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Aflatoxins, a group of toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species, pose significant threats to human health due to their potent carcinogenic, mutagenic, and immunosuppressive properties. Chronic exposure to these contaminants, commonly found in staple foods such as maize and groundnuts, has been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer, growth impairment, and immune dysfunction. Several agents, such as calcium montmorillonite clay and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, have shown promise in reducing aflatoxin bioavailability and alleviating its toxic effects. Additionally, dietary supplements such as chlorophyllin, selenium, and N-acetylcysteine have demonstrated potential as adjuvants to counteract aflatoxin-induced oxidative stress and support liver function. In this treatise, some of the most discussed approaches to mitigating aflatoxin effects are explored in terms of their efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of action, which include direct aflatoxin binding, detoxification, cellular antioxidative, and hepatocellular protection properties. However, the effectiveness of these strategies can be influenced by various factors, such as dose, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Therefore, further research is needed to optimize these interventions and develop new, targeted therapies for the prevention and treatment of aflatoxin-related diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of 18 pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, supplement, and probiotic strategies currently available for mitigating the deleterious effects of chronic aflatoxin exposure in humans and animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to diagnose the ability of two probiotic strains isolated from Siahmazgi cheese to reduce the concentration of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which was able to reduce it up to 50%. Two strains of Lactobacillus isolated from local Siahmazgi cheese, were inoculated into raw milk containing 10 ng/mL AFM1. AFM1 levels were assessed by HPLC at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. Also, for the assessment of the possible reduction of AFM1 by non-viable bacterial cells, heat treatment was applied in milk. In general, significant differences were observed between the control group and AFM1 contaminated milk samples containing probiotics during 72 h of refrigeration (p < 0.05). In the presence of Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum and mixture probiotics, the concentrations of AFM1 ranged from 0.102 ± 0.004 ng/mL to 0.052 ± 0.002 ng/mL, 0.114 ± 0.002 ng/mL to 0.074 ± 0.003 ng/mL and 0.108 ± 0.003 ng/mL to 0.065 ± 0.002 ng/mL, respectively. Also, in the heated group, just a decrease was observed in the first 24 h. The results showed that native Iranian strains of Lactobacillus have good potential in reducing AFM1 in milk. The time factor is effective in reducing AFM1 by living bacterial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAflatoxins are carcinogens that can contaminate food and affect various body organs especially liver and kidney. When consumed, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is partially metabolised into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which is excreted in the urine.Breast milk may also contain AFM1 due to maternal dietary intake from contaminated food. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the levels of AFM1 in both urine and breast milk among breastfeeding mothers (n = 256). The mother’s demographic information was collected during recruitment. Mothers were then scheduled for an appointment to provide a morning urine sample along with five to ten mL samples of breast milk. AFM1 levels in both samples were analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spearman’s rho and Chi-square were used to determine the associations between mean levels of AFM1 in urine and breast milk. Findings show 68.0% of urine samples were contaminated with AFM1 (mean levels = 0.08 ± 0.04 ng/mL), while 14.8% of breast milk samples had AFM1 (mean levels = 5.94 ± 1.81 ng/kg). Urine AFM1 levels were not significantly associated with AFM1 levels in breast milk (p > 0.05). This study can act as a baseline for future research examining long-term aflatoxin exposure among both mothers and infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood stunting is a global phenomenon affecting more than 149 million children under the age of 5 worldwide. Exposure to aflatoxins (AFs) in utero, during breastfeeding, and consumption of contaminated food affect the gut microbiome, resulting in intestinal dysfunction and potentially contributing to stunting. This review explores the potential relationship between AF exposure, environmental enteropathy and childhood stunting. AFs bind to DNA, disrupt protein synthesis and elicit environmental enteropathy (EE). An EE alters the structure of intestinal epithelial cells, impairs nutrient uptake and leads to malabsorption. This article proposes possible intervention strategies for researchers and policymakers to reduce AF exposure, EE and childhood stunting, such as exposure reduction, the implementation of good agricultural practices, dietary diversification and improving environmental water sanitation and hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the repercussions of mycotoxin contamination in food and feed, emphasising potential threats to agriculture, animal husbandry and public health. The primary objective is to make a comprehensive assessment of the neurotoxic consequences of mycotoxin exposure, an aspect less explored in current literature. Emphasis is placed on prominent mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone (ZEA) and ochratoxins, known for inducing acute and chronic diseases such as liver damage, genetic mutation and cancer. To elucidate the effects, animal studies were conducted, revealing an association between mycotoxin exposure and neurological damage. This encompasses impairments in learning and memory, motor alterations, anxiety and depression. The underlying mechanisms involve oxidative stress, disrupting the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant capacity. This oxidative stress is linked to neuronal damage, brain inflammation, neurochemical imbalance, and subsequent behavioural changes. The review underscores the need for preventive measures against mycotoxin exposure. While complete avoidance is ideal, exploration into the potential use of antioxidants as a viable solution is discussed, given the widespread contamination of many food products. Specifically, the protective role of natural compounds, such as polyphenols, is highlighted, showcasing their efficacy in mitigating mycotoxicosis in the central nervous system (CNS), as evidenced by findings in various animal models. In summary, countering mycotoxin-induced neurotoxicity requires a multifaceted approach. The identified natural compounds show promise, but their practical use hinges on factors like bioavailability, toxicity and understanding their mechanisms of action. Extensive research is crucial, considering the diverse responses to different mycotoxins and neurological conditions. Successful implementation relies on factors such as the specific mycotoxin(s) involved and achievable effective concentrations. Further research and clinical trials are imperative to establish the safety and efficacy of these compounds in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AFs are among the most dangerous compounds, exhibiting carcinogenic effects on human and liver tissue. Due to their high toxicity and established limits in food and feed products, there is a growing demand for more accurate and sensitive detection methods. Detecting AFs is of paramount importance for ensuring food safety, as even low concentrations can pose risks to both humans and livestock. Various techniques such as electrochemical immunosensors, ELISA tests, chromatographic and spectroscopic methods are extensively employed to quantify AF levels. However, these methods are often time-consuming and costly. Many countries have set permissible total AF limits in ng/g, making their accurate