Aflatoxins in the autopsy brain tissue of children in Nigeria

Seventy Swiss albino mice (6-week-old male) were selected for the investigation into aflatoxin B1's role in the cause of kwashiorkor. The mice were divided randomly into four groups. They were grouped within each group by being fed either low or normal protein level diets supplemented with very small amounts of aflatoxin B1 (0.5 mg/day). The control groups were fed aflatoxin B1-free diets containing either normal or low protein levels. All groups were monitored for 7 weeks. The increase in body weight was found to be low in groups I and II, given diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1. Although groups II and IV, which were given low dietary protein, showed remarkable decreases in serum total protein and albumin levels (group II: total protein 4.1±-0.1 g/dL, albumin 2.6±-0.8 g/dL and group IV: total protein 4.6±-1.3 g/dL, albumin 2.8±-0.82 g/dL) when compared with the groups fed a normal dietary protein level (group I: total protein 5.9±-1.3 g/dL, albumin 3.4±-0.7 g/dL and group III: total protein 5.4±-1.6 g/dL, albumin 3.5±-1.2 g/dL; P B-0.05). The statistical difference between these two groups was found not to be significant (P -0.05). However, decreases in total protein and albumin levels were a little more prominent in group II. In addition, histopatological changes of the liver was remarkable in the group fed a low protein diet and aflatoxin B1 when compared with the group fed only a low protein diet and no aflatoxin B1. More significantly, however, was the increase in liver weight in both groups fed a low protein diet (groups II and IV). Our conclusion is that aflatoxin B1 could not have contributed to the development of kwashiorkor.

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“…10,11,24 For this reason, other factors may have a role in the development of kwashiorkor with aflatoxins.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

The effects of aflatoxin B1 on the development of kwashiorkor in mice

et al. 2003

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“…It was hypothesized that AF may have a role in polycystic kidney disease evolution [18]. Moreover, AF can be detected in the autopsy kidney specimens of children exposed to AF [19].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does aflatoxin as an environmental mycotoxin adversely affect the renal and hepatic functions of Egyptian lactating mothers and their infants? A preliminary report

et al. 2006

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“…Several studies have shown the detrimental effects of aflatoxins exposure on the liver (Sharmila Banu et al, 2009), epididymis (Agnes and Akbarsha, 2001), testis (Faisal et al, 2008), kidney and heart (Mohammed and Metwally, 2009; Gupta and Sharma, 2011). It has been found that aflatoxin presences in post-mortem brain tissue (Oyelami et al, 1995), suggested that its ability to cross the blood brain barrier (Qureshi et al, 2015). AFTs also cause abnormalities in the structure and functioning of mitochondrial DNA and brain cells (Verma, 2004).…”

Section: Mechanism Of Toxicity and Health Effects By Aflatoxinmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aflatoxins: A Global Concern for Food Safety, Human Health and Their Management

et al. 2017

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The aflatoxin producing fungi, Aspergillus spp., are widely spread in nature and have severely contaminated food supplies of humans and animals, resulting in health hazards and even death. Therefore, there is great demand for aflatoxins research to develop suitable methods for their quantification, precise detection and control to ensure the safety of consumers’ health. Here, the chemistry and biosynthesis process of the mycotoxins is discussed in brief along with their occurrence, and the health hazards to humans and livestock. This review focuses on resources, production, detection and control measures of aflatoxins to ensure food and feed safety. The review is informative for health-conscious consumers and research experts in the fields. Furthermore, providing knowledge on aflatoxins toxicity will help in ensure food safety and meet the future demands of the increasing population by decreasing the incidence of outbreaks due to aflatoxins.

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Aflatoxins in the autopsy brain tissue of children in Nigeria

Cited by 53 publications

References 8 publications

The effects of aflatoxin B1 on the development of kwashiorkor in mice

The effects of aflatoxin B1 on the development of kwashiorkor in mice

Does aflatoxin as an environmental mycotoxin adversely affect the renal and hepatic functions of Egyptian lactating mothers and their infants? A preliminary report

Aflatoxins: A Global Concern for Food Safety, Human Health and Their Management

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