An ultrasensitive time-resolved fluorescent immunoassay method for determination aflatoxins B1 in edible oil

Edible oil is one major nutritional ingredient to human and widely consumed directly. The contamination of aflatoxin B1 （AFB1） in edible oils has been attracted exten-sive efforts due to its hazard to human health and life. To avoid the digestion of edible oils contaminated by AFB1 the development of rapid and sensitive sensing method for AFB1 is required. Herein, a quantitative, sensitive and rapid method for AFB1 detection in edible oils was proposed by using ultrasensitive time-resolved fluorescent immunosensing （TRFIS） method. This method poses unique advantages from both time-resolved fluorescent sens-ing method and immunochromatographic assay format. The nanospheres were modified with fluorescent europium and then captured the home-made monoclonal antibody against AFB1 （3G1）. After optimization, by using a competitive immunosensing manner, this TRFIS method has a detectable linear range of 0.54-20.0 μg/kg with minimum detectable concen-tration of 0.18μg/kg. It can be completed merely within 10 min with recovery from 87.0% to 121.9%. The agreement was observed between the results by TRFIS and high perfor-mance liquid chromatography （HPLC） methods. This research provides a promising sens-ing method for sensitive and rapid determining AFB1 in edible oils.

Terahertz toroidal dipole metamaterial sensors for detection of aflatoxin B1

Terahertz metamaterial biosensors have attracted significant attention in the biological field due to their advantages of label-free,real-time and in situ detection.In this paper,a highly sensitive metamaterial sensor with semi-ring mirror symmetry based on toroidal dipole resonance is designed for a new metamaterial biosensor.It is shown that a refractive index sensitivity of 337.5 GHz per refractive index unit can be achieved under an analyte of saturated thickness near a 1.33 THz transmission dip.For biosensor samples where aflatoxin B1 is dropped on the metamaterial surface in our experiment,dip amplitudes of transmission varying from 0.1904 to 0.203 and 0.2093 are observed as aflatoxin B1 concentrations are altered from 0 to 0.001μg·ml-1 and to 0.01μg·ml-1,respectively.Furthermore,when aflatoxin B1 concentrations are 0.1μg·ml-1,1μg·ml-1,10μg·ml-1 and 100μg·ml-1,dip amplitudes of 0.2179,0.226,0.2384 and 0.2527 and dip redshifts of 10.1 GHz,20.1 GHz,27.7 GHz and 37.6 GHz are respectively observed.These results illustrate high-sensitivity,label-free detection of aflatoxin B1,enriching the applications of sensors in the terahertz domain.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 expression affects clinicopathological features and prognosis of aflatoxin B1-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND The dysregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3(TIMP3)was positively correlated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,it is not clear whether TIMP3 expression is associated with the clinico-pathological features and prognosis of aflatoxin B1(AFB1)-related HCC(AHCC).A retrospective study,including 182 patients with AHCC,was conducted to explore the link between TIMP3 expression in cancerous tissues and the clinico-pathological characteristics and prognosis of AHCC.TIMP3 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and its effects on the clinicopathological features and prognosis of AHCC were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression survival analysis.Odds ratio,hazard ratio(HR),median overall survival time(MST),median tumor recurrence-free survival time(MRT),and corresponding 95%confidential interval(CI)was calculated to RESULTS Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that compared with high TIMP3 expression,low TIMP3 expression in tumor tissues significantly decreased the MST(36.00 mo vs 18.00 mo)and MRT(32.00 mo vs 16 mo)of patients with AHCC.Multivariate Cox regression survival analysis further proved that decreased expression of TIMP3 increased the risk of death(HR=2.85,95%CI:2.04-4.00)and tumor recurrence(HR=2.26,95%CI:1.57-3.26).Furthermore,decreased expression of TIMP3 protein in tissues with AHCC was significantly correlated with tumor clinicopatho-logical features,such as tumor size,tumor grade and stage,tumor microvessel density,and tumor blood invasion.Additionally,TIMP3 protein expression was also negatively associated with amount of AFB1-DNA adducts in tumor tissues.CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the dysregulation of TIMP3 expression is related to AHCC biological behaviors and affects tumor outcome,suggesting that TIMP3 may act as a prognostic biomarker for AHCC.

