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Lakatos I, Babarczi B, Molnár Z, Tóth A, Skoda G, Horváth GF, Horváth A, Tóth D, Sükösd F, Szemethy L, Szőke Z. First Results on the Presence of Mycotoxins in the Liver of Pregnant Fallow Deer ( Dama dama) Hinds and Fetuses. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1039. [PMID: 38612278 PMCID: PMC11011066 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071039] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Reproductive abnormalities have been observed in fallow deer populations in Hungary. We supposed mycotoxin contamination to be one of the possible causes because multi-mycotoxin contamination is known to be dangerous even at low toxin levels, especially for young animals. We investigated the spatial pattern of mycotoxin occurrences and the relationship between maternal and fetal mycotoxin levels. A total of 72 fallow deer embryos and their mothers were sampled in seven forested regions in Hungary in the 2020/2021 hunting season. We analyzed Aflatoxin (AF), Zearalenone (ZEA), Fumonizin B1 (FB1), DON, and T2-toxin concentrations in maternal and fetal livers by ELISA. AF was present in 70% and 82%, ZEA in 41% and 96%, DON in 90% and 98%, T2-toxin in 96% and 85%, and FB1 in 84% and 3% of hind and fetus livers, respectively. All mycotoxins passed into the fetus, but only Fumonizin B1 rarely passed. The individual variability of mycotoxin levels was extremely high, but the spatial differences were moderate. We could not prove a relation between the maternal and fetal mycotoxin concentrations, but we found an accumulation of ZEA and DON in the fetuses. These results reflect the possible threats of mycotoxins to the population dynamics and reproduction of wild fallow deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Lakatos
- Department of Regional Game Management, Ministry of Agriculture, 1052 Budapest, Hungary;
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (B.B.); (Z.M.); (A.T.); (G.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Bianka Babarczi
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (B.B.); (Z.M.); (A.T.); (G.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zsófia Molnár
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (B.B.); (Z.M.); (A.T.); (G.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Arnold Tóth
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (B.B.); (Z.M.); (A.T.); (G.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Gabriella Skoda
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (B.B.); (Z.M.); (A.T.); (G.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Győző F. Horváth
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (G.F.H.); (A.H.); (D.T.)
| | - Adrienn Horváth
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (G.F.H.); (A.H.); (D.T.)
| | - Dániel Tóth
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (G.F.H.); (A.H.); (D.T.)
| | - Farkas Sükösd
- Institute of Pathology, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - László Szemethy
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (G.F.H.); (A.H.); (D.T.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Szőke
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (B.B.); (Z.M.); (A.T.); (G.S.); (Z.S.)
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Xiang X, Hao Y, Cheng C, Hu H, Chen H, Tan J, Wang Y, Liu X, Peng B, Liao J, Wang J, Xie Y, Liu J, Chen S, Xu L, Xie W, Xue R, Kuang M, Xu Z, Jiang H, Peng S. A TGF-β-dominant chemoresistant phenotype of hepatoblastoma associated with aflatoxin exposure in children. Hepatology 2024; 79:650-665. [PMID: 37459556 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver cancer in children, posing a serious threat to children's health. Chemoresistance is the leading cause of mortality in patients with HB. A more explicit definition of the features of chemotherapy resistance in HB represents a fundamental urgent need. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed an integrative analysis including single-cell RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and bulk RNA sequencing in 180 HB samples, to reveal genomic features, transcriptomic profiles, and the immune microenvironment of HB. Multicolor immunohistochemistry staining and in vitro experiments were performed for validation. Here, we reported four HB transcriptional subtypes primarily defined by differential expression of transcription factors. Among them, the S2A subtype, characterized by strong expression of progenitor ( MYCN , MIXL1 ) and mesenchymal transcription factors ( TWIST1 , TBX5 ), was defined as a new chemoresistant subtype. The S2A subtype showed increased TGF-β cancer-associated fibroblast and an immunosuppressive microenvironment induced by the upregulated TGF-β of HB. Interestingly, the S2A subtype enriched SBS24 signature and significantly higher serum aflatoxin B1-albumin (AFB1-ALB) level in comparison with other subtypes. Functional assays indicated that aflatoxin promotes HB to upregulate TGF-β. Furthermore, clinical prognostic analysis showed that serum AFB1-ALB is a potential indicator of HB chemoresistance and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Our studies offer new insights into the relationship between aflatoxin and HB chemoresistance and provide important implications for its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijie Hao
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanjing Hu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huadong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiehui Tan
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanqi Wang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junbin Liao
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubin Xie
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juncheng Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuling Chen
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Xu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxuan Xie
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruidong Xue
- Peking University First Hospital, Translational Cancer Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Kuang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sui Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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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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Francis S, Kortei NK, Sackey M, Richard SA. Aflatoxin B 1 induces infertility, fetal deformities, and potential therapies. Open Med (Wars) 2024; 19:20240907. [PMID: 38283584 PMCID: PMC10818061 DOI: 10.1515/med-2024-0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a subsidiary poisonous metabolite, archetypally spawned by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, which are often isolated in warm or tropical countries across the world. AFB1 is capable of disrupting the functioning of several reproductive endocrine glands by interrupting the enzymes and their substrates that are liable for the synthesis of various hormones in both males and females. In men, AFB1 is capable of hindering testicular development, testicular degeneration, and reduces reproductive capabilities. In women, a direct antagonistic interaction of AFB1 with steroid hormone receptors influencing gonadal hormone production of estrogen and progesterone was responsible for AFB1-associated infertility. AFB1 is potentially teratogenic and is responsible for the development of malformation in humans and animals. Soft-tissue anomalies such as internal hydrocephalus, microphthalmia, cardiac defects, augmented liver lobes, reproductive changes, immune modifications, behavioral changes and predisposition of animals and humans to neoplasm development are AFB1-associated anomalies. Substances such as esculin, selenium, gynandra extract, vitamins C and E, oltipraz, and CDDO-Im are potential therapies for AFB1. Thus, this review elucidates the pivotal pathogenic roles of AFB1 in infertility, fetal deformities, and potential therapies because AFB1 toxicity is a key problem globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sullibie Francis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ho Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box MA-374, Ho, Ghana
| | - Nii Korley Kortei
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Marian Sackey
- Department of Pharmacy, Ho Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box MA-374, Ho, Ghana
| | - Seidu A. Richard
- Department of Medicine, Princefield University, P. O. Box MA128, Ho, Ghana
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Adedara IA, Atanda OE, Sant'Anna Monteiro C, Rosemberg DB, Aschner M, Farombi EO, Rocha JBT, Furian AF, Emanuelli T. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aflatoxin B 1-mediated neurotoxicity: The therapeutic role of natural bioactive compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116869. [PMID: 37567382 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a dietary toxin from the mold Aspergillus species, is well acknowledged to elicit extra-hepatic toxicity in both animals and humans. The neurotoxicity of AFB1 has become a global public health concern. Contemporary research on how AFB1 enters the brain to elicit neuronal dysregulation leading to noxious neurological outcomes has increased greatly in recent years. The current review discusses several neurotoxic outcomes and susceptible targets of AFB1 toxicity at cellular, molecular and genetic levels. Specifically, neurotoxicity studies involving the use of brain homogenates, neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32, human brain microvascular endothelial cells, microglial cells, and astrocytes, as well as mammalian and non-mammalian models to unravel the mechanisms associated with AFB1 exposure are highlighted. Further, some naturally occurring bioactive compounds with compelling therapeutic effects on AFB1-induced neurotoxicity are reviewed. In conclusion, available data from literature highlight AFB1 as a neurotoxin and its possible pathological contribution to neurological disorders. Further mechanistic studies aimed at discovering and developing effective therapeutics for AFB1 neurotoxicity is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac A Adedara
