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Tapkigen J, Harding S, Pulkki J, Atkins S, Koivusalo M. Climate change-induced shifts in the food systems and diet-related non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review and a conceptual framework. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080241. [PMID: 38890143 PMCID: PMC11191816 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the relationship between climate change, food systems and diet-related non-communicable diseases (DR-NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and propose a conceptual framework for food systems in SSA. DESIGN A scoping review. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies included investigated the relationship between climate change and related systemic risks, food systems, DR-NCDs and its risk factors in SSA. Studies focusing on the association between climate change and DR-NCDs unrelated to food systems, such as social inequalities, were excluded. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE A comprehensive search was conducted in ProQuest (nine databases), Google Scholar and PubMed in December 2022. CHARTING METHODS Data extracted from studies included author, study type, country of study, climate change component, DR-NCD outcomes and risk factors, and impacts of climate change on DR-NCDs. A narrative approach was used to analyse the data. Based on the evidence gathered from SSA, we modified an existing food system conceptual framework. RESULTS The search retrieved 19 125 studies, 10 of which were included in the review. Most studies used a cross-sectional design (n=8). Four explored the influence of temperature on liver cancer through food storage while four explored the influence of temperature and rainfall on diabetes and obesity through food production. Cross-sectional evidence suggested that temperature is associated with liver cancer and rainfall with diabetes. CONCLUSION The review highlights the vulnerability of SSA's food systems to climate change-induced fluctuations, which in turn affect dietary patterns and DR-NCD outcomes. The evidence is scarce and concentrates mostly on the health effects of temperature through food storage. It proposes a conceptual framework to guide future research addressing climate change and DR-NCDs in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Tapkigen
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Seeromanie Harding
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Jutta Pulkki
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Salla Atkins
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meri Koivusalo
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- WHO Collaborating Centre on Health in All Policies and the Social Determinants of Health, Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Qu Z, Ren X, Du Z, Hou J, Li Y, Yao Y, An Y. Fusarium mycotoxins: The major food contaminants. MLIFE 2024; 3:176-206. [PMID: 38948146 PMCID: PMC11211685 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites produced by toxicogenic fungi, are natural food toxins that cause acute and chronic adverse reactions in humans and animals. The genus Fusarium is one of three major genera of mycotoxin-producing fungi. Trichothecenes, fumonisins, and zearalenone are the major Fusarium mycotoxins that occur worldwide. Fusarium mycotoxins have the potential to infiltrate the human food chain via contamination during crop production and food processing, eventually threatening human health. The occurrence and development of Fusarium mycotoxin contamination will change with climate change, especially with variations in temperature, precipitation, and carbon dioxide concentration. To address these challenges, researchers have built a series of effective models to forecast the occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins and provide guidance for crop production. Fusarium mycotoxins frequently exist in food products at extremely low levels, thus necessitating the development of highly sensitive and reliable detection techniques. Numerous successful detection methods have been developed to meet the requirements of various situations, and an increasing number of methods are moving toward high-throughput features. Although Fusarium mycotoxins cannot be completely eliminated, numerous agronomic, chemical, physical, and biological methods can lower Fusarium mycotoxin contamination to safe levels during the preharvest and postharvest stages. These theoretical innovations and technological advances have the potential to facilitate the development of comprehensive strategies for effectively managing Fusarium mycotoxin contamination in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Qu
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Xianfeng Ren
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro‐ProductsShandong Academy of Agricultural SciencesJinanChina
| | - Zhaolin Du
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Jie Hou
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Ye Li
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Yanpo Yao
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
| | - Yi An
- Agro‐Environmental Protection InstituteMinistry of Agriculture and Rural AffairsTianjinChina
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3
