectively degrade some OPFRs, offering a promising biological treatment option for contaminated wastewater.

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Prevalence of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in Arabic coffee (Coffea arabica): Protective role of traditional coffee roasting, brewing and bacterial volatiles

This study examined toxin-producing fungi and harmful mycotoxins found in coffee sold in Qatar markets. Researchers tested whether traditional coffee roasting and brewing methods reduce these harmful compounds, and also tested a beneficial bacterium that produces antifungal compounds. They found that higher roasting temperatures and brewing significantly reduced the dangerous toxins, and the bacterial volatiles completely stopped fungal growth on coffee beans, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides.

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