Stachybotrys chartarum, Trichothecene Mycotoxins, and Damp Building-Related Illn

[Guest guest]

Stachybotrys chartarum, Trichothecene Mycotoxins, and Damp Building-Related

Illness: New Insights into a Public Health Enigma (2008)

Pestka, J., Yike, Iwona, Dearborn, Dorr G., Ward, Marsha D. W., Harkema,

Jack R.

http://en.scientificcommons.org/49568949

Abstract

Damp building–related illnesses (DBRI) include a myriad of respiratory,

immunologic, and neurologic symptoms that are sometimes etiologically linked to

aberrant indoor growth of the toxic black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum. Although

supportive evidence for such linkages is limited, there are exciting new

findings about this enigmatic organism relative to its environmental

dissemination, novel bioactive components, unique cellular targets, and

molecular mechanisms of action which provide insight into the S. chartarum's

potential to evoke allergic sensitization, inflammation, and cytotoxicity in the

upper and lower respiratory tracts. Macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins,

produced by one chemotype of this fungus, are potent translational inhibitors

and stress kinase activators that appear to be a critical underlying cause for a

number of adverse effects. Notably, these toxins form covalent protein adducts

in vitro and in vivo and, furthermore, cause neurotoxicity and inflammation in

the nose and brain of the mouse. A second S. chartarum chemotype has recently

been shown to produce atranones—mycotoxins that can induce pulmonary

inflammation. Other biologically active products of this fungus that might

contribute to pathophysiologic effects include proteinases, hemolysins,

â-glucan, and spirocyclic drimanes. Solving the enigma of whether Stachybotrys

inhalation indeed contributes to DBRI will require studies of the

pathophysiologic effects of low dose chronic exposure to well-characterized,

standardized preparations of S. chartarum spores and mycelial fragments, and,

coexposures with other environmental cofactors. Such studies must be linked to

improved assessments of human exposure to this fungus and its bioactive

constituents in indoor air using both state-of-the-art sampling/analytical

methods and relevant biomarkers.

Publication details

Download http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/104/1/4

http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfm284

Publisher Oxford University Press

Repository HighWire Press OAI Repository (United States)

Keywords REVIEW

Type TEXT

Language English