Assignment Aflatoxin Metabolism And Cancer - 741 Words

Name: Malvi Prakash Golwala (U53409030) Assignment: Aflatoxin Metabolism to Carcinogen Date: November 11, 2016 Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by molds and can cause liver damage and cancer. They are closely related to difuronocoumarin compounds. Mostly they are produced by strains like Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. There are at least 14 known aflatoxins in nature: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB) and B2: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, Aflatoxin G1 and G2: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, Aflatoxin M1 (metabolite of Aflatoxin B1) in humans and animals, Aflatoxin M2 (metabolite of Aflatoxin B2) in cattle, Aflatoxicol, Aflatoxin Q1 (metabolite of Aflatoxin B1) in liver preparations of other higher vertebrates. Aflatoxins have been associated with many disorders in humans like hepatotoxicity, kwashiorkor, Reye’s syndrome, liver cancer. Aflatoxicosis is linked to ascites, portal hypertension, jaundice, etc. signs for hepatic failure (1). AFB binds to cytosine and guanine and forms adducts, forms RNA-protein adducts that can potentially harm DNA and pr otein synthesis (2). Cafestol and kahweol, coffee specific diterpenes and organosulfur compounds from garlic have been proven to provide protection against the harmful effects of aflatoxin (3, 4). Aflaguard, a non-toxigenic strain of the mold has been produced which competes with the wild strain in corn farms in Africa and efficiently inhibits it (8). Aflasafe, heat killed sorgum grains coated