Level Of M1 Research Articles

Abstract A44: Inhibition of Foxm1 transcription factor diminished Kras-mutated tumor development

Abstract Increased expression level of the Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor is found in multiple types of cancers, and its expression is correlated with poor prognosis in patients with cancers, including non-small cell lung cancers and pancreatic cancers. We and others have shown that FoxM1 transcriptionally regulates a variety of genes essential for cell cycle progression, inflammation, angiogenesis, tumor cell invasiveness and survival. Published studies demonstrated that genetic deletion of Foxm1 gene from SPC-rtTA/tetO-KrasG12D/Foxm1 fl/fl mouse lung epithelial cells conferred resistance to tumorigenesis caused by oncogenic KrasG12D, indicating Foxm1 is a critical regulator of Kras signaling pathway during lung cancer initiation. When treated SPC-rtTA/tetO-KrasG12D/tetO-FOXM1 mice with Doxycycline, lung epithelial cell-specific expressed transgenic FOXM1 and Kras cooperate to promote tumor growth in mouse lungs. In the present study, we determine whether expression of FoxM1 affects proliferation of human cancer cells harboring oncogenic Kras. Here, we show that depletion of FOXM1 expression using inducible shFOXM1 diminished proliferation of Kras-mutated human non-small cell adenocarcinoma (A549 and NCI-H23) and pancreatic cancer (PANC-1 and AsPC-1) cell lines. In contrast, increased expression of FOXM1 caused increased proliferation of Kras mutated cancer cells. Scratch wound healing assay demonstrated that FOXM1 stimulates the migration of these cells, which is associated with elevated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Our studies demonstrate that FOXM1 transcription factor is required for Kras mutated human cancer cells proliferation during tumor progression. Citation Format: I-Ching Wang, Hsin Chih Chien, Sheng-Yang Chao, Chien-Cheng Li. Inhibition of Foxm1 transcription factor diminished Kras-mutated tumor development. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr A44.

Seasonal prevalence level of aflatoxin M1 and its estimated daily intake in Pakistan

Aflatoxin M1 level was measured in 520 milk samples during autumn, winter, spring and summer seasons of 2013–14 in five districts of Southern Punjab-Pakistan. Analyses were performed by using enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) method. Aflatoxin M1 was found positive in 93% milk samples in the range of 0.001–0.26 μg/l while 53% samples were found to exceed the European Union maximum Limit for aflatoxins M1 i.e. 0.05 μg/l. The seasonal prevalence level of AFM1 was found in the order of winter > spring > autumn > summer. Comparing the aflatoxin M1 level during different day times, morning milk was found 37–50% more contaminated than evening milk. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of aflatoxins M1 during different seasons of year for various age groups was found in the range of 0.22–5.45 ng/kg/day. Infants were found in the highest risk group while adults were in the lowest. The results of the study indicate that people of Pakistan are at high risk of health issues related with aflatoxins M1.

Parthenolide Relieves Pain and Promotes M2 Microglia/Macrophage Polarization in Rat Model of Neuropathy.

Neuropathic pain treatment remains a challenge because pathomechanism is not fully understood. It is believed that glial activation and increased spinal nociceptive factors are crucial for neuropathy. We investigated the effect of parthenolide (PTL) on the chronic constriction injury to the sciatic nerve (CCI)-induced neuropathy in rat. We analyzed spinal changes in glial markers and M1 and M2 polarization factors, as well as intracellular signaling pathways. PTL (5 µg; i.t.) was preemptively and then daily administered for 7 days after CCI. PTL attenuated the allodynia and hyperalgesia and increased the protein level of IBA1 (a microglial/macrophage marker) but did not change GFAP (an astrocyte marker) on day 7 after CCI. PTL reduced the protein level of M1 (IL-1β, IL-18, and iNOS) and enhanced M2 (IL-10, TIMP1) factors. In addition, it downregulated the phosphorylated form of NF-κB, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2 protein level and upregulated STAT3. In primary microglial cell culture we have shown that IL-1β, IL-18, iNOS, IL-6, IL-10, and TIMP1 are of microglial origin. Summing up, PTL directly or indirectly attenuates neuropathy symptoms and promotes M2 microglia/macrophages polarization. We suggest that neuropathic pain therapies should be shifted from blanketed microglia/macrophage suppression toward maintenance of the balance between neuroprotective and neurotoxic microglia/macrophage phenotypes.

