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Rezaei Z, Hamzeh Pour S, Ezati P, Akrami-Mohajeri F. Determination of aflatoxin M 1 and ochratoxin A in breast milk in rural centers of Yazd, Iran: Exposure assessment and risk characterization. Mycotoxin Res 2024; 40:211-221. [PMID: 38285127 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-024-00519-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Breast milk (BM) is considered as the best source of nutrition which could have prevention effects on various diseases in the first years of a child. Along with nutritive compounds, presence of contaminants such as mycotoxins in BM could be transmitted into neonate. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, levels, and factors associated with the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ocratoxin a (OTA) in BM samples of nursing mothers in rural centers of Yazd, Iran. The presence and average AFM1 and OTA concentration in 72 BM samples was measured by competitive ELISA. The demographic and diet parameters of nursing mothers were collected by a questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS 18 software. AFM1 and OTA were detected in 63 (87.5%) and 47 (65.2%) samples with the mean concentration levels of 19.46 ± 13.26 ng/L (ranges from 5.1 to 53.9) and 200 ± 160 ng/L (ranges from 100 to 2460), respectively. Of these, 32 samples (50.7%) for AFM1 and 23 samples (48.9%) for OTA had values exceeding the limit set by the European Union regulation for infant foods (25 ng/L for AFM1 and 500 ng/L for OTA). It was also found that the risk of AFM1 and OTA occurrence in BM increased significantly with the consumption of beans, bread, cereals, fruit juice and crackers, and cream, respectively. This study showed that the estimated daily intake for AFM1 and OTA by 1 month of age infants was 2.7 and 28.5 ng/kg bw/day, respectively, while, as the age of the infant increased, the values were lower and close to 0.9 and 9.9 ng/kg bw/day for AFM1 and OTA in 12 months of age infants, respectively. The high occurrence and noticeable levels of AFM1 and OTA detected in this study indicated that some infants receive undesirable exposures to AFM1 and OTA with breast milk. Therefore, it is recommended that mothers are advised to avoid certain foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding that are likely sources of mycotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Rezaei
- Center of Cheshme noshan khorasan (Alis), University of Applied Science and Technology, Chanaran, Iran
| | - Siavash Hamzeh Pour
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parya Ezati
- BioNanocomposite Research Center, Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae‑Ro, Dongdaemun‑Gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Fateme Akrami-Mohajeri
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
- Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Hassen JY, Debella A, Eyeberu A, Mussa I. Level of exposure to aflatoxins during pregnancy and its association with adverse birth outcomes in Africa: a meta-analysis. Int Health 2024:ihae015. [PMID: 38339961 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihae015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aflatoxins are various poisonous carcinogens and mutagens produced by Aspergillus species. Exposure to aflatoxins during pregnancy results in adverse birth outcomes. This meta-analysis was carried out to determine the estimates of how much aflatoxin is harmful to the pregnancy and its outcome, including birthweight, birth length, low birthweight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), stunting, poverty, food insecurity, income, pesticides and stillbirth, in an African context. METHODS Both published and unpublished studies in Africa were searched on MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Stata version 18.2 software was used for cleaning and analysis. The prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using the random effects model and a forest plot was used to present the findings. In addition, the heterogeneity of the study was assessed using Cochrane I2 statistics and publication bias was assessed using Egger's intercept and funnel plot. RESULTS This review included 28 studies with a total of 6283 pregnant women and newborns. The analysis showed the overall level of exposure to aflatoxins was 64% (95% CI 48 to 78, τ2=0.66, I2=99.34%, p=0.001). In the subgroup analysis by publication year, the highest level of exposure to aflatoxins (82% [95% CI 69 to 92]) was observed among studies published from 2020 to 2023. This study also found that exposure to aflatoxins during pregnancy had an association with prematurity, LBW, SGA and stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS The data analysed in this study indicated that three of every five pregnant women had exposure to aflatoxins in Africa. Moreover, pregnant women exposed to aflatoxins had a higher likelihood of having a LBW and SGA newborn. Thus governments and all stakeholders should initiate policies that mitigate the toxicity of aflatoxins in pregnant women, foetuses and newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemal Y Hassen
- School of Rural Development and Agricultural Innovation, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Adera Debella
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addis Eyeberu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Ibsa Mussa
