Contamination Of Animal Feed Research Articles

Transfer and bioaccumulation of chemical and biological contaminants in the marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor (OF müller 1776) when reared on salmon aquaculture sludge

Side streams from aquaculture production such as fish sludge poses ample opportunities for biological upcycling, as the sludge contains high amounts of nutrients, energy and valuable biochemicals, making it an ideal food for extractive species. Sludge has been proposed as a feed stock for polychaete production, which in turn can be utilized live in shrimp aquaculture or as an aquafeed ingredient. However, the biosafety of such value chains has not yet been addressed. We conducted an experiment exposing the polychaete Hediste diversicolor to aquaculture sludge spiked with four different fish pathogens (Mycobacterium salmoniphilum, Yersinia ruckeri, Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) and Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA)) known to cause diseases in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Moreover, we assessed whether heavy metals and other potentially hazardous elements present in fish sludge bioaccumulates in the polychaetes. Neither of the bacteria nor viruses could be detected in the polychaetes after 14 days of continuous exposure. Seven of the 15 elements we analysed showed bioaccumulation factors significantly below one, meaning biodilution, while the other eight did not differ from one, meaning no bioaccumulation. None of the elements showed a significant bioaccumulation. Further on, none of the heavy metals found in the polychaetes at the end of our experiment exceeded the EU regulatory maximum levels for fish feed ingredients. The current results suggest that a H. diversicolor can reared on aquaculture sludge, and aquaculture sludge may serve as feed stock for polychaete production without the product exceeding EU regulations for contaminants in animal feed.

A qualitative risk assessment of imports of animal feed as a potential pathway for Aujeszky's disease virus incursion

Aujeszky's disease (AD) is a highly contagious disease of pigs that primarily transmits by respiratory and oral routes. Evidence from recent outbreaks suggests that some swine viruses can survive in contaminated animal feed, thus posing a risk of entry via imports from other countries. To this end, a qualitative risk assessment was undertaken to determine the risk of introduction of AD virus (ADV) and infection of pigs via this route to determine if contaminated animal feed is a viable pathway for the spread of ADV. The feed categories investigated were soya bean/meal/oilcake, pet food, choline/lysine and spray dried porcine plasma. These were chosen based on their use in animal feed and the available data on viral contamination. The overall probability of an animal becoming infected from the importation of feed contaminated with ADV was estimated as Negligible or Very Low for all feed categories. The uncertainty associated with the estimates was assessed as Medium, due to the lack of data around the mechanisms that ADV could contaminate feedstuffs and for infection of susceptible animals from ADV infected feed.

The efficiency of mycotoxin binding by sorbents in the in vitro model using a naturally contaminated animal feed.

The productivity of domestic animals and the safety of food products derived from them are jeopardised by mycotoxins in animal feed. To control them, feed additives are used, which limit the absorption of mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract of animals by binding to them. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new in vitro model in experiments on the binding of mycotoxins from buffers and contaminated feed and to confirm the effect of a single sorbent or mixture in binding them. Nine mineral sorbents were tested for their efficiency binding eight mycotoxins. Two in vitro experiments were conducted to indicate the mycotoxin-binding capacity of sorbents, each specifying a buffer with one of two different pH levels reflecting gastrointestinal conditions (pH 3.5 and 7.0). The first investigated the sorbent with only the buffer and mycotoxin standards, while the second did so with the sorbent, buffer and feed naturally contaminated with mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and ochratoxin A). The sorption was significantly lower in the trial with feed. In the first experiment at gastric pH (pH 3.5), activated charcoal bound deoxynivalenol and sepiolite bound zearalenone at 70% and 96%, respectively, whereas in the second experiment with feed, the binding was only 3% and 6%. The study underlines the challenge of finding a feed additive that would work comprehensively, binding all mycotoxins regulated by law.