Dietary aflatoxin B1 induces abnormal deposition of melanin in the corium layer of the chicken shank possibly via promoting the expression of melanin synthesis-related genes

San-Huang chicken is a high-quality breed in China with yellow feather, claw and break. However, the abnormal phenomenon of the yellow shank turning into green shank of San-Huang chicken has been a concern, as it seriously reduces the carcass quality and economic benefit of yellow-feathered broilers. In this study, the cause of this abnormal green skin in shank was systematically investigated. Physiological anatomy revealed that the abnormal skin in shank was primarily due to the deposition of melanin under the dermis. After analyzing multiple potential causes such as heredity(pedigree and genetic markers), environment(water quality monitoring) and feed composition(mycotoxin detection), excessive aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in feed was screened, accompanied with a higher L-dihydroxy-phenylalanine(L-DOPA)(P<0.05) and melanin content(P<0.01). So it was speculated that excessive AFB1 might be the main cause of abnormal green skin in shank. Subsequently, the further results showed that a high concentration of AFB1(>170 μg kg–1)indeed induced the abnormal green skin in shank compared to the normal AFB1 content(<10 μg kg–1), and the mRNA levels of TYR, TYRP1, MITE, MC1R and EDN3 genes related to melanin deposition would significantly up-regulate(P<0.01) and the content and activity of tyrosinase(TyR) significantly increased(P<0.05). At the same time, the content of L-DOPA and melanin deposition also increased significantly(P<0.01), which also confirmed the effect of excessive AFB1 on melanin deposition in skin of shank. Results of additional experiments revealed that the AFB1's negative effect on melanin deposition in skin of shank could last for a longer time. Taken together, the results of this study explained the occurrence and possible mechanisms of the abnormal AFB1-related green skin in shank of chickens. Excessive AFB1 in diets increased the L-DOPA content and melanin abnormal deposition in the chicken shank possibly via promoting TyR content and activity, and the expression of melanin synthesis-related genes. Furthermore, our findings once again raised the alarm of the danger of AFB1 in the broiler production.

Molecular mechanisms of aflatoxin neurotoxicity and potential neuroprotective agents

Aflatoxins(AFTs)represent one of the most notorious classes of deadly mycotoxins produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops.Aflatoxins are highly toxic to mammals and are known to cause a series of detrimental effects,including neuro-,hepato-,nephron-,and immuno-toxicity.In this original review we summarize the mechanisms of aflatoxin-induced neurotoxicity and the clinical potential of novel neuroprotective agents.Aflatoxin B1(AFB1)is the most toxic congener among the 21 identified AFTs.Recent studies have shown that food borne exposure to AFB1 and/or its metabolites often leads to fatal neurotoxicity in animals and humans.Animal studies indicated that AFB1 exposure could induce abnormal behavioral changes,including anxiety,lethargy disorders,depression-like behavior,cognitive,learning and memory defects,and decreased feeding behavior.Mechanistically,AFB1 exposure has been associated with lipid peroxidation,ablation of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant defense systems and decreased neurotransmitter levels.AFB1 exposure has also been shown to induce DNA damage,apoptosis,pyroptosis,and mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain tissue.Several signaling pathways,including gasdermin D,toll like receptor 2(TLR2),TLR4,Akt,NF-κB,ERK/MAPK,protein kinase C(PKC),and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways have been shown to participate in AFB1-induced neuronal or astrocyte cell death.Targeting these pathways by small molecules(e.g.,quercetin,curcumin,and gallic acid,and dimethyl fumarate),Chinese herbal extracts(e.g.,Artichoke leaf extract,Chelidonium majus ethanolic extract,pumpkin extract,and Crocus sativus L.tea),and probiotic supplements could effectively improve AFB1-induced neurobehavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity.To date,the precise molecular mechanisms of AFB1-induced neurotoxicity and potential neuroprotective agents remain unclear.In the present review,the clinical manifestations,molecular mechanisms,and potential neuroprotective agents of AFB1-induced neurotoxicity are summarized in the broadest overview.It is most hopeful that this broad reaching review provides valuable insights and stimulates broader discussion to develop the effective neuroprotective agents against aflatoxins.

Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering of Aflatoxin B1 on Silver by DFT Method

The structure, electrostatic properties, and Raman spectra of aflatoxin B1 （AFB1） and AFB1-Ag complex are studied by density functional theory with B3LYP/6- 311G（d,p）/Lan12dz basis set. The results show that the surface-enhanced Raman scattering （SERS） and pre-resonance Raman spectra of AFB1-Ag complex strongly depend on the adsorption site and the excitation wavelength found to enhance 102-103 order compared to of the incident light. The SERS factors are normal Raman spectrum of AFB1 molecule due to the larger static polarizabilities of the AFB1-Ag complex, which directly results in the stronger chemical enhancement in SERS spectra. The pre-resonance Raman spectra of AFB1-Ag complex are explored at 266, 482, 785, and 1064 nm incident light wavelength, in which the enhancement factors are about 10^2-10^4, mainly caused by the charge-transfer excitation resonance. The vibrational modes are analyzed to explain the relationship between the vibrational direction and the enhanced Raman intensities.

Protective Effect of Procyanidin B2 on Acute Liver Injury Induced by Aflatoxin B1 in Rats

Objective This study aimed to explore the protective effect of procyanidin B2(PCB2)on acute liver injury induced by aflatoxin B1(AFB1)in rats.Methods Forty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control,AFB1,AFB1+PCB2,and PCB2 groups.The latter two groups were administrated PCB2 intragastrically(30 mg/kg body weight)for 7 d,whereas the control and AFB1 groups were given the same dose of double distilled water intragastrically.On the sixth day of treatment,the AFB1 and AFB1+PCB2 groups were intraperitoneally injected with AFB1(2 mg/kg).The control and PCB2 groups were intraperitoneally administered the same dose of dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO).On the eighth day,all rats were euthanized:serum and liver tissue were isolated for further examination.Hepatic histological features were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections.Weight,organ coefficient(liver,spleen,and kidney),liver function(serum alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,total bilirubin,and direct bilirubin),oxidative index(catalase,glutathione,superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde,and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine),inflammation factor[hepatic interleukin-6(IL-6)m RNA expression and serum IL-6],and bcl-2/bax ratio were measured.Results AFB1 significantly caused hepatic histopathological damage,abnormal liver function,oxidative stress,inflammation,and bcl-2/bax ratio reduction compared with DMSO-treated controls.Our results indicate that PCB2 treatment can partially reverse the adverse liver conditions induced by AFB1.Conclusion Our findings indicate that PCB2 exhibits a protective effect on acute liver injury induced by AFB1.

Aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol in feed ingredients and complete feed from different Province in China

Background： The current study was carried out to provide a reference for monitory of aflatoxin B_1（AFB_1）,zearalenone（ZEN） and deoxynivalenol（DON） contamination in feed ingredients and complete feeds were collected from different Province in China from 2013 to 2015.Methods： A total of 443 feed ingredients, including 220 corn, 24 wheat, 24 domestic distillers dried grains with soluble（DDGS）, 55 bran, 20 wheat shorts and red dog, 37 imported DDGS, 34 corn germ meal and 29 soybean meal as well as 127 complete feeds including 25 pig complete feed（powder）, 90 pig complete feed（pellet）, six duck complete feed and six cattle complete feed were randomly collected from different Province in China,respectively, by high-performance chromatography in combined with UV or fluorescence analysis.Results： The incidence rates of AFB_1, ZEN and DON contamination of feed ingredients and complete feeds were80.8, 92.3 and 93.9 %, respectively. The percentage of positive samples for DON ranged from 66.7 to 100 %.Domestic DDGS and imported DDGS presented the most serious contamination AFB_1, ZEN and DON contamination levels of feeds ranged from 61.5 to 100 %, indicated that serious contamination over the studied 3-year period.Conclusion： The current data provide clear evidence that AFB_1, ZEN and DON contamination of feed ingredients and complete feeds in different Province in China is serious and differs over past 3-year. The use of corn, domestic DDGS, imported DDGS and corn germ meal, which may be contaminated with these three mycotoxins, as animal feed may triggered a health risk for animal. Feeds are most contaminated with DON followed by ZEN and AFB_1.Mycotoxins contamination in feed ingredients and complete feeds should be monitored routinely in China.

