Jundishapur J Natural Pharm Product
Jundishapur J Natural Pharm Product

article information

Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products: Vol.15, issue 4; e94663
published online: December 30, 2020
article type: Review Article
received: June 26, 2019
revised: September 3, 2019
accepted: September 7, 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5812/jjnpp.94663
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Mycotoxin Contamination of Consumed Rice in Iran: A Review

authors:

avatar Heibatullah Kalantari 1 , avatar Mohammad Javad Khodayar ORCID 1 , 2 , avatar Kobra Shirani ORCID 3 , * , avatar Maryam Shirani ORCID 1 , 2 , 4 , **

Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Toxicology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Corresponding Authors:

how to cite: Kalantari H, Khodayar M J, Shirani K, Shirani M. Mycotoxin Contamination of Consumed Rice in Iran: A Review. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2020;15(4):e94663. https://doi.org/10.5812/jjnpp.94663.

Abstract

Mycotoxin contamination of rice has been introduced as a big challenge for public health in developing countries in numerous studies. Rice consumption is also considered the main source of secondary metabolites in Iran. Given the diversity of climatic conditions in this region as well as unsuitable storage conditions, including high temperature and humidity, rice can be extremely contaminated via various fungi. The current study is a review of the occurrence of mycotoxins in rice in Iran. In this regard, some investigations had revealed that rice could be contaminated by mycotoxins such as aflatoxins (AFTs) (B1, B2, G1, and G2), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin (FM) (B1 and B2), ochratoxin A (OTA), T-2 toxin, and zearalenone (ZEN). Moreover, the amount of mycotoxins in rice was reported in varying ranges in different provinces and regions and normally less than Iranian maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Given the importance of rice in the Iranian diet, it was finally recommended to screen consumed rice to find about fungal contaminations and mycotoxins.

1. Context

As a very large and diverse category of secondary mold metabolites, mycotoxins can lead to a wide variety of toxicological symptoms such as carcinogenic, genotoxic, teratogenic, nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, as well as immunotoxic effects across the world (1) (Table 1). Mycotoxins are considered not only a major threat to public health but also a factor that moderates the marketable quality and nutritional value of contaminated products, thereby causing substantial economic losses (2). Some studies have shed light on noticeable levels of mycotoxins such as AFTs (B1, B2, G1, and G2), citrinin, DON, FMs (B1, B2, and B3), fusarenon-X (Fus-X), nivalenol (NIV), OTA, sterigmatocystin (STE), and ZEN in rice worldwide (3). Climatic and storage-related conditions, as well as transportation, are regarded among factors leading to the production of mycotoxins in rice (4). Accordingly, post-harvest rice treatments, such as providing adequate drying and storage conditions, have been suggested as critical factors ascertaining storage stability (5). As mycotoxins are typically classified as stable compounds, different processes performed on grains before their consumption, such as cooking at a normal temperature (less than 150°C), cannot decrease toxicity in the majority of cases (6). In this regard, regular tests to exclude products with higher rates of toxicity than MTD are currently being conducted in countries and regions with adequate information about the occurrence of mycotoxins (7).

Table 1.

Major Mycotoxigenic Fungal Species Found in Ricea

MycotoxinFungal FamilyCarcinogenicitySide EffectsPMTDI, µg kg-1Ref
AFAspergillusMutagenic; teratogenic; carcinogenic1000(8)
AFB1Group 1
AFB2Group 1
AFG1Group 1
AFG2Group 1
ZONFusariumZearalenone caused increased incidences of hepatocellular and pituitary tumors in mice of both sexes when given in the diet, but no carcinogenic effect was seen in rats.Reproductive problems0.5(9)
DONFusariumMore recent carcinogenicity studies of deoxynivalenol in mice have been negative (Iverson et al., 1995; Lambert et al., 1995) and reinforce the conclusion of the 1993 IARC Working Group that there is inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of deoxynivalenol.Teratogenic; neurotoxic; embryotoxic; immunosuppressive; acute effects1(10)
OTAAspergillus penicilliumGroup 2BNephropathy; immunosuppressive; teratogenic; carcinogenic0.112(11)
FBFusariumGroup 2BCarcinogenic; neurotoxic2(12)
FB1
FB2
T-2FusariumT-2 toxin caused increased incidences of liver cell tumors and lung tumors in male mice when given in the diet.Immunotoxicity; haematotoxicity0.06(13)

Abbreviations: AF, aflatoxin; DON, deoxynivalenol; FB, fumonisin B; OTA, ochratoxin A; PMTDI, provisional maximum tolerable daily intake; ZON, zearalenone.

aGroup 1, carcinogenic to humans; group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans; group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans; group 3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans; group 4, probably not carcinogenic to humans.

