What Patients Might Benefit from the MycoTOX Profile?

Exposure to molds can negatively impact health either directly due to inhalation or dermal contact with mold or mold spores – or secondarily due to the concomitant presence of their secondary metabolites, mycotoxins.

Symptoms and disease states that have been associated with mycotoxin exposure include the following:

• Alzheimer’s
 
• Anxiety/Depression
 
• Asthma
 
• Autism
 
• Bronchitis
 
• Cancer (e.g., Hepatic, Esophageal)
 
• Chronic Fatigue
 
• Cognitive Impairments
 
• Headaches
 
• Infertility
 
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
 
• Intestinal Permeability
 
• Multiple Sclerosis
 
• Other Mood Impairments
 
• Parkinson's Disease 

Details

Why Test for Mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are prevalent environmental toxins produced by certain mold species and can come from many sources including buildings, vehicles, and foodstuffs, causing serious acute and chronic health effects. The MosaicDX MycoTOX Profile is a state-of-the-art urine-based assay that accurately detects 11 different mycotoxins, including Aflatoxin M1, Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone, and Trichothecenes.

Since mycotoxin exposure can manifest in various and ambiguous symptoms, proper testing is essential for accurate treatment. Our test is specifically designed to help healthcare practitioners identify mycotoxin exposure and guide a targeted prevention and treatment plan.

How Does the MycoTOX Profile Measure Mycotoxins?

The MycoTOX profile utilizes state of the art liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology to ensure high specificity (or fewer false positive results) and capture free (unconjugated) mycotoxin presence even at low levels, this is crucial as mycotoxins, even at low levels of exposure, can cause serious health problems. Our test is so sensitive that we can detect amounts of many compounds in parts per trillion (ppt). To account for variations in fluid intake, we utilize creatinine correction to ensure accurate and reliable results. By utilizing LC-MS/MS technology, we can precisely identify all our analytes, reducing the risk of false positives. With the MycoTOX Profile, you can trust that you are receiving the most accurate and reliable results possible. 

Analytes

The MycoTOX urine-based assay assesses levels of 11 different mycotoxins.

Below is a list of all all analytes included in the test along with a brief description.

Aflatoxins: AFM1  

An aflatoxin of concern, AFM1, is a hydroxylated metabolite of AFB1 and is secreted in the milk of both humans and animals.

Ochratoxins:  Ochratoxin A   

Ochratoxin A (OTA) which is the most prevalent, toxic, and clinically relevant fungal toxin of this mycotoxin group. While it has been associated with numerous negative health impacts, the kidney has been noted to be its main target organ – and studies indicate its association with nephrotoxicity in humans and animals.

Trichothecenes: Roridin E (ROE), Verrucarin A (VRA),   

Tricothecenes are extremely potent inhibitors of protein synthesis and have been described to have wide-ranging negative systemic effects including immunotoxicity (immunosuppression), gastrointestinal toxicity, neurotoxicity, and dermatologic manifestations.

Zearalenone:  Zearalenone  

The main toxic effect of Zearalenone relates to its endocrine disruptive capabilities and as such, resultant negative reproductive effects in humans and animals.

Chaetoglobosin (CHA)   

Chaetomium globosum is frequently isolated from materials found in water-damaged buildings – and is often referred to as ‘black mold.’

Enniatin B (ENB)   

ENB has been shown to have endocrine disrupting properties as well as the ability to cross the blood brain barrier in in vitro assays.

Gliotoxin (GTX)   

Airborne Aspergillus fungal spores are ubiquitous in many environments making potential exposure to gliotoxin common. Gliotoxins have been found on linoleum flooring and wallpaper in water damaged buildings, as well as silage and other animal food stocks.

Mycophenolic Acid (MPA)   

MPA is used as an immunosuppressive drug for the prevention of transplant rejection in the form of sodium mycophenolate (Myfortic™, Novartis) and a pro-drug, mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept™, Roche) – and as a result, its levels may be elevated on diagnostics in patients using these pharmaceuticals.

Sterigmatocystin (STC)   

Sterigmatocystin is a precursor of aflatoxin B1 in fungi capable of producing aflatoxins. Despite the similarity of chemical structure of these two mycotoxins, Sterigmatocystin has been noted to be a less potent carcinogen than Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). It is classified as a Group 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Citrinin (CTN) 

Exposure to CTN has been linked to the development of nephropathy, which is caused by CTN’s ability to increase the permeability of mitochondrial membranes in the kidneys. Rat studies have demonstrated that CTN is carcinogenic. Furthermore, several studies have linked exposure to CTN with a suppression of the immune response.