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Nijabat A, Bibi S, Ajmal M, Nawaz S, Sajid MZ, Leghari SUK, Mahmood-Ur-Rehman M, Naveed NH, Ali A, Simon PW. Proximate composition and prevalence and exposure assessment of aflatoxins intake through consumption of fresh carrot and processed marketed carrot products in South Punjab, Pakistan. Nat Prod Res 2024; 38:3743-3752. [PMID: 37798247 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2261611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is widely cultivated and consumed in Pakistan in both raw and processed form. Data on the proximate composition and natural occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) in carrots and marketed carrot products is lacking in Pakistan and the risk exposure of AF has not been characterised before. Thus, the current study was designed to know the frequently consumed carrot products with per capita consumption, and risk assessment of AF through these products in various regions of South Punjab Pakistan. A survey was conducted with 125 respondents and appeared that raw carrot, fresh carrot juice, gajrella and pickle are the most frequently consumed marketed carrot products with per capita consumption i.e. 62.5, 46.6, 16.2 and 14.5 gday-1, respectively. Proximate analysis revealed that carrot root and processed carrot products contained 9.65-98.2% moisture, 0.23-0.60% ash, 6.2-14.1% carbohydrates, 0.31-0.80% protein, 0.40-3.7% fat and 1.4-4.20% fibre. AF analysis revealed that 36.67% of samples were contaminated with TAF. Thirty-five (35%) percent of samples were tainted with aflatoxin B1, and 13.33% of samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B2. All the samples of carrot root, fresh carrot juice and gajrella contained TAF levels less than the maximum limit (ML) (2 ppb) assigned by the European Union (EU). However, the entire AFB1 positive samples of carrot pickle contained AFB1 levels of more than 2 ppb exceeding the ML. Furthermore, daily dietary exposure of TAFs ranged from 0.11 to 1.27 ng/kg of body weight per day which relatively exceeds the permissible limit of 1 ng/kg of body weight per day as defined by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. This is the first prevalence and risk assessment report of AF in marketed processed carrot products in Pakistan. These baseline data are an initial step in the effort to deal with this significant food safety issue and the establishment of legislation for AF in marketed products is needed in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneela Nijabat
- Department of Botany, University of Mianwali, Mianwali, Pakistan
| | - Shahwana Bibi
- Department of Botany, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Ajmal
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Saher Nawaz
- Department of Botany, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zaheer Sajid
- Department of Computer Software Engineering, MCS, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Aamir Ali
- Department of Botany, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Philipp W Simon
- Department of Horticulture, University of WI - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Xiang X, Hao Y, Cheng C, Hu H, Chen H, Tan J, Wang Y, Liu X, Peng B, Liao J, Wang J, Xie Y, Liu J, Chen S, Xu L, Xie W, Xue R, Kuang M, Xu Z, Jiang H, Peng S. A TGF-β-dominant chemoresistant phenotype of hepatoblastoma associated with aflatoxin exposure in children. Hepatology 2024; 79:650-665. [PMID: 37459556 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver cancer in children, posing a serious threat to children's health. Chemoresistance is the leading cause of mortality in patients with HB. A more explicit definition of the features of chemotherapy resistance in HB represents a fundamental urgent need. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed an integrative analysis including single-cell RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and bulk RNA sequencing in 180 HB samples, to reveal genomic features, transcriptomic profiles, and the immune microenvironment of HB. Multicolor immunohistochemistry staining and in vitro experiments were performed for validation. Here, we reported four HB transcriptional subtypes primarily defined by differential expression of transcription factors. Among them, the S2A subtype, characterized by strong expression of progenitor ( MYCN , MIXL1 ) and mesenchymal transcription factors ( TWIST1 , TBX5 ), was defined as a new chemoresistant subtype. The S2A subtype showed increased TGF-β cancer-associated fibroblast and an immunosuppressive microenvironment induced by the upregulated TGF-β of HB. Interestingly, the S2A subtype enriched SBS24 signature and significantly higher serum aflatoxin B1-albumin (AFB1-ALB) level in comparison with other subtypes. Functional assays indicated that aflatoxin promotes HB to upregulate TGF-β. Furthermore, clinical prognostic analysis showed that serum AFB1-ALB is a potential indicator of HB chemoresistance and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Our studies offer new insights into the relationship between aflatoxin and HB chemoresistance and provide important implications for its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijie Hao
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanjing Hu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huadong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiehui Tan
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanqi Wang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junbin Liao
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubin Xie
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juncheng Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuling Chen
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Xu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxuan Xie
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruidong Xue
- Peking University First Hospital, Translational Cancer Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Kuang
