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Kortei NK, Gillette VS, Wiafe-Kwagyan M, Ansah LO, Kyei-Baffour V, Odamtten GT. Fungal profile, levels of aflatoxin M1, exposure, and the risk characterization of local cheese ' wagashi' consumed in the Ho Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:186-199. [PMID: 38313814 PMCID: PMC10837644 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Wagashi is a West African type cottage cheese locally prepared from cow milk. Wagashi like other milk products, is prone to microbial contamination, particularly by fungi. Many of these fungal species produce mycotoxins which are of serious public health concern. This work aimed to update the mycoflora profile and determine the concentrations of aflatoxin M1 and its health risk characterization due to the consumption of wagashi. Culturing the wagashi on mycological media (Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Extract OGYE, Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol DRBC) caused a de-novo growth of the quiescent spores at 28-30 °C for 5-7 days. The analysis of AFM1 levels in the samples was done using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography connected to a Fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The exposure and risk assessment to the AFMI levels were determined using deterministic models prescribed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The fungal counts ranged between 2.36-4.30 log10 CFU/g. In total, thirteen (13) fungal species from eight (8) genera were isolated from all wagashi samples. They are; Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium verticillioides, Penicillium digitatum, Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus terreus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus fumigatus, Yeast sp., Mucor racemosus and Fusarium oligosporum belonging to the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Rhodotorula, Rhizopus, Yeast, and Mucor. The AFM1 observed in the wagashi samples' analysis was low, ranging from 0.00 (Not Detected) ± 0.00 - 0.06 ± 0.002 µg/Kg. Risk assessments of AFM1 using deterministic models produced outcomes that ranged between 5.92 × 10-3- 0.14 ng/kg bw/day, 1.42 -44.35, 0-0.0323 ng aflatoxins/kg bw/day, and 1.51 × 10-3 - 9.69 × 10-4 cases/100,000 person/yr for estimated daily intake (EDI), margin of exposure (MOE), average potency, and cancer risks, respectively, for the age categories investigated. Fungal counts were interpreted as medium to high. It was also established that the consumption of wagashi may pose adverse health effects on all age categories in the selected zones of the study since all calculated MOE values were less than 100,000.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nii Korley Kortei
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Sports Nutrition, School of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Valentina Sylvia Gillette
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan
- Department of Plant and Environmental Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 55, Legon, Ghana
| | - Leslie Owusu Ansah
- Department of Food Laboratory, Food and Drugs Authority, P.O. Box CT 2783, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vincent Kyei-Baffour
- Food Chemistry and Nutrition Research Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Food Research Institute, P. O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana
| | - George Tawia Odamtten
- Department of Plant and Environmental Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 55, Legon, Ghana
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2
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Bader El Din NG, Farouk S. Exploring the Impact of Different Inflammatory Cytokines on Hepatitis C Virus Infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024; 44:233-243. [PMID: 38563804 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2024.0003] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern affecting millions worldwide. Chronic HCV infection often leads to liver inflammation and can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammatory cytokines are crucial in modulating the immune response during HCV infection. This review aims to investigate the impact of different inflammatory cytokines on HCV infection and associated immune responses. This review was conducted to identify relevant studies on the interplay between inflammatory cytokines and HCV infection. The analysis focused on the effects of key inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), on HCV replication, immune cell activation, and liver inflammation. The findings reveal that these inflammatory cytokines can significantly influence HCV infection and the subsequent immune response. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 have been shown to enhance HCV replication, while IFN-γ exerts antiviral effects by inhibiting viral replication and promoting immune cell-mediated clearance of infected hepatocytes. Moreover, these cytokines contribute to the recruitment and activation of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, T cells, and macrophages, which play critical roles in controlling HCV infection. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which inflammatory cytokines impact HCV infection is crucial for developing more targeted therapeutic strategies. Modulating the levels or activity of specific cytokines may provide opportunities to attenuate HCV replication, reduce liver inflammation, and improve treatment outcomes. In conclusion, this review highlights the significance of inflammatory cytokines in influencing HCV infection and associated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha G Bader El Din
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sally Farouk
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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Aasarey R, Yadav K, Kashyap BK, Prabha S, Kumar P, Kumar A, Ruokolainen J, Kesari KK. Role of Immunological Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Disease and Associated Pathways. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1801-1816. [PMID: 38093838 PMCID: PMC10714437 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the predominant causes of cancer-related mortality across the globe. It is attributed to obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and infection by the hepatitis virus. Early diagnosis of HCC is essential, and local treatments such as surgical excision and percutaneous ablation are effective. Palliative systemic therapy, primarily with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sorafenib, is used in advanced cases. However, the prognosis for advanced HCC remains poor. This Review additionally describes the pathophysiological mechanisms of HCC, which include aberrant molecular signaling, genomic instability, persistent inflammation, and the paradoxical position of the immune system in promoting and suppressing HCC. The paper concludes by discussing the growing body of research on the relationship between mitochondria and HCC, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the progression of HCC. This Review focuses on immunological interactions between different mechanisms of HCC progression, including obesity, viral infection, and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Aasarey
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute
of Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Kajal Yadav
- Department
of Biotechnology, All India Institute of
Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Brijendra Kumar Kashyap
- Department
of Biotechnology Engineering, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284128, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarit Prabha
- Department
of Biological Science and Engineering, Maulana
Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal-462003, Madhya Pradesh,India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Indian
Council of Medical Research, National Institute
of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), l-7, Sector-39, Noida-201301, National Capital Region, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department
of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Cheri-Manatu, Karmre, Kanke-835222, Ranchi, India
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- Research
and Development Cell, Lovely Professional
University, Phagwara-144411, Punjab, India
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4
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Pauletto M, Giantin M, Tolosi R, Bassan I, Bardhi A, Barbarossa A, Montanucci L, Zaghini A, Dacasto M. Discovering the Protective Effects of Quercetin on Aflatoxin B1-Induced Toxicity in Bovine Foetal Hepatocyte-Derived Cells (BFH12). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:555. [PMID: 37755981 PMCID: PMC10534839 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induces lipid peroxidation and mortality in bovine foetal hepatocyte-derived cells (BFH12), with underlying transcriptional perturbations associated mainly with cancer, cellular damage, inflammation, bioactivation, and detoxification pathways. In this cell line, curcumin and resveratrol have proven to be effective in mitigating AFB1-induced toxicity. In this paper, we preliminarily assessed the potential anti-AFB1 activity of a natural polyphenol, quercetin (QUE), in BFH12 cells. To this end, we primarily measured QUE cytotoxicity using a WST-1 reagent. Then, we pre-treated the cells with QUE and exposed them to AFB1. The protective role of QUE was evaluated by measuring cytotoxicity, transcriptional changes (RNA-sequencing), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde production), and targeted post-transcriptional modifications (NQO1 and CYP3A enzymatic activity). The results demonstrated that QUE, like curcumin and resveratrol, reduced AFB1-induced cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation and caused larger transcriptional variations than AFB1 alone. Most of the differentially expressed genes were involved in lipid homeostasis, inflammatory and immune processes, and carcinogenesis. As for enzymatic activities, QUE significantly reverted CYP3A variations induced by AFB1, but not those of NQO1. This study provides new knowledge about key molecular mechanisms involved in QUE-mediated protection against AFB1 toxicity and encourages in vivo studies to assess QUE's bioavailability and beneficial effects on aflatoxicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Pauletto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Mery Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Roberta Tolosi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Irene Bassan
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Anisa Bardhi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, I-40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (A.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Andrea Barbarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, I-40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (A.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ludovica Montanucci
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Anna Zaghini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, I-40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (A.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Mauro Dacasto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
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5
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Lyubitelev A, Studitsky V. Inhibition of Cancer Development by Natural Plant Polyphenols: Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10663. [PMID: 37445850 PMCID: PMC10341686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors remain one of the main sources of morbidity and mortality around the world. A chemotherapeutic approach to cancer treatment poses a multitude of challenges, primarily due to the low selectivity and genotoxicity of the majority of chemotherapeutic drugs currently used in the clinical practice, often leading to treatment-induced tumors formation. Highly selective antitumor drugs can largely resolve this issue, but their high selectivity leads to significant drawbacks due to the intrinsic tumor heterogeneity. In contrast, plant polyphenols can simultaneously affect many processes that are involved in the acquiring and maintaining of hallmark properties of malignant cells, and their toxic dose is typically much higher than the therapeutic one. In the present work we describe the mechanisms of the action of polyphenols on cancer cells, including their effects on genetic and epigenetic instability, tumor-promoting inflammation, and altered microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasily Studitsky
- Biology Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia;
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
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6
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Gull N, Arshad F, Naikoo GA, Hassan IU, Pedram MZ, Ahmad A, Aljabali AAA, Mishra V, Satija S, Charbe N, Negi P, Goyal R, Serrano-Aroca Á, Al Zoubi MS, El-Tanani M, Tambuwala MM. Recent Advances in Anticancer Activity of Novel Plant Extracts and Compounds from Curcuma longa in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2023; 54:368-390. [PMID: 35285010 PMCID: PMC8918363 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-022-00809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Among all forms of cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. There are several treatment options for HCC ranging from loco-regional therapy to surgical treatment. Yet, there is high morbidity and mortality. Recent research focus has shifted towards more effective and less toxic cancer treatment options. Curcumin, the active ingredient in the Curcuma longa plant, has gained widespread attention in recent years because of its multifunctional properties as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar was performed for studies reporting incidence of HCC, risk factors associated with cirrhosis and experimental use of curcumin as an anti-cancer agent. RESULTS This review exclusively encompasses the anti-cancer properties of curcumin in HCC globally and it's postulated molecular targets of curcumin when used against liver cancers. CONCLUSIONS This review is concluded by presenting the current challenges and future perspectives of novel plant extracts derived from C. longa and the treatment options against cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nighat Gull
- School of Sciences, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, 32, Hyderabad, TS, India
| | - Fareeha Arshad
- Department of Biochemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, U.P., India
| | - Gowhar A Naikoo
- Department of Mathematics and Sciences, College of Arts and Applied Sciences, Dhofar University, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman.
| | - Israr Ul Hassan
- College of Engineering, Dhofar University, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Mona Zamani Pedram
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering-Energy Division, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, P.O. Box: 19395-1999, No. 15-19, Pardis St., Mollasadra Ave., Vanak Sq., Tehran, 1999 143344, Iran
| | - Arif Ahmad
- School of Sciences, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, 32, Hyderabad, TS, India
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21163, Jordan
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Satija
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Nitin Charbe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Poonam Negi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Solan, 173229, India
| | - Rohit Goyal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Solan, 173229, India
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials & Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia, San Vicente Mártir, 46001, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mazhar S Al Zoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, County Londonderry, UK.
