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Carcinogenicity of ochratoxin A in experimental animals
1National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Abstract:
The carcinogenicity of ochratoxin A, a naturally occurring mycotoxin of the fungal genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, was evaluated in three strains of mice and in one strain of rats. The kidney, and in particular the tubular epithelial cells, was the major target organ for ochratoxin A-induced lesions. In male ddY and DDD mice, atypical hyperplasia, cystadenomas and carcinomas of the renal tubular cells were induced, as were neoplastic nodules and hepatocyte tumours of the liver. In B6C3F1 mice, tubular-cell adenomas and carcinomas of the kidneys were induced in male mice, and the incidences of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas were increased in male and female mice. In male and female F344 rats, ochratoxin A induced nonneoplastic (degeneration, karyomegaly, proliferation, cytoplasmic alteration, hyperplasia) and neoplastic effects (adenomas, and carcinomas with metastases) in the kidneys; the incidence of fibroadenomas of the mammary glands was also increased in female rats. Other studies on ochratoxin A were considered inadequate for evaluating the presence or absence of a carcinogenic effect; however, these are mentioned and referenced below. The collective experimental findings, together with accumulating evidence in humans, forecast further toxic and carcinogenic effects in humans exposed to ochratoxin A, mainly via foodstuffs.
Insights
Ochratoxin A, a fungal mycotoxin, caused kidney and liver tumors in mice and rats. Exposure may pose further carcinogenic risks to humans, primarily through contaminated foodstuffs.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Mycotoxicology
- Carcinogenesis
Background:
- Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi.
- Mycotoxins are known contaminants in foodstuffs, posing potential health risks.
- Understanding the carcinogenicity of ochratoxin A is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the carcinogenic potential of ochratoxin A in animal models.
- To identify target organs and specific tumor types induced by ochratoxin A.
- To assess the relevance of animal findings to human health risks.
Main Methods:
- Administered ochratoxin A to three strains of mice and one strain of rats.
- Monitored for non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions in various organs.
- Histopathological examination of tissues to confirm tumor development.
Main Results:
- Kidneys were the primary target organ, with induced renal tubular cell lesions, adenomas, and carcinomas in mice and rats.
- Liver tumors (hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas) were observed in male mice.
- Increased incidence of mammary gland fibroadenomas in female rats.
Conclusions:
- Ochratoxin A exhibits significant carcinogenic activity in rodents, targeting the kidneys and liver.
- Findings suggest a potential for ochratoxin A to cause cancer in humans, particularly through dietary exposure.
- Further research and regulatory measures are warranted to mitigate human exposure to this mycotoxin.
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