title: Ochratoxin A and β2-microglobulin in BEN patients and controls.
abstract: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin naturally occurring in different foods. OTA is arguably a risk factor for Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN). The aims of this study are to (1) test the OTA-BEN association in BEN-groups and controls and (2) determine whether urine β2-microglobulin, a marker of impaired ability of the kidneys to re-absorb, is related to OTA. BEN patients had significantly higher OTA serum levels. Within the offspring, OTA was significantly related to higher β2-microglobulin excretion. OTA (2005/2006) was related to a higher incidence of BEN after 2008, providing further evidence that OTA is a risk factor for BEN.
authors: National Center of Public Health Protection, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria. p.jordanova@ncphp.government.bg
authors: Pavlina
authors: P
authors: Yordanova
authors: Karmaus
authors: K
authors: Wilfried
authors: Svetla
authors: S
authors: Tsolova
authors: Plamen
authors: P
authors: Dimitrov
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001449:Balkan Nephropathy / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009183:Mycotoxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D009793:Ochratoxins / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000502:physiology* / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D009183:Mycotoxins; D009793:Ochratoxins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; C025589:ochratoxin A