Bongkrekic Acid: A Rare and Dangerous Toxin
- 演化之聲
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Recently, a serious food poisoning incident occurred in Taiwan and was confirmed to be caused by bongkrekic acid. This is the first recorded case of such poisoning in Taiwan, and many people are unfamiliar with this toxin. The following article introduces how bongkrekic acid arises and how it affects the human body, with particular emphasis on its biological background.
Bongkrekic acid is a highly unsaturated fatty acid whose molecular structure remains stable even at high temperatures. It is produced by a pathogenic strain of the bacterium Burkholderia gladioli, specifically the pathovar known as cocovenenans. This bacterium is a Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped microorganism commonly found in soil and on plants. The cocovenenans strain is also relatively widespread in these environments.
Bongkrekic acid is considered a secondary metabolite of this bacterium. Many microorganisms produce secondary metabolites, which often function as chemical weapons that inhibit the growth of competing microbes in the surrounding environment. Antibiotics are a well-known example of microbial secondary metabolites. For instance, tetracycline, isolated from bacteria of the genus Streptomyces, can kill other bacteria while remaining relatively safe for human medical use. The microorganisms living in the human intestine also produce numerous secondary metabolites that help maintain intestinal health. Whether beneficial or harmful to humans, these substances ultimately arise from the ecological interactions of cooperation and competition among living organisms.
Bongkrekic acid is considered a secondary metabolite of this bacterium. Many microorganisms produce secondary metabolites, which often function as chemical weapons that inhibit the growth of competing microbes in the surrounding environment. Antibiotics are a well-known example of microbial secondary metabolites. For instance, tetracycline, isolated from bacteria of the genus Streptomyces, can kill other bacteria while remaining relatively safe for human medical use. The microorganisms living in the human intestine also produce numerous secondary metabolites that help maintain intestinal health. Whether beneficial or harmful to humans, these substances ultimately arise from the ecological interactions of cooperation and competition among living organisms.
Bongkrekic acid is considered a secondary metabolite of this bacterium. Many microorganisms produce secondary metabolites, which often function as chemical weapons that inhibit the growth of competing microbes in the surrounding environment. Antibiotics are a well-known example of microbial secondary metabolites. For instance, tetracycline, isolated from bacteria of the genus Streptomyces, can kill other bacteria while remaining relatively safe for human medical use. The microorganisms living in the human intestine also produce numerous secondary metabolites that help maintain intestinal health. Whether beneficial or harmful to humans, these substances ultimately arise from the ecological interactions of cooperation and competition among living organisms.
Bongkrekic acid is considered a secondary metabolite of this bacterium. Many microorganisms produce secondary metabolites, which often function as chemical weapons that inhibit the growth of competing microbes in the surrounding environment. Antibiotics are a well-known example of microbial secondary metabolites. For instance, tetracycline, isolated from bacteria of the genus Streptomyces, can kill other bacteria while remaining relatively safe for human medical use. The microorganisms living in the human intestine also produce numerous secondary metabolites that help maintain intestinal health. Whether beneficial or harmful to humans, these substances ultimately arise from the ecological interactions of cooperation and competition among living organisms.
Why is bongkrekic acid so toxic? The key lies in its effect on the mitochondria inside human cells. To understand this, it is necessary to briefly review how cells generate energy.
Most biological energy in living organisms is transferred through a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which contains three phosphate groups. When ATP releases energy for cellular processes, it loses one phosphate group and becomes adenosine diphosphate (ADP). To regenerate ATP, cells must use energy derived from nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats obtained from food. These molecules undergo metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and mitochondrial electron transport, which ultimately provide the energy needed to convert ADP back into ATP.
Most biological energy in living organisms is transferred through a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which contains three phosphate groups. When ATP releases energy for cellular processes, it loses one phosphate group and becomes adenosine diphosphate (ADP). To regenerate ATP, cells must use energy derived from nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats obtained from food. These molecules undergo metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and mitochondrial electron transport, which ultimately provide the energy needed to convert ADP back into ATP.
Most biological energy in living organisms is transferred through a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which contains three phosphate groups. When ATP releases energy for cellular processes, it loses one phosphate group and becomes adenosine diphosphate (ADP). To regenerate ATP, cells must use energy derived from nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats obtained from food. These molecules undergo metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and mitochondrial electron transport, which ultimately provide the energy needed to convert ADP back into ATP.
Cells constantly require ATP for their activities, so ATP and ADP must be able to move freely into and out of mitochondria. Embedded in the mitochondrial membrane is a critical protein known as the adenine nucleotide translocator. This transporter moves ADP into the mitochondria and exports newly synthesized ATP back to the rest of the cell. Because cellular metabolism never stops, this exchange process operates continuously.
The molecular structure of bongkrekic acid allows it to bind to this transporter protein. When the toxin binds to the adenine nucleotide translocator, the protein can no longer function. As a result, ATP can no longer be transported out of the mitochondria and ADP cannot enter efficiently. Cells rapidly become deprived of usable energy, leading to widespread cellular death. As more and more cells fail, the entire organism eventually dies.
At present, there is no specific treatment that neutralizes bongkrekic acid poisoning. Medical care relies primarily on supportive therapy. Furthermore, because the toxin remains stable even at high temperatures, cooking cannot destroy it. The most effective protection therefore lies in ensuring the safety of food sources and maintaining proper hygiene and quality control in food preparation.
Author: Shui Ye-You
Reference:
Anwar, M. et al. (2017). Bongkrekic Acid—a Review of a Lesser-Known Mitochondrial Toxin. J Med Toxicol.
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