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Center of Rural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Oluwadarasimi E Atanda
- Human Toxicology Program, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Camila Sant'Anna Monteiro
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Center of Rural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology; Albert Einstein College of Medicine Forchheimer 209; 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ebenezer O Farombi
- Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Joao B T Rocha
- Department of Biochemical and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Furian
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Center of Rural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Emanuelli
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Center of Rural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Hussen Kabthymer R, Gebremeskel Kanno G, Aregu MB, Paixão S, Belachew T. Prevalence and concentration of Aflatoxin M1 in human breast milk in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis, and cancer risk assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:491-507. [PMID: 35168414 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2036330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the prevalence, concentration of AFM1 in human breast milk, and to determine the risk of cancer for infants in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Web of science, global health, Cochrane, and Google Scholar electronic databases. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and concentration of AFM1 in breast milk. The meta-analysis of 8 articles containing 9 studies showed the pooled prevalence of AFM1 in breast milk to be 56.18% (95% CI: 29.65-82.71) and the pooled concentration to be 31.12 ng/L (95% CI: 25.97-36.25). The cancer risk assessment indicated for both male and female 1-month infants in Sierra Leone (HI > 1) is high, and all the rest of the infants are free of risk (HI < 1). The pooled prevalence and mean concentration of AFM1 in breast milk is high. Monitoring of AFB1 concentration of commonly used foods will be of high value in reducing the burden of AFM1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Susana Paixão
- Department of Environmental Health, Coimbra Health School, Polytechnic of Coimbra, Portugal
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Tebbi CK. Mycoviruses in Fungi: Carcinogenesis of Fungal Agents May Not Always Be Mycotoxin Related. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030368. [PMID: 36983536 PMCID: PMC10052198 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Certain viruses have been found to induce diverse biological pathways to carcinogenesis, evidenced by the presence of viral gene products in some tumors. Despite the fact that many fungal agents contain mycoviruses, until recently, their possible direct effects on human health, including carcinogenesis and leukemogenesis, had not been explored. In this regard, most studies of fungal agents have rightly concentrated on their mycotoxin formation and effects. Recently, the direct role of yeasts and fungi in the etiology of cancers, including leukemia, have been investigated. While greater attention has been placed on the carcinogenic effects of Candida, the role of filamentous fungi in carcinogenesis has also been explored. Recent findings from studies using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique indicate that the plasma of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) uniformly contains antibodies for a certain mycovirus-containing Aspergillus flavus, while controls are negative. The exposure of mononuclear leukocytes from patients with ALL in full remission, and long-term survivors, to the product of this organism was reported to result in the re-development of typical genetics and cell surface phenotypes characteristic of active ALL. Mycoviruses are known to be able to significantly alter the biological characteristics and functions of their host. The possible carcinogenic and leukemogenic role of mycoviruses, with and without their host, needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron K Tebbi
- Children's Cancer Research Group Laboratory, 13719 North Nebraska Avenue, Suite #108, Tampa, FL 33613-3305, USA
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8
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Bastos-Amador P, Duarte EL, Torres J, Caldeira AT, Silva I, Salvador C, Assunção R, Alvito P, Ferreira M. Maternal dietary exposure to mycotoxin aflatoxin B 1 promotes intestinal immune alterations and microbiota modifications increasing infection susceptibility in mouse offspring. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 173:113596. [PMID: 36603704 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi occurring in food that are toxic to animals and humans. Early-life mycotoxins exposure has been linked to diverse pathologies. However, how maternal exposure to mycotoxins impacts on the intestinal barrier function of progeny has not been explored. Here, exposure of pregnant and lactating C57Bl/6J female mice to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1; 400 μg/kg body weight/day; 3 times a week) in gelatine pellets, from embryonic day (E)11.5 until weaning (postnatal day 21), led to gut immunological changes in progeny. The results showed an overall increase of lymphocyte number in intestine, a reduction of expression of epithelial genes related to microbial defence, as well as a decrease in cytokine production by intestinal type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). While susceptibility to chemically induced colitis was not worsened, immune alterations were associated with changes in gut microbiota and with a higher vulnerability to infection by the protozoan Eimeria vermiformis at early-life. Together these results show that maternal dietary exposure to AFB1 can dampen intestinal barrier homeostasis in offspring decreasing their capability to tackle intestinal pathogens. These data provide insights to understand AFB1 potential harmfulness in early-life health in the context of intestinal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Bastos-Amador
- Food and Nutrition Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal; Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elsa Leclerc Duarte
- University of Évora, School of Science and Technology, 7000-671, Évora, Portugal; MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal
| | - Júlio Torres
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Inês Silva
- University of Évora, School of Science and Technology, 7000-671, Évora, Portugal; MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal; HERCULES Laboratory, Universidade de Évora, 7000-809, Évora, Portugal
| | - Cátia Salvador
- HERCULES Laboratory, Universidade de Évora, 7000-809, Évora, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Assunção
- IUEM, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, Egas Moniz-Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL, 2829 - 511, Caparica, Portugal; University of Aveiro, CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula Alvito
- Food and Nutrition Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal; University of Aveiro, CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Manuela Ferreira
- Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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El-Dairi R, Rysä J, Storvik M, Pasanen M, Huuskonen P. Aflatoxin B1 targeted gene expression profiles in human placental primary trophoblast cells. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100082. [PMID: 35814288 PMCID: PMC9263407 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression profiles were studied in human primary trophoblast cells. 170 genes were significantly dysregulated in aflatoxin B1-exposed trophoblasts. AhR-mediated estrogen receptor signalling was dysregulated in response to AFB1. Transcripts involved in endocrine signalling and energy homeostasis were disrupted. Cellular growth and development, cell cycle and DNA repair processes were affected.
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. A high exposure (40 nM and 1 µM AFB1 for 72 h) was used to study mechanistic effects of AFB1 on gene expression patterns in human primary trophoblast cells, isolated from full term placentae after delivery. Gene expression profiling was conducted, and Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software was used to identify AFB1-regulated gene networks and regulatory pathways. In response to 40 nM AFB1, only 7 genes were differentially expressed whereas 1 µM AFB1 significantly dysregulated 170 genes (124 down- and 46 upregulated, ±1.5-fold, p < 0.05) in AFB1-exposed trophoblasts when compared to controls. The top downregulated genes were involved in endocrine signalling and biosynthesis of hormones, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The top upregulated genes were involved in protein synthesis and regulation of cell cycle. The main canonical pathways identified by IPA were associated with endocrine signalling including growth hormone signalling, and corticotropin releasing hormone signalling. Furthermore, genes involved in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated estrogen receptor signalling were dysregulated in response to AFB1. Our findings indicate that a high concentration 72 h AFB1 exposure caused relatively moderate number of changes on transcript level to human placental primary trophoblast cells. However, these preliminary results need to be confirmed with human-relevant concentrations of AFB1.