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7
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Jaćević V, Dumanović J, Alomar SY, Resanović R, Milovanović Z, Nepovimova E, Wu Q, Franca TCC, Wu W, Kuča K. Research update on aflatoxins toxicity, metabolism, distribution, and detection: A concise overview. Toxicology 2023; 492:153549. [PMID: 37209941 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Serious health risks associated with the consumption of food products contaminated with aflatoxins (AFs) are worldwide recognized and depend predominantly on consumed AF concentration by diet. A low concentration of aflatoxins in cereals and related food commodities is unavoidable, especially in subtropic and tropic regions. Accordingly, risk assessment guidelines established by regulatory bodies in different countries help in the prevention of aflatoxin intoxication and the protection of public health. By assessing the maximal levels of aflatoxins in food products which are a potential risk to human health, it's possible to establish appropriate risk management strategies. Regarding, a few factors are crucial for making a rational risk management decision, such as toxicological profile, adequate information concerning the exposure duration, availability of routine and some novel analytical techniques, socioeconomic factors, food intake patterns, and maximal allowed levels of each aflatoxin in different food products which may be varied between countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Jaćević
- Department for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Poison Control Centre, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Jelena Dumanović
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Suliman Y Alomar
- King Saud University, College of Science, Zoology Department, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Radmila Resanović
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Milovanović
- Special Police Unit, Ministry of Interior, Trebevićka 12/A, 11 030 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, 1 Nanhuan Road, 434023 Jingzhou, Hubei, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Tanos Celmar Costa Franca
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to the Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Wenda Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuča
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 50005, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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8
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Tang B, Xue KS, Wang JS, Williams PL, Tang L. Host-microbiota affects the toxicity of Aflatoxin B 1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 176:113804. [PMID: 37120088 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxins are a group of potent fungal metabolites produced by Aspergillus and commonly contaminate groundnuts and cereal grains. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most potent mycotoxin, has been classified as Group 1 human carcinogen because it can be metabolically activated by the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) in the liver to form AFB1-DNA adducts and induce gene mutations. Increasing evidence has shown the gut microbiota as a key mediator of AFB1 toxicity through multiple interactive host-microbiota activities. To identify specific bacterial activity that modulates AFB1 toxicity in Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans, we established a 3-way (microbe-worm-chemical) high-throughput screening system using C. elegans fed E. coli Keio collection on an integrated robotic platform, COPAS Biosort. We performed 2-step screenings using 3985 Keio mutants and identified 73 E. coli mutants that modulated C. elegans growth phenotype. Four genes (aceA, aceB, lpd, and pflB) involved in the pyruvate pathway were identified from the screening and confirmed to increase the sensitivity of all animals to AFB1. Taking together, our results indicated that disturbances in bacterial pyruvate metabolism might have a significant impact on AFB1 toxicity in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Tang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Kathy S Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Jia-Sheng Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Phillip L Williams
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Lili Tang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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Gong Z, Huang Y, Hu X, Zhang J, Chen Q, Chen H. Recent Progress in Electrochemical Nano-Biosensors for Detection of Pesticides and Mycotoxins in Foods. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:140. [PMID: 36671974 PMCID: PMC9856537 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide and mycotoxin residues in food are concerning as they are harmful to human health. Traditional methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for such detection lack sensitivity and operation convenience. Efficient, accurate detection approaches are needed. With the recent development of nanotechnology, electrochemical biosensors based on nanomaterials have shown solid ability to detect trace pesticides and mycotoxins quickly and accurately. In this review, English articles about electrochemical biosensors in the past 11 years (2011-2022) were collected from PubMed database, and various nanomaterials are discussed, including noble metal nanomaterials, magnetic metal nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, carbon nanotubes, as well as graphene and its derivatives. Three main roles of such nanomaterials in the detection process are summarized, including biomolecule immobilization, signal generation, and signal amplification. The detection targets involve two types of pesticides (organophosphorus and carbamate) and six types of mycotoxins (aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin, ochratoxin A, and patulin). Although significant achievements have been made in the evolution of electrochemical nano-biosensors, many challenges remain to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyuan Gong
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yueming Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xianjing Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Qilei Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Hubiao Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
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10
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Aflatoxins: Source, Detection, Clinical Features and Prevention. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The most potent mycotoxin, aflatoxins are the secondary metabolite produced by fungi, especially Aspergillus, and have been found to be ubiquitous, contaminating cereals, crops, and even milk and causing major health and economic issues in some countries due to poor storage, substandard management, and lack of awareness. Different aspects of the toxin are reviewed here, including its structural biochemistry, occurrence, factors conducive to its contamination and intoxication and related clinical features, as well as suggested preventive and control strategies and detection methods.
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11
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Herren OM, Gillman AS, Marshall VJ, Das R. Understanding the Changing Landscape of Health Disparities in Chronic Liver Diseases and Liver Cancer. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 2:505-520. [PMID: 37347072 PMCID: PMC10281758 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease and liver cancer disparities in the U.S. are reflective of complex multiple determinants of health. This review describes the disproportionate burden of liver disease and liver cancer among racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minority, rural, low socioeconomic status (SES) populations, and place-based contexts. The contributions of traditional and lifestyle-related risk factors (e.g., alcohol consumption, evitable toxin exposure, nutrition quality) and comorbid conditions (e.g., viral hepatitis, obesity, type II diabetes) to disparities is also explored. Biopsychosocial mechanisms defining the physiological consequences of inequities underlying these health disparities, including inflammation, allostatic load, genetics, epigenetics, and social epigenomics are described. Guided by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) framework, integrative research of unexplored social and biological mechanisms of health disparities, appropriate methods and measures for early screening, diagnosis, assessment, and strategies for timely treatment and maintaining multidisciplinary care should be actively pursued. We review emerging research on adverse social determinants of liver health, such as structural racism, discrimination, stigma, SES, rising care-related costs, food insecurity, healthcare access, health literacy, and environmental exposures to pollutants. Limited research on protective factors of liver health is also described. Research from effective, multilevel, community-based interventions indicate a need for further intervention efforts that target both risk and protective factors to address health disparities. Policy-level impacts are also needed to reduce disparities. These insights are important, as the social contexts and inequities that influence determinants of liver disease/cancer have been worsened by the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and are forecasted to amplify disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M. Herren
- Extramural Scientific Programs, Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Arielle S. Gillman
- Extramural Scientific Programs, Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Vanessa J. Marshall
- Office of the Director National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), Bethesda, MD
| | - Rina Das
- Extramural Scientific Programs, Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences
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12
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Lootens O, Vermeulen A, Croubels S, De Saeger S, Van Bocxlaer J, De Boevre M. Possible Mechanisms of the Interplay between Drugs and Mycotoxins-Is There a Possible Impact? Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120873. [PMID: 36548770 PMCID: PMC9787578 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxin contamination is a global food safety issue leading to major public health concerns. Repeated exposure to multiple mycotoxins not only has repercussions on human health but could theoretically also lead to interactions with other xenobiotic substances-such as drugs-in the body by altering their pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics. The combined effects of chronic drug use and mycotoxin exposure need to be well understood in order to draw valid conclusions and, in due course, to develop guidelines. The aim of this review is to focus on food contaminants, more precisely on mycotoxins, and drugs. First, a description of relevant mycotoxins and their effects on human health and metabolism is presented. The potential for interactions of mycotoxins with drugs using in vitro and in vivo animal experiments is summarized. Predictive software tools for unraveling mycotoxin-drug interactions are proposed and future perspectives on this emerging topic are highlighted with a view to evaluate associated risks and to focus on precision medicine. In vitro and in vivo animal studies have shown that mycotoxins affect CYP450 enzyme activity. An impact from drugs on mycotoxins mediated via CYP450-enzymes is plausible; however, an impact of mycotoxins on drugs is less likely considering the much smaller dose exposure to mycotoxins. Drugs that are CYP450 perpetrators and/or substrates potentially influence the metabolism of mycotoxins, metabolized via these CYP450 enzymes. To date, very little research has been conducted on this matter. The only statistically sound reports describe mycotoxins as victims and drugs as perpetrators in interactions; however, more analysis on mycotoxin-drug interactions needs to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orphélie Lootens
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- MYTOX-SOUTH, International Thematic Network, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (O.L.); (M.D.B.)
| | - An Vermeulen
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Siska Croubels
- MYTOX-SOUTH, International Thematic Network, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- MYTOX-SOUTH, International Thematic Network, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Gauteng 2028, South Africa
| | - Jan Van Bocxlaer
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marthe De Boevre
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- MYTOX-SOUTH, International Thematic Network, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (O.L.); (M.D.B.)