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Das Trisha A, Hafsa JM, Hasan A, Habib A, Tuba HR, Degen GH, Ali N. Occurrence of ochratoxin A in breast milk and urine samples of nursing mothers in Bangladesh. Mycotoxin Res 2024; 40:135-146. [PMID: 38038834 PMCID: PMC10834631 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-023-00510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent nephrotoxin with carcinogenic properties and, thus, of concern as a food contaminant. Since food contaminant data are scarce in Bangladesh, we applied human biomonitoring to gain more insights into OTA exposure in the country's population. OTA concentrations in human milk and urine samples of nursing mothers were determined with the aim to assess also exposure to this mycotoxin in breastfed infants. Breastfeeding mothers (n = 74) from three districts of Bangladesh (Sylhet, Cumilla, and Mymensingh region) participated in this study. They provided demographic data, along with breast milk and urine samples. OTA levels were measured by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a detection limit of 60 ng/L for milk and 30 ng/L for urine.OTA was detected in 62.2% of all breast milk samples (mean 74.8 ± 49.0 ng/L, range < LOD-243.3 ng/L) and in 51.4% of all urine samples (mean 44.3 ± 63.5 ng/L, range < LOD-519.3 ng/L). The differences observed between regions for mean breast milk or for urinary OTA levels were relatively small. No significant correlation was observed between OTA levels in breast milk and food consumption patterns among nursing mothers. Regarding infant exposure, the estimated average daily intake of OTA for all was 15.0 ng/kg bw/day (range 4.5-45 ng/kg bw/day). In 34.5% of these infants, their estimated daily OTA intake exceeded a preliminary TDI value set by EFSA (17 ng/kg bw/day). The mean OTA intake was slightly higher (16.2 ± 7.8 ng/kg bw/day) in 1-2 months babies than in older infants (< 2 to 12 months), although the difference was not significant. Presence of OTA in most milk and urine samples of nursing mothers documents their widespread dietary mycotoxin exposure. Although based on a relatively small number of participants, the present analysis indicates non-negligible exposure of some nursed infants in Bangladesh. Therefore, further biomonitoring studies and investigations on major sources of OTA in food commodities are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aporajita Das Trisha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Jaasia Momtahena Hafsa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Akibul Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Ahsan Habib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Humaira Rashid Tuba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Gisela H Degen
- Leibniz-Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the TU Dortmund, Ardeystr. 67, D-44139, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Nurshad Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, 3114, Bangladesh.
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Ali N, Habib A, Mahmud F, Tuba HR, Degen GH. Aflatoxin M 1 Analysis in Urine of Mill Workers in Bangladesh: A Pilot Study. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:45. [PMID: 38251261 PMCID: PMC10819429 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in food and feed is a serious problem, especially in developing countries. Human exposure to this carcinogenic mycotoxin can occur through dietary intake, but also through inhalation or dermal contact when handling and processing AFB1-contaminated crops. A suitable biomarker of AFB1 exposure by all routes is the occurrence of its hydroxylated metabolite aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in urine. To assess mycotoxin exposure in mill workers in Bangladesh, we analyzed AFM1 levels in urine samples of this population group who may encounter both dietary and occupational AFB1 exposure. In this pilot study, a total of 76 participants (51 mill workers and 25 controls) were enrolled from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Urine samples were collected from people who worked in rice, wheat, maize and spice mills and from controls with no occupational contact to these materials. A questionnaire was used to collect information on basic characteristics and normal food habits of all participants. Levels of AFM1 in the urine samples were determined by a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. AFM1 was detected in 96.1% of mill workers' urine samples with a range of LOD (40) of 217.7 pg/mL and also in 92% of control subject's urine samples with a range of LOD of 307.0 pg/mL). The mean level of AFM1 in mill workers' urine (106.5 ± 35.0 pg/mL) was slightly lower than that of the control group (123.3 ± 52.4 pg/mL), whilst the mean AFM1 urinary level adjusted for creatinine was higher in mill workers (142.1 ± 126.1 pg/mg crea) than in the control group (98.5 ± 71.2 pg/mg crea). Yet, these differences in biomarker levels were not statistically significant. Slightly different mean urinary AFM1 levels were observed between maize mill, spice mill, rice mill, and wheat mill workers, yet biomarker values are based on a small number of individuals in these subgroups. No significant correlations were found between the study subjects' urine AFM1 levels and their consumption of some staple food items, except for a significant correlation observed between urinary biomarker levels and consumption of groundnuts. In conclusion, this pilot study revealed the frequent presence of AFM1 in the urine of mill workers in Bangladesh and those of concurrent controls with dietary AFB1 exposure only. The absence of a statistical difference in mean biomarker levels for workers and controls suggests that in the specific setting, no extra occupational exposure occurred. Yet, the high prevalence of non-negligible AFM1 levels in the collected urines encourage further studies in Bangladesh regarding aflatoxin exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurshad Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh; (A.H.); (F.M.); (H.R.T.)