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Estimating the health burden of aflatoxin attributable stunting among children in low income countries of Africa. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1619. [PMID: 33452336 PMCID: PMC7810982 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80356-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous population-based studies have documented high prevalence of aflatoxin associated childhood stunting in low income countries. We provide an estimate of the disease burden of aflatoxin related stunting using data from the four African countries. For this empirical analysis, we obtained blood aflatoxin albumin adduct biomarker based exposure data as measured using ELISA technique and anthropometric measurement data from surveys done over a 12-year period from 2001 to 2012 in four low income countries in Africa. We used these data to calculate population attributable risk (PAR), life time disease burden for children under five by comparing two groups of stunted children using both prevalence and incidence-based approaches. We combined prevalence estimates with a disability weight, measuring childhood stunting and co-occurrence of stunting-underweight to produce years lived with disability. Using a previously reported mortality, years of life lost were estimated. We used probabilistic analysis to model these associations to estimate the disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and compared these with those given by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016 study. The PAR increased from 3 to 36% for aflatoxin-related stunting and 14–50% for co-occurrence of stunting and underweight. Using prevalence-based approach, children with aflatoxin related stunting resulted in 48,965.20 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 45,868.75–52,207.53) DALYs per 100,000 individuals. Children with co-occurrence of stunting and underweight due to exposure to aflatoxin resulted in 40,703.41 (95% UI: 38,041.57–43,517.89) DALYs per 100,000 individuals. Uncertainty analysis revealed that reducing aflatoxin exposure in high exposure areas upto non-detectable levels could save the stunting DALYs up to 50%. The burden of childhood all causes stunting is greater in countries with higher aflatoxin exposure such as Benin. In high exposure areas, these results might help guide research protocols and prioritisation efforts and focus aflatoxin exposure reduction. HEFCE Global Challenge Research Fund Aflatoxin project.
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11
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Blanco-Castañeda R, Galaviz-Hernández C, Souto PCS, Lima VV, Giachini FR, Escudero C, Damiano AE, Barragán-Zúñiga LJ, Martínez-Aguilar G, Sosa-Macías M. The role of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in the placenta: a growing research field. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:247-263. [PMID: 32129110 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1733412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The placenta is a temporary and unique organ that allows for the physical connection between a mother and fetus; this organ regulates the transport of gases and nutrients mediating the elimination of waste products contained in the fetal circulation. The placenta performs metabolic and excretion functions, on the basis of multiple enzymatic systems responsible for the oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, and conjugation of xenobiotics. These mechanisms give the placenta a protective role that limits the fetal exposure to harmful compounds. During pregnancy, some diseases require uninterrupted treatment even if it is detrimental to the fetus. Drugs and other xenobiotics alter gene expression in the placenta with repercussions for the fetus and mother's well-being.Areas covered: This review provides a brief description of the human placental structure and function, the main drug and xenobiotic transporters and metabolizing enzymes, placenta-metabolized substrates, and alterations in gene expression that the exposure to xenobiotics may cause.Expert opinion: Research should be focused on the identification and validation of biological markers for the assessment of the harmful effects of some drugs in pregnancy, including the evaluation of polymorphisms and methylation patterns in chorionic villous samples and/or amniotic fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paula C S Souto
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra Do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra Do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Giachini
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra Do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Carlos Escudero
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory Group of Investigation in Tumor Angiogenesis (GIANT) Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health) Basic Sciences Department Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Del Bio-Bio, Chillan, Chile
| | - Alicia E Damiano
- Laboratorio De Biología De La Reproducción, IFIBIO Houssay-UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento De Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad De Farmacia Y Bioquimica, Buenos Aires, UBA, Argentina
| | | | - Gerardo Martínez-Aguilar
- Unidad De Investigación Biomédica - Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) Durango, Durango, México
| | - Martha Sosa-Macías
- Academia De Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-CIIDIR Durango, Durango, Mexico
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12
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Benkerroum N. Chronic and Acute Toxicities of Aflatoxins: Mechanisms of Action. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E423. [PMID: 31936320 PMCID: PMC7013914 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There are presently more than 18 known aflatoxins most of which have been insufficiently studied for their incidence, health-risk, and mechanisms of toxicity to allow effective intervention and control means that would significantly and sustainably reduce their incidence and adverse effects on health and economy. Among these, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has been by far the most studied; yet, many aspects of the range and mechanisms of the diseases it causes remain to be elucidated. Its mutagenicity, tumorigenicity, and carcinogenicity-which are the best known-still suffer from limitations regarding the relative contribution of the oxidative stress and the reactive epoxide derivative (Aflatoxin-exo 8,9-epoxide) in the induction of the diseases, as well as its metabolic and synthesis pathways. Additionally, despite the well-established additive effects for carcinogenicity between AFB1 and other risk factors, e.g., hepatitis viruses B and C, and the hepatotoxic algal microcystins, the mechanisms of this synergy remain unclear. This study reviews the most recent advances in the field of the mechanisms of toxicity of aflatoxins and the adverse health effects that they cause in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreddine Benkerroum
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry MacDonald Campus, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
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Andrews-Trevino JY, Webb P, Shively G, Rogers BL, Baral K, Davis D, Paudel K, Pokharel A, Shrestha R, Wang JS, Ghosh S. Relatively Low Maternal Aflatoxin Exposure Is Associated with Small-for-Gestational-Age but Not with Other Birth Outcomes in a Prospective Birth Cohort Study of Nepalese Infants. J Nutr 2019; 149:1818-1825. [PMID: 31198947 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to aflatoxin has garnered increased attention as a possible contributor to adverse birth outcomes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the relation of maternal aflatoxin exposure with adverse birth outcomes such as birth weight, birth length, anthropometric z scores, low birth weight (LBW), small-for-gestational-age (SGA), stunting, and preterm birth (PTB). METHODS This study used maternal and newborn data from the AflaCohort Study, an ongoing birth cohort study in Banke, Nepal (n = 1621). Data on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-lysine adducts in maternal serum were collected once during pregnancy (at mean ± SD: 136 ± 43 d of gestation). Maternal serum AFB1-lysine adduct concentration was measured via HPLC. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to determine if maternal aflatoxin exposure was associated with 1) birth weight and length (primary outcomes) and 2) anthropometric z scores, LBW (weight <2.5 kg), SGA (weight <10th percentile for gestational age and sex), stunting at birth (length-for-age z score less than -2), or PTB (born <37 weeks of gestation) (secondary outcomes). RESULTS The geometric mean of maternal serum AFB1-lysine adduct concentration was 1.37 pg/mg albumin (95% CI: 1.30, 1.44 pg/mg albumin). Twenty percent of infants were of LBW and 32% were SGA. Sixteen percent of infants were stunted at birth. In addition, 13% of infants were born preterm. In logistic multivariate regression models, mean maternal serum AFB1-lysine adduct concentrations were significantly associated with SGA (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.27; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study suggest a small but significant association between serum AFB1-lysine adduct concentrations in pregnant women and SGA. Maternal aflatoxin exposure was not associated with other birth outcomes. These results highlight the need for future research on a threshold level of aflatoxin exposure needed to produce detectable adverse birth outcomes. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03312049.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Webb
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gerald Shively
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Beatrice L Rogers
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kedar Baral
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Dale Davis
- Helen Keller International-Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | | - Robin Shrestha
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jia-Sheng Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Shibani Ghosh
