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Background and Objective: Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi, which can have very dangerous consequences for human health in addition to spoiling food and changing organoleptic properties. Aflatoxin entering the body and targeting the liver as the main organ involved can cause liver and blood cancer. Hence, the aim of the present study is to measure aflatoxin B1 in corn flour and wheat flour supplied in Shahrekord using ELISA method in 2022. Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 samples of flour, including 20 samples of corn flour and 20 samples of wheat flour, were randomly sampled from the supply centers and sent to the food hygiene laboratory to track and determine the amount of aflatoxin B1. Results: The results showed that all samples of wheat flour and corn flour contained aflatoxin 1B. The average of aflatoxin B1 in wheat flour and corn flour was calculated as 2.58 ± 0.95 and 3.47 ± 2.07 (µg/kg) of the sample, respectively; Among the 20 examined samples of corn flour, the concentration of aflatoxin B1 ranged from 3.4 (µg/kg) to 1.9 (µg/kg) and in 20 samples of wheat flour (µg/kg) from 7.90 to (µg/kg) was 1.4; Therefore, the concentration of none of the samples was higher than the Iranian standard. Conclusion: The occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in all the samples examined in the current study is lower than the risk range determined by the Iranian standard, so in this case, its aasociated high risk does not threaten the health of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus mold, and aflatoxin B1 is the most dangerous form of this toxin. In addition, aflatoxin B1 in poultry causes low productivity and high sensitivity to diseases and the use of inorganic and organic toxin binders is one of the nutritional strategies to confront aflatoxins. Materials and Methods: In this research, the effects of adding multi-component toxin binder to diets containing aflatoxin B1 on growth performance, blood parameters, and liver histology by using 180 male broilers day-olds (Ross 308) in a factorial experiment (3×3), with three levels of toxin binder (0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 kg/ton) and three levels of aflatoxin B1 (0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg) were studied based on a completely randomized design in nine treatments, four replications, and five chickens in each replicate. Results: The results showed that using the 1.0 kg/ton of toxin binder, significantly reduced negative effects of 0.5 mg/kg of aflatoxin B1 on the average daily weight gain, live weight and average daily feed intake in the total period (P<0.05). But the birds consuming the treatment containing 0.5 mg/kg of aflatoxin B1 and 1.0 kg/ton of toxin binder did not show a significant difference, in the average feed conversion ratio compared to all treatments except the treatment that containing 0.0 mg/kg of aflatoxin B1 and 0.5 kg/ton of toxin binder. The regression equation (Y= 7.5298x+ 53.377) with (R² = 0.78), was obtained to predict the average daily weight gain of birds fed with treatments containing 0.5 mg/kg of aflatoxin B1 and different levels of toxin binder. Feeding chickens with diets containing aflatoxin B1, significantly decreased the serum concentration of cholesterol, albumin, and total protein and increased serum concentration of creatinine and urea (P<0.05). In addition, there were not significant effects for the main and interaction of aflatoxin B1 and toxin binder for the blood serum alkaline phosphatase. For liver histological results, portal inflammation was evident in all treatments, but the amount of fibrosis and necrosis was higher in treatments with 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg of aflatoxin B1 than 0.0 level of its, and in the liver of birds fed with the highest level of aflatoxin B1 (1.0 mg/kg), micro and macro lipid vesicles were observed, which indicates a fatty liver. Also, some hepatocytes lost their cytoplasm due to the storage of a type of glycogen and in some parts, a proliferation of fibroblasts with fine collagen fibers deposition, was observed. The toxin binder did not prevent of the negative effects of aflatoxin B1 on the destruction of liver tissue. Conclusion: Based on the results, adding 1.0 kg/ton level of multi-component toxin binder to diets containing 0.5 mg/kg aflatoxin B1 can improve the average daily weight gain, live weight, and average daily feed intake of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because food contamination with mycotoxins is a serious problem, in this study, the ability of aflatoxin B1to bind to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall was investigated to reduce Sangak bread dough toxicity. For this purpose, aflatoxin B1 at a concentration of 10 μg/kg inoculated to the dough containing 0.27 g of viable saccharomyces cerevisiae, acid treated saccharomyces cerevisiae, and ultrasonicated saccharomyces cerevisiae. Toxin adsorption kinetics were investigated at 24, 28 and 32 °C and 8, 16 and 24 h incubation. The trend for toxin adsorption was as follows: ultrasonicated yeast ˃ acidic