Assessment of Safety/Risk vs. Public Health Concerns : Aflatoxins and Hepatocarcinoma

概要

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Hepatocellular carcinoma, (HCC) is a serious health problem. It is prevalent in certain parts of the world where food contamination with aflatoxin is common. Aflatoxin, especially AFB_1, has been shown to induce HCC in many species of laboratory and wild animals, including subhuman primates. Carcinogenesis studies have demonstrated that AFB_1 is a potent genotoxic carcinogen. After bioactivation it may covalently bind with protein and with DNA. The former reaction is positively correlated with AFB_1 exposure, and the latter signifies initiation of the carcinogenesis process. With these biomarkers, epidemiological studies have amply demonstrated the etiological role of aflatoxin in HCC. However, hepatitis B virus also contributes to the development of HCC. Risks and VSD (virtual safe dose) have been estimated from animal and epidemiological studies. These estimates further confirm that AFB_1 is a potent carcinogen. Furthermore, the effects of AFB_1 exposure and hepatitis B are synergistic. Some preventive measures, such as lowering the contamination level of AFB_1 in food and appropriate vaccination programs, have been implemented in many parts of the world. Chemopreventive agents, which may abolish or reduce the effects of AFB_1 are being tested for their effectiveness.
日本衛生学会の論文