detection a significant challenge. Consequently, the production and storage sectors of food and feed necessitate the development of AF-specific, sensitive, and rapid detection systems. In response, a range of biosensors including immunoassays, electrochemical aptasensors, as well as amperometric, impedimetric, conductometric, potentiometric, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-integrated, colorimetric, and fluorescent biosensors have emerged. This chapter offers insights into common methods for AF detection, the latest advancements in AF biosensors, their technical intricacies, and their achieved detection limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are highly toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, which are seriously contaminating food and endangering human health. A variety of methods have been endeavored to remove mycotoxins from food, while photocatalytic technology has exhibited great potential for the degradation of these mycotoxins because of its advantages of high efficiency and low cost, with an emphasis on the degradations of aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol. This review updated the progress on the photocatalytic degradation of mycotoxins in food, then summarized the characteristics of new photocatalytic materials and associated factors and the degradation products of mycotoxins, and finally explained the possible degradation mechanisms and pathways. This review also provided a prospect for the degradation of mycotoxins by photocatalytic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the consumption of nuts has shown an increasing trend worldwide. Nuts are an essential part of several countries' economies as an excellent source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. They are contaminated by environmental factors, improper harvesting practices, inadequate packaging procedures, improper storage, and transportation. The longer storage time also leads to the greater chances of contamination from pathogenic fungi. Nuts are infected with Aspergillus species, Penicillium species, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. Therefore, nuts are associated with a high risk of pathogens and mycotoxins, which demand the urgency of using techniques for enhancing microbial safety and shelf-life stability. Many techniques such as ozone, cold plasma, irradiation, radiofrequency have been explored for the decontamination of nuts. These techniques have different efficiencies for reducing the contamination depending on processing parameters, type of pathogen, and conditions of food material. This review provides insight into decontamination technologies for reducing microbial contamination from nuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the early 1960s, a potentially carcinogenic substance, aflatoxin, was identified in peanuts. In this article, I explore how aflatoxin was known – and unknown – through and for the infrastructures designed, from the late nineteenth century, to stimulate and support peanut farming in Senegal. Anticipated European standards stimulated a narrow field of knowledge and know-how oriented towards control-for-export, bypassing Senegalese farms, food, and bodies. Investigations of aflatoxin's carcinogenicity were actively suppressed, challenged, and silenced. That (post)colonial infrastructures supported peanuts as an export cash crop and a target of European regulation – but not as part of local ecologies and foodways – mattered for how they were deemed (not) worth knowing as potentially contaminated and carcinogenic from the 1960s. I develop the notion of residual unprotection to highlight how the enduring effects of colonial infrastructures distributed (through regulatory gaps) and obscured (through non-knowledge) the potential harmfulness of aflatoxin in Senegal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Shortly after its discovery in 1960, aflatoxin – a group of fungal toxins or mycotoxins produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus in food crops such as maize, peanuts and tree nuts – was found to cause liver cancer in humans and multiple animal species. Hence, regulations on maximum allowable aflatoxin levels in food worldwide have focused on protecting humans from aflatoxin’s carcinogenic effects. However, aflatoxin may also have non-carcinogenic health effects (e.g., immunotoxicity) that are particularly relevant today. Our current review highlights the growing evidence that aflatoxin exposure adversely affects immunity. Here, we comprehensively evaluated human and mammalian animal studies that link aflatoxin exposure with adverse effects on the immune system. We organized the review by organism as well as by the effects on adaptive and innate immune functions. There is abundant evidence that aflatoxin exhibits immunotoxicity, and therefore may compromise the ability of both humans and animals to resist infections. However, the reported effects of aflatoxin on certain specific immune biomarkers are inconsistent in the existing literature. The extent of the immunotoxic effects of aflatoxin must be clarified, so that the contribution of such immunotoxicity to the overall burden of aflatoxin-related diseases can be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, concentration of AFM1 in human breast milk, and to determine the risk of cancer for infants in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Web of science, global health, Cochrane, and Google Scholar electronic databases. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and concentration of AFM1 in breast milk. The meta-analysis of 8 articles containing 9 studies showed the pooled prevalence of AFM1 in breast milk to be 56.18% (95% CI: 29.65–82.71) and the pooled concentration to be 31.12 ng/L (95% CI: 25.97–36.25). The cancer risk assessment indicated for both male and female 1-month infants in Sierra Leone (HI > 1) is high, and all the rest of the infants are free of risk (HI < 1). The pooled prevalence and mean concentration of AFM1 in breast milk is high. Monitoring of AFB1 concentration of commonly used foods will be of high value in reducing the burden of AFM1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coriander seeds consumption, like other spices, has increased due to its culinary use, medicinal benefits, and its essential oil. However, there are few reports in the scientific literature on the prevalence of mycotoxins in this spice. In this report, an easy and simple method was proposed for the determination of the aflatoxin group (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in coriander seeds. The recoveries of analytes ranged from 72 to 102% in spiked samples (0.5–5 µg/kg), with RSD below 11%. The limits of quantification (LOQ) are between 0.12 and 0.5 µg/kg. The proposed method represents an improvement compared to previous studies. It was tested for the determination of 13 samples, proving that it is fast, efficient, and sensitive. Only OTA was identified in four samples, all at levels lower than the European limits defined for some spices (0.88 and 5.4 µg/kg). Such methods are needed for monitoring these toxins in this spice to ensure consumer safety and provide insight into their occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and levels of aflatoxins in powder red pepper. Thirty powder red pepper samples commercially available in Addis Ababa market were collected and the level of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) was determined. Aflatoxins were detected in almost all of the samples at concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 52.3 µg/kg. AFB1 was detected in all of the red pepper samples, with levels ranging from 1.8 to 33.3 µg/kg. Out of all the AFB1 positive samples, 25 (83%) contained AFB1 above the EU limit of 5 µg/kg, while 29 (97%) of the samples exceeded the maximum limit of 10 µg/kg for total aflatoxins. Further, all the red pepper samples were contaminated by AFG1 with levels ranging from 0.7 to 52.3 µg/kg. Overall, the majority of the red pepper collected in Addis Ababa market was contaminated by aflatoxins above the EU limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are potent carcinogenic and immunomodulatory mycotoxins, and exposure may lead to deleterious