3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) is a potent mycotoxin that can be fatal in animals and humans.
Implicated fungi: Arthrinium species
Mechanism: irreversible inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase in mitochondria, inhibiting the citric acid cycle and blocking ATP generation in cells
Source: spoiled or moldy food
Clinical features:
(1) vomiting and diarrhea initially
(2) encephalopathy with coma
(3) dystonia secondary to damage to basal ganglia
(4) severe lactic acidosis
