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Iranian Journal of Public Health Jan 2024Fungal metabolites known as aflatoxin M (AFM) are linked to contaminated milk and milk products. Consuming food contaminated with AFM poses major health risks and may...
BACKGROUND
Fungal metabolites known as aflatoxin M (AFM) are linked to contaminated milk and milk products. Consuming food contaminated with AFM poses major health risks and may even be fatal.
METHODS
The retrieved publications were categorized in this bibliometric study using the Web of Science (WoS) database Jan 1, 1970 to Nov 30, 2022 based on a variety of factors, including the time of publication of articles, citation totals, languages, research areas, countries, affiliations, funding agencies, journals, and keywords analysis to identify any hot and developing subjects. Additionally, VOSviewer software version 1.6.18 provided the bibliometric analysis of the global collaboration network and hot research themes.
RESULTS
Overall, 679 published documents were detected. Food Control was the top-line journal in publications on AFM research with 540 published articles, while the USA was the best productive country in AFM publications as well as the major country with the maximum co-authorship collaboration. This study ensures quantitative and qualitative analyses of the top 25 journals, most cited published articles, most relevant authors and title word occurrences in published documents on AFM publications. Over the past two decades, there has been an enormous rise for research conducted on global AFM.
CONCLUSION
The assessment of the historical state and development trend in AFM scientific research can serve as a roadmap for future research and eventually, serve as a foundation for bettering management practices for territorial decisions, healthcare, and dairy industries.
PubMed: 38694852
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i1.14694 -
BMC Plant Biology May 2024Aspergillus flavus is an important agricultural and food safety threat due to its production of carcinogenic aflatoxins. It has high level of genetic diversity that is...
BACKGROUND
Aspergillus flavus is an important agricultural and food safety threat due to its production of carcinogenic aflatoxins. It has high level of genetic diversity that is adapted to various environments. Recently, we reported two reference genomes of A. flavus isolates, AF13 (MAT1-2 and highly aflatoxigenic isolate) and NRRL3357 (MAT1-1 and moderate aflatoxin producer). Where, an insertion of 310 kb in AF13 included an aflatoxin producing gene bZIP transcription factor, named atfC. Observations of significant genomic variants between these isolates of contrasting phenotypes prompted an investigation into variation among other agricultural isolates of A. flavus with the goal of discovering novel genes potentially associated with aflatoxin production regulation. Present study was designed with three main objectives: (1) collection of large number of A. flavus isolates from diverse sources including maize plants and field soils; (2) whole genome sequencing of collected isolates and development of a pangenome; and (3) pangenome-wide association study (Pan-GWAS) to identify novel secondary metabolite cluster genes.
RESULTS
Pangenome analysis of 346 A. flavus isolates identified a total of 17,855 unique orthologous gene clusters, with mere 41% (7,315) core genes and 59% (10,540) accessory genes indicating accumulation of high genomic diversity during domestication. 5,994 orthologous gene clusters in accessory genome not annotated in either the A. flavus AF13 or NRRL3357 reference genomes. Pan-genome wide association analysis of the genomic variations identified 391 significant associated pan-genes associated with aflatoxin production. Interestingly, most of the significantly associated pan-genes (94%; 369 associations) belonged to accessory genome indicating that genome expansion has resulted in the incorporation of new genes associated with aflatoxin and other secondary metabolites.
CONCLUSION
In summary, this study provides complete pangenome framework for the species of Aspergillus flavus along with associated genes for pathogen survival and aflatoxin production. The large accessory genome indicated large genome diversity in the species A. flavus, however AflaPan is a closed pangenome represents optimum diversity of species A. flavus. Most importantly, the newly identified aflatoxin producing gene clusters will be a new source for seeking aflatoxin mitigation strategies and needs new attention in research.
Topics: Aspergillus flavus; Aflatoxins; Multigene Family; Genome, Fungal; Secondary Metabolism; Zea mays; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genes, Fungal; Whole Genome Sequencing; Genetic Variation
PubMed: 38693487
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04950-8 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2024Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a common mycotoxin, can occur in agricultural products. As a metabolite of AFB1, aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) mainly exist in dairy products. These two...
