The relationship between ochratoxin A and blood pressure in adolescents

• Published in: Environmental toxicology and pharmacology 2022-10, Vol.95, p.103959-103959, Article 103959
• Main Authors: Erdal, İzzet, Yalçın, S. Songül
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adolescents; blood pressure; hypertension; Ochratoxin A
• ISSN: 1382-6689; 1872-7077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103959

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a chemical produced by some fungal species, and although its toxic effects have been shown in many animal studies, there are limited studies in humans. We aimed to examine the relationship between OTA and hypertension. 50 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and 33 healthy individuals aged between 12-14 were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, complete blood count, blood biochemical parameters, urine lead level and urine OTA level were measured. OTA was detected in the urine samples of 90.9% of the control group, 100% of the hypertensive group and 85.7% of the obese+hypertensive group. Median urinary OTA was 32.9ng/g creatinine for hypertensive group, 32.2ng/g creatinine for hypertensive+obese group, 18.8ng/g for the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between last quartile of urinary OTA level and being hypertensive [AOR:5.93 (95%CI: 1.27-27.61)] in adolescents without obesity. Hypertensive cases could be evaluated for OTA exposure in further studies. •OTA toxicity on different organs and systems has been shown in many animal studies.•Human studies are limited due to its known toxicity.•The relationship between OTA and hypertension in humans still is not clear.•There is a positive relationship between urinary OTA and the frequency of hypertension in children.