Mycotoxins and Neurologic Health
The impact of environmental toxins on health has been increasingly recognized, with mycotoxins emerging as significant contributors to neurological disorders. Mycotoxins, which are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, can affect human health in various ways, including crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and inducing neurotoxicity. Assessing mycotoxin exposure it crucial across many chronic disease conditions. For the sake of this post, I am only going to look at neurological health, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease.
Mycotoxins and Their Neurological Impact
Mycotoxins from fungi such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Fusarium can cross the BBB, leading to neurotoxic effects. For instance, trichothecenes and T-2 toxins cause neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation, while ochratoxin A leads to the loss of dopaminergic neurons and apoptosis in key brain regions such as the substantia nigra, striatum, and hippocampus, mirroring the pathology seen in Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, satratoxin and deoxynivalenol disrupt ceramide synthesis and cause neurodegeneration in the cerebral cortex. Ceramides play key roles in cellular signaling, particularly in regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, and programmed cell death (apoptosis).
Mycotoxins and Alzheimer’s Disease
In his 2016 paper in Aging, Dale Bredesen discusses what he calls Type 3 Alzheimer’s disease (AD), also known as inhalational Alzheimer’s disease, as a subtype of AD linked to toxin exposure, particularly mycotoxins. Patients with Type 3 AD often present with non-amnestic symptoms, such as executive dysfunction and dyscalculia, and show signs of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). CIRS is a biotoxin illness. The overlap between CIRS and Type 3 AD are significant according to Bredesen, with many patients exhibiting both conditions. Laboratory findings frequently show elevated TGF-β1, C4a, and MMP9 levels, along with genetic markers indicating sensitivity to biotoxins.
Mechanisms of Mycotoxin-Induced Neurotoxicity
Mycotoxins exert their harmful effects through various mechanisms, including:
- Oxidative Stress: Mycotoxins induce oxidative stress, leading to neuronal damage and apoptosis. This oxidative stress is a direct mechanism of cytotoxicity for toxins like DON and ochratoxin A.
- Inflammation: Mycotoxins activate inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB and TNF-alpha, contributing to the deposition of amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of AD.
- Excitotoxicity: Some mycotoxins, such as verruculogen and penitrem, increase glutamate release, leading to excitotoxicity.
Testing for Mycotoxins
- I like using the Shoemaker Protocol Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test as a screening tool. If results show a fail, I will generally recommend running a Mycotoxin profile.
- MycoTOX profile – this test assesses levels of five mycotoxins. I run mine through Nordic Labs but depending on where you live there are other labs like Rupa Health.
Treatment for Mycotoxins
Critical to treating mycotoxins, is remediating mould in the home. Continued exposure will render any treatment plan futile. A tailored detoxification program as well as comprehensive gastrointestinal support will be crucial and interventions may be needed for at least 6 months. Depending on the type of mycotoxin, binders like activated charcoal, bentonite clay and cholestyramine may be recommended.
Effective treatment for mycotoxicosis involves a multi-faceted approach and continued monitoring. If you suspect you are being exposed to mycotoxins, it is crucial to address as soon as possible and for a comprehensive treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs, to be developed for you.