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Gbashi S, Adelusi OA, Njobeh PB. Insights from modelling sixteen years of climatic and fumonisin patterns in maize in South Africa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11643. [PMID: 38773169 PMCID: PMC11109125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60904-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxin contamination of agricultural commodities is a global public health problem that has remained elusive to various mitigation approaches, particularly in developing countries. Climate change and its impact exacerbates South Africa's vulnerability to mycotoxin contamination, and significantly threatens its's food systems, public health, and agro-economic development. Herein we analyse sixteen years (2005/2006-2020/2021) of annual national meteorological data on South Africa which reveals both systematic and erratic variability in critical climatic factors known to influence mycotoxin contamination in crops. Within the same study period, data on fumonisin (FB) monitoring show clear climate-dependent trends. The strongest positive warming trend is observed between 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 (0.51 °C/year), and a strong positive correlation is likewise established between FB contamination and temperature (r ranging from 0.6 to 0.9). Four machine learning models, viz support vector machines, eXtreme gradient boosting, random forest, and orthogonal partial least squares, are generalized on the historical data with suitable performance (RMSE as low as 0.00). All the adopted models are able to predict future FB contamination patterns with reasonable precision (R2 ranging from 0.34 to 1.00). The most important model feature for predicting average FB contamination (YA) is the historical pattern of average FB contamination in maize within the region (ΣFBs_avg). The two most significant features in modelling maximum FB contamination (YM) are minimum temperature from the CMIP6 data (Pro_tempMIN) and observed precipitation from the CRU data (O_prep). Our study provides strong evidence of the impact of climate change on FB in South Africa and reiterates the significance of machine learning modelling in predicting mycotoxin contamination in light of changing climatic conditions, which could facilitate early warnings and the adoption of relevant mitigation measures that could help in mycotoxin risk management and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sefater Gbashi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O Box 17011, Gauteng, 2028, South Africa.
| | - Oluwasola Abayomi Adelusi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O Box 17011, Gauteng, 2028, South Africa
| | - Patrick Berka Njobeh
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O Box 17011, Gauteng, 2028, South Africa
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4
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Casu A, Camardo Leggieri M, Toscano P, Battilani P. Changing climate, shifting mycotoxins: A comprehensive review of climate change impact on mycotoxin contamination. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13323. [PMID: 38477222 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13323] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Climate change (CC) is a complex phenomenon that has the potential to significantly alter marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Global warming of 2°C is expected to be exceeded during the 21st century, and the frequency of extreme weather events, including floods, storms, droughts, extreme temperatures, and wildfires, has intensified globally over recent decades, differently affecting areas of the world. How CC may impact multiple food safety hazards is increasingly evident, with mycotoxin contamination in particular gaining in prominence. Research focusing on CC effects on mycotoxin contamination in edible crops has developed considerably throughout the years. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive literature search to collect available studies in the scientific literature published between 2000 and 2023. The selected papers highlighted how warmer temperatures are enabling the migration, introduction, and mounting abundance of thermophilic and thermotolerant fungal species, including those producing mycotoxins. Certain mycotoxigenic fungal species, such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum, are expected to readily acclimatize to new conditions and could become more aggressive pathogens. Furthermore, abiotic stress factors resulting from CC are expected to weaken the resistance of host crops, rendering them more vulnerable to fungal disease outbreaks. Changed interactions of mycotoxigenic fungi are likewise expected, with the effect of influencing the prevalence and co-occurrence of mycotoxins in the future. Looking ahead, future research should focus on improving predictive modeling, expanding research into different pathosystems, and facilitating the application of effective strategies to mitigate the impact of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Casu
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Camardo Leggieri
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Piero Toscano
- IBE-CNR, Institute of BioEconomy-National Research Council, Firenze, Italia
| | - Paola Battilani
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