yeast ˃ viable yeast. With increasing the incubation temperature and time, toxin adsorption increased in acid treated and ultrasonicated Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while active yeast samples showed the highest toxin removal at 28 °C. The results showed that the adsorption kinetics by active yeast and acid treated yeast could be explained by means of pseudo first order model, while for the ultrasonicated yeast, the data are more consistent with the pseudo secondorder model. Also, both surface adsorption and intra-particle diffusion contributedto the adsorption rate steps. Therefore, live or nonliving yeast cells are suitable biological agents for aflatoxin removal in a contaminated culture medium, however, ultrasonic treatment is more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Aflatoxin B1 is a common contaminant of poultry feed and has the highest rate of acute and chronic toxicity among all mycotoxins. Over the past decade, studies have well established the negative effects of aflatoxin B1 on the health of poultry. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the maximum concentration of aflatoxin B1 in poultry feed. Materials and Methods: In this study, in order to determine the aflatoxin B1 concentration in poultry feed, 45 samples were collected via a simple random method during autumn 2018 and winter 2019, and then the concentration of this contaminant was measured by the ELISA method. Results: The experimental results showed that the contamination range in the positive samples was between 6.44 and 34.18 µg/Kg. Moreover, the mean concentration of aflatoxin in contaminated samples was 5.10 µg/Kg. The concentration of contaminant in 46.66% of the samples exceeded the standard limit. Due to higher temperatures and suitable environmental conditions for the growth of fungi, the samples prepared in autumn were more contaminated than those prepared in winter. Conclusion: The level of aflatoxin B1 contamination in poultry feed in Sanandaj is high. In order to prevent the entry of this toxin into the human food cycle regular survey and monitoring of poultry feed by health institutions are necessary.

Background: Fungi are one of the main causes of degradation in feeds and foodstuffs. Fungal infections in plants can result in reduced yield and quality of the products, which lead to economic losses. AflatoxinB1 (AFB1) is a secondary fungal metabolite produced in proper conditions. It is considered as a public health concern due to its adverse effect on human and animal. This study was carried out to determination of AFB1 in wheat flour and wheat bran samples of Alborz province factories. Methods: A total of 180 wheat flour and 60 wheat bran samples were collected from 20 Alborz province factories. HPLC method with immune-affinity chromatography was applied to measure AFB1 in three types of flour including Barbary, Tafton, and Sangag (A, B, and C). It was performed both in different manufactures and within three groups of flours regardless of the type of manufactures. Statistical analysis was conducted by the One-way ANOVA with post-hoc test. Results: According to the findings, 144 out of 180 wheat flour samples and 54 out of 60 wheat bran samples were found to be contaminated with AFB1. The amount of AFB1 in wheat flour and wheat bran samples was detected to be 0.01-0.5 ng/g and 0.06-0.99 ng/g, respectively. The highest means of AFB1 in Sangag, Barbary, and Tafton flours from different manufactures were 0.5, 0.4 and, 0.3 ng/g, respectively. In addition, no significant difference was found within three groups of Barbary (A), Tafton (B), and Sangag (C) flours samples (p>0.05). Despite the contamination of wheat flour and wheat bran samples, there was no contamination higher than the standard limit of Iran Standard Institute (ISRI) and European Union (EU) 2 ng/g, 5 ng/g, respectively. Conclusions: Since wheat flours are widely used in foods preparation, determination of contamination with AFB1 in wheat-based products is highly essential in order to prevent the potential adverse effects on health. As the level of AB1 in the current study was low, it is not a serious concern for consumers at this time.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone in regards to changes in growth indices and body composition of gold fish. For this purpose, 675 juvenile fish weighing approximately 6.25±0.12 grams in the form of 9 experimental treatments with diets containing three levels of Aflatoxin B1 (AF) (0, 50 and 100 ppb) and three levels of Zearalenone (ZER) (0, 500 and 1000 ppb) and they were fed for 60 days. Then, growth indices and body composition were measured. Based on the results, the weight gain in juveniles fed diets containing AF50 with ZER1000 and AF100ZER1000 (treatments 7 and 9) decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05). Groups fed with diet containing AF50, AF100ZER500, and AF100ZER1000 showed lower weight gain (p<0.05). Specific growth rate at levels of AF50, AF100, ZER1000 and combination treatments of two toxins had a significant decrease compared to the control group (p <0.05). Although there was no significant difference between treatments in indices of feed