Research update on aflatoxins toxicity, metabolism, distribution, and detection: A concise overview

Mechanistic insights into the parental co-exposure of T-2 toxin and epoxiconazole on the F1 generation of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Mycotoxins and pesticides frequently coexist in agricultural commodities on a global scale. The potential transgenerational consequences induced by these substances pose a significant threat to human health. However, there is a lack of data concerning the effects of co-contamination by these chemicals in the F1 generation following parental exposure. This investigation delved into the mixture effects of T-2 toxin (T-2) and epoxiconazole (EPO) on the offspring of zebrafish (Danio rerio). The findings revealed that exposure across generations to a combination of T-2 and EPO resulted in toxicity in the larvae of the F1 generation. This was demonstrated by a significant increase in the levels or activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), thyroxine (T4), Caspase3, and cas9, along with a decrease in the levels of cyp19a, ERα, and ERβ. These outcomes suggested that cross-generational exposure to T-2 and EPO in D. rerio disrupted oxidative balance, induced cell apoptosis, and affected the endocrine system. Moreover, these effects were magnified when the F1 generation was continuously exposed to these compounds. Notably, these adverse effects could persist in subsequent generations without additional exposure. This study underscored the potential dangers associated with the simultaneous presence of T-2 and EPO on the development of fish offspring and the resulting environmental hazards to aquatic ecosystems. These findings emphasized the significant health risks posed by cross-generational exposure and highlighted the need for additional legislative measures to address these concerns.

The mitigative role of novel aflatoxin-degrading enzymes in diverse broiler performance indicators and gut microbiota following the consumption of diets contaminated with aflatoxins

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore both the toxic effects of aflatoxins (AFs) and the protective effects of degrading enzymes (DE) on broilers exposed to AFs.

RESULTS

The findings reveal that a diet contaminated with 69.15 μg kg-1 of aflatoxin B1 had significant adverse effects on broilers. Specifically, it led to a reduction in average daily gain, dressed yield percentage, half-eviscerated yield with giblet yield percentage, eviscerated yield percentage, as well as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity and liver SOD activity (P < 0.05). Conversely, the diet increased the feed conversion ratio, liver index, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase levels and malondialdehyde levels in both serum and liver (P < 0.05). Additionally, AFs disrupted the intestinal microflora significantly (P < 0.05), altering the relative abundance of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus and Escherichia in broiler jejunum. The addition of DE to AF-contaminated feed mitigated these negative effects and reduced the residues of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2 and aflatoxin M1 in the liver and duodenum (P < 0.05). We also observed that broilers fed the diet pelleted at 80 °C exhibited improved dressing percentage and water holding capacity compared to those on the 75 °C diet.

CONCLUSION

In summary, DE serves as an effective feed additive for mitigating AF contamination in poultry production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Monitoring Mycotoxin Exposure in Food-Producing Animals (Cattle, Pig, Poultry, and Sheep)

Food-producing animals are exposed to mycotoxins through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact with contaminated materials. This exposure can lead to serious consequences for animal health, affects the cost and quality of livestock production, and can even impact human health through foods of animal origin. Therefore, controlling mycotoxin exposure in animals is of utmost importance. A systematic literature search was conducted in this study to retrieve the results of monitoring exposure to mycotoxins in food-producing animals over the last five years (2019-2023), considering both external exposure (analysis of feed) and internal exposure (analysis of biomarkers in biological matrices). The most commonly used analytical technique for both approaches is LC-MS/MS due to its capability for multidetection. Several mycotoxins, especially those that are regulated (ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins, fumonisins, T-2, and HT-2), along with some emerging mycotoxins (sterigmatocystin, nivalenol, beauvericin, enniantins among others), were studied in 13,818 feed samples worldwide and were typically detected at low levels, although they occasionally exceeded regulatory levels. The occurrence of multiple exposure is widespread. Regarding animal biomonitoring, the primary objective of the studies retrieved was to study mycotoxin metabolism after toxin administration. Some compounds have been suggested as biomarkers of exposure in the plasma, urine, and feces of animal species such as pigs and poultry. However, further research is required, including many other mycotoxins and animal species, such as cattle and sheep.