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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Agbetiameh D, Ortega-Beltran A, Awuah RT, Atehnkeng J, Islam MS, Callicott KA, Cotty PJ, Bandyopadhyay R. Potential of Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Vegetative Compatibility Groups Associated With Maize and Groundnut in Ghana as Biocontrol Agents for Aflatoxin Management. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2069. [PMID: 31555251 PMCID: PMC6743268 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing knowledge of the deleterious health and economic impacts of aflatoxin in crop commodities has stimulated global interest in aflatoxin mitigation. Current evidence of the incidence of Aspergillus flavus isolates belonging to vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) lacking the ability to produce aflatoxins (i.e., atoxigenic) in Ghana may lead to the development of an aflatoxin biocontrol strategy to mitigate crop aflatoxin content. In this study, 12 genetically diverse atoxigenic African A. flavus VCGs (AAVs) were identified from fungal communities associated with maize and groundnut grown in Ghana. Representative isolates of the 12 AAVs were assessed for their ability to inhibit aflatoxin contamination by an aflatoxin-producing isolate in laboratory assays. Then, the 12 isolates were evaluated for their potential as biocontrol agents for aflatoxin mitigation when included in three experimental products (each containing four atoxigenic isolates). The three experimental products were evaluated in 50 maize and 50 groundnut farmers' fields across three agroecological zones (AEZs) in Ghana during the 2014 cropping season. In laboratory assays, the atoxigenic isolates reduced aflatoxin biosynthesis by 87-98% compared to grains inoculated with the aflatoxin-producing isolate alone. In field trials, the applied isolates moved to the crops and had higher (P < 0.05) frequencies than other A. flavus genotypes. In addition, although at lower frequencies, most atoxigenic genotypes were repeatedly found in untreated crops. Aflatoxin levels in treated crops were lower by 70-100% in groundnut and by 50-100% in maize (P < 0.05) than in untreated crops. Results from the current study indicate that combined use of appropriate, well-adapted isolates of atoxigenic AAVs as active ingredients of biocontrol products effectively displace aflatoxin producers and in so doing limit aflatoxin contamination. A member each of eight atoxigenic AAVs with superior competitive potential and wide adaptation across AEZs were selected for further field efficacy trials in Ghana. A major criterion for selection was the atoxigenic isolate's ability to colonize soils and grains after release in crop field soils. Use of isolates belonging to atoxigenic AAVs in biocontrol management strategies has the potential to improve food safety, productivity, and income opportunities for smallholder farmers in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Agbetiameh
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Richard T. Awuah
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Md-Sajedul Islam
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kenneth A. Callicott
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Peter J. Cotty
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Fakhri Y, Rahmani J, Oliveira CAF, Franco LT, Corassin CH, Saba S, Rafique J, Mousavi Khaneghah A. Aflatoxin M1 in human breast milk: A global systematic review, meta-analysis, and risk assessment study (Monte Carlo simulation). Trends Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Eze U, Routledge M, Okonofua F, Huntriss J, Gong Y. Mycotoxin exposure and adverse reproductive health outcomes in Africa: a review. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2018. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2017.2261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that mycotoxin exposure can have adverse effects on reproductive health resulting to poor reproductive potential. The most studied mycotoxin in relation to poor reproductive health in humans is aflatoxin, although fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone have also been reported to impair reproductive function and cause abnormal foetal development. These potent fungal toxins contaminate many food products making them a prominent agricultural, food safety and public health challenge, especially in Africa due to little or lack of mycotoxin regulation in agricultural products. Neonates can be exposed to aflatoxins in utero, as the toxins pass from mother to the foetus through the placenta. This exposure may continue during breast feeding, to the introduction of weaning foods, and then foods taken by adults. The consequences of aflatoxin exposure in mothers, foetus and children are many, including anaemia in pregnancy, low birth weight, interference with nutrient absorption, suppression of immune function, child growth retardation and abnormal liver function. In males, reports have indicated a possible relationship between aflatoxin exposure and poor sperm quality culminating in infertility. Maternal exposure to fumonisin during early pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of neural tube defects among newborns in regions where maize is the common dietary staple with the possibility of chronic fumonisin exposure. Furthermore, zearalenone has been linked to precocious puberty and premature thelarche in girls, correlating with extremely high serum oestrogen levels. This review presents an overview of the several reports linking aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, and zearalenone exposure to poor reproductive health outcomes in Africa, with emphasis on birth outcomes, foetal health and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- U.A. Eze
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, Food Science Building, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B. 053, Abakaliki, Nigeria
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - M.N. Routledge
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - F.E. Okonofua
- University of Medical Sciences, Ondo Medical Village, Laje Road, Ondo, Nigeria
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation [CERHI], University of Benin, P.M.B 1154, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - J. Huntriss
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Y.Y. Gong
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, Food Science Building, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Ln, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Department of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, 7 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China P.R
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Agbetiameh D, Ortega-Beltran A, Awuah RT, Atehnkeng J, Cotty PJ, Bandyopadhyay R. Prevalence of Aflatoxin Contamination in Maize and Groundnut in Ghana: Population Structure, Distribution, and Toxigenicity of the Causal Agents. PLANT DISEASE 2018; 102:764-772. [PMID: 30673407 PMCID: PMC7779968 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-05-17-0749-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut is perennial in Ghana with substantial health and economic burden on the population. The present study examined for the first time the prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut in major producing regions across three agroecological zones (AEZs) in Ghana. Furthermore, the distribution and aflatoxin-producing potential of Aspergillus species associated with both crops were studied. Out of 509 samples (326 of maize and 183 of groundnut), 35% had detectable levels of aflatoxins. Over 15% of maize and 11% of groundnut samples exceeded the aflatoxin threshold limits set by the Ghana Standards Authority of 15 and 20 ppb, respectively. Mycoflora analyses revealed various species and morphotypes within the Aspergillus section Flavi. A total of 5,083 isolates were recovered from both crops. The L morphotype of Aspergillus flavus dominated communities with 93.3% of the population, followed by Aspergillus spp. with S morphotype (6%), A. tamarii (0.4%), and A. parasiticus (0.3%). Within the L morphotype, the proportion of toxigenic members was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of atoxigenic members across AEZs. Observed and potential aflatoxin concentrations indicate that on-field aflatoxin management strategies need to be implemented throughout Ghana. The recovered atoxigenic L morphotype fungi are genetic resources that can be employed as biocontrol agents to limit aflatoxin contamination of maize and groundnut in Ghana. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
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Affiliation(s)
- D Agbetiameh
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria, and Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - R T Awuah
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - J Atehnkeng
- IITA, Chitedze Research Station, P.O. Box 30258, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - P J Cotty
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
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Azarikia M, Mahdavi R, Nikniaz L. Occurrence and dietary factors associated with the presence of aflatoxin B1 and M1 in breast milk of nursing mothers in Iran. Food Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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19
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Atongbiik Achaglinkame M, Opoku N, Amagloh FK. Aflatoxin contamination in cereals and legumes to reconsider usage as complementary food ingredients for Ghanaian infants: A review. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION & INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnim.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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20
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Investigation of Non-Covalent Interactions of Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1) with Serum Albumin. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110339. [PMID: 29068381 PMCID: PMC5705954 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are widely spread mycotoxins produced mainly by Aspergillus species. Consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods and drinks causes serious health risks for people worldwide. It is well-known that the reactive epoxide metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) forms covalent adducts with serum albumin. However, non-covalent interactions of aflatoxins with human serum albumin (HSA) are poorly characterized. Thus, in this study the complex formation of aflatoxins was examined with HSA applying spectroscopic and molecular modelling studies. Our results demonstrate that aflatoxins form stable complexes with HSA as reflected by binding constants between 2.1 × 104 and 4.5 × 104 dm3/mol. A binding free energy value of −26.90 kJ mol−1 suggests a spontaneous binding process between AFB1 and HSA at room-temperature, while the positive entropy change of 55.1 JK−1 mol−1 indicates a partial decomposition of the solvation shells of the interacting molecules. Modeling studies and investigations with site markers suggest that Sudlow’s Site I of subdomain IIA is the high affinity binding site of aflatoxins on HSA. Interaction of AFB1 with bovine, porcine, and rat serum albumins was also investigated. Similar stabilities of the examined AFB1-albumin complexes were observed suggesting the low species differences of the albumin-binding of aflatoxins.
