Toxigenic Molds In Damp Buildings (abstract + full article)

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Abstract

Epidemiological evidence suggests a possible association between

chronic exposures to toxigenic molds in damp water-damaged buildings

and high levels of cholesterol abnormalities that may represent a

high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Although, cholesterol has many

useful functions in the body, including its role in membrane

structure, brain tissue, fetal development and the biosynthesis of

other steroidal hormones, its harmful effects in the body have been

widely publicized. Although, the physiological status of cholesterol

in animals exposed to toxigenic molds have been reported, there is

not enough experimental evidence to support similar occurrence in

humans. The purpose of this review is to provide a basis for

discussion in the light of on-going research on the topic.The effects

of chronic toxigenic mold exposures on individuals in damp buildings

are reviewed to provide the background for better understanding of

their associations with the observed cholesterol abnormalities. The

structure, and the regulatory mechanisms of cholesterol biosynthesis

are assessed to identify the important enzymes interact with the

toxigenic molds and mycotoxins to which abnormalities are enhanced.

It was for this purpose that the effects of mycotoxins on metabolism,

cellular supply and utilization of cholesterol and bile acid

synthesis and related cardiovascular disease symptomology are

evaluated. The outcomes of the reviews showed that, persons exposed

to chronic toxigenic molds in damp buildings might be at risk of

cardiovascular diseases and other related disorders. This assumption

was based on the structural and functional activities highlighted by

the evidence from animal models of cholesterolemia: cholesterol LDL-

cholesterol/depression, atherosclerosis, premature coronary artery

disease (CAD) and neurogenetic aspects of hypercholesterolemia. Given

the fact that toxigenic molds release mycotoxins that affect human

health, and given the possibility that structurally, and

mechanistically, mycotoxins could adversely affect cholesterol

metabolism through interactions with the related enzymes and

disruption of cellular supply and utilization of cholesterol, and

bile acid synthesis, it is most likely that individuals exposed to

chronic toxigenic molds might be at risk of neurological disorders

including cardiovascular diseases and stroke.