Chronic Aflatoxin Exposure and Cognitive and Language Development in Young Children of Bangladesh: A Longitudinal Study

Effect of Aflatoxin B1 on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review and Network Analysis Highlighting Alzheimer's Disease

Exposure to aflatoxin (AF) triggers the production of inflammatory molecules and free radicals, leading to chronic inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. This systematic review evaluated the effects of AFB1 on the nervous system, particularly focusing on Alzheimer's disease (AD). A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases up to 1 June 2024, without restrictions. From 993 records retrieved, 16 articles were included in the systematic review. AFB1 participates in various biochemical processes and pathological conditions. The study highlights that AFB1 contributes to AD by inducing DNA damage, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, impairing DNA repair mechanisms. This results in neuronal damage, cognitive decline, and neurodegeneration. AFB1 also affects key signaling pathways, reduces sodium-potassium pump activity, and disrupts cell cycle regulation involving p53, leading to neurotoxicity, inflammation, and the formation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Additionally, network analysis revealed 309 genes associated with AD, inflammation, angiopathy, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Among these, ESR1 exhibited the highest number of direct connections to other nodes within the network. The gene TP53 played a pivotal role in mediating communication among genes, while the EP300 gene significantly influenced the overall network structure. Additionally, KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated that these 309 genes are substantially involved in pathways related to cancer, the FoxO signaling pathway, apoptosis, and AD. In summary, the study highlights that AFB1 causes DNA damage and stress, leading to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. It disrupts signaling pathways, damages neurons, and affects DNA repair, contributing to neurotoxicity and inflammation. PROSPERO registration number: CRD420250651007.

Neurotoxicological Effects of Some Mycotoxins on Humans Health and Methods of Neuroprotection

Food contamination with mycotoxin-producing fungi increases the risk of many diseases, including neurological diseases closely related to the neurotoxicity of these toxins. Based on the latest literature data, we presented the association of common Fusarium mycotoxins with neurological diseases. Articles from 2001 to 2024 were analyzed. The mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of the described mycotoxins were presented. They are mainly related to the increase in oxidative stress in neuronal cells, which leads to higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, enzymatic activity as GST, GPx, CAT and SOD and neurotransmitter dysfunction (5-HT, serotonin, dopamine and GABA). At the end of the article, based on the literature data, we attempted to present ways to mitigate mycotoxin neurotoxicity using mainly natural substances of plant origin. The data in this review focus on the Fusarium mycotoxins most frequently found in food and will be useful as comparative information for future studies. It is important to conduct further studies to mitigate the neurotoxic effects of Fusarium mycotoxins in order to reduce the development of diseases of the nervous system.

Assessing chronic gestational exposure to environmental chemicals in pregnant women: Advancing the co-PBK model

Vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and their fetuses, confront potential health risks due to exposure to environmental toxic compounds. Computational methods have been popular in assessing chemical exposure to populations, contrasting with traditional cohort studies for human biomonitoring. This study proposes a screening-level approach based on physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling to evaluate the steady-state exposure of pregnant women to environmental chemicals throughout pregnancy. To exemplify the modeling application, naphthalene was chosen. Simulation results indicated that maternal fat exhibited significant bioaccumulation potential, with the log-transformed BTF of naphthalene at 0.51 mg kg-1 per mg d-1 in the steady state. The placenta was primarily exposed to 0.83 mg/d naphthalene for a 75.2 kg pregnant woman, considering all exposure routes. In the fetal structure, single-organ fetal PBK modeling estimated a naphthalene exposure of 123.64 mg/d to the entire fetus, while multiple-organ fetal PBK modeling further revealed the bioaccumulation highest in fat tissue. The liver identified as the vital organ for metabolism, kBioT,LiverM was demonstrated with the highest sensitivity among rate constants in the maternal body. Furthermore, the first-order kinetic rate constants related to the placenta and blood were found to impact the distribution process of naphthalene in the fetus, influencing gestational exposure. In conclusion, urgent attention is needed to develop a computational biomonitoring tool for assessing toxic chemical exposure in vulnerable populations.

Natural compounds mitigate mycotoxins-induced neurotoxicity by modulating oxidative tonus: in vitro and in vivo insights - a review

This review explores the repercussions of mycotoxin contamination in food and feed, emphasising potential threats to agriculture, animal husbandry and public health. The primary objective is to make a comprehensive assessment of the neurotoxic consequences of mycotoxin exposure, an aspect less explored in current literature. Emphasis is placed on prominent mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone (ZEA) and ochratoxins, known for inducing acute and chronic diseases such as liver damage, genetic mutation and cancer. To elucidate the effects, animal studies were conducted, revealing an association between mycotoxin exposure and neurological damage. This encompasses impairments in learning and memory, motor alterations, anxiety and depression. The underlying mechanisms involve oxidative stress, disrupting the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity. This oxidative stress is linked to neuronal damage, brain inflammation, neurochemical imbalance, and subsequent behavioural changes. The review underscores the need for preventive measures against mycotoxin exposure. While complete avoidance is ideal, exploration into the potential use of antioxidants as a viable solution is discussed, given the widespread contamination of many food products. Specifically, the protective role of natural compounds, such as polyphenols, is highlighted, showcasing their efficacy in mitigating mycotoxicosis in the central nervous system (CNS), as evidenced by findings in various animal models. In summary, countering mycotoxin-induced neurotoxicity requires a multifaceted approach. The identified natural compounds show promise, but their practical use hinges on factors like bioavailability, toxicity and understanding their mechanisms of action. Extensive research is crucial, considering the diverse responses to different mycotoxins and neurological conditions. Successful implementation relies on factors such as the specific mycotoxin(s) involved and achievable effective concentrations. Further research and clinical trials are imperative to establish the safety and efficacy of these compounds in practical applications.