Ochratoxin C (OTC) is a derivative of ochratoxin, a type of fungal toxin, and belongs to the ethyl ester derivative of Ochratoxin A. Ochratoxin is mainly produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus genera[1].
In vitro, in THP-1 cells, exposure to Ochratoxin C (1ng/mL) for 15 days increased mitochondrial activity and IL-6 production, while impairing membrane integrity and inhibiting cell proliferation together with TNF-α and IL-8 production[2]. Treatment of PBMCs with Ochratoxin C (0.46-3000ng/mL) for 4-72h inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ of 300ng/mL, and significantly reduced intracellular free radical and TNF-α production at concentrations of 1-10ng/mL[3]. Ochratoxin C exhibited an LC₅₀ of 0.009mM in HeLa cells[4].
In vivo, Ochratoxin C was lethal to 6-month-old Mt. Shasta strain rainbow trout following intraperitoneal administration, with an LD₅₀ of 3mg/kg after a 10-day observation period[5].
References:
[1] Ringot D, Chango A, Schneider YJ, Larondelle Y. Toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of ochratoxin A, an update. Chem Biol Interact. 2006;159(1):18-46.
[2] Köhler H, Heller M, Erler W, Müller G. Effects of a long-term exposure with OTA or OTC on functions of a human monocytic cell line. Mycotoxin Res. 2003;19(2):108-112.
[3]Köhler H, Heller M, Erler W, Müller G, Rosner H, Gräfe U. Effect of ochratoxin A and ochratoxin C on the monocyte and lymphocyte function. Mycotoxin Res. 2002;18 Suppl 2:169-172.
[4] Xiao H, Madhyastha S, Marquardt RR, et al. Toxicity of ochratoxin A, its opened lactone form and several of its analogs: structure-activity relationships. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1996;137(2):182-192.
[5] Doster RC, Sinnhuber RO, Pawlowski NE. Acute intraperitoneal toxicity of ochratoxin A and B derivatives in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Food Cosmet Toxicol. 1974;12:499-505.