Presence of aflatoxin M1 in white and hard cheese samples from Serbia

The level of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in 54 samples of white and hard type of cheese produced in Serbia was investigated using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Two methodologies were developed for sample extraction, separately for white and hard type of cheese. The first one involved sample extraction with mixture of acetonitrile/water (86:14, v/v) for white cheese without sample clean-up step. The second method consisted of a sample extraction with dichloromethane/acetone for hard cheese followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up by SPE C18 cartridges. The average recoveries of AFM1 from spiked samples at levels of 0.25–0.50 μg/kg, were 73–111% and the precision (RSD) ranged from 7 to 9% with the first method, whilst the average recoveries from samples spiked at levels of 0.125–0.50 μg/kg were 71–80%, with RSD ranged from 4 to 10% for the second method. Due to different matrix effects, the quantification limits were 0.125 and 0.02 μg/kg for white and hard type of cheeses, respectively. Seven samples (13%) exceeded the maximum acceptable level of 0.25 μg/kg has been established for AFM1 in some European countries like Switzerland, France, Austria and Turkey.

Study on the Level of Aflatoxin M1 Contamination in Raw and Processed Milk Marketed in Kathmandu Valley

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the principal hydroxylated AFB1 metabolite mainly present in milk. In this study the levels of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in Raw and Pasteurized milk marketed in Kathmandu valley was estimated. Altogether 32 milk samples (Raw 16, Pasteurized 16) obtained from different areas of Kathmandu valley were analysed for AFM1 by Thin Layer Chromatography. The milk samples were analyzed according to the official AOAC methods, which included extraction of toxin using chloroform, clearing by silica gel column chromatography, qualitative analysis by Thin Layer Chromatography and quantification by Visual comparison of the spots. AFM1 was found in 14 (43.75%) of milk samples examined. The levels of AFM1 in 7 (21.87%) samples were higher than the maximum tolerance limit (0.05 µg/l) accepted by some European countries while none of the samples exceeded the prescribed limit of US regulations. The mean concentration of AFM1 was higher in Raw milk (0.030 ± 0.042 µg/l) compared to pasteurized (0.022 ± 0.039) but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). This finding reflects that milk marketed in Kathmandu valley contains residual level of Aflatoxin M1 and pose public health risk. Therefore, milk and milk products have to be screened for AFM1 contamination periodically. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v7i0.10598 J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 7 (52-56), 2012

Reduction of aflatoxins by Rhizopus oryzae and Trichoderma reesei.

This study evaluated the ability of the microorganisms Rhizopus oryzae (CCT7560) and Trichoderma reesei (QM9414), producers of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) enzymes, to reduce the level of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1. The variables considered to the screening were the initial number of spores in the inoculum and the culture time. The culture was conducted in contaminated 4% potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, and the residual mycotoxins were determined every 24h by HPLC-FL. The fungus R. oryzae has reduced aflatoxins B1, B2, and G1 in the 96h and aflatoxins M1 and G2 in the range of 120h of culture by approximately 100%. The fungus T. reesei has reduced aflatoxins B1, B2, and M1 in the 96h and aflatoxin G1 in the range of 120h of culture by approximately 100%. The highest reduction occurred in the middle of R. oryzae culture.

Detection of Aflatoxin B1 in Fodders Correlated With the Level of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk from Transylvanian Dairy Cow Farms

A number of 22 feedstuffs samples were collected from dairy cow farms in four Transylvanian counties and analyzed for mycological and mycotoxicological content. The mycological examination was performed by cultivation on Sabouraud medium. The quantitative identification of Aflatoxin B 1 from samples was performed by means of ELISA, a directly competitive immunoenzymatic test. Our purpose was to determine the mycotic load, identification of Fungi genera in analyzed samples and assess Aflatoxin B 1 level in fodders. We correlated the contamination degree of fodders with the level of Aflatoxin M 1 in milk, with and without mycotoxins inhibitors. A moderate and intense mycotic charge was identified in a number of 15 samples. Aflatoxin B 1 levels showed values of 1,13 to 92,92 µg/kg in all samples. The maximum level of Aflatoxin M 1 in milk samples was 160 ng/kg. The high level of Aflatoxin B 1 from analyzed samples was correlated with an increased values of Aflatoxin M 1 in the milk of dairy cows in investigated areas. The removal of the contaminated fodders from the combined fodder and administration of mycotoxins inhibitors leaded to a decrease level of Aflatoxin M 1 in milk.

