Role of Aflatoxin B1 as A Risk for Primary Liver Cancer in India

Abstract

The most well-known primary liver cancer in the world is Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Its prevalence is alarmingly increasing and has drawn public attention on a global scale. With regard to regional variation, racial differences, and socioeconomic level, it occurs more frequently in underdeveloped countries than in industrialised ones. Aflatoxin use is one of the main risk factors for HCC. Aflatoxin B1, a genotoxic hepatocarcinogen, is thought to induce cancer by causing DNA adducts in target liver cells that result in genetic alterations. HCC may result from a mutational impact caused by DNA adducts at the codon 249 hotspot in exon 7 of the P53 tumour suppressor gene, which interacts with the guanine bases of liver cell DNA. Aflatoxin-contaminated food affects about 4.5 billion people worldwide, mostly in developing nations with poor incomes. Treatment of crops that are prone to fungal contamination, proper food handling techniques, and the use of chemopreventive intervention are all part of prevention. Additionally, in order to maintain efficient food regulation systems and reduce the risk of aflatoxins contaminating food, a networked collaboration of several sectors, including public health, agricultural departments, and the media, is needed.