Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turk Pediatri Arsivi, cilt.44, sa.4, ss.138-142, 2009 (SCI-Expanded)
Aim: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin type with important toxic effects including nephrotoxicity, and its exposure route is through different sources of food. The aim of this study is to determine the levels of OTA concentrations in children from different parts of Turkey, to assess the variances in different regions and to examine the possible relationship with sex, dietary habits and body mass index. Material and Method: Ochratoxin A levels were determined in the blood samples taken from children between 7-17 years (n=37) from Central Anatolia, Black Sea and Mediterranean Regions using ELISA technique. Serum OTA levels were determined as 0.59±0.08 ng/ml and daily OTA intake was determined as 0.82±0.11 ng/kg/day in whole study group. No differences were found in OTA levels in relation to sex. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the regions and serum OTA levels were lower than the other regions in children living in Mediterranean Region. Conclusions: The OTA intake levels were below the levels of tolerable daily intake levels given by World Health Organization. However, the overall effect exposure to mycotoxins including OTA must be taken into consideration and this can have an impact on the nephrotoxicity seen in children.