In vitro and in vivo evaluation of AFB1 and OTA-toxicity through immunofluorescence and flow cytometry techniques: A systematic review

Due to the globalization, mycotoxins have been considered a major risk to human health being the main contaminants of foodstuffs. Among them, AFB1 and OTA are the most toxic and studied. Therefore, the goal of this review is to deepen the knowledge about the toxicological effects that AFB1 and OTA can induce on human health by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques in vitro and in vivo models. The examination of the selected reports shows that the majority of them are focused on immunotoxicity while the rest are concerned about nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, neurotoxicity, embryotoxicity, reproductive system, breast, esophageal and lung toxicity. In relation to immunofluorescence analysis, biological processes related to AFB1- and OTA-toxicity were evaluated such as inflammation, neuronal differentiation, DNA damage, oxidative stress and cell death. In flow cytometry analysis, a wide range of assays have been performed across the reviewed studies being apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis and intracellular ROS measurement the most employed. Although, the toxic effects of AFB1 and OTA have been reported, further research is needed to clarify AFB1 and OTA-mechanism of action on human health.

Automated summary

Due to globalization, mycotoxins have become a major food contaminant with significant risks to human health. This review focuses on the toxic effects of AFB1 and OTA, two of the most toxic and studied mycotoxins, on human health using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques in vitro and in vivo. The majority of the selected reports examine immunotoxicity, while others explore nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, neurotoxicity, embryotoxicity, reproductive system, breast, esophageal and lung toxicity. Immunofluorescence analysis reveals processes related to inflammation, neuronal differentiation, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and cell death caused by AFB1 and OTA toxicity. Flow cytometry analysis includes apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis, and intracellular ROS measurement. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action of AFB1 and OTA on human health.