The role of biomarkers in evaluating human health concerns from fungal contaminants in food

Abstract

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites that globally contaminate an estimated 25 % of cereal crops and thus exposure is frequent in many populations. Aflatoxins, fumonisins and deoxynivalenol are amongst those mycotoxins of particular concern from a human health perspective. A number of risks to health are suggested including cancer, growth faltering, immune suppression and neural tube defects; though only the demonstrated role for aflatoxin in the aetiology of liver cancer is widely recognised. The heterogeneous distribution of mycotoxins in food restricts the usefulness of food sampling and intake estimates; instead biomarkers provide better tools for informing epidemiological investigations. Validated exposure biomarkers for aflatoxin (urinary aflatoxin M 1 , aflatoxin -N7-guaunine, serum aflatoxin -albumin) were established almost 20 years ago and were critical in confirming aflatoxins as potent liver carcinogens. Validation has included demonstration of assay robustness, intake v. biomarker level, and stability of stored samples. More recently, aflatoxin exposure biomarkers are revealing concerns of growth faltering and immune suppression; importantly, they are being used to assess the effectiveness of intervention strategies. For fumonisins and deoxynivalenol these steps of development and validation have significantly advanced in recent years. Such biomarkers should better inform epidemiological studies and thus improve our understanding of their potential risk to human health.

Achieving a nutrition revolution for Africa: The road to healthier diets and optimal nutrition

“…Aflatoxin is a potent liver cancer-causing chemical, and there is mounting evidence that aflatoxin interferes with nutrient absorption and plays a role in inhibiting immune system function, potentially retarding child growth (Turner et al 2012). With respect to food processing and trade, much of African produce is affected by aflatoxin, diminishing the region's access to high-value export markets.…”

“…Several excellent reviews from Williams et al (2004), Turner et al (2012), IARC (2015), and Gong, Watson, and Routledge (2016) highlight the adverse health and nutrition effects of dietary exposure to aflatoxins. Children can be exposed to aflatoxins during pregnancy as the toxins pass from mother to fetus through the placental cord (Wild et al 1991).…”

Biomarker der internen Exposition gegenüber toxikologisch relevanten Kontaminanten in Lebensmitteln

“…Als valide Biomarker der Exposition gegenüber AFB1 dienen die im Harn gemessenen Spiegel des AFM1, ein Metabolit von AFB1, oder des AFB1-N 7 -Guanin [13]. Resultate solcher Messungen belegen, dass die AFB1-Exposition in einigen Regionen Asiens und Afrikas bedenklich, in westlichen Industrielän-dern aber verhältnismäßig gering ist [14].…”

Mycotoxins that affect the North American agri-food sector: state of the art and directions for the future

“…Dietary exposure to DON has been correlated with free DON plus DON-glucuronide conjugate in urine samples (Turner et al, 2012). Development of a plasma biomarker for DON is complicated by protein binding (Meky et al, 2003).…”

“…Biomarkers of exposure are needed to strengthen relationships between human disease and exposure but also to more critically evaluate whether the proxy exposure estimates from food samples are reliable. Such studies have been conducted in the UK for a number of toxins and have been valuable (Turner et al, 2012). 9.…”