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Toxicological properties of citrinin
1Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia. dfl ajs@imi.hr
Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju
|January 12, 2010
Summary
Citrinin (CTN) is a toxic mold byproduct found in cereals, potentially causing kidney damage and developmental issues. Its presence alongside ochratoxin A (OTA) raises concerns about widespread human exposure and health risks.
Area of Science:
- * Mycology and Toxicology
- * Food Safety and Contaminant Analysis
Background:
- * Citrinin (CTN) is a nephrotoxic mycotoxin produced by Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Monascus fungi.
- * It frequently contaminates cereals and is often found with ochratoxin A (OTA), another nephrotoxic mycotoxin.
- * CTN and OTA are implicated in the etiology of endemic nephropathy and exhibit embryocidal and fetotoxic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the toxicological profile of Citrinin (CTN).
- * To assess the genotoxic properties and potential mechanisms of CTN toxicity.
- * To evaluate the extent of CTN contamination in food and feed and its implications for human exposure.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review on Citrinin (CTN) toxicity, genotoxicity, and occurrence.
- * Analysis of studies using the micronucleus test (MN) for genotoxicity assessment.
- * Comparison of CTN contamination patterns with Ochratoxin A (OTA).
Main Results:
- * Citrinin (CTN) demonstrates nephrotoxicity, embryocidal, and fetotoxic effects.
- * Genotoxic potential confirmed by the micronucleus test (MN), but not by single-cell gel electrophoresis.
- * CTN requires cellular biotransformation for mutagenicity; mechanisms involving oxidative stress or mitochondrial permeability are under investigation.
- * While CTN contamination is considered scarce, co-occurrence with OTA suggests higher human exposure than generally accepted.
Conclusions:
- * Citrinin (CTN) poses significant health risks, including kidney damage and developmental toxicity.
- * Understanding CTN's toxicological mechanisms and genotoxicity is crucial.
- * Increased surveillance and regulatory measures for CTN in food and feed are warranted due to potential widespread human exposure.
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