Posted by Mike B. on 2/05/08

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Stachybotrys chartarum, Trichothecene Mycotoxins, and Damp
Building-Related Illness: New Insights into a Public Health
Enigma.

Pestka JJ, Yike I, Dearborn DG, Ward MD, Harkema JR.
Center for Integrative Toxicology.

Damp building-related illnesses (DRBI) 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 are 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,
beta-glucan and spirocyclic drimanes. Solving the enigma of
whether Stachybotrys inhalation indeed contributes to DRBI
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, co-exposures 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.

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