Overlapping representations for grip type and reach direction

To grasp an object, we need to move the arm toward it and assume the appropriate hand configuration. While previous studies suggested dorsomedial and dorsolateral pathways in the brain specialized respectively for the transport and grip components, more recent studies cast doubt on such a clear-cut distinction. It is unclear, however, to which degree neuronal populations selective for the two components overlap, and if so, to which degree they interact. Here, we used multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to investigate the representation of three center-out movements (touch, pincer grip, whole-hand grip) performed in five reach directions. We found selectivity exclusively for reach direction in posterior and rostral superior parietal lobes (SPLp, SPLr), supplementary motor area (SMA), and the superior portion of dorsal premotor cortex (PMDs). Instead, we found selectivity for both grip type and reach direction in the inferior portion of dorsal premotor cortex (PMDi), ventral premotor cortex (PMv), anterior intraparietal sulcus (aIPS), primary motor (M1), somatosensory (S1) cortices and the anterior superior parietal lobe (SPLa). Within these regions, PMv, M1, aIPS and SPLa showed weak interactions between the transport and grip components. Our results suggest that human PMDi and S1 contain both grip- and reach-direction selective neuronal populations that retain their functional independence, whereas this information might be combined at the level of PMv, M1, aIPS, and SPLa.

Levels of aflatoxin M1 in different types of milk collected in Serbia: Assessment of human and animal exposure

The level of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in 50 milk samples collected from February to June 2013 from Serbian market or domestically produced was determined using simple non-specific sample preparation method based on solid phase extraction (Oasis HLB, Waters) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with heated electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC/HESI-MS/MS). The range of detection was between < LOD and 1.44 μg/kg with mean value of 0.30 μg/kg. Thirty-eight samples (76%) exceed the maximum level of 0.05 μg/kg sets by EU. The highest level of 1.44 μg/kg was found in raw sample of domestically produced milk while the lowest one in organic produced milk. The evaluation of the exposure degree of AFM1 through the milk consumption by the average Serbian citizen was estimated at levels of 1.420, 0.769 and 0.503 ng/kg bw/day during February, April and May, respectively. Estimation of the corresponding concentration of AFB1 in feedstuffs was evaluated as 18.75 μg/kg. The calculated hazard index of 7.1, 3.8 and 2.5 for February, April and May, respectively, was higher than 1 indicated serious risk of AFM1 to Serbian consumers. This work presents the first insight in the occurrence of AFM1 in milk collected in Serbia as well as mycotoxin intake through milk consumption by Serbian adult population.