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Mesterhazy A. Food Safety Aspects of Breeding Maize to Multi-Resistance against the Major (Fusarium graminearum, F. verticillioides, Aspergillus flavus) and Minor Toxigenic Fungi ( Fusarium spp.) as Well as to Toxin Accumulation, Trends, and Solutions-A Review. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:40. [PMID: 38248949 PMCID: PMC10817526 DOI: 10.3390/jof10010040] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Maize is the crop which is most commonly exposed to toxigenic fungi that produce many toxins that are harmful to humans and animals alike. Preharvest grain yield loss, preharvest toxin contamination (at harvest), and storage loss are estimated to be between 220 and 265 million metric tons. In the past ten years, the preharvest mycotoxin damage was stable or increased mainly in aflatoxin and fumonisins. The presence of multiple toxins is characteristic. The few breeding programs concentrate on one of the three main toxigenic fungi. About 90% of the experiments except AFB1 rarely test toxin contamination. As disease resistance and resistance to toxin contamination often differ in regard to F. graminearum, F. verticillioides, and A. flavus and their toxins, it is not possible to make a food safety evaluation according to symptom severity alone. The inheritance of the resistance is polygenic, often mixed with epistatic and additive effects, but only a minor part of their phenotypic variation can be explained. All tests are made by a single inoculum (pure isolate or mixture). Genotype ranking differs between isolates and according to aggressiveness level; therefore, the reliability of such resistance data is often problematic. Silk channel inoculation often causes lower ear rot severity than we find in kernel resistance tests. These explain the slow progress and raise skepticism towards resistance breeding. On the other hand, during genetic research, several effective putative resistance genes were identified, and some overlapped with known QTLs. QTLs were identified as securing specific or general resistance to different toxicogenic species. Hybrids were identified with good disease and toxin resistance to the three toxigenic species. Resistance and toxin differences were often tenfold or higher, allowing for the introduction of the resistance and resistance to toxin accumulation tests in the variety testing and the evaluation of the food safety risks of the hybrids within 2-3 years. Beyond this, resistance breeding programs and genetic investigations (QTL-analyses, GWAM tests, etc.) can be improved. All other research may use it with success, where artificial inoculation is necessary. The multi-toxin data reveal more toxins than we can treat now. Their control is not solved. As limits for nonregulated toxins can be introduced, or the existing regulations can be made to be stricter, the research should start. We should mention that a higher resistance to F. verticillioides and A. flavus can be very useful to balance the detrimental effect of hotter and dryer seasons on aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination. This is a new aspect to secure food and feed safety under otherwise damaging climatic conditions. The more resistant hybrids are to the three main agents, the more likely we are to reduce the toxin losses mentioned by about 50% or higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akos Mesterhazy
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Alsokikotosor 9, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
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Walldorf J, Mezger NCS, Weber L, Knothe A, Klose M, Moritz S, Kantelhardt EJ, Feller S, Schlitt A, Greinert R, Michl P. [Climate Crisis: What Gastrointestinal Complications of this Medical Emergency Should We Be Aware Of?]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023; 61:1608-1617. [PMID: 37044125 DOI: 10.1055/a-2058-8883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The climate crisis has serious consequences for many areas of life. This applies in particular to human health - also in Europe. While cardiovascular, pneumological and dermatological diseases related to the climate crisis are often discussed, the crisis' significant gastroenterological consequences for health must also be considered. METHODS A literature search (Pubmed, Cochrane Library) was used to identify papers with relevance particularly to the field of gastroenterology in (Central) Europe. Findings were supplemented and discussed by an interdisciplinary team. RESULTS The climate crisis impacts the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal diseases in Europe due to more frequent and severe heat waves, flooding and air pollution. While patients with intestinal diseases are particularly vulnerable to acute weather events, the main long-term consequences of climate change are gastrointestinal cancer and liver disease. In addition to gastroenteritis, other infectious diseases such as vector-borne diseases and parasites are important in the context of global warming, heat waves and floods. DISCUSSION Adaptation strategies must be consistently developed and implemented for vulnerable groups. Patients at risk should be informed about measures that can be implemented individually, such as avoiding heat, ensuring appropriate hydration and following hygiene instructions. Recommendations for physical activity and a healthy and sustainable diet are essential for the prevention of liver diseases and carcinomas. Measures for prevention and the promotion of resilience can be supported by the physicians at various levels. In addition to efforts fostering sustainability in the immediate working environment, a system-oriented commitment to climate protection is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Walldorf
