1
|
Mohamed ZA, Elnour RO, Alamri S, Hashem M, Campos A, Vasconcelos V, Badawye H. Presence of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in irrigation water and accumulation in cereal grains with human exposure risk. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33188-y. [PMID: 38635096 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33188-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The present study demonstrates the presence of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine and its cyanobacterial producers in irrigation water and grains of some cereal plants from farmlands irrigated with Nile River water in Egypt. BMAA detected by LC-MS/MS in phytoplankton samples was found at higher concentrations of free form (0.84-11.4 μg L-1) than of protein-bound form (0.16-1.6 μg L-1), in association with the dominance of cyanobacteria in irrigation water canals. Dominant cyanobacterial species isolated from these irrigation waters including Aphanocapsa planctonica, Chroococcus minutus, Dolichospermum lemmermanni, Nostoc commune, and Oscillatoria tenuis were found to produce different concentrations of free (4.8-71.1 µg g-1 dry weight) and protein-bound (0.1-11.4 µg g-1 dry weight) BMAA. In the meantime, BMAA was also detected in a protein-bound form only in grains of corn (3.87-4.51 µg g-1 fresh weight) and sorghum (5.1-7.1 µg g-1 fresh weight) plants, but not in wheat grains. The amounts of BMAA accumulated in these grains correlated with BMAA concentrations detected in relevant irrigation water canals. The presence of BMAA in cereal grains would constitute a risk to human and animal health upon consumption of contaminated grains. The study, therefore, suggests continuous monitoring of BMAA and other cyanotoxins in irrigation waters and edible plants to protect the public against exposure to such potent toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zakaria A Mohamed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt.
| | - Rehab O Elnour
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Dahran Al-Janoub, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alamri
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Hashem
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alexandre Campos
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vitor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Departament of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Hanan Badawye
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Anzilotti S, Valente V, Brancaccio P, Franco C, Casamassa A, Lombardi G, Palazzi A, Conte A, Paladino S, Canzoniero LMT, Annunziato L, Pierantoni GM, Pignataro G. Chronic exposure to l-BMAA cyanotoxin induces cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation and glial activation, reproducing an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-like phenotype in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115503. [PMID: 37729728 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and often fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of Motor Neurons (MNs) in spinal cord, motor cortex and brainstem. Despite significant efforts in the field, the exact pathogenetic mechanisms underlying both familial and sporadic forms of ALS have not been fully elucidated, and the therapeutic possibilities are still very limited. Here we investigate the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration induced by chronic exposure to the environmental cyanotoxin L-BMAA, which causes a form of ALS/Parkinson's disease (PD) in several populations consuming food and/or water containing high amounts of this compound. METHODS In this effort, mice were chronically exposed to L-BMAA and analyzed at different time points to evaluate cellular and molecular alterations and behavioral deficits, performing MTT assay, immunoblot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry analysis, and behavioral tests. RESULTS We found that cyanotoxin L-BMAA determines apoptotic cell death and a marked astrogliosis in spinal cord and motor cortex, and induces neurotoxicity by favoring TDP-43 cytoplasmic accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results characterize a new versatile neurotoxic animal model of ALS that may be useful for the identification of new druggable targets to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serenella Anzilotti
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Valeria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Brancaccio
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Franco
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Lombardi
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessandra Palazzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Conte
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanna Maria Pierantoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Pignataro
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao P, Qiu J, Li A, Yan G, Li M, Ji Y. Matrix Effect of Diverse Biological Samples Extracted with Different Extraction Ratios on the Detection of β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine by Two Common LC-MS/MS Analysis Methods. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060387. [PMID: 35737048 PMCID: PMC9230712 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is hypothesized as an important pathogenic factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS-PDC). Comparative study on the accuracy of BMAA analyzed by the regular LC-MS/MS methods is still limited for different biological matrices. In this study, a free-BMAA sample of cyanobacterium and BMAA-containing positive samples of diatom, mussel, scallop, and oyster were extracted with varied extraction ratios (ER) ranging from 1:20 to 1:2000. These extracts were then purified by MCX cartridges. After SPE purification, these different biological samples were analyzed by two common LC-MS/MS analysis methods, a direct analysis without derivatization by a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-MS/MS and pre-column 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) derivatization combined with a C18 column. The results suggested that the recoveries of BMAA spiked in the cyanobacterial sample were close to 100% in the total soluble form extracts with the ER of 1:100 (g/mL) and the precipitated bound form extracts with the ER of 1:500. The recommended ER for the precipitated bound form of BMAA in diatoms and the total soluble form of BMAA in mollusks are 1:500 and 1:50, respectively. The quantitative results determined by the AQC derivatization method were lower than those determined by the direct analysis of the HILIC method in diatom and mollusk samples. The results of the HILIC method without the derivatization process were closer to the true value of BMAA in cyanobacteria. This work contributes to the performance of the solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification protocol and the accuracy of BMAA analysis by LC-MS/MS in diverse biological samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