| | - Ahsan Habib
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh; (A.H.); (F.M.); (H.R.T.)
| | - Firoz Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh; (A.H.); (F.M.); (H.R.T.)
| | - Humaira Rashid Tuba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh; (A.H.); (F.M.); (H.R.T.)
| | - Gisela H. Degen
- Leibniz-Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the TU Dortmund, Ardeystr. 67, D-44139 Dortmund, Germany
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Martín-Carrasco I, Carbonero-Aguilar P, Dahiri B, Moreno IM, Hinojosa M. Comparison between pollutants found in breast milk and infant formula in the last decade: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162461. [PMID: 36868281 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Since ancient times, breastfeeding has been the fundamental way of nurturing the newborn. The benefits of breast milk are widely known, as it is a source of essential nutrients and provides immunological protection, as well as developmental benefits, among others. However, when breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula is the most appropriate alternative. Its composition meets the nutritional requirements of the infant, and its quality is subject to strict control by the authorities. Nonetheless, the presence of different pollutants has been detected in both matrices. Thus, the aim of the present review is to make a comparison between the findings in both breast milk and infant formula in terms of contaminants in the last decade, in order to choose the most convenient option depending on the environmental conditions. For that, the emerging pollutants including metals, chemical compounds derived from heat treatment, pharmaceutical drugs, mycotoxins, pesticides, packaging materials, and other contaminants were described. While in breast milk the most concerning contaminants found were metals and pesticides, in infant formula pollutants such as metals, mycotoxins, and packaging materials were the most outstanding. In conclusion, the convenience of using a feeding diet based on breast milk or either infant formula depends on the maternal environmental circumstances. However, it is important to take into account the immunological benefits of the breast milk compared to the infant formula, and the possibility of using breast milk in combination with infant formula when the nutritional requirements are not fulfilled only with the intake of breast milk. Therefore, more attention should be paid in terms of analyzing these conditions in each case to be able to make a proper decision, as it will vary depending on the maternal and newborn environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Martín-Carrasco
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - P Carbonero-Aguilar
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - B Dahiri
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - I M Moreno
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - M Hinojosa
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Institutionen för biokemi och biofysik, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Alameri MM, Kong ASY, Aljaafari MN, Ali HA, Eid K, Sallagi MA, Cheng WH, Abushelaibi A, Lim SHE, Loh JY, Lai KS. Aflatoxin Contamination: An Overview on Health Issues, Detection and Management Strategies. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040246. [PMID: 37104184 PMCID: PMC10140874 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) represent one of the main mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, with the most prevalent and lethal subtypes being AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2. AFs are responsible for causing significant public health issues and economic concerns that affect consumers and farmers globally. Chronic exposure to AFs has been linked to liver cancer, oxidative stress, and fetal growth abnormalities among other health-related risks. Although there are various technologies, such as physical, chemical, and biological controls that have been employed to alleviate the toxic effects of AF, there is still no clearly elucidated universal method available to reduce AF levels in food and feed; the only mitigation is early detection of the toxin in the management of AF contamination. Numerous detection methods, including cultures, molecular techniques, immunochemical, electrochemical immunosensor, chromatographic, and spectroscopic means, are used to determine AF contamination in agricultural products. Recent research has shown that incorporating crops with higher resistance, such as sorghum, into animal feed can reduce the risk of AF contamination in milk and cheese. This review provides a current overview of the health-related risks of chronic dietary AF exposure, recent detection techniques, and management strategies to guide future researchers in developing better detection and management strategies for this toxin.
