Estimation of Ochratoxin A in human blood of healthy Tunisian population.
Human exposure to Ochratoxin A (OTA) has been investigated in many Mediterranean countries, where OTA was found with a higher frequency in foodstuffs and blood samples. The aim of this study was to assess OTA concentrations in human blood serum in Tunisia and to evaluate the impact of several factors (age, origin, sex) on these prevalence reference values. One hundred and seven blood serum samples from healthy subjects were analyzed using a solid-phase extraction linked to a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. OTA values ranged from 0 to 3.43 ng/mL with a mean value of 0.49+/-0.67 ng/mL. OTA levels were higher in the Sahal group. Our results reflect OTA concentration previously detected for human blood in Tunisia. Origin, but not age and sex, may affect the OTA reference values.
Karima
Hmaissia-Khlifa
HK
Department of Biochemistry, Military Hospital of Tunis, Montfleury, Tunis 1008, Tunisia. azziz_mk@yahoo.fr
Ridha
Ghali
G
Zied
Aouni
A
Chekib
Mazigh
M
Salem
Machgoul
M
Abderrazek
Hedhili
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009793:Ochratoxins / Q000097:blood*; D014416:Tunisia; D055815:Young Adult
D002273:Carcinogens; D009793:Ochratoxins; C025589:ochratoxin A