effects on human health. This study aimed to detect aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) as biomarker of exposure and determine associated risk factors in children attending a specialized-childcare hospital in Lahore. Urine samples collected from 238 children (1–11 years) during winter (January–mid-March 2020) and hot-humid summer (August–September 2020) were tested for AFM1 presence using ELISA. Data on potential risk factors were also collected. Of 238 samples, 156 (65.5%) were positive for urinary AFM1. Season was significantly associated (OR = 2.64; 95% CI = 1.49–4.79; p = 0.001) with AFM1 positivity; prevalence was higher in hot-humid months (74.6%) than winter (57.3%). The place of living was also significantly associated (OR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.25–3.97; p = 0.007), and urinary AFM1 positivity was higher in urban children (71.1%) compared to rural (58.3%). Median value for creatinine-adjusted AFM1 was 1.9 ng/mg creatinine (Q1–Q3 = 0.82–6.0 ng/mg creatinine), while non-creatinine-adjusted AFM1 was 0.57 ng/mL (Q1–Q3 = 0.23–1.4 ng/mL). Significantly higher urinary AFM1 levels were detected in children; age ≤2 years (p = 0.037), who consumed more milk (p = 0.048), and who presented to the nutrition clinic (p = 0.003). These findings highlight the need for an effective control program to reduce the AFM1 burden in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, fourteen coffee samples were collected from local markets in Doha, Qatar according to different variables i.e. packed or unpacked, beans or powder, roasted or raw bean samples. The coffee samples were subjected to both microbiological and chromatographical analyses. The microbiological isolation was achieved using direct plating of the coffee on malt agar extract and potato dextrose agar plates. The chromatographical analytical method was conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector (UHPLC-FLD) to quantify the contamination of four classes of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2). In the UHPLC-FLD validation process, no interfering peaks were present and the aflatoxins G1, B1, G2, and B2 were well separated. The R2 or coefficient of determination of the calibration plots for all compounds was ≥ 0.995. The limit of quantitation for all compounds was 2 μg/kg. The precision or the relative standard deviation calculated for six replicates of samples spiked at 2 μg/kg were less than 20%, and the limit of detection was 0.17 μg/kg, 0.14 μg/kg, 0.12 μg/kg and 0.09 μg/kg for Aflatoxins G1, Aflatoxins B1, Aflatoxins G2, and Aflatoxins B2, respectively. The average recovery calculated for six replicates of samples spiked at 2 μg/kg was from 74.5–80%. The results for the chromatographical part showed that there was no contamination of aflatoxin in most of the coffee samples collected. Only two samples exhibited low concentrations of aflatoxin G, which are sample A (4.27 × 10−1 μg/kg) and sample O (1.99 × 10−2 μg/kg). Direct plating showed growth of microorganisms, such as Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp., Bacillus sp., Fusarium sp., and two yeast species. Although some of the isolated species have the potential to produce mycotoxins in coffee, they might be in the spore phase in the coffee samples and did not germinate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are types of mycotoxins that can cause acute and chronic toxicity in human. In general, there are four types of aflatoxinsB1, B2, G1 and G2, which among them aflatoxin B1 is the most potent carcinogen in animal species and causes liver cancer. The goal of this study was to evaluate of aflatoxin concentration in legumes samples marketed in Tehranbya high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fifty samples of legumes including peas, red beans, lentils, mung bean and cotyledons (n = 10 of pea, n = 10 of red bean, n = 10 of lentils, n = 10 of mung bean and n = 10 of cotyledons) were obtained from different regions (bulk legumes) of Tehran city in Iran and different packaging brands that had the highest supply in Tehran stores and were transported to the laboratory under appropriate conditions to measure aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2 and total). Considering the limit of detection (LOD) of the current study, the aflatoxin level of all samples of peas, red beans, lentils, mung bean and cotyledons samples was lower than LOD. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the consumption of legumes in Tehran city by consumers can be safe, but more research is needed to avoid potential risks, and also routine and periodic monitoring of aflatoxin levels in legumes is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filamentous fungi that could be classified into Aspergillus flavus/oryzae were isolated from traditionally fermented meju commercially available in Korea. The samples were analyzed for aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A contamination by HPLC; however, no toxin was detected. In addition, fungal and bacterial metagenomic sequencing were performed to analyze the microbial distribution in the samples. The results revealed that the distribution and abundance of fungi and bacteria differed considerably depending on the production regions and fermentation conditions of the meju samples. Through morphological analysis, ITS region sequencing, and assessment of the aflatoxin-producing ability, a total of 32 A. flavus/oryzae strains were identified. PCR analysis of six regions with a high mutation frequency in the aflatoxin gene cluster (AGC) revealed a total of six types of AGC breaking point patterns. The A. flavus/oryzae strains did not exhibit the high amylase activity detected in the commercial yellow koji strain (starter mold). However, their peptidase and lipase activities were generally higher than that of the koji isolates. We verified the safety of the traditionally fermented meju samples by analyzing the AGC breaking point pattern and the enzyme activities of A. flavus/oryzae strains isolated from the samples. The isolated strains could possibly be used as starter molds for soybean fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin contamination in commonly consumed cereals and nuts may place children at higher risk of stunting and adults at risk of developing liver cancer. This study investigated knowledge on aflatoxins and the level of aflatoxin B1 contamination in commonly consumed cereals and nuts in Malawi. It also included an examination of the proportion of cereals and nuts contaminated above regulatory maximum limits. Aflatoxin contamination in samples was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Less than half of all households knew that consumption of aflatoxin contaminated grain is associated with stunting and lowered immunity. Sorghum samples were the most contaminated and millet the least contaminated. Aflatoxin contamination was highest in southern Malawi and least in northern Malawi. Observed results indicate that this population is at risk of poor health due to lack of knowledge and aflatoxin exposure. Strategies to address contamination should therefore include a comprehensive education campaign to increase knowledge and promote accessible strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the fate of aflatoxin M1(AFM1) during lactic cheese processing and storage. About 70.72% of the total AFM1 content of the raw milk was carried over into the whey. The levels of AFM1 during cheese storage were reduced by 77.66%. The transfer of the AFM1 into the brine solution depended on the storage time and showed variable trends. Collectively, 6.42% of the total AFM1 content of milk remained in lactic cheese, and 93.58% of it was removed during production and storage. Lactic cheese could be safer than milk from the AFM1 level point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the reduction of aflatoxins as a potent hazard for human health in nuts during roasting, irradiation, and fumigation processes. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science on 6 April 2020 to find interventional studies assessing the effects of roasting, fumigation, and irradiation methods on total and individual aflatoxins concentration in nuts. Study-specific results were pooled by using a random-effects model. A total of 19 trials were included in the analyses. In most studies, the influence of method on aflatoxin reduction was assessed on peanuts. The results showed that the roasting method significantly reduced aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 concentrations by 46.91%, 30.66%, 40.88%, and 26.19%, respectively. Such results for the fumigation method were 20.88% and 22.56% for aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin total, respectively. There was a 58.60% reduction in aflatoxin B1 and a 74.97% reduction in aflatoxin total concentrations in nuts following the irradiation method. The findings indicated that the evaluated processes could be influential for reducing aflatoxin levels in nuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi growing in food or feed, which can produce toxic effects and seriously threaten the health of humans and animals. Mycotoxins are commonly found in food and feed, and are of significant concern due to their hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and ability to damage the immune and reproductive systems. Traditional physical and chemical detoxification methods to treat mycotoxins in food and feed products have limitations, such as loss of nutrients, reagent residues, and secondary pollution to the environment. Thus, there is an urgent need for new detoxification methods to effectively control mycotoxins and treat mycotoxin pollution. In recent years, microbial detoxification technology has been widely used for the degradation of mycotoxins in food and feed because this approach offers the potential for treatment with high efficiency, low toxicity, and strong specificity, without damage to nutrients. This article reviews the application of microbial detoxification technology for removal of common mycotoxins such as Aflatoxin, Ochratoxin, Zearalenone, Deoxynivalenol, and Fumonisins, and discusses the development trend of this important technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin contamination of dried figs has been a chronic problem for decades but aflatoxin distribution within the fruit has not yet been revealed. In this study, we conducted aflatoxin analyses separately in the seedless part of dried figs and in fig seed oil. The results showed that both seedless part and seed oil were contaminated with aflatoxins at levels close to the regulatory limits set for products for direct consumption. Effectiveness of various adsorbents in removing aflatoxins from aqueous and oily compartments of the fruit and the effects of these treatments on bioactive compounds and physicochemical characteristics were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. An investigation was conducted on the effects of aflatoxin (AFL)-contaminated diets and feed withdrawal periods from 0 to 12 h in broiler chickens at 28 d of age. Both factors can potentially affect liver colour and can cause failure at veterinary inspection in the slaughterhouse. 2. A total of 240, one-d-old female Cobb 500 broiler chickens were fed a common corn-soy pre-starters (d 1–7) and then either a non-contaminated control (CON) or feed with 1 ppm AFL (AFL) from d 8 to 28. The inoculum of AFL had 792 ppb of aflatoxin B1, 35 ppb of aflatoxin B2 and 219 ppb of aflatoxin G1. On d 28, all broilers were weighed and euthanised for necropsy following three different feed withdrawal time periods (0, 6 or 12 h), in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. 3. Body weight gain, liver weight and liver fat content decreased as feed withdrawal lengthened, whereas FCR and gallbladder weight increased (P ≤ 0.05). AFL-fed birds had reduced body weight and proportion of liver fat and increased FCR, liver and gallbladder weights (P ≤ 0.05). 4. Livers from fed broilers (0 h withdrawal) showed more lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) than livers of broilers from 6 or 12 h withdrawal (P ≤ 0.05). The L* and redness (a*) values of livers from broilers fed diets COB were lower than those from AFL fed broilers (P ≤ 0.05). 5. Prolonging pre-slaughter feed withdrawal decreased liver L*, whereas feeding AFL increased liver b*. These findings can be used to support veterinary assessment in slaughterhouses as shackled birds move on line through the inspection site. Since chicken liver is a valuable organ and an indicator of animal health, attention must be paid to these differences to ensure consumer safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method based on a hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP)-based standard operating procedure (SOP) has been developed and implemented in community-based (CB) production of complementary foods (CFs) in agrarian regions in rural Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to validate the method in another setup, more specifically in cash crop (coffee and khat) producing communities in Southern Ethiopia. A quasi-experimental study was employed for the method validation. Two villages in the Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia were selected and a total of 40 mother-child pairs, 20 in each village, were involved in the study. Sociodemographic data, knowledge, and complementary feeding practices were collected using pretested questionnaires. The training was given to each mother for 1 h about community-based CFs production and implementation of the method. Then, 30 CF samples were collected and the level of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) was determined using a validated method. The majority (77.5%) of the mothers understand the importance of complementary feeding and give it to their infants beyond 6 months. Nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of the mothers had knowledge about the health impacts of aflatoxins, but the remaining 37.5% lacked awareness about the health risks of aflatoxins. Mothers were very well-motivated for the training and they promised to implement the knowledge and skill gained from the training for improving the nutritional status of their children. Overall, 23.3% of the CFs were contaminated by aflatoxins. AFB1 and AFG1 were detected in 6.7 and 16.7% of the CF samples, respectively. In cash crop-producing communities around the country, the HACCP-based SOP is easily validated in CB CFs production. Therefore, a scaleup of the method at the national level and beyond is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research involves extraction, identification and detoxification of mycotoxins from ten dry fruit samples. Mycotoxins were identified by high performance thin layer chromatography followed by physical and biological detoxification, analysed by HPLC. Three fungal species were observed after isolation including, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Fussarium sp. HP-TLC analysis revealed the presence of mycotoxin, aflatoxin B1 ranging from 0.000303–0.03636 mg/kg in all samples. Results were further analysed through various statistical tests. Detoxification methods proved to be cost effective and easily implementable. Concentration of aflatoxin B1 in pine nuts was reduced to 0.0043 mg/kg and 0.0039 mg/kg in dry dates through UV based detoxification. Solarisation reduced the concentration of aflatoxin B1 in figs to 0.0044 mg/kg. 90% aflatoxins were detoxified by UV treatment while Zingiber officinale powder detoxified 90% mycotoxin. This research concludes that the studied detoxification methods can be generalised on larger scale to benefit the dry fruit industry worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus exposure causes an increase in aflatoxin (AF) levels among exposed workers thereby increasing their risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study attempted to determine the presence of airborne aflatoxigenic fungi in environment of waste water treatment plant (WWTP); and study the hepatic cancer risks among exposed workers, emphasizing the role of glutathione S-transferases (GST) gene polymorphism protecting against the risk of hepatic cancer development due to exposure to AFs. The study isolated and identified different Aspergillus species producing AFs in air samples from WWTP sites using 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (18S rRNA) gene sequencing technique. GST gene polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). A significant increase in blood AF levels was found among WWTP exposed workers. The occurrence of GSTT1& M1 gene polymorphism in 6% of the workers was accompanied by significant decrease in the levels of AFs and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). In conclusion, Aspergillus-producing AFs were found in air of WWTP. Continuous exposure to AF-producing fungi caused elevated AF-levels in exposed workers. However only workers with heterozygous GSTT1& M1 genotypes can detoxify AFs, thereby decreasing the risk of HCC development among exposed workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin contamination in food commodities is a major food safety concern all over the world. These aflatoxins are a group of carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by some fungi belonging to Aspergillus section Flavi. To minimize the level of aflatoxins in food commodities, a wide range of preand post-harvest procedures have been employed. In this study, aqueous extracts of 13 medicinal herbs were assessed for their ability to detoxify aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most potent and commonly occurring carcinogen in foods. Among them, herbal extracts of Hybanthus enneaspermus, Eclipta prostrata and Centella asiatica exhibited over 70% detoxification of AFB1. The degradation of AFB1 upon treatment with these herbal extracts was confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Two fractions (Rf 0.75 and 0.87) purified from H. enneaspermus by using thin-layer chromatography displayed in vitro AFB1-detoxifying properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the active fractions revealed the presence of linalool and bornyl acetate as the major components suggesting possible involvement of volatile compounds of H. enneaspermus in the detoxification of AFB1. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the detoxification of AFB1 by H. enneaspermus, E. prostrata and C. asiatica aqueous extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin M1 was determined in 240 milk samples collected from Hulla and Dale districts, Ethiopia, by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) detection. It has been found that 96.7% of the respondents did not have any awareness about aflatoxin. Laboratory analysis showed that AFM1 was detected in 77.91% of the total raw milk samples collected within a range of 0.00–0.038 and with an average of 0.0068 µg/L. Average AFM1 in raw milk during dry season (0.008 ± 0.0093 µg/L) was significantly higher (P <.05) than wet season (0.0049 ± 0.0041 µg/L). The level AFM1 detected in raw milk under the current study is lower than the limits set by EU and USA and hence can be considered as safe milk to consume. But the lower level of awareness about aflatoxin in the farmers showed that there is risk of aflatoxin contamination, so awareness creation and aflatoxin control measured should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of intake of a lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) on aflatoxin-induced hepatotoxicity in broilers. For this, broilers were intoxicated with dietary aflatoxins and simultaneously treated with live Lp299v in drinking water. One-day-old male broilers were divided into eight groups (n = 10/group) as follows. Aflatoxin groups fed basal diet contaminated with aflatoxins (200 or 2000 ppb). The probiotic groups received drinking water enriched with live (Lp299v) (108 CFU/ml). A group of birds was given a commercial mycotoxin binder (2.5 g/kg feed). Control groups received basal diet without probiotic or aflatoxin binder. The growth performance was calculated for the entire period (0–42 days), and blood and liver specimens were processed for histology and determination of liver damage markers. Results showed extensive damage including bile duct hyperplasia, hepatocellular ballooning, and necrosis in chickens fed aflatoxin alone. However, liver lesions were limited to lobular inflammation and pyknosis in broilers treated with aflatoxins along with Lp299v. The histology of the liver tissues from the birds on aflatoxin-free diet + probiotic appeared to be normal when compared to the respective controls. Histopathological indices in different experimental groups were corroborated with the liver damage markers namely, serum ALT, AST, LD, and γ-GT. It is concluded that the improvement in the growth performance and prevention of aflatoxin-related liver lesions could be mainly assigned to the probiotic therapy for the entire period of breeding, although the aflatoxin-binding ability of the Lp299v in inactivation of aflatoxins cannot be ruled out. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Aflatoxin-related liver damage progression was inhibited by probiotics in broilers. Aflatoxin inactivation by probiotics can be assessed by liver histopathology. Growth performance in broilers was improved following the intake of probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that produces carcinogenic aflatoxin, a serious constraint for food safety and human health. In this study, to better understand the molecular mechanism/s of peanut resistance to A. flavus growth and aflatoxin accumulation, comparative proteomic analysis was performed in two contrasting peanut genotypes, variety JL 24 (susceptible) and its near-isogenic resistant transgenic derivative expressing an alfalfa defensin gene. Several resistance proteins associated with secondary metabolic pathways were strongly induced in the resistant genotypes including phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase, chalcone synthase, resveratrol synthase, flavanone-3-hydroxylase, lipoxygenase, diacylglycerol-glycerol-3-phosphate-3-phosphatidyltransferase, β-ketoacyl-ACP-reductase, monoacylglycerol acyltransferase, and diacylglycerol acyltransferase, indicating their roles in resistance. Besides, several putative susceptibility-associated proteins were revealed providing knowledge on potential candidate target genes for precise breeding interventions for aflatoxin mitigation. This is the first study to demonstrate comparative proteomics analysis in Aspergillus–peanut interaction using contrasting near-isogenic lines to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that contaminate a wide range of foods and feeds. Autophagy is a highly conservative cell behavior to keep the intracellular homeostasis and is frequently active in disgusting conditions, such as starvation, hypoxia, and the presence of cytotoxic agents. However, the precise role of autophagy under various conditions may be opposite, from promoting cells survival to cells death, and the mechanism of this conditional-dependent role is still unclear. The greatest important question – whether autophagy has a defensive role or a damaging one – is not obviously recognized. In this review, we give an overview of the roles of autophagy in mycotoxin toxicity and cell death. Also, we explain how autophagy is the implication of this regulation to mycotoxin toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative damage caused by aflatoxin (AF) in rat liver tissue and the inhibition effect of lycopene against this injury was investigated. Groups were formed as; control group (not treated), lycopene group (5 mg/kg/day, gavage for 15 days), AFB1 group (0.5 mg/kg/day, gavage for 7 days) and AFB1 + lycopene group. Lycopene administered simultaneously with AFB1. It was observed significant increase in malondialdehyde level, decrease in glutathione level, antioxidant enzyme activities in liver tissue of AFB1 group when compared with control group. It was determined to significantly increase in plasma aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase activities in AFB1 group when compared with control group. It was determined significant decrease in malondialdehyde level, plasma aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase activities and increase in glutathione level, antioxidant enzyme activities in AFB1 + lycopene group when compared with AFB1 group. This study suggests that lycopene which has antioxidant properties can be prevented from AFB1 induced hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of aflatoxins (AFB1) in Iranian wheat flours was determined by