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Smith LE, Prendergast AJ, Turner PC, Humphrey JH, Stoltzfus RJ. Aflatoxin Exposure During Pregnancy, Maternal Anemia, and Adverse Birth Outcomes. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 96:770-776. [PMID: 28500823 PMCID: PMC5392618 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women and their developing fetuses are vulnerable to multiple environmental insults, including exposure to aflatoxin, a mycotoxin that may contaminate as much as 25% of the world food supply. We reviewed and integrated findings from studies of aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy and evaluated potential links to adverse pregnancy outcomes. We identified 27 studies (10 human cross-sectional studies and 17 animal studies) assessing the relationship between aflatoxin exposure and adverse birth outcomes or anemia. Findings suggest that aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy may impair fetal growth. Only one human study investigated aflatoxin exposure and prematurity, and no studies investigated its relationship with pregnancy loss, but animal studies suggest aflatoxin exposure may increase risk for prematurity and pregnancy loss. The fetus could be affected by maternal aflatoxin exposure through direct toxicity as well as indirect toxicity, via maternal systemic inflammation, impaired placental growth, or elevation of placental cytokines. The cytotoxic and systemic effects of aflatoxin could plausibly mediate maternal anemia, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal loss, and preterm birth. Given the widespread exposure to this toxin in developing countries, longitudinal studies in pregnant women are needed to provide stronger evidence for the role of aflatoxin in adverse pregnancy outcomes, and to explore biological mechanisms. Potential pathways for intervention to reduce aflatoxin exposure are urgently needed, and this might reduce the global burden of stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birthweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Smith
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.,Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Paul C Turner
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Jean H Humphrey
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Smith LE, Mbuya MNN, Prendergast AJ, Turner PC, Ruboko S, Humphrey JH, Nelson RJ, Chigumira A, Kembo G, Stoltzfus RJ. Determinants of recent aflatoxin exposure among pregnant women in rural Zimbabwe. Mol Nutr Food Res 2017; 61. [PMID: 28544789 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201601049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic secondary metabolites of Aspergillus species that contaminate staple foods such as maize and groundnuts. AF exposure during pregnancy has been associated with adverse birth outcomes in limited-scale surveys in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to describe the determinants of AF exposure, using urinary aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) biomarkers and data generated by the Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) trial for rural Zimbabwean women in early pregnancy. Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy is a large, cluster-randomized community-based trial in Zimbabwe designed to investigate the independent and combined effects of nutrition and hygiene interventions on early child growth. METHODS AND RESULTS Urine samples collected from 1580 pregnant women in rural Zimbabwe at median gestational age of 13.9 wk were measured for AFM1. AFM1 was detected in 30% of samples (median of exposed, 162 pg AFM1/mg creatinine; range 30-6046 pg AFM1/mg). In multivariable ordinal logistic models, geographical location (p<0.001), seasonality (p < 0.001) and dietary practices (p = 0.011) were significant predictors of urinary AFM1. CONCLUSION This is the largest AF biomarker survey conducted in Zimbabwe, and demonstrated frequent exposure in pregnant women with clear temporal and spatial variability in AF biomarker levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Smith
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Mduduzi N N Mbuya
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Paul C Turner
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sandra Ruboko
- Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jean H Humphrey
- Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca J Nelson
- School of Integrative Plant Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Hendrickse RG. Of sick turkeys, kwashiorkor, malaria, perinatal mortality, heroin addicts and food poisoning: research on the influence of aflatoxins on child health in the tropics. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00034983.1997.11813204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Bandyopadhyay R, Ortega-Beltran A, Akande A, Mutegi C, Atehnkeng J, Kaptoge L, Senghor A, Adhikari B, Cotty P. Biological control of aflatoxins in Africa: current status and potential challenges in the face of climate change. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2016. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2016.2130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of crops is frequent in warm regions across the globe, including large areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Crop contamination with these dangerous toxins transcends health, food security, and trade sectors. It cuts across the value chain, affecting farmers, traders, markets, and finally consumers. Diverse fungi within Aspergillus section Flavi contaminate crops with aflatoxins. Within these Aspergillus communities, several genotypes are not capable of producing aflatoxins (atoxigenic). Carefully selected atoxigenic genotypes in biological control (biocontrol) formulations efficiently reduce aflatoxin contamination of crops when applied prior to flowering in the field. This safe and environmentally friendly, effective technology was pioneered in the US, where well over a million acres of susceptible crops are treated annually. The technology has been improved for use in sub-Saharan Africa, where efforts are under way to develop biocontrol products, under the trade name Aflasafe, for 11 African nations. The number of participating nations is expected to increase. In parallel, state of the art technology has been developed for large-scale inexpensive manufacture of Aflasafe products under the conditions present in many African nations. Results to date indicate that all Aflasafe products, registered and under experimental use, reduce aflatoxin concentrations in treated crops by >80% in comparison to untreated crops in both field and storage conditions. Benefits of aflatoxin biocontrol technologies are discussed along with potential challenges, including climate change, likely to be faced during the scaling-up of Aflasafe products. Lastly, we respond to several apprehensions expressed in the literature about the use of atoxigenic genotypes in biocontrol formulations. These responses relate to the following apprehensions: sorghum as carrier, distribution costs, aflatoxin-conscious markets, efficacy during drought, post-harvest benefits, risk of allergies and/or aspergillosis, influence of Aflasafe on other mycotoxins and on soil microenvironment, dynamics of Aspergillus genotypes, and recombination between atoxigenic and toxigenic genotypes in natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Bandyopadhyay
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Oyo Road, 200001 Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - A. Ortega-Beltran
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Oyo Road, 200001 Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - A. Akande
- IITA, PMB 82, Garki GPO, Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - C. Mutegi
- IITA, ILRI campus, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - J. Atehnkeng
- IITA, Chitedze Research Station, Off Mchinji Road, P.O. Box 30258, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - L. Kaptoge
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), PMB 5320, Oyo Road, 200001 Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - A.L. Senghor
- La Direction de la Protection des Végétaux (DPV), Km 15, Route de Rufisque, en face Forail, BP 20054, Thiaroye-Dakar, Senegal
| | - B.N. Adhikari
- USDA-ARS, School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210036, Tucson, AZ 85721-0036, USA
| | - P.J. Cotty
- USDA-ARS, School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210036, Tucson, AZ 85721-0036, USA
