Serum Antibody Testing for Mycotoxins

MyMycoLab is a laboratory specializing in blood serum antibody testing for mycotoxins. They offer testing for 12 different mycotoxins, measuring both IgG and IgE antibodies. This provides a comprehensive look at how the body is reacting to mycotoxins, either through a toxicological or allergic response.

Mycotoxins and molds are often referred to as "The Great Masquerader" by the World Health Organization, as they mimic a wide range of illnesses and conditions, making them difficult to diagnose and treat.

The first step in understanding whether you are affected by mycotoxins and molds is through testing. Molds are biological organisms, while mycotoxins are toxic substances, which are far more dangerous. A blood serum test is the most precise and accurate method for detecting your body’s reaction to mycotoxins, whether from toxicity or allergy.

Toxin-producing molds are always present in water-damaged homes or workplaces. There is a significant body of accepted, non-controversial evidence in medical science linking mycotoxin exposure to immune dysregulation, neurological disorders, cancer, and various other health issues. It is important to discuss these concerns with your clinicians.

Mycotoxins in Food

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), very low levels of mycotoxins are present in many foods. For example, Vomitoxin (Deoxynivalenol) from Fusarium mold is found in grains, but a person would need to consume a massive amount (e.g., over 14 pounds of oatmeal or 20 slices of bread daily) to reach harmful levels.

Mycotoxins are routinely detected in the urine of healthy individuals, but this does not necessarily indicate disease or mold-related health problems. The levels found in food and beverages are typically in parts per billion and do not pose a risk to health.

IgG and IgE Antibodies

IgG is the most abundant antibody in human serum, responsible for long-term immunity. It can cross the placenta and protect the newborn. IgG antibodies to mycotoxins indicate an ongoing immune reaction, often due to current environmental exposure or past colonization, especially in the sinuses or lungs.

IgE antibodies are associated with allergies. They trigger the release of histamine, heparin, and cytokines from mast cells, which causes inflammation and can lead to mast cell activation. Mast cells are involved in various inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.

Here is a brief overview of common mycotoxins:

Satratoxin: A potent trichothecene mycotoxin primarily produced by Stachybotrys (black mold). It is known for its neurotoxic effects, causing brain inflammation, and triggering apoptosis in olfactory sensory neurons. Symptoms of exposure include fatigue, headaches, nosebleeds, chest pain, pulmonary hemorrhage, moist dermatitis, and fever. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic immune responses, brain and nerve cell damage.

Verrucarin and Verrucarol: Produced by Fusarium and Aspergillus species, these trichothecene mycotoxins are known for causing tremors, immune toxicity, inflammation, and protein synthesis inhibition.

Ochratoxin: This mycotoxin affects the immune system, kidneys, liver, and lungs, and is carcinogenic. It impacts DNA and inhibits protein synthesis. Ochratoxin has been shown to cause leaky gut syndrome and disrupt nutrient absorption. It cannot be excreted in urine, and its highest levels are found in breast milk. Key target organs include the liver, kidney, brain, skeletal muscle, and fat tissue. It can cross the placenta.

T2 Toxin: A trichothecene mycotoxin, it has been used in biological warfare. It can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting, as well as reproductive cycle changes and infertility. It is known to lower testosterone levels.

Vomitoxin (Deoxynivalenol): Another trichothecene mycotoxin, it damages the intestinal barrier, leading to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. It also disrupts hormone levels, impacting both estrogen and testosterone.

Cladosporium Toxin (Cladosporium HSP 70): This airborne mold spore is a significant allergen, especially for individuals with asthma or respiratory conditions. It also produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are neurotoxic. Symptoms include severe headaches, seizures, and sleepiness.

Alternaria Toxin (Alternariol): Known for its cytotoxic, mutagenic, and genotoxic properties, it can cause immune suppression, inflammation, and lower testosterone levels.

Aspergillus Toxin (Aspergillus Hemolysin): This mycotoxin is cytotoxic, especially to neutrophils and macrophages, and is carcinogenic. It is hemolytic, meaning it destroys red blood cells.

Aspergillus Auto-Toxin (Sterigmatocystin): This carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic mycotoxin can cause autoimmune diseases and liver toxicity.

Penicillium Toxin (Mycophenolic Acid): Known to cause immune suppression.

Asp/Pen Neuro Auto-Toxin (Gliotoxin): A neurotoxic mycotoxin linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis, it also suppresses the immune system and is cytotoxic to white blood cells.

Stachybotrys Toxin (Trichothecene): This potent mycotoxin can affect multiple systems in the body:

• Vascular: Increased fragility, pulmonary hemorrhage.

• Nervous: Tremors, headaches, seizures, sleep disturbances, incoordination, depression, and nerve demyelination (CIDP).

• Digestive: Vomiting, diarrhea, liver toxicity, anorexia, and intestinal hemorrhage.

• Cutaneous: Rash, photosensitization, skin sloughing, and burning sensations.

• Endocrine: Reduced testosterone and estrogen levels.

Fumonisin B1: Produced by Fusarium molds, this mycotoxin is hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and linked to esophageal cancer. It can disrupt brain function and cause depression resistant to treatment. It also affects mitochondrial function.

Zearalenone: This estrogenic mycotoxin impacts reproduction in both men and women. It can cause reduced embryo survival, fetal weight reduction, premature breast development in girls, and lower testosterone in men. It is hepatotoxic, immunotoxic, and affects mitochondrial function.