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a common mycotoxin, can occur in agricultural products. As a metabolite of AFB1, aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) mainly exist in dairy products. These two mycotoxins threaten human health, although it is unclear how they affect the function of the intestinal barrier. In this study, mice were exposed to AFB1 (0.3 mg/kg body b.w.) and AFM1(3.0 mg/kg b.w.) either individually or in combination for 28 days to explore the main differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and the associated enriched pathways. These findings were preliminarily verified by the transcriptomic and proteomic analyses in differentiated Caco-2 cells. The results revealed that AFB1 and AFM1 exposure in mice disrupted the function of the intestinal barrier, and the combined toxicity was greater than that of each toxin alone. Further proteomic analysis in mice demonstrated that the mechanisms underlying these differences could be explained as follows: (i) lipid metabolism was enriched by AFB1-induced DEPs. (ii) protein export pathway was stimulated by AFM1-induced DEPs. (iii) cell metabolic ability was inhibited (as evidenced by changes in UDP-GT1, UDP-GT2, and Gatm6), apoptosis was induced (MAP4K3), and epithelial cell integrity was disrupted (Claudin7 and IQGAP2), resulting in more extensive intestinal damage after combined treatment. In conclusion, the hazardous impact of co-exposure to AFB1 and AFM1 from proteomic perspectives was demonstrated in the present study.
Topics: Aflatoxin M1; Aflatoxin B1; Animals; Mice; Caco-2 Cells; Humans; Proteomics; Male; Intestines; Intestinal Mucosa
PubMed: 38691883
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116336 -
BMJ Open Apr 2024In Sidama, Ethiopia, animal-source foods can be difficult to access. Milk has important nutrients for child growth, but carries the risk of aflatoxin M (AFM)...
INTRODUCTION
In Sidama, Ethiopia, animal-source foods can be difficult to access. Milk has important nutrients for child growth, but carries the risk of aflatoxin M (AFM) contamination. AFM is a metabolite of the mycotoxin aflatoxin B (AFB) in dairy feed; cows secrete AFM in milk when their feed contains AFB produced by fungi in maize, nuts and oilseeds. It is unknown whether AFM compromises child growth and health.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
This protocol paper describes our study in Sidama to determine the impact of milk consumption and AFM on child growth in the first 18 months of life. We will collect baseline and end-line data on dairy production, socioeconomic and nutritional factors of 1000 dairy-owning households with children ages 6-18 months at baseline; and gather samples of milk and dairy feed and child anthropometrics. We will conduct phone interviews every 6 months to ascertain changes in practices or child health. Dairy feed will be tested for AFB; milk for AFM, pathogens and nutrients. Controlling for herd size, socioeconomic, nutritional and behavioural factors, we will determine the association between child anthropometrics and milk consumption, as well as AFM exposure. We will examine whether AFM exposure affects child growth in the first 18 months of life, and weigh the benefits and risks of milk consumption.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
The protocol is approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI-IRB-481-2022), Michigan State University (STUDY00007996) and International Food Policy Research Institute (DSGD-23-0102). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants, who may withdraw from the study at any time. Confidentiality of collected data will be given high priority during each stage of data handling. The study's findings will be disseminated through stakeholder workshops, local and international conferences, journal articles and technical reports.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Aflatoxin M1; Infant; Animals; Food Contamination; Risk Assessment; Milk; Female; Male; Research Design; Dairy Products; Aflatoxin B1
PubMed: 38684249
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084257 -
Journal of Advanced Veterinary and... Mar 2024This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of total aflatoxin (AF) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in poultry feed ingredients under different environmental conditions...
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of total aflatoxin (AF) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in poultry feed ingredients under different environmental conditions during the summer and winter seasons, while the hygiene quality of the feed ingredient was assessed through viable fungal count (VFC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 288 poultry feed ingredients ( 96 each) samples were collected from different poultry shops, which were initially analyzed for the presence of AF and OTA through thin layer chromatography (TLC) and then confirmed the contamination concentration through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.