Based on the nutritional and world rice trade, rice has a high consumption rate in Iran. Since the amount of Iranian rice is not sufficient for domestic consumption, it is often imported mostly from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand (14). These countries have frequent and heavy rainfalls that can provide the required conditions for the development of mycotoxin (15). Considering miscellaneous climatic conditions, as well as inappropriate storage requirements such as high temperature and humidity, rice can be contaminated by a number of fungi in Iran. In spite of this, there is scarce information on the fungal contamination of rice in this country, as well as the potentials of local fungal strains to produce mycotoxins. Various studies conducted on contamination of rice by mycotoxins in Iran are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2.

Different Studies Conducted on Mycotoxins Contamination in Rice in Iran

ProvinceOriginConcentration, ng.g-1MethodRef
DONZONAFB1AFB2AFG1AFG2OTAFBBEAENNT-2
ZabolImportedNDND0.59---ND----HPLC(16)
TehranDomesticND31.562.415---5.02110.66---LC-MS/MS(17)
TehranDomestic--3.900.93-------HPLC(18)
TehranImportedNDND0.590.070.35------HPLC(19)
TehranDomesticNDND0.38NDND------HPLC(19)
AmolImported--1.89--------ELISA(20)
AmolDomestic--1.08--------ELISA(20)
BushehrImported--0.671--------HPLC(21)
Tehran Domestic--------0.110.06-LC/ESIMS/MS(18)
Qazvin?--3.733.041.771.59-----HPLC-FLD(22)
Tehran?345.0----------HPLC(23)
Six provinces?------0.34----ELISA(24)
MazandaranDomestic------Oct < 5; Nov 11.43----ELISA(25)
MazandaranDomestic-------Old = 0.02; new = 0.02---HPLC(26)
Tehran?-ND---------HPLC(27)
GolestanDomestic-------0.02---HPLC(12)
30 provincesDomestic--1.40.10.4ND-----HPLC(28)
Mashhad?------1.6----HPLC(29)
MashhadDomestic--0.720.200.20ND-----HPLC(30)
3 provincesImported--1.890.140.050.01-----HPLC(31)
Chaharmahal va BakhtyariDomestic-89----------ELISA(32))
Tehran ?----------12.5ELISA(33)
MazandranDomestic--New = 5.06; old = 6.8New = 3.55; old = 3.77New 5.49; old = 3.61New 2.97; old = 3.29-----HPLC(34)
ZahedanImported--White = 0.58; yellow = 0.32White = 0.05; yellw =0.02-------HPLC(35)
AhvazImported--0.120.0070.190.03-----HPLC(36)
TehranImported----------13ELISA(37)
TehranDomestic----------11.2ELISA(37)
ZahedanImported--White = 0.66; yellow = 0.34-------HPLC(38)
QaemshahrDomestic1.16--------ELISA(39)
YasujDomestic--5.83-------ELISA(40)
Tehran2.991.38HPLC(41)

Abbreviation: ND, not detected.

2. Aflatoxins

Aflatoxins (AFTs) are one of the most important categories of mycotoxins produced as secondary metabolites by three species of Aspergillus in a wide variety of foods and feeds (42). AFTs (B1, B2, G1, and G2) are considered potent teratogens, mutagens, hepatotoxins, and immunotoxins (43). AFTs (B1 and B2) are known as the most potent and typical toxins in contaminated grains, which have been the locus of research studies in most countries (44). Accordingly, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) incorporated AFB1 as primary groups of carcinogenic compounds (33, 45, 46). According to the national standards in Iran, the maximum residue limit (MRL) for AFTs and AFB1 in rice have been respectively reported by 30 and 5 ng/g ppb (Institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI) (47).

