SVIBOR - Project code: 3-01-137

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Project code: 3-01-137

Mycotoxins and their effect on human and animals health

Main researcher: FUCHS, RADOVAN (100071)

Assistants

ŠOŠTARIĆ, BRANKO (128741)
RADIĆ, BOŽICA (39615)
PERAICA, MAJA (113106)
UGLEŠIĆ, MIRO (120512)
MEĐUGORAC, MILA (175541)

Type of research: basic
Duration from: 01/01/91. to 12/31/94.

Papers on project (total): 24
Papers on project quoted in Current Contents: 9

Institution name: Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb (22)
Department/Institute: Department of toxicology
Address: Ksaverska cesta 2
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

Communication: Phone: 385 (0)41-434-188; Fax: 385 (0)41-274-572; E-mail: fuchs§olimp.irb.hr.

Summary: SUMMARY Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals of natural origin, secondarymetabolites produced by certain moulds which may cause diseasesand impairments of various organs and organic systems. The project study investigated relationship between mycotoxinexposure and the occurrence of some acute and chronic diseases inhuman and animals. Particular attention was focused on the roleof ochratoxin A, a nephrotoxic mycotoxin, in the aetiology of theprogressive endemic kidney disease known as Balkan endemicnephropathy. In addition to ochratoxin A, the project studydealt with some tremorgenic and oestrogen mycotoxins,contaminants of the working environment and human food chaincausing hazardous effects to human health. Mechanisms ofmycotoxin activity and the effect of selected xenobiotics on themould growth and production of toxins were investigated in orderto prevent their occurrence in the working environment and humanfood chain.

Keywords: Mycotoxins, ochratoxin A, Tremorogens, Balkan EndemicNephropathy, human and animal health

Research goals: Mycotoxins are toxins of natural origin. They were found hazardous to the health of men and animals, causing diseases and impairments of various organs and organic systems. As secondary metabolites of certain moulds, mycotoxins are nowadays widely investigated. There are hypotheses on the connection/relation between mycotoxins and occurrence of certain diseases, such as Balkan endemic nephropathy, extrinsic allergic alveolitis, development of certain forms of respiratory and neurologic diseases, and sterility of women occupationally exposed to a group of oestrogen mycotoxins. The aim of the investigations was to determine possible effects due to exposure to nephrotoxic, tremorgenic and oestrogenic mycotoxins and provide additional data of the mycotoxin mechanism of action. The obtained results will be used to develop a means to prevent human exposure, to establish early diagnostics before clinical symptoms and therapy of mycotoxicoses.

COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS

Name of institution: The Royal Institute of Technology
Type of institution: University/Faculty
City: Stockholm, Švedska
Name of institution: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Biomedical Centre
Type of institution: University/Faculty
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Name of institution: The Robens Institute of Health and Safety
Type of institution: University/Faculty
City: Guildford, Engleska
Name of institution: Medicinski centar Slavonski Brod
Type of institution: International organization
City: 35000 - Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Name of institution: Prehrambeno-biotehnološki fakultet
Type of institution: University/Faculty
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Name of institution: Veterinarski fakultet
Type of institution: University/Faculty
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia
Name of institution: Veterinarski Institut
Type of institution: University/Faculty
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

Other information about the project.


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Last update: 10/02/95
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