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sui Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Nejad BG, Mostafaei Z, Rezaabad AB, Mehravar F, Zarei M, Dehghani A, Estabragh MAR, Karami-Mohajeri S, Alizadeh H. A systematic review with meta-analysis of the relation of aflatoxin B1 to growth impairment in infants/children. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:614. [PMID: 38053136 PMCID: PMC10696779 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04275-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aflatoxins are regarded as the most potent genotoxic and carcinogenic type of mycotoxins. This meta-analysis was performed to investigate a the relation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to growth measurements of infants/children, including wasting, underweight, stunting, as well as weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) z-scores. METHODS Electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify related publications. Effect sizes for associations were pooled using the random effects analysis. Subgroup analysis by study design, method used to assess AFB1, and adjustment for covariateswas performed to detect possible sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Pooled analysis of available data showed that AFB1 exposure was negatively associated growth z-scores, including WHZ (β = -0.02, 95%CI = -0.07 to 0.03), with WAZ (β = -0.18, 95%CI = -0.33 to -0.02), and HAZ (β = -0.17, 95%CI = -0.30 to -0.03) in infants/children. There was a remarkable heterogeneity among studies on WAZ and HAZ (P ≤ 0.001). In prospective cohort studies, AFB1 exposure was found to be significantly associated with the elevated risk of underweight (OR = 1.20, 95%CI = 1.03 to 1.40) and stunting (OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.11 to 1.33). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis highlighted the importance of AFB1 exposure as a potential risk factor for growth impairment in infants/children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Ghorbani Nejad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Mostafaei
- Department of Nutrition, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Balouchi Rezaabad
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mehravar
- Department of Psychiatry and Community Health Nursing School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences (GOUMS), Golestan, Iran
| | - Mahtab Zarei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Dehghani
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Somayyeh Karami-Mohajeri
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Hamzeh Alizadeh
- Genetics Research Center, Department of Genetics and Breeding, The University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
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Sabillón L, Alvarado J, Leiva A, Mendoza R, Espinal R, Leslie JF, Bianchini A. Presence, Co-Occurrence, and Daily Intake Estimates of Aflatoxins and Fumonisins in Maize Consumed in Food-Insecure Regions of Western Honduras. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:559. [PMID: 37755985 PMCID: PMC10534461 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne mycotoxins are a significant food safety risk in developing countries. Our objective was to determine the occurrence of and exposure levels to aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FBs) in maize intended for human and animal consumption in food-insecure regions of western Honduras. Total AFs and FBs were quantified with a monoclonal antibody-based affinity spectrofluorimetric method. FBs were detected in 614/631 samples of maize destined for human consumption at 0.3 to 41 mg/kg (mean, 2.7 mg/kg). Of the 614 positive samples, 147 had FB levels exceeding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory threshold of 4.0 mg/kg. AFs were detected in 109/631 samples of maize for human consumption with concentrations between 1.0 and 490 µg/kg (mean, 10 µg/kg). AF levels in 34 samples exceeded the FDA regulatory limit (i.e., 20 µg/kg). The average probable daily intake of AFs in western Honduras ranged from 0 to 260 ng/kg body weight/day, and for FBs, the average probable daily intake ranged from 17 to 53 μg/kg body weight/day. AFs and FBs co-occurred in 106/631 samples with 60 samples containing both toxins at levels greater than the FDA regulatory levels. Samples of maize intended for animal feed had significantly higher AF (mean, 22 µg/kg) and FB (mean, 7.6 mg/kg) contamination levels than those observed in samples destined for human consumption. Thus, the maize supply chain in western Honduras is contaminated with mycotoxins at levels that pose health risks to both humans and livestock. More effective mycotoxin surveillance and implementation of effective mitigation strategies are needed to reduce mycotoxin contamination and exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Sabillón
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
- Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Jackeline Alvarado
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Zamorano University, San Antonio de Oriente P.O. Box 93, Honduras
| | - Alejandra Leiva
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Zamorano University, San Antonio de Oriente P.O. Box 93, Honduras
| | - Rodrigo Mendoza
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
- The Food Processing Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Raúl Espinal
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Zamorano University, San Antonio de Oriente P.O. Box 93, Honduras
| | - John F. Leslie
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Andréia Bianchini
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
- The Food Processing Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
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Chen C, Patil CL, Mduma ER, Groopman JD, Riley RT, Wu F. Mycotoxins were not associated with environmental enteropathy in a cohort of Tanzanian children. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2023; 43:860-866. [PMID: 35618664 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Enteropathy is a pathophysiological condition characterized by decreased intestinal barrier function and absorption. Past studies have hypothesized that mycotoxins might impair children's growth by causing intestinal enteropathy, including interactions between mycotoxins and pathogens. We investigated the association of two mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ) and fumonisin B1 (FB1 ), independently and in conjunction with microbial pathogens, with fecal biomarkers of environmental enteropathy in children. As part of a larger MAL-ED study, 196 children were recruited in Haydom, Tanzania, and followed for the first 36 months of life. The gut inflammation biomarkers myeloperoxidase (MPO), neopterin (NEO), and alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) were analyzed in stool samples at 24 months; with mean concentrations 5332.5 ng/L MPO, 807.2 nmol/L NEO, and 0.18 mg/g A1AT. Forty-eight children were measured for AFB1 -lys, with a mean of 5.30 (95% CI: 3.93-6.66) pg/mg albumin; and 87 were measured for FB1 , with a mean of 1.25 (95% CI: 0.72-1.76) ng/ml urine. Although the pathogens adenovirus and Campylobacter were associated with A1AT (p = 0.049) and NEO (p = 0.004), respectively, no association was observed between aflatoxin (MPO, p = 0.30; NEO, p = 0.08; A1AT, p = 0.24) or fumonisin (MPO, p = 0.38; NEO, p = 0.65; A1AT, p = 0.20) exposure and any gut inflammation biomarkers; nor were interactive effects found between mycotoxins and pathogens in contributing to intestinal enteropathy in this cohort. Although further studies are needed to confirm these results, it is possible that mycotoxins contribute to child growth impairment via mechanisms other than disrupting children's intestinal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Crystal L Patil
- Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - John D Groopman
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ronald T Riley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Felicia Wu
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Cheng Q, Glesener H, Montenegro G, Torres O, Miller AC, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Rohloff P, Voth-Gaeddert LE. Assessment of aflatoxin exposure, growth faltering and the gut microbiome among children in rural Guatemala: protocol for an observational prospective cohort and bioreactor simulations. BMJ Paediatr Open 2023; 7:e001960. [PMID: 37080609 PMCID: PMC10124301 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-001960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogen produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus which grow on maize. Given the high prevalence of child stunting (ie, impaired growth) and other nutritional disorders in low-income and middle-income countries, where maize is consumed, the role of aflatoxin exposure may be significant. Observational reports have demonstrated associations between aflatoxin exposure and impaired child growth; however, most have been cross-sectional and have not assessed seasonal variations in aflatoxin, food preparation and dynamic changes in growth. Biological mechanistic data on how aflatoxin may exert an impact on child growth is missing. This study incorporates a prospective cohort of children from rural Guatemala to assess (1) temporal associations between aflatoxin exposure and child growth and (2) possible mediation of the gut microbiome among aflatoxin exposure, inflammation and child growth. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will prospectively evaluate aflatoxin exposure and height-for-age difference trajectories for 18 months in a cohort of 185 children aged 6-9 months at enrolment. We will assess aflatoxin exposure levels and biomarkers of gut and systemic inflammation. We will examine the faecal microbiome of each child and identify key species and metabolic pathways for differing AFB1 exposure levels and child growth trajectories. In parallel, we will use bioreactors, inoculated with faeces, to investigate the response of the gut microbiome to varying levels of AFB1 exposure. We will monitor key microbial metabolites and AFB1 biotransformation products to study nutrient metabolism and the impact of the gut microbiome on aflatoxin detoxification/metabolism. Finally, we will use path analysis to summarise the effect of aflatoxin exposure and the gut microbiome on child growth. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was obtained from Arizona State University Institutional Review Board (IRB; STUDY00016799) and Wuqu' Kawoq/Maya Health Alliance IRB (WK-2022-003). Findings will be disseminated in scientific presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Cheng
- Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Hannah Glesener
- Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Gabriela Montenegro
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance, Tecpan, Guatemala
| | - Olga Torres
- Centro de Investigaciones en Nutricion y Salud (CIENSA), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Ann C Miller
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Peter Rohloff
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance, Tecpan, Guatemala
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lee E Voth-Gaeddert
- Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance, Tecpan, Guatemala
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Comprehensive Review of Aflatoxin Contamination, Impact on Health and Food Security, and Management Strategies in Pakistan. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120845. [PMID: 36548742 PMCID: PMC9781569 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are the most important toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic fungal toxins that routinely contaminate food and feed. While more than 20 AFs have been identified to date, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1), G2 (AFG2), and M1 (AFM1) are the most common. Over 25 species of Aspergillus have been shown to produce AFs, with Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius being the most important and well-known AF-producing fungi. These ubiquitous molds can propagate on agricultural commodities to produce AFs in fields and during harvesting, processing, transportation, and storage. Countries with warmer climates and that produce foods susceptible to AF contamination shoulder a substantial portion of the global AF burden. Pakistan's warm climate promotes the growth of toxigenic fungi, resulting in frequent AF contamination of human foods and animal feeds. The potential for contamination in Pakistan is exacerbated by improper storage conditions and a lack of regulatory limits and enforcement mechanisms. High levels of AFs in common commodities produced in Pakistan are a major food safety problem, posing serious health risks to the population. Furthermore, aflatoxin contamination contributes to economic losses by limiting exports of these commodities. In this review, recent information regarding the fungal producers of AFs, prevalence of AF contamination of foods and feed, current regulations, and AF prevention and removal strategies are summarized, with a major focus on Pakistan.