According to their frequent occurrence as well as severe effects on health status in animals and humans, AFTs have been the focus of attention among scholars. Faraji et al. (48) found that all rice samples (n = 60) had AFTs in which AFB1 and B2 levels were by 2.55 and 0.34 µg/kg, respectively. Besides, the amount of AFB1 in 8.3% of the samples was higher than the maximum annual concentration (MAC) in foodstuff in Iran. AFB1 was also reported as the highest amount of contamination in the study by Karajibani et al. (35), but AFG1 and G2 were not detected in the samples. The results similarly revealed that contaminations in white rice could be more than those yellow ones. Moreover, no imported rice had contamination caused by AFTs higher than standard levels, and the amount of AFB1 was below the internationally acceptable limits for human use, which were consistent with the findings by Mazaheri in which the mean of AFB1 was reported lower than Iranian maximum tolerated limit (MTL) (35). Furthermore, Feizy et al. (30) reported that 68.9% of the rice samples (n = 261) had AFB1 at levels greater than 0.2 ng.g-1. The mean AFB1 concentration in rice from the city of Mashhad by 0.72 mg.g-1 was also reported to be significantly different from the EU limit of 2 ng.g-1 (EEC, 1998) and the Iranian standard of -1. Currently, this mycotoxin is not assumed as a risk and even a serious public health issue, though routine monitoring such as food quality control measurement is required. It should be noted that rice is not considered a conductive product of Aspergillus growth and AFT contamination within normal conditions; however, it can be susceptible to AFT contamination once exposed to heavy rain or high moisture (49).

It had been reported that AFT contamination could be often associated with drought and temperature, and some synthetic or natural protectants could even help in inhibiting aflatoxigenic fungi and AFT formation during storage (2). The summer heat and high humidity could also lead to mold growth and AFT production; so, it seemed that the amount of AFB1 in white and yellow rice samples in the summer was more than that in the autumn and the winter (35). The rice grain might also contain some enzymes or chemicals inhibiting AFT production (2). Numerous methods have been proposed to detoxificate AFT in foodstuff, including citric, sodium hypochlorite, and ozone (50). The fumigation process is typically utilized for imported products, which can decrease AFT contamination rates. The results of the study by Karajibani et al. (35) in this domain suggested that AFTs had been reduced in imported rice using these methods. It was noted that the most prominent approach to control the amount of AFTs in rice was to control contamination in the field; however, this was very difficult as it could be primarily affected by climatic conditions such as humidity and temperature. Nevertheless, it had been reported that the highest concentrations of AFTs were associated with post-harvest growth of Aspergillus molds on poorly stored foodstuff (30).

3. Zearalenone

Zearalenone (ZEN) is the generic name for [6-(10-hydroxyl-6-oxo-trans-1-undecenyl)-B-resorcylic acid lactone], which is known as a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp. growing on cereal grains and animal feeds (51). Except for alkaline conditions or during extrusion, it is generally insoluble in water and stable during cooking (52). Also, ZEN may affect the uterus by decreasing progesterone secretion and changing the morphology of uterine tissues (53). It has also been classified by the IARC under group 3 carcinogens. Given the potential health hazards of ZEN, regulatory levels for ZEN have been recently documented in the range of 20 - 1000 ng/g in foods in most countries.

Iran has also made the regulatory limits of 200 ng/g for rice; however, there are rare data on ZEN contamination in rice in Iran. However, Yazdanpanahs validated HPLC for ZEN in rice using a monolithic column with sample cleanup on an immunoaffinity column and reported the contamination level lower than the MTL of ZEN in rice in Iran. The mean intake of ZEN from all the samples was also much lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) estimated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (JECFA) (0.002, μg/kg bw/day). In another study by Rashedi (32), a total number of 35 naturally contaminated samples in local markets of Chaharmahal and Bakhtyari Province, Iran, were collected during the spring and the summer, and their mycotoxins i.e. ZEN were detected via direct competitive (DC)-ELISA. The results of this study showed that ZEN had been observed in only two rice samples with a mean level of 89 μg,kg-1, and all negative samples had been collected during the summer. It had been ultimately suggested that warm weather conditions could diminish ZEN contamination (32). Tavakoli et al. (19) also showed that ZEN was not detectable in 80 rice samples collected from military centers of Tehran Province, Iran, using HPLC. Moreover, Sadeghi et al. (54) sampled 10 brands of Iranian and four brands of imported rice from markets located in northern, central, and southern parts of the city of Kermanshah to investigate contamination induced by mycotoxin and found that all the samples had been contaminated by ZEN, 4.43 and 3.88 µg/kg, respectively. The mean ZEN level in rice was observed only in two studies, which was reported lower than MTL (200 mg/kg) in Iran. The total amount of ZEN in rice was by 0.012 μg/kg bw/day, and it was much lower than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) estimated by the JECFA (0.5 g/kg bw/day), indicating no health risks for consumers at these levels.