RESULTS
The results of the current study confirmed the incidence of contamination with AF and OTA by TLC and ELISA methods. The contamination level of AF ranged from 26.09 to 50.56 (mean 41.22 ± 9.45) μg/kg, whereas the contamination level of OTA ranged from 50.13 to 6.21 (mean 42.60 ± 6.21) μg The contamination level of AF was found to be above the permissible level set by the Food and Drug Administration (20 μg/kg), whereas the contamination level of OTA was below the permissible limits. Moreover, the VFC values were also below the recommended level. The results showed that the association between AF, OTA, and moisture content was significant ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Mycotoxin contamination was significantly ( < 0.05) highest in the winter season. These findings suggested that continuous monitoring regimes might prevent mycotoxin contamination in poultry feed ingredients.
PubMed: 38680815
DOI: 10.5455/javar.2024.k754 -
Journal of Advanced Veterinary and... Mar 2024To update recent information on contamination levels of mycotoxins in South Korea.
OBJECTIVES
To update recent information on contamination levels of mycotoxins in South Korea.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 208 samples sourced from the feeds of swine farms were collected. The contamination levels of mycotoxins, which are aflatoxin (Afla), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisin (FUM), and T-2 toxin, were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
RESULTS
The detection levels of the total samples were 78.91% for DON, 75.24% for Afla, 47.02% for ZEN, 68.31% for FUM, and 5.94% for OTA and T-2, which were not detected at all. Most of the analyzed mycotoxins showed significant high occurrences in 47.02%-78.91% of the swine feed samples. 11 of the 152 alfa-positive samples exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) of Afla proposed by the Korean regulation. In the analysis of mycotoxin detection levels by growth stage, ZEN was found in the nursery stage at a remarkably high concentration level (126.46 ± 63.76 ppb), exceeding the MRL of ZEN for piglets proposed by the European Commission. This mycotoxin was also found in the samples from the gestation barn (89.04 ± 46.05 ppb) and the farrowing house (105.58 ± 94.12) at a high concentration level. Afla was found in the nursery stage at a high concentration (8.00 ± 2.22 ppb), approaching the MRL (10 ppb) of Afla proposed by the Korean regulation.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate that many swine farms in South Korea are still exposed to mycotoxin risk, and special attention and surveillance are necessary for these mycotoxin risks in swine farms.
PubMed: 38680795
DOI: 10.5455/javar.2024.k756 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Wheat ( L.) is an essential food crop in terms of consumption as well as production. Aflatoxin exposure has a widespread public health impact in economically developing...
Wheat ( L.) is an essential food crop in terms of consumption as well as production. Aflatoxin exposure has a widespread public health impact in economically developing nations, so there is a need to establish preventive techniques for these high-risk populations. Pre-harvest and post-harvest practices are the two strategies used to control aflatoxin contamination, which include the use of genetically modified crops that show resistance against infection, the use of pesticides, changing the planting and harvesting time of crops, and physical, chemical, and biological methods. In this research, aflatoxin detection and quantification were performed in different wheat varieties to determine quantitative differences in comparison to the European Commission's limit of 4 ppb aflatoxins in wheat. TLC for qualitative and the ELISA kit method for quantitative analysis of aflatoxins were used. Out of 56 samples, 35 were found contaminated with aflatoxins, while the remaining 21 samples did not show any presence of aflatoxins. Out of the 35 contaminated samples, 20 samples showed aflatoxin contamination within the permissible limit, while the remaining 15 samples showed aflatoxin concentration beyond the permissible level, ranging from 0.49 to 20.56 ppb. After quantification, the nine highly contaminated wheat samples were detoxified using physical, chemical, and biological methods. The efficiency of these methods was assessed, and they showed a significant reduction in aflatoxins of 53-72%, 79-88%, and 80-88%, respectively. In conclusion, the difference in aflatoxin concentration in different wheat varieties could be due to genetic variations. Furthermore, biological treatment could be the method of choice for detoxification of aflatoxins in wheat as it greatly reduced the aflatoxin concentration with no harmful effect on the quality of the grains.
