Janus-Faced Molecules against Plant Pathogenic Fungi

Abstract

The high cytotoxicity of the secondary metabolites of mycotoxins is capable of killing microbes and tumour cells alike, similarly to the genotoxic effect characteristic of Janus-faced molecules. The “double-edged sword” effect of several cytotoxins is known, and these agents have, therefore, been utilized only reluctantly against fungal infections. In this review, consideration was given to (a) toxins that could be used against plant and human pathogens, (b) animal models that measure the effect of antifungal agents, (c) known antifungal agents that have been described and efficiently prevent the growth of fungal cells, and (d) the chemical interactions that are characteristic of antifungal agents. The utilization of apoptotic effects against tumour growth by agents that, at the same time, induce mutations may raise ethical issues. Nevertheless, it deserves consideration despite the mutagenic impact of Janus-faced molecules for those patients who suffer from plant pathogenic fungal infections and are older than their fertility age, in the same way that the short-term cytotoxicity of cancer treatment is favoured over the long-term mutagenic effect.

Apoptotic Janus-faced mycotoxins against thoracal and breast metastases

“…Early detection of micrometastases in thoracal thymphlymph is recommended to prevent mammary breast cancer development and to gain time for tumour therapy. As far as the treatment of the metastatic process is concerned antifungal agents have been included’Janus-faced’ mycotoxins, and aminoglycoside molecules among them the most efficient minor fraction gentamicin B1 [ 8 ]. The antifungal potential of mycotoxins was comparable to the classical antifungal drugs.…”

“…An enormous source of Janus-faced molecules is represented by the secondary metabolites of fungal mycotoxins affecting eukaryotic cell growth, structurally and functionally contributing to the multitude of their classifications. The”double-edged sword” effect suggested the utilization of mycotoxins against plant pathogenic fungi causing life-threatening human diseases [ 8 ].…”