Exposure of gastrointestinal tract to aflatoxin B1: an overlooked impact?

Serrenho, I.; Assunção, R.; Alvito, P.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/7799

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Authors

Serrenho, I.

Assunção, R.

Alvito, P.

Abstract(s)

Introduction: Human exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) through contaminated food ingestion and its impact on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a field of scientific growing interest. Beyond the recognized carcinogenic potential, AFB1 has the ability to disrupt the intestinal barrier affecting its balance and dynamics, and could promote the development of chronic intestinal inflammation, among other pathologies. These conditions may affect the general population and could constitute a matter of increased concern for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, especially when AFB1 transfer through the placenta is considered. Since it is expected to occur an increase of AFB1 exposure through food due to climatic change and this could consequently contribute to an increase in number of GIT pathologies, this study aims to raise awareness of health professionals for the potential impact of AFB1 in the GIT and associated health effects. Methodology: The bibliographic search was carried out in 2021, using the Web of Science and PubMed search engines, including specific key words, for the period 2000-2020. From a total of 265 references found, 208 were excluded (duplicates and studies outside the intended context) and 57 were analyzed. Results and Conclusion: The significant impact of AFB1 in the intestinal barrier was evidenced, compromising the intestinal immunity and, consequently, affecting the health of the considered organism. As it becomes increasingly evident that early exposure to chemical contaminants can lead to the onset of diseases in adults such as infections, cancer, diabetes and autoimmune diseases, it is therefore important to develop studies aiming to assess the importance of the environment intrauterine and first years of life in the health of the child and the future adult. The raise of awareness of health professionals of a possible increase in number of GIT pathologies associated to exposure to AFB1 arising from climatic change is therefore crucial to empower health professionals to act based on a deeper scientific knowledge.