Unravelling the impact of mycotoxins on gut health: implications for inflammatory bowel disease

Consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated food is considered a main alimentary risk, with grave consequences on gastrointestinal function. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex, heterogeneous disorder of the gut, leading to severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and malnutrition. Similar indicators have been observed in foodborne mycotoxicosis. This review aims to elucidate the adverse effects of mycotoxin exposure on gut homeostasis and their correlation with IBD. We discuss latest research substantiating a role for mycotoxins in the pathogenesis of IBD, collating evidence of a crosstalk between mycotoxin-activated pathways and pathomechanisms of IBD. Considering the burden posed by IBD worldwide and the accelerating mycotoxin occurrence in global food commodities, we also propose future research directions to mitigate the harmful impact of mycotoxins on gut health. • Mycotoxin exposure may be associated with the development or exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. • Mycotoxins may lead to dysbiosis and alterations in the gut microbiome balance. • Actinobacteria dominated the healthy microbiome, while Firmicutes dominated the dysbiotic gut. • Mycotoxins downregulate mucin and tight junction proteins, increasing gut permeability as seen in IBD. • Mycotoxins affect the immune system and promote intestinal inflammation.