Many people are aware of detrimental substances such as asbestos, formaldehyde, and tobacco smoke; however, mycotoxins, although well-researched (as outlined below), are widely unknown to the general population.
Simply speaking, approximately one third of the population has the inability to generate antibodies to “bag and tag” fatty toxins and remove them from the body. Mycotoxins are a type of fatty toxin, and its emphasis lies in the fact that these are the toxins that most people come in contact with.
History
The three most well-known and abundant mycotoxins are Aflatoxin, Ochratoxin, and Trichothecene. The concept of Sick Building Syndrome was first recognized in 1982, today it is better known as mold toxicity (1).
Nearly all individuals display an effect to mycotoxins; however, if you do not present the subset of HLA-DRB-DBQ genetics (inherited trait), these toxins are excreted when individuals leave the toxic environment. For individuals with this genetic subset, storage occurs frequently; causing a higher occurrence of the ailments associated with mold toxicity.
In the early 1970s, energy conservation was a major issue in most industrialized nations. This energy crisis caused many changes in the construction of homes and buildings throughout the world, especially in the United States. Buildings and homes were designed with recycle ventilation to reduce energy costs, and large buildings were constructed with windows that are permanently shut, to better control temperature (2).
Additionally, more inexpensive and lighter weight materials were developed and utilized in order to lower the amount of energy needed – cellulose based ceiling tiles and drywall, which mostly consist of recycled paper products which are susceptible to mold growth. Many common mold species such as Stachybotrys consume organic materials like cellulose and drywall as a food supply.
Recent studies indicate that individuals spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, making them even more venerable to these toxins (3). Many reasons contribute to why individuals suffer from this syndrome; however, there are a wide variety of serious health ailments associated with these toxins that affect nearly every bodily system. We know it’s difficult with regimented schedules, work, and family, but we all need to get outside!
Current Research
Genetic research has pinpointed a subset of a gene (HLA-DRB-DBQ) that plays a major role in this ailment. There are a few types of this subset; however, if one does have this gene, their bodies can’t produce antibodies to remove these toxins, and subsequently, these individuals move these toxins out of their body 465 times slower than people without the gene (4). In other words, individuals with this gene store fatty toxins at a substantially more significant rate than people without the gene. Also, these individuals cannot build antibodies to any fatty toxins including benzene (commonly found in tobacco smoke), toluene (commonly found in paint products), mandelic acid (bi-product found in Acutane acne medication), and any other VOC.
It’s estimated that nearly 1one third of the population are infected with this genetic subset; however, this gene is a dominant gene. In other words, it is always passed down to subsequent generations if only one parent has the subset
Mycotoxins on the Cellular Level
Mycotoxins have been documented to greatly affect mitochondria and thus energy production (5). Additionally, they have been known to inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis as well as cause damage and mutations to the DNA (6,7). By damaging DNA, RNA, and mitochondria you are affecting the interworking of the cell.
By inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis, the basic functions of DNA replication and basic cellular process are greatly affected. Mycotoxins as well as many other fatty toxins are so damaging to the cell that it’s vital to utilize Lifestyle Healing Institute’s Patented protocol because this method focuses on not only removing these toxins, but reversing the damaging effects that the toxins have caused.
Mycotoxins and the Immune System
Many studies have been performed regarding mycotoxins and the immune system; however, their most impactful effect remains immunosuppression (10). These toxins have also been known to cause asthma, allergic reactions as well as hypersensitivity (8). Mechanistically, mycotoxins have caused changes in TNF-alpha, one of the main regulators of the immune system, as well as changes in IgE (9,11).
This shows that mycotoxins not only destroy and greatly affect cellular processes, but they also affect the cell’s directly related components such as immune biomarkers. These toxins cause such massive immune suppression that allow foreign pathogens to enter the brain and body completely unchecked. Pathogens such as Lyme and others are now free to build biofilms and establish homes in your bloodstream.
Works Cited
[1] Finningan, M. S., Pickering, C.A.C., Burge, P.S. 1984. The sick building syndrome: prevalence studies. Br Med J 289: 1573-1575.
[2] Cooley, J.D., Wong, W.C., Jumper, C.A., Straus, D.C.1998. Correlation between the prevalence of certain fungi and sick building syndrome. Occup Environ Med. 55:579-584.
[3] Teichman, K. Y. 1995. Indoor Air Quality: Research Needs. Occup Med. 10: 217-227.
[4] Shoemaker, Ritchie C., James Schaller, and Patti Schmidt. Mold Warriors: Fighting America’s Hidden Health Threat. Baltimore, MD: Gateway, 2005. Print
[5] “Toxic Effects of T-2 Toxin and Deoxynivalenol on the Mitochondrial Electron Transport System of Cardiomyocytes in Rats.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23719927.
[6] “Mycotoxicosis: Mechanisms of Immunosuppression.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1781158.
[7] “DNA Damage by Mycotoxins.” N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. http://toxicology.usu.edu/endnote/04302008004.pdf.
[8] “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings: Appendix B – Introduction to Molds.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. http://www.epa.gov/mold/append_b.html.
[9] “Toxic and Other Non-IgE-mediated Effects of Fungal Exposures.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12906783.
[10] “Mycotoxins.” European Food Safety Authority. N.p., n.d. Web. http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/mycotoxins.htm
[11] “[In Vitro Studies into the Influence of Ochratoxin A on the Production of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha by the Human Monocytic Cell Line THP-1].” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11998373.
