Ergot sterols Ergosterol

ergot sterols ^[1]( English:Ergosterol, also known as ergot sterols ) is a plant sterols found in fungal yeast and ergot bacteria. It can be converted to vitamin D2 under ultraviolet irradiation. It is a component of the yeast and fungal membranes that function in the same way as cholesterol in animal membranes. For vegetarians, ergot is the only source of vitamin D food, but vitamin D can be synthesized from cholesterol in the body.

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• 1 Applications
  • Detection of 1.1 fungi
  • 1.2 anti-fungal drug target
  • 1.3 Potential uses
• 2 Toxicity
• 3 References
• 4 External links

Application
Fungal assays

Ergot sterols are synthesized by fungi, although there are reports of ergot sterols in grasses such as rye ^{[2] and alfalfa (including alfalfa sprouts), and in plant flowers, such as hops [3], however, it is currently considered that these ergot sterols come from fungi that contaminate plants. As a result, ergot-sterols detection techniques can be used to detect fungi in grasses, grains, and feed systems. [4][5]}

Ergot sterols can also be used as an indicator of fungal biomass in the soil, although it degrades slowly, but if the sample is stored in a dark environment below freezing, the degradation rate slows down or even stops.

Antifungal drug targets [edit ]

Since Ergot sterols only play a biological role in fungal cells, it can serve as a target for antifungal agents. Ergot sterols also exist in some single-celled organisms, such as African sleeping sickness pathogen ^{[6] of the cell membrane, which is the basis of the drug used to treat the disease.}

For example, antifungal amphotericin B, which binds with ergot sterols on the membrane of mold, causes changes in cell membrane permeability, leading to the composition of the fungus cells, mainly potassium ions and hydrogen ions, and other components such as amino acids, proteins, etc. leaking to the membrane, destroying the normal metabolism of fungi and inhibiting growth, Cells produce lysis and cause mold cell death. ^{[7] It is used to resist fungal or protozoa infection, because of a certain affinity with cholesterol and have a side effect on the human body, is now generally replaced by other safer drugs.}

Imidazole, itraconazole and clindamycin inhibit the synthesis of fungal cells from lanolin to ergot, and the elimination of the enzymes associated with the removal of two methyl from Lanolin 4th carbon on the conversion process is inhibited, thereby achieving antifungal effects.

Potential uses

Studies have shown that ergot sterols may have anti-tumor properties. ^[8][9]

toxicity [Edit ]

Ergot sterol powder is irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. A large intake can cause high blood calcium, and prolonged high blood calcium causes calcium salts to be deposited in soft tissue, especially in the kidneys. ^[Ten]

Ergot sterols Ergosterol