Levels Of Aflatoxin B1 Research Articles

Abstract 4221: Aflatoxin exposure in a population-based representative sample of adults in Mexico in 2018

Abstract Importance: Southern Mexico and Guatemala, together represent the region with the highest liver cancer burden in the Americas. There is a higher burden of liver cancer in rural regions in eastern and southern Mexico and remarkably there is an equal number of cases in men and women. Reasons for this increased burden are not clear, but previous studies of food samples have found that contamination of maize with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent liver carcinogen, is common in the region while HBV and HCV seroprevalence is less than 0.5%. Few examinations of AFB1 levels in persons have been conducted. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of exposure and circulating levels AFB1 in a representative sample of adults living in five regions across Mexico. Study Design: We randomly selected a subsample of 955 adults ≥40 years who participated in Mexico’s National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018 (ENSANUT). These residents were from five states in eastern and southern Mexico and all provided a venous blood sample. We assessed AFB1 levels as pg AFB1-lys/µL in serum using mass spectrometry. The limits of detection and quantification were both 0.010 pg/μL. Results: The mean age of participants was 56 years (± SD 11.7) and 54% were female. The overall prevalence of AFB1-lys detection was 92% (95% confidence intervals; 95%CI 88, 94%). The region with the lowest prevalence, 88% (95%CI 78, 94%), was Chiapas and the region with the highest prevalence was Veracruz 95% (95%CI 84, 98). Median AFB1 was 0.127 pg AFB1-lys/µL (interquartile range; IQR 0.054, 0.446) with a range from 0.066 (IQR, 0.033, 0.147) in Yucatán to 0.476 (IQR, 0.199, 1.355) in Veracruz. AFB1 exposure levels were higher in persons aged ≥60 years, men, and participants living in rural areas. We observed decreasing levels of AFB1 exposure with increasing socioeconomic status. Conclusions: In a representative sample of adults in eastern and southern Mexico we observed a high prevalence of exposure to AFB1. For certain regions, AFB1 levels are comparable to those in Guatemala. These results suggest that AFB1 may be related to the increased burden of liver cancer in eastern and southern Mexico. Citation Format: Adriana Monge, Katherine McGlynn, Luis Santiago-Ruiz, Jose Maria Remes-Troche, Karina Hernandez-Flores, Salvador Villapando-Hernandez, Martin Romero, John Groopman, Martin Lajous. Aflatoxin exposure in a population-based representative sample of adults in Mexico in 2018. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4221.

Prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 in marketed herbs and spices in Nairobi county Kenya: Consumer awareness, practices, and associated health risks

We conducted a study in Nairobi County to assess Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels in selected herbs and spices and to ascertain product use and consumer awareness of fungi and mycotoxin contamination. Descriptive statistical analysis of the survey data was performed using R-studio software version 1.4. Results revealed significant differences in consumers' preference for herbs and spices (P= 0.03671). Products consumed in less than one month were significant in predicting preference by customers (P= 0.0207). 65% of the respondents were unaware of mycotoxins in herbs and spices, and 80% had never attended mycotoxin training. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to analyze the samples for AFB1 contamination. Aflatoxin B1 was found in all of the samples and the concentration in spices ranged from 2.17ng/kg to 32.40ng/kg while in herbs the range was from 6.60ng/kg to 27.20 ng/kg.Considering the consumption data collected from our survey, the AFB1 daily intake for spices ranged between 0.83 and 11.78 ng/kg bw/day and in herbs it was between 0.6 and 6.88 ng/kg bw/day. The results indicate a high possible risk of exposure to mycotoxins; thus, more stringent measures must be taken for the prevention of mycobiota contamination in herbs and spices.

Isolation of Aspergillus flavus strains from Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt) seeds and screening for the production of aflatoxin B1 and B2

In Burkina Faso, Bambara groundnut is the second most important food legume after cowpea, especially in rural areas. However, this crop, due to certain conditions of production, storage or preservation is susceptible to be contaminated by potential mycotoxin producing fungi. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aflatoxinogenic capacity of Aspergillus flavus isolates isolated from Bambara groundnut seeds produced in Burkina Faso. Thus, 198 isolates of fungi belonging to section Flavi were isolated from 99 samples of Bambara groundnut seeds collected in the three agro-ecological zones of Burkina Faso. From the 198 isolates, 28 were identified as Aspergillus flavus. Then, we investigated their potential for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and B2 (AFB2) production by growing them on rice at 25°C for 7 days. AFB1 and AFB2 were extracted and quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). All of the strains (28) produced AFB1 at concentrations ranging from 46.987 μg kg–1 to 1080.320 μg kg–1. However, AFB2 was produced by 26 strains with concentrations ranging from 47.200 μg kg–1 to 1760.240 μg kg–1. Globally, most of the tested strains produced higher levels of AFB1 than AFB2. The results obtained point out the risk associated with post-harvest fungi and the need for the development of storage technics to control them, for food security.

