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Saghir SA, Ansari RA. HLA gene variations and mycotoxin toxicity: Four case reports. Mycotoxin Res 2024; 40:159-173. [PMID: 38198040 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-023-00517-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are produced by certain molds that can cause many health effects. We present four human cases of prolonged consistent mycotoxins exposure linked to genetic variations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. The HLA-DR/DQ isotype alleles are linked to mycotoxins susceptibility due to the lack of proper immune response; individuals with these alleles are poor eliminators of mycotoxins from their system. Four subjects with variations in their HLA-DR alleles were exposed to mycotoxins from living in mold-infested houses and experienced persistent mold-related symptoms long after moving out from the mold-infested houses and only exposed to the levels of molds found in the ambient air. From one of the subjects, two urine samples were collected ~ 18 months apart after the cessation of exposure. Urinary elimination rate was extremely slow for two of the mycotoxins (ochratoxin A [OTA] and mycophenolic acid [MPA]) detected in both samples. In 18 months, decline in OTA level was only ~ 3-fold (estimated t½ of ~ 311 days) and decline in MPA level was ~ 11-fold (estimated t½ of ~ 160 days), which was ~ 10- and ~ 213-fold slower than expected in individuals without HLA-DR alleles, respectively. We estimated that ~ 4.3 and ~ 2.2 years will be required for OTA and MPA to reach < LLQ in urine, respectively. Three other subjects with variations in HLA-DR alleles were members of a family who lived in a mold-infested house for 4 years. They kept experiencing mold-related issues >2 years after moving to a non-mold-infested house. Consistent exposure was confirmed by the presence of several mycotoxins in urine >2 years after the secession of higher than background (from outdoor ambient air) exposure. This was consistent with the extremely slow elimination of mycotoxins from their system. Variations in HLA-DR alleles can, consequently, make even short periods of exposure to chronic exposure scenarios with related adverse health effects. It is, therefore, important to determine genetic predisposition as a reason for prolonged/lingering mold-related symptoms long after the cessation of higher than background exposure. Increased human exposure to mycotoxins is expected from increased mold infestation that is anticipated due to rising CO2, temperature, and humidity from the climate change with possibly increased adverse health effects, especially in individuals with genetic susceptibility to mold toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakil Ahmed Saghir
- ToxInternational Inc, Hilliard, OH, USA.
- Mold Law Group, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan Univ, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
| | - Rais Ahmed Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Health Professions Division, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
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Mold, Mycotoxins and a Dysregulated Immune System: A Combination of Concern? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212269. [PMID: 34830149 PMCID: PMC8619365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi represent one of the most diverse and abundant eukaryotes on earth. The interplay between mold exposure and the host immune system is still not fully elucidated. Literature research focusing on up-to-date publications is providing a heterogenous picture of evidence and opinions regarding the role of mold and mycotoxins in the development of immune diseases. While the induction of allergic immune responses by molds is generally acknowledged, other direct health effects like the toxic mold syndrome are controversially discussed. However, recent observations indicate a particular importance of mold/mycotoxin exposure in individuals with pre-existing dysregulation of the immune system, due to exacerbation of underlying pathophysiology including allergic and non-allergic chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and even human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression. In this review, we focus on the impact of mycotoxins regarding their impact on disease progression in pre-existing immune dysregulation. This is complemented by experimental in vivo and in vitro findings to present cellular and molecular modes of action. Furthermore, we discuss hypothetical mechanisms of action, where evidence is missing since much remains to be discovered.
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International expert consensus on the management of allergic rhinitis (AR) aggravated by air pollutants: Impact of air pollution on patients with AR: Current knowledge and future strategies. World Allergy Organ J 2020; 13:100106. [PMID: 32256939 PMCID: PMC7132263 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis affects the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. Air pollution not only causes morbidity, but nearly 3 million people per year die from unhealthy indoor air exposure. Furthermore, allergic rhinitis and air pollution interact. This report summarizes the discussion of an International Expert Consensus on the management of allergic rhinitis aggravated by air pollution. The report begins with a review of indoor and outdoor air pollutants followed by epidemiologic evidence showing the impact of air pollution and climate change on the upper airway and allergic rhinitis. Mechanisms, particularly oxidative stress, potentially explaining the interactions between air pollution and allergic rhinitis are discussed. Treatment for the management of allergic rhinitis aggravated by air pollution primarily involves treating allergic rhinitis by guidelines and reducing exposure to pollutants. Fexofenadine a non-sedating oral antihistamine improves AR symptoms aggravated by air pollution. However, more efficacy studies on other pharmacological therapy of coexisting AR and air pollution are currently lacking.