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13
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Wang SH, Yeh SH, Chen PJ. Androgen Enhances Aflatoxin-induced Genotoxicity and Inflammation to Liver Cancer in Male Hepatitis B Patients. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:507-508. [PMID: 36427539 PMCID: PMC9880974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shiou-Hwei Yeh
- NTU Centers of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, NTU Centers of Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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14
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Recent advances in microbial toxin-related strategies to combat cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:753-768. [PMID: 34271147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It is a major concern to treat cancer successfully, due to the distinctive pathophysiology of cancer cells and the gradual manifestation of resistance. Specific action, adverse effects and development of resistance has prompted the urgent requirement of exploring alternative anti-tumour treatment therapies. The naturally derived microbial toxins as a therapy against cancer cells are a promisingly new dimension. Various important microbial toxins such as Diphtheria toxin, Vibrio cholera toxin, Aflatoxin, Patulin, Cryptophycin-55, Chlorella are derived from several bacterial, fungal and algal species. These agents act on different biotargets such as inhibition of protein synthesis, reduction in cell growth, regulation of cell cycle and many cellular processes. Bacterial toxins produce actions primarily by targeting protein moieties and some immunomodulation and few acts through DNA. Fungal toxins appear to have more DNA damaging activity and affect the cell cycle. Algal toxins produce alteration in mitochondrial phosphorylation. In conclusion, microbial toxins and their metabolites appear to have a great potential to provide a promising option for the treatment and management to combat cancer.
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15
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Bakrania A, Zheng G, Bhat M. Nanomedicine in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A New Frontier in Targeted Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:41. [PMID: 35056937 PMCID: PMC8779722 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death and is associated with a dismal median survival of 2-9 months. The fundamental limitations and ineffectiveness of current HCC treatments have led to the development of a vast range of nanotechnologies with the goal of improving the safety and efficacy of treatment for HCC. Although remarkable success has been achieved in nanomedicine research, there are unique considerations such as molecular heterogeneity and concomitant liver dysfunction that complicate the translation of nanotheranostics in HCC. This review highlights the progress, challenges, and targeting opportunities in HCC nanomedicine based on the growing literature in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada;
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada;
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada;
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada;
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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16
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Urinary Biomarkers of Mycotoxin Induced Nephrotoxicity-Current Status and Expected Future Trends. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120848. [PMID: 34941686 PMCID: PMC8708607 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The intensifying world-wide spread of mycotoxigenic fungal species has increased the possibility of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed and the human food chain. Growing evidence shows the deleterious toxicological effects of mycotoxins from infants to adults, while large population-based screening programs are often missing to identify affected individuals. The kidney functions as the major excretory system, which makes it particularly vulnerable to nephrotoxic injury. However, few studies have attempted to screen for kidney injury biomarkers in large, mycotoxin-exposed populations. As a result, there is an urgent need to screen them with sensitive biomarkers for potential nephrotoxicity. Although a plethora of biomarkers have been tested to estimate the harmful effects of a wide spectrum of toxicants, β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) are currently the dominant biomarkers employed routinely in environmental toxicology research. Nevertheless, kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are also emerging as useful and informative markers to reveal mycotoxin induced nephrotoxicity. In this opinion article we consider the nephrotoxic effects of mycotoxins, the biomarkers available to detect and quantify the kidney injuries caused by them, and to recommend biomarkers to screen mycotoxin-exposed populations for renal damage.
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17
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Wei W, Lan F, Liu Y, Wu L, Hassan BH, Wang S. Characterization of the Bifunctional Enzyme BioDA Involved in Biotin Synthesis and Pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:11971-11981. [PMID: 34591470 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03248] [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: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biotin is an important enzyme cofactor that plays a key role in all three domains. The classical bifunctional enzyme BioDA in eukaryotes (such as Aspergillus flavus and Arabidopsis thaliana) is involved in the antepenultimate and penultimate steps of biotin biosynthesis. In this study, we identified a A. flavus bifunctional gene bioDA which could complement both Escherichia coli ΔEcbioD and ΔEcbioA mutants. Interestingly, the separated domain of AfBioD and AfBioA could, respectively, fuse with EcBioA and EcBioD well and work together. What is more, we found that BioDA was almost localized to the mitochondria in A. flavus, as shown by N-terminal red fluorescent protein tag fusion. Noteworthy, the subcellular localization of AfBioDA is never affected by common environmental stresses (such as hyperosmotic stress or oxidative stress). The knockout strategy demonstrated that the deletion of AfbioDA gene from the chromosome impaired the biotin de novo synthesis pathway in A. flavus. Importantly, this A. flavus mutant blocked biotin production and decreased its pathogenicity to infect peanuts. Based on the structural comparison, we found that two inhibitors (amiclenomycin and gemcitabine) could be candidates for antifungal drugs. Taken together, our findings identified the bifunctional AfbioDA gene and shed light on biotin biosynthesis in A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Faxiu Lan
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yinghang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lianghuan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Bachar H Hassan
- Health Sciences Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, New York 11794, United States
| | - Shihua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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18
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Katerji M, Duerksen-Hughes PJ. DNA damage in cancer development: special implications in viral oncogenesis. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:3956-3979. [PMID: 34522461 PMCID: PMC8414375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA lesions arise from a combination of physiological/metabolic sources and exogenous environmental influences. When left unrepaired, these alterations accumulate in the cells and can give rise to mutations that change the function of important proteins (i.e. tumor suppressors, oncoproteins), or cause chromosomal rearrangements (i.e. gene fusions) that also result in the deregulation of key cellular molecules. Progressive acquisition of such genetic changes promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation and evasion of cell death, and hence plays a key role in carcinogenesis. Another less-studied consequence of DNA damage accumulating in the host genome is the integration of oncogenic DNA viruses such as Human papillomavirus, Merkel cell polyomavirus, and Hepatitis B virus. This critical step of viral-induced carcinogenesis is thought to be particularly facilitated by DNA breaks in both viral and host genomes. Therefore, the impact of DNA damage on carcinogenesis is magnified in the case of such oncoviruses via the additional effect of increasing integration frequency. In this review, we briefly present the various endogenous and exogenous factors that cause different types of DNA damage. Next, we discuss the contribution of these lesions in cancer development. Finally, we examine the amplified effect of DNA damage in viral-induced oncogenesis and summarize the limited data existing in the literature related to DNA damage-induced viral integration. To conclude, additional research is needed to assess the DNA damage pathways involved in the transition from viral infection to cancer. Discovering that a certain DNA damaging agent increases the likelihood of viral integration will enable the development of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies designed specifically to prevent such integration, with an ultimate goal of reducing or eliminating these viral-induced malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghri Katerji
- Department of Basic Science, Loma Linda University School of Medicine Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
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19
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Kholif OT, Sebaei AS, Eissa FI, Elhamalawy OH. Size-exclusion chromatography selective cleanup of aflatoxins in oilseeds followed by HPLC determination to assess the potential health risk. Toxicon 2021; 200:110-117. [PMID: 34280411 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are one of the most harmful carcinogenic natural toxins that affect food. Crops containing reasonably high oil content may be affected by Aspergillus species and consequently by AF contamination. In this study, a proposed testing method for AF detection in oilseed was developed, validated, and used for a market survey to assess the probabilistic risk exposure caused by consuming contaminated oilseeds including corn, sunflower seed, and soybean. The test method was optimized for selective extraction and then validated for fitness of purpose; the limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.2, 0.4, 0.2, and 0.2 μg kg-1 for aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), and aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), respectively. The method was linear from the LOQs up to 20 μg kg-1, and its budget of measurement uncertainties were estimated at 25, 24, 26, and 30 for AFG1, AFB1, AFG2, and AFB2, respectively. The contamination levels were from <LOQ to 2.65 μg kg-1 and from <LOQ to 26.9 μg kg-1 for corn and sunflower oilseed samples, respectively, whereas the soybean samples were AF-free. According to the consumption rate of corn and sunflower seeds, the estimated margins of exposure to AFB1 were 721 and > 10,000 body weight (BW) day-1, respectively. The main finding of the present study highlights the possibility of some risk of AF exposure from corn consumption, which may represent a health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Tawfik Kholif
- Environment and Bio-Agriculture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Agricultural Research Center, Central Laboratory of Residue Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, 12311, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Salem Sebaei
- Agricultural Research Center, Central Laboratory of Residue Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, 12311, Egypt.