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Gichohi-Wainaina WN, Kumwenda NC, Harry M, Matumba L, Njoroge SMC, Okori P. Aflatoxin in cereals and groundnut from small holder farming households in Malawi. FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS. PART B, SURVEILLANCE 2022; 15:266-274. [PMID: 35883265 DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2022.2101069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination in commonly consumed cereals and nuts may place children at higher risk of stunting and adults at risk of developing liver cancer. This study investigated knowledge on aflatoxins and the level of aflatoxin B1 contamination in commonly consumed cereals and nuts in Malawi. It also included an examination of the proportion of cereals and nuts contaminated above regulatory maximum limits. Aflatoxin contamination in samples was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Less than half of all households knew that consumption of aflatoxin contaminated grain is associated with stunting and lowered immunity. Sorghum samples were the most contaminated and millet the least contaminated. Aflatoxin contamination was highest in southern Malawi and least in northern Malawi. Observed results indicate that this population is at risk of poor health due to lack of knowledge and aflatoxin exposure. Strategies to address contamination should therefore include a comprehensive education campaign to increase knowledge and promote accessible strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjiku N Gichohi-Wainaina
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Nelson C Kumwenda
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Msere Harry
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Limbikani Matumba
- Natural Resources College, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Samuel M C Njoroge
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Patrick Okori
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Lilongwe, Malawi
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Ola OT, Ogedengbe OO, Raji TM, Eze B, Chama M, Ilori ON, Awofisayo MA, Kaptoge L, Bandyopadhyay R, Ortega-Beltran A, Ndarubu AA. Aflatoxin biocontrol effectiveness in the real world—Private sector-led efforts to manage aflatoxins in Nigeria through biocontrol-centered strategies. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:977789. [PMID: 36118233 PMCID: PMC9478371 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.977789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by several Aspergillus species that contaminate various crops. The impact of aflatoxin on the health of humans and livestock is a concern across the globe. Income, trade, and development sectors are affected as well. There are several technologies to prevent aflatoxin contamination but there are difficulties in having farmers use them. In Nigeria, an aflatoxin biocontrol product containing atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus has been registered with regulatory authorities and is now being produced at scale by the private company Harvestfield Industries Limited (HIL). The current study reports results of biocontrol effectiveness trials in maize conducted by HIL during 2020 in several locations across Nigeria and compared to untreated maize from nearby locations. Also, maize was collected from open markets to assess levels of contamination. All treated maize met tolerance thresholds (i.e., <4 ppb total aflatoxin). In contrast, most maize from untreated fields had a higher risk of aflatoxin contamination, with some areas averaging 38.5 ppb total aflatoxin. Maize from open markets had aflatoxin above tolerance thresholds with even an average of up to 90.3 ppb. Results from the trials were presented in a National Workshop attended by key officers of Government agencies, farmer organizations, the private sector, NGOs, and donors. Overall, we report (i) efforts spearheaded by the private sector to have aflatoxin management strategies used at scale in Nigeria, and (ii) deliberations of key stakeholders to ensure the safety of crops produced in Nigeria for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. T. Ola
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - T. M. Raji
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - B. Eze
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - M. Chama
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - O. N. Ilori
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - L. Kaptoge
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - R. Bandyopadhyay
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - A. A. Ndarubu
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
- *Correspondence: A. A. Ndarubu,
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10
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Jolly PE, Mazariegos M, Contreras H, Balas N, Junkins A, Aina IO, Minott S, Wang M, Phillips TD. Aflatoxin Exposure Among Mothers and Their Infants from the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Matern Child Health J 2021; 25:1316-1325. [PMID: 33945085 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined breast milk of mothers and urine of infants before and after introduction of supplementary foods for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and the association between AFM1 with maternal and infant diet. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted among mothers and infants ages 0-6 months and 7-12 months from June-October 2014. Sociodemographic, dietary, birth, and health data were collected. A breast milk sample was collected from each mother and a urine sample from each infant at baseline (time point 1) and monthly for 2 time points thereafter; samples collected at baseline and time point 3 were tested for AFM1. RESULTS Almost 5% of breast milk and 15.7% of urine samples tested AFM1-positive. The median AFM1 in breast milk was 0.020 ng/mL and in urine 0.077 ng/mg creatinine. At time point 3, infants of 5 of the 6 mothers in each group who were AFM1-positive in breast milk were also AFM1-positive in urine. Mothers' consumption of cooked maize/maize dough ≥ 3 days per week (OR 2.96, 95% CI = 1.19-7.34) and mothers' consumption of tamales made from maize ≥ 3 days per week (OR 0.28, 95% CI = 0.10-0.73) were significantly associated with AFM1 in infant urine. CONCLUSION This is the first study in Guatemala documenting aflatoxin exposure in both breast milk of lactating mothers and infants´ urine during the first year of life. This may have important implications in understanding the multicausality of the high rates of stunting among children < 5 years old in Guatemala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline E Jolly