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Chen Y, Lu Z, Li B, Wang H, Jiang T, Xuan M, Yang H, Chen J, Liu X, Liang H, Liu Y, Tang H. Human CYP1B1 enzyme-mediated, AhR enhanced activation of aflatoxin B1 for its genotoxicity in human cells. Toxicol Lett 2023; 373:132-140. [PMID: 36442682 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a human procarcinogen known to be activated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and 3A4. In a previous study AFB1 caused chromosomal rearrangement in a yeast strain genetically engineered for stably expressing human CYP1B1. Yet, further verification of the effect of AFB1 in human cells, a potential role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and CYP1B1-catalyzed AFB1 metabolism remain unidentified. In this study, a human hepatocyte (L-02) line and a human lymphoblastoid (TK6) cell line were genetically engineered for the expression of human CYP1B1, producing L-02-hCYP1B1 and TK6-hCYP1B1, respectively. They were exposed to AFB1 and analyzed for the formation of micronucleus and elevation of γ-H2AX (indicating double-strand DNA breaks); the metabolites formed by CYP1B1 from AFB1 after incubation of AFB1 with human CYP1B1 isoenzyme microsomes were determined by LC-MS. The results showed significantly more potent induction of micronucleus by AFB1 in L-02-hCYP1B1 and TK6-hCYP1B1 than in the parental (L-02 and TK6) cells, and the effects were reduced by (E)- 2,3',4,5'-tetramethoxystilbene, a specific CYP1B1 inhibitor. In the AFB1- CYP1B1 microsomes incubations AFM1, a known stable metabolite of AFB1, was detected. Moreover, in L-02 and TK6 cells, AFB1 apparently increased the protein levels of AhR, ANRT and CYP1B1, and caused the nuclear translocation of AhR and ARNT, the latter effect being blocked by BAY-218 (an inhibitor of AhR). In conclusion, this study indicates that human CYP1B1 is capable of metabolically activating AFB1 through the AhR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Chen
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Zhaohong Lu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Boxin Li
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Tikeng Jiang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Mei Xuan
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Jialong Chen
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Xiaoshan Liu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Hairong Liang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yungang Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Huanwen Tang
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
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Aljazzar A, El-Ghareeb WR, Darwish WS, Abdel-Raheem SM, Ibrahim AM, Hegazy EE, Mohamed EA. Effects of aflatoxin B1 on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells: cytotoxicity, oxidative damage, metabolic, and immune-modulatory transcriptomic changes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:13132-13140. [PMID: 36125688 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23032-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent mycotoxin that is commonly produced by molds such as Aspergillus (A.) flavus and A. parasiticus. AFB1 is associated with several health adverse effects in humans including mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Aflatoxin is commonly secreted in the milk leading to deleterious effects on breast tissue and potential nursing infants. However, the effects of aflatoxins, particularly AFB1, on the breast cells are less investigated. In this study, AFB1-associated effects on human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) were investigated. AFB1 caused significant cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells. Such cytotoxicity had a positive correlation with the induction of oxidative stress. In addition, AFB1 caused significant transcriptomic alterations in xenobiotics and drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and antioxidant enzymes. Besides, AFB1 upregulated pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α and cyclooxygenase-2 with a significant reduction of mRNA expressions of the immunity-related genes including interleukins 8 and 10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Aljazzar
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box: 400, Al Hofuf, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Rizk El-Ghareeb
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box: 400, Al Hofuf, 31982, Saudi Arabia.
