Human ochratoxicosis and nephropathy in Egypt: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Nephrology
• Oncology

Background:

• Ochratoxicosis, a condition caused by ochratoxin A, is a potential health concern.
• The link between ochratoxin A exposure and renal disease, including end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and urothelial tumors, requires further investigation, particularly in Egypt.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and correlation of ochratoxin A in patients with various renal conditions and urothelial tumors in Egypt.
• To assess the potential role of ochratoxin A in the pathogenesis of ESRD and urothelial cancers.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving seven groups: ESRD patients (on conservative treatment and hemodialysis), renal allograft recipients, nephrotic syndrome patients, urothelial tumor patients, potential kidney donors, and healthy controls.
• Laboratory, radiological, and histopathological evaluations of kidney status.
• Quantification of ochratoxin A levels in serum, urine, and tissue biopsies (for urothelial tumor group).

Main Results:

• Significantly elevated serum ochratoxin A levels were observed in patients with ESRD (groups 1 and 2) compared to reference groups.
• Ochratoxin A was detected in serum and urine of renal transplant recipients (group 3) and nephrotic syndrome patients (group 4), with higher levels in the latter.
• Positive ochratoxin A detection in serum, urine, and tissue biopsies of patients with urothelial tumors (group 5).

Conclusions:

• Ochratoxin A exposure is strongly correlated with the development of renal disease leading to ESRD.
• Ochratoxin A may play a role in the genesis of urothelial cancer.
• Further comprehensive research on ochratoxicosis and its causal relationship with renal diseases in Egypt is recommended.