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Aflatoxin M1 effects on Xenopus laevis development
Claudio Vismara1, Andrea Di Muzio, Silvia Tarca
1Department of Biology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. claudio.vismara@unimi.it
Background:
The principal Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) hydroxylated metabolite excreted in milk is Aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) classified in group 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Human exposure to AFM(1) is due to the consumption of contaminated dairy products and partly to endogenous production through AFB(1) liver metabolism.
Methods:
Since no data are available on AFM(1) embryotoxicity, its lethal and teratogenic potential was investigated using the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX). Stage-8 blastulae were exposed to AFM(1) at 1, 4, 16, 64, and 256 microg/L concentrations until stage 47, free-swimming larva.
Results:
A slight increase of mortality and malformed larva percents was found in AFM(1)-exposed groups but these differences were not statistically significant in comparison with the controls.
Conclusions:
Therefore, AFM(1) is a non-embryotoxic compound when evaluated with a FETAX model at concentrations under the conditions tested. However, AFM(1) merits further studies using mammals as experimental models to identify a possible risk during human pregnancy.
Insights
Aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)), a metabolite found in milk, showed no significant embryotoxic or teratogenic effects in frog embryo tests. Further studies are needed to assess potential risks in human pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) is a milk metabolite of Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)), classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B).
- Human exposure to AFM(1) occurs through contaminated dairy products and endogenous metabolism of AFB(1).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the embryotoxic and teratogenic potential of Aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)).
- To assess the lethal effects of AFM(1) on early developmental stages.
Main Methods:
- The Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX) model was employed.
- Embryos (stage-8 blastulae) were exposed to varying concentrations of AFM(1) (1-256 microg/L).
- Developmental endpoints including mortality and malformations were monitored until the free-swimming larva stage (stage 47).
Main Results:
- A minor, non-statistically significant increase in mortality and larval malformations was observed in AFM(1)-exposed groups compared to controls.
- The tested concentrations of AFM(1) did not produce statistically significant adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) is considered non-embryotoxic based on the FETAX model under the tested conditions.
- Further research using mammalian models is recommended to determine potential risks during human pregnancy.
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