immunoaffinity chromatography (HPLC). A total of 180 wheat flour and 60 wheat bran samples including three types of flour and wheat bran were collected from different manufacturers. Also, human health risk assessment of aflatoxins due to consumption of wheat flours by children and adults was calculated using the Margin of Exposure (MOE) approach in the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm. Considering the limit of detection of the current study, 144 out of 180 wheat flour samples and 54 out of 60 wheat bran samples were positive for aflatoxin B1. The amounts of AFB1 in wheat flour and wheat bran samples were detected to be 0.01–0.5 ng/g and 0.06–0.99 ng/g, respectively. The highest mean values of AFB1 were observed in Sangag, Barbary and Tafton flours from different manufacturers with amount of 0.5, 0.4 and 0.3 ng/g, respectively. Despite the contamination of wheat flour and wheat bran samples, AFB1 values were not higher than the limit of Institute of Standards & Industrial Research of Iran (5 ng/g) and European Union (2 ng/g). The mean of chronic daily intake in the adults and children on the basis of consumption of AFB1 in total samples was estimated to be as 0.26 and 0.04 mg/kg-d, respectively. The percentile 95 of MOE in total samples of flours in the adult and children were calculated as 1072 and 647, respectively. However, human health evaluation showed that both children and adult in the Alborz State are at remarkable cancer risk. Hence, national program is necessary to focus on this problem and firm inspection of wheat flours by the regulatory organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals are more prone to fungal attacks, which lead to enormous yield loss and reduction in seed quality, nutritional values, and germination. A large number of seed-borne fungi being produced with low molecular weight toxic secondary metabolites called mycotoxins. The present research work evaluated the antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activities of the essential oil of Schefflera actinophylla (SAEO). The GC/MS analysis confirms the presence of 15 phytochemical constituents in SAEO, among which, β-caryophyllene (49.23 %) and α-humulene (26.17 %) were recorded as major chemical components (> 25 %). The SAEO showed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against 15 different seed-borne phytopathogenic fungi with percent mycelial growth inhibition (%MI), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) ranged between 8.8-26.5 % at 1 μL mL-1, 0.156-2.5 μL mL-1, and 2.5- >10.0 μL mL-1, respectively. The aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) production from toxigenic isolates of A. flavus and F. verticillioides were significantly inhibited by SAEO at 10 μL mL-1, respectively. In the viable maize model assay, the incidences of species of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium were decreased in SAEO treated samples with increasing seed germination. The obtained result confirms that SAEO could be used as an alternative source for managing mold and mycotoxins contamination in food- and feedstuffs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic mycotoxins that contaminate a variety of crops worldwide. Acute exposure can cause liver failure, and chronic exposure can lead to stunting in children and liver cancer in adults. We estimated aflatoxin exposure across Uganda by measuring a serum biomarker of aflatoxin exposure in a subsample from the 2011 Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey, a nationally representative survey of HIV prevalence, and examined its association with geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic variables. We analysed a subsample of 985 serum specimens selected among HIV-negative participants from 10 survey-defined geographic regions for serum aflatoxin B1-lysine (AFB1-lys) by use of isotope dilution LC-MS/MS and calculated results normalised to serum albumin. We used statistical techniques for censored data to estimate geometric means (GMs), standard deviations, and percentiles. We detected serum AFB1-lys in 71.7% of specimens (LOD = 0.5 pg/mg albumin). Unadjusted GM AFB1-lys (pg/mg albumin) was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.21–1.47). Serum AFB1-lys was higher in males (GM: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.38–1.80) vs. females (GM: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.97–1.30) (P =.0019), and higher in persons residing in urban settings (GM: 2.83; 95% CI: 2.37–3.37) vs. rural (GM: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.99–1.23) (P <.0001). When we used a multivariable censored regression model to assess confounding and interactions among variables we found that survey region, gender, age, occupation, distance to marketplace, and number of meals per day were statistically significant predictors of aflatoxin exposure. While not nationally representative, our findings provide an improved understanding of the widespread burden of aflatoxin exposure throughout Uganda and identify key geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic factors that may modulate aflatoxin exposure risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various quality grades of high-quality cassava flour (HQCF) are found in markets due to the rapid increase in its utilization for product development. Therefore, this study assessed the chemical, functional and pasting properties and the microbial and aflatoxin content of HQCF being sold in Lusaka markets. Nine samples of HQCF (coded CM 01 to 09) were collected from supermarkets, one major open market, and one cassava processing centre. The samples were analyzed for chemical, functional and pasting properties and the microbial and aflatoxin content using standard laboratory methods. Samples CM 01, CM 08, and CM 09 had starch content above 60%, while CM 02 to CM 07 had starch slightly above 40%. The mean value of bulk density (BD) was 0.51 ± 25.49 g ml−1, dispersibility 68 ± 2.63%, swelling power (SP) 7.84 ± 0.76%, solubility index 135.80 ± 18.8%, and water absorption capacity (WAC) 6.28 ± 32.49%. The mean value for the peak viscosity was 437.46 ± 94.12 RVU, trough viscosity 217.55 ± 27.41 RVU, breakdown viscosity 219.91 ± 77.94 RVU, final viscosity 284.31 ± 29.96 RVU, and setback viscosity 66.77 ± 5.30 RVU. There was no detection of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) that belongs to group 1 carcinogens for humans. Bacteria colony counts in samples CM 02, CM 03, CM 07, and CM 09 were higher with CFU mg−1 of 2,280,000, 260,000, 200,000, and 510,000, respectively. The study's information will guide the quality standard specifications, breeding programs, and end-use of HQCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of silymarin-nanohydrogle (0, 500 free; 500 nano) and a mycotoxin (0; 2.2 mg/kg), silymarin contaminated diet on productive performance and certain serum biochemical parameters using 72 Japanese quail chicks in days 7–35 of age. Six experimental treatments consisting inclusion of 0 or 2.2 mg/kg aflatoxins in a basal diet fed to the birds receiving 0 or 500 mg/L silymarin in two free- or nanohydrogle forms via drinking water. Daily weight gain (DWG) and European production index (EPI) reduced by 6.7% and 13.6% while feed intake (FI) and FCR increased by 3.76% and 12% in the birds fed on the diet containing 2.2 mg/kg aflatoxin, respectively (p <.05). Administration of silymarin-nanohydrogle through drinking water improved FI and DWG by 3.7% and 8.1%, respectively (p <.05). Mean serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity elevated by 26.1% and serum concentration of total protein (TP), glucose (GLU) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) declined by 14.4%, 6.1% and 27.1% in the birds fed on the aflatoxin-contaminated diet, respectively (p <.05). Mean serum concentration of BUN (86.4%) and GLU (12.0%) increased and Ca (10.3%) decreased in birds receiving 500 mg/kg silymarin-nanohydrogle (p <.05). The birds receiving silymarin-nanohydrogle in drinking water showed lesser liver and spleen percentage (p <.05). It was concluded that inclusion of 500 mg/kg silymarin-nanohydrogle in drinking water could significantly compensate the impaired growth performance and alter hepatic function in