Aflatoxin M1 Contamination Levels in Cheeses Sold in Isfahan Province, Iran

OBJECTIVES: Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1)-contaminated dairy products pose serious human health risks, causing liver and renal failure if consumed. They are also related to decreased milk and egg production in infected animals. This study investigated the AFM1 contamination levels in cheeses sold in Isfahan province, Iran, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). METHODS: A total of 100 white cheese samples were randomly collected from supermarkets in Isfahan province and after extraction using dichloromethane were prepared for the ELISA. RESULTS: Of the 100 samples, 52 (52%) were contaminated by AFM1, at levels ranging from 50.2 to 424.4 ng/kg. The remaining 48% of the samples had undetectable AFM1 levels (< 50 ng/kg). Based on the standard limit set by the European Commission and Iran, 8% (8/100) of the AFM1-positive samples (with concentrations between 250.2 and 424.4 ng/kg) had levels higher than the permissible value of 250 ng/kg. CONCLUSION: Although the percentage of cheese samples in Isfahan province with AFM1 levels exceeding the national permissible limit was low, the examination of cheeses and the milk used for their production is nevertheless important for ensuring public health. Furthermore, optimum storage conditions of animal feed should be ensured, and livestock nutrition must be monitored for the presence of AFM1 and other aflatoxins.

[Association between Interleukin-18 -607A/C gene polymorphism and the concentration of serum IgE as a risk factor for allergic rhinitis]

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the upper airways, this inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa includes an immediate IgE-mediated response. IL-18, a member of the IL-1 family, is known for influencing the balance of IgE level. In present study this problem is investigated that whether immunoglobulin [Ig] E levels in serum are associated with -607A/C SNPs of IL18 promoter.

Materials and Methods: Genotyping for -607A/C SNPs of IL18 promoter was performed using 133 patients with AR and 62 healthy control volunteers from Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province then serum levels of total IgE were determined by ELISA method. Statistical analysis were carried out using T test and ANOVA test by SPSS version 19.

Results: level of total IgE in Serum were significantly greater in allergic rhinitis patients than controls [P=0.017]. In addition, the total serum IgE level of the individuals with heterozygous genotype of IL18 [-607AC] were significantly higher regarding other investigated polymorphisms [P=0.045].

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems that the IL18 gene polymorphism -607A/C is associated with IgE levels and susceptibility of allergic rhinitis.