Exposure to aflatoxin B, in experimental animals and its public health significance.

The presence of AFB(1) in human beings was detected in Mexico in 1996 both as a mutation of the gene p53 in hepatocellular carcinomas in Monterrey, Mexico,and as the adduct AFB(1)-lysine in serum from patients in Matamoros, Mexico in 2003. Aflatoxin B-1 has been classified as a carcinogenic agent to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The compound is a natural contaminant produced by Aspergillus flavus and/or A. parasiticus when these fungi grow on different food products. At the molecular level,this review covers the carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic properties of these mycotoxins and their risk to humans. It also gives insight into the causal relationship between aflatoxins and hepatocellular carcinoma. Information is provided about AFB(1) formamidopyrimidine, which is a determinant of the carcinogenic and mutagenic capabilities. The results suggest that the Mexican population ingests food containing low amounts of AFB(1) Analyses is presented of AFB(1) toxicity, which is a consequence of the carcinogenic activity in liver cells.