| | - Fawzy I Eissa
- Environment and Bio-Agriculture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Osama H Elhamalawy
- Environment and Bio-Agriculture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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20
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Yeh H, Chiang CC, Yen TH. Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with renal dysfunction: Pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment challenges. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4104-4142. [PMID: 34326614 PMCID: PMC8311541 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i26.4104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) overlaps to a high degree with those for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The degrees of renal dysfunction vary, from the various stages of CKD to dialysis-dependent ESRD, which often affects the prognosis and treatment choice of patients with HCC. In addition, renal dysfunction makes treatment more difficult and may negatively affect treatment outcomes. This study summarized the possible causes of the high comorbidity of HCC and renal dysfunction. The possible mechanisms of CKD causing HCC involve uremia itself, long-term dialysis status, immunosuppressive agents for postrenal transplant status, and miscellaneous factors such as hormone alterations and dysbiosis. The possible mechanisms of HCC affecting renal function include direct tumor invasion and hepatorenal syndrome. Finally, we categorized the risk factors that could lead to both HCC and CKD into four categories: Environmental toxins, viral hepatitis, metabolic syndrome, and vasoactive factors. Both CKD and ESRD have been reported to negatively affect HCC prognosis, but more research is warranted to confirm this. Furthermore, ESRD status itself ought not to prevent patients receiving aggressive treatments. This study then adopted the well-known Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines as a framework to discuss the indicators for each stage of HCC treatment, treatment-related adverse renal effects, and concerns that are specific to patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction when undergoing aggressive treatments against CKD and ESRD. Such aggressive treatments include liver resection, simultaneous liver kidney transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, and transarterial chemoembolization. Finally, focusing on patients unable to receive active treatment, this study compiled information on the latest systemic pharmacological therapies, including targeted and immunotherapeutic drugs. Based on available clinical studies and Food and Drug Administration labels, this study details the drug indications, side effects, and dose adjustments for patients with renal dysfunction. It also provides a comprehensive review of information on HCC patients with renal dysfunction from disease onset to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan Yeh
- Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taipei 105, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Cheng Chiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Hai Yen
- Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taipei 105, Taiwan
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21
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Apolinário LA, Ramalho LNZ, Moosavi MH, Jager AV, Augusto MJ, Trotta MR, Petta T, Khaneghah AM, Oliveira CAF, Ramalho FS. Oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways in subchronic aflatoxicosis in rats: Association with serum and urinary aflatoxin exposure biomarkers. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 153:112263. [PMID: 34015426 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112263] [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: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the changes in oncogenic and tumor suppressor signaling pathways in liver and their association with serum and urinary biomarkers of aflatoxin exposure were evaluated in Wistar rats fed diets containing aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) for 90 days. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 15 per group) and assigned to dietary treatments containing 0 (control), 50 (AFB50), 100 (AFB100) and 200 μg AFB1 kg-1 diet (AFB200). Multiple preneoplastic foci of hepatocytes marked with glutathione-S-transferase-placental form (GST-P) were identified in AFB100 and AFB200 groups. Hepatocellular damage induced by AFB1 resulted in overexpression of cyclin D1 and β-catenin. The liver expression of retinoblastoma (Rb) and p27Kip1 decreased in AFB100 and AFB200 groups, confirming the favorable conditions for neoplastic progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. All samples from rats fed AFB1-contaminated diets had quantifiable AFB1-lysine in serum or urinary AFM1 and AFB1-N7-guanine, with mean levels of 20.42-50.34 ng mL-1, 5.31-37.68 and 39.15-126.37 ng mg-1 creatinine, respectively. Positive correlations were found between AFB1-lysine, AFM1 or AFB1-N7-guanine and GST-P+, β-catenin+ and cyclin D1+ hepatocytes, while Rb + cells negatively correlated with those AFB1 exposure biomarkers. The pathways evaluated are critical molecular mechanisms of AFB1-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia A Apolinário
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandra N Z Ramalho
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Motahareh Hashemi Moosavi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alessandra V Jager
- Department of Bio Molecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marlei J Augusto
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurício R Trotta
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Tânia Petta
- Actinobac Agrosciences. Supera - Parque de Inovação e Tecnologia de Ribeirão Preto, Av. Dra. Nadir Águiar, 1805, CEP, 14056-680, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Amin Mousavi Khaneghah
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP). R. Monteiro Lobato, 80, CEP, 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos A F Oliveira
- Department of Food Engineering, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo. Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, CEP, 13635-900, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fernando S Ramalho
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, CEP, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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22
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Melaram R. Environmental Risk Factors Implicated in Liver Disease: A Mini-Review. Front Public Health 2021; 9:683719. [PMID: 34249849 PMCID: PMC8264448 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.683719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver disease is a global health issue, resulting in about two million deaths per year. It encompasses a wide spectrum of varied or unknown etiologies, ranging from lifestyle choices to pre-existing comorbidities. In recent decades, exposure to environmental toxins and subsequent liver health outcomes have captured public interest, due to the extensive application of pesticides, consumption of aflatoxin contaminated foodstuff, and cyanobacterial harmful algae blooms in endemic regions of liver disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a serious and debilitating condition of the liver, characterized by abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. Established risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma include alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and viral infections of hepatitis B and C. However, mounting evidence suggests that environmental toxins may represent an important contributing factor in hepatocellular carcinoma development. This mini-review synthesizes epidemiological investigations, providing evidence for environmental toxins as one potential risk factor for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Melaram
- School of Health Sciences, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Ely A, Bloom K, Maepa MB, Arbuthnot P. Recent Update on the Role of Circular RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1-17. [PMID: 33542907 PMCID: PMC7851377 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s268291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
After being overlooked for decades, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently generated considerable interest. circRNAs play a role in a variety of normal and pathological biological processes, including hepatocarcinogenesis. Many circRNAs contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis through sponging of microRNAs (miRs) and disruption of cellular signaling pathways that play a part in control of cell proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis. In most cases, overexpressed circRNAs sequester miRs to cause de-repressed translation of mRNAs that encode oncogenic proteins. Conversely, low expression of circRNAs has also been described in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with inhibited production of tumor suppressor proteins. Other functions of circRNAs that contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis include translation of truncated proteins and acting as adapters to regulate influence of transcription factors on target gene expression. circRNAs also affect hepatocyte transformation indirectly. For example, the molecules regulate immune surveillance of cancerous cells and influence the liver fibrosis that commonly precedes HCC. Marked over- or under-expression of circRNA expression in HCC, with correlating plasma concentrations, has diagnostic utility and assays of these RNAs are being developed as biomarkers of HCC. Although knowledge in the field has recently surged, the myriad of described effects suggests that not all may be vital to hepatocarcinogenesis. Nevertheless, investigation of the role of circRNAs is providing valuable insights that are likely to contribute to improved management of a serious and highly aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Ely
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Shilkin ES, Boldinova EO, Stolyarenko AD, Goncharova RI, Chuprov-Netochin RN, Khairullin RF, Smal MP, Makarova AV. Translesion DNA Synthesis and Carcinogenesis. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:425-435. [PMID: 32569550 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920040033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tens of thousands of DNA lesions are formed in mammalian cells each day. DNA translesion synthesis is the main mechanism of cell defense against unrepaired DNA lesions. DNA polymerases iota (Pol ι), eta (Pol η), kappa (Pol κ), and zeta (Pol ζ) have active sites that are less stringent toward the DNA template structure and efficiently incorporate nucleotides opposite DNA lesions. However, these polymerases display low accuracy of DNA synthesis and can introduce mutations in genomic DNA. Impaired functioning of these enzymes can lead to an increased risk of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Shilkin
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - E O Boldinova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - A D Stolyarenko
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - R I Goncharova
- Institute of Genetics and Cytology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220072, Republic of Belarus
| | - R N Chuprov-Netochin
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - R F Khairullin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, 420012, Russia
| | - M P Smal
- Institute of Genetics and Cytology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220072, Republic of Belarus.
| | - A V Makarova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia.
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Li S, Saviano A, Erstad DJ, Hoshida Y, Fuchs BC, Baumert T, Tanabe KK. Risk Factors, Pathogenesis, and Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prevention: Emphasis on Secondary Prevention and Its Translational Challenges. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3817. [PMID: 33255794 PMCID: PMC7760293 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-associated mortality globally. Given the limited therapeutic efficacy in advanced HCC, prevention of HCC carcinogenesis could serve as an effective strategy. Patients with chronic fibrosis due to viral or metabolic etiologies are at a high risk of developing HCC. Primary prevention seeks to eliminate cancer predisposing risk factors while tertiary prevention aims to prevent HCC recurrence. Secondary prevention targets patients with baseline chronic liver disease. Various epidemiological and experimental studies have identified candidates for secondary prevention-both etiology-specific and generic prevention strategies-including statins, aspirin, and anti-diabetic drugs. The introduction of multi-cell based omics analysis along with better characterization of the hepatic microenvironment will further facilitate the identification of targets for prevention. In this review, we will summarize HCC risk factors, pathogenesis, and discuss strategies of HCC prevention. We will focus on secondary prevention and also discuss current challenges in translating experimental work into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Li
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.L.); (D.J.E.); (B.C.F.)
| | - Antonio Saviano
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Derek J. Erstad
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.L.); (D.J.E.); (B.C.F.)
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.L.); (D.J.E.); (B.C.F.)
| | - Thomas Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.L.); (D.J.E.); (B.C.F.)
