Overview on aflatoxins and oxidative stress

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by many species of Aspergillus, a fungus, mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), are very potent carcinogens in many species, including humans, birds, swine, fish, and rodents. The oxidative stress caused by AFB1 may be one of the underlining mechanisms for AFB1-induced cell injury and DNA, protein and lipid damages, which lead to tumorigenesis. This review presents an overview on aflatoxins and oxidative stress, with an emphasis on the protective role of the antioxidants.