Lycopene as a Therapeutic Agent against Aflatoxin B1-Related Toxicity: Mechanistic Insights and Future Directions

Aflatoxin (AFT) contamination poses a significant global public health and safety concern, prompting widespread apprehension. Of the various AFTs, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) stands out for its pronounced toxicity and its association with a spectrum of chronic ailments, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Lycopene, a lipid-soluble natural carotenoid, has emerged as a potential mitigator of the deleterious effects induced by AFB1 exposure, spanning cardiac injury, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, intestinal damage, and reproductive impairment. This protective mechanism operates by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid peroxidation, and activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, facilitating the activation of mitochondrial biogenesis, the endogenous antioxidant system, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1) pathways, as well as regulating the activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. This review provides an overview of the protective effects of lycopene against AFB1 exposure-induced toxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, it explores the safety profile and potential clinical applications of lycopene. The present review underscores lycopene's potential as a promising detoxification agent against AFB1 exposure, with the intent to stimulate further research and practical utilization in this domain.

Therapeutic detoxification of quercetin for aflatoxin B1-related toxicity: Roles of oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic enzymes

Aflatoxins (AFTs), a type of mycotoxin mainly produced by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus, could be detected in food, feed, Chinese herbal medicine, grain crops and poses a great threat to public health security. Among them, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most toxic one. Exposure to AFB1 poses various health risks to both humans and animals, including the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying these risks are intricate and dependent on specific contexts. This review primarily focuses on summarizing the protective effects of quercetin, a natural phenolic compound, in mitigating the toxic effects induced by AFB1 in both in vitro experiments and animal models. Additionally, the review explores the molecular mechanisms that underlie these protective effects. Quercetin has been demonstrated to not only have the direct inhibitory action on the production of AFTs from Aspergillus, both also possess potent ameliorative effects against AFB1-induced cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. These effects are attributed to the inhibition of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and inflammatory response. It could also directly target several metabolic enzymes (i.e., CYP3As and GSTA1) to reduce the production of toxic metabolites of AFB1 within cells, then reduce AFB1-induced cytotoxicity. In conclusion, this review highlights quercetin is a promising detoxification agent for AFB1. By advancing our understanding of the protective mechanisms offered by quercetin, we aim to contribute to the development of effective detoxification agents against AFB1, ultimately promoting better health outcomes.

Novel functional DNA-linked immunosorbent assay for aflatoxin B1 with dual-modality based on hybrid chain reaction

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most toxic mycotoxins, which is frequently detected in agricultural products. Herein, a novel functional DNA -linked immunosorbent assay (DLISA) with dual-modality based on hybrid chain reaction (HCR) has been successfully developed for ultrasensitive detection of AFB1. The strategy relies on AFB1 immune-bridged occurrence of HCR and the salt-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). An aptamer-initiator stand (Apt-Ini stand) is designed for the AFB1 recognition and the activation of HCR, which can recognize the matched hairpins and cause the crossing-opening of H1 and H2, producing a long double-stranded DNA polymer. The addition of SYBR Green I achieves the fluorescent signal output. Remaining less DNA hairpins were added and stuck on the surface of AuNPs, which were insufficient to protect the AuNPs, resulting in the salt-induced aggregation with the color change from red to blue. The dual-modality provides limits of detections of 1.333 × 10-14 g/mL and 2.471 × 10-15 g/mL, respectively. This DLISA with dual-modality provides not only a colorimetry that can meet the needs of on-the-spot preliminary inspection, but also a fluorescence assay that can acquire the precise results.

Urinary markers/metabolites of exposure to chemical carcinogens - New possibilities in preventive oncology

Centuries have passed without tobacco medical evaluation, and similar catastrophes have happened from the Roman Empire to now. We are not aware when, how and how much our body is exposed to chemical carcinogens every day. As a result of such exposure, millions of people fall ill with malignant diseases every year. The objectives of this work are: 1) Determination of the main urinary markers of exposure to the most dangerous chemical carcinogens; 2) Globally raising awareness about necessity of scientific testing chemicals before widespread human use; 3) Introducing the public about ubiquity of: As, Ni, Cr(VI), Cd, Be, and necessity of maximal reducing people's exposure to them. There are well known causal relations between the most dangerous chemical carcinogens and different types of human malignant diseases. Population based studies may determine persons with high concentrations of the urinary markers/metabolites of the most dangerous chemical carcinogens. Then, such selected persons should be removed from such circumstances and/or regularly checked. Better solution is to find out the source(s) of incriminated chemical cancerogens and eliminate or mitigate their emission. These are a kind of (pre)screening (primordial prevention) for persons with high risk of developing malignant diseases causally related to the most dangerous chemical carcinogens.