Mold mycotoxins deplete the body of its master antioxidant glutathione. In true Tolkien homage, I refer to glutathione as 'the one antioxidant to rule them all. It's a critical detoxifier of A Comprehensive Overview of the Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Diseases Springer Nature Link Mycotoxins are toxic. But they are only one of many stressors affecting the extracellular matrix. Ochratoxin, aflatoxins, and trichothecenes increase oxidative stress, deplete glutathione, disrupt mitochondria, and activate inflammatory signaling. That Identification of cytotoxic, glutathione reactive moieties inducing accumulation of reactive oxygen species via glutathione depletion ScienceDirect