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Spatial analysis of dietary exposure of aflatoxins in peanuts and peanut oil in different areas of China. Food Res Int 2020; 140:109899. [PMID: 33648201 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Peanuts in China are heavily contaminated with aflatoxin, which pose a threaten to human health. To compare the dietary exposure risk of aflatoxins (AFT) in peanuts and peanut oil in different areas of China, the spatial distribution of AFT contamination levels in peanuts and peanut oil from different areas was analyzed. The dietary exposure was calculated by simple distributed risk assessment method before characterizing the health risk using both the margin of exposure (MOE) approach proposed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the quantitative liver cancer risk approach proposed by the Joint Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The results showed that the AFT content in peanuts and peanut oil was high with agglomeration in several provinces of East and South China under a subtropical temperate monsoon climate, and the AFT contamination in peanut oil was more substantial than peanuts. On average, the estimated dietary exposure to AFT from the total of peanuts and peanut oil for Chinese general population ranged from 1.776 to 1.940 ng/kg bw/day (LB-UB), from which the MOE values of 88-96 (UB-LB) and liver cancer risk of 0.055-0.060 cases/100,000 persons/year (LB-UB) were calculated. As for different areas in China, the mean AFT exposure ranged between 0.000 and 17.270 ng/kg bw/day. Moreover, the corresponding health risk was estimated at 10-868759 MOE values and 0.000-0.851 liver cancer cases/100,000 persons/year. Guangdong, Fujian and Jiangxi provinces were at a higher risk rank. The liver cancer risk of AFT exposure from peanuts and peanut oil was far below all-cause liver cancer incidence (18.0 cases/100,000 persons/year) in China, but several areas with relatively high risk should be of concern. Compared with other age groups, children aged 2-6 years should be paid more attention because they have the highest AFT exposure level.
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27
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Ráduly Z, Szabó L, Madar A, Pócsi I, Csernoch L. Toxicological and Medical Aspects of Aspergillus-Derived Mycotoxins Entering the Feed and Food Chain. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2908. [PMID: 31998250 PMCID: PMC6962185 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to Earth's changing climate, the ongoing and foreseeable spreading of mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species has increased the possibility of mycotoxin contamination in the feed and food production chain. These harmful mycotoxins have aroused serious health and economic problems since their first appearance. The most potent Aspergillus-derived mycotoxins include aflatoxins, ochratoxins, gliotoxin, fumonisins, sterigmatocystin, and patulin. Some of them can be found in dairy products, mainly in milk and cheese, as well as in fresh and especially in dried fruits and vegetables, in nut products, typically in groundnuts, in oil seeds, in coffee beans, in different grain products, like rice, wheat, barley, rye, and frequently in maize and, furthermore, even in the liver of livestock fed by mycotoxin-contaminated forage. Though the mycotoxins present in the feed and food chain are well documented, the human physiological effects of mycotoxin exposure are not yet fully understood. It is known that mycotoxins have nephrotoxic, genotoxic, teratogenic, carcinogenic, and cytotoxic properties and, as a consequence, these toxins may cause liver carcinomas, renal dysfunctions, and also immunosuppressed states. The deleterious physiological effects of mycotoxins on humans are still a first-priority question. In food production and also in the case of acute and chronic poisoning, there are possibilities to set suitable food safety measures into operation to minimize the effects of mycotoxin contaminations. On the other hand, preventive actions are always better, due to the multivariate nature of mycotoxin exposures. In this review, the occurrence and toxicological features of major Aspergillus-derived mycotoxins are summarized and, furthermore, the possibilities of treatments in the medical practice to heal the deleterious consequences of acute and/or chronic exposures are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Ráduly
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Szabó
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anett Madar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Csernoch
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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28
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Ali N. Aflatoxins in rice: Worldwide occurrence and public health perspectives. Toxicol Rep 2019; 6:1188-1197. [PMID: 31768330 PMCID: PMC6872864 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2019.11.007] [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: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are fungal secondary metabolites that contaminate dietary staples worldwide, including maize, rice and groundnuts. Dietary exposure to aflatoxins is a public health concern due to their carcinogenic, acute and chronic effects. Rice is an important staple food consumed widely and consists of a major part of the diets for half of the world population. Human exposure to these mycotoxins is a serious problem especially in developing countries where hot and humid climates favor the fungal growth and where food storage conditions are poor and lack of regulatory limits enforcement. The recent developments of biomarkers have provided opportunities in assessing aflatoxins exposure and related health effects in the high-risk population groups. This review describes the worldwide occurrence of aflatoxins in rice during the period from 1990 to 2015 and biomarkers-based evidence for human exposure to aflatoxins and their adverse health effects. Aflatoxin is a potent hepatocarcinogen and humans may expose to it at any stage of life. Epidemiological studies reported an association between aflatoxin intake and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in some sub-Saharan and Asian countries. Even daily high intake of rice with a low level of contamination is of health concern. Thus, it is necessary to implement effective strategies to prevent contamination and fungal growth in rice. A good agricultural and manufacturing practice should be applied during handling, storage and distribution of rice to ensure that aflatoxins contamination level is lower in the final product. Moreover, a regular survey for aflatoxins occurrence in rice and biomarkers-based studies is recommended to prevent and reduce the adverse health effects in the world population.
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29
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Echodu R, Maxwell Malinga G, Moriku Kaducu J, Ovuga E, Haesaert G. Prevalence of aflatoxin, ochratoxin and deoxynivalenol in cereal grains in northern Uganda: Implication for food safety and health. Toxicol Rep 2019; 6:1012-1017. [PMID: 31673503 PMCID: PMC6816138 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxin contamination of cereals is a significant health risk for humans and animals, particularly in developing countries. To gain insight into food safety related to agricultural practices, we assessed levels of mycotoxin contamination in 105 samples of food grains raised and stored for consumption by rural households in the post-conflict districts of Kitgum and Lamwo in Northern Uganda. Aflatoxin, ochratoxin and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination was assessed by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total aflatoxin in the foods analyzed varied from nd (not detected) to 68.2 μg/Kg. Ochratoxin ranged from 0.1 to 16.4 μg/Kg. DON ranged from nd to 2606 μg/Kg. The mean concentration of total aflatoxins was significantly higher (P = 0.002) in sorghum than in millet, maize and sesame seeds. Frequency of co-occurrence of two mycotoxins ranged from 8.3 to 100%, with the highest being aflatoxin and ochratoxin in sorghum. Co-occurrence of all three mycotoxins ranged from 8.3 to 35.3%, with the highest again being in sorghum. Mean levels of aflatoxins concentration in sorghum samples were 11.8 μg/Kg, exceeding the Ugandan national regulatory limits of 10 μg/Kg. Furthermore, 46.5% of the sorghum consumed in both districts exceeded this limit, and 86.1% of sorghum samples exceeded the European Union (E.U.) maximum tolerable limit of 4 μg/Kg. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Hazard Indices (HI) values were in the range of 1.2 × 10-5-91.521 and 1.3 × 10-7 to 0.0059, respectively. In conclusion, our results provide evidence of high levels of mycotoxin contamination and co-occurrence in food grains in Northern Uganda with aflatoxins and ochratoxins at high levels in all the cereal types analyzed. Consumption of cereals cultivated in this region poses no health risk of mycotoxins exposure since HI values obtained were less than 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Echodu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
- Gulu University Bioscience Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Geoffrey Maxwell Malinga
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Forestry, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Joyce Moriku Kaducu
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Emilio Ovuga
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Geert Haesaert
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
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30
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Wang Y, Wang S, Nie X, Yang K, Xu P, Wang X, Liu M, Yang Y, Chen Z, Wang S. Molecular and structural basis of nucleoside diphosphate kinase-mediated regulation of spore and sclerotia development in the fungus Aspergillus flavus. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12415-12431. [PMID: 31243100 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The fundamental biological function of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) is to catalyze the reversible exchange of the γ-phosphate between nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) and nucleoside diphosphate (NDP). This kinase also has functions that extend beyond its canonically defined enzymatic role as a phosphotransferase. However, the role of NDK in filamentous fungi, especially in Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus), is not yet known. Here we report that A. flavus has two NDK-encoding gene copies as assessed by qPCR. Using gene-knockout and complementation experiments, we found that AfNDK regulates spore and sclerotia development and is involved in plant virulence as assessed in corn and peanut seed-based assays. An antifungal test with the inhibitor azidothymidine suppressed AfNDK activity in vitro and prevented spore production and sclerotia formation in A. flavus, confirming AfNDK's regulatory functions. Crystallographic analysis of AfNDK, coupled with site-directed mutagenesis experiments, revealed three residues (Arg-104, His-117, and Asp-120) as key sites that contribute to spore and sclerotia development. These results not only enrich our knowledge of the regulatory role of this important protein in A. flavus, but also provide insights into the prevention of A. flavus infection in plants and seeds, as well as into the structural features relevant for future antifungal drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xinyi Nie
