Which toxin produced by Aspergillus is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma?

Which toxin produced by Aspergillus is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma?

• A. Aflatoxin B1
• B. Amatoxin
• C. Gliotoxin
• D. Fumonisin

Answer: (A)

Aflatoxin B1 is the toxin produced by Aspergillus species that is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma. It contaminates foods such as peanuts, corn, and other stored crops, especially in warm, humid conditions. In the liver, aflatoxin B1 is metabolically activated to a reactive epoxide that forms DNA adducts, leading to mutations—most notably a G to T transversion in the p53 gene (codon 249). This mutation drives hepatocarcinogenesis, and the risk is higher with chronic exposure and in people also infected with hepatitis B. Other toxins listed come from different fungi or have different effects: amatoxin originates from Amanita mushrooms and causes acute liver failure by inhibiting RNA polymerase II; gliotoxin is primarily known for immunosuppressive effects; fumonisin is produced by Fusarium species and is associated with other toxicities and cancer risks not specifically hepatocellular carcinoma in the classic sense.

Aflatoxin B1 is the toxin produced by Aspergillus species that is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma. It contaminates foods such as peanuts, corn, and other stored crops, especially in warm, humid conditions. In the liver, aflatoxin B1 is metabolically activated to a reactive epoxide that forms DNA adducts, leading to mutations—most notably a G to T transversion in the p53 gene (codon 249). This mutation drives hepatocarcinogenesis, and the risk is higher with chronic exposure and in people also infected with hepatitis B.

Other toxins listed come from different fungi or have different effects: amatoxin originates from Amanita mushrooms and causes acute liver failure by inhibiting RNA polymerase II; gliotoxin is primarily known for immunosuppressive effects; fumonisin is produced by Fusarium species and is associated with other toxicities and cancer risks not specifically hepatocellular carcinoma in the classic sense.