Mode of action and human health aspects of aflatoxin carcinogenesis

Abstract

The toxicity and carcinogenicity of the aflatoxins have been studied extensively in the rat. In this species these compounds are recognized as some of the most active hepatocarcinogens. There is now increasing evidence of both acute and chronic toxicity in man supporting the ‘mycotoxin’ hypothesis. The study of the mechanism of action of the aflatoxins on rat liver indicate that the pattern of events is similar to other hepatic carcinogens and that an irreversible change is induced at an early stage. © 1977, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.