| | - Jiangbing Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-532-66781935
| | - Guowang Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
| | - Min Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
| | - Ying Ji
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; (P.Z.); (J.Q.); (G.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kazemi Shariat Panahi H, Dehhaghi M, Heng B, Lane DJR, Bush AI, Guillemin GJ, Tan VX. Neuropathological Mechanisms of β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA) with a Focus on Iron Overload and Ferroptosis. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:614-635. [PMID: 35023054 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00455-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and cyanobacterial blooms is concomitantly increasing worldwide. The cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is produced by most of the Cyanobacteria spp. This cyanotoxin is described as a potential environmental etiology factor for some sporadic neurodegenerative diseases. Climate change and eutrophication significantly increase the frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial bloom in water bodies. This review evaluates different neuropathological mechanisms of BMAA at molecular and cellular levels and compares the related studies to provide some useful recommendations. Additionally, the structure and properties of BMAA as well as its microbial origin, especially by gut bacteria, are also briefly covered. Unlike previous reviews, we hypothesize the possible neurotoxic mechanism of BMAA through iron overload. We also discuss the involvement of BMAA in excitotoxicity, TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) translocation and accumulation, tauopathy, and other protein misincorporation and misfolding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Kazemi Shariat Panahi
- Neuroinflammation Group, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mona Dehhaghi
- Neuroinflammation Group, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- PANDIS.Org, Bendigo, Australia
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Centre of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Neuroinflammation Group, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Darius J R Lane
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- PANDIS.Org, Bendigo, Australia.
| | - Vanessa X Tan
- Neuroinflammation Group, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- PANDIS.Org, Bendigo, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ra D, Sa B, Sl B, Js M, Sj M, DA D, Ew S, O K, Eb B, Ad C, Vx T, Gg G, Pa C, Dc M, Wg B. Is Exposure to BMAA a Risk Factor for Neurodegenerative Diseases? A Response to a Critical Review of the BMAA Hypothesis. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:81-106. [PMID: 33547590 PMCID: PMC7904546 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00302-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In a literature survey, Chernoff et al. (2017) dismissed the hypothesis that chronic exposure to β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) may be a risk factor for progressive neurodegenerative disease. They question the growing scientific literature that suggests the following: (1) BMAA exposure causes ALS/PDC among the indigenous Chamorro people of Guam; (2) Guamanian ALS/PDC shares clinical and neuropathological features with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ALS; (3) one possible mechanism for protein misfolds is misincorporation of BMAA into proteins as a substitute for L-serine; and (4) chronic exposure to BMAA through diet or environmental exposures to cyanobacterial blooms can cause neurodegenerative disease. We here identify multiple errors in their critique including the following: (1) their review selectively cites the published literature; (2) the authors reported favorably on HILIC methods of BMAA detection while the literature shows significant matrix effects and peak coelution in HILIC that may prevent detection and quantification of BMAA in cyanobacteria; (3) the authors build alternative arguments to the BMAA hypothesis, rather than explain the published literature which, to date, has been unable to refute the BMAA hypothesis; and (4) the authors erroneously attribute methods to incorrect studies, indicative of a failure to carefully consider all relevant publications. The lack of attention to BMAA research begins with the review's title which incorrectly refers to BMAA as a "non-essential" amino acid. Research regarding chronic exposure to BMAA as a cause of human neurodegenerative diseases is emerging and requires additional resources, validation, and research. Here, we propose strategies for improvement in the execution and reporting of analytical methods and the need for additional and well-executed inter-lab comparisons for BMAA quantitation. We emphasize the need for optimization and validation of analytical methods to ensure that they are fit-for-purpose. Although there remain gaps in the literature, an increasingly large body of data from multiple independent labs using orthogonal methods provides increasing evidence that chronic exposure to BMAA may be a risk factor for neurological illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dunlop Ra
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA.
