Citrinin
Also known as: CTN
Overview
A nephrotoxic mycotoxin produced by Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus citricus, and Monascus species. Citrinin frequently co-occurs with Ochratoxin A in water-damaged buildings and contaminated food, and their combined nephrotoxic effect is synergistic. It is metabolized to dihydrocitrinin (DH-CTN), which is also detectable by HRMS in PBMCs.
Primary Sources
Inhalation in water-damaged buildings with Penicillium or Aspergillus growth; contaminated cereals, rice, wheat, and fruit juices; red yeast rice supplements (Monascus fermentation).
Health Effects
Nephrotoxicity (synergistic with OTA), hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, possible carcinogenicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and renal tubular damage.
Detection Method
This toxin is detected and quantified using HRMS (LC or GC) analysis of isolated PBMCs. The intracellular accumulation of this compound in lymphocytes and monocytes provides a more accurate reflection of chronic systemic burden than conventional serum or urine testing.