Diabetogenic Effects of Ochratoxin A in Female Rats

Abstract

Abstract:In this study, diabetogenic effects of long term Ochratoxin A (OTA) administration in rats were investigated and its role in the etiology of diabetes mellitus (DM) was examined utilizing 42 female Wistar rats for these purposes. The rats were divided into 3 different study and control groups according to the duration of the OTA administration. Rats received 45 μg OTA daily in their feed for 6, 9 and 24 weeks study groups. Three control groups without any treatment were also used in the same periods. Blood and pancreatic tissue samples were collected during the necropsy at the end of 6, 9 and 24 weeks. Plasma values of insulin, glucagon and glucose in study and control groups were determined. Pancreatic lesions were evaluated by histopathological examination; then insulin and glucagon expression in these lesions were determined by immunohistochemical methods. Statistically significant decrease in insulin levels in contrast to increases in glucagon and glucose levels in blood were observed. Slight to moderate degeneration in Langerhans islet cells were observed at the histopathological examination in all OTA treated groups. Immunohistochemistry of pancreatic tissue revealed decreased insulin and increased glucagon expression. This study demonstrated that OTA may cause pancreatic damage in Langerhans islet and predispose rats to DM.

Risk assessment of ochratoxin A in food

“…The CONTAM Panel noted the inadequate study design and unclear reporting of the new studies (published after 2006) investigating the carcinogenic effects of OTA and considered that these provided only limited additional information on OTA carcinogenicity that could serve as a basis for quantitative risk assessment (Table ). Long‐term OTA administration of OTA to female Wistar rats was reported to cause toxic effects on the endocrine pancreas, suggesting diabetogenic potential of OTA (Mor et al., ). These effects were evident at a dose higher than those required for nephrotoxicity and renal tumour formation (Table ), and therefore did not provide a more sensitive endpoint of toxicity.…”

Fucoidan Ameliorates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, DNA Damage, and Hepatorenal Injuries in Diabetic Rats Intoxicated with Aflatoxin B1

“…There is a positive interaction between AFB 1 and diabetes in human subjects [11]. In addition, ochratoxin A induces toxic effects on the pancreatic tissue in a rat [12].…”

Associations between aflatoxin B1‐albumin adduct levels with metabolic conditions in Guatemala: A cross‐sectional study

“…For example, a recent study in female rats reported that long‐term exposure to Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin similar to AFB 1 , increases glucose levels and decreases insulin levels. 27 In addition, OTA may cause damage to the Langerhans islet cells of the pancreas. 27 Similarly, a study in chicks demonstrated elevated levels of glucose after administration of intraperitoneal OTA.…”

“… 27 In addition, OTA may cause damage to the Langerhans islet cells of the pancreas. 27 Similarly, a study in chicks demonstrated elevated levels of glucose after administration of intraperitoneal OTA. 28 The results are consistent with a rodent study that examined penitrem A, a potent mycotoxin elaborated by Aspergillus and other species, that has diabetogenic effects.…”