| | - Banack Sa
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Bishop Sl
- Lewis Research Group, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Metcalf Js
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Murch Sj
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Davis DA
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stommel Ew
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Karlsson O
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brittebo Eb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Tan Vx
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Ryde, Australia
| | - Guillemin Gg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie University, Ryde, Australia
| | - Cox Pa
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Mash Dc
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Bradley Wg
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Western Pacific ALS-PDC: Evidence implicating cycad genotoxins. J Neurol Sci 2020; 419:117185. [PMID: 33190068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex (ALS-PDC) is a disappearing neurodegenerative disorder of apparent environmental origin formerly hyperendemic among Chamorros of Guam-USA, Japanese residents of the Kii Peninsula, Honshu Island, Japan and Auyu-Jakai linguistic groups of Papua-Indonesia on the island of New Guinea. The most plausible etiology is exposure to genotoxins in seed of neurotoxic cycad plants formerly used for food and/or medicine. Primary suspicion falls on methylazoxymethanol (MAM), the aglycone of cycasin and on the non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine, both of which are metabolized to formaldehyde. Human and animal studies suggest: (a) exposures occurred early in life and sometimes during late fetal brain development, (b) clinical expression of neurodegenerative disease appeared years or decades later, and (c) pathological changes in various tissues indicate the disease was not confined to the CNS. Experimental evidence points to toxic molecular mechanisms involving DNA damage, epigenetic changes, transcriptional mutagenesis, neuronal cell-cycle reactivation and perturbation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system that led to polyproteinopathy and culminated in neuronal degeneration. Lessons learned from research on ALS-PDC include: (a) familial disease may reflect common toxic exposures across generations, (b) primary disease prevention follows cessation of exposure to culpable environmental triggers; and (c) disease latency provides a prolonged period during which to intervene therapeutically. Exposure to genotoxic chemicals ("slow toxins") in the early stages of life should be considered in the search for the etiology of ALS-PDC-related neurodegenerative disorders, including sporadic forms of ALS, progressive supranuclear palsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
|
7
|
Fiore M, Parisio R, Filippini T, Mantione V, Platania A, Odone A, Signorelli C, Pietrini V, Mandrioli J, Teggi S, Costanzini S, Antonio C, Zuccarello P, Oliveri Conti G, Nicoletti A, Zappia M, Vinceti M, Ferrante M. Living near waterbodies as a proxy of cyanobacteria exposure and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population based case-control study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109530. [PMID: 32335431 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies highlighted the possibility that exposure to cyanotoxins leads to the development of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS We devised a population-based case-control study in two Italian populations. We used residential proximity of the residence to water bodies as a measure of possible exposure to cyanotoxins. RESULTS Based on 703 newly-diagnosed ALS cases and 2737 controls, we calculated an ALS odds ratio (OR) of 1.41 (95% CI: 0.72-2.74) for current residence in the vicinity of water bodies, and a slightly lower estimate for historical residence (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 0.57-2.99). Subjects <65 years and people living in the Northern Italy province of Modena had higher ORs, especially when historical residence was considered. CONCLUSIONS Overall, despite some risk of bias due to exposure misclassification and unmeasured confounding, our results appear to support the hypothesis that cyanotoxin exposure may increase ALS risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fiore
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123.