conversion ratio, the lowest value was observed in the group without toxin (treatment 1) and the highest value was observed in treatment 9 (AF100ZER1000) (p >0.05). The lowest body protein was observed in treatment 6 (AF50ZER500) (p <0.05). Also, the lowest body fat was observed in treatment 4 (ZER500) (p <0.05). The lowest moisture was observed in treatment 7 (AF50ZER1000) (p <0.05). It can be concluded that both Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone alone, reduce growth indices and changes in body composition, but the simultaneous presence of two toxins has the greatest effect on these indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of specific egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) against aflatoxin on reducing the defects of aflatoxin by adding to the drinking water of 192 day Ross 308 broiler chickens from 1 to 42 days old. Materials and Methods: The experiment was based on a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, 4 replications, and 8 observations (chicks). First egg yolks were immunized against aflatoxin by injecting aflatoxin-BSA conjugate to laying hens. Also extracted immunoglobulin with 1 and 0.5 percent /volume concentration was added to broilers' drinking water. The experimental treatments were: 1) control (without any additives); 2) ration contaminated with 1 mg kg-1 aflatoxin B1 (negative control treatment); 3) negative control + 0.5% (V/V) immunized yolk against AFB1, 4) negative control + 0.5% (V/V) unimmunized yolk against AFB1; 5) negative control + 1% (V/V) immunized yolk against AFB1 and 6) negative control + 1% (V/V) unimmunized yolk against AFB1. Results: Using aflatoxin contaminated diet significantly increased serum cholesterol, and decreased serum total protein and albumin concentration (P

Abstract Background: Aflatoxins are natural fungal toxins produced by Aspergillus species such as A. flavus. The toxins are poisoning and can cause tissue necrosis and liver cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the control of Aflatoxin B1 production by extracts and essential oils. Materials and Methods: Aqueous extracts were prepared by heating and essential oil by Clevenger's apparatus. Antifungal activity of essential oil and aqueous extract of Mentha pulegium and Satureja hortensis were determined by disc diffusion and microplate dilution methods. Production control of Aflatoxin B1 was investigated with concentrations under MIC(Minimum inhibitory growth concentration) of two materials and were determined by HPLC method. Results: The most zone of inhibition was 10% belonging to Satureja essential oil and its aqueous extracts with diameters of 26mm and 12mm, respectively. These values for Mentha extract and 10% essential oil were 18mm and 8mm respectively. MIC of the aqueous extract of Satureja and Mentha were 0.031 and 0.063mg/ml respectively, and 1% essential oil of two materials was 0.039 and 0.078 mg/ml, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 produced by A. flavus in concentrations of 1%, 2% and 10% Satureja essential oil were 122, 113 and 134 ppb, in 1%, 2% and 10% Mentha were 163, 168 and 171 ppb, respectively. The aqueous extracts of 1% Satureja reduced the production of toxin as 58.1 and the 1% aqueous extract of Mentha as 39.6. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that both Satureja hortensis and Mentha pulegium have the ability to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus fungus, as well as control of aflatoxin B1 production in low concentrations and recommended for further studies.

Background and purpose: Contamination of food materials such as rice to mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A) is a major health concern. This causes more concerns especially in countries that rice is the main food. Nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects of such mycotoxins to human are reported by WHO and EPA. The main objective of current study was to determine the contamination of rice produced in Kohgiluyeh and boyer Ahmad and Khuzestan provinces to aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A. Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 85 samples were randomly collected from rice farms in Basht, Yasuj, Gachsaran and Dena in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province and Ramhormoz in Khuzestan province. Contaminations to Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A were quantified using ELISA method and data was statistically analyzed by SPSS V18. Results: The concentration of aflatoxin B1 was less than the limits specified by the Iran National standard and the :union: of Europe standard value in 80.58% of the samples. Also, the levels of Ochratoxin A in 100% of the samples were less than standard limits. The average concentrations of aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin were 4.70 ng/g and 2.02 ng/g in all samples, respectively. In addition, there was a positive correlation between Aflatoxin B1 and temperature and humidity P=0.001. Conclusion: This research showed a potential contamination to fungi and its toxins in rice. Increase in temperature and humidity directly increased aflatoxin B1 levels.

