Which organ is primarily affected in aflatoxicosis?

Get ready for the ACVPM Toxicology Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Enhance your knowledge with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

Multiple Choice

Which organ is primarily affected in aflatoxicosis?

Explanation:
Aflatoxins primarily affect the liver because the liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing these toxins. Aflatoxin B1 is bioactivated by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes to a reactive aflatoxin-8,9-epoxide that forms covalent DNA adducts in hepatocytes, leading to cell injury and mutations. This hepatocellular damage can cause acute aflatoxicosis with liver failure and, with chronic exposure, a markedly increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. While other organs can be affected, the liver is the principal target, making it the characteristic site of injury in aflatoxicosis.

Aflatoxins primarily affect the liver because the liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing these toxins. Aflatoxin B1 is bioactivated by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes to a reactive aflatoxin-8,9-epoxide that forms covalent DNA adducts in hepatocytes, leading to cell injury and mutations. This hepatocellular damage can cause acute aflatoxicosis with liver failure and, with chronic exposure, a markedly increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. While other organs can be affected, the liver is the principal target, making it the characteristic site of injury in aflatoxicosis.

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