Japanese quails fed on a diet contaminating 2.2 mg aflatoxins. Feeding diets contaminated with 2.2 mg aflatoxins/kg suppressed growth performance and impaired hepatic function in Japanese quails. Inclusion of 500 mg/kg silymarin-nanohydrogle in drinking water alleviated the adverse impact of aflatoxins on broilers' performance and partially improved liver function. Greater levels of silymarin-nanohydrogle may relive the aflatoxin-caused intimidating alterations in liver and blood parameters in Japanese quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hundred samples of milk from camels and cows were analysed for chemical composition and M1 contamination. The results indicated that camel milk from traditional nomadic systems revealed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher values for protein, fat, lactose, solids-not-fat and density than that obtained from camel and cows kept in semi-intensive systems. Aflatoxin (AF) M1 was found in 33% of the milk samples with the highest occurrence (82.4%) in cow milk (35.3% ranged between 0.05 and 0.1 µ/kg and 47.1% ranged between 0.1 and 0.15 µ/kg) compared to milk samples from camel in semi-intensive systems (15.6% ranged between 0.05 and 0.1 µg/kg). All samples of milk from traditional nomadic systems revealed the absence of AFM1. These results revealed increasing of AF with increased fat content in milk, a decrease with decreasing other milk components, while the density of milk showed no relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to systematically review associations between dietary mycotoxins exposure and child growth and morbidity of children aged 5 years or younger. Peer-reviewed literature was searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Experimental and observational studies were considered. The exposures were dietary mycotoxins during pregnancy, lactation and childhood, and mycotoxins concentrations in the diet, breast milk, urine, and blood. From a total of 4869 references, 86 full-text papers were extracted of which 50 were included in this review. The methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated and quality of the collective evidence was assessed using GRADE. Uncertainty remains whether mycotoxins exposure affects child growth, immunity and mortality and the overall quality of the evidence is very low. Overall however, we cannot rule out a possible association between dietary mycotoxins, in particular, AF and FUM and child malnutrition. Our analyses were limited by the reporting quality, difference in findings, heterogeneity of outcomes, mycotoxins detection methods, and the observational nature of most studies. Robust study designs with adequate sample size, use of validated biomarkers of exposure and assessment of co-occurrence of mycotoxins and their synergistic effects are required to provide the further evidence regarding a potential effect of dietary mycotoxins exposure on child growth and immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of fish feed (FF) with aflatoxigenic fungi is an ongoing hazardous risk and is the first route for transferring aflatoxins to consumers from fish products. Prevention is the gold standard to deal with microbial food contamination. Different FF samples (n = 38) were screened for the occurrence of fungal contamination, and identified Aspergillus flavus isolates were assessed for the presence of aflatoxigenic production genes (Nor-1, Ver-1, and Omt-A) and the ability to produce aflatoxins. Biocontrol of aflatoxigenic A. flavus was proposed via exposure to plant (Cinnamon bark, Athl, and Lilac leaves) smoldering fumes (PSF). Numerous fungal species were identified from FF; Aspergillus spp. was the prevalent genus, followed by Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. The complete set of aflatoxigenic genes was detected in 54.8% of A. flavus isolates and was correlated with their aflatoxin-producing ability. The PSF exposure was successful for inhibiting A. flavus growth in agar media and in contaminated fish feed. Cinnamon PSF was the most effective and could entirely inhibit fungal growth at a proportion of 20 g/m3 in both treatments. The PSF exposures could be suggested as effectual techniques for complete biocontrol of aflatoxigenic fungi in fish feed to protect fish and consumers from their threatening effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Zambia, mothers/caregivers feed their children cereal-based complementary foods that are prone to aflatoxin contamination. This study evaluated the relationship between exposure to aflatoxins and the nutritional status of young children. It covered 400 mothers with children aged 6-24 months. Their nutritional status assessed by measuring weight and height using standard procedures. Serum samples analysed for aflatoxin B1-lysine (AFB1-lys), a reliable biomarker of aflatoxin exposure. Child sickness and age, exposure to aflatoxin in foods, and albumin-normalised AFB1-lys level were found to be significantly (p < .05) associated with child stunting except for child age that was not significant at p = .05. Children with an increase in the blood serum aflatoxin B1 lysine adduct are more likely to be stunted. These results have shown that dietary exposure to aflatoxin could lead to an increase in serum aflatoxin concentrations, both of which are associated with stunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species belonging to Aspergillus section Flavi occur naturally in crops and can cause food spoilage and/or toxin production. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and diversity of the species of Aspergillus section Flavi found in wheat and sorghum at harvest time and during silage storage, and to evaluate the toxigenic potential of the isolates to determine the contamination risk of mycotoxins in grains. Strains from Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus were found based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. This is the first report on the presence of A. parasiticus in wheat from Uruguay. Of the 80 isolates Aspergillus section Flavi, 30% produced aflatoxins (AFs), mainly type B1, and 25% produced cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Within the isolates from wheat samples, 35% were AFs producers and 27.5% were CPA producers. Among the Aspergillus section Flavi isolates from sorghum, 25% were AFs producers while 22.5% were CPA producers. This work contributes to the knowledge of the species in crops and helps define appropriate strategies for the prevention and control of contamination with AFs and CPA by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-three species and variety belonging to 15 genera were collected from 30 strawberry fruit samples on Glucose-Czapek's agar medium. Among them, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum were the most frequent species recovered from 53.3%, 70.0% and 50.0% of the samples, respectively. According to the ITS rDNA sequence, we confirmed the morphological identification result. Moreover, aflatoxin biosynthesis gene omt-A was detected in A. flavus, while Aopks gene was found in A. niger. Interestingly, we could not detect any aflatoxin or ochratoxin biosynthesis genes in the P. citrinum strain. The concentration of detected aflatoxin was 3.5 ppb produced by A. flavus, while A. niger gave 4.1 ppb as ochratoxin. A. flavus was the most pectinase producer among the selected strains, and the highest amount was obtained at 30°C after 6 days of incubation with initial medium pH 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silybum marianum (SM) and its compounds are used as dietary supplements to improve the performance and health of chicks especially when fed broiler diets contaminated with aflatoxins. Use of SM derivatives from 0.2% to 0.8% in feed had no negative effects on the performance of broilers, but increasing SM level to 15% reduced average body weight (1620.02 g) compared to control groups (1815.04 g). Feed conversion ratio in broilers receiving SM was not significantly different and average feed intake was similar (2985.6 vs. 3145.15 g). Addition of 0.5% of SM powder in feed decreased total intestinal bacteria and coliforms. Inclusion of 4–15% of SM in feed improved sensory and qualitative characteristics of meat. SM and its