[Ochratoxin A genotoxicity, relation to renal tumors].

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin which has been implicated in Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN), a disease characterized by tubulonephritis and may be involved in the high incidence of urinary tract tumors associated to BEN. The prevalence of human ochratoxicosis is being determined in Tunisia. 100% of people suffering from chronic interstitial nephropathy of unknown etiology were ochratoxin A positive. These nephropathies are similar to Balkan Endemic Nephropathy. We prove an OTA genotoxic effects in patient suffering from this kind of nephropathy. OTA-DNA adducts formation has been detected in DNA of kidney tissues (biopsy). DNA adducts which are covalent complex between OTA and DNA base (Guanine), constitute first steps of the carcinogenesis process.