Aflatoxins in cattle concentrate feed and potential carry-over of aflatoxin B1 into milk in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Aflatoxin contamination of animal feed threatens livestock production and can harm human health when aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is carried over as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) into milk for human consumption; therefore, aflatoxins in cattle concentrate feeds sold in Dar es salaam, Tanzania were determined in this study. Aflatoxins in cattle concentrate feeds were determined using Enzyme-linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescent Detector (HPLC-FLD) and potential carry-over was determined using carry-over equations. Aflatoxins were found in 78% of the concentrate feed samples in the range LOD to 161.32 µg/kg. The mean total aflatoxins (TAFs) was 25.89 ± 3.3 µg/kg, higher than WHO/US-FDA limit of 20 µg/kg in feed although the difference was insignificant (P = 0.81). AFB1 mean was 18.87 ± 2.45 µg/kg and significantly exceeded the WHO/US-FDA limit of 5 µg/kg of AFB1 in dairy feed (P = 3.05 × 10–10). Aflatoxins B2, G1 and G2, were also detected ranging from ND – 75.06 µg/kg. The calculated AFM1 in milk was in the range 0.001 – 0.363 µg/L in low milkers, 0.002–0.666 µg/L in medium milkers and 0.002–0.806 µg/L in high milkers. Carry-over was estimated to range from 1.2 to 1.7%. This study revealed that concentrate feed sold in Dar es salaam was highly contaminated with aflatoxins; noteworthy aflatoxin B1 exceeded the WHO/US-FDA limit implying potential carry-over into milk which could expose milk consumers to aflatoxins, hence livestock feed chain participants need to be sensitized.

Prevalence and concentration of mycotoxins in bovine feed and feed components: A global systematic review and meta-analysis

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi and identified as contaminants in animal feed. They have potentially harmful effects, including carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and repro-toxicity in animals and humans. As a result of climate change, there is the potential for a change in the prevalence and concentration of mycotoxins in animal feed components. This necessitates an assessment of the present and emerging threats to the food supply chain from mycotoxins. This systematic review and meta-analysis study synthesised studies on mycotoxin contamination and prevalence in cattle feed components. The studies were collected from scientific databases Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Embase between 2011 and 2022. The meta-analysis synthesised 97 studies on the prevalence and the concentration of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin and T-2/HT-2 toxins in feed components. Aflatoxin was highly prevalent (59 %), with a concentration of 2.58–3.92 μg kg−1 in feed components. Ochratoxin A had a global prevalence of 31 % with a concentration of 5.56–12.41 μg kg−1. Deoxynivalenol had a global concentration of 233.17–327.73 μg kg−1 and a prevalence of 74 %. Zearalenone had a prevalence of 70 % and a concentration of 42.47–66.19 μg kg−1. The concentration and prevalence of fumonisins was 232.19–393.07 μg kg−1 and 65 %, respectively. The prevalence and concentration of T-2/HT-2 toxins were 45 % and 23.54–35.12 μg kg−1, respectively. The synthesised concentration of the mycotoxins in the overall feed components was lower than the regulated and guidance values set by the European Union. However, in a few cases, the 95th percentile exceeded these concentration values due to high levels of uncertainty attributed to lower sample size, and thus, need to be considered while conducting risk assessments. The study highlights climates and regions likely to be conducive to the emergence of mycotoxin risk, especially considering the potential influences of climate change.

Importance of Rigorous and Ongoing Monitoring of Animal Feed Quality and Storage Conditions to Mitigate Aflatoxin M1 Contamination in Dairy Products in Iran: A Health Policy Brief

Background: Milk and dairy products are essential for global nutrition, and ensuring their safety is crucial. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a carcinogen from contaminated animal feed, poses a significant threat to consumers. Objectives: This "health policy brief" highlights the critical need for meticulous and constant monitoring of Iran's animal feed quality and storage conditions to minimize AFM1 contamination in dairy products. Methods: Comprehensive review papers on AFM1 were reviewed in Iranian dairy products, drawing evidence from various databases. Results: The prevalence of AFM1 contamination in Iranian dairy products, particularly risky for children due to extensive consumption, exceeds safety limits, with livestock feed identified as the primary source. Public health demands rigorous monitoring practices, such as stricter feed quality and storage regulations, regular aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) testing, stakeholder collaboration, and public awareness. There are many benefits associated with these measures, including lowering AFM1 levels in dairy products, improving food safety standards, minimizing AFM1 exposure risks, especially for children, and increasing consumer confidence in the integrity of the Iranian dairy industry. Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of animal feed is crucial to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of Iranian dairy products, particularly for children. This comprehensive approach, collaboration, and public awareness are vital to mitigating AFM1 contamination and promoting Iran's safe and robust dairy industry.

Monitoring of Animal Feed Contamination by Mycotoxins: Results of Five Years of Official Control by an Accredited Italian Laboratory.

