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Jaćević V, Dumanović J, Alomar SY, Resanović R, Milovanović Z, Nepovimova E, Wu Q, Franca TCC, Wu W, Kuča K. Research update on aflatoxins toxicity, metabolism, distribution, and detection: A concise overview. Toxicology 2023; 492:153549. [PMID: 37209941 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Serious health risks associated with the consumption of food products contaminated with aflatoxins (AFs) are worldwide recognized and depend predominantly on consumed AF concentration by diet. A low concentration of aflatoxins in cereals and related food commodities is unavoidable, especially in subtropic and tropic regions. Accordingly, risk assessment guidelines established by regulatory bodies in different countries help in the prevention of aflatoxin intoxication and the protection of public health. By assessing the maximal levels of aflatoxins in food products which are a potential risk to human health, it's possible to establish appropriate risk management strategies. Regarding, a few factors are crucial for making a rational risk management decision, such as toxicological profile, adequate information concerning the exposure duration, availability of routine and some novel analytical techniques, socioeconomic factors, food intake patterns, and maximal allowed levels of each aflatoxin in different food products which may be varied between countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Jaćević
- Department for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Poison Control Centre, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Jelena Dumanović
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Suliman Y Alomar
- King Saud University, College of Science, Zoology Department, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Radmila Resanović
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Milovanović
- Special Police Unit, Ministry of Interior, Trebevićka 12/A, 11 030 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, 1 Nanhuan Road, 434023 Jingzhou, Hubei, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Tanos Celmar Costa Franca
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to the Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Wenda Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuča
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 50005, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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Yao C, Liu X, Tang Y, Wang C, Duan C, Liu X, Chen M, Zhou Y, Tang E, Xiang Y, Li Y, Ji A, Cai T. Lipopolysaccharide induces inflammatory microglial activation through CD147-mediated matrix metalloproteinase expression. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:35352-35365. [PMID: 36534246 PMCID: PMC9761036 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays a vital role in the pathophysiological processes of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an environmental poison that can induce inflammatory microglial activation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are vital factors regulating microglial activation, and CD147 is a key MMP inducer, which can induce inflammation by inducing MMPs. However, whether it is involved in the regulation of microglial activation has not been reported. In this study, the role of CD147 in LPS-induced microglial inflammatory activation was investigated by establishing in vivo and in vitro models. The results suggested that LPS-induced microglial activation was accompanied by the induction of CD147 expression while the inhibition of CD147 expression could inhibit LPS-induced microglial inflammatory activation. In addition, the results also indicated that the role of CD147 in LPS-induced pro-inflammatory activation of microglia was related to its downstream MMP-3, MMP-8, and autophagy. Furthermore, the inhibition of MMP-3, MMP-8, and autophagy attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory activation of microglia. At the same time, there was a certain interaction between MMPs and autophagy, which is shown that inhibiting the expression of MMPs could inhibit autophagy, whereas inhibiting autophagy could inhibit the expression of MMPs. Taken together, we provided the first evidence that CD147/MMPs can be involved in LPS-induced inflammatory activation of microglia through an autophagy-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Yao
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoling Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Experimental Teaching Center, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Experimental Teaching Center, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chenggang Duan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Mingliang Chen
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yumeng Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Enjie Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Xiang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yafei Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ailing Ji
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Tongjian Cai
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
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Wu TY, Khorramshahi T, Taylor LA, Bansal NS, Rodriguez B, Rey IR. Prevalence of Aspergillus-Derived Mycotoxins (Ochratoxin, Aflatoxin, and Gliotoxin) and Their Distribution in the Urinalysis of ME/CFS Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042052. [PMID: 35206241 PMCID: PMC8872248 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a known complex, multi-organ system disorder with a sudden or subacute onset. ME/CFS occurs most commonly among women between 30 and 50 years of age. The current diagnostic criteria of ME/CFS, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes: profound fatigue and post-exertional malaise (>6 mo) unrelieved by rest, persistent cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance, and chronic unrefreshing sleep. Despite reported associations between ME/CFS onset and exposure to infectious agents (viral, bacterial, or fungal), the pathophysiology of ME/CFS remains unknown. In this prevalence study, we investigated the rates of Aspergillus-derived toxin levels, Aflatoxin (AF), Ochratoxin A (OTA), and Gliotoxin (GT), in the urinalysis of 236 ME/CFS patients with a history of chronic exposure to mold (i.e., from water-damaged buildings). Among ME/CFS patients reporting chronic exposure to mold, we found evidence of exposure in 92.4 percent of patients, with OTA being the most prevalent mycotoxin. Mold distributions (OTA, AF, and GT) in the urinalysis all demonstrated right skewness, while the distribution of age of ME/CFS patients diagnosed showed no deviation from normality. This study aims to provide preliminary, epidemiological evidence among ME/CFS patients who were diagnosed in South Florida with a history of exposure to mycotoxins. Based on these findings, we proposed how future control studies should approach investigating the association between chronic mold exposure and the diagnosis of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yu Wu
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Taura Khorramshahi
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Lindsey A. Taylor
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Nikita S. Bansal
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Betsy Rodriguez
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Irma R. Rey
- Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Correspondence:
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Makhlouf MMM. Histological and ultrastructural study of AflatoxinB1 induced neurotoxicity in Sciatic nerve of adult male Albino rats. Ultrastruct Pathol 2020; 44:52-60. [PMID: 31893473 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2019.1709933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus spp. which is a common contaminant of food items such as corn, spices, rice, nuts, and flour. Aflatoxin contamination of foods is a worldwide problem. Chronic aflatoxin exposure is found to be associated with Sciatic nerve damage. In vivo study was carried out to evaluate the toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the Sciatic nerve. Twenty-one adult male rats were included and divided equally into 3 groups (7 rats each): Group I (control group), group II (olive oil group) and group III: (AflatoxinB1 group). The rats received AFB1 (250 μg/kg B.W./day) orally by gastric tube 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Sciatic nerve specimens were prepared, and semi-thin sections were stained with Toluidine blue, examined by light microscope and photographed. Ultrathin sections (50-80 nm) from selected areas of the trimmed blocks were made, examined and photographed by transmission electron microscopy (JEOL-JSM-1011) in King Saud University Electron Microscopy Unit. The findings indicate that the administration of AFB1 to rats' results in degeneration in the sciatic nerve in the form of Wallerian degeneration in the myelin sheath. Macrophages appear to engulf the degenerated myelin and neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha M M Makhlouf
- Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.,Laboratories Department, Collage of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, AL Dawadimi, KSA
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Susceptibility of Bacteria Isolated from Air-Conditioning System Ducts to Different Ultraviolet Radiation Doses. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.13.4.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Theoharides TC, Kavalioti M, Tsilioni I. Mast Cells, Stress, Fear and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3611. [PMID: 31344805 PMCID: PMC6696098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by impaired communication and obsessive behavior that affects 1 in 59 children. ASD is expected to affect 1 in about 40 children by 2020, but there is still no distinct pathogenesis or effective treatments. Prenatal stress has been associated with higher risk of developing ASD in the offspring. Moreover, children with ASD cannot handle anxiety and respond disproportionately even to otherwise benign triggers. Stress and environmental stimuli trigger the unique immune cells, mast cells, which could then trigger microglia leading to abnormal synaptic pruning and dysfunctional neuronal connectivity. This process could alter the "fear threshold" in the amygdala and lead to an exaggerated "fight-or-flight" reaction. The combination of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), secreted under stress, together with environmental stimuli could be major contributors to the pathogenesis of ASD. Recognizing these associations and preventing stimulation of mast cells and/or microglia could greatly benefit ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
| | - Maria Kavalioti
- Graduate Program in Education, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Irene Tsilioni
- Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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7
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Zhang C, Chen F, Liu X, Han X, Hu Y, Su X, Chen Y, Sun Y, Han L. Gliotoxin Induces Cofilin Phosphorylation to Promote Actin Cytoskeleton Dynamics and Internalization of Aspergillus fumigatus Into Type II Human Pneumocyte Cells. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1345. [PMID: 31275272 PMCID: PMC6591310 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is able to internalize into lung epithelial cells to escape from immune attack for further dissemination. We previously reported that gliotoxin, a major mycotoxin of A. fumigatus, promotes this internalization; however, the mechanism remained unclear. Here, we report that gliotoxin is able to induce cofilin phosphorylation in A549 type II human pneumocytes. Either too high or too low a level of cofilin phosphorylation blocked the gliotoxin-induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and A. fumigatus internalization. LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1) and its upstream small GTPases (Cdc42 and RhoA, but not Rac1) predominantly mediated the gliotoxin-induced cofilin phosphorylation and A. fumigatus internalization. Simultaneously, gliotoxin significantly stimulated an increase in cAMP; however, adding an antagonist of PKA did not block gliotoxin-induced A. fumigatus internalization. In vivo, exogenous gliotoxin helped gliotoxin synthesis deficient strain gliPΔ invade into the lung tissue and the lung fungal burden increased markedly in immunosuppressed mice. In conclusion, these data revealed a novel role of gliotoxin in inducing cofilin phosphorylation mostly through the Cdc42/RhoA-LIMK1 signaling pathway to promote actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and internalization of A. fumigatus into type II human pneumocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjian Zhang
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangyan Chen
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuelin Han
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yingsong Hu
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xueting Su
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yansong Sun
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Han
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Reboux G, Rocchi S, Laboissière A, Ammari H, Bochaton M, Gardin G, Rame JM, Millon L. Survey of 1012 moldy dwellings by culture fungal analysis: Threshold proposal for asthmatic patient management. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:5-16. [PMID: 30368912 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Different countries have tried to define guidelines to quantify what levels of fungi are considered as inappropriate for housing. This retrospective study analyzes indoor fungi by cultures of airborne samples from 1012 dwellings. Altogether, 908 patients suffering from rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma were compared to 104 controls free of allergies. Portuguese decree law no 118/2013 (PDL118), ANSES (a French environmental and health agency) recommendations, and health regulations of Besançon University Hospital were applied to determine the rates of non-conforming dwellings, which were respectively 55.2%, 5.2%, and 19%. Environmental microbiological results and medical data were compared. The whole number of colonies per cubic meter of air was correlated with asthma (P < 0.001) and rhinitis (P = 0.002). Sixty-seven genera and species were detected in bedrooms. Asthma was correlated to Aspergillus versicolor (P = 0.004) and Cladosporium spp. (P = 0.02). Thresholds of 300 cfu/m3 for A. versicolor or 495 cfu/m3 for Cladosporium spp. are able to discriminate 90% of the asthmatic dwellings. We propose a new protocol to obtain an optimal cost for indoor fungi surveys, excluding surface analyses, and a new guideline to interpret the results based on >1000 cfu/m3 of whole colonies and/or above threshold levels for A. versicolor or Cladosporium spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Reboux
