Re: Abstract of Study - Discuss This

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Mike B.:

Make that reference # 84. Thanks for the reference.

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On 2/05/08, Mike B. wrote:
> 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.
>