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Key Words
- AER, Allergic eosinophilic rhinitis
- AP, Activator protein
- AR, Allergic rhinitis
- ARE, Antioxidant response element
- Air pollutants
- Air pollution
- Allergic rhinitis
- Antioxidant enzymes
- CFS, Chronic fatigue syndrome
- CO, Carbon monoxide
- COPD, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Climate change
- DAMP, Damage-associated molecular patterns
- DEP, Diesel exhaust particles
- ECAT, Elemental carbon attributable to traffic
- ECP, Eosinophil cationic protein
- GSH-Px, Glutathione peroxidase
- HDM, House dust mites
- HEPA, High efficiency particulate air
- HO, Hemeoxygenase
- HVAC, Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- IAP, Indoor air pollution
- IAQ, Indoor air quality
- INS, Intranasal steroids
- Indoor air quality
- LDH, Lactate dehydrogenase
- MCP, Monocyte chemotactic protein
- MSQPCR, Mold specific quantitative PCR
- NAR, Non allergic rhinitis
- NF-κβ, Nuclear factor kappa β
- NO2, Nitrogen dioxide
- NOx, Nitric oxides
- Nrf2, Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor
- O3, Ozone
- OAP, Outdoor air pollution
- Occupational rhinitis
- Oxidative stress
- PAMP, Pathogen-associated molecular patterns
- PM, Particulate matter
- PON, Paraoxonase
- RNS, Reactive nitrosative species
- ROS, Reactive oxygen species
- SO2, Sulphur dioxide
- SOD, Superoxide dismutase
- TLR, Toll like receptor
- TNF, Tumor necrosis factor
- TOS, Total oxidative status
- TRAP, Traffic related air pollutants
- UFP, Ultra-fine particles
- VOCs, Volatile organic compound
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Tu B, Yin G, Li H. Synergistic effects of vorinostat (SAHA) and azoles against Aspergillus species and their biofilms. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:28. [PMID: 32028887 PMCID: PMC7006160 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-1718-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive aspergillosis is a fungal infection that occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients. It is responsible for a high degree of mortality and is invariably unresponsive to conventional antifungal treatments. Histone deacetylase inhibitors can affect the cell cycle, apoptosis and differentiation. The histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat (SAHA) has recently received approval for the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Here, we investigated the interactions of SAHA and itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole against Aspergillus spp. in vitro using both planktonic cells and biofilms. RESULTS We investigated 20 clinical strains using broth microdilution checkerboard methods. The results showed synergy between SAHA and itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole against 60, 40, and 25% of tested isolates of planktonic Aspergillus spp., respectively. Similar synergy was also observed against Aspergillus biofilms. The expression of the azole-associated multidrug efflux pumps MDR1, MDR2, MDR3 and MDR4, as well as that of HSP90, was measured by RT-PCR. The results indicated that the molecular mechanism of the observed synergistic effects in Aspergillus fumigatus may be partly associated with dampened expression of the efflux pump genes and, furthermore, that HSP90 suppression may be a major contributor to the observed synergistic effects of the drugs. CONCLUSIONS SAHA has potential as a secondary treatment to enhance the effects of azoles against both biofilm and planktonic cells of Aspergillus spp. in vitro. This effect occurs mostly by inhibition of HSP90 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Gendi Yin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
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El Khoury D, Fayjaloun S, Nassar M, Sahakian J, Aad PY. Updates on the Effect of Mycotoxins on Male Reproductive Efficiency in Mammals. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E515. [PMID: 31484408 PMCID: PMC6784030 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are ubiquitous and unavoidable harmful fungal products with the ability to cause disease in both animals and humans, and are found in almost all types of foods, with a greater prevalence in hot humid environments. These mycotoxins vary greatly in structure and biochemical effects; therefore, by better understanding the toxicological and pathological aspects of mycotoxins, we can be better equipped to fight the diseases, as well as the biological and economic devastations, they induce. Multiple studies point to the association between a recent increase in male infertility and the increased occurrence of these mycotoxins in the environment. Furthermore, understanding how mycotoxins may induce an accumulation of epimutations during parental lifetimes can shed light on their implications with respect to fertility and reproductive efficiency. By acknowledging the diversity of mycotoxin molecular function and mode of action, this review aims to address the current limited knowledge on the effects of these chemicals on spermatogenesis and the various endocrine and epigenetics patterns associated with their disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diala El Khoury
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Salma Fayjaloun
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Marc Nassar
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Sahakian
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon
| | - Pauline Y Aad
- Department of Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mosbeh 2207, Lebanon.