Mycotoxin contamination of animal feed is a complex issue in both animal wellness and food safety. The most diffused mycotoxins subject to the official control of animal feed are Aflatoxin B1 (AF), Zearalenone (ZEA), Deoxynivalenol (DON), Ochratoxin A (OCRA), Fumonisins (FUMO), and T-2/HT-2 toxins. This work describes the results of five years of monitoring focused on the evaluation of mycotoxin contamination of animal feed. Analytical determinations were carried out by means of accredited ELISA. The obtained results showed a non-alarming scenario, with several samples resulting as "non-compliant" according to the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) set in European Regulation No. 574/2011. Out of 722 analyzed samples coming from 2 Italian regions, Apulia and Basilicata, 14 samples were characterized by mycotoxin concentrations higher than related MRL; in particular, 5, 4, and 5 non-compliant samples for DON, AF, and ZEA, respectively. This study also evaluated the possible correlations between mycotoxin type and feed use with a special focus on animal sensitivity to mycotoxins.

Comparison Study of Two Fumonisin-Degrading Enzymes for Detoxification in Piglets.

Fumonisins (FBs), particularly fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) produced mainly by Fusarium verticillioide and Fusarium proliferatum, are common contaminants in animal feed and pose a serious threat to both animal and human health. The use of microbial enzymes to efficiently and specifically convert fumonisins into non-toxic or low-toxic metabolites has emerged as the most promising approach. However, most of the available enzymes have only been evaluated in vitro and lack systematic evaluation in vivo. In this study, the detoxification efficacy of two carboxylesterases, FumD (FUMzyme®) and FumDSB, was evaluated comparatively in piglets. The results show that feeding piglets 4.4 mg/kg FBs-contaminated diets for 32 days did not significantly affect the average daily gain, organ indices, and immunoglobulins of the piglets. However, a significant reduction (21.2%) in anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 was observed in the FBs group, and supplementation with FUMzyme® and FumDSB significantly increased interleukin-4 by 62.1% and 28.0%, respectively. In addition, FBs-contaminated diets resulted in a 3-fold increase in the serum sphinganine/sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio, which is a specific biomarker that has been used to accurately reflect fumonisin levels. The serum Sa/So ratio was significantly reduced by 48.8% after the addition of FUMzyme®, and was insignificantly reduced by 8.2% in the FumDSB group. These results suggested that FUMzyme was more effective than FumDSB in mitigating FBs toxicity in piglets by down-regulating the Sa/So ratio.

Bile Acids Promote Hepatic Biotransformation and Excretion of Aflatoxin B1 in Broiler Chickens.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a hazardous mycotoxin that often contaminates animal feed and may potentially induce severe liver damage if ingested. The liver is the primary organ responsible for AFB1 detoxification through enzyme-catalyzed xenobiotic metabolism and bile acid (BA)-associated excretion. In this study, we sought to investigate whether exogenous BA improves hepatic AFB1 detoxification to alleviate AFB1-induced liver injury in broiler chickens. Five-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three groups. CON and AFB1 received a basal diet; AFB1 + BA received a basal diet with 250 mg/kg BA for 20 days. After a 3-day pre-feed, AFB1 and AFB1 + BA were daily gavaged with 250 μg/kg BW AFB1, while CON received gavage solvent for AFB1 treatment. Dietary BA supplementation protected chickens from AFB1-induced hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress. The hepatic biotransformation of AFB1 to its metabolite AFBO was improved, with accelerated excretion to the gallbladder and cecum. Accordantly, AFB1-induced down-regulation of detoxification genes, including cytochrome P450 enzymes, glutathione S-transferases, and the bile salt export pump, was rescued by BA supplementation. Moreover, liver X receptor α, suppressed by AFB1, was enhanced in BA-treated broiler chickens. These results indicate that dietary BA supplementation improves hepatic AFB1 detoxification and excretion through LXRα-involved regulation of xenobiotic enzymes.

Recent Advances in Biodecontamination of Aflatoxins in Foodstuffs: Using Biomass (2011-2021)

Background: Aflatoxin is one of the most hazardous toxins produced by Aspergillus spp. and contaminates animal feed and therefore human food. Aflatoxin exposure causes several health problems including liver, kidney, and intestine disorders for human beings. Therefore, an efficient decontamination method for food stuff seems essential. Objective: The aim of this mini-review was to go over the recent advances in the decontamination of aflatoxins in foodstuffs and explain the bio-removal methods based on microorganisms during the last decade. Methods: Literature research was performed using the keywords “aflatoxin”, “bio removal”, “decontamination”, “food”, and “biomass” individually or all together, in Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed in the last decade. Results: LABs and yeasts are the most useful and successful microorganisms in this field. These methods are very efficient, specific, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, also they do not affect the nutritional value of the foodstuffs, unlike the physical or chemical techniques. The bio-removal methods contain aflatoxin adsorption and degradation. Conclusion: Although more studies and researches are required to evaluate the different types of toxin removal using various microorganisms and their practical aspects and the highest efficiency should be determined.