GSTM1 and XRCC3 Polymorphisms:Effects on Levels of Aflatoxin B1-DNA Adducts

Objective： Aflatoxin B1 （AFB1）, which can cause the formation of AFB1-DNA adducts, is a known human carcinogen. AFB1-exposure individuals with inherited susceptible carcinogen-metabolizing or repairing genotypes may experience an increased risk of genotoxicity. This study was designed to investigate whether the polymorphisms of two genes, the metabolic gene Glutathione S-transferase M1 （GSTM1） and DNA repair gene x-ray repair cross-complementing group 3 （XRCC3）, can affect the levels of AFB1-DNA adducts in Guangxi Population （n= 966） from an AFB1-exposure area. Methods： AFB1-DNA adducts were measured by ELISA, and GSTM1 and XRCC3 codon 241 genotypes were identified by PCR-RFLP. Results： The GSTM1-null genotype [adjusted odds ratio （OR） = 2.09; 95% confidence interval （CI） = 1.61-2.71] and XRCC3 genotypes with 241 Met alleles [i.e., XRCC3-TM and -MM, adjusted ORs （95% CI） were 1.43 （1.08-1.89） and 2.42 （1.13-5.22）, respectively] were significantly associated with higher levels of AFB1-DNA adducts. Compared with those individuals who did not express any putative risk genotypes as reference （OR = 1）, individuals featuring all of the putative risk genotypes did experience a significantly higher DNA-adduct levels （adjusted ORs were 2.87 for GSTM1-null and XRCC3-TM; 5.83 for GSTM1-null and XRCC3-MM）. Additionally, there was a positive joint effect between XRCC3 genotypes and long-term AFB1 exposure in the formation of AFB1-DNA adducts. Conclusion： These results suggest that individuals with susceptible genotypes GSTM1-null, XRCC3-TM, or XRCC3-MM may experience an increased risk of DNA damage elicited by AFB1 exposure.

A MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGIC MARKER OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA FROM AFLATOXIN B1 CONTAMINATED AREA IN THE SOUTHWEST OF GUANGXI

HCC specimens from high and low AFB1 risk areas in Guangxi showed different frequency of p53 mutational hot spot, which were 20/35 (57%) and 1/10 by DNA sequencing and 36/52 (69%) and 2/10 by RFLP analysis respectively. Their differences were significant (P<0.01). Mutational points of p53 gene induced by AFB1 mutagen almost exclusively clustered at codon 249 third nucleotide and by the form of G to T transversion only. We call it 'AFB1 mutational hot spot'. It turns out to be a significant marker for molecular epidemio logic survey to decide how many HCC and which individuals are induced by AFB1 mutagen, and if emergence of this marker in HCC is frequent in certain region it indicated that there is heavy contamination by AFB1.

Preparation of Immunomagnetic Beads Enrichment Kit for Detection of Aflatoxin B1

Immunomagnetic beads enrichment kit for detection of aflatoxin B1(AFB1) was prepared through reaction of AFB1 and p-phenylenediamine. The catches of AFB1 by the kit were 25 ng/mg. Furthermore, AFB1 was conducted specific reaction with competitive drugs with similar structure or function to AFB1, including aflatoxin M1, T-2 toxin, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and patulin, and no cross reaction was observed.