| | - Roberto Parisio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valerio Mantione
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Armando Platania
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy; School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 58 Via Olgettina Milano, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Vladimiro Pietrini
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology Unit, University of Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 1355 Via Pietro Giardini, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Sergio Teggi
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 10 Via Vivarelli, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Sofia Costanzini
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 10 Via Vivarelli, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristaldi Antonio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123.
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Section of Neurosciences, Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Zappia
- Section of Neurosciences, Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123; Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory (LIAA). Department "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Metabolism of the neurotoxic amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in human cell culture models. Toxicon 2019; 168:131-139. [PMID: 31330193 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human dietary exposure to the environmental neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been implicated in an increased risk of developing sporadic neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Evidence suggests that humans are exposed to BMAA globally, but very little is known about BMAA metabolism in mammalian systems, let alone in humans. The most plausible, evidence-based mechanisms of BMAA toxicity rely on the metabolic stability of the amino acid and that, following ingestion, it enters the circulatory system unmodified. BMAA crosses from the intestinal lumen into the circulatory system, and the small intestine and liver are the first sites for dietary amino acid metabolism. Both tissues have substantial amino acid metabolic needs, which are largely fulfilled by dietary amino acids. Metabolism of BMAA in these tissues has been largely overlooked, yet is important in gauging the true human exposure risk. Here we investigate the potential for BMAA metabolism by the human liver and small intestine, using in vitro cell systems. Data show that BMAA metabolism via common proteinogenic amino acid metabolic pathways is negligible, and that in the presence of other amino acids cellular uptake of BMAA is substantially reduced. These data suggest that the majority of ingested BMAA remains unmodified following passage through the small intestine and liver. This not only supports oral BMAA exposure as a plausible exposure route to toxic doses of BMAA, but also supports previous notions that protein deficient diets or malnutrition may increase an individual's susceptibility to BMAA absorption and subsequent toxicity.
Collapse
|
9
|
Martin RM, Stallrich J, Bereman MS. Mixture designs to investigate adverse effects upon co-exposure to environmental cyanotoxins. Toxicology 2019; 421:74-83. [PMID: 31029734 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to implement powerful mixture design techniques, commonly used in process optimization, to investigate enhanced adverse effects upon co-exposure to environmental cyanotoxins. Exposure to cyanobacteria, which are found ubiquitously in environmental water reservoirs, have been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the known co-occurrence of various cyanotoxins, the majority of studies investigating this link have focused on the investigation of a single cyanotoxin, a noncanonical amino acid called β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), which poorly recapitulates an actual environmental exposure. Interactions amongst cyanotoxic compounds is an area of great concern and remains poorly understood. To this end, we describe the use of a simplex axial mixture design to screen for interactive adverse effects of cyanotoxic mixtures. Using a combination of basic toxicity assays coupled with contemporary proteomic techniques, our results show the existence of a significant (p ≤ 0.01) interaction between BMAA and its isomers aminoethyl glycine (AEG) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4DAB). Cyanotoxic mixtures significantly decreased cell viability by an average of 19% and increased caspases 3/7 activities by an average of 110% when compared to individual cyanotoxins (p ≤ 0.05). Cyanotoxic mixtures perturbed various biological pathways associated with neurodegeneration, including inhibition of protective autophagy and activation of mitochondrial dysfunction (z-score >|2|). Additionally, exposure to mixtures perturbed important upstream regulators involved in cellular dysfunction, morbidity, and development. Taken together, our results highlight: (1) the need to study combinations of cyanotoxins when investigating the link between cyanobacteria and neurodegenerative pathologies and (2) the application of design of experiment (DoE) as an efficient methodology to study mixtures of relevant environmental toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubia M Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan Stallrich