ELISA 방법을 이용한 요중 아플라톡신 M1 측정

본 연구는 요중 아플라톡신 M1 (AFM1)의 농도를 측정할 수 있는 competitive ELISA 방법의 특성을 HPLC-fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) 방법과 비교하여 평가하였다. ELISA 방법에서의 AFM1의 회수율은 105% (73-124%)였고 측정의 변이계수는 6.85%로 나타났다. ELISA 방법에서의 검출한계와 정량한계는 각각 0.20 pg/ml과 0.62 pg/ml로 조사되었으며, 두 방법을 이용하여 측정한 요중 AFM1 농도는 상관계수 0.96의 매우 높은 상관성이 있는 것으로 확인되었다(p<0.01). 그러나, 이렇게 높은 상관성에도 불구하고, ELISA 방법을 이용한 요중 AFM1의 농도는 HPLC-FLD 방법으로 측정한 값에 비해 상대적으로 높게 나타나는 경향을 보여 ELISA를 이용한 방법이 단시간에 많은 시료를 분석할 수 있는 장점은 있으나 그 결과는 HPLC-FLD 방법을 이용해서 얻은 회귀식을 이용하여 보정을 한 후 제시할 필요가 있는 것으로 판단된다. We compared the efficacy of the competitive ELISA method for measuring the level of urinary aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) with that of the HPLC-fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) method. The recovery rate of AFM1 with the ELISA method was 105% (73-124%), and the coefficient of variation of the analysis was 6.85%. The ELISA method showed a 0.20 pg/ml and 0.62 pg/ml limit of detection and limit of quantitation, respectively. In correlation analysis, the two methods showed a very strong and statistically significant correlation (R=0.96, p<0.01). However, in spite of the strong correlation, the ELISA method tended to overestimate the urinary AFM1 concentration compared to the HPLC-FLD method. These results suggest that the competitive ELISA method may be a useful technique for measuring the AFM1 level in high-throughput urine samples, but it needs to be corrected with a regression equation from regression analysis with the HPLC-FLD method.

The level of urinary aflatoxin M1 in Korean adults

Competitive ELISA methods was used to measure the level of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) from urine in 1008 of Korean adults. Subjects were selected by random sampling in all area of Korea except Cheju-do. The recovery rate of AFM1 in this method was 105% (73-124%). The geometric mean of urinary AFM1 in all subjects was 3.43 pg/mL (3.67 ng/ g creatinine). The level of AFM1 in male showed statistically higher than one in female subjects. However, the levels of AFM1 were not different according to their age. The subjects in Chungbuk-do showed the highest urinary AFM1 concentration, whereas the subjects in Kyeongnamdo showed the lowest one. Assuming an excretion rate of 5%, this AFM1 excretion corresponds to about a 0.1 microgram/day in Korean adults.

Expression of RRM1 and its association with resistancy to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Gemcitabine has high activity against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The level of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 (RRM1) expression is closely related to the efficacy of gemcitabine on non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. However, the expression of RRM1 and its association with sensitivity to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in advanced NPC is not known. In this study, we retrospectively collected 48 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded NPC tissues to evaluate the expression of RRM1 using immunohistochemistry. All patients were diagnosed and treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. RRM1 expression was positive in 17 (35%) patients. RRM1 expression was not associated with sex, age, performance status, WHO histological type, number of distant metastases, previous treatment, or cycles of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (P > 0.05). The progression-free survival of the RRM1-positive group was shorter than that of the RRM1-negative group (5 months vs. 7 months, P = 0.036), and the response rate of the RRM1-positive group was somewhat lower than that of the RRM1-negative group (51.6% vs. 35.3%, P = 0.278). There was no significant difference in median survival between the RRM1-positive and RRM1-negative groups (22 months vs. 19 months, P = 0.540). Our results show that RRM1-negative expression is related with longer progression-free survival in advanced NPC patients treated with gemcitabine-based regimens.

Survey on Contaminated Raw Milks with Aflatoxin M1 in the Sarab Region, Iran

Mycotoxins are those groups of fungus metabolites witch as the result of the consumption of contaminated food causes human or animal illness or death and the resulted illness from this is called mycotoxicosis. In this study 100 samples from milk were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxin M1 by thin layer chromatography. This study showed that from 100 samples were analyzed a total of 84 samples (84%) were positive for aflatoxin M1and 16 samples (16%) were negative. The range of aflatoxin M 1 content was 30-630 ng/lit. Contamination rate of aflatoxin M 1 in tanks milk in around (84%) with amounts ranging 30 to 630 ng/lit. All contaminated samples had a level of aflatoxin M1 above the European countries standard (50ng/lit). Therefore, the following suggestions are made. Determined standard complications for aflatoxin limit value in feed and aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products- use of effective methods for treatment of contaminated feed, milk and dairy products.

