Aflatoxins are the Cancer agents

There is a saying

“Enemy lies nearby and within”.

Aflatoxins are such enemies which lie in very near proximity.  In our food,  on our skin, on our pet animals, in our environment and so on.  The aflatoxins are the major concerns since they are the potents cancer-causing agents which in medical terms called as “Carcinogens”.

What are aflatoxins:

Aflatoxins are the toxins produced by species of fungi such as aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus. These aflatoxins are the potent  toxins which are carcinogenic  mutagenic, immunosuppressive agents produced as secondary metabolites.

Where the aflatoxins occur:

Food products are the main sources of fungus contamination that produce aflatoxins. Cereals, oilseeds, spices, tree nuts, rice milk like this major of the food products are vulnerable to the infection of toxin producing fungi.

How are they harmful?

Aflatoxins are potent toxins which exert their effect once after consumption, Toxins are oxidized and are converted to several hydroxylated metabolites, which are acutely toxic, mutagenic carcinogenic which mainly results in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aflatoxin is mainly absorbed and metabolized in the liver. Once after absorbed aflatoxins enter the bloodstream, then efficiently absorbed in the small intestine. The effects of aflatoxin vary depending on age, environment, species of Fungi. The interference of toxin and its subsequent absorption and metabolism influences reactions with DNA and RNA, Proteins and Enzymes result in carcinoma.  The toxins are hepatotoxic hence results in hepatitis, jaundice and also damage a broad range of organs, tissues and systems.

Effects of Aflatoxins:

Teratogenic effect-Birth defects

Carcinogenic effects- high chances of cancer

Pathological changes-variation of weight in internal organs,

Circulatory- Defects in Hematoposis leading to Hemorrhages, anaemia.

Immune system –Immuno-suppression, leading to secondary infections.

Defects in nervous, urinary, digestive systems.

Though the aflatoxicosis is difficult to treat and prevent, effort in good farming practice, good storage and greater cooking methods that prevent fungi growth have to be monitored and awareness on aflatoxins is a major drawback.

Let’s push to aware every human about the dangerous aflatoxins.