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Michael S Bereman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Scott L, Downing T. Dose-Dependent Adult Neurodegeneration in a Rat Model After Neonatal Exposure to β-N-Methylamino-l-Alanine. Neurotox Res 2019; 35:711-723. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-9996-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
11
|
Bhandari D, Bowman BA, Patel AB, Chambers DM, De Jesús VR, Blount BC. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for the quantitative measurement of aliphatic diamines, trimethylamine N-oxide, and β-methylamino-l-alanine in human urine. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018. [PMID: 29524697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This work describes a quantitative high-throughput analytical method for the simultaneous measurement of small aliphatic nitrogenous biomarkers, i.e., 1,6-hexamethylenediamine (HDA), isophoronediamine (IPDA), β-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), in human urine. Urinary aliphatic diamines, HDA and IPDA, are potential biomarkers of environmental exposure to their corresponding diisocyanates. Urinary BMAA forms as a result of human exposure to blue-green algae contaminated food. And, TMAO is excreted in urine due to the consumption of carnitine- and choline-rich diets. These urinary biomarkers represent classes of small aliphatic nitrogen-containing compounds (N-compounds) that have a high aqueous solubility, low logP, and/or high basic pKa. Because of the highly polar characteristics, analysis of these compounds in complex sample matrices is often challenging. We report on the development of ion-pairing chemistry based ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous measurement of these biomarkers in human urine. Chromatographic separation was optimized using heptafluorobutyric acid-(HFBA-) based mobile phase and a reversed-phase C18 column. All four analytes were baseline separated within 2.6 min with an overall run time of 5 min per sample injection. Sample preparation involved 4 h of acid hydrolysis followed by automated solid phase extraction (SPE) performed using strong cation exchange sorbent bed with 7 N ammonia solution in methanol as eluent. Limits of detection ranged from 0.05 ng/mL to 1.60 ng/mL. The inter-day and intra-day accuracy were within 10%, and reproducibility within 15%. The method is accurate, fast, and well-suited for biomonitoring studies within targeted groups, as well as larger population-based studies such as the U. S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Bhandari
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States.
| | - Brett A Bowman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - Anish B Patel
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - David M Chambers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - Víctor R De Jesús
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - Benjamin C Blount
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Sciences, Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Waidyanatha S, Ryan K, Sanders JM, McDonald JD, Wegerski CJ, Doyle-Eisle M, Garner CE. Disposition of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (L-BMAA), a neurotoxin, in rodents following a single or repeated oral exposure. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 339:151-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
13
|
Regueiro J, Negreira N, Carreira-Casais A, Pérez-Lamela C, Simal-Gándara J. Dietary exposure and neurotoxicity of the environmental free and bound toxin β- N -methylamino- l -alanine. Food Res Int 2017; 100:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
14
|
Tan VX, Lassus B, Lim CK, Tixador P, Courte J, Bessede A, Guillemin GJ, Peyrin JM. Neurotoxicity of the Cyanotoxin BMAA Through Axonal Degeneration and Intercellular Spreading. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:62-75. [PMID: 28842862 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
β-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is implicated in neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity, particularly in ALS-Parkinson Dementia Complex. Neurotoxic properties of BMAA have been partly elucidated, while its transcellular spreading capacity has not been examined. Using reconstructed neuronal networks in microfluidic chips, separating neuronal cells into two subcompartments-(1) the proximal, containing first-order neuronal soma and dendrites, and (2) a distal compartment, containing either only axons originating from first-order neurons or second-order striatal neurons-creates a cortico-striatal network. Using this system, we investigated the toxicity and spreading of BMAA in murine primary neurons. We used a newly developed antibody to detect BMAA in cells. After treatment with 10 μM BMAA, the cyanotoxin was incorporated in first-degree neurons. We also observed a rapid trans-neuronal spread of BMAA to unexposed second-degree neurons in 48 h, followed by axonal degeneration, with limited somatic death. This in vitro study demonstrates BMAA axonal toxicity at sublethal concentrations and, for the first time, the transcellular spreading abilities of BMAA. This neuronal dying forward spread that could possibly be associated with progression of some neurodegenerative diseases especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa X Tan
- Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Lassus
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Chai K Lim
- Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philippe Tixador