Influences of V5-epitope tag on the metabolic activation of AFB1 by human cytochrome P450 2A13

Objective： To explore the impact of V5-epitope tag inserted in the commercial pcDNA5/FRT/V5-His TOPO expression vector on the metabolic activation of AFB1 by human CYP2A13. Methods ： A C-terminal 6 × Histag was first introduced into CYP2A13 cDNA by PCR and subsequently transferred into the expressing vector pcDNA5/FRT. Another commercial pcDNA5/FRT/V5-His TOPO expression vector was used to develop the construct directly via PCR. Both of the constructs were then transfected into Flp-In CHO and allowed for the stable expression of CYP2A13. The mouse CYP2A5 and the vector alone were used as positive and negative control, respectively. The presence of CYP2A5 and CYP2A13 cDNA and their protein expression in the stable transfectant cells were deterrrfined by immunoblotting assay using a monoclonal antibody against 6 × Histag. The AFBl-induced cytotoxicity in these tranfected CHO cells were conducted by MTS assay and the IC50 of cell viability was used to compare the CYP enzyme metabolic activity in AFB1 metabolism among these cells. Results： In accordance with the Flp-In system working mechanism, all the transfectant cells presented same protein expression level. The CHO cells expressing CYP2A5 was more sensitive to AFB1 treatment than those cells expressing CYP2A13, there was about 30-fold ICs0 difference between the two cells （2.1 nmol/L vs 58 nmol/L）. Interestingly, CYP2A13 fused with V5-Histag had the lost of metabolic activity to AFB1 than that fused with Histag alone, the ICa, of the viability in CHO-2A13-His-V5 cells was about 20-fold less than CHO-2A13- His （〉 1 000 nmol/L vs 58 nmol/L）. However, there was no change between CYP2A5 fused with V5-Histag and Histag alone （2.4 nmol/L vs 2.1 nmol/L）. Conclusion： The results demonstrate that CYP2A13 fused with V5-epitope has a significant impact on its metabolic activation to AFB1, which indicated that it should be careful to select a new expressing vector for evaluating the enzyme activity in carcinogen metabolism.

AP-1 and SP1 trans-activate the expression of hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 in the bioactivation of AFB1 in chicken

Dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1(AFB1)is harmful to the health and performance of domestic animals.The hepatic cytochrome P450s(CYPs),CYP1A1 and CYP2A6,are the primary enzymes responsible for the bioactivation of AFB1to the highly toxic exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide(AFBO)in chicks.However,the transcriptional regulation mechanism of these CYP genes in the liver of chicks in AFB1metabolism remains unknown.Dual-luciferase reporter assay,bioinformatics and site-directed mutation results indicated that specificity protein 1(SP1)and activator protein-1(AP-1)motifs were located in the core region-1,063/-948,-606/-541 of the CYP1A1 promoter as well as-636/-595,-503/-462,-147/-1 of the CYP2A6 promoter.Furthermore,overexpression and decoy oligodeoxynucleotide technologies demonstrated that SP1 and AP-1 were pivotal transcriptional activators regulating the promoter activity of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6.Moreover,bioactivation of AFB1to AFBO could be increased by upregulation of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 expression,which was trans-activated owing to the upregulation of AP-1,rather than SP1,stimulated by AFB1-induced reactive oxygen species.Additionally,nano-selenium could reduce ROS,downregulate AP-1 expression and then decrease the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6,thus alleviating the toxicity of AFB1.In conclusion,AP-1 and SP1 played important roles in the transactivation of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 expression and further bioactivated AFB1to AFBO in chicken liver,which could provide novel targets for the remediation of aflatoxicosis in chicks.

Aflatoxin B1 decreased flesh flavor and inhibited muscle development in grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)