Seasonal and Geographical Impact on the Mycotoxigenicity of Aspergillus and Fusarium Species Isolated from Smallholder Dairy Cattle Feeds and Feedstuffs in Free State and Limpopo Provinces of South Africa.

This study evaluated the impact of seasonal and geographical variations on the toxigenicity of Aspergillus and Fusarium strains previously isolated from smallholder dairy cattle feeds and feedstuffs sampled during summer and winter in the Free State and Limpopo provinces of South Africa (SA). In total, 112 potential toxigenic fungal species were obtained and determined for their capability to produce mycotoxins on solid Czapek Yeast Extract Agar (CYA); followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Our result revealed that 41.96% of the fungal species produced their respective mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), and zearalenone (ZEN), with higher levels of AFB1 (0.22 to 1045.80 µg/kg) and AFB2 (0.11 to 3.44 µg/kg) produced by fungal species isolated from summer samples than those in winter [(0.69 to 14.44 µg/kg) and (0.21 to 2.26 µg/kg), respectively]. The same pattern was also observed for AFB1 and AFB2 in Limpopo (0.43 to 1045.80 µg/kg and 0.13 to 3.44 µg/kg) and Free State (0.22 to 576.14 µg/kg and 0.11 to 2.82 µg/kg), respectively. More so, ZEN concentrations in summer (7.75 to 97.18 µg/kg) were higher than in winter (5.20 to 15.90 µg/kg). A similar observation was also noted for ZEN in Limpopo (7.80 to 97.18 µg/kg) and Free State (5.20 to 15.90 µg/kg). These findings were confirmed via Welch and Brown-Forsythe tests with significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher mycotoxin levels produced by fungal strains obtained in samples during summer than those in winter. In contrast, the concentrations of mycotoxins produced by the fungal species from both provinces were not significantly (p > 0.05) different.

The Expression of MMP1 and MMP7 in Mice Liver after Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 Using Immunohistochemistry Technique.

Mycotoxin is a class of poisonous secondary metabolites generated by filamentous fungi and found in agricultural commodities worldwide. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate how aflatoxin B1 affected hepatic cellular architecture and Matrix metalloproteinase expression in particular (MMP1 and MMP7) in the livers of experimental mice (IHC). A total of sixteen mice (four groups) were studied after being given pure aflatoxin B1 (9mg/kg B.W., 6mg/kg B.W., and 3mg/kg B.W.) (produced from Aspergillus flavus) or a control group (not treated). MMP1 and MMP7 expressions were also measured using the MMP1 and MMP7 expression assays (IHC). The degree of liver damage is related to the AFB1 concentration and the duration of exposure. IHC reveals a considerable rise in MMP1 and MMP7 expression in the livers of mice given a maximum concentration of 90% ((9 mg/B.W.) pure AFB1), which approached the toxin's effect toxic dosage. MMP1 and MMP7 expression were also increased by AFB1 at dosages of 60 and 30% (6mg/BW and 3mg/B.W., respectively), although not to the same extent as 90%. MMP1 was significantly more expressed than MMP7 compared to control, and AFB1 at 90, 60, and 30% concentrations caused changes in hepatic cellular architecture, organization, and liver tissue damage and dramatically increased MMP1 and MMP7 production in hepatic tissue following treatment. Increased levels of pure aflatoxin B1 will harm liver tissue and MMP1 and MMP7 expression. MMP1 was more substantially expressed than MMP7.

Mycotoxin Contamination in Hazelnut: Current Status, Analytical Strategies, and Future Prospects.

