Ergochromes: Heretofore Neglected Side of Ergot Toxicity

Abstract

Ergot, fungal genus Claviceps, are worldwide distributed grass pathogens known for their production of toxic ergot alkaloids (EAs) and the great agricultural impact they have on both cereal crop and farm animal production. EAs are traditionally considered as the only factor responsible for ergot toxicity. Using broad sampling covering 13 ergot species infecting wild or agricultural grasses (including cereals) across Europe, USA, New Zealand, and South Africa we showed that the content of ergochrome pigments were comparable to the content of EAs in sclerotia. While secalonic acids A–C (SAs), the main ergot ergochromes (ECs), are well known toxins, our study is the first to address the question about their contribution to overall ergot toxicity. Based on our and published data, the importance of SAs in acute intoxication seems to be negligible, but the effect of chronic exposure needs to be evaluated. Nevertheless, they have biological activities at doses corresponding to quantities found in natural conditions. Our study highlights the need for a re-evaluation of ergot toxicity mechanisms and further studies of SAs’ impact on livestock production and food safety.

A large accessory genome and high recombination rates may influence global distribution and broad host range of the fungal plant pathogen Claviceps purpurea

“…Claviceps purpurea is also known for its diverse secondary metabolite profile of ergot alkaloids and pigments [18][19][20][21]. Fungal secondary metabolites can play important roles in planthost interactions as virulence factors but can also increase the fitness of the fungus through stress tolerance [8,22,23].…”

Aspergillus derived mycotoxins in food and the environment: Prevalence, detection, and toxicity

“…SAD is highly toxic, teratogenic, and weakly mutagenic mycotoxin and is a common contaminant in the United States. SAD, a teratogenic toxin has effects on pregnant mice and its progeny and acts in a dose-dependent response that leads to neurotoxicity [ 235 ]. SA with dimeric tetrahydroxanthenone skeleton is less toxic to humans but has a wide variety of anticancer and antimicrobial activities, including the inhibition of topoisomerase 1 and Protein kinase C [ 236 , 61 ].…”

Ergot alkaloids in New Zealand pastures and their impact

“…Klotz (2015) concluded that the impacts of ergot alkaloids on livestock are not caused by the sole action of a single toxin but rather the combined impact and synergistic action of multiple ergot alkaloids. Flieger et al (2019) further postulated that ergochrome compounds, such as secalonic acids A-C may contribute to the overall toxicity caused by ergot alkaloids.…”