- University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Jean Minjoz University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Steffi Rocchi
- University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Jean Minjoz University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | | | - Habiba Ammari
- Réseaux d'Allergologie de Franche-Comté (RAFT), Besançon, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Marc Rame
- Réseaux d'Allergologie de Franche-Comté (RAFT), Besançon, France
| | - Laurence Millon
- University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Jean Minjoz University Hospital, Besançon, France
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Yang Y, Zhang H, Nunayon SS, Chan V, Lai AC. Disinfection efficacy of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation on airborne bacteria in ventilation ducts. INDOOR AIR 2018; 28:806-817. [PMID: 30171727 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A full-scale ventilation duct ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (in-duct UVGI) system was designed to investigate its disinfection efficacy on five airborne pathogens: Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with airflow Reynolds numbers from 4 × 104 to 8 × 104 . By varying the UV intensity, the susceptibility constants (Z-values) of the bacteria were experimentally determined to be 1.2, 1.0, 0.60, 0.39, and 0.37 m2 /J for S. marcescens, P. alcaligenes, E. coli, S. enterica, and S. epidermidis, respectively. The disinfection efficacy was numerically investigated on the basis of the predicted irradiance, which included emissive irradiance and diffuse refection irradiance. The results suggest that it is vital to properly evaluate the UV dose (irradiance intensity) received by airborne bacteria to determine their Z-values. In-duct UVGI inactivated nearly all of the test bacteria with Reynolds numbers of 4 × 104 (inlet velocity = 3 m/s), and the disinfection efficacy decreased as Reynolds numbers increased. The in-duct UVGI system would potentially provide a supplementary solution for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) within mechanical ventilated/air-conditioned environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
| | - Sunday Segbenu Nunayon
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
| | - Vincent Chan
- Department of Bioengineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Alvin Ck Lai
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
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Ratnaseelan AM, Tsilioni I, Theoharides TC. Effects of Mycotoxins on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Immune Processes. Clin Ther 2018; 40:903-917. [PMID: 29880330 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The effects of air pollutants have been receiving increased attention both clinically and in the media. One such pollutant is mold, fungal growth in the form of multicellular filaments known as hyphae. The growth of molds is omnipresent not only in outdoor settings but also in indoor environments containing excessive amounts of moisture. METHODS PubMed was searched for relevant articles using terms such as mold, mycotoxins, fungi, immunity, inflammation, neurodevelopment, cognition, Alzheimer's, and autism. FINDINGS Exposure to molds is most commonly associated with allergies and asthma. However, it is now thought to be associated with many complex health problems, since some molds, especially Trichoderma, Fusarium and Stachybotrys spp, produce mycotoxins that are absorbed from the skin, airways, and intestinal lining. People exposed to molds and mycotoxins present with symptoms affecting multiple organs, including the lungs, musculoskeletal system, as well as the central and peripheral nervous systems. Furthermore, evidence has recently implicated exposure to mycotoxins in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. The effects of mycotoxins can be mediated via different pathways that include the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially from mast cells. IMPLICATIONS The information reviewed indicates that exposure to mold and mycotoxins can affect the nervous system, directly or through immune cell activation, thus contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarane M Ratnaseelan
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Irene Tsilioni
- Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Theoharis C Theoharides
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
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11
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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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12
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Choi H, Schmidbauer N, Bornehag CG. Volatile organic compounds of possible microbial origin and their risks on childhood asthma and allergies within damp homes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 98:143-151. [PMID: 27838117 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk of indoor exposure to volatile organic compounds of purported microbial origin on childhood symptoms of wheezing, rhinitis, and/or eczema, and doctor-diagnosed asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, respectively, remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To test hypotheses that total sum of 28 microbial volatile organic compounds (Σ26 MVOCs): 1) poses independent risk on doctor-diagnosed asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, respectively, as well as multiple symptom presentation with a minimum of the two of the above conditions (i.e. case); 2) is associated with significant interaction with absolute humidity (AH) on additive scale. METHODS In a case-control investigation, 198 cases and 202 controls were examined during November 2001 - March 2002 period through home indoor air sampling, air quality inspection, and health outcome ascertainment. RESULTS Not only the Σ28 MVOCs but also the global MVOC index were significantly higher within the homes of the cases with a high AH, compared to the controls with a low AH (all Ps<0.001). Only the cases, but not the controls, were associated with a dose-dependent increase in the exposure variables of interest (Σ28 MVOCs) per quartile increase in AH (P<0.0001 for the cases; P=0.780 for the controls). Only among the children who live in a high AH homes, a natural log (ln)-unit of Σ 28 MVOCs was associated with 2.5-times greater odds of the case status (95% CI, 1.0-6.2; P=0.046), compared to 0.7-times the odds (95% CI, 0.4-1.0; P=0.074) of the same outcome among the low AH homes. Specifically, joint exposure to a high MVOCs and high AH was associated with 2.6-times greater odds of the doctor-diagnosed asthma status (95% CI, 0.7-8.91; P=0.137). CONCLUSION Joint occurrence of high Σ28 MVOCs and AH was associated with a significant increase in the case status and asthma risks in an additive scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunok Choi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, State University of New York, United States.
| | - Norbert Schmidbauer
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, PO Box 100, 2027 Kjeller, Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden; Department of Public Health Sciences, Karlstad University, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden.