Hazelnuts represent a potential source of mycotoxins that pose a public health issue due to their increasing consumption as food ingredients worldwide. Hazelnuts contamination by mycotoxins may derive from fungal infections occurring during fruit development, or in postharvest. The present review considers the available data on mycotoxins detected in hazelnuts, on fungal species reported as infecting hazelnut fruit, and general analytical approaches adopted for mycotoxin investigation. Prompted by the European safety regulation concerning hazelnuts, many analytical methods have focused on the determination of levels of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total aflatoxins. An overview of the available data shows that a multiplicity of fungal species and further mycotoxins have been detected in hazelnuts, including anthraquinones, cyclodepsipeptides, ochratoxins, sterigmatocystins, trichothecenes, and more. Hence, the importance is highlighted in developing suitable methods for the concurrent detection of a broad spectrum of these mycotoxins. Moreover, control strategies to be employed before and after harvest in the aim of controlling the fungal contamination, and in reducing or inactivating mycotoxins in hazelnuts, are discussed.

Mutual effects on mycotoxin production during co-culture of ochratoxigenic and aflatoxigenic Aspergillus strains.

Mycotoxin co-occurrence compromises the safety of food crops worldwide. Environmental factors, as well as fungal interaction, can substantially influence the infectivity of mycotoxigenic fungi and their subsequent production of multi-mycotoxin. Here, we investigated the mutual effects of the co-culture of ochratoxigenic and aflatoxigenic Aspergillus strains on the co-production of ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Single cultures of ochratoxigenic A. carbonarius and A. alliaceus grew optimally at 25°C, whereas aflatoxigenic A. flavus grew optimally at 35°C. The maximum levels of OTA and AFB1 were achieved at 25°C, whereas mycotoxin production decreased at 35°C. During competitive growth of the ochratoxigenic and aflatoxigenic isolates, inhibition or stimulation of mycotoxin production was dependent on the fungal strain, temperature, and the ratio of the spore concentration. Aspergillus carbonarius and A. alliaceus generally produced OTA, with similar patterns of relative OTA levels at all temperatures. AFB1 production by A. flavus in the presence of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species was inhibited at 25°C and stimulated at 35°C. These results indicated that the temperature, presence of other mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species, and ratio of the initial spore concentration significantly contributed to the co-production of OTA and AFB1.

EFFECT OF ECOSIL AND VITAMIN C PREPARATIONS ON THE ECONOMIC AND BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUNG PIGS

The article’s authors argue that it is necessary to use adsorbents and antioxidant preparations in diets to level the negative factors of the impact of aflatoxin B1 on the processes of digestive metabolism and the productivity of young pigs when fattening on diets with a tolerant content of this mycotoxin. The research aimed to determine the effect of the preparation of Ecosil and vitamin C on the economic and biological characteristics of young pigs fed on diets with tolerant levels of aflatoxin B1. In the course of the study and based on experience, the authors found that the gilts of the 3rd experimental group had a higher growth intensity, which had an advantage over the animals of the control group in absolute and average daily gain by 10.5% (P<0.05) when enriched compound feed with a mixture of Ecosil and vitamin C. The authors managed to achieve in animals of the 3rd experimental group a reduction in costs per 1 kg of absolute gain - EFU (energy feed unit) by 9.45% and digestible Protein by 9.48% against control due to improved detoxification of the studied toxin. The coefficient of dry matter digestibility in gilts of this group was higher than in control by 3.1% (P><0.05); the organic matter was higher by 3.2% (P><0.05); crude Protein was higher by 3.2% (P><0.05); fiber is higher by 3.4% (P><0.05) and NFE (nitrogen-free extract) by 2.7% with a decrease in the digestibility of crude fat by 2.8% (P><0.05). The authors found that gilts of the 3rd experimental group, who consumed a mixture of tested feed additives per day in the accounting period of the study, deposited 24.86 g of nitrogen in the body, which is significantly (P><0.05) more than the control analogs - by 2.85 g. In addition, the animals of the 3rd experimental group absorbed better calcium and phosphorus in the diet.>˂0.05) when enriched compound feed with a mixture of Ecosil and vitamin C. The authors managed to achieve in animals of the 3rd experimental group a reduction in costs per 1 kg of absolute gain - EFU (energy feed unit) by 9.45% and digestible Protein by 9.48% against control due to improved detoxification of the studied toxin. The coefficient of dry matter digestibility in gilts of this group was higher than in control by 3.1% (P˂0.05); the organic matter was higher by 3.2% (P˂0.05); crude Protein was higher by 3.2% (P˂0.05); fiber is higher by 3.4% (P˂0.05) and NFE (nitrogen-free extract) by 2.7% with a decrease in the digestibility of crude fat by 2.8% (P˂0.05). The authors found that gilts of the 3rd experimental group, who consumed a mixture of tested feed additives per day in the accounting period of the study, deposited 24.86 g of nitrogen in the body, which is significantly (P˂0.05) more than the control analogs - by 2.85 g. In addition, the animals of the 3rd experimental group absorbed better calcium and phosphorus in the diet.