Mycotoxins of phytopathogenic fungi and mycotoxicosis: a historical essay (review)

Mold fungi and the mycotoxins they produce have invariably accompanied humans, since the basis of its existence was agriculture, which allows to get more products than was necessary for consumption, as well as requiring the storage of crops between seasons. This provided a favorable ecological niche for molds, and stored agricultural products became the main source of mycotoxins in the diets of humans and farm animals. Since then, mycotoxins have been the cause of many large-scale poisonings and have caused significant damage to agriculture. The article provides a brief historical sketch and the most significant stages of the study of mycotoxins, which are the cause of frequent and large-scale lesions, reveals the specific circumstances that caused the researchers' keen interest in this group of substances. For a long time, the immediate cause of poisoning caused by mycotoxins remained unknown due to the weak technical equipment of researchers and the isolation of active substances was impossible, which, however, was not an obstacle to the development of methods to combat infection with mold fungi and poisoning caused by mycotoxins. The improvement of the technical base of research in the middle of the 20th century led to an increase in the number of discovered mycotoxins and the discovery of new toxic effects of already known compounds. Mycotoxins remain one of the most dangerous contaminants in both farm animal feed and food, despite the fact that in many countries they are subject to strict regulation and control. In the context of the increasing intensification of agriculture, a decrease in the species diversity of agricultural crops, the problem of the spread of mold fungi and, as a result, the degree of mycotoxin damage to agricultural products does not lose its importance, and the study of the history of the study of mycotoxins and their producers can provide important information on the spread of mold fungi in new economic conditions.

Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson: A new threat to agriculture in Europe and the Mediterranean region

AbstractAmaranthus palmeri S. Watson is a dioecious broad‐leaved species characterised by rapid growth, high seed production, efficient resource use and adaptability to diverse environments and cropping systems. A. palmeri populations are spreading beyond their native range in south western United States, into the Mediterranean region and have been reported in several European and Mediterranean countries. First stands were located along roadsides, and later in nearby agricultural fields. Possible routes of introduction include contaminated animal feed and grain shipments for industrial processing. Some European A. palmeri populations appear to be already resistant to 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase and acetolactate synthase inhibitors when imported. Recent studies suggest that this trait may have evolved in the origin country before the introduction into southern Europe and the wider Mediterranean region. Effective, transboundary networks have to be established between farmers and researchers to raise agricultural community awareness and continuously monitor the invasiveness of A. palmeri in Europe. In this review, we first highlight botanical characteristics that allow accurate identification of A. palmeri from closely related Amaranthus species. Then, we summarise recent reports on the occurrence of A. palmeri in Europe and the Mediterranean region. We proceed to assess future invasion and spread across Europe according to climate and agricultural practices. In addition, we review measures to early detect A. palmeri and emphasised on feasible, chemical and non‐chemical weed control methods as components of integrated weed management to mitigate the impact of A. palmeri invasion on European agriculture.

Blunting ROS/TRPML1 pathway protects AFB1-induced porcine intestinal epithelial cells apoptosis by restoring impaired autophagic flux

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a stable mycotoxin that contaminates animal feed on a large scale and causes severe damage to intestinal cells, induces inflammation and stimulates autophagy. Transient receptor potential mucolipin subfamily 1 (TRPML1) is a regulatory factor of autophagy, but the underlying mechanisms of TRPML1-mediated autophagy in AFB1 intestine toxicity remain elucidated. In the present study, AFB1 (0, 5, 10 μg/mL) was shown to reduce cell viability, increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and apoptosis rate. Additionally, AFB1 caused structural damage to mitochondria and lysosomes and increased autophagosomes numbers. Furthermore, AFB1 promoted Ca2+ release by activating the TRPML1 channel, stimulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins, and induced autophagic flux blockade. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of autophagosome formation by 3-methyladenine attenuated AFB1-induced apoptosis by downregulating the levels of TRPML1 and ROS, whereas blockade of autophagosome-lysosomal fusion by chloroquine alleviated AFB1-induced apoptosis by upregulating TRPML1 expression and exacerbating ROS accumulation. Intriguingly, blocking AFB1-induced autophagic flux generated ROS- and TRPML1-dependent cell death, as shown by the decreased apoptosis in the presence the free radical scavenger N-Acetyl-L-cysteine and the TRPML1 inhibitor ML-SI1. Overall, these results showed that AFB1 promoted apoptosis of IPEC-J2 cells by disrupting autophagic flux through activation of the ROS/TRPML1 pathway.

