springer link. c o m / content / px 32071j 1517731 6 /
"Toxicology of mycotoxins
Robert R. M. Paterson1 and Nelson Lima1
Centre of Biological Engineering, IBB-Institute for
Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Universidade do Minho,
Braga, Portugal
Humans are exposed to mycotoxins via ingestion, contact and
inhalation. This must have occurred throughout human
history and led to severe outbreaks. Potential diseases
range from akakabio-byo to stachybotryotoxicosis and
cancer. The known molecular bases of toxicology run the
gamut of 23 compounds, from aflatoxins (AFs) to
zearalenone, ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol. Ergotism is
one of the oldest recognized mycotoxicosis, although
mycotoxin science only commenced in the 1960s with the
discovery of AFs in turkey feed. AFs are carcinogenic. Some
others are suspected carcinogens. The effects of mycotoxins
are acute or chronic in nature. Mycotoxins are well known
in the scientific community, although they have a low
profile in the general population. An incongruous situation
occurs in United States where mycotoxins from “moldy homes”
are considered to be a significant problem, although there
is a general debate about seriousness. This contrasts with
the thousands of deaths from mycotoxins that occur, even
now, in the technologically less developed countries (e.g.,
Indonesia, China, and Africa). Mycotoxins are more toxic
than pesticides. Studies are moving from whole animal work
to investigating the biochemical mechanisms in isolated
cells, and the mechanisms of toxicity at the molecular
level are being elucidated. The stereochemical nature of
AFs has been shown to be important. In addition, the effect
of multiple mycotoxins is being increasingly investigated,
which will more accurately represent the situation in
nature. It is anticipated that more fungal metabolites will
be recognized as dangerous toxins and permitted statutory
levels will decrease in the future."
Gee. Guess the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal
Reform, the Manhattan Institute Center for Legal Policy,
and the little cabal of Big Tobacco White Coats turned self
professed mold "experts" circa 2000, were wrong that it has
been scientifically proven all claims of illness from the
toxins of mold are only being made because of "trial
lawyers, media and junk science".
Just spent some time on an ecoexcursion.
ignacio springs . co m /
Amazing how such a break can renew one's spirit and ability
to rock and roll in the name of accurate US public health
policy marketing!
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