Aflatoxins are mainly found in soil, various grains and oil crops, and various nuts, especially peanuts and corn. We know that aflatoxins are harmful substances, but we do not really understand them. Today, let's introduce what aflatoxins are and the dangers of aflatoxins.
Inhibition of Protein Synthesis
The cytotoxic effect of aflatoxins interferes with the synthesis of RNA and DNA, thereby disrupting the synthesis of cellular proteins and causing systemic damage. The harm of aflatoxins to animals and human health is related to the inhibition of protein synthesis by aflatoxins.
Damage to Organs such as the Liver
The liver is the body's detoxification organ. After aflatoxins enter the body, the amount in the liver is higher than in other organs. Therefore, aflatoxins have a significant impact on the liver. Aflatoxins can also be detected in the kidneys, spleen, and adrenal glands, but generally not in muscles. Long-term consumption of food with low concentrations of aflatoxins can cause chronic poisoning in the body, with the main features being chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocyte degeneration.
Acute Poisoning of the Body
Aflatoxins are highly toxic substances, second only to botulinum toxins. If an excessive amount of aflatoxins is ingested at once, their toxic effects mainly manifest as acute hepatitis, hemorrhagic necrosis, hepatocyte fatty degeneration, bile duct proliferation, and mild lesions in the spleen and pancreas.
Induction of Cancer
Aflatoxin B1 is currently known as the most potent carcinogen. It has a strong carcinogenic potency and can induce various cancers, such as liver cancer, gastric cancer, kidney cancer, breast cancer, tumors in the ovaries and small intestines, as well as teratomas.
What to Do if Exposed to Aflatoxins
There is no specific antidote for aflatoxin poisoning, so treatment focuses on symptomatic relief and protection of the liver and kidneys. When aflatoxin poisoning is discovered, the patient should be induced to vomit immediately and sent to the hospital for targeted treatment to ensure their safety.
What are Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Other Aspergillus species and some Penicillium species also produce small amounts of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins come in two forms, B1 and B2, with B1 being the most commonly found in contaminated food. Aflatoxins do not accumulate in the body if not ingested continuously. After a single ingestion, most of it can be excreted through metabolism within a week. However, if foods containing aflatoxins are consumed for a long time and accumulate in the body, it becomes difficult to eliminate them, causing harm to the body. So, what are the specific dangers of aflatoxins to the human body?
