Types Of Aflatoxins Research Articles

Level of Aflatoxins in Selected Cereals in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Aflatoxins are family of toxins produced by certain fungi found on agricultural crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed, and nuts. The ingestion of such mycotoxin contaminated grains by animals and human beings has enormous public health significance. This has necessitated the evaluation of effects of Asparagus africanus (Lam - whole plant) extracts on aflatoxins production by fungi isolated from selected foods in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A total of 240 food samples were collected across the 16 Local Government areas in rural open markets. The food samples analyzed were: Igbemo rice Oryza sativa igbemo curtivar), maize (Zea mays) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). Aflatoxin-producing fungi and non aflatoxin producing fungi were isolated and identified using morphological method of identification on PDA and microscopic with lactophenol cotton blue stain. The molecular identification of the isolates was done using internal transcribe spacer (ITS) region. A total of 70 samples that contain Aspergillus spp were subjected to ELISA test to quantify and identify types of aflatoxins that were present in them. It was revealed that four types of aflatoxins were present in the food samples (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2). Also, different species of isolates were obtained from the samples viz: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Mucor mucedo, A. parasiticus, Neurospora crassa, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxyporum and Penicillium oxalicum. Aspergillus flavus was prevalent among the isolates. The molecular identification showed three of the isolates were Aspergillus flavus with different percentage of ITS4 rDNA identity. The level of aflatoxins in some of the food samples analyzed is of great concern because of its ability to cause disease (in man and animal) and these toxins are introduced mostly during storage, that is, post-harvest.

Simultaneously Selective Separation of Zearalenone and Four Aflatoxins From Rice Samples Using Co-Pseudo-Template Imprinted Polymers With MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 as Core.

A novel approach for the simultaneous separation of zearalenone (ZEN) and four types of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) from rice samples was presented. This approach utilized modified MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 as core, with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) serving as the shell. The MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 was prepared via ring-opening reaction, while the imprinted polymers were synthesized using warfarin and 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate as co-pseudo template, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linker and azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. The resulting co-pseudo-template-MIPs (CPT-MIPs) were thoroughly characterized and evaluated. Adsorption studies demonstrate that the adsorption process of CPT-MIPs follows a chemical monolayer adsorption mechanism, with imprinted factors ranging from 1.24 to 1.52 and selective factors ranging from 1.29 to 1.52. Self-made columns were prepared, and the method for separation was developed and validated. The limit of detections ranged from 0.12 to 2.09μg/kg, and the limit of qualifications ranged from 1.2 to 6.25μg/kg. To assess the reliability of the method, ZEN and AFs were spiked at three different levels, and the recoveries ranged from 79.53 to 94.58%, with relative standard deviations of 2.90-5.78%.

Efficacy of Aflatoxin decontamination in red chilli powder using Low or Vacuum -Pressure Cold Plasma Technology

Addressing aflatoxin contamination in red chilli powder requires a multi-faceted approach, including prevention, regular monitoring, and stringent regulatory measures to protect consumer health. This study seeks a technological approach to destroy the aflatoxin generated in red chilli powder. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low or vacuum pressure (VCP) plasma on detoxifying aflatoxins in red chilli (Capsicum anuum L.). Vacuum (0.5 mbar pressure) Cold Plasma treatment was applied for aflatoxins contaminated red chilli powder sample at different exposure times: 3, 6, and 9 min at 37 ˚C. All the types of aflatoxins in red chilli powder samples were significantly reduced, and AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 were not detected in any treated chilli powder samples. The lowest AFB1 level (1.6µg/kg) was recorded in a 3 min treated sample. Water activity, moisture percentage, and colour of chilli powder significantly decreased with increasing treatment time, highlighting negative effects of VCP treatment. The study reveals the potential for the removal of aflatoxin using VCP.

