Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
09:12
A Protein Microarray Assay for Serological Determination of Antigen-specific Antibody Responses Following Clostridium difficile Infection
Published on: June 15, 2018
9.3K
Biochemical changes in pig serum after ochratoxin A exposure
Jelka Pleadin1, Nina Perši, Mario Mitak
1Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia. pleadin@veinst.hr
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|April 3, 2012
Summary
Ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure in pigs significantly altered serum biochemistry, increasing creatinine, urea, potassium, and alkaline phosphatase. These changes indicate potential liver and kidney damage from OTA contamination in feed.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Animal Biochemistry
- Food Safety
Background:
- Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a common mycotoxin found in animal feed.
- Subchronic exposure to mycotoxins can lead to significant health issues in livestock.
- Understanding OTA's impact on swine is crucial for food safety and animal welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effects of subchronic ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure on serum biochemical parameters in pigs.
- To assess the potential for liver and kidney dysfunction resulting from OTA ingestion.
Main Methods:
- Pigs were administered feed containing 300 μg OTA/kg for 30 days.
- Serum samples were collected and analyzed for key biochemical parameters.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant changes (p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- OTA treatment led to significantly elevated serum levels of creatinine, urea, potassium, and alkaline phosphatase.
- Serum glucose and total protein levels were significantly decreased in OTA-treated pigs.
- The observed biochemical alterations suggest impaired liver and kidney function.
Conclusions:
- Subchronic ochratoxin A exposure negatively impacts swine health.
- Serum biochemical analysis is a valuable tool for diagnosing OTA toxicity.
- OTA contamination in feed poses a risk to pig health, potentially affecting liver and kidney function.