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Kunlong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Peng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiuna Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Mengxin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yongshuai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Ogunwobi OO, Harricharran T, Huaman J, Galuza A, Odumuwagun O, Tan Y, Ma GX, Nguyen MT. Mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma progression. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:2279-2293. [PMID: 31148900 PMCID: PMC6529884 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i19.2279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a very poor prognosis. In the United States, there has been only minimal improvement in the prognosis for HCC patients over the past 15 years. Details of the molecular mechanisms and other mechanisms of HCC progression remain unclear. Consequently, there is an urgent need for better understanding of these mechanisms. HCC is often diagnosed at advanced stages, and most patients will therefore need systemic therapy, with sorafenib being the most common at the present time. However, sorafenib therapy only minimally enhances patient survival. This review provides a summary of some of the known mechanisms that either cause HCC or contribute to its progression. Included in this review are the roles of viral hepatitis, non-viral hepatitis, chronic alcohol intake, genetic predisposition and congenital abnormalities, toxic exposures, and autoimmune diseases of the liver. Well-established molecular mechanisms of HCC progression such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stromal interactions and the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells, and senescence bypass are also discussed. Additionally, we discuss the roles of circulating tumor cells, immunomodulation, and neural regulation as potential new mechanisms of HCC progression. A better understanding of these mechanisms could have implications for the development of novel and more effective therapeutic and prognostic strategies, which are critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olorunseun O Ogunwobi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Trisheena Harricharran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Jeannette Huaman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- The Graduate Center Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Anna Galuza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Oluwatoyin Odumuwagun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, United States
- Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research (CCHDR), New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Yin Tan
- Center for Asian Health, School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Grace X Ma
- Center for Asian Health, School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Minhhuyen T Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, United States
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32
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Mahuku G, Nzioki HS, Mutegi C, Kanampiu F, Narrod C, Makumbi D. Pre-harvest management is a critical practice for minimizing aflatoxin contamination of maize. Food Control 2019; 96:219-226. [PMID: 30713368 PMCID: PMC6251936 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2018.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Maize, the main dietary staple in Kenya, is one of the crops most susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin. To understand sources of aflatoxin contamination for home grown maize, we collected 789 maize samples from smallholder farmers' fields in Eastern and South Western, two regions in Kenya representing high and low aflatoxin risk areas, respectively, and determined aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) using ELISA with specific polyclonal antibodies. AFB1 was detected in 274 of the 416 samples from Eastern Kenya at levels between 0.01 and 9091.8 μg kg-1 (mean 67.8 μg kg-1). In South Western, AFB1 was detected in 233 of the 373 samples at levels between 0.98 and 722.2 μg kg-1 (mean 22.3 μg kg-1). Of the samples containing AFB1, 153 (55.8%) from Eastern and 102 (43.8%) from South Western exceeded the maximum allowable limit of AFB1 (5 μg kg-1) in maize for human consumption in Kenya. The probable daily intake (PDI) of AFB1 in Eastern Kenya ranged from 0.07 to 60612 ng kg-1 bw day-1 (mean 451.8 ng kg-1 bw day-1), while for South Western, PDI ranged from 6.53 to 4814.7 ng kg-1 bw day-1 (mean 148.4 ng kg-1 bw day-1). The average PDI for both regions exceeded the estimated provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of AFB1, which is a health concern for the population in these regions. These results revealed significant levels of preharvest aflatoxin contamination of maize in both regions. Prevention of preharvest infection of maize by toxigenic A. flavus strains should be a critical focal point to prevent aflatoxin contamination and exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mahuku
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Henry Sila Nzioki
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), P.O. Box 57811-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charity Mutegi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fred Kanampiu
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Clare Narrod
- University of Maryland, 5201 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Dan Makumbi
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), P.O. Box 1041-00621, Nairobi, Kenya
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma's (HCC) epidemiology and prognosis differs among regions across the globe, largely because of environmental factors and underlying liver disease. Little is known about the changes led by immigration and the effect on HCC outcome. We aimed to understand the effect of immigration on HCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with HCC was carried out in a tertiary center in the USA between 2005 and 2016. We characterized individuals as US born or having immigrated there after being born elsewhere. Variables related to clinical presentation, surveillance, therapy, and survival were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 232 HCC cases were included, 169 US born (73%) and 63 immigrants (27%). Both groups were diagnosed with HCC at similar ages (60 vs. 62 years, P=0.13). Hepatitis C was the most common underlying liver disease in the US-born population compared with the immigrant population (83 vs. 52%, P<0.001), whereas hepatitis B was more common in the latter (4 vs. 29%, P<0.001). Interestingly, hepatitis B virus-related HCC was diagnosed at similar ages in US-born and immigrant individuals (59 and 57 years). At the time of diagnosis, both populations had similar tumor sizes, rates of metastasis, and diagnosis during surveillance. One-year survival was similar in both groups (65 vs. 63%). CONCLUSION Immigrants that develop HCC have different underlying liver disease than those born in the USA, but similar HCC characteristics and outcomes, even when including hepatitis B virus-related HCCs. Our study, albeit small, suggests that changes in the environment by immigration leads to clinical adaptation of HCC.
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Barnes JL, Zubair M, John K, Poirier MC, Martin FL. Carcinogens and DNA damage. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1213-1224. [PMID: 30287511 PMCID: PMC6195640 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Humans are variously and continuously exposed to a wide range of different DNA-damaging agents, some of which are classed as carcinogens. DNA damage can arise from exposure to exogenous agents, but damage from endogenous processes is probably far more prevalent. That said, epidemiological studies of migrant populations from regions of low cancer risk to high cancer risk countries point to a role for environmental and/or lifestyle factors playing a pivotal part in cancer aetiology. One might reasonably surmise from this that carcinogens found in our environment or diet are culpable. Exposure to carcinogens is associated with various forms of DNA damage such as single-stand breaks, double-strand breaks, covalently bound chemical DNA adducts, oxidative-induced lesions and DNA-DNA or DNA-protein cross-links. This review predominantly concentrates on DNA damage induced by the following carcinogens: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic aromatic amines, mycotoxins, ultraviolet light, ionising radiation, aristolochic acid, nitrosamines and particulate matter. Additionally, we allude to some of the cancer types where there is molecular epidemiological evidence that these agents are aetiological risk factors. The complex role that carcinogens play in the pathophysiology of cancer development remains obscure, but DNA damage remains pivotal to this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Barnes
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, U.K
| | - Maria Zubair
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, U.K
| | - Kaarthik John
- Carcinogen-DNA Interactions Section, LCBG, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4255, U.S.A
| | - Miriam C Poirier
- Carcinogen-DNA Interactions Section, LCBG, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-4255, U.S.A.
| | - Francis L Martin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, U.K.
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Chu YJ, Yang HI, Wu HC, Lee MH, Liu J, Wang LY, Lu SN, Jen CL, You SL, Santella RM, Chen CJ. Aflatoxin B 1 exposure increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis C virus infection or alcohol consumption. Eur J Cancer 2018. [PMID: 29533866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocarcinogenicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has rarely been studied in populations with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and those without hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV infection (non-B-non-C). This case-control study nested in a community-based cohort aimed to investigate the HCC risk associated with AFB1 in HCV-infected and non-B-non-C participants. METHODS Baseline serum AFB1-albumin adduct levels were measured in 100 HCC cases and 1767 controls seronegative for anti-HCV and HBsAg (non-B-non-C), and another 103 HCC cases and 176 controls who were anti-HCV-seropositive and HBsAg-seronegative. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS In 20 years of follow-up, the follow-up time to newly developed HCC was significantly shorter in participants with higher serum AFB1-albumin adduct levels in non-B-non-C (p = 0.0162) and HCV-infected participants (p < 0.0001). Within 8 years of follow-up, HCV infection and AFB1 exposure were independent risk factors for HCC. Elevated serum AFB1-albumin adduct levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of HCC newly developed within 8 years of follow-up in non-B-non-C participants with habitual alcohol consumption [crude OR (95% CI) for high vs. low/undetectable levels, 4.22 (1.16-15.37)] and HCV-infected participants [3.39 (1.31-8.77)], but not in non-B-non-C participants without alcohol drinking habit. AFB1 exposure remained an independent risk predictor for HCV-related HCC after adjustment for other HCC predictors (multivariate-adjusted OR [95% CI], 3.65 [1.32-10.10]). CONCLUSIONS AFB1 exposure contributes to the development of HCC in participants with significant risk factors for cirrhosis including alcohol and HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ju Chu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan; Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Chen Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 630 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
| | - Jessica Liu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Yu Wang
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, No.46, Sec. 3, Zhongzheng Rd., Sanzhi Dist., New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan.
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 123 Ta Pei Road, Niao Sung Dist., Kaohsiung, 833, Taiwan.
| | - Chin-Lan Jen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
| | - San-Lin You
- School of Medicine & Big Data Research Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, No.510, Zhongzheng Rd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City, 242, Taiwan.