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Choi H, Schmidbauer N, Bornehag CG. Non-microbial sources of microbial volatile organic compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 148:127-136. [PMID: 27043176 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The question regarding the true sources of the purported microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) remains unanswered. OBJECTIVE To identify microbial, as well as non-microbial sources of 28 compounds, which are commonly accepted as microbial VOCs (i.e. primary outcome of interest is Σ 28 VOCs). METHODS In a cross-sectional investigation of 390 homes, six building inspectors assessed water/mold damage, took air and dust samples, and measured environmental conditions (i.e., absolute humidity (AH, g/m(3)), temperature (°C), ventilation rate (ACH)). The air sample was analyzed for volatile organic compounds (μg/m(3)) and; dust samples were analyzed for total viable fungal concentration (CFU/g) and six phthalates (mg/g dust). Four benchmark variables of the underlying sources were defined as highest quartile categories of: 1) the total concentration of 17 propylene glycol and propylene glycol ethers (Σ17 PGEs) in the air sample; 2) 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (TMPD-MIB) in the air sample; 3) semi-quantitative mold index; and 4) total fungal load (CFU/g). RESULTS Within severely damp homes, co-occurrence of the highest quartile concentration of either Σ17 PGEs or TMPD-MIB were respectively associated with a significantly higher median concentration of Σ 28 VOCs (8.05 and 13.38μg/m(3), respectively) compared to the reference homes (4.30 and 4.86μg/m(3), respectively, both Ps ≤0.002). Furthermore, the homes within the highest quartile range for Σ fungal load as well as AH were associated with a significantly increased median Σ 28 VOCs compared to the reference group (8.74 vs. 4.32μg/m(3), P=0.001). Within the final model of multiple indoor sources on Σ 28 VOCs, one natural log-unit increase in summed concentration of Σ17 PGEs, plus TMPD-MIB (Σ 17 PGEs + TMPD-MIB) was associated with 1.8-times (95% CI, 1.3-2.5), greater likelihood of having a highest quartile of Σ 28 VOCs, after adjusting for absolute humidity, history of repainting at least one room, ventilation rate, and mold index (P-value =0.001). Homes deemed severely mold damaged (i.e., mold index =1) were associated with 1.7-times (95% CI, 0.8-3.6), greater likelihood of having a highest quartile of Σ 28 VOCs, even though such likelihood was not significant (P-value =0.164). In addition, absolute humidity appeared to positively interact with mold index to significantly elevate the prevalence of the highest quartile category of Σ 28 VOCs. CONCLUSION The indoor concentration of Σ 28 VOCs, which are widely accepted as MVOCs, are significantly associated with the markers of synthetic (i.e. Σ17 PGEs and TMPD-MIB), and to less extent, microbial (i.e., mold index) sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunok Choi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, State University of New York, United States.
| | - Norbert Schmidbauer
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, PO Box 100, 2027 Kjeller, Norway, Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden; Department of Public Health Sciences, Karlstad University, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden.
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Hanson B, Zhou Y, Bautista EJ, Urch B, Speck M, Silverman F, Muilenberg M, Phipatanakul W, Weinstock G, Sodergren E, Gold DR, Sordillo JE. Characterization of the bacterial and fungal microbiome in indoor dust and outdoor air samples: a pilot study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2016; 18:713-24. [PMID: 27213188 PMCID: PMC5015483 DOI: 10.1039/c5em00639b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Environmental microbes have been associated with both protective and adverse health effects in children and adults. Epidemiological studies often rely on broad biomarkers of microbial exposure (i.e. endotoxin, 1 → 3-beta-d-glucan), but fail to identify the taxonomic composition of the microbial community. Our aim was to characterize the bacterial and fungal microbiome in different types of environmental samples collected in studies of human health effects. We determined the composition of microbial communities present in home, school and outdoor air samples by amplifying and sequencing regions of rRNA genes from bacteria (16S) and fungi (18S and ITS). Samples for this pilot study included indoor settled dust (from both a Boston area birth cohort study on Home Allergens and Asthma (HAA) (n = 12) and a study of school exposures and asthma symptoms (SICAS) (n = 1)), as well as fine and coarse concentrated outdoor ambient particulate (CAP) samples (n = 9). Sequencing of amplified 16S, 18S, and ITS regions was performed on the Roche-454 Life Sciences Titanium pyrosequencing platform. Indoor dust samples were dominated by Gram-positive bacteria (Firmicutes and Actinobacteria); the most abundant bacterial genera were those related to human flora (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Lactobacillus). Outdoor CAPs were dominated by Gram-negative Proteobacteria from water and soil sources, in particular the genera Acidovorax, and Brevundimonas (which were present at very low levels or entirely absent in indoor dust). Phylum-level fungal distributions identified by 18S or ITS regions showed very similar findings: a predominance of Ascomycota in indoor dust and Basidiomycota in outdoor CAPs. ITS sequencing of fungal genera in indoor dust showed significant proportions of Aureobasidium and Leptosphaerulina along with some contribution from Cryptococcus, Epicoccum, Aspergillus and the human commensal Malassezia. ITS sequencing detected more than 70 fungal genera in indoor dust not observed by culture. Microbiome sequencing is feasible for different types of archived environmental samples (indoor dust, and low biomass air particulate samples), and offers the potential to study how whole communities of microbes (including unculturable taxa) influence human health.
