Aflatoxin B1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in developing countries: Geographical distribution, mechanism of action and prevention (Review)

Hamid,Abdu  Selim; Tesfamariam,Isaias  Goitom; Zhang,Yucheng; Zhang,Zhen  Gui

doi:10.3892/ol.2013.1169

Aflatoxin B1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in developing countries: Geographical distribution, mechanism of action and prevention (Review)

Authors:
- Abdu Selim Hamid
- Isaias Goitom Tesfamariam
- Yucheng Zhang
- Zhen Gui Zhang
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Affiliations: Central Laboratory, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
Published online on: January 31, 2013 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2013.1169
Pages: 1087-1092

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Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most well-known primary liver malignancy worldwide. Its incidence is rising at alarming rates and has become a public concern globally. It is more frequent in developing countries than in industrialized countries with respect to geographical variation, ethnic disparities and socioeconomic status. Dietary exposure to aflatoxins is among the major HCC risk factors. Aflatoxin B1, which is a genotoxic hepatocarcinogen, which presumptively causes cancer by inducing DNA adducts leading to genetic changes in target liver cells. AFB1 is metabolized by cytochrome-P450 enzymes to the reactive intermediate AFB1-8, 9 epoxide (AFBO) which binds to liver cell DNA, resulting in DNA adducts. DNA adducts interact with the guanine bases of liver cell DNA and cause a mutational effect in the P53 tumor suppressor gene at the codon 249 hotspot in exon 7, which may lead to HCC. Approximately 4.5 billion of the world's population is exposed to aflatoxin‑contaminated food, particularly in low‑income countries. Prevention involves treating crops that are susceptible to fungal contamination, appropriate handling of foodstuffs and the use of chemopreventive intervention. Moreover, an integrated network collaboration of different sectors, including public health, agricultural departments and mass media, is required to ensure effective food regulation systems so as to minimize the contamination of food by aflatoxins.

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