Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Title : | Prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in commonly consumed foods, aflatoxin B1 biomarker detection, exposure assessment and associated human health risks in the population of Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
Area of research : | Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. Vakdevi Validandi, National Institute Of Nutrition, Telangana, Hyderabad |
Timeline Start Year : | 2023 |
Timeline End Year : | 2026 |
Contact info : | vaagdevi@gmail.com |
Details
Executive Summary : | Aflatoxins are fungal toxins with severe toxicity and carcinogenic properties, particularly in subsistence farming communities. These communities often face contamination of staple food crops like rice, wheat, groundnuts, and maize due to hot and humid climates, poor storage, low awareness of risk, and lack of regulatory enforcement. This study aims to develop and apply biomarkers to assess aflatoxin B1 exposure through food and serum detection in high-risk population groups in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. In India, there are few studies assessing aflatoxin B1 exposure using serum biomarkers, and there are no studies from Telangana. The development of an aflatoxin biomarker and its validation in biological samples is crucial for assessing actual exposure and its associated health effects in high-risk population groups. The study will develop and validate the HPLC/LCMs Ms method for aflatoxin B1 biomarker in serum samples, assess aflatoxin B1 exposure in the population of Hyderabad, India, study the association of aflatoxin B1 exposure with stunting in children, and estimate health risks associated with aflatoxin B1 exposure. Blood and urine samples will be collected from the Hyderabad population, and the HPLC method will be used to determine aflatoxin contamination in food samples. The development of an aflatoxin B1 serum biomarker will provide the true impact of exposure on individuals and their associated health effects, providing strengthening measures to control aflatoxin contamination and developing intervention strategies for reducing aflatoxin toxicity. |
Co-PI: | Dr. sukesh Narayan sinha, National Institute Of Nutrition, Telangana, Hyderabad-500007, Mr. srinivasu Kurella, National Institute Of Nutrition, Telangana, Hyderabad-500007 |
Total Budget (INR): | 37,36,240 |
Organizations involved