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Josquin Courte
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France
| | | | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Macquarie University Centre for MND Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jean-Michel Peyrin
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Adaptation Biologique et vieillissement, F-75005, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chernoff N, Hill DJ, Diggs DL, Faison BD, Francis BM, Lang JR, Larue MM, Le TT, Loftin KA, Lugo JN, Schmid JE, Winnik WM. A critical review of the postulated role of the non-essential amino acid, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine, in neurodegenerative disease in humans. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:1-47. [PMID: 28598725 PMCID: PMC6503681 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1297592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The compound BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine) has been postulated to play a significant role in four serious neurological human diseases: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC) found on Guam, and ALS, Parkinsonism, and dementia that occur globally. ALS/PDC with symptoms of all three diseases first came to the attention of the scientific community during and after World War II. It was initially associated with cycad flour used for food because BMAA is a product of symbiotic cycad root-dwelling cyanobacteria. Human consumption of flying foxes that fed on cycad seeds was later suggested as a source of BMAA on Guam and a cause of ALS/PDC. Subsequently, the hypothesis was expanded to include a causative role for BMAA in other neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD) through exposures attributed to proximity to freshwaters and/or consumption of seafood due to its purported production by most species of cyanobacteria. The hypothesis that BMAA is the critical factor in the genesis of these neurodegenerative diseases received considerable attention in the medical, scientific, and public arenas. This review examines the history of ALS/PDC and the BMAA-human disease hypotheses; similarities and differences between ALS/PDC and the other diseases with similar symptomologies; the relationship of ALS/PDC to other similar diseases, studies of BMAA-mediated effects in lab animals, inconsistencies and data gaps in the hypothesis; and other compounds and agents that were suggested as the cause of ALS/PDC on Guam. The review concludes that the hypothesis of a causal BMAA neurodegenerative disease relationship is not supported by existing data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N. Chernoff
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - D. J. Hill
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - D. L. Diggs
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Internship/Research Participation Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - B. D. Faison
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology, Washington, DC, USA
| | - B. M. Francis
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL, USA
| | - J. R Lang
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Internship/Research Participation Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - M. M. Larue
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Internship/Research Participation Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - T.-T. Le
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Internship/Research Participation Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - J. N. Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - J. E. Schmid
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - W. M. Winnik
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Scott LL, Downing S, Downing TG. The Evaluation of BMAA Inhalation as a Potential Exposure Route Using a rat Model. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:6-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9742-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
17
|
Bláhová L, Kohoutek J, Kadlecová E, Kozáková L, Bláha L. Assessment of non-derivatized β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) neurotoxin in free form in urine of patients with nonspecific neurological symptoms. Toxicon 2017; 133:48-57. [PMID: 28428069 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid discussed to be produced by cyanobacteria forming harmful blooms. Since BMAA is suspected etiological agent in neurodegenerative diseases, there is a need to study and validate whether and in what concentrations can BMAA be present in human tissues. The aim of the present study was to validate analytical and extraction procedures for quantification of non-derivatized BMAA in the urine using liquid chromatography and commercial ELISA Kit. The study was focused on BMAA in different forms - dissolved, protein associated and total. The validated protocol included SPE followed by HILIC MS/MS for analyses of non-derivatized free form of BMAA with a limit of quantification 20 ng/mL. The methods for other BMAA forms (i.e. protein-associated and total) were also assessed but high matrix interferences did not allow their implementation. The method was used for analyses of free BMAA in 23 urine samples from healthy volunteers and psychiatric patients suffering from nonspecific neurological symptoms. Traces of BMAA were suspectedly detected in a single urine sample but they were not unequivocally proved according to all conservative analytical criteria. BMAA was also not confirmed in a repeatedly collected sample from the same person. The evaluated commercial BMAA ELISA Kit (Abraxis) was not suitable for determination of BMAA in extracted urine samples because of systematically highly false positive results. In agreement with recent findings, analyses of BMAA appear to methodologically challenging, and further research on BMAA in human tissues (or its precursors with potency to form BMAA under natural conditions or - eventually - during sample processing) is needed to clarify its potential ethiological role in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Bláhová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building A29, CZ62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Kohoutek
