Inhibition of aflatoxin‐initiated preneoplastic liver lesions by low dietary protein

Abstract

The development of aflatoxin B1‐induced hepatic preneoplastic lesions was significantly modified by varying the level of dietary casein fed to animals during the post‐dosing period. Using γ‐glutamyl transferase staining to identify areas of cellular alteration, we observed that animals fed a 5% casein diet showed a 75% reduction in lesion development as compared to animals fed a 20% casein diet. Increasing the level of dietary casein from 20 % to 40% produced no further increase in response. The results of the study, showing an inhibition in the preneoplastic development by a reduction of dietary casein after aflatoxin dosing, suggest that low dietary casein inhibits the promotional phase of the ultimate neoplastic response.