Effects of Aflatoxin B1 on growth performance, carcass traits, organ index, blood biochemistry and oxidative status in Chinese yellow chickens.

In this study, the effects of different levels of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the growth performance, carcass traits, organ index, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant capacity of yellow-feathered broilers were investigated to provide a reference for the application of AFB1-containing feed ingredients. In this test, yellow-feathered broilers were chosen as the research objects and divided into five treatment groups, with seven replicates in each group and 75 broilers in each replicate. The AFB1 concentration in the diets of groups 1 to 5 were 1.5 μg/kg, 15 μg/kg, 30 μg/kg, 45 μg/kg, and 60 μg/kg, respectively. The results showed that when dietary AFB1 levels were greater than 45 μg/kg, the feed conversion ratios of broilers of 1-21, 22-42, and 43-63 days of age increased (P<0.05). When dietary AFB1 levels were 30 μg/kg, liver glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was decreased (P<0.05), and serum transaminase (AST) activity was increased (P<0.05). Overall, dietary AFB1 levels had negative effects on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, blood biochemistry, and liver metabolism in yellow-feathered broilers. Based on using growth performance as the effect index, AFB1 levels in the diets of yellow-feathered broilers should not exceed 45 μg/kg. Based on using antioxidant capacity, liver function, and blood biochemistry as effect indexes, AFB1 levels in the diets of yellow-feathered broilers should not exceed 30 μg/kg.

Extraction and determination of aflatoxin B1 in cereal samples using pH-switchable hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents followed by HPLC-FL analysis.

A quick, simple and environmentally friendly liquid phase microextraction (LPME) sample pretreatment procedure was proposed based on pH-switchable hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FL). This method was used for the quantitative study of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and applied to eight widely consumed cereal samples. In this method, six different DESs were synthesized and then their pH-switchability was investigated. DESs that could be switched with pH were employed for separation and preconcentration of AFB1 in cereal samples. In this method, dispersing the extractant phase in the aqueous solution and subsequent phase separation are performed only by changing the pH. Important parameters affecting extraction, such as the type of DES and its volume, concentration of KOH, volume of HCL, effect of salt and extraction time were investigated and optimum conditions were obtained. Under the optimum conditions, relative standard deviation (RSD) values for intra-day and inter-day of the method based on seven replicate measurements of 5.0 μg kg-1 of AFB1 in cereal samples were 3.3 and 5.2%, respectively. The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 0.007-20 μg kg-1 and limit of detection (LOD) was 0.002 μg kg-1. The relative recoveries of real cereal samples which have been spiked with different levels of AFB1 were 90.8-107.5%.

Plasma-activated water application for detoxification of aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, and fumonisin B1 in poultry feeds.

Plasma-activated water (PAW) is considered one of the emerging strategies that has been highlighted recently in the food industry for microbial decontamination and mycotoxin detoxification, due to its unique provisional characteristics. The effectiveness of PAW for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and fumonisin B1 (FB1) detoxification in naturally contaminated poultry feeds with its impacts on the feed quality were inspected. PAW-30 and PAW-60 were utilized for feed treatment for six time durations (5, 10, 15, 20, 40, and 60 minutes) each. The alterations in the physicochemical properties of PAW after different time durations of plasma inducement and treatment with and without feed samples were monitored. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed for estimation of mycotoxin levels and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized for results confirmation. Feed composition analyses with peroxide values (PVs) estimation were implemented according to standard analytical methods. The physicochemical properties of PAW showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in pH value from 6.72 to 2.68 and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature from 235 mV, 5.1 μS/cm, and 20.5°C to 499.2 mV, 727.6 μS/cm, and 26.8°C, respectively, after 60 minutes of plasma inducement in a time-dependent manner. The mycotoxins decay kinetics after PAW application were illustrated. Mycotoxins degradation efficiency significantly increased (p < 0.05) with increasing water activation time. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in AFB1, OTA, and FB1 degradation levels was reported mainly during the first 10 minutes of treatment for AFB1 and the first 15 minutes for OTA and FB1 to record values of 28.33%, 32.14%, and 34.62% and 33.80%, 40.70%, and 43.38% after 60 minutes of feed exposure to PAW-30 and PAW-60, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between examined mycotoxins in their degradation levels were recorded, where FB1 exhibited the highest degradation levels. Generally, feed compositions were slightly affected by PAW and fats were still having good quality. The possibility of PAW for degrading more than a quarter to a third of the original quantity of targeted mycotoxins in poultry feeds after 10 minutes of treatment with a slight effect on feed quality.