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of aluminum silicate (AS), humic acid (HA), Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall (SC), herbal powder (HP) and a commercial toxin binder to alleviate the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in broiler diet. In this experiment we used 320 day old chicks in a completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 4 replications, and 10 birds in each replicate, from 7 to 28 days of age. Experimental treatments were: 1) negative control (NC; without AFB1), 2) positive control (PC; contaminated by 0.3 mg AFB1 / kg diet), 3) PC + AS, 4) PC + AS + HA, 5) PC + AS + SC, 6) PC + AS + HA + SC, 7) PC + Magnotox as a commercial binder and 8) PC + HP. Feeding AFB1 contaminated diet reduced broiler performance, increased relative weights of liver, heart, pancreas and reduced serum albumin, total protein and glucose concentrations (P <0.05). Inclusion of AS in PC diet individually improved the negative effects of AFB1. However, supplementation of SC boosted AS effects, HA supplementation was rarely effective. Finally, it can be concluded that the combination of AS + SC has the highest adsorbing ability of AFB1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin, which is produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Among four types of AFB (AFB1, AFB2, AFB3, and AFN4), AFB1 is the most abundant and toxic in the world. Aflatoxin decreases sperm production and quality. In the present study, the effect of ABF1 was investigated on spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, and cell apoptosis in the testicular tissue. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 albino mice were divided into 4 groups; control group intraperitoneally received 0.2 ml corn oil and experimental groups received AFB1 (20 µg) for 7, 15, and 35 days, respectively. After 7, 15 and 35 days, the testicular tissue samples were taken, and after preparing tissue sections, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed. Histomorphometric parameters and DNA damage was evaluated using DNA Ladder method. Data analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA at the significance level of p

Background: The safest way to reduce mycotoxins in contaminated foods with it it is using certain strains of various microbes. Aim of this study is biological reduction of aflatoxin B1 by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) in wheat flour samples that were collected in Chaloos city (Mazandaran province, North Iran). Material and Methods: Aflatoxin B1 contamination was measured by ELISA method in 22 samples of wheat flour. Then S. cerevisiae was added to primary wheat flour. After 48 h aflatoxin B1 contamination in samples were measured by ELISA, again. For statistical analysis, the statistical software SPSS18 and t-test was used. Results: all 22 samples of wheat flour were contaminated with aflatoxin B1. The minimum and maximum levels of aflatoxin B1 in primary wheat flour were 1.1 and 10.6 ppb, respectively. S. cerevisiae reduced the amount of aflatoxin B1 in wheat flour samples. Minimum and maximum amount of aflatoxin contamination after adding S. cerevisiae was 0.5 and 9.1 ppb, respectively. Conclusion: Inhibitory effect of S. cerevisiae and aflatoxin B1 reduction in wheat flour was proved in this study. Therefore we can be hoped that yeast S. cerevisiae as neutralizing agents can be used in flour for this toxin. Consumption of products that contaminated with aflatoxin B1 endangers consumers' health, thus reducing of this toxin in the food should be considered.

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of specific egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) against aflatoxin on reducing the defects of aflatoxin by adding to the drinking water of 192 day Ross 308 broiler chickens from 1 to 42 days old. Materials and Methods: The experiment was based on a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, 4 replications, and 8 observations (chicks). First egg yolks were immunized against aflatoxin by injecting aflatoxin-BSA conjugate to laying hens. Also extracted immunoglobulin with 1 and 0.5 percent /volume concentration was added to broilers' drinking water. The experimental treatments were: 1) control (without any additives); 2) ration contaminated with 1 mg kg-1 aflatoxin B1 (negative control treatment); 3) negative control + 0.5% (V/V) immunized yolk against AFB1, 4) negative control + 0.5% (V/V) unimmunized yolk against AFB1; 5) negative control + 1% (V/V) immunized yolk against AFB1 and 6) negative control + 1% (V/V) unimmunized yolk against AFB1. Results: Using aflatoxin contaminated diet significantly increased serum cholesterol, and decreased serum total protein and albumin concentration (P<0.05). Also, histopathologic lesions observed in the liver. Adding 1 % (V/V) of immunized egg yolk to the drinking water (treatment 5) reduced serum cholesterol and increased total protein concentration compared to treatment 2 (P<0.05). The length and width of the villi and the villi surface area of chicks receiving treatment 5 were higher than treatment 2 (P<0.05). Liver tissue in chicken receiving treatment 3 and 5, was almost normal and few changes were observed in hepatocytes. Conclusions: The results indicate that specific IgY against AFB1 can be effective in