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama At Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Manolo Mazariegos
- Section of Nutrition and Micronutrients, Institute of Nutrition for Central America and Panamá (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Haglaeeh Contreras
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama At Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Nora Balas
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama At Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Anna Junkins
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama At Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Ibironke O Aina
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama At Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Selina Minott
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama At Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Meichen Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Timothy D Phillips
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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11
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Arce-López B, Lizarraga E, López de Mesa R, González-Peñas E. Assessment of Exposure to Mycotoxins in Spanish Children through the Analysis of Their Levels in Plasma Samples. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13020150. [PMID: 33672088 PMCID: PMC7919644 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we present, for the first time in Spain, the levels of 19 mycotoxins in plasma samples from healthy and sick children (digestive, autism spectrum (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) disorders) (n = 79, aged 2–16). The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (triple quadrupole) (LC-MS/MS). To detect Phase II metabolites, the samples were reanalyzed after pre-treatment with β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase. The most prevalent mycotoxin was ochratoxin A (OTA) in all groups of children, before and after enzyme treatment. In healthy children, the incidence of OTA was 92.5% in both cases and higher than in sick children before (36.7% in digestive disorders, 50% in ASD, and 14.3% in ADHD) and also after the enzymatic treatment (76.6 % in digestive disorders, 50% in ASD, and 85.7% in ADHD). OTA levels increased in over 40% of healthy children after enzymatic treatment, and this increase in incidence and levels was also observed in all sick children. This suggests the presence of OTA conjugates in plasma. In addition, differences in OTA metabolism may be assumed. OTA levels are higher in healthy children, even after enzymatic treatment (mean OTA value for healthy children 3.29 ng/mL, 1.90 ng/mL for digestive disorders, 1.90 ng/mL for ASD, and 0.82 ng/mL for ADHD). Ochratoxin B appears only in the samples of healthy children with a low incidence (11.4%), always co-occurring with OTA. Sterigmatocystin (STER) was detected after enzymatic hydrolysis with a high incidence in all groups, especially in sick children (98.7% in healthy children and 100% in patients). This supports glucuronidation as a pathway for STER metabolism in children. Although other mycotoxins were studied (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1; T-2 and HT-2 toxins; deoxynivalenol, deepoxy-deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol; zearalenone; nivalenol; fusarenon-X; neosolaniol; and diacetoxyscirpenol), they were not detected either before or after enzymatic treatment in any of the groups of children. In conclusion, OTA and STER should be highly considered in the risk assessment of mycotoxins. Studies concerning their sources of exposure, toxicokinetics, and the relationship between plasma levels and toxic effects are of utmost importance in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Arce-López
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Research Group MITOX, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (B.A.-L.); (E.G.-P.)
| | - Elena Lizarraga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Research Group MITOX, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (B.A.-L.); (E.G.-P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Reyes López de Mesa
- Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Elena González-Peñas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, Research Group MITOX, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (B.A.-L.); (E.G.-P.)
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12
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Ortega‐Beltran A, Callicott KA, Cotty PJ. Founder events influence structures of Aspergillus flavus populations. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:3522-3534. [PMID: 32515100 PMCID: PMC7496522 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In warm regions, agricultural fields are occupied by complex Aspergillus flavus communities composed of isolates in many vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) with varying abilities to produce highly toxic, carcinogenic aflatoxins. Aflatoxin contamination is reduced with biocontrol products that enable atoxigenic isolates from atoxigenic VCGs to dominate the population. Shifts in VCG frequencies similar to those caused by the introduction of biocontrol isolates were detected in Sonora, Mexico, where biocontrol is not currently practiced. The shifts were attributed to founder events. Although VCGs reproduce clonally, significant diversity exists within VCGs. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) fingerprinting revealed that increased frequencies of VCG YV150 involved a single haplotype. This is consistent with a founder event. Additionally, great diversity was detected among 82 YV150 isolates collected over 20 years across Mexico and the United States. Thirty-six YV150 haplotypes were separated into two populations by Structure and SplitsTree analyses. Sixty-five percent of isolates had MAT1-1 and belonged to one population. The remaining had MAT1-2 and belonged to the second population. SSR alleles varied within populations, but recombination between populations was not detected despite co-occurrence at some locations. Results suggest that YV150 isolates with opposite mating-type have either strongly restrained or lost sexual reproduction among themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ortega‐Beltran