The relationship between aflatoxin B1 with the induction of extrinsic/intrinsic pathways of apoptosis and the protective role of taraxasterol in TM3 leydig cell line

Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) a dangerous type of aflatoxin, poses a serious threat to human health. Meanwhile, Taraxasterol, a bioactive compound in dandelion, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of AFB1 on the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis, as well as evaluate the protective role of taraxasterol in the TM3 Leydig cell line. Cell viability was evaluated using an MTT assay, measuring the effects of 3.6 µM AFB1 and varying concentrations of taraxasterol. Expression levels of Caspase 3,8, and 9 were analyzed with RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry was used to assess cell cycle progression and apoptotic alterations. The findings of this study demonstrated that exposure to 3.6 µM of AFB1 resulted in an upregulation of Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 expression, indicating an activation of apoptotic pathways in TM3 cells. Additionally, the analysis of apoptosis revealed a significant increase in cellular apoptosis at this AFB1 concentration. However, when TM3 cells were exposed to 5 µM of taraxasterol, a downregulation of Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 expression was observed, suggesting a protective effect against apoptosis. Moreover, the apoptotic rate in TM3 cells was reduced in the presence of 5 µM of taraxasterol. Consequently, this study highlights the potential of taraxasterol as a protective agent against AFB1-induced apoptosis and suggest its potential application in regulating cell survival and apoptosis-related processes. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the clinical implications of taraxasterol in the context of fertility disorders and other conditions associated with AFB1 exposure.

Green synthesis and characterization of Fe/Mg nanoparticles for their potential applications against aflatoxogenic A. flavus

Natural contamination of agricultural products like crops (red chilies, peanuts, pistachio, walnut, rice, corn, cottonseed, and wheat) by various fungi and their metabolites, may occur at pre and post-harvest levels. Ten thousand Mycotoxins have been known that are produced by various fungi but the metabolites of the genus Aspergillus called aflatoxins are well known due to their most toxic potential. Among the twenty identified types of aflatoxins four types B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1), and G2 (AFG2) are well known due to carcinogenic potential. It is a very difficult task to inhibit their growth from food and feed products to get rid from the exposure of aflatoxins. The process of inhibition was employed for this purpose and natural materials with their modified surface was used as antifungal agents. This method was found to be very beneficial and effective for the inhibition of Aflatoxogenic A. flavus from agricultural commodities. This method of inhibition of growth of A. flavus being cost effective and economical to preserved food and feed products before its consumption. In this research work, Fe/Mg nanoparticles was prepared by using leaf extract of Azadirachta indica. Optimum conditions for efficient inhibition of A. flavus was initial concentration 5 mg/mL while dose rate for both of these was 15 and 20 mg/mL. For the characterization of synthesized Fe/Mg nanoparticles Ultraviolet spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used. Statistical analysis was done by calculating standards errors at 0.05 level of significance.

Synthesis of a core-shell magnetic covalent organic framework for the enrichment and detection of aflatoxin in food using HPLC-MS/MS.

A porous magnetic covalent organic framework, Fe3O4@TPBD-TPA (terephthalaldehyde (TPA) , N, N, N', N'-tetrakis(p-aminophenyl)-p-phenylenediamine (TPBD)), was synthesized using the Schiff base reaction under mild reactionconditions. This adsorbent exhibited excellent adsorption performance for aflatoxins. The adsorption capacity of Fe3O4@TPBD-TPA for aflatoxins ranged from 64.4 to 84.4 mg/g. A magnetic solid-phase extraction combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method based on Fe3O4@TPBD-TPA was developed for the efficient determination of four types of aflatoxins in food samples (maize, maize oil, peanut, and peanut oil). The determination coefficients (R2) were ≥0.9972. The method exhibited detection limits ranging from 0.01 to 0.06 μg/kg and spiked recoveries of 80.0 to 113.1%. The intra-day and inter-day precision were less than 6.77%, indicating good repeatability. The adsorbent showed promising prospects for the efficient enrichment of trace amounts of aflatoxins in complex food matrices.

