Mechanisms of cell death induction by food-borne mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that contaminate a wide range of foods and feeds. Mycotoxin contamination is considered to be an important risk factor for food safety which poses serious threat to human and animal health. Cell death induction is suggested to be the key cellular event contributed to the pleiotropically toxic effects of mycotoxins. During the past decades, substantial progress has been made in uncovering the mechanisms of cell death induction by mycotoxins. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying mycotoxin-induced cytotoxicity will benefit the development of effective strategies for the management of mycotoxin-associated health issues. The current review will discuss the types of cell death induced by mycotoxins and summarize the present understanding of signaling pathways involved in mycotoxin-mediated cytotoxicities.