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Christian Simon Mezger
- Arbeitsgruppe Global and Planetary Health, Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und Informatik, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Lena Weber
- Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Anja Knothe
- Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michelle Klose
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Moritz
- Klinische Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Arbeitsgruppe Global and Planetary Health, Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und Informatik, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stephan Feller
- Institut für Molekulare Medizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Axel Schlitt
- Paracelsus-Harz-Klinik Bad Suderode, Bad Suderode, Germany
| | - Robin Greinert
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Patrick Michl
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
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Chen X, F. Abdallah M, Chen X, Rajkovic A. Current Knowledge of Individual and Combined Toxicities of Aflatoxin B1 and Fumonisin B1 In Vitro. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:653. [PMID: 37999516 PMCID: PMC10674195 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are considered the most threating natural contaminants in food. Among these mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) are the most prominent fungal metabolites that represent high food safety risks, due to their widespread co-occurrence in several food commodities, and their profound toxic effects on humans. Considering the ethical and more humane animal research, the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement) principle has been promoted in the last few years. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the research studies conducted up to date on the toxicological effects that AFB1 and FB1 can induce on human health, through the examination of a selected number of in vitro studies. Although the impact of both toxins, as well as their combination, were investigated in different cell lines, the majority of the work was carried out in hepatic cell lines, especially HepG2, owing to the contaminants' liver toxicity. In all the reviewed studies, AFB1 and FB1 could invoke, after short-term exposure, cell apoptosis, by inducing several pathways (oxidative stress, the mitochondrial pathway, ER stress, the Fas/FasL signaling pathway, and the TNF-α signal pathway). Among these pathways, mitochondria are the primary target of both toxins. The interaction of AFB1 and FB1, whether additive, synergistic, or antagonistic, depends to great extent on FB1/AFB1 ratio. However, it is generally manifested synergistically, via the induction of oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction, through the expression of the Bcl-2 family and p53 proteins. Therefore, AFB1 and FB1 mixture may enhance more in vitro toxic effects, and carry a higher significant risk factor, than the individual presence of each toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Chen
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.F.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Mohamed F. Abdallah
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.F.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Shandong Analysis and Test Centre, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Science), Jinan 250014, China;
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.F.A.); (A.R.)
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Chen X, Abdallah MF, Landschoot S, Audenaert K, De Saeger S, Chen X, Rajkovic A. Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides and Their Main Mycotoxins: Global Distribution and Scenarios of Interactions in Maize. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:577. [PMID: 37756003 PMCID: PMC10534665 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize is frequently contaminated with multiple mycotoxins, especially those produced by Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides. As mycotoxin contamination is a critical factor that destabilizes global food safety, the current review provides an updated overview of the (co-)occurrence of A. flavus and F. verticillioides and (co-)contamination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) in maize. Furthermore, it summarizes their interactions in maize. The gathered data predict the (co-)occurrence and virulence of A. flavus and F. verticillioides would increase worldwide, especially in European cold climate countries. Studies on the interaction of both fungi regarding their growth mainly showed antagonistic interactions in vitro or in planta conditions. However, the (co-)contamination of AFB1 and FB1 has risen worldwide in the last decade. Primarily, this co-contamination increased by 32% in Europe (2010-2020 vs. 1992-2009). This implies that fungi and mycotoxins would severely threaten European-grown maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Chen
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.F.A.); (A.R.)
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.L.); (K.A.)
| | - Mohamed F. Abdallah
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.F.A.); (A.R.)
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Sofie Landschoot
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.L.); (K.A.)
| | - Kris Audenaert
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.L.); (K.A.)