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Ferreira Lopes S, Vacher G, Ciarlo E, Savova-Bianchi D, Roger T, Niculita-Hirzel H. Primary and Immortalized Human Respiratory Cells Display Different Patterns of Cytotoxicity and Cytokine Release upon Exposure to Deoxynivalenol, Nivalenol and Fusarenon-X. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110337. [PMID: 29068378 PMCID: PMC5705952 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The type B trichothecene mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV) and fusarenon-X (FX) are structurally related secondary metabolites frequently produced by Fusarium on wheat. Consequently, DON, NIV and FX contaminate wheat dusts, exposing grain workers to toxins by inhalation. Those trichothecenes at low, relevant, exposition concentrations have differential effects on intestinal cells, but whether such differences exist with respiratory cells is mostly unknown, while it is required to assess the combined risk of exposure to mycotoxins. The goal of the present study was to compare the effects of DON, NIV and FX alone or in combination on the viability and IL-6 and IL-8-inducing capacity of human epithelial cells representative of the respiratory tract: primary human airway epithelial cells of nasal (hAECN) and bronchial (hAECB) origin, and immortalized human bronchial (16HBE14o-) and alveolar (A549) epithelial cell lines. We report that A549 cells are particularly resistant to the cytotoxic effects of mycotoxins. FX is more toxic than DON and NIV for all epithelial cell types. Nasal and bronchial primary cells are more sensitive than bronchial and alveolar cell lines to combined mycotoxin mixtures at low concentrations, although they are less sensitive to mycotoxins alone. Interactions between mycotoxins at low concentrations are rarely additive and are observed only for DON/NIV and NIV/FX on hAECB cells and DON/NIV/FX on A549 cells. Most interactions at low mycotoxin concentrations are synergistic, antagonistic interactions being observed only for DON/FX on hAECB, DON/NIV on 16HBE14o- and NIV/FX on A549 cells. DON, NIV and FX induce, albeit at different levels, IL-6 and IL-8 release by all cell types. However, NIV and FX at concentrations of low cytotoxicity induce IL-6 release by hAECB and A549 cells, and IL-8 release by hAECN cells. Overall, these data suggest that combined exposure to mycotoxins at low concentrations have a stronger effect on primary nasal epithelial cells than on bronchial epithelial cells and activate different inflammatory pathways. This information is particularly relevant for future studies about the hazard of occupational exposure to mycotoxins by inhalation and its impact on the respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ferreira Lopes
- Service of Occupational Hygiene, Institute for Work and Health (IST), University of Lausanne and Geneva, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
| | - Gaëlle Vacher
- Service of Occupational Hygiene, Institute for Work and Health (IST), University of Lausanne and Geneva, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
| | - Eleonora Ciarlo
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
| | - Dessislava Savova-Bianchi
- Service of Occupational Hygiene, Institute for Work and Health (IST), University of Lausanne and Geneva, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
| | - Thierry Roger
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
| | - Hélène Niculita-Hirzel
- Service of Occupational Hygiene, Institute for Work and Health (IST), University of Lausanne and Geneva, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland.
