Description
Sterigmatocystin is a mutagenic and carcinogenic mycotoxin initially produced by species of Aspergillus. Sterigmatocystin is a precursor of aflatoxin B1. In vitro, this compound activates ATM, p53, and Chk2 and damages DNA, inducing G2 phase cell cycle arrest; this mechanism may also involve PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. In vivo, chronic administration of sterigmatocystin decreases levels of glutathione, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol and increases levels of ROS, increasing lipid peroxidation.