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Zupančič J, Novak Babič M, Zalar P, Gunde-Cimerman N. The Black Yeast Exophiala dermatitidis and Other Selected Opportunistic Human Fungal Pathogens Spread from Dishwashers to Kitchens. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148166. [PMID: 26867131 PMCID: PMC4750988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the diversity and distribution of fungi in nine different sites inside 30 residential dishwashers. In total, 503 fungal strains were isolated, which belong to 10 genera and 84 species. Irrespective of the sampled site, 83% of the dishwashers were positive for fungi. The most frequent opportunistic pathogenic species were Exophiala dermatitidis, Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto, Exophiala phaeomuriformis, Fusarium dimerum, and the Saprochaete/Magnusiomyces clade. The black yeast E. dermatitidis was detected in 47% of the dishwashers, primarily at the dishwasher rubber seals, at up to 106 CFU/cm2; the other fungi detected were in the range of 102 to 105 CFU/cm2. The other most heavily contaminated dishwasher sites were side nozzles, doors and drains. Only F. dimerum was isolated from washed dishes, while dishwasher waste water contained E. dermatitidis, Exophiala oligosperma and Sarocladium killiense. Plumbing systems supplying water to household appliances represent the most probable route for contamination of dishwashers, as the fungi that represented the core dishwasher mycobiota were also detected in the tap water. Hot aerosols from dishwashers contained the human opportunistic yeast C. parapsilosis, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and E. dermatitidis (as well as common air-borne genera such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma and Cladosporium). Comparison of fungal contamination of kitchens without and with dishwashers revealed that virtually all were contaminated with fungi. In both cases, the most contaminated sites were the kitchen drain and the dish drying rack. The most important difference was higher prevalence of black yeasts (E. dermatitidis in particular) in kitchens with dishwashers. In kitchens without dishwashers, C. parapsilosis strongly prevailed with negligible occurrence of E. dermatitidis. F. dimerum was isolated only from kitchens with dishwashers, while Saprochaete/Magnusiomyces isolates were only found within dishwashers. We conclude that dishwashers represent a reservoir of enriched opportunistic pathogenic species that can spread from the dishwasher into the indoor biome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerneja Zupančič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Monika Novak Babič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Zalar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins (CIPKeBiP), Ljubljana, Slovenia
- * E-mail:
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Morris G, Berk M, Walder K, Maes M. The Putative Role of Viruses, Bacteria, and Chronic Fungal Biotoxin Exposure in the Genesis of Intractable Fatigue Accompanied by Cognitive and Physical Disability. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:2550-71. [PMID: 26081141 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9262-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Patients who present with severe intractable apparently idiopathic fatigue accompanied by profound physical and or cognitive disability present a significant therapeutic challenge. The effect of psychological counseling is limited, with significant but very slight improvements in psychometric measures of fatigue and disability but no improvement on scientific measures of physical impairment compared to controls. Similarly, exercise regimes either produce significant, but practically unimportant, benefit or provoke symptom exacerbation. Many such patients are afforded the exclusionary, non-specific diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome if rudimentary testing fails to discover the cause of their symptoms. More sophisticated investigations often reveal the presence of a range of pathogens capable of establishing life-long infections with sophisticated immune evasion strategies, including Parvoviruses, HHV6, variants of Epstein-Barr, Cytomegalovirus, Mycoplasma, and Borrelia burgdorferi. Other patients have a history of chronic fungal or other biotoxin exposure. Herein, we explain the epigenetic factors that may render such individuals susceptible to the chronic pathology induced by such agents, how such agents induce pathology, and, indeed, how such pathology can persist and even amplify even when infections have cleared or when biotoxin exposure has ceased. The presence of active, reactivated, or even latent Herpes virus could be a potential source of intractable fatigue accompanied by profound physical and or cognitive disability in some patients, and the same may be true of persistent Parvovirus B12 and mycoplasma infection. A history of chronic mold exposure is a feasible explanation for such symptoms, as is the presence of B. burgdorferi. The complex tropism, life cycles, genetic variability, and low titer of many of these pathogens makes their detection in blood a challenge. Examination of lymphoid tissue or CSF in such circumstances may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- Tir Na Nog, Bryn Road seaside 87, Llanelli, SA15 2LW, Wales, UK
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. .,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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The peptide toxin amylosin of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens from moisture-damaged buildings is immunotoxic, induces potassium efflux from mammalian cells, and has antimicrobial activity. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:2939-49. [PMID: 25681192 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03430-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Amylosin, a heat-stable channel-forming non-ribosomally synthesized peptide toxin produced by strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolated from moisture-damaged buildings, is shown in this paper to have immunotoxic and cytotoxic effects on human cells as well as antagonistic effects on microbes. Human macrophages exposed to 50 ng of amylosin ml(-1) secreted high levels of cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 within 2 h, indicating activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, an integral part of the innate immune system. At the same exposure level, expression of IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA increased. Amylosin caused dose-dependent potassium ion efflux from all tested mammalian cells (human monocytes and keratinocytes and porcine sperm cells) at 1 to 2 μM exposure. Amylosin also inhibited the motility of porcine sperm cells and depolarized the mitochondria of human keratinocytes. Amylosin may thus trigger the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequently cytokine release by causing potassium efflux from exposed cells. The results of this study indicate that exposure to amylosin activates the innate immune system, which could offer an explanation for the inflammatory symptoms experienced by occupants of moisture-damaged buildings. In addition, the amylosin-producing B. amyloliquefaciens inhibited the growth of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic indoor microbes, and purified amylosin also had an antimicrobial effect. These antimicrobial effects could make amylosin producers dominant and therefore significant causal agents of health problems in some moisture-damaged sites.