Safety evaluation and application of lactic acid bacteria and yeast strains isolated from Sichuan broad bean paste.

Broad bean paste is one of the most popular characteristic traditional fermented bean products in China, which is prepared by mixed fermentation of a variety of microorganisms, among which lactic acid bacteria and yeast played an important role in the improvement of the fermented broad bean paste quality. However, the traditional open-air fermentation of broad bean paste brought some risks of harmful microorganisms. In this study, the safety and fermentation ability of lactic acid bacteria and yeast strains isolated from traditional broad bean paste was evaluated. The results showed that the protease activity of the strain Lactobacillus plantarum DPUL-J5 (366.73 ± 9.00 U/L) and Pichia kudriavzevii DPUY-J5 (237.18 ± 10.93 U/L) were the highest. Both strains produced little biogenic amines, and did not exhibit α-hemolytic activity or antibiotic resistance for some of the antibiotics most used in human medicine. Furthermore, the broad bean paste fermentation involving DPUL-J5 and DPUY-J5 was beneficial for accumulating higher total acid (1.69 ± 0.01 g/100 g), amino-acid nitrogen (0.85 ± 0.03 g/100 g), and more volatile flavor compounds, meanwhile, reducing the levels of biogenic amines and aflatoxin B1. Therefore, this study provided a new strategy to improve the safety and quality of traditional broad bean paste.

TRENDS OF AFLATOXIN IN LIVESTOCK FEED AND VARIOUS FEED INGREDIENTS IN PAKISTAN

Objective of current study was to determine aflatoxin B1 level in cotton see cake (CSL) rape seed cake (RSC), wheat bran (WB) and compound feed (CF) in 10 districts of Punjab, Pakistan namely Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Jhang, Kasur, Khanewal, Layyah, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur. For this purpose samples of CSC (n=375), RSC (n=100), WB (n=75), CF (n=100) were analyzed at Nutrition Division of Buffalo Research Institute, Pattoki District Kasur. Different samples were extracted, filtered and further screened by using commercially available ELISA Romer kit. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance technique using SPSS software. Highest value of aflatoxin in CSC, RSC, WB and CF was found in districts; Bahawalnagar, Sialkot,Muzaffargarh and Bahawalnagar respectively, while its lowest value in CSC, RSC, WB and CF was found in Muzaffargarh, Multan, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan, respectively. Highest infected samples were found in compound feed (21%) followed by cotton seed cake (11.93%), wheat bran (11.71%) and rape seed cake (11.11%) by percentage formula. Based upon the result of recent study toxin binders should be added in processed feed and storage condition of feed ingredients must be improved to minimize the risk of aflatoxicosis.

Aflatoxin B1 Binding by Lactic Acid Bacteria in Protein-Rich Plant Material Fermentation

At the same time as the strong ambition to improve sustainability and the healthiness of food systems through a transition towards a more plant-based diet, climate change is increasing the risk of plant diseases. Consequently, mycotoxigenic fungi have become a food safety issue of major importance. A variety of strategies to suppress fungal growth in the pre- and postharvest stages of plant production have been established, and the potential of various biological methods has been assessed to ensure food safety. Of the various food microbes, lactic acid bacteria are known for their capacity to suppress the growth of toxigenic fungi and adsorb free mycotoxins. The current study showed that lactic acid fermentation could mitigate aflatoxin risk in plant-based foods through a reduction in free aflatoxin B1. In line with previous studies, in which Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum) was shown to reduce the level of free aflatoxin B1 in vitro, L. plantarum was shown to achieve up to a 90% reduction in free aflatoxin B1 in food fermentation. The results showed that traditional lactic acid fermentation, using L. plantarum as the starter strain, could be applied to mitigate aflatoxin B1 contamination risk in proteinaceous plant-based foodstuffs. In a wider context, fermentation using selected strains of lactic acid bacteria as starters could also enhance the availability of nutritious and safer food in terms of mycotoxin risk in low-income countries.

