Aflatoxinas B1 e M1: uma ameaça para a saúde única

Abstract

In the 1960s, with the outbreak of acute liver disease in turkeys, ducklings and other birds, research began on aflatoxin poisoning in laboratory animals. After confirming the hepatotoxic potential of aflatoxins, the risk they pose to human health was also highlighted. Aflatoxin-producing fungi are capable of developing in a variety of foods, especially cereals. Strains of Aspergillus flavus produce only aflatoxins B1 and B2, while strains of Aspergillus parasiticus can produce aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2. All aflatoxins are carcinogenic, with aflatoxins B1 and M1 being related to hepatocarcinogenesis. Animals and humans can develop aflatoxicosis when consuming food contaminated by any of these toxins. After ingestion, toxins are absorbed and metabolized in the liver, resulting in the production of less toxic metabolites such as AFM1, which is excreted in milk, urine, feces and bile. Acute poisoning is associated with signs such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and pulmonary edema, and may progress to death. Chronic poisoning is related to malnutrition, immunosuppression, growth retardation, reduced reproductive performance, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Poisoned individuals may present mild anemia, alterations in liver enzymes with elevation of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and bile acids. Serum albumin may be decreased, as well as the albumin:globulin ratio. Currently, there are chemical control or decontamination techniques that can be efficient. However, the restricted and sustainable use of fungicides and the increased consumer demand for residue-free foods require the study of alternatives for the control of fungi and consequently of mycotoxins. Therefore, investments have been made in techniques that avoid contamination, in the use of biological control and adsorbents. Given the implications for unique health and economic importance of aflatoxicosis, continued study on this topic is relevant. In addition to raising awareness among the population about the forms of contamination, the development of detection tests that are efficient and rapid, as well as the implementation of control and prevention strategies that are applicable and useful.