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Cantú-Cornelio F, Aguilar-Toalá J, de León-Rodríguez C, Esparza-Romero J, Vallejo-Cordoba B, González-Córdova A, García H, Hernández-Mendoza A. Occurrence and factors associated with the presence of aflatoxin M1 in breast milk samples of nursing mothers in central Mexico. Food Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Cherkani-Hassani A, Mojemmi B, Mouane N. Occurrence and levels of mycotoxins and their metabolites in human breast milk associated to dietary habits and other factors: A systematic literature review, 1984–2015. Trends Food Sci Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2016.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Smith LE, Prendergast AJ, Turner PC, Mbuya MNN, Mutasa K, Kembo G, Stoltzfus RJ. The Potential Role of Mycotoxins as a Contributor to Stunting in the SHINE Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 61 Suppl 7:S733-7. [PMID: 26602301 PMCID: PMC4657594 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Children in developing countries experience multiple exposures that are harmful to their growth and development. An emerging concern is frequent exposure to mycotoxins that contaminate a wide range of staple foods, including maize and groundnuts. Three mycotoxins are suspected to contribute to poor child health and development: aflatoxin, fumonisin, and deoxynivalenol. We summarize the evidence that mycotoxin exposure is associated with stunting, and propose that the causal pathway may be through environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) and disturbance of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis. The objectives of this substudy are to assess the relationship between agricultural and harvest practices and mycotoxin exposure; to evaluate associations between mycotoxin exposure and child stunting; and to investigate EED as a potential pathway linking mycotoxin exposure to child stunting, to inform potential areas for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Smith
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Andrew J. Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Paul C. Turner
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park
| | - Mduduzi N. N. Mbuya
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kuda Mutasa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Maleki F, Abdi S, Davodian E, Haghani K, Bakhtiyari S. Exposure of Infants to Aflatoxin M1 from Mother's Breast Milk in Ilam, Western Iran. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2015; 6:283-7. [PMID: 26929911 PMCID: PMC4677504 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrp.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Aflatoxins as a highly toxic group of mycotoxins are present in the environment and foodstuff. These have been reported to cause serious health problems in humans. Since aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is excreted into breast milk, investigating the exposure of infants to AFM1 is of special concern. Methods In the present study, breast milk samples were collected from 85 lactating mothers in Ilam province, Iran, and the levels of AFM1 were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based technique. AFM1 was detected in breast milk of all lactating women. The mean contamination level was 5.91 ± 2.031 ng/L, ranging from 2 ng/L to 10 ng/L. Results Multiple regression analysis indicated no significant associations of consumption of milk and dairy products, meat, fish, legumes, grain products, fruits, and nuts with the concentration of AFM1 in breast milk. Furthermore, no significant association was observed between AFM1 concentration and anthropometric data of infants. Conclusion In western parts of Iran, lactating mothers and their infants could be at risk of aflatoxin B1 and AFM1 exposure, respectively. Therefore, in Iran, the evaluation of AFM1 in human breast milk as a biomarker for postnatal exposure of infants to this carcinogen requires more attention in different regions and various seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farajollah Maleki
- Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Soghra Abdi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Elaham Davodian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Karimeh Haghani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Salar Bakhtiyari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Corresponding author.
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Rafiei H, Dehghan P, Pakshir K, Pour MC, Akbari M. The concentration of aflatoxin M1 in the mothers' milk in Khorrambid City, Fars, Iran. Adv Biomed Res 2014; 3:152. [PMID: 25221755 PMCID: PMC4162072 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.137859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aflatoxins are secondary toxic metabolites produced by certain group of Aspergillus species in suitable conditions. These toxins are highly toxic, immunosuppressive, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic metabolites. The purpose of this study was to detection aflatoxin M1 concentration in mother's milk from rural area of Khorrambid town of Fars Province. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, 87 milk samples of mothers were collected by cluster sampling methods in the period between June and July 2011 and the amount of aflatoxin M1 was measured by a competitive ELISA method. RESULTS From 87 mother's milk, 24 (27.6%) samples were contaminated with aflatoxin M1 with mean concentration of 0.56 ± 1.23 pg/ml (range 0.13-4.91 pg/ml). CONCLUSION The amount of aflatoxin M1 in mothers' milk was lower than 50 ng/l (Europe Union and Iranian standard). Detection of Aflatoxin M1 in mothers' milk is due to consuming contaminated food. This contamination not only threatens the health of the mothers but also has irreversible effects on the growth and health of their babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Rafiei
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parvin Dehghan
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Keyvan Pakshir
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Fars, Iran
| | - Mostafa Chadegani Pour
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Akbari
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Fars, Iran
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Magoha H, Kimanya M, De Meulenaer B, Roberfroid D, Lachat C, Kolsteren P. Association between aflatoxin M1 exposure through breast milk and growth impairment in infants from Northern Tanzania. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2014. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2014.1705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Infants breastfeeding from mothers consuming aflatoxin contaminated foods may be exposed to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a metabolite of aflatoxin B1. This study estimated the association between AFM1 exposure levels and growth indicators, for infants under six months of age in the Rombo district in Northern Tanzania. A total of 143 infants and their mothers were involved. Breast-milk samples, infants' anthropometric data and 24 h dietary recall for mothers were taken at the 1st, 3rd and 5th months of children age. AFM1 contaminations in the samples were determined using HPLC. Aflatoxin M1 exposure by an infant was estimated by multiplying contamination in the breast milk consumed by him/her with the breast milk intake recorded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for infants of his/her age divided by the infant's body weight. All the breast-milk samples were contaminated by AFM1 at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.55 ng/ml. Above 90% of samples exceeded the EU limit of 0.025 ng/ml for infants' foods while over 76% exceeded the EU limit of 0.05 ng/ml for dairy milk and milk products. Only 1% of the samples exceeded the limit of 0.5 ng/ml set for dairy milk in the United States and several countries in Asia. AFM1 Exposures ranged from 1.13-66.79 ng/kg body weight per day. A small but significant (P<0.05) inverse association was observed between AFM1 exposure levels and weight for age Z-score or height for age Z-score. Appropriate strategies should be applied to minimise aflatoxin B1 exposure in lactating mothers in order to protect infants from AFM1 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Magoha
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Research group Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition - nutriFOODchem, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Home economics and Human nutrition, Open University of Tanzania (OUT), P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - M. Kimanya
- Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - B. De Meulenaer
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Research group Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition - nutriFOODchem, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - D. Roberfroid
- Department of Public Health, Nutrition and Child Health Unit, Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - C. Lachat
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Research group Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition - nutriFOODchem, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Nutrition and Child Health Unit, Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P. Kolsteren
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Research group Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition - nutriFOODchem, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Nutrition and Child Health Unit, Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
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Afsah-Hejri L, Jinap S, Hajeb P, Radu S, Shakibazadeh S. A Review on Mycotoxins in Food and Feed: Malaysia Case Study. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2013; 12:629-651. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Afsah-Hejri
- Food Safety Research Centre (FOSREC); Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Univ. Putra Malaysia; 43400 UPM; Serdang; Selangor; Malaysia
