Aflatoxins are a class of mycotoxins produced by fungi of the genus Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi thrive under specific climate conditions, they are able to contaminate certain foodstuffs, in particular cereals, consumed by both humans and animals. Among them, aflatoxin B1 has shown numerous toxic effects in both species. Due to its high toxicity, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified it as a Group 1 carcinogen for humans. This thesis aims to outline the mechanism of action and toxicity of aflatoxin B1 in humans and dairy cattle, trying to compare a monogastric organism with a polygastric one. After illustrating their origins and toxinogenesis, aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 G2, M1 and M2 are classified from a physicochemical and toxicological perspective. Focusing on aflatoxin B1, its geographical distribution is discussed, along with the possible effects that may result from climate change. The toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic of the molecule are described, emphasizing the significant role of the metabolism in tumor induction and the formation of reactive oxygen species, which contribute to cellular damage mediated by oxidative stress. A dedicated chapter aims to clarifies the specific effects of aflatoxin B1 in humans and dairy cattle. This section will explore why this substance poses a serious threat to the health of both species. In conclusion, the most important analytical methodologies used for the detection of total aflatoxins in major food substrates will be listed.
Le aflatossine sono una classe di micotossine prodotte dai funghi del genere Aspergillus flavus e Aspergillus parasiticus. Questi funghi proliferano in presenza di determinate condizioni climatiche ed hanno la capacità di infestare alcune derrate alimentari, in particolare cereali, consumati sia dall'uomo sia dagli animali. Tra tutte, l'aflatossina B1 ha dimostrato numerosi effetti tossici, rilevabili in entrambe le specie. Con riferimento alla salute umana, a causa della sua elevata pericolosità, l’agenzia internazionale IARC l’ha inclusa nel Gruppo 1 delle sostanze cancerogene per l’uomo. Il seguente lavoro di tesi ha lo scopo di delineare il meccanismo d’azione e la tossicità dell'aflatossina B1 in uomo e vacca da latte, con l’obiettivo di mettere a confronto una specie monogastrica con una poligastrica. Dopo averne illustrate le origini e la tossinogenesi, le aflatossine B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, M2, vengono classificate dal punto di vista fisico-chimico e tossicologico. Con riferimento all'aflatossina B1, ne viene illustrata la distribuzione geografica, accennando ai possibili effetti che possono derivare dal cambiamento climatico. Successivamente vengono descritte la tossicocinetica e la tossicodinamica della molecola in oggetto. In particolare, viene messo in luce l’importante ruolo del metabolismo nell’induzione del processo tumorale e nella formazione delle specie reattive dell’ossigeno, le quali contribuiscono al danno cellulare mediato dallo stress ossidativo. In un capitolo dedicato, vengono poi chiariti specificatamente gli effetti dell’aflatossina B1 nell’uomo e nella bovina da latte. In questa sezione sarà possibile comprendere i motivi per cui questa sostanza rappresenta una vera minaccia per la salute di entrambe le specie. Infine, verranno elencate le più importanti metodologie analitiche utilizzate per la rilevazione delle aflatossine nei principali substrati alimentari.
Aflatossina B1: meccanismo d’azione, tossicità e conseguenze nell’uomo e nella vacca da latte
CURTOLO, GIOIA
2023/2024
Abstract
Aflatoxins are a class of mycotoxins produced by fungi of the genus Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi thrive under specific climate conditions, they are able to contaminate certain foodstuffs, in particular cereals, consumed by both humans and animals. Among them, aflatoxin B1 has shown numerous toxic effects in both species. Due to its high toxicity, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified it as a Group 1 carcinogen for humans. This thesis aims to outline the mechanism of action and toxicity of aflatoxin B1 in humans and dairy cattle, trying to compare a monogastric organism with a polygastric one. After illustrating their origins and toxinogenesis, aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 G2, M1 and M2 are classified from a physicochemical and toxicological perspective. Focusing on aflatoxin B1, its geographical distribution is discussed, along with the possible effects that may result from climate change. The toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic of the molecule are described, emphasizing the significant role of the metabolism in tumor induction and the formation of reactive oxygen species, which contribute to cellular damage mediated by oxidative stress. A dedicated chapter aims to clarifies the specific effects of aflatoxin B1 in humans and dairy cattle. This section will explore why this substance poses a serious threat to the health of both species. In conclusion, the most important analytical methodologies used for the detection of total aflatoxins in major food substrates will be listed.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/67795