reducing the defects of experimental aflatoxicosis as a detoxification agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aflatoxins are natural fungal toxins produced by Aspergillus species such as A. flavus. The toxins are poisoning and can cause tissue necrosis and liver cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the control of Aflatoxin B1 production by extracts and essential oils. Materials and Methods: Aqueous extracts were prepared by heating and essential oil by Clevenger's apparatus. Antifungal activity of essential oil and aqueous extract of Mentha pulegium and Satureja hortensis were determined by disc diffusion and microplate dilution methods. Production control of Aflatoxin B1 was investigated with concentrations under MIC(Minimum inhibitory growth concentration) of two materials and were determined by HPLC method. Results: The most zone of inhibition was 10% belonging to Satureja essential oil and its aqueous extracts with diameters of 26mm and 12mm, respectively. These values for Mentha extract and 10% essential oil were 18mm and 8mm respectively. MIC of the aqueous extract of Satureja and Mentha were 0.031 and 0.063mg/ml respectively, and 1% essential oil of two materials was 0.039 and 0.078 mg/ml, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 produced by A. flavus in concentrations of 1%, 2% and 10% Satureja essential oil were 122, 113 and 134 ppb, in 1%, 2% and 10% Mentha were 163, 168 and 171 ppb, respectively. The aqueous extracts of 1% Satureja reduced the production of toxin as 58.1 and the 1% aqueous extract of Mentha as 39.6. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that both Satureja hortensis and Mentha pulegium have the ability to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus fungus, as well as control of aflatoxin B1 production in low concentrations and recommended for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Contamination of food materials such as rice to mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A) is a major health concern. This causes more concerns especially in countries that rice is the main food. Nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects of such mycotoxins to human are reported by WHO and EPA. The main objective of current study was to determine the contamination of rice produced in Kohgiluyeh and boyer Ahmad and Khuzestan provinces to aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A. Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 85 samples were randomly collected from rice farms in Basht, Yasuj, Gachsaran and Dena in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province and Ramhormoz in Khuzestan province. Contaminations to Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A were quantified using ELISA method and data was statistically analyzed by SPSS V18. Results: The concentration of aflatoxin B1 was less than the limits specified by the Iran National standard and the Union of Europe standard value in 80.58% of the samples. Also, the levels of Ochratoxin A in 100% of the samples were less than standard limits. The average concentrations of aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin were 4.70 ng/g and 2.02 ng/g in all samples, respectively. In addition, there was a positive correlation between Aflatoxin B1 and temperature and humidity P=0.001. Conclusion: This research showed a potential contamination to fungi and its toxins in rice. Increase in temperature and humidity directly increased aflatoxin B1 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background & aim: Aflatoxins are a large group of mycotoxins. The aim of the present study was the comparison of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production by Aspergillus flavus (IR 111) and Aspergillus parasiticus (NRRL 2999) under various conditions of temperature, light, and pH. Methods: In this experimental study, twenty-four flasks were assigned for incubation of each of the fungi A. Flavus and parasiticus at 18, 24, 32 °C. Both flasks were maintained under conditions of light and darkness. The rate of (AFB1) produced by each groups, was measured by thin layer chromatography. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis (SPSS, version 16). Results: The lowest yield of (AFB1) produced by A. Flavus and parasiticus belonged to 32 °C and pH 6.5, respectively. On the other hand, the highest yield of toxin was observed at 24 °C and pH 6. The lighting effects were considerable. According to the studies on the adverse effects of light and the fermentation process, aflatoxin production increased in dark conditions. Conclusion: The results of study showed that A. Parasiticus (NRRL 2999) produced more aflatoxin than A. Flavus (IR 111). Key words: Aflatoxin B1, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus

Introduction: There are a lot of fungi in the air and our environment that grow and reproduce if the temperature and humidity are suitable. Aspergillus flavus and parasilicus are among the most important food contaminants which have a role in food poisoning. These fungi secrete poisons which contaminate animal feed as well as the milk we get from the animals fed with these foods. Methods: In this study, a total of 428 samples of raw, pasteurized milk and animal feeds were examined in different seasons of the year using ELISA or TLC method. Results: The results revealed that in 43.36% of the animal feed samples, the contamination level was above the permissible level of aflatoxin B1 (20ppb). In 38.03% of raw and 14.42% of pasteurized milk samples, the contamination level was above the permissible level (0.5 ppb). It was also found out that the contamination level was higher in summer and autumn than that in winter and spring. This could be due to higher humidity in autumn and higher temperature in summer. This study also showed that the percentage of contamination in corn was higher. A high percentage of contamination was also found in recycled bread in the samples of AL. The contamination level was low in Fal. Fa, bran and straw samples. Conclusion: Based on these findings, there seems to be a pressing need for controlling aflatoxin contamination in animal feeds and prevention of the use of contaminated animal feeds such as corn and recycled bread. Also rotten analysis of milk and its products is necessary to be performed periodically for detection of aflatoxin contamination.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Aflatoxins (AFs) are the most dangerous to human health because of their highly toxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, hepatotoxic and mutagenic characteristics. Aflatoxins consist of a group of approximately 20 related secondary fungal metabolites although only aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 with toxicity AFB1>AFG1>AFB2>AFG2 which are normally found in foods. AFB1 is considered to be major risk factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in humans. The present study was carried out to determine the toxic effects of AFB1 on liver cells and restraining its effect using vitamin E (α-tocofrol).METHODS: In this experimental study, the AFB1 was extracted from aspergillus flavous fungus cultivated in synthetic SLS (Sodium lauryl sulfate) medium and silica gel thin-layer chromatography. Then 40μg AFB1, 2mg vitamin E, 40 μg AFB1+ 2mg vitamin E were dissolved in 0.2 ml olive oil (as a solvent), separately. These solutions fed to 50 young white Albino- NMRI mice (with weighing approximately 32-34 grams) which divided into 5 random groups including: control (0.2 ml water), dissolver (olive oil), Vit E, AFB1 and AFB1+Vit E, daily up to 30 days. In the 31st day, liver samples were prepared for microscopic studies. FINDINGS: There was an increasing in the size of liver cells, cell boundaries were indistinct, and some of the cells were destroyed. The sinusoid volume had decreased and in some case was completely undistinguishable. Furthermore the numbers of large nucleuses were more than small nucleuses. In cells with two nucleuses, the border between the 2 nucleuses was more often indistinct and had shown interference with each other or seemed to have incomplete cells division. The size of liver cells in the AFB1+Vit E group showed an increasing (1117.5±2.5 μm2) as compare to control group (1116.5±2 μm2). But this difference between AFB1 (1116±1.2 μm2) and AFB1+VitE groups were significant (p

Introduction: Mycotoxin contamination of crops for human and animal health has been facing a serious concern. Aflatoxin B1 is the most toxic types of aflatoxins in foodssuch as rice. The aim of this study was to investigate the Effect of heating processes and home cooking methods of rice on concentration of aflatoxin B1. methods: The heating processes of 20 and 120 minutes and rinse in three types of roasted rice, boiled and water cooked was studied in naturally contaminated with aflatoxin B1 and the amount by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measured. Results: In the cases of 20 minutes and 120 minutes, the mean concentration of aflatoxin B1 heats rice decreased as much as 16.6% and 81.7%. Although this reduction was not statistically significant heating at 20 minutes but at 120 minutes with heating was significant(P<0/05). The decrease in the average concentration of aflatoxin B1in boiled, water cooked and roasted rice to order 60.2%, 85.5% and 87.6% indicated that this reduction was not statistically significant in the boiled cooking, but the cooking utensils and this reduction was not statistically with fried rice (P<0/05) was significant. Conclusion: The results show that the processes of heat and cook the rice variety could reduce the risks of aflatoxin B1 in rice consumed by man. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The concern about the presence of aflatoxin and its risk for human and animal health has resulted in the introduction of different methods to eliminate or reduce this toxin. One of these methods is biological control of the fungus by other microorganisms. Methods: We isolated a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens from the soil of a pistachio orchard, Damghan, Iran. This strain was applied as a biological control to examine the inhibition of growth and toxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL2999. After 72 hours of incubation of the bacterium at 30°C, we separated the supernatant as a potential source for antifungal compounds. Different doses of the supernatant were co-cultured with the fungus suspension in glucose yeast extract broth (GYB) at 28°C for 4 days. After the incubation period, we measured the inhibition of fungal growth by dry weight assessment of the fungal mass. We performed qualitative and quantitative assessment to determine the amount of aflatoxin B1 by TLC and HPLC, respectively. Results: Increased bacterial culture supernatant as the antagonist in fungal growth medium resulted in decreased fungal growth. AFB1 production was 2.35 ppm in control samples, whereas the amount considerably decreased in samples treated by the bacterial supernatants. The toxin reduction was dose-dependent. Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that this bacterial strain, by taking into consideration its native origin, can be used as a biological control against aflatoxigenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Aflatoxin B1 is the most toxigenic aflatoxin and one of the most liver carcinogenic agent produced by some of the Aspergillus species. Successful control of this mold growth would be an important step in the prevention of cancer. This study was carried out for evaluating the effect of isolated Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus brevis on growth of Aspergillus flavus and reduction of aflatoxin B1. Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study conducted in 2014, after identification of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from a traditional sourdough using polymerase chain reaction, the effect of these isolates on growth of Aspergillus flavus and reduction of aflatoxin B1 was studied by direct competitive ELISA. The effects of incubation time and heat treatment on residue of aflatoxin B1 in present of mentioned isolated LAB were also determined. Results were analysed by using t-test and one way ANOVA followed by LSD test. Results: After incubation period, the diameter of Aspergills flavus colonies in present of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis and control sample were 1.50, 3.46 and 9.00 cm, respectively. The amount of aflatoxin B1 residue, after 0, 24 and 48 h incubation in present of Lactobacillus acidophilus were 50.60%, 48.93%, 41.24% and in present of Lactobacillus brevis were also 66.26%, 64.40% and 55.61%, respectively. Furthermore, non-viable cells of mentioned isolated LAB reduced the amount of aflatoxin B1, more effective than their viable cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: By considering the high potential of LAB studied in this project for growth control of Aspergillus flavus and reduction of aflatoxin B1, it is possible to use their biopreservative ability for reduction of cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The safest way to reduce mycotoxins in contaminated foods with it; it is using certain strains of various microbes. Aim of this study is biological reduction of aflatoxin B1 by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) in wheat flour samples that were collected in Chaloos city (Mazandaran province, North Iran). Material and Methods: Aflatoxin B1 contamination was measured by ELISA method in 22 samples of wheat flour. Then S. cerevisiae was added to primary wheat flour. After 48 h aflatoxin B1 contamination in samples were measured by ELISA, again. For statistical analysis, the statistical software SPSS18 and ttest was used. Results: all 22 samples of wheat flour were contaminated with aflatoxin B1. The minimum and maximum levels of aflatoxin B1 in primary wheat flour were 1.1 and 10.6 ppb, respectively. S. cerevisiae reduced the amount of aflatoxin B1 in wheat flour samples. Minimum and maximum amount of aflatoxin contamination after adding S. cerevisiae was 0.5 and 9.1 ppb, respectively. Conclusion: Inhibitory effect of S. cerevisiae and aflatoxin B1 reduction in wheat flour was proved in this study. Therefore we can be hoped that yeast S. cerevisiae as neutralizing agents can be used in flour for this toxin. Consumption of products that contaminated with aflatoxin B1 endangers consumers' health, thus reducing of this toxin in the food should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Aspergillus flavus is the most important fungus for production of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). This toxin can be entered in the body through feed chain and ultimately leads to intoxications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) and cape aloe (Aloe vera) essences on the growth of A. flavus and AFB1 production. Methods: In this experimental study, concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm of the studied plants essences were used in 4 replications. The AFB1 and major components of each essence were measured by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method. A rich medium (Yeast Extract Sucrose) was used for measuring the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC). Results: Carvacrol, silydianin, and glucomannan were the main constituents of the essential oil of thyme, milk thistle and cape aloe. The lowest yield of AFB1 production belonged to the concentration of 200 ppm in thyme essence (P=0.001). In contrast, the maximum yield of toxin was observed in the concentration of 100 ppm in cape aloe (P=0.013). However, MIC for thyme essence was 200 ppm and MFC of this essence was estimated 400 ppm. Conclusion: 300 and 400 ppm of thyme essences has the highest MIC and MFC on fungal colonies growth and AFB1 production. Thyme essence may be added to food to prevent fungal growth and aflatoxin production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]