Aflatoxin B1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in developing countries: Geographical distribution, mechanism of action and prevention

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most well-known primary liver malignancy worldwide. Its incidence is rising at alarming rates and has become a public concern globally. It is more frequent in developing countries than in industrialized countries with respect to geographical variation, ethnic disparities and socioeconomic status. Dietary exposure to aflatoxins is among the major HCC risk factors. Aflatoxin B1, which is a genotoxic hepatocarcinogen, which presumptively causes cancer by inducing DNA adducts leading to genetic changes in target liver cells. AFB1 is metabolized by cytochrome-P450 enzymes to the reactive intermediate AFB1-8, 9 epoxide (AFBO) which binds to liver cell DNA, resulting in DNA adducts. DNA adducts interact with the guanine bases of liver cell DNA and cause a mutational effect in the P53 tumor suppressor gene at the codon 249 hotspot in exon 7, which may lead to HCC. Approximately 4.5 billion of the world’s population is exposed to aflatoxin-contaminated food, particularly in low-income countries. Prevention involves treating crops that are susceptible to fungal contamination, appropriate handling of foodstuffs and the use of chemopreventive intervention. Moreover, an integrated network collaboration of different sectors, including public health, agricultural departments and mass media, is required to ensure effective food regulation systems so as to minimize the contamination of food by aflatoxins.

Does Bougainvillea spectabilis protect Swiss Albino Mice from Aflatoxin-induced Hepatotoxicity?

“…These are closely related to di-furanocoumarin compounds (Steyn, 1995;Williams et al, 2004). Epidemiological studies suggest that elevated dietary exposure of aflatoxin can induce liver cancer in humans (Van Rensburg et al, 1985;Liu et al, 2013;Hamid et al, 2013;Bhakuni et al, 2016). However, Angusbhakorn et al (1990) have reported that even a single dose of aflatoxin is sufficient to induce liver tumours among rats.…”

Recent Advances in Electrochemical-Based Sensing Platforms for Aflatoxins Detection

“…AFB1 has a negative impact on carbohydrate metabolism, which results in the reduction in hepatic glycogen and increased blood glucose levels. Although the toxic effects of AFM1 are less than that of AFB1, nevertheless, it causes the oxidative damage due to intracellular radical generation, DNA intercalation, base impairment, teratogenicity, birth defects, and genetic mutation [14].…”

Vaccination Age Changing from Infancy and Childhood to Adolescence and Adulthood: An In-Dispensable Approach in Immunization Programs

“…Annually, HCC is the cause of the 600000 deaths worldwide that almost half of them are in China [87]. HCC risk factors include: cirrhosis [88], Aflatoxins [89], hemochromatosis [90], alcohol consumption [91], diabetes [92], tobacco smoking [93], overweight and obesity [94], sever α1-antitrypsin deficiency [95], anabolic steroids [96], oral contraceptives [97] and chronic hepatitis B or C [87- 90,92,96].…”