- Food Control Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Wageh Sobhy Darwish
- Food Control Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Sherief M Abdel-Raheem
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box: 400, Al Hofuf, 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abdelazim M Ibrahim
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box: 400, Al Hofuf, 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Eman E Hegazy
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Esraa A Mohamed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Benkerroum N, Ismail A. Human Breast Milk Contamination with Aflatoxins, Impact on Children's Health, and Possible Control Means: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16792. [PMID: 36554670 PMCID: PMC9779431 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxins are natural toxicants produced mainly by species of the Aspergillus genus, which contaminate virtually all feeds and foods. Apart from their deleterious health effects on humans and animals, they can be secreted unmodified or carried over into the milk of lactating females, thereby posing health risks to suckling babies. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the major and most toxic aflatoxin type after aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). It contaminates human breast milk upon direct ingestion from dairy products or by carry-over from the parent molecule (AFB1), which is hydroxylated in the liver and possibly in the mammary glands by cytochrome oxidase enzymes and then excreted into breast milk as AFM1 during lactation via the mammary alveolar epithelial cells. This puts suckling infants and children fed on this milk at a high risk, especially that their detoxifying activities are still weak at this age essentially due to immature liver as the main organ responsible for the detoxification of xenobiotics. The occurrence of AFM1 at toxic levels in human breast milk and associated health conditions in nursing children is well documented, with developing countries being the most affected. Different studies have demonstrated that contamination of human breast milk with AFM1 represents a real public health issue, which should be promptly and properly addressed to reduce its incidence. To this end, different actions have been suggested, including a wider and proper implementation of regulatory measures, not only for breast milk but also for foods and feeds as the upstream sources for breast milk contamination with AFM1. The promotion of awareness of lactating mothers through the organization of training sessions and mass media disclosures before and after parturition is of a paramount importance for the success of any action. This is especially relevant that there are no possible control measures to ensure compliance of lactating mothers to specific regulatory measures, which can yet be appropriate for the expansion of breast milk banks in industrialized countries and emergence of breast milk sellers. This review attempted to revisit the public health issues raised by mother milk contamination with AFM1, which remains undermined despite the numerous relevant publications highlighting the needs to tackle its incidence as a protective measure for the children physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreddine Benkerroum
- Expertise Aliments Santé, Food Health Consultancy, 7450 Dollier Str., Montréal, QC H1S 2J6, Canada
| | - Amir Ismail
- Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60000, Pakistan
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Kyei NNA, Cramer B, Humpf HU, Degen GH, Ali N, Gabrysch S. Assessment of multiple mycotoxin exposure and its association with food consumption: a human biomonitoring study in a pregnant cohort in rural Bangladesh. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2123-2138. [PMID: 35441239 PMCID: PMC9151532 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), citrinin (CIT), fumonisin B1 (FB1), zearalenone (ZEN), and deoxynivalenol (DON) are mycotoxins that may contaminate diets, especially in low-income settings, with potentially severe health consequences. This study investigates the exposure of 439 pregnant women in rural Bangladesh to 35 mycotoxins and their corresponding health risks and links their exposure to certain foods and local stimulants. Overall, 447 first-morning urine samples were collected from pregnant women between July 2018 and November 2019. Mycotoxin biomarkers were quantified by DaS-HPLC-MS/MS. Urinary concentration of frequently occurring mycotoxins was used to estimate dietary mycotoxin exposure. Median regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between the consumption of certain foods and local stimulants, and urinary concentration of frequently occurring mycotoxins. Only in 17 of 447 urine samples (4%) were none of the investigated mycotoxins detected. Biomarkers for six major mycotoxins (AFs, CIT, DON, FB1, OTA, and ZEN) were detected in the urine samples. OTA (95%), CIT (61%), and DON (6%) were most frequently detected, with multiple mycotoxins co-occurring in 281/447 (63%) of urine samples. Under the lowest exposure scenario, dietary exposure to OTA, CIT, and DON was of public health concern in 95%, 16%, and 1% of the pregnant women, respectively. Consumption of specific foods and local stimulants-betel nut, betel leaf, and chewing tobacco-were associated with OTA, CIT, and DON urine levels. In conclusion, exposure to multiple mycotoxins during early pregnancy is widespread in this rural community and represents a potential health risk for mothers and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas N A Kyei
- Institute of Public Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, P. O. Box 60 12 03, 14412, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Benedikt Cramer
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 45, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 45, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Gisela H Degen
- Leibniz-Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at the TU Dortmund, Ardeystr. 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nurshad Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Sabine Gabrysch