Probiotic-Based Optimization of Pistachio Paste Production and Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 Using Bifidobacterium lactis

Pistachio paste is very popular for breakfast or supper thanks to its desirable taste, flavor, and texture. One of the hazards that are directly related to agricultural practices, processing, storage, and transportation of pistachios and the byproducts is aflatoxin, which can cause irreversible effects on the consumer. Probiotics are one of the most effective and safe methods to reduce aflatoxins. The variables under study were temperature and time, aflatoxin concentration, and probiotic content. In total, 30 treatments were determined through the rotatable central composite design. This is the first and most comprehensive study to optimize the production of probiotic pistachio paste and investigate the detoxification effects of aflatoxin B1 using Bifidobacterium lactis with six treatments and three replications in the pistachio paste matrix. In simple terms, it is possible to remove a higher percentage of toxins by increasing the number of microorganisms and decreasing the toxin level. The highest aflatoxin B1 reduction was observed in pistachio paste with aflatoxin B1 contamination of (19.7039 ng/g), which was spiked with Bifidobacterium lactis (109 CFU/g) and then stored at 25°C for 26.1853 days (aflatoxin B1: 8.00007 ng/g = 59.4% reduction), which is consistent with the permissible limits of the Iran National Standards Organization and the European Commission Regulation. The results showed a significant reduction in the aflatoxin B1 level in pistachio paste. The probiotics reduced aflatoxin B1 contamination to a permissible level. This is an important, safe, and effective solution, and unlike other methods, it increases the nutritional value of the product.

TOXICITY OF AFLATOXIN B1 TOWARDS THE INDUCING ALTERATIONS IN THE LIVER FUNCTIONS

Since 2003, the world's developing countries are home to more than 5 billion people thought to be at danger of prolonged consumption of contaminated foods that are aflatoxic according to a number of study efforts conducted in South Africa, Egypt, and other countries in west and east Africa. Additionally, the presence occurrence of aflatoxins and their byproducts in animal tissues used to make food (such as beef and sheep meat) may contaminate human diets. As a result of their increasing prevalence, aflatoxins have recently been identified as a significant public health concern.Aflatoxins are dangerous second-generation byproducts of Aspergillus species. Due to their chemical makeup, the majority of aflatoxins are highly liposoluble substances that can be absorption from the exposed site, such as the gastro-intestinal and respiratory tracts, into the bloodstream, where they can then spread throughout the body and reach various organs, including the liver and kidneys. The primary goals of the study were to monitor and screen for levels of aflatoxin B1 in the Karbala Province using a case-control study. The connection between Aflatoxin B1 concentrations and the common biochemical indicators of liver function as well investigated. How alter liver function by Aflatoxin B1. The study also emphasised the necessity to determine the pathophysiology of AFB1's involvement in the rising number of patients with liver dysfunction. AFB1 levels were quantitated using utilising thin layer chromatography, together with High Pressure liquid chromatography being employed for the quantitative identification (HPLC). In the province of Karbala, an analysis of case-control studies was done to look at the Aflatoxin B1 affects (AFB1) exposure on kidney disease patients. AFB1 levels were quantitated using utilising thin layer chromatography with high-performance liquid chromatography to provide quality results. The evaluations of the samples that tested positive for AFB1 as well as the lipid profile and indicators of liver function tests. The findings indicated that the population under investigation had afflatoxins exposure. AFB1 was found in 100% of individuals with unknown kidney disease (KD) and in 24%, 20%, and 100% of patients with known CKD, respectively. AFB1 concentrations in serum samples ranged from 0.68 to 8.33 ng/mL for patients with questionable KD, 1.21 to For patients, 5.60 ng/mL with known KD, likewise, healthy controls ranged from 0.11 to 1.30 ng/mL. The presence of AFB1 was positively and strongly linked with liver enzymes, specifically ALT and ALP. AFB1 levels among serum samples from KD sufferers and wholesome controls showed a prolonged contact with the poison, suggesting an unknown cause. The evaluation of the biochemical marker of liver functioning supported the effect of AFB1 exposure. This work may help build effective nationwide programmes for tracking AFs exposure. The study also emphasised the necessity to determine the pathophysiology of AFB1's involvement in the rising number of patients with liver dysfunction. Future research is urged to concentrate on more comprehensive topics that cover the entire nation (Iraq).

Exposure Assessment of Aflatoxin B1 through Consumption of Rice in the United Arab Emirates.