PubMed: 38672805
DOI: 10.3390/life14040535 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Aflatoxin (AFT) contamination poses a significant global public health and safety concern, prompting widespread apprehension. Of the various AFTs, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)... (Review)
Review
Aflatoxin (AFT) contamination poses a significant global public health and safety concern, prompting widespread apprehension. Of the various AFTs, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) stands out for its pronounced toxicity and its association with a spectrum of chronic ailments, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Lycopene, a lipid-soluble natural carotenoid, has emerged as a potential mitigator of the deleterious effects induced by AFB1 exposure, spanning cardiac injury, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, intestinal damage, and reproductive impairment. This protective mechanism operates by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid peroxidation, and activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, facilitating the activation of mitochondrial biogenesis, the endogenous antioxidant system, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1) pathways, as well as regulating the activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. This review provides an overview of the protective effects of lycopene against AFB1 exposure-induced toxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, it explores the safety profile and potential clinical applications of lycopene. The present review underscores lycopene's potential as a promising detoxification agent against AFB1 exposure, with the intent to stimulate further research and practical utilization in this domain.
PubMed: 38671900
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040452 -
Toxins Apr 2024Velvet (VeA), a light-regulated protein that shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus, serves as a key global regulator of secondary metabolism in various species...
Velvet (VeA), a light-regulated protein that shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus, serves as a key global regulator of secondary metabolism in various species and plays a pivotal role in controlling multiple developmental processes. The gene was chosen for further investigation through CHIP-seq analysis due to significant alterations in its interaction with VeA under varying conditions. This gene (AFLA_006970) contains a Septin-type guanine nucleotide-binding (G) domain, which has not been previously reported in (). The functional role of in was elucidated through the creation of a gene knockout mutant and a gene overexpression strain using a well-established dual-crossover recombinational technique. A comparison between the wild type (WT) and the Δ mutant revealed distinct differences in morphology, reproductive capacity, colonization efficiency, and aflatoxin production. The mutant displayed reduced growth rate; dispersion of conidial heads; impaired cell wall integrity; and decreased sclerotia formation, colonization capacity, and aflatoxin levels. Notably, Δ exhibited complete growth inhibition under specific stress conditions, highlighting the essential role of in . This study provides evidence that positively influences aflatoxin production, morphological development, and pathogenicity in .
Topics: Aspergillus flavus; Aflatoxins; Fungal Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal; Virulence; Spores, Fungal
PubMed: 38668599
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040174 -
Toxins Apr 2024There is great concern about the risk posed by the consumption of food contaminated with aflatoxins (AF), produced mostly by strains, that can also be found in...
There is great concern about the risk posed by the consumption of food contaminated with aflatoxins (AF), produced mostly by strains, that can also be found in dry-fermented meat products (DFMPs). The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of meat starter culture (SC), frequently used for fermentation in the meat industry, on growth and the production of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), and sterigmatocystin (STE) on different meat-based (CMA) and salami model (SM-G) media. Incubation was carried out under optimal conditions for fungal growth and under typical conditions for ripening of DFMPs for 21 days. Reversed-phase UPLC-MS/MS analysis was performed to determine mycotoxin production. SC reduced growth more on CMA than on SM-G media. AFB1 formation was inhibited on both types of SC-containing media, although SC generally had a stronger inhibitory effect on AFB1 production on CMA than on SM-G. AFB1 and AFB2 were produced on CMA, while AFB1 dominated in SM-G, AFG1, and AFG2 were not detected in any media. The results show that SC inhibited AFB1 formation of on SM-G media after 21 days of incubation under typical conditions for the production of DFMPs. These results indicate the necessity to investigate AF on natural matrices in an environment that is as similar as possible to real conditions in the production of DFMPs.
Topics: Aflatoxins; Aspergillus; Meat Products; Food Microbiology; Food Contamination; Fermentation; Animals
PubMed: 38668598
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040173