323 Toxicology and pathology of fumonisins in animals and humans.

D. M. TRIGO-STOCKLI. Dept. of Grain Science & Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506.

Variants of fumonisins, including fumonisins B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2), and B3 (FB3), naturally occur in corn and corn products at significant levels. Fumonisin B1 accounts for about 70% of the fumonisins in naturally contaminated samples. These toxic substances have been isolated, identified, and studied for their toxicological effects. Fumonisins produce a wide range of biological effects in animals, including equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), pulmonary edema in swine, nephrotoxicity and liver cancer in rats, and acute nephrosis and hepatosis in sheep. Although their effects in humans are difficult to determine, fumonisins have been statistically associated with high incidence of esophageal cancer in the Transkei region in South Africa and in China. Based on toxicological evidence, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified fumonisins as potentially carcinogenic to humans (class 2B carcinogens).