The fusarium toxin 2-amino-14,16-dimethyloctadecan-3-ol (2-AOD-3-ol) is characterized as a sphingolipid analogue that can be isolated from Fusarium avenaceum-infected crops and fruits. In the current study, we discovered a group of novel metabolites of 2-AOD-3-ol from the F. avenaceum-fermented rice culture. 2-AOD-3-ol was predominantly present as a C16:1 fatty acid-assembled ceramide-mimic form rather than as a free base. Although 2-AOD-3-ol and its fatty acyl derivatives were barely detected in fresh samples, the contents of these fusarium toxins accumulated with the extension of storage time up to approximately 32-50 mg/kg dry weight in naturally stored rice, grapes, apples, and oranges. Our finding provides insight into the quality and safety of food during storage through a novel aspect: the C14-C24 fatty acyl 2-AOD-3-ol in nature, which calls for further studies to address their potential impact on human health.
Keywords: 1-deoxysphingolipid; 2-AOD-3-ol; food storage; fusarium toxin; sphingolipid analogue.