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Effect of ochratoxin A (OTA) on the activity of some enzymes in developing eggs ofAscaris suum

W Kuzna-Grygiel1, L Kolodziejczyk, K Janowicz

  • 1Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian University of Medicine, al. Powstalców Wlkp. 72, PL-71-110, Szczecin, Poland, kuzgryg@sci.pam.szczecin.pl.

Mycotoxin Research
|April 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Ochratoxin A (OTA) disrupts enzyme activity and embryonic development in Ascaris suum. This mycotoxin exhibits teratogenic effects, impacting key developmental stages and enzyme functions.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Toxicology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Ascaris suum is a significant nematode parasite.
  • Mycotoxins, like ochratoxin A (OTA), can pose risks to animal health.
  • Understanding the impact of toxins on parasite development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of 1-ppm ochratoxin A (OTA) on enzyme activity during Ascaris suum embryogenesis.
  • To assess the teratogenic potential of OTA on Ascaris suum embryos.
  • To determine if OTA penetrates Ascaris suum eggs.

Main Methods:

  • Incubation of Ascaris suum eggs in a 1-ppm ochratoxin A solution.
  • Assay of acid phosphatase (AcP), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity at different embryonic stages.
  • Observation of morphological and developmental processes like cleavage, gastrulation, and organogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Ochratoxin A (OTA) inhibited acid phosphatase (AcP) activity throughout Ascaris suum embryogenesis.
  • Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were reduced during cleavage and gastrulation but enhanced in larvae.
  • OTA caused developmental abnormalities, including inhibited cleavage, gastrulation, and organogenesis, indicating teratogenic effects.

Conclusions:

  • Ochratoxin A (OTA) exhibits teratogenic properties, disrupting Ascaris suum embryogenesis.
  • The observed enzyme activity changes and developmental defects suggest OTA interferes with critical metabolic pathways.
  • Granule presence in developing eggs implies OTA can penetrate the Ascaris suum egg.

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