In nature,aflatoxins,especially aflatoxin B1(AFB1),are the common mycotoxins,which cause serious health problems for humans and animals.This paper aimed to study the effects of AFB1 on flesh flavor and muscle development of grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)and its mechanism.There were 1440 individual fish in total,with 6 treatments and each treatment replicated 3 times.The 6 treatments were fed a control diet with different doses of AFB1(0.04,29.48,58.66,85.94,110.43 and 146.92μg/kg diet)for 60 d.AFB1 increased myofiber diameter,as well as decreased myofiber density of grass carp muscle(P<0.05).The contents of free amino acid decreased gradually(P<0.05)as dietary AFB1 increased in the muscle of grass carp.The levels of reactive oxygen species,malonaldehyde and protein carbonyl(PC)were increased(P<0.05)with the dietary AFB1 increased.The levels of antioxidant enzyme(glutathione peroxidase,glutathione,glutathione reductase,total antioxidant capacity,anti-superoxide anion,and anti-hydroxyl radical)were decreased(P<0.05)with the dietary AFB1 increased.In addition,dietary AFB1 decreased the content of collagen,and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smads signaling pathway in grass carp muscle(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein levels of myogenic regulatory factors were downregulated in grass carp muscle(P<0.05).Furthermore,the activities of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)were increased(P<0.05),and the protein levels of phosphorylate-38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-p38MAPK),phosphorylate-c-Jun N-terminal kinase,urokinase-type plasminogen activator(uPA),MMP-2 and MMP-9 were upregulated(P<0.05),but collagenⅠ,lamininβ1 and fibronectin were downregulated(P<0.05)with the dietary AFB1 increased in the muscle of grass carp.Based on the results of this study,we can draw the following conclusion:dietary AFB1 might damage flesh flavor and inhibit the muscle development through MAPK/uPA/MMP/extracellular matrix(ECM)signaling pathway in grass carp.Moreover,the recommended safe limit of AFB1 in feed is no more than 26.77μg/kg diet according to the PC levels in grass carp muscle.

Isolation and Characterization of Recombinant Variable Domain of Heavy Chain Anti-idiotypic Antibodies Specific to Aflatoxin B_1

Some unique subclasses of Camelidae antibodies are devoid of the light chain, and the antigen binding site is comprised exclusively of the variable domain of the heavy chain （VHH）. The recombinant VHHs have a high potential as alternative reagents for the next generation of immunoassay. In particular, they might be very useful for molecular mimicry. The present study demonstrated an alpaca immunized with the F（ab＇）z fragment of anti-aflatoxin B1 mAb and developed an important anti-idiotypic （anti-ld） responses. Antigen-specific elution method was used for panning private anti-ld VHHs from the constructed alpaca VHH library. The selected VHHs were expressed, renatured, purified, and then identified by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Our findings indicated that the VHH would be an alternative tool for haptens mimicry studies.

EXPRESSION OF ras GENE IN EXPERIMENTAL HEPATOCARCINOGENESIS IN TREE SHREWS

Objective: In order to investigate the relationship between the expression of ras gene and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: The experimental tree shrews were divided into four groups: group A, infected human hepatitis B virus (HBV) and exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1); group B, infected human HBV alone; group C, only exposed to AFB1; group D, use as controls. The serial bioptic liver tissues were detected for ras p21 protein using immunohistochemical method. Results: The total p21 protein positive rates in group A, B, C and D were 35.3%, 5.3%, 13.3%, 0, respectively, thus the significant difference were showed between group A and group B (P<0.05); The HCC incidences in group A, B, C and D were 47.1%, 0, 13.3%, 0, respectively, and there was a significant difference between group A and C (P<0.05). The incidences of HCC in the animals with and without p21 protein positive in group A were 100% and 18.2%, respectively, and there was a significant difference among them (P<0.01). Conclusion: HBV and AFB1 play a remarkable synergistic role in the development of HCC; they can enhance the expression of ras gene. The over-expression of ras gene is closely related to pathogenesis of HCC in tree shrews.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on expression of biomarkers during aflatoxin B_1-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats

Objective： The aim of this study was to study the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract （EGb761） on metabolism of afiatoxin B1 （AFB1） in Wistar rats. Methods： Seventy one Wistar rats were assigned at random to groups A, B and C. Rats in groups A, B were injected with AFB1 （intraperitoneal, 100-200 ug/kg body weight, 1-3 times/week）. Group C was normal control. Rats in group B were fed in food with EGb761, while rats in groups A, C were given normal food. Blood samples were collected and liver biopsies were performed on the 14th, 28th and 42nd week. All the rats were sacrificed on the 64th week. The incidence of hepatocarcinoma was investigated. The hepatic phase I drug-metabolizing enzyme Cytochrome-P450 （CYP450） and phase II metabolizing enzyme glutathione S-transferase （GST） were analyzed with spectrometry. Serum AFB1- lysine adduct levels were assessed with high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. The expression of 8-hydroxydeoxy- guanosine （8-OHdG） was measured with immunohistochemistry. Results： The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） in group B was significantly lower than that in group A （26.92% vs 76.00%, P 〈 0.001）. No HCC developed in group C. EGb761 showed no effects on the activities of CYP450 and GST in rat liver tissues. The level of AFB1-lysine adduct reached the peak （4356.01 pg/mg albumin） at the 14th week in group A. EGb761 significantly inhibited the formation of AFB1-lysine adduct in serum by 13.07% at the 14th week （P = 0.033）, and 73.63% at the 42nd week （P = 0.002）. The expression of 8-OHdG protein in rat liver tissues in group B was significantly lower than that in group A at the 28th, 42nd, and 64th week （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： The main mechanism underlying the effect of EGb761 in blocking hepatocarcinogenesis induced by AFB1 may not be fully attributable to its influence on the activity of liver phase I and phase II metabolizing enzymes. EGb761 inhibits the production of AFB1-lysine adducts, decreases the expression of 8-OHdG protein, and finally alleviates the DNA oxidative injury, which may be one of the mechanisms for the effects of EGb761 in inhibiting or delaying AFB1-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

Optimization of Extraction Process of Aflatoxin B_1 from Tartary Buckwheat Bran

In this study, the extraction process of aflatoxin B~ from tartary buckwheat bran was optimized with ELISA detection method to determine the optimal conditions for extracting aflatoxin B1 from tartary buckwheat bran. The results of standard recovery test of blank solvent and sample confirmed the feasibility of ELISA detection method. Orthogonal experiment was performed to optimize the solid-liquid ratio, ultrasonic extraction time and ultrasonic amplitude. The results show that it is feasible to detect aflatoxin B1 content with ELISA method. The optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions were ： methanol-water ratio 6： 4, solld-liquid ratio 1 g： 5 ml, ultrasonic extraction time 15 min, ultrasonic amplitude 15 ~. Under the optimized conditions, 1 065.1 ng/L aflatoxin B1 was extracted from tartary buckwheat bran.

The Effects of Dietary Restriction and Aging on in Vivo and in Vitro Binding of Aflatoxin B_1 to Cellular DNA

Laboratory animals maintained on a reduced calorie but nutritionally adequate diet have extended life spans and lowered incidences of spontaneous and chemically induced cancers compared to ad libitum- fed counterparts. Many of the effects of dietary restriction on laboratory animals have been suggested to be related to a deceleration of the aging process. The inhibition of age-related changes in xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme activities by dietary restriction has previously been reported. Alterations of these enzyme activities may cause changes in metabolic activation of carcinogens and, therefore, carcinogen-DNA binding. DNA-repair capability has also been reported to be enhanced in diet-restricted rats. Using AFB1 as a model carcinogen, we have studied in vivo and in vitro hepatic AFB1 -DNA binding, demonstrating that dietary restriction (60% of ad libitum consumption) may decrease the metabolic activation of AFB1, and subsequently reduce AFB 1-DNA binding. Our preliminary results obtained from the AFB 1-DNA binding experiments in isolated hepatocytes suggest that the observed age-dependent reduction in AFB 1-DNA binding which may be attributed to a loss of metabolic activating capability was delayed in the diet-restricted rats.

Aflatoxin sufferer and p53 gene mutation in hepatocellular carcinoma

IM To study the p53 gene mutation and its relationship to aflatoxin B1 exposure in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis method was used in 62 HCC samples, and DNA direct sequencing in another 45 HCC samples.RESULTS In HCC and AFB1 high and lowrisk areas, 36/52 (69%) and 2/10 (20%) cases were found losing the HaeⅢ allele respectively, suggesting one of the base G mutation at the p53 gene codon 249. Similar results appeared in DNA direct sequencing, 20/35 (57%) and 1/10 (10%) respectively mutated at the codon 249 third base G to C transversion.CONCLUSION In HCC after AFB1 exposure, mutation of p53 gene is fixed at codon 249 third base and take the form of G to T transversion. This is a definite marker of mutation which is induced by AFB1 mutagen. It is applicable for molecular epidemiologic survey of the sufferers of AFB1 among HCC cases and for discovering more unknown natural AFB1 contaminated areas..