스테리그마토시스틴

Phenobarbital may be administered to enhances hepatic transformation activities and protect against Sterigmatocystin-induced toxicity, carcinogenicity and DNA binding in vivo. In cases of ingestion, feeding large quantities of an adsorbent such as activated charcoal may be used. The hepatic function should be monitored. (A704)

Sterigmatocystin is considered as a potent carcinogen, mutagen and teratogen. It causes necrosis of the liver and kidney. May also cause hepatocellular carcinoma, acute hepatitis, Reye's syndrome, bile duct cell proliferation, periportal fibrosis, hemorrhages, mucous membrane jaundice, fatty liver changes, cirrhosis in malnourished children, and kwashiorkor. (A704, L1946)

Sterigmatocystin's carcinogenic properties are a result of its ability to form guanyl DNA adducts and bind to DNA. In addition, DNA adduct formation causes enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and an imbalance in antioxidant defense, leading to enhanced lipid peroxidation that causes cell damage. (A2888, A2958, A2959)

The occurrence of sterigmatocystin in raw materials and foods has not been reported often. The instances reported have usually been on mouldy, or poor quality materials such as wheat, maize, animal feed, hard cheese, pecan nuts and green coffee beans. (L1946)