AFB1 Toxicity in Human Food and Animal Feed Consumption: A Review of Experimental Treatments and Preventive Measures

Abstract

Aims: The current review aims to outline and summarize the latest research on aflatoxin, with research studies describing natural, herbal and chemical compound applications in animal (pig) models and in vitro cellular studies. Aflatoxin, a carcinogenic toxin metabolite, is produced by Aspergillus flavus in humid environments, posing a threat to human health and crop production. The current treatment involves the prevention of exposure to aflatoxin and counteracting its harmful toxic effects, enabling survival and research studies on an antidote for aflatoxin.

Objectives: To summarize current research prospects and to outline the influence of aflatoxin on animal forage in farm production, food and crop processing. The research application of remedies to treat aflatoxin is undergoing development to pinpoint biochemical pathways responsible for aflatoxin effects transmission and actions of treatment.

Significance: To underline the environmental stress of aflatoxin on meat and dairy products; to describe clinical syndromes associated with aflatoxicosis on human health that are counteracted with proposed treatment and preventive interventions. To understand how to improve the health of farm animals with feed conditions.

Keywords: Aspergillus flavus; aflatoxin; animal model; pig.

Figure 1

Origins of AFB1 and its effect on different body organs. A. flavus synthesizes AFB1, which impacts different body organs and causes injury.

Figure 2

Changes induced by the COX2 enzyme following AFB1 ingestion include cellular inflammation, mitophagy, PKCβ-ERK pathway activation, pyroptosis, and steatosis.

Figure 3

Swine Influenza virus (SIV)–induced activation of respiratory epithelium apoptosis. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) KO mice are protected against AFB1-induced lung damage.