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Detection of trichothecene mycotoxins in sera from individuals exposed to Stachybotrys chartarum in indoor environments

Brasel TL, Campbell AW, Demers RE +5 more2004Archives of Environmental Health An International JournalJournal Article
10.3200/aeoh.58.6.317-323PubMed
CardiovascularEndocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateMusculoskeletalNeurologicalOcularRespiratory/Sinus
Bacterial EndotoxinsIndoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Water-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

To date, no study has effectively demonstrated a direct human exposure to mycotoxins in mold-contaminated buildings. Therefore, the authors investigated the presence of trichothecene mycotoxins in sera from individuals exposed to indoor molds (specifically Stachybotrys chartarum). Sera from occupants of contaminated (test samples, n=44) and uncontaminated (control samples, n=26) buildings were analyzed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) highly specific for macrocyclic trichothecenes. Twenty-three samples were significantly different (p < 0.05) from normal human serum tested in the same manner, whereas only 1 of the control samples tested positive. Mass spectrometry analysis could not confirm the presence of intact S. chartarum macrocyclic trichothecenes. The authors hypothesize that this result was caused by uncharacterized ELISA-reactive metabolic breakdown products. Data from this study suggest that trichothecene mycotoxins can be demonstrated in the tissues of certain individuals exposed to S. chartarum in contaminated buildings.

Key Biomarkers

Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)Immunoglobulin E (IgE)LeptinMatrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS)

Symptom Clusters

Autonomic: excessive thirst, frequent urination, night sweats, mood swings, appetite swingsFatigue, muscle aches, joint painNeurological: headache, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, word finding difficultyRespiratory: cough, shortness of breath, sinus congestionSensory: light sensitivity, ice pick pain, tingling in extremities

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  • Mold and Mycotoxin Exposure and Brain DisordersJournal of Integrative Neuroscience · 2023
  • Stachybotrys chartarum, Trichothecene Mycotoxins, and Damp Building–Related Illness: New Insights into a Public Health EnigmaToxicological Sciences · 2008
  • Mycotoxin Adducts on Human Serum Albumin: Biomarkers of Exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum

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    14 shared tags