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building A29, CZ62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - E Kadlecová
- Psychiatric Hospital Písek, Vladislavova 490, CZ39701 Písek, Czech Republic
| | - L Kozáková
- Psychiatric Hospital Písek, Vladislavova 490, CZ39701 Písek, Czech Republic
| | - L Bláha
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Building A29, CZ62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Andersson M, Karlsson O, Banack SA, Brandt I. Transfer of developmental neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) via milk to nursed offspring: Studies by mass spectrometry and image analysis. Toxicol Lett 2016; 258:108-114. [PMID: 27320960 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cyanobacterial non-proteinogenic amino acid β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is proposed to be involved in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism dementia complex. When administered as single doses to neonatal rats, BMAA gives rise to cognitive and neurodegenerative impairments in the adult animal. Here, we employed mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and autoradiographic imaging to examine the mother-to-pup transfer of BMAA in rats. The results show that unchanged BMAA was secreted into the milk and distributed to the suckling pups. The concentration of BMAA in pup stomach milk and the neonatal liver peaked after 8h, while the concentration in the pup brain increased throughout the study period. About 1 and 6% of the BMAA recovered from adult liver and brain were released following hydrolysis, suggesting that this fraction was associated with protein. No association to milk protein was observed. Injection of rat pups with [methyl-(14)C]-l-BMAA or [carboxyl-(14)C]-l-BMAA resulted in highly similar distribution patterns, indicating no or low metabolic elimination of the methylamino- or carboxyl groups. In conclusion, BMAA is transported as a free amino acid to rat milk and suckling pups. The results strengthen the proposal that mothers' milk could be a source of exposure for BMAA in human infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Andersson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oskar Karlsson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ingvar Brandt
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Andersson M, Karlsson O, Bergström U, Brittebo EB, Brandt I. Maternal transfer of the cyanobacterial neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) via milk to suckling offspring. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78133. [PMID: 24194910 PMCID: PMC3806833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyanobacterial neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative disease and proposed to be biomagnified in terrestrial and aquatic food chains. We have previously shown that the neonatal period in rats, which in humans corresponds to the last trimester of pregnancy and the first few years of age, is a particularly sensitive period for exposure to BMAA. The present study aimed to examine the secretion of 14C-labeled L- and D-BMAA into milk in lactating mice and the subsequent transfer of BMAA into the developing brain. The results suggest that secretion into milk is an important elimination pathway of BMAA in lactating mothers and an efficient exposure route predominantly for L-BMAA but also for D-BMAA in suckling mice. Following secretion of [14C]L-BMAA into milk, the levels of [14C]L-BMAA in the brains of the suckling neonatal mice significantly exceeded the levels in the maternal brains. In vitro studies using the mouse mammary epithelial HC11 cell line confirmed a more efficient influx and efflux of L-BMAA than of D-BMAA in cells, suggesting enantiomer-selective transport. Competition experiments with other amino acids and a low sodium dependency of the influx suggests that the amino acid transporters LAT1 and LAT2 are involved in the transport of L-BMAA into milk. Given the persistent neurodevelopmental toxicity following injection of L-BMAA to neonatal rodent pups, the current results highlight the need to determine whether BMAA is enriched mother's and cow's milk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Andersson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oskar Karlsson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Bergström
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva B. Brittebo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingvar Brandt
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Okle O, Stemmer K, Deschl U, Dietrich DR. L-BMAA Induced ER Stress and Enhanced Caspase 12 Cleavage in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells at Low Nonexcitotoxic Concentrations. Toxicol Sci 2012; 131:217-24. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