Exploitation of selected plant extracts as bio-control against fungal contaminants in animal feed

ObjectivesPakistan is among the top agricultural countries around the globe, but mycotoxin contamination causes a major commercial loss every year. The present study aimed to isolate the fungi and their mycotoxins present in contaminated feed of animals in the local market of Peshawar. MethodologyThe antifungal activity of certain plant extracts was to be tested against pathogenic fungi. TLC method was used for mycotoxin analysis and it was found that Aflatoxin G1, G2, B1 and B2 were present in different amounts both qualitatively and quantitatively based on samples. ResultThis study found the presence of contamination in all the tested feed samples. All ten samples were found positive for Aspergillus flavus. B1 toxin was found in high quantity in all ten samples, while G2 was found in a lower quantity as compared to other toxins such as G1, B1 and B2. The quantity of aflatoxin was from 48.6 to 284.7 ppb in 25 g of samples. In the case of antifungal potency, all plant extracts showed important antifungal potency against tested fungi. The MIC and MFC values noted ranged from 110 to 300 mg/ml and 100–300 mg/ml respectively. Citrus aurantium and Myrtus communis were absorbed to have antifungal potency against all test fungi. Citrus aurantium extracts were also found to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus. ConclusionAccording to the results of the present research, a variety of fungal strains and aflatoxins were present in animal feed in numerous parts of Peshawar, Pakistan and different plant extracts can be used in animal feed to reduce this type of contamination.

Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 and Risk Assessment in Bovine Milk from the Amazon Region

Aflatoxins (AFL) are fungal metabolites that can contaminate animal feed, causing toxic effects after consumption. Among the AFL, there are reports of the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk, so the objective of this work was to evaluate the AFM1 content in bovine milk samples produced in the State of Amazonas-Brazil. Of the analyzed samples (n=30), 20% were found to be contaminated with AFM1 in the range of 0.093-0.320 μg/kg (Limit of detection= 0.0625 μg/mL). No sample exceeded current Brazilian legislation, but all exceeded the maximum European regulatory limit of 0.05 μg/kg. Risk analysis estimated a daily intake of 5.357 x 10-7 mg/kg body weight/day for men and 6.257 x 10-7 mg/kg body weight/day for women. The MOE result did not indicate concern in public health aspects. On the other hand, the occurrence of AFM1 in the state of Amazonas was observed in an unprecedented way and need further investigation including other dairy products.

On the issue of soybeans and soybean meal contamination with glyphosate

The data of residual content of glyphosate and its metabolite in soybean and soybean meal imported to the Russian Federation are presented. The properties of glyphosate, and methods of its application are shown; risks of its usage are discribed. The existing ways of glyphosate residual amounts regulation in soybean and soybean meal, described, as well as control methods. According the research, the average content of glyphosate in imported soybeans is about 2.088 mg/kg, with maximum at 3.41 mg/kg. The average glyphosate concentration in soybean meal is 1.57 mg/kg; maximum – 2.28 mg / kg. It was found what soybeans from Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina are contaminated with glyphosate and its metabolite at concentrations up to 4.15 and 5.23 mg/kg, respectively. Soybean meal imported into the Russian Federation from these countries may contain glyphosate at the level about 2.09 mg/kg. It has been confirmed that during the further processing of soybean and soybean meal, glyphosate and its metabolite can to contaminate animal feed. The maximum detected concentration of glyphosate in the feed is 0.5 mg/kg, and for glyphosate metabolite – 1.26 mg/kg.