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18
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Johansson E, Reponen T, Meller J, Vesper S, Yadav J. Association of Streptomyces community composition determined by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis with indoor mold status. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:8773-83. [PMID: 25331035 PMCID: PMC4255558 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-4071-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Both Streptomyces species and mold species have previously been isolated from moisture-damaged building materials; however, an association between these two groups of microorganisms in indoor environments is not clear. In this study, we used a culture-independent method, PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), to investigate the composition of the Streptomyces community in house dust. Twenty-three dust samples each from two sets of homes categorized as high-mold and low-mold based on mold-specific quantitative PCR analysis were used in the study. Taxonomic identification of prominent bands was performed by cloning and sequencing. Associations between DGGE amplicon band intensities and home mold status were assessed using univariate analyses as well as multivariate recursive partitioning (decision trees) to test the predictive value of combinations of bands intensities. In the final classification tree, a combination of two bands was significantly associated with mold status of the home (p = 0.001). The sequence corresponding to one of the bands in the final decision tree matched a group of Streptomyces species that included Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces sampsonii, both of which have been isolated from moisture-damaged buildings previously. The closest match for the majority of sequences corresponding to a second band consisted of a group of Streptomyces species that included Streptomyces hygroscopicus, an important producer of antibiotics and immunosuppressors. Taken together, the study showed that DGGE can be a useful tool for identifying bacterial species that may be more prevalent in mold-damaged buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Johansson
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, P.O. Box 670056, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0056, USA,
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Pacheco CM, Ciaccio CE, Nazir N, Daley CM, DiDonna A, Choi WS, Barnes CS, Rosenwasser LJ. Homes of low-income minority families with asthmatic children have increased condition issues. Allergy Asthma Proc 2014; 35:467-74. [PMID: 25584914 DOI: 10.2500/aap.2014.35.3792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The home is increasingly associated with asthma. It acts both as a reservoir of asthma triggers and as a refuge from seasonal outdoor allergen exposure. Racial/ethnic minority families with low incomes tend to reside in neighborhoods with low housing quality. These families also have higher rates of asthma. This study explores the hypothesis that black and Latino urban households with asthmatic children experienced more home mechanical, structural condition-related areas of concern than white households with asthmatic children. Participant families (n = 140) took part in the Kansas City Safe and Healthy Homes Program, had at least one asthmatic child, and met income qualifications of no more than 80% of local median income; many were below 50%. Families self-identified their race. Homes were assessed by environmental health professionals using a standard set of criteria and a specific set of on-site and laboratory sampling and analyses. Homes were given a score for areas of concern between 0 (best) and 53 (worst). The study population self-identified as black (46%), non-Latino white (26%), Latino (14.3%), and other (12.9%). Mean number of areas of concern were 18.7 in Latino homes, 17.8 in black homes, 13.3 in other homes, and 13.2 in white homes. Latino and black homes had significantly more areas of concern. White families were also more likely to be in the upper portion of the income. In this set of 140 low-income homes with an asthmatic child, households of minority individuals had more areas of condition concerns and generally lower income than other families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Pacheco
- Center for American Indian Community Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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20
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Jia X, Chen F, Pan W, Yu R, Tian S, Han G, Fang H, Wang S, Zhao J, Li X, Zheng D, Tao S, Liao W, Han X, Han L. Gliotoxin promotes Aspergillus fumigatus internalization into type II human pneumocyte A549 cells by inducing host phospholipase D activation. Microbes Infect 2014; 16:491-501. [PMID: 24637030 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The internalization of Aspergillus fumigatus into lung epithelial cells is critical for the infection process in the host. Gliotoxin is the most potent toxin produced by A. fumigatus. However, its role in A. fumigatus internalization into the lung epithelial cells is still largely unknown. In the present study, the deletion of the gliP gene regulating the production of gliotoxin in A. fumigatus suppressed the internalization of conidia into the A549 lung epithelial cells, and this suppression could be rescued by the exogenous addition of gliotoxin. At lower concentrations, gliotoxin enhanced the internalization of the conidia of A. fumigatus into A549 cells; in contrast, it inhibited the phagocytosis of J774 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Under a concentration of 100 ng/ml, gliotoxin had no effect on A549 cell viability but attenuated ROS production in a dose-dependent manner. Gliotoxin significantly stimulated the phospholipase D activity in the A549 cells at a concentration of 50 ng/ml. This stimulation was blocked by the pretreatment of host cells with PLD1- but not PLD2-specific inhibitor. Morphological cell changes induced by gliotoxin were observed in the A549 cells accompanying with obvious actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and a moderate alteration of phospholipase D distribution. Our data indicated that gliotoxin might be responsible for modulating the A. fumigatus internalization into epithelial cells through phospholipase D1 activation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Jia
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangyan Chen
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Pan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rentao Yu
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Patent Examination Cooperation Center of the Patent Office, Beijing, China
| | - Shuguang Tian
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gaige Han
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqin Fang
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingya Zhao
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianping Li
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyu Zheng
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Tao