- Institute of Public Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, P. O. Box 60 12 03, 14412, Potsdam, Germany
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Wang ZW, Gao YN, Huang SN, Wang JQ, Zheng N. Ex Vivo and In Vitro Studies Revealed Underlying Mechanisms of Immature Intestinal Inflammatory Responses Caused by Aflatoxin M1 Together with Ochratoxin A. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030173. [PMID: 35324670 PMCID: PMC8953104 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA), which are occasionally detected in milk and commercial baby foods, could easily enter and reach the gastrointestinal tract, posing impairment to the first line of defense and causing dysfunction of the tissue. The objective of this study was to investigate the immunostimulatory roles of individual and combined AFM1 and OTA on the immature intestine. Thus, we used ELISA assays to evaluate the generation of cytokines from ex vivo CD-1 fetal mouse jejunum induced by AFM1 and OTA and explored the related regulatory pathways and pivot genes using RNA-seq analysis. It was found that OTA exhibited much stronger ability in stimulating pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 from jejunum tissues than AFM1 (OTA of 4 μM versus AFM1 of 50 μM), whereas the combination of the two toxins seemed to exert antagonistic actions. In addition, transcriptomics also showed that most gene members in the enriched pathway ‘cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction’ were more highly expressed in OTA than the AFM1 group. By means of PPI network analysis, NFKB1 and RelB were regarded as hub genes in response to OTA but not AFM1. In the human FHs 74 Int cell line, both AFM1 and OTA enhanced the content of reactive oxygen species, and the oxidative response was more apparent in OTA-treated cells in comparison with AFM1. Furthermore, OTA and AFM1 + OTA raised the protein abundance of p50/RelB, and triggered the translocation of the dimer from cytosol to nucleus. Therefore, the experimental data ex vivo and in vitro showed that OTA-induced inflammation was thought to be bound up with the up-regulation and translocation of NF-κB, though AFM1 seemed to have no obvious impact. Since it was the first attempt to uncover the appearances and inner mechanisms regarding inflammation provoked by AFM1 and OTA on immature intestinal models, further efforts are needed to understand the detailed metabolic steps of the toxin in cells and to clarify their causal relationship with the signals proposed from current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.-W.W.); (Y.-N.G.); (S.-N.H.); (J.-Q.W.)
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Milk and Milk Products Inspection Center of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ya-Nan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.-W.W.); (Y.-N.G.); (S.-N.H.); (J.-Q.W.)
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Milk and Milk Products Inspection Center of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sheng-Nan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.-W.W.); (Y.-N.G.); (S.-N.H.); (J.-Q.W.)
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Milk and Milk Products Inspection Center of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.-W.W.); (Y.-N.G.); (S.-N.H.); (J.-Q.W.)
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Milk and Milk Products Inspection Center of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Control for Milk and Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.-W.W.); (Y.-N.G.); (S.-N.H.); (J.-Q.W.)
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Dairy Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Milk and Milk Products Inspection Center of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence:
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The Presence of Aflatoxin M 1 in Milk and Milk Products in Bangladesh. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070440. [PMID: 34202130 PMCID: PMC8309891 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
As milk provides both micro- and macronutrients, it is an important component in the diet. However, the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the feed of dairy cattle results in contamination of milk and dairy products with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a toxic metabolite of the carcinogenic mycotoxin. With the aim to determine AFM1 concentrations in milk and milk products consumed in Bangladesh, in total, 145 samples were collected in four divisional regions (Sylhet, Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rajshahi). The samples comprised these categories: raw milk (n = 105), pasteurized milk (n = 15), ultra-high temperature (UHT)-treated milk (n = 15), fermented milk products such as yogurt (n = 5), and milk powder (n = 5). AFM1 levels in these samples were determined through competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, AFM1 was present in 78.6% of milk and milk products in the range of 5.0 to 198.7 ng/L. AFM1 was detected in 71.4% of raw milk (mean 41.1, range 5.0–198.7 ng/L), and in all pasteurized milk (mean 106, range 17.2–187.7 ng/L) and UHT milk (mean 73, range 12.2–146.9 ng/L) samples. Lower AFM1 levels were found in yogurt (mean 16.9, range 8.3–41.1 ng/L) and milk powder samples (mean 6.6, range 5.9–7.0 ng/L). About one-third of the raw, pasteurized, and UHT milk samples exceeded the EU regulatory limit (50 ng/L) for AFM1 in milk, while AFM1 levels in yogurt and milk powder samples were well below this limit. Regarding regions, lower AFM1 contamination was observed in Chittagong (mean 6.6, max 10.6 ng/L), compared to Sylhet (mean 53.7, max 198.7 ng/L), Dhaka (mean 37.8, max 97.2 ng/L), and Rajshahi (mean 34.8, max 131.4 ng/L). Yet, no significant difference was observed in AFM1 levels between summer and winter season. In conclusion, the observed frequency and levels of aflatoxin contamination raise concern and must encourage further monitoring of AFM1 in milk and milk products in Bangladesh.
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