derivatives (seeds, powders and extracts) improved health and quality of meat. Broiler trials showed that the highest carcass weight (1583.87 g) and breast weight (592.80) were seen in feeds containing 3% SM oil, although such findings were not consistent in other published work. Application of these compounds is recommended as a natural dietary supplement to improve performance and well-being in cases where diets may be contaminated with aflatoxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new drying strategy identified as "drying in an oven under a magnetic field" was used for efficient processing of samples. Mycotoxin species and elements (Al, Ba, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Pb, Fe, Cr, and Mn) in different foodstuffs (figs, apricots, raisins, hazelnuts, and chilis) were determined using LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS systems at trace levels to evaluate the effectiveness of the new drying method. All of the parameters used in the determination were optimized to obtain efficient determination of analytes. To check the accuracy of the determination methods, proper certified reference materials were used for elemental and mycotoxins contents, and the obtained results were in good agreement with the stated values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously a calcium bentonite clay (CB) has been shown to tightly bind aflatoxins in vitro, significantly reduce mortality and morbidity in animals, and decrease molecular biomarkers of aflatoxin exposure in humans and animals. Extensive studies have shown that CB is safe for human and animal consumption. In further work, we have investigated a highly active sodium bentonite (SB) clay (SB-E) with enhanced aflatoxin sorption efficacy compared to CB and other clays. Computational models and isothermal analyses were used to characterise toxin/clay surface interactions, predict mechanisms of toxin sorption, and gain insight into: 1) surface capacities and affinities, and 2) thermodynamics and sites of toxin/surface interactions. We have also used a toxin-sensitive living organism (Hydra vulgaris) to confirm the safety and predict the efficacy of SB-E against aflatoxin toxicity. Compared to CB, SB-E had a higher capacity for aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) at pH 2 and 6.5. Results from this work suggest that high capacity clays such as SB-E can be used as effective aflatoxin enterosorbents to decrease short-term exposures in humans and animals when included in food and/or water during extended droughts and outbreaks of aflatoxicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total-scale quantitative research literature analysis on the food toxicology scientific field has yet to be conducted. In this work, we identified and analysed food toxicology publications in the existing scientific literature. A literature search was performed with the online Web of Science database. Full records and cited references of the 73,099 identified manuscripts were imported into VOSviewer software for analysis. This research field has been growing steadily since the 1990s. Article to review ratio was 7.4:1. The publications were mainly related to toxicology, environmental sciences, food science and technology, pharmacology/pharmacy and biochemistry/molecular biology. The United States and China are major contributors to food toxicology research, followed by other European and Asian countries. The prolific authors have formed three major clusters within a citation network. Toxic or hazardous chemicals related to food with high citations included aflatoxin, dioxin, fumonisin, malondialdehyde, mycotoxin, ochratoxin, phthalate, and polychlorinated biphenyl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea) is a nutritious and low-cost source of proteins for food and feed. Processing and storage of silver cyprinid are still sub-optimal and may therefore impact on its quality and safety. In this study, we evaluated markers of microbial quality, nutrient degradation and aflatoxin content in stored dry silver cyprinid from four landing sites on Lake Victoria and five markets in Kampala district. The moisture content of fish samples from both landing sites and markets was higher than 12% which is the recommended by East African standards. The microbial quality of the silver cyprinid from landing sites met the national standards (total coliform count, 3.6 (3.0, 4.6) log cfu/g) while that of market samples (total coliform count 4.2 (3.0, 5.0) log cfu/g). Silver cyprinid from the landing sites and markets contained aflatoxins (14.5 ± 0.9 ppb; 15.5 ± 2.2 ppb, respectively) above the standard specification. Additionally, fat degradation of the landing site samples was higher than the maximum allowable limit: free fatty acid content 3.6 (3.1, 4.3) mgKOH/g. Fat degradation of the market site samples was higher than the maximum allowable limit: free fatty acid content 7.4 ± 1.4 mgKOH/g. Stored, dry silver cyprinid fish may pose a health risk, and may have slightly less healthy fats than fresh fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at determining the effect of temperature and water activity (aw) on the radial growth of Aspergillus flavus and A. carbonarius isolated from dried chili and their production of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA), respectively. The isolates were grown on a synthetic chili-based medium, and growth and mycotoxin production were studied following a central composite design. The diameter of each colony was measured, and mycotoxins were extracted from the medium after 7 days of incubation at each different combination of temperature and aw. The analysis of variance results showed that temperature, aw, and their interaction had significant effects on growth and mycotoxin production. Response surface analysis showed that both strains were able to grow within a wide range of temperatures (22.93–37.07°C) and aw values (0.885–0.984), but production of AFB1 and OTA was not detected at 37.07°C or at aw below 0.900. The most favorable growth conditions for A. flavus were within a temperature range of 25–30°C and aw higher than 0.970, and maximum AFB1 production occurred at 22.93°C and aw of 0.984. For A. carbonarius, optimum growth and OTA production were observed at 22.93°C and aw of 0.970–0.984. Our results may be useful for controlling the growth of post-harvest mold in chili and preventing mycotoxin contamination of dried chili. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are a major problem in poultry production and are significant economic and public health burdens worldwide. Three commercial mycotoxin binders (TXB) were used to determine their efficacy in preventing the toxic effects of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on broiler productivity, biochemical and hematological parameters, and liver function. A total of 600 day-old broilers were randomly allotted to 12 treatments in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement with 3 levels of AFB1 (0, 2, and 4 µg/g) and 4 TXB (no toxin binder, 1.0 g/kg Mycosorb, 1.0 g/kg Formycin, and 20.0 g/kg Anzymit) with 5 replicates of 10 chicks each per treatment. Results indicated that AFB1, in comparison with the control, caused a significant decrease in feed intake, weight gain, feed efficiency, and hematological values. Serum proteins (globulin, albumin, and total protein) and serum Ca and P concentrations followed the same pattern. Relative weights of the heart, gizzard and liver, and AST activity in serum were increased in a dose-dependent manner, but ALT activity was not statistically affected by AFB1. Adding TXB to the AFB1 contaminated diet increased weight gain, feed efficiency, hematological values and serum proteins. The commercial mycotoxin binders decreased AST and ALT activities, but did not have a significant effect on the relative organs weight and serum Ca and P concentrations. Neither AFB1 nor commercial toxin binders affected total cholesterol, LDL, or HDL in this study. It was concluded that the addition of the commercial toxin binders to the AFB1 containing diets reduced the adverse effects of AFB1 and could be helpful as a solution to the aflatoxicosis problem in young broiler chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]