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wanqing Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuelin Han
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Li Han
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Brewer JH, Thrasher JD, Hooper D. Chronic illness associated with mold and mycotoxins: is naso-sinus fungal biofilm the culprit? Toxins (Basel) 2013; 6:66-80. [PMID: 24368325 PMCID: PMC3920250 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It has recently been demonstrated that patients who develop chronic illness after prior exposure to water damaged buildings (WDB) and mold have the presence of mycotoxins, which can be detected in the urine. We hypothesized that the mold may be harbored internally and continue to release and/or produce mycotoxins which contribute to ongoing chronic illness. The sinuses are the most likely candidate as a site for the internal mold and mycotoxin production. In this paper, we review the literature supporting this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H. Brewer
- Plaza Infectious Disease and St. Luke’s Hospital, 4320 Wornall Road, Suite 440, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
| | | | - Dennis Hooper
- RealTime Laboratories, Carrollton, TX 75010, USA; E-Mail:
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Kettleson E, Kumar S, Reponen T, Vesper S, Méheust D, Grinshpun SA, Adhikari A. Stenotrophomonas, Mycobacterium, and Streptomyces in home dust and air: associations with moldiness and other home/family characteristics. INDOOR AIR 2013; 23:387-96. [PMID: 23397905 PMCID: PMC3679357 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory illnesses have been linked to children's exposures to water-damaged homes. Therefore, understanding the microbiome in water-damaged homes is critical to preventing these illnesses. Few studies have quantified bacterial contamination, especially specific species, in water-damaged homes. We collected air and dust samples in twenty-one low-mold homes and twenty-one high-mold homes. The concentrations of three bacteria/genera, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Streptomyces sp., and Mycobacterium sp., were measured in air and dust samples using quantitative PCR (QPCR). The concentrations of the bacteria measured in the air samples were not associated with any specific home characteristic based on multiple regression models. However, higher concentrations of S. maltophilia in the dust samples were associated with water damage, that is, with higher floor surface moisture and higher concentrations of moisture-related mold species. The concentrations of Streptomyces and Mycobacterium sp. had similar patterns and may be partially determined by human and animal occupants and outdoor sources of these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Kettleson
- Department of Environmental HealthUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - S. Kumar
- Department of Environmental HealthUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - T. Reponen
- Department of Environmental HealthUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - S. Vesper
- United States Environmental Protection AgencyCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - D. Méheust
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1085Institut de Recherche Santé, Environnement & Travail (IRSET)RennesFrance
| | - S. A. Grinshpun
- Department of Environmental HealthUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - A. Adhikari
- Department of Environmental HealthUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOHUSA
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Detection of mycotoxins in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Toxins (Basel) 2013; 5:605-17. [PMID: 23580077 PMCID: PMC3705282 DOI: 10.3390/toxins5040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, exposure to mycotoxin producing mold has been recognized as a significant health risk. Scientific literature has demonstrated mycotoxins as possible causes of human disease in water-damaged buildings (WDB). This study was conducted to determine if selected mycotoxins could be identified in human urine from patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Patients (n = 112) with a prior diagnosis of CFS were evaluated for mold exposure and the presence of mycotoxins in their urine. Urine was tested for aflatoxins (AT), ochratoxin A (OTA) and macrocyclic trichothecenes (MT) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). Urine specimens from 104 of 112 patients (93%) were positive for at least one mycotoxin (one in the equivocal range). Almost 30% of the cases had more than one mycotoxin present. OTA was the most prevalent mycotoxin detected (83%) with MT as the next most common (44%). Exposure histories indicated current and/or past exposure to WDB in over 90% of cases. Environmental testing was performed in the WDB from a subset of these patients. This testing revealed the presence of potentially mycotoxin producing mold species and mycotoxins in the environment of the WDB. Prior testing in a healthy control population with no history of exposure to a WDB or moldy environment (n = 55) by the same laboratory, utilizing the same methods, revealed no positive cases at the limits of detection.
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Singh J, Roychoudhury A, Srivastava M, Solanki PR, Lee DW, Lee SH, Malhotra BD. A highly efficient rare earth metal oxide nanorods based platform for aflatoxin detection. J Mater Chem B 2013; 1:4493-4503. [DOI: 10.1039/c3tb20690d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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A water-damaged home and health of occupants: a case study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2011; 2012:312836. [PMID: 22220187 PMCID: PMC3246741 DOI: 10.1155/2012/312836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
A family of five and pet dog who rented a water-damaged home and developed multiple health problems. The home was analyzed for species of mold and bacteria. The diagnostics included MRI for chronic sinusitis with ENT and sinus surgery, and neurological testing for neurocognitive deficits. Bulk samples from the home, tissue from the sinuses, urine, nasal secretions, placenta, umbilical cord, and breast milk were tested for the presence of trichothecenes, aflatoxins, and Ochratoxin A. The family had the following diagnosed conditions: chronic sinusitis, neurological deficits, coughing with wheeze, nose bleeds, and fatigue among other symptoms. An infant was born with a total body flare, developed multiple Cafe-au-Lait pigmented skin spots and diagnoses with NF1 at age 2. The mycotoxins were detected in bulk samples, urine and nasal secretions, breast milk, placenta, and umbilical cord. Pseudomonas aueroginosa, Acinetobacter, Penicillium, and Aspergillus fumigatus were cultured from nasal secretions (father and daughter). RT-PCR revealed A. fumigatus DNA in sinus tissues of the daughter. The dog had 72 skin lesions (sebaceous glands and lipomas) from which trichothecenes and ochratoxin A. were detected. The health of the family is discussed in relation to the most recent published literature regarding microbial contamination and toxic by-products present in water-damaged buildings.