Removal of aflatoxins in peanut oils by activated carbon functionalized with sodium dodecyl sulfonate

In this study, three kinds of novel modified activated carbon adsorbent were prepared by different concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfonate solution, and carried out by FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and N2-adsorption-desorption analytical techniques. The adsorption mechanism of aflatoxins on three types of modified activated carbon had been systematically investigated by isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies. The optimized adsorption conditions (amount, temperature, time) were determined by combining different types of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) removal efficiency in peanut oil. Notably, the modification of activated carbon using a 2-fold critical micelle concentration sodium dodecyl sulfonate solution not only remove 93.5% of AFB1 from peanut oils containing four aflatoxins (58.89 μg/kg), but also remain nearly unchanged in the phytosterol content in oils. In conclusion, the modified activated carbon with low cost and high efficiency showed a great potential for application in the adsorption of four aflatoxins from contaminated edible oils.

Evidence of the effect of pre and postharvest practices on aflatoxin contamination in the Forest and Savannah ecozones of Ghana

Food contamination by aflatoxins is a global concern due to their adverse effects on food security, trade, and health. This study contributes to the evidence on the connection between pre and postharvest practices of maize farmers and the levels of aflatoxin contamination, based on a survey of 400 farmers across Forest and Savannah zones in Ghana. The survey involving a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted between September 2019 and March 2020. Information on preharvest practices such as weed control, fertilizer application, and irrigation; and postharvest practices such as drying, shelling, storage, and pest control among others were explored by the questionnaire. A multistage sampling process was employed to determine the sample size of four hundred respondents. One kg of maize was randomly sampled from the farmers for aflatoxin analysis. The results showed that the least aflatoxin type found in the maize sample was Aflatoxin G2 (0.207 μg/kg), while the highest was Afltoxin B1 (9.618 μg/kg). The Savannah zone recorded a lower contamination level of 11.63 μg/kg than the Forest zone of 23.53 μg/kg. Aflatoxin G1 and Aflatoxin G2 were less prevalent among the samples than Aflatoxins B1 and B2. The contamination levels in both zones exceeded the maximum limits, set by Codex, and EU at 10 μg/kg, and 4 μg/kg respectively. Only the Savannah zone contamination level met the maximum limit of contamination of Ghana which is set at 15 μg/kg. About 73% of farmers who demonstrated awareness of aflatoxin contamination had their produce within the maximum limit of Ghana, CODEX, and the EU. Preharvest practices such as fertilizer application, hoeing, and chemical weed control lowered aflatoxin contamination in both zones. The results showed that awareness creation and adoption of pre and postharvest interventions are vital in reducing aflatoxin contamination in the two ecozones.

Biological reduction of aflatoxin M1 in dairy products using probiotic strains: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxic substances produced mainly by species of the genus Aspergillus that can contaminate almost all foodstuffs. Apart from the harmful effects they have on human and animal health, they can be secreted unchanged in animal milk and cause contamination of milk and its products. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the major and most toxic type of aflatoxin after aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The use of probiotic strains to reduce the amount of aflatoxin in milk and by-products has been observed in many studies. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, articles in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and ISI Web of Science were searched to find eligible studies that reported reduction of AFM1 using probiotics in dairy products. The results were pooled using a random-effects model. In most studies, the efficiency of probiotics in milk has been tested by Lactobacillus strains. The results indicated that probiotic microorganisms could significantly reduce AFM1 by 55.76% (confidence interval (CI): 54.35%, 57.16%; I2 = 100%). Besides, the rank order of AFM1 reduction in dairy products based on probiotic strain subgroup was: Lactobacillus 51.99% (CI: 50.14%, 53.85%, I2 = 100%), Saccharomyces 67.36% (CI: 65.05%, 69.67%, I2 = 100%), Bifidobacterium 54.80% (CI: 54.18%, 55.43%, I2 = 99.9%), and 61.90% (CI: 53.80%, 70.00%, I2 = 100%) by a mix of strains. Considering the high binding potential of AFM1 to probiotic strains, these microorganisms can be recommended as a safe system to reduce AFM1 in dairy products.

