Esophageal cancer in Mozambique: should mycotoxins be a concern?

Abstract

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin frequently found in agricultural commodities. The toxin poses a considerable risk for human and animal health.
FB1 is among several mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. contaminating virtually any cereal and other Poaceae. Their intracellular action includes
the promotion of oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage biomolecules such as DNA. These toxic
effects were observed in vivo and in vitro. However, the association between esophageal lesions and oxidative stress induced by FB1. Studies in
China, Iran and South Africa showed higher exposure to fumonisins in areas with higher risk of esophageal cancer (EC). Exposure to mycotoxins
may be inevitable in Mozambique. How mycotoxins, particularly fumonisins from the contaminated food, can be associated with the emergence of
EC in Mozambique? Herein, we revise the literature and present some pieces of evidence in order to highlight the burden of my cotoxins and to
provide evidence-based considerations for the stakeholders involved in the management of the EC agenda in Mozambique. The information presented
herein supports the need to implement novel and/or to revisit the existent detoxification methods to reduce the global burden of mycotoxins and its
outcomes in health management.