Rice is one of the most consumed staple foods worldwide and a major part of the diet for half of the global population. Being primarily cultivated in countries with warm and humid environments increases rice's susceptibility for mycotoxins contamination, especially the hepatotoxic and carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Since no study was published before on the exposure to AFB1 from consuming rice in the UAE, our study aims to assess the levels of AFB1 in rice marketed in the country and determine the estimated daily exposure of the population for this carcinogenic metabolite and its associated liver cancer risk. All white, brown, and parboiled rice brands available in the retail markets in the UAE were procured twice. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, AFB1 was detected in 48 out of 128 rice samples (38%). The average contamination ± standard deviation of AFB1 among positive samples (above the detection limit) was found to be 1.66 ± 0.89 μg/kg, ranging from 1 μg/kg (detection limit) to 4.69 μg/kg. The contamination level in all the samples was below the limit set by the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization (≤5 μg/kg), while 10 (20.8%) of the positive samples had a contamination level above the maximum limit set by the European Union (≥2 μg/kg). The moisture content in all the assessed samples was ≤14%. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in AFB1 between samples in both collections (p-value = 0.043). However, the rice type, grain size, packing country, packing season, country of origin, collection season, and packing to purchasing time had no significant effect on AFB1. The calculated mean daily exposure level of the Emirati population to AFB1 from consuming rice was 4.83 ng/kg.

OPTIMIZATION AND VALIDATION OF HPLC-FLD METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF AFLATOXIN B1 AND PRODUCTION OF THIS MYCOTOXIN BY ASPERGILLUS SECTION FLAVI ISOLATES

A high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) was evaluated for the monitoring of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production by Aspergillus section Flavi isolates, which were found in the commodities of Slovak origin (barley and tomatoes). Rapid validation of the method was performed and the method was applied for the determination of the mycotoxin. Based on the calculated validation characteristics, the method showed high sensitivity and reproducibility. The LOD and LOQ determined were 0.03 and 0.10 µg.mL-1 which is fully acceptable for the determination of the AFB1 in isolates from plant commodities. The calibration graph was linear in the concentration range of 0.01– 10.0 µg.mL-1. The optimized method was used for the analysis of the mycotoxin in three Aspergillus section Flavi isolates. The submerse cultivation was performed at 25±1°C in yeast extract sucrose liquid medium and material was collected on the 7th, 14th and 21st day of cultivation. Simple sample extraction was carried out with use of ethyl acetate, and measurement was done with use of the mobile phase consisting of water and methanol by HPLC-FLD. Production of the AFB1 by isolates was ranging from &lt;LOD (0.03 µg. mL-1) to 49.38 µg.mL-1 with the highest concentration on the 14th day of cultivation. The maximum level of AFB1 was achieved by the Isolate 1 (isolated from barley, Kolíňany, 2018).

Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Poultry Feed in Selected Chicken Rearing Villages of Bishoftu Ethiopia.

BackgroundAflatoxins (AFs) are major contaminants of feed used in the poultry industry that negatively affect animal and human health. In Ethiopia, previous studies on AFs mainly considered cattle feed and milk but scarce information exists for poultry feeds.MethodsThe aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of AFs in poultry feed in selected chicken rearing villages of Bishoftu. The study was conducted from December 2018 to May 2019. Thirty-three compound poultry feed samples were collected and analyzed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) and total AFs (AFT) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The moisture content of the samples was also determined.ResultsThe result indicated that 31 (94%) from a total of 33 samples were contaminated with AFs. The mean levels of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 and AFT were 70.11 µg/kg, 13.50 µg/kg, 88.55 µg/kg, 18.00 µg/kg and 190.18 µg/kg, respectively. This study found AFs at a level above the limit of FDA regulatory levels of 20 µg/kg in 25 (72.75%) samples for AFT and 22 (66.67%) samples for AFB1. The analysis of moisture content of the samples, ranges from 7.33% to 11.17%, indicating all were at optimal value (<12%).ConclusionThe study showed the high contamination of AFs in poultry feeds with optimal moisture content and hence further investigations are needed to address the cause. The study also supports the need for preventive strategies of AFs contamination in poultry feeds in Bishoftu.

Impact of traditional transformation processes on the level of aflatoxin B1 in groundnut seeds sold in northern Togo

Impact of traditional transformation processes on the level of aflatoxin B1 in groundnut seeds sold in northern Togo