| | - Regina M Santella
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 630 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Chien-Jen Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
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Kigen G, Busakhala N, Kamuren Z, Rono H, Kimalat W, Njiru E. Factors associated with the high prevalence of oesophageal cancer in Western Kenya: a review. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:59. [PMID: 29142587 PMCID: PMC5670732 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal carcinoma (OC) is highly prevalent in Western Kenya especially among the members of the Kalenjin community who reside in the Northern and Southern areas of the Rift Valley. Previous authors have suggested potential association of environmental and genetic risk factors with this high prevalence. The environmental factors that have been suggested include contamination of food by mycotoxins and/or pesticides, consumption of traditional alcohol (locally referred to “Busaa” and “Chan’gaa”), use of fermented milk (“Mursik”), poor diet, tobacco use and genetic predisposition. The aim of this paper is to critically examine the potential contribution of each of the factors that have been postulated to be associated with the high prevalence of the disease in order to establish the most likely cause. We have done this by analyzing the trends, characteristics and behaviours that are specifically unique in the region, and corroborated this with the available literature. From our findings, the most plausible cause of the high incidence of OC among the Kalenjin community is mycotoxins, particularly fumonisins from the food chain resulting from poor handling of cereals; particularly maize combined with traditional alcohol laced with the toxins interacting synergistically with other high-risk factors such as dietary deficiencies associated alcoholism and viral infections, especially HPV. Urgent mitigating strategies should be developed in order to minimize the levels of mycotoxins in the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Kigen
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Moi University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 4606-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Moi University School of Medicine, P. O. Box 4606-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Zipporah Kamuren
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Moi University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 4606-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Hillary Rono
- Kitale County Hospital; London School of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, P.O. Box 98-30200, Kitale, Kenya
| | - Wilfred Kimalat
- Retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Provisional Administration & Internal Security, Office of the President, P. O. Box 28467-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Evangeline Njiru
- Department of Internal Medicine; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Moi University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 4606, Eldoret, 30100 Kenya
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Hesperidin protects against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis via modulation of Nrf2/ARE/HO-1, PPARγ and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling, and amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation. Chem Biol Interact 2017; 277:146-158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Ramirez AG, Muñoz E, Parma DL, Michalek JE, Holden AE, Phillips TD, Pollock BH. Lifestyle and Clinical Correlates of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in South Texas: A Matched Case-control Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 15:1311-1312. [PMID: 28344065 PMCID: PMC6071406 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amelie G. Ramirez
- Institute for Health Promotion Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1000, San Antonio, TX 78229,Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7933, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Edgar Muñoz
- Institute for Health Promotion Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1000, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Dorothy Long Parma
- Institute for Health Promotion Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1000, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Joel E Michalek
- Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7933, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Alan E.C. Holden
- Institute for Health Promotion Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1000, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Timothy D. Phillips
- Dept. of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Bradley H. Pollock
- Dept. of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Med-Sci 1C, Davis, CA 95616
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Nurul Adilah Z, Mohd Redzwan S. Effect of dietary macronutrients on aflatoxicosis: a mini-review. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2017; 97:2277-2281. [PMID: 28111762 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by Aspergillus species of fungi. The main route of aflatoxin exposure is through the diet. Indeed, long-term aflatoxin exposure is linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aflatoxin causes aflatoxicosis, which can be affected by several factors and is prevalent in many developing Asian and African countries. This mini-review discusses the effects of carbohydrate, fat and protein on aflatoxicosis based on findings from animal and human studies. It was found that high carbohydrate intake enhanced aflatoxicosis occurrence, while low ingestion of carbohydrate with caloric restriction slowed the symptoms associated with aflatoxicosis. Additionally, diets with low protein content worsened the symptoms related to HCC due to aflatoxin exposure. Nevertheless, a study reported that a high-protein diet favored detoxification of aflatoxin in vivo. There were also conflicting results on the influence of dietary fat, as high ingestion of fat enhanced aflatoxicosis development as compared with a low-fat diet. Moreover, the type of fat also plays a significant role in influencing aflatoxin toxicity. In regard to food safety, understanding the influence of macronutrients toward the progression of aflatoxicosis can improve preventive measures against human and animal exposure to aflatoxin. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainuddin Nurul Adilah
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Sabran Mohd Redzwan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Akbari P, Braber S, Varasteh S, Alizadeh A, Garssen J, Fink-Gremmels J. The intestinal barrier as an emerging target in the toxicological assessment of mycotoxins. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:1007-1029. [PMID: 27417439 PMCID: PMC5316402 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mycotoxins, the secondary metabolites of fungal species, are the most frequently occurring natural food contaminants in human and animal diets. Risk assessment of mycotoxins focused as yet on their mutagenic, genotoxic and potential carcinogenic effects. Recently, there is an increasing awareness of the adverse effects of various mycotoxins on vulnerable structures in the intestines. In particular, an impairment of the barrier function of the epithelial lining cells and the sealing tight junction proteins has been noted, as this could result in an increased translocation of luminal antigens and pathogens and an excessive activation of the immune system. The current review aims to provide a summary of the available evidence regarding direct effects of various mycotoxins on the intestinal epithelial barrier. Available data, based on different cellular and animal studies, show that food-associated exposure to certain mycotoxins, especially trichothecenes and patulin, affects the intestinal barrier integrity and can result in an increased translocation of harmful stressors. It is therefore hypothesized that human exposure to certain mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol, as the major trichothecene, may play an important role in etiology of various chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, and in the prevalence of food allergies, particularly in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Akbari
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Braber
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Soheil Varasteh
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arash Alizadeh
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Nutricia Research, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna Fink-Gremmels
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 104, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Auyeung A, Casillas-Santana MÁ, Martínez-Castañón GA, Slavin YN, Zhao W, Asnis J, Häfeli UO, Bach H. Effective Control of Molds Using a Combination of Nanoparticles. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169940. [PMID: 28122038 PMCID: PMC5266273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molds are filamentous fungi able to grow on a variety of surfaces, including constructed surfaces, food, rotten organic matter, and humid places. Mold growth is characterized by having an unpleasant odor in enclosed or non-ventilated places and a non-aesthetic appearance. They represent a health concern because of their ability to produce and release mycotoxins, compounds that are toxic to animals and humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate commercial nanoparticles (NPs) that can be used as an additive in coatings and paints to effectively control the growth of harmful molds. Four different NPs were screened for their antifungal activities against the mycotoxin producing mold strains Aspergillus flavus and A. fumigatus. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the NPs were determined in broth media, whereas an agar diffusion test was used to assess the antimold activity on acrylic- and water-based paints. The cytotoxic activity and the inflammatory response of the NPs were also evaluated using the established human derived macrophage cell line THP-1. Results showed that a combination of mix metallic- and ZnO-NPs (50:10 μg/mL) effectively inhibited the fungal growth when exposed to fluorescent light. Neither cytotoxic effect nor inflammatory responses were recorded, suggesting that this combination can be safely used in humid or non-ventilated environments without any health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Auyeung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- York House School, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Yael N. Slavin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wayne Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jason Asnis
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Urs O. Häfeli
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Horacio Bach
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Jin B, Wang W, Meng XX, Du G, Li J, Zhang SZ, Zhou BH, Fu ZH. Let-7 inhibits self-renewal of hepatocellular cancer stem-like cells through regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the Wnt signaling pathway. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:863. [PMID: 27821157 PMCID: PMC5100284 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2904-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor suppressive let-7 miRNAs are universally down-regulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) versus normal tissues; however, the roles and related molecular mechanisms of let-7 in HCC stem cells are poorly understood. Methods We examined the inhibitory effect of let-7 miRNAs on the proliferation of MHCC97-H and HCCLM3 hepatic cancer cells by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, which was further confirmed by apoptosis and cell cycle studies. The sphere-forming assay was used to study the effects of let-7a on stem like cells. Through western blot, immunofluorescence and the luciferase-reporter assay, we explored the activity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling factors in HCC cells. qRT-PCR was applied to detect miRNA expression levels in clinical tissues. Results Let-7a effectively repressed cell proliferation and viability, and in stem-like cells, also let-7a decreased the efficiency of sphere formation.in stem-like cells. The suppression of EMT signaling factors in HCC cells contributed to let-7’s induced tumor viability repression and Wnt activation repression. Besides, Wnt1 is critical and essential for let-7a functions, and the rescue with recombinant Wnt1 agent abolished the suppressive roles of let-7a on hepatospheres. In clinical HCC and normal tissues, let-7a expression was inversely correlated with Wnt1 expression. Conclusions Let-7 miRNAs, especially let-7a, will be a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of HCC through eliminating HCC stem cells, which could be achieved by their inhibitory effect on the Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Xiang-Xin Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of LingCheng, Dezhou, 253500, China
| | - Gang Du
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Shi-Zhe Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Bing-Hai Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
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Yang C, Fu R, Zhuang Z, Wang S. Studies on the biological functions of CPS1 in AFB1 induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Gene 2016; 591:255-261. [PMID: 27425868 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Carbamyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) was down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as treated by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent hepatocarcinogenesis mycotoxin. In this study, we firstly confirmed that AFB1 down-regulated the expression of CPS1 in a dose-dependent manner. At the meantime, both siRNA knock down of CPS1 and AFB1 treatment inhibited cell proliferation, and induced cell apoptosis. To further analysis the function of CPS1, the interacting proteins of CPS1 were searched by Co-IP, and three interacting proteins including type II cytoskeletal 1 (KRT1), albumin (ALB), and ubiquitin C (UBC) were found. Both KRT1 and ALB were new interacting proteins for CPS1. Our further study showed that CPS1 was regulating interacted and colocalized with KRT1 and ALB, and the intensity correlation was changed by AFB1. KRT1, ALB and CPS1 were all reported to play an important role in differentiation and tissue specialization. These results may offer an increasing understand that CPS1 might have a function in differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of the Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Edible Fungi, National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Breeding & Cultivation of Featured Edible Fungi, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Rao Fu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of the Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhenhong Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of the Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of the Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Ren X, Wang F, Ji B, Gao C. TLR7 agonist induced repression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the TLR7-IKK-NF-κB-IL6 signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2016; 11:2965-2970. [PMID: 27123047 PMCID: PMC4840696 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key members of innate immunity, involved in the defense against diseases, and evidence has revealed that TLR4/5 is involved in the carcinogenesis of hepatic cancer. TLR7 belongs to the TLR family, and its roles in immune-associated hepatic diseases have been well characterized; however, the consequences of agonist targeting of TLR7 in hepatic cancer have not previously been reported. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Imiquimod, a TLR7 agonist, on hepatic carcinogenesis by affecting the self-renewal of hepatic cancer stem cells. To detect the effects of this TLR7 agonist on hepatic cancer cells an MTT assay, mammosphere formation assay, ALDEFLUOR™ fluorescence-based stem cell sorting was used, and the potential signaling involved in the mechanism was investigated by western blot analysis. The TLR7 agonist Imiquimod demonstrated inhibitory effects on the cell proliferation and mammosphere formation of hepatic cells and stem cells, and decreased stem cell number (P<0.01). These effects may be achieved via the TLR7/IκB kinase/nuclear factor-κB/interleukin-6 signaling pathway, with decreased levels of Snail expression. The present study demonstrated the effects and mechanisms of the TLR7 agonist on hepatic cancer occurred via suppression of the self-renewal of cancer stem cells, indicating novel potential functions of the TLR7 agonist in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingbin Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Pain Management, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R China
| | - Baoju Ji
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R China
| | - Chunhai Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276003, P.R China
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Public health risk associated with the co-occurrence of mycotoxins in spices consumed in Sri Lanka. Food Chem Toxicol 2015; 74:240-8. [PMID: 25455891 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A quantitative risk assessment of mycotoxins due to the consumption of chilli (Capsicum annum L.) and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) was performed in Sri Lanka. A food frequency questionnaire was administered in order to collect the data on consumption of spices by households in the Northern and Southern region (n = 249). The mean chilli consumption in the North was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to the South. Mean exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the North (3.49 ng/kg BW/day) and South (2.13 ng/kg BW/day) have exceeded the tolerable daily intake due to chilli consumption at the lower bound scenario, while exposure to OTA was small. Dietary exposure to other mycotoxins, fumonisin B1, fumonisin B2, sterigmatocystin and citrinin due to spices were estimated. Margin of exposure estimations at the mean exposure to AFB1 were remarkably lower due to chilli (45-78) than for pepper (2315–10,857). Moreover, the hepato cellular carcinoma (HCC) risk associated with the mean AFB1 exposure through chilli at the lower bound was 0.046 and 0.028 HCC cases/year/100,000 based on the North and South consumption, respectively. AFB1 exposure via chilli should be considered as a great public health concern in Sri Lanka due to both high mycotoxin concentration and high consumption.