OCCURRENCE OF AFLATOXIN M1 IN RAW MILK FROM SOUTH KOREA WINTER SEASONS USING AN IMMUNOAFFINITY COLUMN AND HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

ABSTRACT The contamination level of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk samples produced in South Korea during the winter season was investigated using immunoaffinity column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography equipped with a fluorescence detector. Among the test samples collected from 100 cattle ranches in 2008 and 2009, none were contaminated with AFM1 over the maximum level (0.5 µg/L) set by South Korea and U.S. regulatory agencies. Seven percent of the tested samples obtained in 2008 were not contaminated with AFM1; however, this increased to 34% for samples obtained in 2009. The percent of samples with an AFM1 concentration in the range of 0.05–0.10 µg/L decreased from 21% in 2008 to 4% in 2009. In this study, the level of AFM1 in raw milk was determined to be very low and safe for market milk process. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis study, the first time in South Korea, contamination of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk, during 2 years seasons was investigated using immunoaffinity column and high performance liquid chromatography. This was a large survey for AFM1 level in the raw milk samples from 100 dairy ranches. The result can be used as reference data to understand the current occurrence of AFM1 and estimate the contamination levels of AFM1 in various dairy products in South Korea.

M1 AFLATOXIN, TOTAL BACTERIAL COUNT AND SOMATIC CELL COUNT IN ORGANIC AND CONVENTIONAL MILK

Comparative quality evaluation of organic and conventional milk produced in similar environmental condition was performed. Bulk-tank milk was sampled once a week during 30 weeks from 10 organic and 10 conventional dairy farms where aflatoxin M1 level was previous tested during 11 months on bulk-tank milk from tanker at the processing plant. Somatic Cells and Total Microbial Counts did not show differences that can be related to the organic production system, suggesting an effect induced by farm size and technical factors. Higher level of Aflatoxin M1 was found in organic than conventional milk.

Aflatoxin contamination of consumer milk caused by contaminated rice by‐products in compound cattle feed

AbstractBACKGROUND: Elevated levels of aflatoxin M1 were observed in routine checks of consumer milk in southern Sweden in early 2006. A trace‐back study revealed contaminated milk from several farms, and a total of 68 farms were banned from delivering milk to dairies for shorter or longer periods. The maximum level of aflatoxin M1 in a single sample from an individual farm was 257 ng kg−1 fresh milk.RESULTS: Aflatoxin analyses of commercial compound feed revealed that the contamination originated from the ingredient rice feed meal, a by‐product from the preparation of Basmati rice for human consumption. Up to 56 µg kg−1 of aflatoxin B1 was found in rice feed meal at one feed mill.CONCLUSION: The present example shows that an aflatoxin‐contaminated minor feed ingredient included at less than 10% (w/w) of compound cattle feed can significantly contaminate the milk produced. This emphasises the need for effective monitoring of the feed chain of food‐producing animals in order to prevent food contamination. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Fate of aflatoxin M1 in Iranian white cheese processing

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is an important mycotoxin frequently found in milk and dairy products. AFM1 is a major metabolic product of Aflatoxin B1 and is usually excreted in the milk and urine of dairy cattle that have consumed aflatoxin-contaminated feed.The aim of this study was to determine the AFM1 concentration in curd and whey of Iranian white cheese. The cheese milk samples were artificially contaminated with AFM1 in six levels (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, and 1.75μgL−1). Cheese was produced according to Iranian traditional recipe. AFM1 distribution between curd, whey and cheese was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using immunoaffinity column clean up and florescence detection. AFM1 was recovered in whey, curd and cheese in the concentrations of 0.43, 1.47 and 1.57μgL−1,respectively. The level of Aflatoxin M1 in curd and cheese obtained 3.12- and 3.65-fold more than that in whey that shows the affinity of Aflatoxin M1 to the protein fraction of milk.

