Abstract
Enniatins (ENNs) A1 and B1 are non-regulated mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. that commonly occur in different types of food. These toxins are cytotoxic in several cell lines, but their mechanism of action is unclear. In this study, the cytotoxic effects of ENNs A1 and B1 in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were analysed. Moreover, to better understand their mechanism of action, mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and calcium fluxes were monitored. ENNs A1 and B1 reduced cell viability, presenting IC50 values of 2.0 and 2.7 μM, respectively. Both toxins induced caspase-dependent apoptosis, but only ENN A1 increased ROS production. Apoptotic cell death seems to be triggered by the increase in cytosolic calcium produced by both ENNs, since the toxins altered Ca2+ homeostasis by depleting intracellular reservoirs. Finally, binary combinations of ENN A1, ENN B1, ENN A and ENN B were tested. All mixtures resulted in an antagonistic effect, with the exception of ENN A and ENN B1 combination, which produced an additive effect. The results presented in this study provide the first evidence of ENNs A1 and B1 effects on calcium fluxes, providing new insights into the mechanism of action of these mycotoxins.