Biological reactive intermediates of bisfuranoid mycotoxins.

Based on the mode of action of AFB1 and the activities of its biologically active intermediates, one may conclude that: 1. The mode of toxic action of the bisfuranoid mycotoxin is through epoxidation of the vinyl ether double bond of their dihydrobisfuran functionality. 2. The DNA and plasma albumin adducts formed in vivo may be useful in the molecular dosimetry of these environmental carcinogens. 3. Monitoring of these adducts of AFB1 in biological samples so far indicates that aflatoxin is likely involved in the etiology of human liver cancer.