- School of Plant SciencesUniversity of ArizonaTucsonAZ85721USA
- International Institute of Tropical AgriculturePMB 5320 Oyo Road, IbadanNigeria
| | | | - Peter J. Cotty
- USDA‐ARSTucsonAZ85721USA
- School of Food Science and EngineeringOcean University of ChinaQingdaoShandong266003China
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13
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Ortega-Beltran A, Callicott KA, Cotty PJ. Founder events influence structures of Aspergillus flavus populations. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:3522-3534. [PMID: 32515100 DOI: 10.1111/emi.15122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In warm regions, agricultural fields are occupied by complex Aspergillus flavus communities composed of isolates in many vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) with varying abilities to produce highly toxic, carcinogenic aflatoxins. Aflatoxin contamination is reduced with biocontrol products that enable atoxigenic isolates from atoxigenic VCGs to dominate the population. Shifts in VCG frequencies similar to those caused by the introduction of biocontrol isolates were detected in Sonora, Mexico, where biocontrol is not currently practiced. The shifts were attributed to founder events. Although VCGs reproduce clonally, significant diversity exists within VCGs. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) fingerprinting revealed that increased frequencies of VCG YV150 involved a single haplotype. This is consistent with a founder event. Additionally, great diversity was detected among 82 YV150 isolates collected over 20 years across Mexico and the United States. Thirty-six YV150 haplotypes were separated into two populations by Structure and SplitsTree analyses. Sixty-five percent of isolates had MAT1-1 and belonged to one population. The remaining had MAT1-2 and belonged to the second population. SSR alleles varied within populations, but recombination between populations was not detected despite co-occurrence at some locations. Results suggest that YV150 isolates with opposite mating-type have either strongly restrained or lost sexual reproduction among themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ortega-Beltran
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320 Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Peter J Cotty
- USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
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14
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Voth-Gaeddert LE, Stoker M, Torres OR, Oerther DB. The influence of local market and household factors on aflatoxin presence in maize and symptoms of its exposure to children in Guatemala. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2020; 30:312-326. [PMID: 30897935 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2019.1594721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that aflatoxin exposure from maize can influence malnutrition rates among children. Therefore, in Guatemala we investigated two questions; which maize sources exposed households to higher risk of aflatoxin exposure symptoms and what the risk factors were for each maize source, pre- and post-maize harvest. Survey data and household maize samples were collected in October 2016 (pre-harvest) and February 2017 (post-harvest) in San Vicente, Guatemala. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and odds ratios were used to assess the data. The results suggested that households which purchased maize from the market had 3.64 higher odds of high levels of aflatoxin. The models identified that good market purchase habits were significant for market-based maize sources while improved post-harvest practices and improved types of maize storage were significant for subsistence-based maize sources. Cumulative results suggest multiple interventions may be effective but are dependent on time of year and source of maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee E Voth-Gaeddert
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel B Oerther
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
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15
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Schwerdtle T, Vleminckx C, Marko D, Oswald IP, Piersma A, Routledge M, Schlatter J, Baert K, Gergelova P, Wallace H. Risk assessment of aflatoxins in food. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06040. [PMID: 32874256 PMCID: PMC7447885 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the risks to public health related to the presence of aflatoxins in food. The risk assessment was confined to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 and AFM1. More than 200,000 analytical results on the occurrence of aflatoxins were used in the evaluation. Grains and grain-based products made the largest contribution to the mean chronic dietary exposure to AFB1 in all age classes, while 'liquid milk' and 'fermented milk products' were the main contributors to the AFM1 mean exposure. Aflatoxins are genotoxic and AFB1 can cause hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in humans. The CONTAM Panel selected a benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) for a benchmark response of 10% of 0.4 μg/kg body weight (bw) per day for the incidence of HCC in male rats following AFB1 exposure to be used in a margin of exposure (MOE) approach. The calculation of a BMDL from the human data was not appropriate; instead, the cancer potencies estimated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives in 2016 were used. For AFM1, a potency factor of 0.1 relative to AFB1 was used. For AFG1, AFB2 and AFG2, the in vivo data are not sufficient to derive potency factors and equal potency to AFB1 was assumed as in previous assessments. MOE values for AFB1 exposure ranged from 5,000 to 29 and for AFM1 from 100,000 to 508. The calculated MOEs are below 10,000 for AFB1 and also for AFM1 where some surveys, particularly for the younger age groups, have an MOE below 10,000. This raises a health concern. The estimated cancer risks in humans following exposure to AFB1 and AFM1 are in-line with the conclusion drawn from the MOEs. The conclusions also apply to the combined exposure to all five aflatoxins.