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Teoh WW, Xie M, Vijayaraghavan A, Yaligar J, Tong WM, Goh LK, Sabapathy K. Molecular characterization of hepatocarcinogenesis using mouse models. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:743-53. [PMID: 26035378 PMCID: PMC4486853 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.017624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly disease, often unnoticed until the late stages, when treatment options become limited. Thus, there is a crucial need to identify biomarkers for early detection of developing HCC, as well as molecular pathways that would be amenable to therapeutic intervention. Although analysis of human HCC tissues and serum components may serve these purposes, inability of early detection also precludes possibilities of identification of biomarkers or pathways that are sequentially perturbed at earlier phases of disease progression. We have therefore explored the option of utilizing mouse models to understand in a systematic and longitudinal manner the molecular pathways that are progressively deregulated by various etiological factors in contributing to HCC formation, and we report the initial findings in characterizing their validity. Hepatitis B surface antigen transgenic mice, which had been exposed to aflatoxin B1 at various stages in life, were used as a hepatitis model. Our findings confirm a synergistic effect of both these etiological factors, with a gender bias towards males for HCC predisposition. Time-based aflatoxin B1 treatment also demonstrated the requirement of non-quiescent liver for effective transformation. Tumors from these models with various etiologies resemble human HCCs histologically and at the molecular level. Extensive molecular characterization revealed the presence of an 11-gene HCC-expression signature that was able to discern transformed human hepatocytes from primary cells, regardless of etiology, and from other cancer types. Moreover, distinct molecular pathways appear to be deregulated by various etiological agents en route to formation of HCCs, in which common pathways converge, highlighting the existence of etiology-specific as well as common HCC-specific molecular perturbations. This study therefore highlights the utility of these mouse models, which provide a rich resource for the longitudinal analysis of molecular changes and biomarkers associated with HCC that could be exploited further for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei Teoh
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, 11 Hospital Drive, 169610, Singapore
| | - Min Xie
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, 11 Hospital Drive, 169610, Singapore
| | - Aadhitthya Vijayaraghavan
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - Jadegoud Yaligar
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, 138667, Singapore
| | - Wei Min Tong
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College 5, Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Liang Kee Goh
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
| | - Kanaga Sabapathy
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, 11 Hospital Drive, 169610, Singapore Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore
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Mo X, Lai H, Yang Y, Xiao J, He K, Liu C, Chen J, Lin Y. How does airway exposure of aflatoxin B1 affect serum albumin adduct concentrations? Evidence based on epidemiological study and animal experimentation. J Toxicol Sci 2015; 39:645-53. [PMID: 25056789 DOI: 10.2131/jts.39.645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) airway inhalation represents an additional route of exposure to this toxin. However, the association between AFB1 inhalation and serum AFB1 albumin adducts remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the association between airway exposure to AFB1 and serum AFB1 albumin adduct concentrations via an epidemiological study, as well as in an AFB1 airway exposure animal model. Our epidemiological study was conducted in a sugar factory in the Guangxi Autonomous Region of China. In order to examine fungal contamination, air samples were obtained in the workshop and areas outside the workshop, such as the office and nearby store. Dust samples were also collected from the bagasse warehouse and presser workshop, and were analyzed using an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, blood samples were collected from a total of 121 workshop workers, and a control group (n = 80) was comprised of workers who undertook administrative tasks or other work outside the workshop. The animal experiment was conducted in the laboratory animal center of Guangxi Medical University, where a total of 60 adult male rabbits were involved in this study. By intubation, AFB1 was administered in three groups of rabbits daily, at dose rates of 0.075, 0.05 and 0.025 mg/kg/day for a period of 7 days. Blood samples were collected on day 1, day 3, day 7 and day 21, and the measurements of the AFB1 albumin adducts in the serum were performed by a double antibody sandwich ELISA. The epidemiological study showed that serum albumin adducts were detected in 67 workshop workers (55.37%), and the values ranged 6.4 pg/mg albumin to 212 pg/mg albumin (mean value: 51 ± 4.62 pg/mg albumin). In contrast, serum albumin adducts were detected in only 7 control group participants, with the values ranging from 9 pg AFB1/mg albumin to 59 pg/mg albumin (mean value: 20 ± 13.72 pg/mg albumin). The animal experiment revealed that the rabbits had detectable levels of AFB1 in their serum with a minimum effective dose of 0.05 mg/kg/day; while 11 of 17 (64.71%) rabbits had detectable levels of AFB1 albumin adducts in the high exposure group (0.075 mg/kg/day), and only 5 rabbits (26.32%) had detectable levels of AFB1 albumin adducts in the moderate exposure group (0.05 mg/kg/day). No rabbits had detectable levels of AFB1 albumin adducts in the low exposure group (0.025 mg/kg/day). Our results demonstrated that only exposure to a certain level of AFB1 would result in detectable levels of serum AFB1 albumin adducts. Interventional programs aimed at reducing exposure to AFB1 by inhalation are urgently needed in high-risk populations. Additional large-sample, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to further confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwei Mo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University
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Kucukcakan B, Hayrulai-Musliu Z. Challenging Role of Dietary Aflatoxin B1 Exposure and Hepatitis B Infection on Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2015; 3:363-9. [PMID: 27275251 PMCID: PMC4877883 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2015.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFT) are poisonous substances which are classified in Group 1 carcinogenic agents to humans by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). AFT can occur naturally in food commodities (maize, corn, rice) as a result of fungal contamination in hot and humid environments. In the food, toxin contamination can remain during manufacturing and long after fungi have stopped being biologically active. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most dominant and potent agent from all AFT. In developing countries, high exposure to AFB1 can cause chronic toxicity and usually increases the incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). However, in these regions hepatitis B is the most common risk factor for HCC cases. Many researches were aimed to enlighten the mechanism and the role of two etiological agents on risk of HCC, but the obtained data was conflicting with each other. It was uncertain that the indicators/biomarkers might be the contribution of the carcinogenic status of the patient; and, the biomarker samples from the subject may only reflect the recent effects of the toxin exposure after consumption of AFB1 contaminated commodities. The studies were facing with the errors of methods which were un-fit to enlighten the possible interaction between Hepatitis B and AFB1 on contribution to HCC. It was pivotal to understand the effect of each risk factor in order to prevent and improve public health in poor and undeveloped regions. Although some of the studies evaluate AFB1 alone as a considerable factor on HCC risk, according to this review it was concluded vice versa. This study was aimed to clarify the main etiological agent of HCC where AFB1 and HBV are endangering public health. In additionally, the purpose was to enlighten the possible synergistic effect between these two factors among HCC pathogenesis. Hence forth, appropriate and right applications could be conducted in undeveloped countries in order to protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basak Kucukcakan
- Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Safety, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Zehra Hayrulai-Musliu
- Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Safety, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
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Costanzo P, Santini A, Fattore L, Novellino E, Ritieni A. Toxicity of aflatoxin B1 towards the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Food Chem Toxicol 2014; 76:77-9. [PMID: 25483621 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This research describes an unexpected toxicity of the aflatoxin B1 towards the vitamin D receptors. Rickets is a childhood disease, and calcium deficiency is the aetiological cause in Africa, being primarily associated with nutritional problems; in this research the contribution of aflatoxin B1 exposure during the early months of life is an interesting factor to deepen in order to prevent liver damages or the development of rickets. The results show that the expression of vitamin D receptor in osteosarcoma cell line SAOS-2 is significantly down-modulated by exposure to aflatoxin B1. This seems to suggest that Aflatoxin B1, toxic towards the vitamin D receptor, interferes with the actions of the vitamin D on calcium binding gene expression in the kidney and intestine. Experimental data indicate a 58% and 86% decrease if the cells are exposed to 5 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL of aflatoxin B1, respectively. These results seem to indicate that natural occurrence of the aflatoxin B1 and allelic variant of vitamin D receptor on (F allele) increase the risk of developing rickets of African children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, via S. Pansini 5, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Antonello Santini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli "Federico II", via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Luigi Fattore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, via S. Pansini 5, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli "Federico II", via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Alberto Ritieni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli "Federico II", via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy.
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