PubMed · 2026-04-01
A common mold toxin found in wheat, corn, and other grains can damage the liver, gut, and immune system. This review identifies a key cellular protein (Nrf2) as the central switch that determines whether cells survive or are harmed by this toxin — and catalogs natural compounds that can flip that switch protectively.
Nrf2 activation follows a 'threshold effect': moderate oxidative stress from DON triggers protective cellular responses, while excessive stress suppresses Nrf2 and accelerates cell damage.
Plant extracts, amino acids, selenium, and microbial preparations were identified as Nrf2-targeting agents capable of reducing DON-induced organ toxicity.
Nrf2 modulation can simultaneously suppress oxidative damage, inflammation, ferroptosis (an iron-driven cell death), apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by DON exposure.