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16
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de León-Martínez LD, Solis-Mercado J, Rodríguez-Aguilar M, Díaz-Barriga F, Ortíz DG, Flores-Ramírez R. Assessment of aflatoxin B1-lysine adduct in serum of infant population of the Huasteca Potosina, México – a pilot study. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2019. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2019.2457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxins are mycotoxins considered to be highly toxic and produce adverse effects on human health. These compounds, mainly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), have been classified as human carcinogens, due to its association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. In Mexico, the study of aflatoxins has been focused on the evaluation of products of the basic basket, particularly on maize, which is the basis of the Mexican diet. On the other hand, most of these studies have been conducted in urban areas. Indigenous populations may be exposed to a higher risk than urban ones due to the high consumption of tortillas, the harvest and the storage conditions of their food; hence, AFB1 is frequently found contaminating maize, which is the main food source for Mexicans. There is scarce evidence of exposure in vulnerable populations, such as children. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to conduct a pilot study for the evaluation of exposure to AFB1 through the AFB1-lys adduct in 31 serum samples of children from indigenous communities in Mexico. AFB1-lys was measured by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD), with limits of detection and quantification of 3.5 and 4.7 pg/ml, respectively. Results from this pilot study revealed that 13% of children were of short stature, 9.7% presented overweight and 6.5% obesity. 45% of the children presented detectable concentrations of AFB1-lys adduct, with a median (minimum-maximum) of 5.6 (4.8-6.5) pg of AFB1-lys adduct/mg of albumin. The AFB1-lysine exposure biomarker is an important tool for the surveillance of aflatoxins and their effects on health, so, following this intervention, it would be necessary to monitor the exposure of vulnerable populations to aflatoxins, especially in rural areas where foods are more contaminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Díaz de León-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud, CIACYT, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí. Av. Venustiano Carranza 2405, CP 78210, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - J. Solis-Mercado
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud, CIACYT, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí. Av. Venustiano Carranza 2405, CP 78210, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - M. Rodríguez-Aguilar
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud, CIACYT, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí. Av. Venustiano Carranza 2405, CP 78210, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - F. Díaz-Barriga
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud, CIACYT, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí. Av. Venustiano Carranza 2405, CP 78210, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - D. Guzmán Ortíz
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Campus Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
| | - R. Flores-Ramírez
- CONACYT Research Fellow, Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, CP 78210, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, San Luis Potosí, México
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17
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Bandyopadhyay R, Atehnkeng J, Ortega-Beltran A, Akande A, Falade TDO, Cotty PJ. "Ground-Truthing" Efficacy of Biological Control for Aflatoxin Mitigation in Farmers' Fields in Nigeria: From Field Trials to Commercial Usage, a 10-Year Study. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2528. [PMID: 31824438 PMCID: PMC6882503 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), diverse fungi belonging to Aspergillus section Flavi frequently contaminate staple crops with aflatoxins. Aflatoxins negatively impact health, income, trade, food security, and development sectors. Aspergillus flavus is the most common causal agent of contamination. However, certain A. flavus genotypes do not produce aflatoxins (i.e., are atoxigenic). An aflatoxin biocontrol technology employing atoxigenic genotypes to limit crop contamination was developed in the United States. The technology was adapted and improved for use in maize and groundnut in SSA under the trademark Aflasafe. Nigeria was the first African nation for which an aflatoxin biocontrol product was developed. The current study includes tests to assess biocontrol performance across Nigeria over the past decade. The presented data on efficacy spans years in which a relatively small number of maize and groundnut fields (8-51 per year) were treated through use on circa 36,000 ha in commercially-produced maize in 2018. During the testing phase (2009-2012), fields treated during one year were not treated in the other years while during commercial usage (2013-2019), many fields were treated in multiple years. This is the first report of a large-scale, long-term efficacy study of any biocontrol product developed to date for a field crop. Most (>95%) of 213,406 tons of maize grains harvested from treated fields contained <20 ppb total aflatoxins, and a significant proportion (>90%) contained <4 ppb total aflatoxins. Grains from treated plots had preponderantly >80% less aflatoxin content than untreated crops. The frequency of the biocontrol active ingredient atoxigenic genotypes in grains from treated fields was significantly higher than in grains from control fields. A higher proportion of grains from treated fields met various aflatoxin standards compared to grains from untreated fields. Results indicate that efficacy of the biocontrol product in limiting aflatoxin contamination is stable regardless of environment and cropping system. In summary, the biocontrol technology allows farmers across Nigeria to produce safer crops for consumption and increases potential for access to premium markets that require aflatoxin-compliant crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Peter J. Cotty
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
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18
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Kroker-Lobos MF, Alvarez CS, Rivera-Andrade A, Smith JW, Egner P, Torres O, Lazo M, Freedman ND, Guallar E, Graubard BI, McGlynn KA, Ramírez-Zea M, Groopman JD. Association between aflatoxin-albumin adduct levels and tortilla consumption in Guatemalan adults. Toxicol Rep 2019; 6:465-471. [PMID: 31193789 PMCID: PMC6541741 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a known human hepatocarcinogen and a recent study reported elevated AFB1 levels, measured by serum albumin biomarkers, among Guatemalan adults. While AFB1 can contaminate a variety of foodstuffs, including maize, Guatemala's main dietary staple, the relationship of maize intake to serum AFB1-albumin adducts levels in Guatemala has not been previously examined. As a result, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 461 Guatemalan adults living in five geographically distinct departments of the country. Participants provided a serum sample and completed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate the least square means (LSQ) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of log-transformed AFB1-albumin adducts by quintiles of maize consumption in crude and adjusted models. Additionally, analyses of tortilla consumption and levels of maize processing were conducted. The median maize intake was 344.3 g per day [Interquartile Range (IQR): 252.2, 500.8], and the median serum AFB1-albumin adduct level was 8.4 pg/mg albumin (IQR: 3.8, 22.3). In adjusted analyses, there was no association between overall maize consumption and serum AFB1-albumin levels. However, there was a statistically significant association between tortilla consumption and AFB1-albumin levels (ptrend = 0.01). The LSM of AFB1-albumin was higher in the highest quintile of tortilla consumption compared to the lowest quintile [LSM:9.03 95%CI: 7.03,11.70 vs 6.23, 95%CI: 4.95,8.17, respectively]. These findings indicate that tortilla may be an important source of AFB1 exposure in the Guatemalan population. Therefore, efforts to control or mitigate AFB1 levels in contaminated maize used for tortillas may reduce overall exposure in this population.
