Aspergillus Auto-Toxin (Sterigmatocystin) carcinogenic (causes cancer), mutagenic (causes mutations), andteratogenic (causes malformations of the fetus), hepatotoxic (liver); can cause autoimmune diseases.
Sterigmatocystin (STG) is a mycotoxin that is closely related to aflatoxin. STG is produced from several species of mold such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Bipolaris. It is considered to be carcinogenic, particularly in the cells of the GI tract and liver. STG has been found in the dust from damp carpets. It is also a contaminant of many foods including grains, corn, bread, cheese, spices, coffee beans, soybeans, pistachio nuts, and animal feed. In cases of lung aspergilloma, STG has been found in human tissue specimens. The toxicity of STG affects the liver, kidneys, and immune system. Tumors have been found in the lungs of rodents that were exposed to STG. Oxidative stress becomes measurably elevated during STG exposure, which causes a depletion of antioxidants such as glutathione, particularly in the liver.
References:
Viegas, C.; Nurme, J.; Pieckova, E.; S, V., Sterigmatocystin in foodstuffs and feed: aspects to consider. Mycology 2018, 2018. [L]
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