Efficient activation of aflatoxin B1 by cytochrome P450 2A13, an enzyme predominantly expressed in human respiratory tract.

The worldwide human exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), particularly in developing countries, remains to be a serious public health concern. Although AFB1 is best known as a hepatocarcinogen, epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between human lung cancer occurrence and inhalation exposure to AFB1. Cytochrome P450 (CYP)-catalyzed metabolic activation is required for AFB1 to exert its carcinogenicity.