Aflatoxins primarily cause illness in which organ?

Aflatoxins primarily cause illness in which organ?

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Heart
• D. Lungs

Answer: (A)

Aflatoxins are potent toxins that primarily target the liver. The liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing toxins, so aflatoxin B1 is processed there by enzymes like cytochrome P450, which convert it into a highly reactive metabolite. This metabolite binds to DNA and proteins in liver cells, causing damage, mutations, and, with long-term exposure, increasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute exposure can lead to severe liver injury and failure. While other organs can be affected in severe cases, the liver is the primary organ affected, making the liver the correct answer.

Aflatoxins are potent toxins that primarily target the liver. The liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing toxins, so aflatoxin B1 is processed there by enzymes like cytochrome P450, which convert it into a highly reactive metabolite. This metabolite binds to DNA and proteins in liver cells, causing damage, mutations, and, with long-term exposure, increasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute exposure can lead to severe liver injury and failure. While other organs can be affected in severe cases, the liver is the primary organ affected, making the liver the correct answer.