Investigation of the Levels of Mycotoxins Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone in Human Placenta Samples in Hospitals in Tehran City

Fariba  Dastborhan; Mitra Heidari  Nasrabadi

doi:10.18502/ssu.v34i1.21525

Fariba Dastborhan Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran.
Mitra Heidari Nasrabadi Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v34i1.21525

Keywords: Mycotoxin, Aflatoxin B1, Zearalenone, Placenta, GIGYF2, EIF4E2, EIF4G1.

Abstract

Introduction: The placenta plays a crucial in maintaining maternal health during pregnancy and supporting fetal development, making it important to understand potential threats such as mycotoxins - secondary metabolites of fungi, which are known for their adverse effects on animal and human health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the levels of mycotoxins Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone in human placenta samples collected from hospitals in Tehran City.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical study included five placental samples that were obtained according to the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria from both vaginal and cesarean deliveries in hospitals in Tehran City. The samples were collected immediately after delivery and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, this study also examined the expression levels of the GIGYF2, EIF4E2, and EIF4G1 genes.

Results: The results indicated that aflatoxin B1 (0.009 to 0.042) was detected at varying concentrations ranging from0.009 to 0.042 μg/mL, while zearalenone was absent in all samples. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the expression levels of the GIGYF2, EIF4E2, and EIF4G1 genes between the aflatoxin-exposed and non-exposed groups.

Conclusion: The presence of aflatoxin in human placenta was confirmed, while Zearalenone was not detected. The significant changes in the expression of GIGYF2, EIF4E2, EIF4G1 genes between the two groups indicate their potential use as diagnostic markers for aflatoxin exposure.