Aflatoxin and Indian childhood cirrhosis

Abstract

The possible etiological role of aflatoxin in Indian childhood cirrhosis was investigated. The chloroform extracts of urine and liver of children with Indian childhood cirrhosis showed a blue-violet fluorescent spot on thin-layer chromatograms on silica gel having an RF almost identical to that of aflatoxin B1. The ultraviolet and infrared spectra of this compound were different from aflatoxin B1. It was also distinguishable from aflatoxin B1 in the fluorescent properties as evidenced by absorption spectra. Unlike aflatoxin B1, the compound was highly soluble in ethyl ether. The biological test using day-old ducklings further confirmed the nonidentity of the fluorescent component appearing in the urine of cirrhotic patients with aflatoxin B1.