The Potential Role of Aflatoxin-B1 in Breast Cancer Pathogenesis: Mechanistic Insights

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a highly toxic foodborne mycotoxin, has progressively been linked to serious, life-threatening health complications like cancer, particularly in the liver. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), AFB1 and its hydroxylated metabolite, aflatoxin M1, are classified as Group 1 and 2B human carcinogens, respectively. This IARC classification is attributed to the established link between AFB1 and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, the potential role of AFB1 in mammary carcinogenesis remains a mechanistically plausible hypothesis supported by preclinical laboratory models. This review integrates and synthesizes the findings from experimental and computational studies to elucidate the mechanisms linking AFB1 to mammary carcinogenesis. Overall, AFB1 contributes to breast cancer through interconnected genetic and metabolic mechanisms involving tumor-suppressing, oncogenic, cell-cycle, and apoptotic genes, regulating cancer pathways. Integrative transcriptomic and machine learning approaches have further identified potential mechanistic mediators and biomarkers. Nevertheless, neither malignant transformation nor a higher incidence of human breast cancer is established by these endpoints. Building on this framework, future research should clarify AFB1’s role in breast cancer, prioritize prospective human studies, and inform targeted therapeutic or preventive strategies.