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF Aspergillus flavus TOXIGENICITY IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES IN INDONESIA

Toxigenic Aspergillus flavus is a primary producer of aflatoxin in Indonesia, and its presence can lead to the contamination of agricultural commodities. This contamination poses a risk to export-targeted commodities, potentially resulting in their rejection. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the molecular profile of nativeA. flavus isolated from several Indonesian agricultural products, with a major focus on its toxigenicity and toxin production. A total of 18 A. flavus collections were isolated from nutmeg, ground peanut, cacao, coffee bean, corn, white pepper, and soil peanut plantation. Species identification was carried out using molecular and morphological approaches. The toxigenicity of isolates was characterized based on the amplification of aflatoxin gene clusters, while toxin production was assessed through growth simulation on a 10% coconut broth media followed by HPLC quantification. The result showed that all isolates were confirmed as A. flavus based on the morphological and sequence analysis of the ITS region. A total of 11 isolates (61%) were confirmed as toxigenic and produced 1-2 types of aflatoxin, in varying concentrations of high, moderate, or low levels of AFB1. High levels of AFB1 produced by seven isolates namely BIO3313, BIO33212, BIO3361, BIO33404, BIO3338, BIO3352, and BIO3344, had concentration levels ranging from 76.78 to 2241.06 µg/kg, while three isolates (BIO3314, BIO3312, and BIO3381) produced AFB1 below 1 µg/kg. Twenty-nine pairs of aflatoxin gene-specific sequences were successfully amplified as a single band, while some produced non-specific patterns in several low toxigenic and non-toxigenic isolates. Based on the results, it was concluded that completed gene clusters and variations of gene deletion were observed in both toxigenic and non-toxigenic isolates. However, no specific target gene could effectively distinguish the two groups. Two non-toxigenic isolates namely BIO3393 and BIO33403 exhibited a large deletion and could be potential candidates for biocontrol agents.

Evaluation of Effects of Spirulina Extracts on Immunologic Dysfunction and Inflammation Associated with Aflatoxin B1 Induced Toxicity in Mice

The contamination of foods by various mycotoxins has been reported as a major public health concern across the world. The most predominant type of fungal toxins are aflatoxins which are synthesized by certain fungi that contaminate agricultural crops or produce. The main aflatoxin producing fungi are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus which contaminate food crops in the farm and after harvesting. Out of all the types of aflatoxins, the most potent type is aflatoxin B1. The mechanism of toxicity and health effects of aflatoxins have been studied widely and it has been shown that aflatoxin B1 leads to liver necrosis, inflammation and liver cancer. The use of natural products as a remedy to health consequences of aflatoxins in humans and animals is gaining popularity. Owing to its anti-inflammatory effects, Spirulina plantesis has been studied for its immunomodulatory effects. This study evaluated the effects of spirulina extract on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced immune dysfunction and inflammation. Male BALB/c mice weighing 28-34g were randomly placed into 6 groups and orally treated as follows: Group 1 was not treated but received food and water for entire experimental period. Group 2 received 200 µg/kg b.w of aflatoxin B1 orally. Group 3 received 1g/kg b.w of activated charcoal and an hour later 200 µg/kg b.w of aflatoxin B1 orally. Group 4, 5 and 6 received 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg b.w of Spirulina plantesis respectively then an hour later each group received 200 µg/kg b.w of aflatoxin B1 orally. Treatments were done on a daily basis for 14 days. At the last day of the experiment, all the mice were denied food and water for 12 hours, thereafter sacrificed and samples processed for immunological studies. The results indicated that body weight significantly increased when treated with 100mg/kg spirulina+AFB1 and 150mg/kg spirulina+AFB1 groups in compared to AFB1 treated group (p < 0.05). AFB1 was shown to increase serum level of IFN- γ and IL 2 and decrease levels of IL 4. Treatment with spirulina extract had no significant effect on the serum concentrations of IL-4 and IL-2 (p > 0.05) in comparison with aflatoxin B1 treated group, the serum levels of IFN- γ and IL-2 reduced significantly (p<0.05). Treatment with spirulina extract at different doses had no significant effect on serum levels of immunoglobulins A, G and M (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of IL-4 was downregulated while that of TNFα, and IFNγ were upregulated. The results showed that increasing mRNA expressions of TNFα, and IFNγ as a result of AFB1was prevented (p≤0.01) by administration of spirulina extract. These findings suggests that spirulina extract could be used as a remedy to AFB1 induced immune dysfunction and inflammation.

