title: Effects ofPistacia atlantica subsp. kurdicaon Growth and Aflatoxin Production byAspergillus parasiticus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aflatoxins are highly toxic secondary metabolites mainly produced byAspergillus parasiticus. This species can contaminate a wide range of agricultural commodities, including cereals, peanuts, and crops in the field. In recent years, research on medicinal herbs, such asPistacia atlantica subsp. kurdica, have led to reduced microbial growth, and these herbs also have a particular effect on the production of aflatoxins as carcinogenic compounds.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we to examineP. atlantica subsp. kurdicaas a natural compound used to inhibit the growth ofA. parasiticusand to act as an anti-mycotoxin.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing ofP. atlantica subsp. kurdicaforA. parasiticuswas performed according to CLSI document M38-A2. The rate of aflatoxin production was determined using the HPLC technique after exposure to different concentrations (62.5 - 125 mg/mL) of the gum. The changes in expression levels of theaflRgene were analyzed with a quantitative real-time PCR assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed thatP. atlantica subsp. kurdicacan inhibitA. parasiticusgrowth at a concentration of 125 mg/mL. HPLC results revealed a significant decrease in aflatoxin production with 125 mg/mL ofP. atlantica subsp. kurdica, and AFL-B1 production was entirely inhibited. Based on quantitative real-time PCR results, the rate ofaflRgene expression was significantly decreased after treatment withP. atlantica subsp. kurdica.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pistacia atlantica subsp. kurdicahas anti-toxic properties in addition to an inhibitory effect onA. parasiticusgrowth, and is able to decrease aflatoxin production effectively in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, this herbal extract maybe considered a potential anti-mycotoxin agent in medicine or industrial agriculture.
authors: Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, IR Iran; Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Sadegh
authors: S
authors: Khodavaisy
authors: Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Sassan
authors: S
authors: Rezaie
authors: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Varamin-Pishva, IR Iran.
authors: Fatemeh
authors: F
authors: Noorbakhsh
authors: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Varamin-Pishva, IR Iran.
authors: Elham
authors: E
authors: Baghdadi
authors: Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors: Somayeh
authors: S
authors: Sharifynia
authors: Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, IR Iran.
authors: Farzad
authors: F
authors: Aala
keywords: Aflatoxin; Aspergillus parasiticus; HPLC; Pistacia atlantica subsp. Kurdica; Real-Time PCR