Trichothecenes compromise the blood brain barrier, innate immune system, inflammatory pathways, nervous and endocrine systems, and make micro glia overly sensitive. They also impact the gut in several ways: compromising tight junctions, and compromise nutrient absorption.

The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZON) is produced by Fusarium mold species. I chose to highlight this mycotoxin following my blog articles on Ochratoxin A (OTA) for three reasons. First, I often see ZON elevated along with OTA on urine-based mycotoxin tests. Second, when it comes to food contamination, ZON and OTA are found on the same grains. Third, it’s effects on the body are significant, given that it inhibits copper transporters, depletes vitamin B2, causes blood glucose dysregulation, and blocks a key gene (GPX4) which can lead to high mitochondrial oxidative stress and Ferroptosis.

The mycotoxin Citrinin affects all the main organs, including the bone marrow, liver, kidney, and mitochondrial respiratory chain. Citrinin and Gliotoxin both inhibit IL-10. IL-10 can block TNFA and IL-6, both important inflammatory pathways. Citrinin was significantly associated with neutrophilia, squamous cell carcinoma, Fanconi anemia, leukemia, hepatoblastoma, and fatty liver diseases.

Mycotoxin exposure is synonymous with chronic illness, ME / CFS, and Long Haul Covid. Approximately 50-75% of the folks that find me test over the 95% for at least one mycotoxin. Mycotoxins cause organ damage, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and some lead to blood glucose issues and diabetes, while others cause iron dysregulation and low ferritin.

Ochratoxin A negatively impacts a significant number of pathways related to detoxification, oxidative stress, heme biosynthesis, and iron regulation. Research has shown that many commonly available compounds can help counteract these negative effects.

Heme is one of the most common cofactors in the body needed for : All Phase I CYP450 enzymes, Nitic Oxide, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Super Oxide Dismutase, Electron Transport In Complexes II, III, IV, Cytochrome C, SUOX (Sulfur), Tryptophan metabolism, and NAD/NADPH synthesis. Some of the more extreme symptoms include sensitivity to sunlight, gall bladder attacks and strange abdominal pain, skin lesions and acute neurovisceral attacks, and alcohol sensitivity. Deficiencies in the required cofactors such as : B2, B6, B7, B12, Lipoic Acid, Glycine, Succinyl Co A, Zinc, Copper, or Iron can disrupt heme biosynthesis. Critically impacted in hypoxic conditions, as well as by oxidative stress and toxic gut metabolites like acetyl aldehydes and hydrogen sulfide.

Ochratoxin A effects pathways that lead to many issues like : neurodegeneration, brain inflammation, iron dysregulation, POTS, Glial Cell Reactivity, Mast Cell Activation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Metabolic Dysfunction, and Ferroptosis (un mitigated cell death), Hypoxia, and massive fatigue.

Ochratoxin A is a ubiquitous mold toxin (mycotoxin), and it is present in relatively low amounts in grains, nuts, legumes, teas, coffees, and root vegetables. Because it is also commonly found in water damaged buildings, and it is one of the most frequently recovered toxins in urine-based mycotoxin testing from Mosaic, Real Time Labs, and Vibrant America. It is linked to organ damage, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.

Many factors can stress the kidneys, such as heavy metals, infections, detox programs, and mold (mycotoxins). Low nitric oxide levels can contribute to kidney stress. Resveratrol is known for its heart-protective benefits, and this is why red wine, in moderation, is often linked to heart health. Reducing caffeine intake is also important, as it can inhibit nitric oxide production and put extra stress on the kidneys.