Biodegradation of aflatoxin B1 by Bacillus subtilis YGT1 isolated from yoghurt

Aflatoxin contamination of food products is recognised as a major food safety concern throughout the world because of its carcinogenic, mutagenic, and immunosuppressive effects on human health. Of the various types of aflatoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the ubiquitous and most threatening foodborne mycotoxin to humans. A wide range of detoxification methods is used to reduce the toxic effects of AFB1. In the present work, the ability of probiotics isolated from yoghurt (produced by bacterial fermentation of milk), “laban” (fermented milk beverage), and “idli” batter (fermented rice and black gram) in the detoxification of AFB1 was investigated under laboratory conditions. Among the four isolates from fermented foods evaluated, the isolate YGT1 from yoghurt showed the maximum (83.8%) degradation of AFB1 in Luria-Bertani (LB) liquid medium after 48 h of incubation at 30°C. The degradation of AFB1 by the probiotic isolate was further confirmed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the bacterial isolate YGT1 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. The culture supernatant and heat-treated culture supernatant (boiled for 30 min) of B. subtilis YGT1 also exhibited degradation of AFB1, thus suggesting the involvement of thermostable bioactive compound(s) in the degradation of AFB1. These results suggested that B. subtilis YGT1 isolated from yoghurt may be a promising candidate for exploitation in food and feed industries for the removal of AFB1.

Isolation of Fungal Species and Aflatoxin Detection from Grinded Cereals Sold in Dutsin-Ma Metropolis

Aflatoxins are the most common and potent mycotoxins produced mainly, by Aspergillus species, often found contaminating cereals. This study was aimed at isolating fungal species and detecting aflatoxins from grinded cereals sold in Dutsin-ma metropolis of Katsina State, Nigeria. Forty (40) cereal samples (Maize, Millet, Sorghum and Wheat), 10 of each were collected randomly from 3 different locations in Dutsin-ma metropolis. Standard microbiological procedures were used to isolate and identify fungal species on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and fungal ATLAS [1,2] respectively. The predominant fungi isolated were species of Aspergillus, Mucor and Fusarium. Aspergillus niger had the highest incidence of 32.1%, Aspergillus flavus had 20.2%, followed by Mucor spp. with 13.1%, Aspergillus fumigatus with 11.9%, Aspergillus parasiticus had 8.3%, then Aspergillus lentulus and Fusarium oxysporum had 7.14% each. Presence of Aflatoxins were tested (out of the four aflatoxin types) in the samples using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (H.P.L.C) (UV-VIS detector) by comparing the retention time of standards to the time on the peaks obtained from the samples during the HPLC analysis. Aflatoxins were detected in all three samples that were tested with the maize sample having the highest % height of B1 (48.10%), Millet had the highest % height of G1 (29.88%). G2 was not detected on the millet samples. All the other 2 samples had all three aflatoxins detected. Percentage height of aflatoxin peaks ranged from 16.60% – 48.10. This study revealed high contamination of grinded cereals by species of Aspergillus, Mucor and Fusarium. Aflatoxins B1, G1 and G2 were also detected, which makes their consumption a public health risk. Proper pre-harvest and post-harvest management of cereals coupled with proper cooking of cereal products before eating are recommended so as to reduce contamination and prevent possible intake of these toxins.

Study on qualitative identification of aflatoxin solution based on terahertz metamaterial enhancement.

