Aflatoxin congener biosynthesis induced by lipoperoxidation

Lipoperoxidation plays a key role in inducing the production of aflatoxins and their congeners (norsolorinic acid, averufin, averantin, versicolorin A, sterigmatocystin, and O-methyl sterigmatocystin) by different strains of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. The stimulating effect was obtained by adding epoxides, hydroperoxides, and carbon tetrachloride to culture media. The presence in the media of a free radical scavenger (cysteamine) was capable of inhibiting the output of aflatoxins and their precursors induced by epoxides, hydroperoxides, and carbon tetrachloride. The stimulating effect of lipoperoxidation would appear to take place before the biosynthesis of norsolorinic acid. © 1989