Interaction of aflatoxin with L-ascorbic acid: a kinetic and mechanistic approach

Aflatoxins containing B(1), B(2), G(1) and G(2) obtained by growing Aspergillus parasiticus on SMKY liquid medium were tested for cytotoxicity (hemolysis) on RBC suspension in the presence and absence of L-ascorbic acid (AA). The results revealed that hemolysis was significantly increased on increasing the concentration of aflatoxin (0.5-3 microg ml(-1)). It was also found that pretreatment with AA (5-100 microg ml(-1)) significantly decreased aflatoxin-induced hemolysis. The solution chemistry of the interaction of aflatoxin with AA in aqueous solutions showed enhanced conversion of AFB(1) and AFG(1) to AFB(2) and AFG(2), respectively. Hemolytic, kinetic and mechanistic aspects of the interactions of aflatoxins and AA are discussed.