Given the risks of ZEN to human health, it has been recommended to control ZEN production during all stages of rice cultivation. Therefore, determining the maximum amount of mycotoxins in food and attention to public health is of utmost importance. Studies have further demonstrated that rice exposed to ZEN would not be a health concern for public health in Iran

because Iranian rice is collected well and stored in good conditions.

4. T-2 Toxin

T-2 toxin is known as one of the most toxic Fusarium-derived trichothecenes found in grains and grain-based products (55). The lipophilic nature of T-2 toxin suggests that they can be easily absorbed through the cell bilayer membrane and consequently induce lipid peroxidation via generating free radicals, thus damaging cellular membrane (56, 57). T-2 toxin and other trichothecenes can also inhibit protein synthesis and consequently reduce DNA and RNA synthesis and apoptosis (56, 58). Typical clinical symptoms of T-2 toxicity are gastrointestinal and neurological, cardiopulmonary, and a weakened immune system (55, 59). The low rate of T-2 toxin contamination observed in the study by Riazipour et al. (37) did not support the idea that rice consumers were not at the risk of mycotoxin intoxications. It should be noted that screening domestic and imported rice in different stages was vital for identifying possible contaminations by mycotoxins and removing types of rice contaminated higher than acceptable limits (37). In a study conducted in the city of Tehran, Riazipour et al. (37) determined T-2 toxin in rice samples. In their study, the amount of T-2 toxin was measured using ELISA. The findings revealed that all the rice samples had been contaminated by T-2 toxin but not beyond the acceptable limit. They also suggested that the mean contamination of domestic and imported rice was 11.2 ± 2.3 and 13 ± 2.7 µg/kg, respectively (37). Furthermore, Riazipour et al. (33) investigated T-2 toxin contamination in grain and legume kitchen stores of 9 centers in the city of Tehran (23 samples), and finally, T-2 toxin positive samples were detected. Rice was also found to be affected by contamination levels of 12.5 (± 0.56) μg/kg.

5. Ochratoxin

Ochratoxin (OTAs) are among toxic secondary metabolites produced by seven species of Aspergillus and 6 species of Penicillium (60). Type A, is the most toxic form contaminating a variety of foodstuff (61). OTA is also known as a fat-soluble substance, which can be excreted and concentrated in fatty tissues. Nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects of OTA have also been reported in some studies (62). The IARC has classified AFTs into the group of primary risk factors for cancer and OTA as the secondary ones in humans (2B group) (63). According to the WHO, the TDI for OTA has been suggested about 5 ng OTA/kg body weight/day (64). Some studies conducted in Iran have further reported OTA in rice in which the mean concentration of OTA has been lower than MTL of 5 µg/kg (29). In 2013, OTA was tested in samples of rice in six different provinces in Iran, and the mean OTA in rice was reported by 0.84 - 11.37 ng/g. Therefore, the estimated TDI of OTA for an Iranian adult was 0.62 ng/kg bw/day, which was less than the PMTDI of 14 ng/kg bw/day established by the JECFA (2001) and less than the TDI of 17.1 ng/kg bw set by the EFSA (2006). The highest frequency of positive samples was found in Isfahan Province (11.37 ng/g) (24). In a study in Tehran, the amount of OTA was measured using HPLC. The levels of OTA in positive samples ranged from 0.2 to 4.8 ng.g-1, with the mean contamination of 1.6 ng.g-1 in all the samples (29). In the study by Gholampour Azizi et al. (25), a total number of 80 rice samples were analyzed for OTA in Mazandaran Province, Iran, using DC-ELISA. None of the samples were reported to be contaminated by > 5 μg/kg of OTA. In this regard, samples that had > 5 μg/kg of OTA contamination more than the acceptable limit were only reported in the cities of Sari, Nowshahr, and Ramsar (25). Another investigation showed that OTA contamination in 21.4% of Iranian rice samples was lower than standards set in Iran and the EU (European Union). The levels of OTA contamination in Iranian rice samples were also significantly 0.72% (ng/g) higher than that in the imported ones (65).