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7
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Doyon P, Johansson O. Electromagnetic fields may act via calcineurin inhibition to suppress immunity, thereby increasing risk for opportunistic infection: Conceivable mechanisms of action. Med Hypotheses 2017; 106:71-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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8
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Somppi TL. Non-Thyroidal Illness Syndrome in Patients Exposed to Indoor Air Dampness Microbiota Treated Successfully with Triiodothyronine. Front Immunol 2017; 8:919. [PMID: 28824644 PMCID: PMC5545575 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term exposure to dampness microbiota induces multi-organ morbidity. One of the symptoms related to this disorder is non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). A retrospective study was carried out in nine patients with a history of mold exposure, experiencing chronic fatigue, cognitive disorder, and different kinds of hypothyroid symptoms despite provision of levothyroxine (3,5,3',5'-tetraiodothyronine, LT4) monotherapy. Exposure to volatile organic compounds present in water-damaged buildings including metabolic products of toxigenic fungi and mold-derived inflammatory agents can lead to a deficiency or imbalance of many hormones, such as active T3 hormone. Since the 1970s, the synthetic prohormone, levothyroxine (LT4), has been the most commonly prescribed thyroid hormone in replacement monotherapy. It has been presumed that the peripheral conversion of T4 (3,5,3',5'-tetraiodothyronine) into T3 (3,5,3'-triiodothyronine) is sufficient to satisfy the overall tissue requirements. However, evidence is presented that this not the case for all patients, especially those exposed to indoor air molds. This retrospective study describes the successful treatment of nine patients in whom NTIS was treated with T3-based thyroid hormone. The treatment was based on careful interview, clinical monitoring, and laboratory analysis of serum free T3 (FT3), reverse T3 (rT3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T4, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) values. The ratio of FT3/rT3 was calculated. In addition, some patients received adrenal support with hydrocortisone and DHEA. All patients received nutritional supplementation and dietary instructions. During the therapy, all nine patients reported improvements in all of the symptom groups. Those who had residual symptoms during T3-based therapy remained exposed to indoor air molds in their work places. Four patients were unable to work and had been on disability leave for a long time during LT4 monotherapy. However, during the T3-based and supportive therapy, all patients returned to work in so-called "healthy" buildings. The importance of avoiding mycotoxin exposure via the diet is underlined as DIO2 genetic polymorphism and dysfunction of DIO2 play an important role in the development of symptoms that can be treated successfully with T3 therapy.
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Daschner A. An Evolutionary-Based Framework for Analyzing Mold and Dampness-Associated Symptoms in DMHS. Front Immunol 2017; 7:672. [PMID: 28119688 PMCID: PMC5220099 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Among potential environmental harmful factors, fungi deserve special consideration. Their intrinsic ability to actively germinate or infect host tissues might determine a prominent trigger in host defense mechanisms. With the appearance of fungi in evolutionary history, other organisms had to evolve strategies to recognize and cope with them. Existing controversies around dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome (DMHS) can be due to the great variability of clinical symptoms but also of possible eliciting factors associated with mold and dampness. An hypothesis is presented, where an evolutionary analysis of the different response patterns seen in DMHS is able to explain the existing variability of disease patterns. Classical interpretation of immune responses and symptoms are addressed within the field of pathophysiology. The presented evolutionary analysis seeks for the ultimate causes of the vast array of symptoms in DMHS. Symptoms can be interpreted as induced by direct (toxic) actions of spores, mycotoxins, or other fungal metabolites, or on the other side by the host-initiated response, which aims to counterbalance and fight off potentially deleterious effects or fungal infection. Further, individual susceptibility of immune reactions can confer an exaggerated response, and magnified symptoms are then explained in terms of immunopathology. IgE-mediated allergy fits well in this scenario, where individuals with an atopic predisposition suffer from an exaggerated response to mold exposure, but studies addressing why such responses have evolved and if they could be advantageous are scarce. Human history is plenty of plagues and diseases connected with mold exposure, which could explain vulnerability to mold allergy. Likewise, multiorgan symptoms in DMHS are analyzed for its possible adaptive role not only in the defense of an active infection, but also as evolved mechanisms for avoidance of potentially harmful environments in an evolutionary past or present setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Daschner
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Servicio de Alergia , Madrid , Spain
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10
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Došen I, Nielsen KF, Clausen G, Andersen B. Potentially harmful secondary metabolites produced by indoor Chaetomium species on artificially and naturally contaminated building materials. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:34-46. [PMID: 26880675 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The presence of the fungal genus Chaetomium and its secondary metabolites in indoor environments is suspected to have a negative impact on human health and well-being. About 200 metabolites have been currently described from Chaetomium spp., but only the bioactive compound group, chaetoglobosins, have been screened for and thus detected in buildings. In this study, we used a liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry approach to screen both artificially and naturally infected building materials for all the Chaetomium metabolites described in the literature. Pure agar cultures were also investigated to establish differences between metabolite production in vitro and on building materials as well as in comparison with non-indoor reference strains. On building materials, six different chaetoglobosins were detected in total concentrations of up to 950 mg/m2 from Chaetomium globosum along with three different chaetoviridins/chaetomugilins in concentrations up to 200 mg/m2 . Indoor Chaetomium spp. preferred wood-based materials over gypsum, both in terms of growth rate and metabolite production. Cochliodones were detected for the first time on all building materials infected by both C. globosum and Chaetomium elatum and are thus candidates as Chaetomium biomarkers. No sterigmatocystin was produced by Chaetomium spp. from indoor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Došen
