Mechanisms of ochratoxin a induced carcinogenicity as a basis for an improved risk assessment

Objective

Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin which contaminates a variety of human food. In experimental animals, ochratoxin A is nephrotoxic and induces tumors, in the kidney, but also in other organs of rodents. In humans, exposure to high levels of ochratoxin An in diet has been linked with chronic renal disease (Balkan endemic nephropathy, interstitial nephritis) and an increased incidence of urinary tract tumours. The proposal includes novel approaches to study mechanisms of ochratoxin A tumorigenicity to kidney and combines studies in vivo and in relevant in vitro models to investigate the occurrence and nature of damage to DNA and other macromolecules induced by ochratoxin A and its metabolites. These studies include sophisticated analytical chemistry and applications of molecular biology to a toxicological problem. After completion, an improved understanding of mechanisms resulting in DNA-damage by ochratoxin A will be obtained.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › analytical chemistry
• natural sciences › biological sciences › genetics › DNA
• medical and health sciences › clinical medicine › nephrology
• medical and health sciences › health sciences › nutrition
• natural sciences › biological sciences › molecular biology

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-1. - Key action Food, Nutrition and Health

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF WUERZBURG

Address

Versbacher Strasse 9
97078 Wuerzburg
Germany

Participants (6)

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE

United Kingdom

Address

Prince Consort Road, Royal School Of Mines Buildi
SW7 2BP London

INSTITUT NATIONAL POLYTECHNIQUE DE TOULOUSE

France

Address

Avenue De L'agrobiopole
31326 Aureville

ISTITUTO SUPERIORE DI SANITA

Italy

Address

Viale Regina Elena 299
00161 Roma

NESTEC S.A.

Switzerland

Address

Vers-chez-les-blanc
1000 Lausanne

UNIVERSITY OF LAUSANE

Switzerland

Address

7,rue Du Bugnon 7
1005 Lausanne

UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DELLA TUSCIA

Italy

Address

Via S. Camillo De Lellis
01100 Viterbo