Biochemical alterations induced by citrinin in cultured kidney epithelial cell systems

Citrinin is a fungal metabolite and a common food contaminant. Cytotoxicity of this nephrotoxic mycotoxin in renal epithelial cells was recently reported. The primary effect of this chemical was on the adherence of cells to the culture dish. We have evaluated the effect of citrinin on macromolecular syntheses and selected cellular enzymes in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells and primary fetal bovine kidney (PFBK) cultures. Citrinin inhibited the synthesis of macromolecules, especially DNA, perhaps due to inhibition of the transport of precursor compounds into the cells. Protein and RNA synthesis followed a parallel trend. Enzyme activities, namely K⁺-dependent phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase, were subsequently reduced. The cellular enzyme activities were not directly influenced by the presence of citrinin. Results suggested that citrinin affects cellular metabolism leading to cytotoxicity in renal cells.Published as Utah State University Agricultural Experiment State Journal Paper Number 3338.