Based on incomplete information in the related literature, it was assumed that OTA was not of importance in terms of mycotoxin contamination of rice in Iran. However, conditions of rice contamination by OTA were reported significant in Isfahan Province because of their high average contents and ranges of positive samples, which needed continuous monitoring.

6. Fumonisin

Fumonisin (FMs) are toxic and carcinogenic metabolites produced by Fusarium genera (66). Different subtypes of FM have also been recognized, but only FM (B1, B2, and B3) can be naturally found in contaminated foods (12). FMB1 is the most abundantly occurring and the most significant toxicological derivative. Fumonisin can even be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and cause sphinganine and sphingosine accumulation and cell membrane dysfunction. Sphyngoid free bases can thus function as cancer promoters and mutations. FMB1 is toxic to the liver, kidney, as well as nervous and cardiovascular systems in humans and animals (67). In 2001, JECFA established a PMTDI for FMs of 2.0 µg/kg body weight/day (68).

In the study by Khosravi and colleagues, most rice samples (96.7%) were found to be positive for FMB1 with mean levels ranging from non-detected to 56.2 mg/kg for fresh and from 4.3 to 42.8 mg/kg for stored samples. This difference could be due to diversities in harvesting techniques, collection phases, storage conditions, testing methods, as well as sources of Fusarium section liseola isolates in soil and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and rainfall). In summary, this study demonstrated that rice grains could potentially have various fungi, Aspergillus and Fusarium species, and high levels of FMB1 toxin. Further studies on the decomposition of FMB1, as the most abundantly occurring FM, during processing, as well as cooking, were thus required to assess and minimize exposure to FMB1 in populations living on rice (26). Furthermore, Aghili et al. (69) reported the presence of F. moniliforme-type isolates in 65.1% of rice samples in three regions in Mazandaran Province, Iran. The mean levels of FM in regions 1, 2, and 3 were 108 - 6711, 950 - 7711 and 98 - 6595 µg/g, respectively.

Numerous studies have even focused on complicated and important roles of rainfall and temperature on FM in foods. The high rate of infection with Fusarium species in Golestan Province, Iran, was similarly in accordance with the climatic situation of this region. Since it had high average rainfall and humidity, which were suitable for cereals to be infected by FM. Moreover, FM contamination in most commonly used staple foods, especially rice, might be considered a potential risk factor for EU Commission in this high-risk region. In general, further studies were required to confirm this hypothesis (12).

7. Deoxynivalenol

Deoxynivalenol (DON), also called food-refusal factor or vomitoxin, has been recognized as one of the most important members of the trichothecene mycotoxins class produced by several FM species (70). Temperatures of 30°C and 0.995 water activity have also been reported as optimum extents for DON production. Deoxynivalenol can cause genotoxicity, teratogenicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, as well as induction of fetal skeletal deformities. At the cellular level, the main toxic effect of DON is due to the inhibition of protein and nucleic acid synthesis via binding to the ribosome and activating cellular kinases involved in signal transduction, which consequently results in decreased proliferation. According to FAO and EU Commission, the levels recommended for DON in cereal for human consumption are 100 - 2,000 ng/g and 500 μg/kg, respectively. In Iran, the MTD of DON in cereals is 1,000 ng/g. In this regard, DON in rice had been only reported in a study in the city of Tehran. Furthermore, Yazdanpanah et al. (23) analyzed rice samples using HPLC, and finally, DON was observed only in one rice sample. The mean dietary exposure of DON through rice consumption was less than the PMTDI of 1 μg/kg bw/day.

8. Conclusions

Rice can be a suitable substrate for mycotoxin-producing fungi in improper storage conditions. According to the data provided in this review, AFTs were observed from old samples rather than new ones. Moreover, the highest and the lowest levels of AFT contamination in rice samples were observed in the summer and the winter, respectively. It was also recommended to improve storage conditions to prevent spoilage and reduce AFT contamination. Owing to suitable climatic conditions in the northern regions of Iran with high temperature and humidity in the summer and extremely humid weather during the rainy season, this region was appropriate for mold growth. Consequently, high risks of contamination by these secondary metabolites are unavoidable, and it can be concluded that rice in Iran was generally safe, but more efforts are needed to assess the risks of rice contamination by mycotoxins. Considering the high daily consumption of rice, exposure to even these lower levels is a worrying health risk; therefore, our results strongly indicate that a more precise safety control system for imported and domestic rice should be considered during post-harvest handling, transfer, and long-term storage.

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