Some fungi in specific environmental conditions may produce mycotoxins, especially ochratoxin A. It is produced mainly by Aspergillus ochraceus, A. carbonarium and Penicillium verrucosum, and commonly occurs in foodstuff and feed products. Ochratoxin A is metabolized in the organism in the liver and excreted mainly by the urinary way as well as with bile and feces. After absorption by the organism, ochratoxin binds blood serum proteins, which retards its direct toxic action but elongates its half time. Ochratoxin A demonstrates a multifactorial pathological influence, especially nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, immunotoxic and carcinogenic. By damaging the mechanism responsible for the organic anion transport in epithelial cells brush border of the proximal convoluted tubules it causes kidney dysfunction. The disturbance of protein synthesis negatively influences mitotic divisions and differentiation of rapidly dividing cells in the immunologic system and mucus membrane of the digestive tract. Ochratoxin causes periodical inhibition of osteoblast proliferation, collagen fibers synthesis and bone mineralization. In humans ochratoxin is recognized as the main etiologic factor of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, while in pigs it causes a disease named mycotoxicose nephropathy.
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