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Gauteng 2028, South Africa
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Shandong Analysis and Test Centre, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Science), Jinan 250014, China;
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.F.A.); (A.R.)
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Katati B, Kovacs S, Njapau H, Kachapulula PW, Zwaan BJ, van Diepeningen AD, Schoustra SE. Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus Modulates Aflatoxin-B1 Levels through an Antioxidative Mechanism. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:690. [PMID: 37367626 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060690] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are considered to play important functions in species of Aspergillus section Flavi including an antioxidative role, as a deterrent against fungivorous insects, and in antibiosis. Atoxigenic Flavi are known to degrade AF-B1 (B1). To better understand the purpose of AF degradation, we investigated the degradation of B1 and AF-G1 (G1) in an antioxidative role in Flavi. Atoxigenic and toxigenic Flavi were treated with artificial B1 and G1 with or without the antioxidant selenium (Se), which is expected to affect levels of AF. After incubations, AF levels were measured by HPLC. To estimate which population would likely be favoured between toxigenic and atoxigenic Flavi under Se, we investigated the fitness, by spore count, of the Flavi as a result of exposure to 0, 0.40, and 0.86 µg/g Se in 3%-sucrose cornmeal agar (3gCMA). Results showed that levels B1 in medium without Se were reduced in all isolates, while G1 did not significantly change. When the medium was treated with Se, toxigenic Flavi significantly digested less B1, while levels of G1 significantly increased. Se did not affect the digestion of B1 in atoxigenic Flavi, and also did not alter levels of G1. Furthermore, atoxigenic strains were significantly fitter than toxigenic strains at Se 0.86 µg/g 3gCMA. Findings show that while atoxigenic Flavi degraded B1, toxigenic Flavi modulated its levels through an antioxidative mechanism to levels less than they produced. Furthermore, B1 was preferred in the antioxidative role compared to G1 in the toxigenic isolates. The higher fitness of atoxigenic over toxigenic counterparts at a plant non-lethal dose of 0.86 µg/g would be a useful attribute for integration in the broader biocontrol prospects of toxigenic Flavi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bwalya Katati
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Mycotoxicology Laboratory, National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Lusaka 310158, Zambia
| | - Stan Kovacs
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henry Njapau
- Mycotoxicology Laboratory, National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Lusaka 310158, Zambia
| | - Paul W Kachapulula
- School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Bas J Zwaan
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne D van Diepeningen
- Biointeractions and Plant Health, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sijmen E Schoustra
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
- School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
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10
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Risk assessments for the dietary intake aflatoxins in food: A systematic review (2016–2022). Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2023.109687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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11
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Mesterhazy A, Szieberth D, Tóth ET, Nagy Z, Szabó B, Herczig B, Bors I, Tóth B. The Role of Preharvest Natural Infection and Toxin Contamination in Food and Feed Safety in Maize, South-East Hungary, 2014-2021. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1104. [PMID: 36294669 PMCID: PMC9605659 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins originating in the preharvest period represent a less studied research problem, even though they are of the utmost practical significance in maize production, determining marketability (within EU limits), and storage ability, competitiveness, and profit rate. In this study, 18-23 commercial hybrids were tested between 2014 and 2021. Natural infection from Fusarium spp. was higher than 1.5%, and for Aspergillus spp. this was normally 0.01% or 0, much lower than would be considered as severe infection. In spite of this, many hybrids provided far higher toxin contamination than regulations allow. The maximum preharvest aflatoxin B1 was in 2020 (at 2286 μg/kg), and, in several cases, the value was higher than 1000 μg/kg. The hybrid differences were large. In Hungary, the presence of field-originated aflatoxin B1 was continuous, with three AFB1 epidemics in the 8 years. The highest DON contamination was in 2014 (at 27 mg/kg), and a detectable DON level was found in every hybrid. FUMB1+B2 were the highest in 2014 (at 45.78 mg/kg). At these low infection levels, correlations between visual symptoms and toxin contaminations were mostly non-significant, so it is not feasible to draw a conclusion about toxin contamination from ear rot coverage alone. The toxin contamination of hybrids for a percentage of visual infection is highly variable, and only toxin data can decide about food safety. Hybrids with no visual symptoms and high AFB1 contamination were also identified. Preharvest control, including breeding and variety registration, is therefore of the utmost importance to all three pathogens. Even natural ear rot and toxin data do not prove differences in resistance, so a high ear rot or toxin contamination level should be considered as a risk factor for hybrids. The toxin control of freshly harvested grain is vital for separating healthy and contaminated lots. In addition, proper growing and storage conditions must be ensured to protect the feed safety of the grain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akos Mesterhazy