Deoxynivalenol in food and feed: Recent advances in decontamination strategies.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that contaminates animal feed and crops around the world. DON not only causes significant economic losses, but can also lead diarrhea, vomiting, and gastroenteritis in humans and farm animals. Thus, there is an urgent need to find efficient approaches for DON decontamination in feed and food. However, physical and chemical treatment of DON may affect the nutrients, safety, and palatability of food. By contrast, biological detoxification methods based on microbial strains or enzymes have the advantages of high specificity, efficiency, and no secondary pollution. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the recently developed strategies for DON detoxification and classify their mechanisms. In addition, we identify remaining challenges in DON biodegradation and suggest research directions to address them. In the future, an in-depth understanding of the specific mechanisms through which DON is detoxified will provide an efficient, safe, and economical means for the removal of toxins from food and feed.

Prevalence and Concentration of Mycotoxins in Animal Feed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study seeks a comprehensive meta-analysis of mycotoxin contaminants in animal feed consumed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The obtained articles were reviewed, and 49 articles that investigated the contamination of mycotoxins including aflatoxins (AFs), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2 toxin, fumonisins (FUM), and ochratoxin A (OTA), in feed samples or components of animal feed in the MENA region were selected. The titles of the final articles included in the study were meta-analyzed. Necessary information was extracted and categorized from the articles, and a meta-analysis was performed using Stata software. The highest contamination was in dry bread (80%), and Algeria was the most contaminated country (87% of animal feed), with the most mycotoxins contaminating AFs (47%) and FUM (47%). The highest concentration of mycotoxins in animal feed is related to FUM (1240.01 μg/kg). Climate change, economic situation, agricultural and processing methods, the nature of the animal feed, and improper use of food waste in animal feed are among the most critical factors that are effective in the occurrence of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed in MENA. Control of influential factors in the occurrence of contaminations and rapid screening with accurate identification methods to prevent the occurrence and spread of mycotoxin contamination of animal feed seem important.

POTENTIAL OF SEAWEED (Eucheuma cottonii) EXTRACT AS A HEPATOPROTECTOR IN RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) INDUCED ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES

The use of organophosphate pesticides in developing countries is already widespread and can contaminate animal feed or human food ingredients which has an impact on liver damage and other organs. The use of seaweed containing polyphenols as a hepatoprotector for organophosphate poisoning has not been widely used by the public. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of seaweed extract as a hepatoprotector in organophosphate-induced rabbits as seen from serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) levels. This study used a complete randomized design with 20 male rabbits as experimental animals which were divided into 4 treatments with 5 repetitions, namely: P0 was the control group which was only given distilled water, P1 was the group given seaweed extract at a dose of 200 mg/Kg BW, P2 is the group given seaweed extract at a dose of 400 mg/KgBB and P3 is the positive control group which is not given seaweed extract and distilled water. On the 15th day the P1, P2, and P3 groups were given profenofos pesticide at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW. The results showed a very significant difference (p-value = 0.02, α = 0.05) in SGOT levels between the P0 control group (135.4 ± 67.00 U/L) and the P1 treatment group (41.8 ± 17.45 U/L), P2 (25.8 ± 8.75 U/L), and the positive control group P3 (70 ± 29.04). The results of the study also found that there was no significant difference in SGPT levels in the P0 control group and the P1, P2, and P3 control groups. Giving seaweed extract with different doses provides a hepatoprotector effect by reducing the release of SGOT into the blood.

Development and validation of HPLC-FLD method for aflatoxin M1 determination in milk and dairy products

Abstract Milk and dairy products are the most consumed foods in human diet and their safety is in the attention centre of control authorities. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a dangerous toxin that can occur in milk and dairy products as a metabolite formed from aflatoxin B1 contained in contaminated animal feed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a reliable method for the determination of AFM1 content in milk and dairy products based on HPLC with fluorescence detection employing immunoaffinity columns (IAC) pre-treatment. Optimal chromatographic separation of AFM1 was achieved using a water/acetonitrile mixture (80/20, v/v) as a mobile phase, column with C18 stationary phase maintained at 25 °C, and fluorescence detection at excitation wavelengths of 360 nm and emission of 440 nm. Efficacy of AFM1 extraction from the samples was found to be influenced by the elution agent composition. The best results were obtained using 1.25 mL of acetonitrile/methanol (3/2, v/v) and 1.25 mL of water. Validation parameters of the proposed method met the criteria set by the European legislation with the limits of detection and quantification at 0.002 and 0.007 µg/kg, respectively. Also, suitability of the method was confirmed by its application for AFM1 determination in certified reference material. Finally, the method was applied for AFM1 determination in 25 milk and dairy products collected in Slovakia; the AFM1 content was below the limit of quantification. It was concluded that the method is suitable for AFM1 content monitoring in milk and dairy products.