| | - S. Jinap
- Food Safety Research Centre (FOSREC); Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Univ. Putra Malaysia; 43400 UPM; Serdang; Selangor; Malaysia
| | - P. Hajeb
- Food Safety Research Centre (FOSREC); Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Univ. Putra Malaysia; 43400 UPM; Serdang; Selangor; Malaysia
| | - S. Radu
- Food Safety Research Centre (FOSREC); Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Univ. Putra Malaysia; 43400 UPM; Serdang; Selangor; Malaysia
| | - Sh. Shakibazadeh
- Dept. of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture; Univ. Putra Malaysia; 43400, UPM Serdang; Selangor; Malaysia
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Degen GH, Muñoz K, Hengstler JG. Occurrence of mycotoxins in breast milk. HANDBOOK OF DIETARY AND NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN BREAST MILK 2013. [DOI: 10.3920/978-90-8686-764-6_48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. H. Degen
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the TU Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - K. Muñoz
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the TU Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - J. G. Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at the TU Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
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Simultaneous analysis of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, M1 and ochratoxin A in breast milk by high-performance liquid chromatography/fluorescence after liquid-liquid extraction with low temperature purification (LLE-LTP). J Chromatogr A 2013; 1304:61-8. [PMID: 23871563 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2013.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 06/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to optimize and validate a methodology for the simultaneous analysis of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, M1 (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in breast milk, and to analyze these mycotoxins in samples obtained from human milk banks in the Federal District, Brazil. The optimized analytical method was based on liquid-liquid extraction with low temperature purification (3.25mL of acidified acetonitrile+0.75mL of ethyl acetate), followed by analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC/FLD) and a photochemical post-column reactor. Limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.005 to 0.03ng/mL, recoveries from 73 to 99.5%, and relative standard deviations (RSD) from 1.8 to 17.3%. The LLE-LTP extraction method was shown to be simple and cost-effective, since no columns were needed for clean-up. Only 2 of the 224 breast milk samples analyzed were positive for the mycotoxins, both samples containing AFB2 at the LOQ level (0.005ng/mL). The identity of the mycotoxin detected was confirmed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This result indicates that infants who are fed with breast milk from the milk banks are not at risk from aflatoxin and ochratoxin exposure.
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Shuaib FMB, Jolly PE, Ehiri JE, Ellis WO, Yatich NJ, Funkhouser E, Person SD, Williams JH, Qian G, Wang JS. Socio-demographic determinants of aflatoxin B1-lysine adduct levels among pregnant women in Kumasi, Ghana. Ghana Med J 2012; 46:179-88. [PMID: 23661836 PMCID: PMC3645171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Aflatoxins are fungal metabolites that contaminate staple food crops in many developing countries. Although studies have linked these toxins to adverse birth outcomes and poor infant development, no study has investigated the socio-demographic and economic determinants of aflatoxin levels among pregnant women living in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted among 785 pregnant women in Kumasi. Aflatoxin B1 lysine adduct levels (AF-ALB) were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Analysis of variance was used to determine mean log AF-ALB levels and significance of differences in these levels according to socio-demographic variables. Logistic regression was used to identify independent associations of socio-demographics with having AF-ALB levels (≥ 11.34 pg/mg; upper quartile). RESULTS AF-ALB levels ranged from 0.44 pg/mg to 268.73 pg/mg albumin with a median level of 5.0 pg/mg. Bivariate analyses indicates that mean ln AF-ALB as well as the percent of women having high AF-ALB levels (≥ 11.34 pg/mg; upper quartile) were inversely associated with indices of higher socioeconomic status: higher education and income, being employed and having a flush toilet. Higher income, being employed, having one child (verses no children) and having a flush toilet (verses no toilet facilities) were each independently associated with a 30-40% reduced odds of high AF-ALB levels. CONCLUSIONS Additional research is needed to investigate how socio-demographic and economic factors interact to influence aflatoxin ingestion by individuals in regions with high aflatoxin crop contamination. This knowledge can be used to formulate and implement policies that will reduce exposure of women and their unborn children to these toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M B Shuaib
- Department of Epidemiology, Ryals School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, USA.
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Ghiasian SA, Maghsood AH. Infants' Exposure to Aflatoxin M1 from Mother's Breast Milk in Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 41:119-26. [PMID: 23113156 PMCID: PMC3481700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, especially breast milk, is a valuable biomarker for exposure determination to aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). In the present study, the risk of exposure to AFM(1) in infants fed breast milk was investigated. METHODS An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the analysis of AFM(1) in breast milk samples from 132 lactating mothers referred to four urban Mothers and Babies Care Unit of Hamadan, western Iran. RESULTS AFM(1) was detected in eight samples (6.06%) at mean concentration of 9.45 ng/L. The minimum and maximum of concentration was 7.1 to 10.8 ng/L, respectively. Although the concentration of AFM(1) in none of the samples was higher than the maximum tolerance limit accepted by USA and European Union (25 ng/kg) however, 25% had a level of AFM(1) above the allowable level of Australia and Switzerland legal limit (10 ng/L). CONCLUSIONS Lactating mothers and infants in western parts of Iran could be at risk for AFB(1) and AFM(1) exposure, respectively. Considering all this information, the investigation of AFM(1) in lactating mothers as a biomarker for post-natal exposure of infants to this carcinogen deserves further studies in various seasons and different parts of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- SA Ghiasian
- Corresponding Author: Tel: +98-811-827-6298, E-mail address:
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Infants exposure to aflatoxin M1 as a novel foodborne zoonosis. Food Chem Toxicol 2011; 49:2816-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 07/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Abstract
Aflatoxins, fungal toxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus in a variety of food crops, are well known as potent human hepatocarcinogens. Relatively less highlighted in the literature is the association between aflatoxin and growth impairment in children. Foodborne aflatoxin exposure, especially through maize and groundnuts, is common in much of Africa and Asia--areas where childhood stunting and underweight are also common, due to a variety of possibly interacting factors such as enteric diseases, socioeconomic status, and suboptimal nutrition. The effects of aflatoxin on growth impairment in animals and human children are reviewed, including studies that assess aflatoxin exposure in utero and through breastfeeding. Childhood weaning diets in various regions of the world are briefly discussed. This review suggests that aflatoxin exposure and its association with growth impairment in children could contribute a significant public health burden in less developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornsri Khlangwiset
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, USA
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DNA damage in fetal liver cells of turkey and chicken eggs dosed with aflatoxin B1. Arch Toxicol 2011; 85:1167-72. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-011-0653-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Tchana AN, Moundipa PF, Tchouanguep FM. Aflatoxin contamination in food and body fluids in relation to malnutrition and cancer status in Cameroon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:178-88. [PMID: 20195440 PMCID: PMC2819783 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7010178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxins are food contaminants usually associated with hepatitis, immunodepression, impairment of fertility and cancer. The present work was to determine the presence of aflatoxins in eggs, milk, urine, and blood samples that were collected from various sources and periods; and hepatitis B virus antigen in blood samples. Aflatoxin was found in eggs (45.2%), cow raw milk (15.9%), breast milk (4.8%), urine from kwashiorkor and marasmic kwashiorkor children (45.5%), and sera from primary liver cancer patients (63.9%); HbsAg was also detected in 69.4% of the serum samples, but there was no association between both factors. Both AF and hepatitis B virus seem to be risk factors that could increase the incidence and prevalence rates of malnutrition and cancer in Cameroon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angele N. Tchana