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Denes Szieberth
- Hungarian Maize Club, Kazinczy Str. 12, 8152 Kőszárhegy, Hungary
| | - Eva Toldine Tóth
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Nagy
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Balazs Szabó
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Beata Herczig
- Bonafarm-Babolna Feed Ltd., Laboratory Branch, 2942 Nagyigmand, Hungary
| | - Istvan Bors
- Bonafarm-Babolna Feed Ltd., Laboratory Branch, 2942 Nagyigmand, Hungary
| | - Beata Tóth
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
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Falade TDO, Neya A, Bonkoungou S, Dagno K, Basso A, Senghor AL, Atehnkeng J, Ortega-Beltran A, Bandyopadhyay R. Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize, Groundnut, and Sorghum Grown in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger and Aflatoxin Exposure Assessment. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:700. [PMID: 36287969 PMCID: PMC9611981 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of staple crops by Aspergillus flavus and closely related fungi is common across the Sahel region of Africa. Aflatoxins in maize, groundnut, and sorghum collected at harvest or from farmers' stores within two weeks of harvest from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger were quantified. Thereafter, aflatoxin exposure values were assessed using per capita consumption rates of those crops. Mean aflatoxin concentrations in maize were high, 128, 517, and 659 µg/kg in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, respectively. The estimated probable daily intake (PDI) of aflatoxins from maize ranged from 6 to 69, 29 to 432, and 310 to 2100 ng/kg bw/day in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, respectively. Similarly, mean aflatoxin concentrations in sorghum were high, 76 and 259 µg/kg in Mali and Niger, respectively, with an estimated PDI of 2-133 and 706-2221. For groundnut, mean aflatoxin concentrations were 115, 277, and 628 µg/kg in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, respectively. Aflatoxin exposure values were high with an estimated 9, 28, and 126 liver cancer cases/100,000 persons/year in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, respectively. Several samples were extremely unsafe, exceeding manyfold regulatory levels of diverse countries (up to 2000 times more). Urgent attention is needed across the Sahel for integrated aflatoxin management for public health protection, food and nutrition security, and access to trade opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adama Neya
- Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles, Ouagadougou BP 8645, Burkina Faso
| | - Saïdou Bonkoungou
- Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles, Ouagadougou BP 8645, Burkina Faso
| | - Karim Dagno
- Institut d’Économie Rurale, Bamako BP 258, Mali
| | - Adamou Basso
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger, Niamey P.O. Box 429, Niger
| | | | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Bukavu P.O. Box 1222, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Aflatoxins in Maize: Can Their Occurrence Be Effectively Managed in Africa in the Face of Climate Change and Food Insecurity? Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080574. [PMID: 36006236 PMCID: PMC9412283 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The dangers of population-level mycotoxin exposure have been well documented. Climate-sensitive aflatoxins (AFs) are important food hazards. The continual effects of climate change are projected to impact primary agricultural systems, and consequently food security. This will be due to a reduction in yield with a negative influence on food safety. The African climate and subsistence farming techniques favour the growth of AF-producing fungal genera particularly in maize, which is a food staple commonly associated with mycotoxin contamination. Predictive models are useful tools in the management of mycotoxin risk. Mycotoxin climate risk predictive models have been successfully developed in Australia, the USA, and Europe, but are still in their infancy in Africa. This review aims to investigate whether AFs’ occurrence in African maize can be effectively mitigated in the face of increasing climate change and food insecurity using climate risk predictive studies. A systematic search is conducted using Google Scholar. The complexities associated with the development of these prediction models vary from statistical tools such as simple regression equations to complex systems such as artificial intelligence models. Africa’s inability to simulate a climate mycotoxin risk model in the past has been attributed to insufficient climate or AF contamination data. Recently, however, advancement in technologies including artificial intelligence modelling has bridged this gap, as climate risk scenarios can now be correctly predicted from missing and unbalanced data.
