Technical Aspects

Human cells have protective mechanisms to deplete free radicals and other reactive chemicals. They have an entire array of free radical scavengers and enzymes. They have transcription factors — Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor) and Keap-1 (Kelch-like Ech-associated-protein 1). Mycotoxins block or deplete Nrf2 and Keap 1.

Mycotoxins stop the body of getting rid of free radicals. EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF FREE RADICALS ARE BAD FOR OUR HEALTH.

When the body is confronted with major stressors the cells must quickly modulate their antioxidant capacity to counteract the increased oxidative stress. In order to do this the body is able to activate a massive antioxidant effect in a matter of nanoseconds through a specific genetic pathway. Nrf2 is a transcription factor in humans encoded by a specific gene that regulates the expression of a set of antioxidant and detoxifying genes. This pathway is activated under times of oxidative stress to enhance the expression of a multitude of antioxidant and phase II liver detoxification enzymes that restore homeostasis to the ox/redox cycles in the body. This Keap1-Nrf2 pathway regulates over 600 genes involved in cellular protection and antioxidant defenses. These various genes act to boost major antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase.

Symptoms associated with mycotoxins:

Associated clinical symptoms and diseases

Additional diseases and symptoms associated with mycotoxins:

• Fumonisin derives from contaminated corn/maize, resulting in neural tube defects in humans, is the only mycotoxin recognized as causing birth defects in humans at this time. There are many mycotoxins recognized to cause birth defects in farm and laboratory animals.

• Gliotoxin (from Aspergillus species, especially Aspergillus fumigatus) decreases your immune system and depletes glutathione, the master anti-oxidant of the body.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) are also produced by mold. These are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Many, but not all produce odor. Odor, does not indicate the level of risk from inhalation, but can denote the presence of mold. We offer testing for VOC’s. Treatment involves typical treatment for mold used by this office. In addition, more investigative work need to be done to make sure your gut is working well first, and then use compounds that improve phase I and II detoxification, and used in conjunction with far infra-red sauna. Here is a list of VOC’s produced by mold: Benzene, Toluene, Styrene, Acetone, 2-Pentanone, Furan, 2,2 Dimethylpropenal, Methyl acetate. Source: Adrienne Sprouse, MD, M. Ed.

• Food contaminated with mycotoxins, particularly processed foods for your beloved pets (dogs, cats, etc.). We have testing available for your pets and for your home environment, too.

“Many clinical symptoms and disease states have been associated with human exposure to mycotoxins. The RealTime Lab Mycotoxin test detects 15 different Mycotoxins, including 9 macrocyclic Trichothecenes. These are particularly important as they are known to be highly toxic and are produced by species such as Stachybotrys (“black mold”), shown to be present in mold contaminated buildings. Testing is done using competitive ELISA, a very sensitive method for detection using antibodies prepared against the Mycotoxins.”
-Real Time Lab