- Section for Eukaryotic Biotechnology, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - K F Nielsen
- Section for Eukaryotic Biotechnology, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - G Clausen
- Department of Civil Engineering, International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - B Andersen
- Section for Eukaryotic Biotechnology, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Wentzel JF, Lombard MJ, Du Plessis LH, Zandberg L. Evaluation of the cytotoxic properties, gene expression profiles and secondary signalling responses of cultured cells exposed to fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone mycotoxins. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:2265-2282. [PMID: 27757495 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1872-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by a range of fungi and are common contaminants of agricultural crops. These toxins are chemically diverse and structurally stable, enabling them to enter the food chain which can lead to numerous adverse health effects in animals and humans. Although mycotoxin exposure is associated with the development of several cancers, it has proved challenging to show a direct connection between exposure and oncogenic change. This study investigates the in vitro cytotoxicity, molecular mechanisms and secondary signalling responses associated with the exposure to three major mycotoxins, fumonisin B1 (FB1), deoxynivalenol (Don) and zearalenone (Zea). The cytotoxicity of FB1, Don and Zea were investigated in cultured HepG2 and Caco-2 cells using cell viability assays as well as flow cytometry. FB1 proved to be less cytotoxic than its counterparts, while Don and Zea demonstrated high cytotoxicity through an apoptotic mechanism. Expression profiles of 84 genes involved in mediating communication between tumour cells and the cellular mediators of inflammation as well as the innate immune system were also studied. The expression profiles associated with the different mycotoxins were further explored for functional networks, biological functions, canonical pathways, toxicological association as well as to predict network associations between the differentially expressed genes. RT-qPCR revealed the significant differential expression of 46 genes, including the expression of several genes strongly associated with cancer and aberrant inflammatory signalling, after mycotoxin exposure. Aberrant inflammatory signalling seems to be a credible contributing factor that initiates the malignant change observed in cells exposed to mycotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes F Wentzel
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Martani J Lombard
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Lissinda H Du Plessis
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Lizelle Zandberg
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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12
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Gunn SR, Gunn GG, Mueller FW. Reversal of Refractory Ulcerative Colitis and Severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms Arising from Immune Disturbance in an HLA-DR/DQ Genetically Susceptible Individual with Multiple Biotoxin Exposures. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2016; 17:320-5. [PMID: 27165859 PMCID: PMC4913732 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.896949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Patient: Male, 25 Final Diagnosis: Ulcerative colitis and chronic fatigue syndrome Symptoms: Colitis • profound fatigue • multi-joint pain • cognitive impairment • corneal keratitis Medication: — Clinical Procedure: VIP replacement therapy Specialty: Family Medicine
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly R Gunn
- Department of Genomic Pathology, Targeted Genomics, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - G Gibson Gunn
- Department of Genomic Pathology, Targeted Genomics, San Antonio, TX, USA
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13
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Nevalainen A, Täubel M, Hyvärinen A. Indoor fungi: companions and contaminants. INDOOR AIR 2015; 25:125-56. [PMID: 25601374 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This review discusses the role of fungi and fungal products in indoor environments, especially as agents of human exposure. Fungi are present everywhere, and knowledge for indoor environments is extensive on their occurrence and ecology, concentrations, and determinants. Problems of dampness and mold have dominated the discussion on indoor fungi. However, the role of fungi in human health is still not well understood. In this review, we take a look back to integrate what cultivation-based research has taught us alongside more recent work with cultivation-independent techniques. We attempt to summarize what is known today and to point out where more data is needed for risk assessment associated with indoor fungal exposures. New data have demonstrated qualitative and quantitative richness of fungal material inside and outside buildings. Research on mycotoxins shows that just as microbes are everywhere in our indoor environments, so too are their metabolic products. Assessment of fungal exposures is notoriously challenging due to the numerous factors that contribute to the variation of fungal concentrations in indoor environments. We also may have to acknowledge and incorporate into our understanding the complexity of interactions between multiple biological agents in assessing their effects on human health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nevalainen
- Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
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14
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Immune responses to airborne fungi and non-invasive airway diseases. Semin Immunopathol 2014; 37:83-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-014-0471-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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