Mycotoxins and Nuclear Receptors: A Still Underexplored Issue

Abstract

Mycotoxins are fungal secondary metabolites that can be found in food commodities worldwide. They exert a wide range of adverse effects towards humans and animals. Although toxicological studies have addressed these food contaminants over decades, their mode of actions as well as their synergistic effects are still to be deeply clarified. Among the toxicological targets, nuclear receptors have been identified by several studies. Besides the estrogenic effect, a wider range of endocrine and neuroendocrine disrupting effects have been reported so far. This review is aimed at addressing the recent advances in toxicology, and at highlighting possible gaps of knowledge.