Aflatoxin is the main carcinogen that contaminates agricultural products and foods such as peanuts and corn. There are many kinds of aflatoxins, mainly including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2). Different types of aflatoxins have different toxicity and different levels of contamination to agricultural products as well as food. Therefore, the rapid, non-destructive and highly sensitive qualitative identification of aflatoxin species is of great significance to maintain people's life and health. The conventional terahertz detection method can only qualitatively identify the samples at the milligram level, but it is not suitable for the qualitative analysis of trace samples. In this paper, a terahertz metamaterial sensor with "X" composite double-peak structure was designed based on electromagnetic theory to investigate the feasibility of THz-TDS technology based on a metamaterial sensor for the qualitative identification of trace aflatoxin B2, G1 and G2 solutions. Firstly, the terahertz transmission spectra of eight different concentrations of aflatoxin B2, G1 and G2 were collected respectively, and then the differences of terahertz transmission spectra of different aflatoxin species were investigated. Finally, the terahertz transmission spectra of aflatoxin B2, G1 and G2 solutions were modeled and analyzed using chemometric methods. It was found that there were significant differences in the transmission peak curves of different kinds of aflatoxin. Through the comparative analysis of different models, it was concluded that the prediction accuracy of the CARS-RBF-SVM model was the highest, and the accuracy of the calibration set reached 100%. 119 out of 120 predicted samples were correctly predicted, and the prediction accuracy was 99.17%. This study verified the feasibility of qualitative identification of trace aflatoxin B2, G1 and G2 solutions by a metamaterial sensor based on the "X" composite double-peak structure combined with THz-TDS technology, and provided a theoretical basis and a new detection method for the qualitative identification of trace aflatoxins. This will facilitate the rapid, non-destructive and highly sensitive qualitative detection of different kinds of aflatoxins in food and agricultural products. At the same time, this study has important implications for promoting the qualitative detection of other trace substances.

Early-life AFB1 exposure: DNA methylation and hormone alterations.

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of mold that contaminate food and feedstuff. They are found in various food including grains, nuts, milk and eggs. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most poisonous and commonly found of the various types of aflatoxins. Exposures to AFB1 start early in life viz. in utero, during breastfeeding, and during weaning through the waning foods which are mainly grain based. Several studies have shown that early-life exposures to various contaminants may have various biological effects. In this chapter, we reviewed the effects of early-life AFB1 exposures on changes in hormone and DNA methylation. In utero AFB1 exposure results in alterations in steroid and growth hormones. Specifically, the exposure results in a reduction in testosterone levels later in life. The exposure also affects the methylation of various genes that are significant in growth, immune, inflammation, and signaling pathways.

Aflatoxin in rice: a publication review

Contamination of food products by various types of fungi can pose a severe health threat to humans and livestock. Aflatoxin (AFS) is a toxic and carcinogenic metabolite of the Aspergillus fungus that can occur in rice. Many studies have been conducted on the content of aflatoxins in staple foods, including rice. A literature analysis was performed to get an overview of the development of aflatoxin publication in rice using the Scopus database (Elsevier) between 2010 - 2021. In this article, we describe the focus of trends and characteristics of publications and visualize the growing network. The analysis includes descriptive analysis, keyword network, author collaboration network, and country/regional cooperation analysis. Research on the content of aflatoxins in rice has increased sharply in the last 20 years. The cause of aflatoxins is that fungi can potentially infect food crops, posing a significant health risk to humans and livestock. Aflatoxins are also thought to inhibit growth (growth retardation), resulting in stunting or failure to thrive. The main areas of study for aflatoxins can be separated into four categories: (a) types of aflatoxins; (b) origin and development process of aflatoxins; (c) test methods; and (d) type of product.

Review on impacts of aflatoxicosis in human and animal health in Ethiopia

The objectives of the paper are to review about effect of aflatoxicosis on animal and human health, its economic significant, and to point out the control and prevention strategies. Aflatoxins are a group of related fungal secondary metabolites; primarily produced by the fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The production of aflatoxins within the fungus depends on the substrate and the particular enzymes and other environmental factors. Hence, the extent of contamination by aflatoxins varies according to geographic location and storage condition of crops and more importantly processing of food materials under favourable temperature and humidity conditions. The four major types of aflatoxin are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), AFB2, AFG1andAFG2.Of these, AFB1is the most prevalent form and also the most potent of these toxins. The toxicity and potency of aflatoxins make them the primary health hazard as well as responsible for losses associated with contaminations of processed foods and feeds. Aflatoxicosis have a greatest negative impact, in animal and human health. The toxicity may range from acute sickness or death to chronic problems. They can induce stunted growth in young and fertility reduction in adults. Aflatoxins can also undermine child nutrition and development. They are carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic and immunosuppressive in most mammalian species. The economic impact of aflatoxins derives directly from crop and livestock losses as well as indirectly from the cost of regulatory programs designed to reduce risks to animal and human health. Ethiopia is considered to provide a favourable situation, for the proliferation of aflatoxigenic fungi. Aflatoxin exposure can be reduced by proper pre-harvesting, drying and post-harvest sorting in a controlled environment. Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) protocol to identify the source of intoxication and overcome the hazard conditions should be adopted.

Aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products – A mini review

Aflatoxins (AF) are a group of toxic secondary metabolites mostly produced by strains of Aspergillus spp. fungi. There are several types of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFG1, AFB2, AFG2, AFM1, AFM2, etc.), but the most toxic and the most common is AFB1. Aflatoxins have been shown to possess powerful carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic properties. AFB1 can contaminate feed and food during the growth and/or storage under inappropriate conditions. When animals consume AFB1-contaminated feed, it undergoes various metabolic pathways and finally, it is metabolized into hydroxylated metabolite AFM1, which is possibly excreted in milk if the animal is lactating. This issue presents a huge concern regarding the representation of milk and dairy products in the human diet. Furthermore, climate changes have a significant impact on aflatoxin production. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and improve strategies for controlling and mitigating the occurrence of AFM1 in milk and dairy products. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the latest scientific literature regarding the occurrence of AFM1 in milk and dairy products.

Human Breast Milk Contamination with Aflatoxins, Impact on Children’s Health, and Possible Control Means: A Review

Aflatoxins are natural toxicants produced mainly by species of the Aspergillus genus, which contaminate virtually all feeds and foods. Apart from their deleterious health effects on humans and animals, they can be secreted unmodified or carried over into the milk of lactating females, thereby posing health risks to suckling babies. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the major and most toxic aflatoxin type after aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). It contaminates human breast milk upon direct ingestion from dairy products or by carry-over from the parent molecule (AFB1), which is hydroxylated in the liver and possibly in the mammary glands by cytochrome oxidase enzymes and then excreted into breast milk as AFM1 during lactation via the mammary alveolar epithelial cells. This puts suckling infants and children fed on this milk at a high risk, especially that their detoxifying activities are still weak at this age essentially due to immature liver as the main organ responsible for the detoxification of xenobiotics. The occurrence of AFM1 at toxic levels in human breast milk and associated health conditions in nursing children is well documented, with developing countries being the most affected. Different studies have demonstrated that contamination of human breast milk with AFM1 represents a real public health issue, which should be promptly and properly addressed to reduce its incidence. To this end, different actions have been suggested, including a wider and proper implementation of regulatory measures, not only for breast milk but also for foods and feeds as the upstream sources for breast milk contamination with AFM1. The promotion of awareness of lactating mothers through the organization of training sessions and mass media disclosures before and after parturition is of a paramount importance for the success of any action. This is especially relevant that there are no possible control measures to ensure compliance of lactating mothers to specific regulatory measures, which can yet be appropriate for the expansion of breast milk banks in industrialized countries and emergence of breast milk sellers. This review attempted to revisit the public health issues raised by mother milk contamination with AFM1, which remains undermined despite the numerous relevant publications highlighting the needs to tackle its incidence as a protective measure for the children physical and mental health.

Natural inhibitors: A sustainable way to combat aflatoxins.

Among a few hundred mycotoxins, aflatoxins had always posed a major threat to the world. Apart from A. flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. nomius of Aspergillus genus, which are most toxin-producing strains, several fungal bodies including Fusarium, Penicillium, and Alternaria that can biosynthesis aflatoxins. Basically, there are four different types of aflatoxins (Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), Aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), Aflatoxin G2 (AFG2)) are produced as secondary metabolites. There are certainly other types of aflatoxins found but they are the by-products of these toxins. The fungal agents generally infect the food crops during harvesting, storing, and/or transporting; making a heavy post-harvest as well as economic loss in both developed and developing countries. And while ingesting the crop products, these toxins get into the dietary system causing aflatoxicosis, liver cirrhosis, etc. Therefore, it is imperative to search for certain ways to control the spread of infections and/or production of these toxins which may also not harm the crop harvest. In this review, we are going to discuss some sustainable methods that can effectively control the spread of infection and inhibit the biosynthesis of aflatoxins.