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

Abstract

<jats:p> Seventy Swiss albino mice (6-week-old male) were selected for the investigation into aflatoxin B<jats:sub>1</jats:sub>'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 B<jats:sub>1</jats:sub> (0.5 mg/day). The control groups were fed aflatoxin B<jats:sub>1</jats:sub>-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 B<jats:sub>1</jats:sub>. 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 B<jats:sub>1</jats:sub> when compared with the group fed only a low protein diet and no aflatoxin B<jats:sub>1</jats:sub>. 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 B<jats:sub>1</jats:sub> could not have contributed to the development of kwashiorkor. </jats:p>

Effect of dietary macronutrients on aflatoxicosis: a mini‐review

“…The binding of aflatoxin to chromatin and DNA decreased by only 28–30% in rats with restricted food intake, while rats fed a restricted and protein‐deficient diet had aflatoxin binding to chromatin, DNA and chromatin protein decreased by 68, 72 and 66% respectively, suggesting that manipulation of protein content can affect the metabolism of AFB 1 . These observations are contradictory to some studies which found that a low‐protein diet worsened aflatoxicosis in rats . The possible explanation is that a low‐protein diet prevents hepatic macromolecular binding by altering the activity of mixed function oxidase which is involved in the metabolism of aflatoxin .…”

“…GSH, for example, protects tissues from AFB 1 oxidative damage or acts as a cofactor for enzymatic detoxification of aflatoxin, but its level was reduced in protein‐malnourished rats exposed to AFB 1 . Besides, severe fatty infiltration, biliary proliferation and necrosis were observed in Swiss male albino mice fed a low‐protein diet and AFB 1 . In addition, mice fed the low‐protein diet and AFB 1 had a significantly higher concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (71 ± 38 IU dL −1 ) compared with those fed the low‐protein diet alone (45 ± 20 IU dL −1 ) .…”

Protective Effect of Black Tea Infusion on Aflatoxin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

“…The body performance data in the present study greatly agreed with the data reports of many other investigators. Weight loss as compared to control animals owing to aflatoxin treatment has been reported in rabbits, 24 mice 25 and rats. 26 Adedara et al 27 have reported a 12% body weight loss in mice treated with aflatoxin.…”

Short-Term Safety and Efficacy of Calcium Montmorillonite Clay (UPSN) in Children

“…7,[20][21][22][23][24] Although the exact mechanisms of AF-induced growth stunting are not well-defined at this time, animal studies have indicated that AF exposure results in decreased weight gain, lowered feed conversion efficiency, vitamin depletion, and inhibited protein synthesis. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] As a result of these epidemiological studies, it is clear that intervention strategies directed at the mitigation of child exposures are needed in areas where risk of AF consumption is high and malnutrition is common.…”