articleToxinsFeb 10, 2026GOLD OA

Aflatoxins and Human Health: Global Exposure, Disease Burden, and One Health Strategies

National Cancer Institute · All India Institute of Medical Sciences · +2 more institutions

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

Abstract

, are the most detrimental for human health. In this review, we discuss the sources of exposure and geographic distribution. The prevalence of aflatoxin-albumin/lysine adduct detection in humans varies dramatically across the world, from 0% reported in two European studies to up to 100% reported in studies from parts of Africa and Asia. We also summarize the disease outcomes that aflatoxins are associated with in humans. We focus particularly on cancer outcomes, which aflatoxins can cause through mutagenic DNA adducts, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune effects, and epigenetic changes. Synergy with hepatitis B virus and potentially with other mycotoxins can also increase risk. Minimization of…

Citation impact

5
total citations
FWCI
63.43
Percentile
100%
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0
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Authors

4

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Aflatoxin
  • Mycotoxin
  • Disease
  • Public health
  • Biomonitoring
  • Risk assessment
  • Human health
  • Global health
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