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Singh U, Levin L, Grinshpun SA, Schaffer C, Adhikari A, Reponen T. Influence of home characteristics on airborne and dustborne endotoxin and β-D-glucan. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 13:3246-53. [PMID: 22012201 DOI: 10.1039/c1em10446b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the associations between airborne and dustborne microbial contaminants (endotoxin and β-D-glucan) and estimate the effects of home characteristics on exposure levels of these microbial contaminants. Endotoxin and β-D-glucan concentrations in airborne inhalable particles, airborne PM1 (<1 μm) and vacuumed dust from 184 residential homes were determined using specific Limulus amebocyte assays. Home characteristics were recorded by visual inspection and questionnaires. Linear regression and correlation analyses were performed. Inhalable endotoxin correlated with dust endotoxin (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and PM1 endotoxin (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). Inhalable β-D-glucan correlated with dust β-D-glucan (r = 0.18, p < 0.01), but not with PM1 β-D-glucan. Significant correlation was also found between PM1 and dust concentrations for endotoxin (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), but not for β-D-glucan. Multivariate regression analyses showed only one significant association between airborne contaminants and environmental characteristics: inhalable β-D-glucan was positively associated with relative humidity with an effect size (change in the dependent variable corresponding to a unit increase in the independent variable) of 2.32 and p < 0.05. In contrast, several associations were found between dust concentrations and environmental characteristics. Dust endotoxin was positively associated with temperature (2.87, p < 0.01) and number of inhabitants (2.76, p < 0.01), whereas dust β-D-glucan was inversely associated with the presence of dogs (-2.24, p < 0.05) and carpet (-3.05, p < 0.01) in the home. In conclusion, dustborne contaminants were more strongly affected by home characteristics than airborne contaminants. Furthermore, even though statistically significant, the correlations between airborne and dustborne contaminants were weak. This indicates that airborne concentrations cannot be reliably predicted based on dustborne concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umesh Singh
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
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Evolution of Fungal Pathogens in Domestic Environments? Fungal Biol 2011; 115:1008-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2011.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Inamdar AA, Moore JC, Cohen RI, Bennett JW. A model to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the fungal volatile organic compound 1-octen-3-ol in human embryonic stem cells. Mycopathologia 2011; 173:13-20. [PMID: 21858547 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-011-9457-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microbial growth in damp indoor environments has been correlated with risks to human health. This study was aimed to determine the cytotoxicity of 1-octen-3-ol ("mushroom alcohol"), a major fungal volatile organic compound (VOC) associated with mushroom and mold odors. Using an airborne exposure technique, human embryonic stem cells were exposed for 1 h to different concentrations (0-1,000 ppm) of racemic 1-octen-3-ol and its enantiomers, (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol and (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol. Cytotoxicity was assayed using both the MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay and the fluorescently tagged Calcein AM-mediated "live and dead" assay. Racemic 1-octen-3-ol and (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol exhibited greater cytotoxicity to the undifferentiated human cell line H1 than did (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol. The inhibition concentration 50 (IC(50)) values assessed by the MTS assay for racemic 1-octen-3-ol, (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol and (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol were, respectively, 109, 98, and 258 ppm. These IC(50) values were 40-80-fold lower than that of vapor phase toluene, an industrial chemical used as a positive control in this study. Our report pioneers the modeling of human embryonic stem cells as an in vitro approach to screen the potential toxicity of fungal VOCs. Human embryonic stem cells exposed to 1-octen-3-ol, and its enantiomers in the vapor phase showed more cytotoxicity than those exposed to toluene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arati A Inamdar
- Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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Doi K, Uetsuka K. Mechanisms of mycotoxin-induced neurotoxicity through oxidative stress-associated pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:5213-37. [PMID: 21954354 PMCID: PMC3179161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12085213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Among many mycotoxins, T-2 toxin, macrocyclic trichothecenes, fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) and ochratochin A (OTA) are known to have the potential to induce neurotoxicity in rodent models. T-2 toxin induces neuronal cell apoptosis in the fetal and adult brain. Macrocyclic trichothecenes bring about neuronal cell apoptosis and inflammation in the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb. FB(1) induces neuronal degeneration in the cerebral cortex, concurrent with disruption of de novo ceramide synthesis. OTA causes acute depletion of striatal dopamine and its metabolites, accompanying evidence of neuronal cell apoptosis in the substantia nigra, striatum and hippocampus. This paper reviews the mechanisms of neurotoxicity induced by these mycotoxins especially from the viewpoint of oxidative stress-associated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunio Doi
- Nippon Institute for Biological Science, 9-2221-1, Shin-Machi, Ome, Tokyo 198-0024, Japan
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +81-428-33-1086; Fax: +81-428-31-6166
| | - Koji Uetsuka
- Nippon Institute for Biological Science, 9-2221-1, Shin-Machi, Ome, Tokyo 198-0024, Japan
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Reboux G, Bellanger AP, Dalphin JC. Contre : les composés organiques volatils d’origine fongique ont un impact sur la santé. REVUE FRANCAISE D ALLERGOLOGIE 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reval.2011.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Building-Associated Neurological Damage Modeled in Human Cells: A Mechanism of Neurotoxic Effects by Exposure to Mycotoxins in the Indoor Environment. Mycopathologia 2010; 170:377-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-010-9330-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaye H. Kilburn
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine (ret.), Pasadena, California, USA,
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