Relationship between the velocity of illusory hand movement and strength of MEG signals in human primary motor cortex and left angular gyrus

We studied the relationship between the velocity of movement illusion and the activity level of primary motor area (M1) and of the left angular gyrus (AG) in humans. To induce illusory movement perception, we applied co-vibration at different frequencies on tendons of antagonistic muscle groups. Since it is well established that the velocity of illusory movement is related to the difference in vibration frequency applied to two antagonistic muscles, we compared magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals recorded in two conditions of co-vibration: in the "fast illusion" condition a frequency difference of 80 Hz was applied on the tendons of the right wrist extensor and flexor muscle groups, whereas in the "slow illusion" condition a frequency difference of 40 Hz was applied on the same muscle groups. The dipole strength, reflecting the activity level of structures, was measured over M1 and the left AG in two different time-periods: 0-400 and 400-800 ms in each condition. Our results showed that the activity level of the AG was similar in both conditions whatever the time-period, whereas the activity level of M1 was higher in the "fast illusion" condition compared to the "slow illusion" condition from 400 ms after the vibration onset only. The data suggest that the two structures differently contributed to the perception of illusory movements. Our hypothesis is that M1 would be involved in the coding of cinematic parameters of the illusory movement but not the AG.

Changing pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its risk factors in Egypt: Possibilities for prevention

The burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been increasing in Egypt with a doubling in the incidence rate in the past 10 years. This has been attributed to several biological (e.g. hepatitis B and C virus infection) and environmental factors (e.g. aflatoxin, AF). Other factors such as cigarette smoking, occupational exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, and endemic infections in the community, such as schistosomiasis, may have additional roles in the etiology or progression of the disease. Estimates of the burden of cancer caused by these factors provide an opportunity for prevention. Previously, there was strong evidence that hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the major cause of HCC in Egypt, but more recently HCV has become the predominant factor associated with the more recent epidemic of HCC. It has been well documented that Egypt has one of the highest prevalence rates of HCV infection in the world. The natural history of HCV infection and disease progression, however, are influenced by additional factors such as duration of infection, age at infection, sex, co-infection with HBV, the level of HCV viraemia and its genotype. The role of exposure to aflatoxins and development of HCC in Egypt was historically less clear. Nevertheless, recent food sampling surveys and population-based studies indicated that exposure to aflatoxins in Egypt may have been underestimated in the past. Recent results indicated that both local and imported samples were positive for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, 17.5% and 20%, respectively), with concentrations ranging from 3 to 25 microg/kg. The level of AFB1 was dependent on the area of collection as well as the season of the year. In a population-based study, the level and frequency of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1, a major metabolite of aflatoxin B1 excreted in breast milk) was assessed as a biomarker of maternal exposure. The samples were collected from a selected group of 388 Egyptian lactating mothers during May-September 2003. Non-working status, obesity, high corn oil consumption, and the number of offspring contributed to the variability in occurrence of AFM1 in breast milk. Prevention and intervention approaches directed to risk factors of HCC can play a critical role in its prevention. In the case of HCV infection a prevention programme can be achieved by changing personal behaviors and/or cultural habits which are risk factors for HCV transmission, such as injection with contaminated syringes, blood transfusion, surgical operations, venous catheterization, use of common syringes, dental treatment and circumcision at home. Prevention of exposure to aflatoxins can be achieved either at community (via good agriculture practices) or individual levels (treatment or dietary interventions). In conclusion, due to the alarming increase in the incidence of HCC in Egypt, there is a need to further investigate the contribution of these emerging risk factors to the development of HCC in Egypt. This may enable us to determine the susceptibility to HCC among high-risk groups and to provide these individuals with effective measures for early prevention or intervention.

A study on contamination of aflatoxin M 1 in raw milk in the Punjab province of Pakistan

Raw milk samples from fourteen districts of the Punjab province, Pakistan, were analyzed for the contamination of aflatoxin M 1. The analysis was carried out by using immunoaffinity columns and Fluorometer. All of the samples analyzed were found contaminated with aflatoxin M 1 (AFM 1). However, the level of aflatoxin M1 in 96.4% samples was below the US tolerance limit of 0.5 μg/L. Only 3% samples showed AFM 1 concentration higher than the US maximum limit. The 99.4% samples exceeded the European Union limit, i.e. 0.05 μg/L. Seasonal effect was also studied on the presence of AFM 1 concentration in milk. The data were analyzed statistically by applying ANOVA. The results urge the need to impose a maximum permissible limit for AFM 1 levels in milk and milk products in Pakistan. This study, which is the first one of its nature on aflatoxin M 1 in Pakistan, suggests a regular monitoring of AFM 1 in milk and milk products in the country.