Sphinganine/sphingosine (SA/SO) ratio and intake of fumonisin contamianted tortillas in a Mexican population

Abstract

The fumonisins are mycotoxins relevant due to their toxicological effects on animals and humans. Based on the current knowledge of the mechanism of action of fumonisins, the sphinganine/sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio is a valid biomarker of exposure in animal studies and could also be useful in human studies if the ratio correlate with fumonisin intake. The Sa/So ratio was evaluated in a Mexican population at three stages of maize based food (tortillas) consumption. A Sa/So ratio higher than 1 was found at the A (regular consumption) and C (re-assumption of the regular consumption) stages, while during the B (stopping of the tortillas consumption for two weeks) stage the Sa/So ratio was lower than 1. This report showed that there is an association between the intake of fumonisin contaminated maize based foods and the elevation of the Sa/So ratio in human samples. Mexican population is exposed with a continuous high consumption of maize based foods commonly contaminated with fumonisins.