A STUDY OF THE CENOTOXIC EFFECTS OF AFLATOXIN B1

Abstract

Genetic toxicology is a discipline of toxicological research, whose main objective is to safe guard the human gene pool as much as possible against the genotoxic action of chemicals. The gene pool in fact, the most precious heritage of any species and its deterioration would endanger both physical and mental well-being of the present and subsequent generations. Aflatoxins are poisons produced by molds and may be natural contaminants of food and feeds. Human exposure may occur by the consumption of foods that have been contaminated by certain strains .of A. Flavus or A. Parasiticus during growth, harvest or storage . In humans, aflatoxins have been incriminated mainly on weak evidence m hepatocellular carcinoma, acute hepatic failure, Reye's syndrome and kwashiorkor. A wide spread and serious disorders of children in tropics, may be associated with ingestion by infants. Since the complete elimination of exposure to environmental - carcmogens is not possible, chemoprotective interventions could be targeted for specific human populations identified as at particularly high risk for neoplasia.