DON

DON Full Name

Deoxynevalenol

DON Introduction

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a type B trichothecene mycotoxin. Trichothecenes are sesquiterpenoid compounds characterized by a rigid tetracyclic skeleton containing a 12,13-epoxy group and a 9,10-double bond—the epoxy group being essential for their toxicity. As a representative type B trichothecene, DON is distinguished by a carbonyl group at the C-8 position, which differentiates it from type A trichothecenes (such as T-2 toxin). Due to its potent emetic effects, particularly in sensitive animals like pigs, DON is also commonly known as "vomitoxin".DON is primarily produced by various Fusarium fungi under specific environmental conditions, with the main toxigenic strains being Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum. These fungi are common plant pathogens that can infect a wide range of cereal crops in the field, causing Fusarium Head Blight (FHB). Toxin production is especially favored under mild and humid climatic conditions. Consequently, DON is one of the most widely distributed mycotoxins globally. Its relatively stable chemical nature allows it to withstand typical food processing temperatures, making it difficult to completely remove during food production. This results in a continuous risk of dietary exposure for both humans and animals. Human ingestion of DON through contaminated food can lead to a range of acute and chronic health issues. Acute toxicity typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and fever. Long-term, low-dose exposure is more insidious, with potential chronic effects including immune suppression, growth retardation, and persistent damage to the digestive system's barrier function.

Figure 1. Structural formula of DON and its derivatives. (Source: Li Y, et al. 2023)

DON exerts its toxic effect by tightly binding to the peptidyl transferase center on the 60S large ribosomal subunit. This binding interferes with peptide chain elongation, thereby effectively inhibiting protein translation. In this process, the compromised ribosome acts as a signaling platform, activating intracellular MAPK signaling pathways. DON rapidly and strongly phosphorylates and activates the JNK and p38 pathways, which are closely associated with cellular stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis. Its effect on the ERK pathway is more complex and may involve activation or inhibition depending on the cell type and exposure conditions. The activation of MAPKs transmits the "danger signal" from the ribosome to the nucleus by phosphorylating downstream transcription factors (such as AP-1 and NF-κB), regulating the expression of a series of genes. These genes encode proteins involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including the production of inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6), cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis-related proteins. Thus, through the activation of MAPKs, DON transforms an initial molecular event—ribosome binding—into broad and profound cellular and systemic pathophysiological responses.

Alternate Names for DON

Deoxynevalenol; DON; vomitoxin

• 1. Li Y, et al. Deoxynivalenol in food and feed: Recent advances in decontamination strategies. Front Microbiol. 2023 Mar 14;14:1141378.
  2. Liao Y, et al. Deoxynivalenol, gut microbiota and immunotoxicity: A potential approach? Food Chem Toxicol. 2018 Feb;112:342-354.