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Key Words
- AFB1 – lys, covalent adduction of aflatoxins B1 to lysine residues in serum albumin
- AFB1, aflatoxins B1
- Aflatoxins
- BMI, body mass index
- CI, confidence intervals
- Consumption
- FFQ, food frequency questionnaire
- Guatemala
- IARC, International Agency for Research on Cancer
- IQR, interquartile range
- IRB, institutional review board
- Kcal, kilocalories
- Kg, kilograms
- LSM, least square means
- Maize
- Tortilla
- g, grams
- mg, milligram
- mt, meters
- pg, picogram
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Affiliation(s)
- María F. Kroker-Lobos
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Christian S. Alvarez
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alvaro Rivera-Andrade
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Joshua W. Smith
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Patricia Egner
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Olga Torres
- Laboratorio Diagnóstico Molecular, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Mariana Lazo
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Neal D. Freedman
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Eliseo Guallar
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Barry I. Graubard
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Katherine A. McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Manuel Ramírez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - John D. Groopman
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Corresponding author at: Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Room E7547, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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19
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Díaz de León-Martínez L, Díaz-Barriga F, Barbier O, Ortíz DLG, Ortega-Romero M, Pérez-Vázquez F, Flores-Ramírez R. Evaluation of emerging biomarkers of renal damage and exposure to aflatoxin-B 1 in Mexican indigenous women: a pilot study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:12205-12216. [PMID: 30835068 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus which frequently contaminate maize. These compounds are considered toxic, especially AFB1 which has been classified as a human carcinogen, due to its relationship with the generation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies in vivo, in animal models, prove that chronic consumption of AFB1 has an association with renal adverse effects, but evidence in humans is scarce. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to conduct a pilot study to evaluate the correlation between exposure to AFB1 and early-stage renal damage in indigenous women of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Exposure to AFB1 was measured through the biomarker AFB1-lysine and renal damage through kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and cystatin-C (Cys-C). AFB1-Lys was measured by HPLC-FLD. The method was validated with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 and limit of detection and quantification of 3.5 and 4.7 pg mL-1, respectively. Levels of NGAL, KIM-1, and Cys-C were determined (median (P25-P75), 5.96 (3.16-15.91), 0.137 (0.137-0.281), and 18.49 (5.76-29.57) ng mL-1, respectively). Additionally, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (83.3 (59.8-107.4) mL/min/1.73 m2) and serum creatinine (SCr) (0.88 (0.72-1.22) mg dL-1) were obtained. The median concentrations for AFB1-Lys were 2.08 (1.89-5.8) pg mg-1 of albumin. Statistically significant correlations between AFB1-Lys/KIM-1 (Rho = 0.498, p = 0.007) and AFB1/Cys-C (Rho = 0.431, p = 0.014) were found. Our results indicate that women are exposed to AFB1, due to the fact that the AFB1-Lys biomarker was found in a high percentage of the study population (83%). In addition, the results of exposure to AFB1 show a strong significant correlation between KIM-1 and Cys-C that may indicate the toxic renal effect. These results are alarming because of the high toxicity of this compound and require adequate intervention to reduce AFB1 exposure in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Díaz de León-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Fernando Díaz-Barriga
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Olivier Barbier
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados-Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dora Linda Guzmán Ortíz
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del -Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Campus Guanajuato, Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Manolo Ortega-Romero
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados-Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco Pérez-Vázquez
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Rogelio Flores-Ramírez
- CONACYT Research Fellow, Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico.
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