Combined Toxicity of the Most Common Indoor Aspergilli

Abstract

The most common Aspergilli isolated from indoor air samples from occupied buildings and a grain mill were extracted and analyzed for their combined (Flavi + Nigri, Versicolores + Nigri) cytotoxic, genotoxic and pro-inflammatory properties on human adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and monocytic leukemia cells induced in macrophages (THP-1 macrophages). Metabolite mixtures from the Aspergilli series Nigri increase the cytotoxic and genotoxic potency of Flavi extracts in A549 cells suggesting additive and/or synergistic effects, while antagonizing the cytotoxic potency of Versicolores extracts in THP-1 macrophages and genotoxicity in A549 cells. All tested combinations significantly decreased IL-5 and IL-17, while IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 relative concentrations were increased. Exploring the toxicity of extracted Aspergilli deepens the understanding of intersections and interspecies differences in events of chronic exposure to their inhalable mycoparticles.

Recent Advances in the Detection of Indoor Fungi

“…Jakšić et al [ 12 ] presented a study on the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and pro-inflammatory properties of metabolite mixtures obtained from fungi on human adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and monocytic leukemia cells induced in macrophages (THP-1 macrophages). Metabolites of the most common Aspergillus species isolated from indoor air samples were used.…”

“…The contributors to this Special Issue provided insights into current issues in indoor mycology, particularly from a methodological [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 11 , 13 ], metabolic/toxicological [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 15 ], and taxonomical [ 8 , 9 , 13 , 16 , 17 ] point of view. Overall, two key messages emerge: (i) the current detection methods appear to be shifting from air sampling [ 11 , 12 ] to dust sampling [ 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 13 ], as the latter provides information on longer exposure periods and a higher biodiversity; (ii) the microbial composition of buildings is still largely unknown [ 9 , 13 , 16 , 17 ]. Our authors demonstrated that the indoor environment should also be a focus of taxonomical research, especially with regard to wooden and cellulosic materials [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], which proved to have a relatively high biodiversity.…”

“…Our authors demonstrated that the indoor environment should also be a focus of taxonomical research, especially with regard to wooden and cellulosic materials [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], which proved to have a relatively high biodiversity. The studies have highlighted that further research efforts are needed to fill the large knowledge gaps on the metabolites of indoor fungi in order to understand their interactions and health effects [ 12 , 15 ].…”

“…The contributors to this Special Issue provided insights into current issues in indoor mycology, particularly from a methodological [6][7][8]11,13], metabolic/toxicological [10][11][12]14,15], and taxonomical [8,9,13,16,17] point of view. Overall, two key messages emerge: (i) the current detection methods appear to be shifting from air sampling [11,12] to dust sampling [6,[8][9][10]13], as the latter provides information on longer exposure periods and a higher biodiversity; (ii) the microbial composition of buildings is still largely unknown [9,13,16,17].…”