cytotoxicity of aflatoxin B[1] in human lymphocytes

Aflatoxin B[1] [AFB[1]] is a naturally occurring carcinogenic and immunosuppressive compound. This study was designed to measure its toxic effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMC]. The study recruited 7 healthy volunteers. PBMC were isolated and cellular respiration was monitored using a phosphorescence oxygen analyser. The intracellular caspase activity was measured by the caspase-3 substrate N-acetyl-asp-glu-val-asp-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. Phosphatidylserine exposure and membrane permeability to propidium iodide [PI] were measured by flow cytometry. Cellular oxygen consumption was inhibited by 2.5 micro M and 25 micro M of AFB[1]. Intracellular caspase activity was noted after two hours of incubation with 100 micro M of AFB[1]. The number of Annexin V-positive cells increased as a function of AFB[1] concentration and incubation time. At 50 micro M, a significant number of cells became necrotic after 24 hours [Annexin V-positive and PI-positive]. The results show AFB[1] is toxic to human lymphocytes and that its cytotoxicity is mediated by apoptosis and necrosis

Middle East Consensus Statement on the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Presented are guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) which is the most common food allergy in infants. It manifests through a variety of symptoms that place a burden on both the infant and their caregivers. The guidelines were formulated by evaluation of existing evidence-based guidelines, literature evidence and expert clinical experience. The guidelines set out practical recommendations and include algorithms for the prevention and treatment of CMPA. For infants at risk of allergy, appropriate prevention diets are suggested. Breastfeeding is the best method for prevention; however, a partially hydrolyzed formula should be used in infants unable to be breastfed. In infants with suspected CMPA, guidelines are presented for the appropriate diagnostic workup and subsequent appropriate elimination diet for treatment. Exclusive breastfeeding and maternal dietary allergen avoidance are the best treatment. In infants not exclusively breastfed, an extensively hydrolyzed formula should be used with amino acid formula recommended if the symptoms are life-threatening or do not resolve after extensively hydrolyzed formula. Adherence to these guidelines should assist healthcare practitioners in optimizing their approach to the management of CMPA and decrease the burden on infants and their caregivers.

Correction: Middle East Consensus Statement on the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Table 2 contains a typographical error.