Testing Mycotoxins' Toxicity with Human Lymphocytes
Author Information
Author(s): Maenetje Pholo, W. de Villiers, Neil Dutton, Mike F.
Primary Institution: University of Johannesburg
Hypothesis
The study investigates the cytotoxicity of selected mycotoxins against isolated human lymphocytes to detect mycotoxins in cereal extracts.
Conclusion
The cytotoxicity testing method effectively detected mycotoxins in cereal extracts, showing a correlation between known mycotoxin levels and cytotoxic responses.
Supporting Evidence
- The cytotoxicity testing method was capable of detecting mycotoxins in cereal extracts.
- There was a reasonable repeatable correlation between the response to known levels of mycotoxin standards and mycotoxins in extracts.
- All 13 extracts positive for mycotoxins by analytical techniques were also positive by cytotoxicity assay.
Takeaway
The researchers tested how harmful certain toxins from fungi are to human blood cells, finding that they can tell if food is safe to eat based on how these cells react.
Methodology
The study used isolated human lymphocytes to test the cytotoxicity of mycotoxins extracted from barley, measuring cell viability with the MTT assay.
Potential Biases
Potential individual differences in lymphocyte sensitivity to toxins were noted.
Limitations
The method may give rise to false positives and requires careful aseptic technique.
Participant Demographics
Blood samples were obtained from three healthy donors.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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