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon; E-Mail:
| | - Paul F. Moundipa
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon; E-Mail:
| | - Félicité M. Tchouanguep
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon; E-Mail:
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Shuaib FMB, Jolly PE, Ehiri JE, Yatich N, Jiang Y, Funkhouser E, Person SD, Wilson C, Ellis WO, Wang JS, Williams JH. Association between birth outcomes and aflatoxin B1 biomarker blood levels in pregnant women in Kumasi, Ghana. Trop Med Int Health 2009; 15:160-7. [PMID: 20003033 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02435.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between birth outcomes and blood levels of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB1)-lysine adduct in pregnant women in Kumasi, Ghana. METHOD A cross-sectional study of 785 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic was conducted. Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1))-lysine adduct levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on blood taken after delivery. The birth outcomes considered were small for gestation age, low birthweight, preterm delivery and stillbirth. Participants were divided into quartiles based on the distribution of aflatoxin B(1)-lysine adducts in pg/mg albumin ('low': <or=2.67, 'moderate': >2.67 to <or=4.97, 'high': >4.97 to <or=11.34, 'very high': >11.34). Statistical analysis involved models that included socio-demographic variables and other potential confounders. RESULTS The average AFB(1)-lysine adduct level in maternal serum was 10.9 +/- 19.00 pg/mg albumin (range = 0.44-268.73 pg/mg). After adjusting for socio-demographic variables and potential confounding factors, participants in the highest AFB(1)-lysine quartile with 'very high' AFB(1)-lysine level (>11.34 pg/mg) were more likely to have low birthweight babies (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.19-3.68), and showed a trend of increasing risk for low birthweight (P(trend) = 0.007) compared to participants in the lowest quartile. CONCLUSION This study adds to the growing body of evidence that aflatoxins may increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The findings have implications for targeted nutritional education of pregnant women in areas with high levels of aflatoxin contamination of foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal M B Shuaib
- Department of Epidemiology, Ryals School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
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Keskin Y, Başkaya R, Karsli S, Yurdun T, Ozyaral O. Detection of aflatoxin M1 in human breast milk and raw cow's milk in Istanbul, Turkey. J Food Prot 2009; 72:885-9. [PMID: 19435244 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-72.4.885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This survey was undertaken to determine the extent of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in human breast milk and raw cow's milk in Istanbul, Turkey. Samples of human and raw cow's milk were collected randomly and analyzed for AFM1 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection in which the samples were cleaned up with immunoaffinity columns. In this study, AFM, was detected in 8 (13.1%) of 61 human breast milk samples examined (mean +/- SD level, 5.68 +/- 0.62 ng/liter; range, 5.10 to 6.90 ng/liter) and 20 (33.3%) of 60 raw cow's milk samples examined (range, 5.40 to 300.20 ng/liter). Five (8.3%) of the positive raw cow's milk samples had AFM1 levels (153.52 +/- 100.60 ng/liter; range, 61.20 to 300.20 ng/liter) that were higher than the maximum tolerance limit (0.05 ppb) stipulated by regulations in Turkey and some other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaşar Keskin
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Marmara University, 34668 Istanbul, Turkey.
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Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Breast Milk Samples in Tabriz–Iran. Matern Child Health J 2008; 14:141-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-008-0439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Accepted: 11/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Shephard GS. Risk assessment of aflatoxins in food in Africa. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2008; 25:1246-56. [PMID: 18608489 DOI: 10.1080/02652030802036222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, occur widely on many staple foods and cause a broad range of detrimental health effects in animals and humans. As a consequence, maximum tolerated levels (MTLs) have been legislated in many countries. However, in developing countries where food safety compliance can be low and significant levels of the food supply are locally consumed by the producers or purchased at local markets, more comprehensive strategies are required. In this regard, risk analysis with its components of risk assessment, risk management and risk communication, is an important tool in dealing with food safety issues. Risk assessment for aflatoxin B(1) in Africa has been performed using the carcinogenic potency, established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and applying it to typical food products and consumption across the continent, to illustrate the significant health implications caused by the intake of high levels of contaminated foods. Highlighted in this assessment is the fact that even low levels of contamination, which might of themselves fall within legislated limits, can have serious health implications due to high levels of consumption, i.e. meeting a MTL does not of itself guarantee food safety. Recent developments have highlighted the growth retardation and immune suppression caused by aflatoxin exposure in human populations in west Africa. Using the limited data available on both these health effects, a first step has been taken to incorporate them into a risk assessment paradigm quantifying the risk of immunosuppression, malnutrition and stunting in children exposed to aflatoxins and highlighting again how excessive consumption of foods meeting MTLs can carry significant health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon S Shephard
- PROMEC Unit, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa.
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Yourtee DM, Kirk-Yourtee CL. Aflatoxin Detoxification in Humans Laboratory, Field and Clinical Perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/15569548909059734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Dash B, Afriyie-Gyawu E, Huebner HJ, Porter W, Wang JS, Jolly PE, Phillips TD. Determinants of the variability of aflatoxin-albumin adduct levels in Ghanaians. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2007; 70:58-66. [PMID: 17162498 DOI: 10.1080/15287390600748880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multifactorial disease with various host and environmental factors involved in its etiology. Of these, aflatoxin exposure has been established as an important risk factor in the development of HCC; the presence of aflatoxin-albumin (AA) adducts in the blood serves as a valuable biomarker of human exposure. In this study, the relationship between a variety of different HCC host factors and the incidence of AA adduct levels was examined in a Ghanaian population at high risk for HCC. These factors included age, gender, hepatitis virus B (HVB) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) status, and genetic polymorphisms in both microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Blood samples were analyzed for AA adducts and HBV and HCV status. GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms and mEH exon 3 and exon 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined from urine samples. In univariate analysis, age, HBV and HVC status, and GSTT1 and mEH exon 3 genotypes were not associated with AA adduct levels. However, mean adduct levels were significantly higher in both females and individuals typed heterozygous for mEH exon 4 (vs. wild types). Stratification analysis also showed that gender along with mEH exon 4 genotype and HBV status had a significant effect on adduct levels. Both females typed HBsAg+ and males with mEH exon 4 heterozygote genotypes showed significantly higher adduct levels as compared to the HBsAg- and wild types, respectively. Understanding the relationships between these host factors and the variability in aflatoxin-adduct levels may help in identifying susceptible populations in developing countries and for targeting specific public health interventions for the prevention of aflatoxicoses in populations with HCC and chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Dash
- Faculty of Toxicology, Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
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