21
|
Chiu AS, Gehringer MM, Welch JH, Neilan BA. Does α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid (BMAA) play a role in neurodegeneration? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2011; 8:3728-46. [PMID: 22016712 PMCID: PMC3194113 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph8093728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The association of α-amino-β-methylaminopropionic acid (BMAA) with elevated incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinson’s disease complex (ALS/PDC) was first identified on the island of Guam. BMAA has been shown to be produced across the cyanobacterial order and its detection has been reported in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial environments worldwide, suggesting that it is ubiquitous. Various in vivo studies on rats, mice, chicks and monkeys have shown that it can cause neurodegenerative symptoms such as ataxia and convulsions. Zebrafish research has also shown disruption to neural development after BMAA exposure. In vitro studies on mice, rats and leeches have shown that BMAA acts predominantly on motor neurons. Observed increases in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ influx, coupled with disruption to mitochondrial activity and general neuronal death, indicate that the main mode of activity is via excitotoxic mechanisms. The current review pertaining to the neurotoxicity of BMAA clearly demonstrates its ability to adversely affect neural tissues, and implicates it as a potentially significant compound in the aetiology of neurodegenerative disease. When considering the potential adverse health effects upon exposure to this compound, further research to better understand the modes of toxicity of BMAA and the environmental exposure limits is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Chiu
- The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Excitatory amino acid beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine is a putative environmental neurotoxin. JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2011. [DOI: 10.2298/jsc100629047l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The amino acid beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) has been associated with
the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonismdementia complex in three
distinct western Pacific populations. The putative neurotoxin is produced by
cyanobacteria, which live symbiotically in the roots of cycad trees. L-BMAA
was thought to be a threat only to those few populations whose diet and
medicines rely heavily on cycad seeds. However, the recent discovery that
cyanobacteria from diverse terrestrial, freshwater, and saltwater ecosystems
around the world produce the toxin requires a reassessment of whether it
poses a larger health threat. Therefore, it is proposed that monitoring
L-BMAA levels in cyanobacteria-contaminated water supplies might be prudent.
Collapse
|
23
|
Parkinson-dementia complex and development of a new stable isotope dilution assay for BMAA detection in tissue. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2009; 240:180-8. [PMID: 19716838 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2009.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2009] [Revised: 06/17/2009] [Accepted: 06/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been proposed as a global contributor to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson-dementia complex (PDC) of Guam and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The literature on the effects of BMAA is conflicting with some but not all in vitro data supporting a neurotoxic action, and experimental animal data failing to replicate the pattern of neurodegeneration of these human diseases, even at very high exposures. Recently, BMAA has been reported in human brain from individuals afflicted with PDC or AD. Some of the BMAA in human tissue reportedly is freely extractable (free) while some is protein-associated and liberated by techniques that hydrolyze the peptide bond. The latter is especially intriguing since BMAA is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that has no known tRNA. We attempted to replicate these findings with techniques similar to those used by others; despite more than adequate sensitivity, we were unable to detect free BMAA. Recently, using a novel stable isotope dilution assay, we again were unable to detect free or protein-associated BMAA in human cerebrum. Here we review the development of our new assay for tissue detection of BMAA and show that we are able to detect free BMAA in liver but not cerebrum, nor do we detect any protein-associated BMAA in mice fed this amino acid. These studies demonstrate the importance of a sensitive and specific assay for tissue BMAA and seriously challenge the proposal that BMAA is accumulating in human brain.
Collapse
|
24
|
Pegram RA, Nichols T, Etheridge S, Humpage A, LeBlanc S, Love A, Neilan B, Pflugmacher S, Runnegar M, Thacker R. Cyanotoxins Workgroup report. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 619:317-81. [PMID: 18461775 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-75865-7_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
25
|
Toxin types, toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 619:383-415. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-75865-7_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
|
26
|
|