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Yli-Mattila T, Sundheim L. Fumonisins in African Countries. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060419. [PMID: 35737080 PMCID: PMC9228379 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Maize and other cereals are the commodities most contaminated with fumonisins. The maize acreage is increasing in Africa, and the maize harvest provides important foods for humans and feeds for domestic animals throughout the continent. In North Africa, high levels of fumonisins have been reported from Algeria and Morocco, while low levels have been detected in the rather few fumonisin analyses reported from Tunisia and Egypt. The West African countries Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria all report high levels of fumonisin contamination of maize, while the few maize samples analysed in Togo contain low levels. In Eastern Africa, high levels of fumonisin contamination have been reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The samples analysed from Rwanda contained low levels of fumonisins. Analysis of maize from the Southern African countries Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe revealed high fumonisin levels, while low levels of fumonisins were detected in the few analyses of maize from Botswana and Mozambique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapani Yli-Mattila
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 358-440560700
| | - Leif Sundheim
- Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy Research, P.O. Box 115, N-1431 Ås, Norway;
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Nji QN, Babalola OO, Ekwomadu TI, Nleya N, Mwanza M. Six Main Contributing Factors to High Levels of Mycotoxin Contamination in African Foods. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:318. [PMID: 35622564 PMCID: PMC9146326 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Africa is one of the regions with high mycotoxin contamination of foods and continues to record high incidences of liver cancers globally. The agricultural sector of most African countries depends largely on climate variables for crop production. Production of mycotoxins is climate-sensitive. Most stakeholders in the food production chain in Africa are not aware of the health and economic effects of consuming contaminated foods. The aim of this review is to evaluate the main factors and their degree of contribution to the high levels of mycotoxins in African foods. Thus, knowledge of the contributions of different factors responsible for high levels of these toxins will be a good starting point for the effective mitigation of mycotoxins in Africa. Google Scholar was used to conduct a systemic search. Six factors were found to be linked to high levels of mycotoxins in African foods, in varying degrees. Climate change remains the main driving factor in the production of mycotoxins. The other factors are partly man-made and can be manipulated to become a more profitable or less climate-sensitive response. Awareness of the existence of these mycotoxins and their economic as well as health consequences remains paramount. The degree of management of these factors regarding mycotoxins varies from one region of the world to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queenta Ngum Nji
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (Q.N.N.); (T.I.E.); (N.N.); (M.M.)
| | - Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (Q.N.N.); (T.I.E.); (N.N.); (M.M.)
| | - Theodora Ijeoma Ekwomadu
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (Q.N.N.); (T.I.E.); (N.N.); (M.M.)
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Nancy Nleya
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (Q.N.N.); (T.I.E.); (N.N.); (M.M.)
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Mulunda Mwanza
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (Q.N.N.); (T.I.E.); (N.N.); (M.M.)
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
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Gacem MA, Abd-Elsalam KA. Nanomaterials for the Reduction of Mycotoxins in Cereals. CEREAL DISEASES: NANOBIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPROACHES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT 2022:371-406. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-3120-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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Ortega-Beltran A, Bandyopadhyay R. Contributions of integrated aflatoxin management strategies to achieve the sustainable development goals in various African countries. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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