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Divya Nataraj, Saripalla DD, Kamath A, Aramwit P, Reddy N. Extraction and Characterization of Proteins from Castor Oil Meal for Medical Applications. POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0965545x21040064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Yang J, Wang C, Luo L, Li Z, Xu B, Guo L, Xie J. Highly sensitive MALDI-MS measurement of active ricin: insight from more potential deoxynucleobase-hybrid oligonucleotide substrates. Analyst 2021; 146:2955-2964. [PMID: 33949380 DOI: 10.1039/d0an02205e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report an improved MALDI-MS method for active ricin to contribute toward countermeasures against its real threat to the public. Compared with commonly used DNA or RNA substrates, the deoxynucleobase-hybrid oligonucleotide (RNA_dA, Rd) substrate containing functional Gd[combining low line]A[combining low line]GA loop was revealed as a substrate with more potential and used for the first time in ricin measurement via MALDI-MS. The Rd sequence greatly prompted ricin to exhibit its catalytic activity as rRNA N-glycosylase in ex vitro condition, which was supported by molecular docking simulation and enzymatic parameters depicted in MALDI-MS. Furthermore, we discovered that a highly pure matrix was the most crucial parameter for enhancing the sensitivity, which addressed the major obstacle encountered in the oligo(deoxy)nucleotide measurement, i.e., the interfering alkali metal ion-adducted signals in MALDI-MS. After the optimization of pH and enzymatic reaction buffer composition in this ex vitro condition, this method can provide a wide linearity of up to three orders of magnitude, i.e., 1-5000 ng mL-1, and a high sensitivity of 1 ng mL-1 without any enrichment. Denatured and active ricin could be distinctly differentiated, and the application to practical samples from one international exercise and a soft drink proved the feasibility of this new method. We believe this MALDI-MS method can contribute to the first response to ricin occurrence events in public safety and security, as well as pave a new way for a deep understanding of ricin and other type II ribosome inactivating proteins involved toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Chenyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China. and School of Pharmacy, Minzu University, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Li Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China. and School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Bin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Lei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Jianwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
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Oliveira G, Schneedorf JM. An Electrochemical Approach to Follow and Evaluate the Kinetic Catalysis of Ricin on hsDNA. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050405. [PMID: 33946642 PMCID: PMC8145570 DOI: 10.3390/life11050405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
International authorities classify the ricin toxin, present in castor seeds, as a potential agent for use in bioterrorism. Therefore, the detection, identification, and characterization of ricin are considered the first actions for its risk assessment during a suspected exposure, parallel to the development of therapeutic and medical countermeasures. In this study, we report the kinetic analysis of electro-oxidation of adenine released from hsDNA by the catalytic action of ricin by square wave voltammetry. The results suggest that ricin-mediated adenine release exhibited an unusual kinetic profile, with a progress curve controlled by the accumulation of the product and the values of the kinetic constants of 46.6 µM for Km and 2000 min−1 for kcat, leading to a catalytic efficiency of 7.1 × 105 s−1 M−1.
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Swiner DJ, Durisek GR, Osae H, Badu-Tawiah A. A Proof-of-Concept, Two-Tiered Approach for Ricin Detection Using Ambient Mass Spectrometry. RSC Adv 2020; 10:17045-17049. [PMID: 35173958 PMCID: PMC8846442 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra03317k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin is a naturally occurring, highly potent toxin native to castor bean plants that has recently been used as a biological weapon in cases of bioterrorism and suicide attempts. Difficulties with direct detection arise from large heterogeneities in ricin glycosylation, which leads to markedly different bioactivity, and the fact that carefully developed and laborious sample preparation steps are required to maintain the activity of the protein during analysis. Herein, we present an alternative, two-tiered approach to identify the presence of ricin by detecting ricinoleic acid and ricinine, which are co-extracted with the protein. This direct mass spectrometric-based technique takes as little as 2 minutes, and we determined its sensitivity to be in the parts-per-trillion range. Our method is applicable to paper substrates from suspected contaminated envelopes and biofluids from at-risk patients. The fact that prior sample preparations are not needed in this procedure means that analysis can be performed in the field for emergency cases. Ricin is a naturally occurring, highly potent toxin native to castor bean plants that has recently been used as a biological weapon in cases of bioterrorism and suicide attempts.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin J Swiner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W 18th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - George R Durisek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W 18th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Hannah Osae
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W 18th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Abraham Badu-Tawiah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W 18th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
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Raffagnato CG, Cardoso TADO, Fontes FDV, Carpes MM, Cohen SC, Calçada LA. Terrorismo químico: proposta de modelagem de risco envolvendo ricina em eventos de grande visibilidade no Brasil. SAÚDE EM DEBATE 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/0103-11042019s311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Grandes eventos estão no centro de estratégias terroristas e vem-se repetindo com frequência no âmbito internacional. Durante os últimos anos, o Brasil é palco de megaeventos esportivos; e este ano sediará a Copa do Mundo Fifa Sub-17. Assume-se que a maior exposição, nesses contextos, aumenta a vulnerabilidade ante as ameaças não convencionais, assim, é necessário que o planejamento da segurança brasileira seja apoiado em estudos sobre gestão de risco. Considera-se que um maior conhecimento sobre o tema é o primeiro passo para um sistema de defesa eficiente. A literatura apresenta relatos de episódios de emprego da ricina como arma química. Assim, este estudo objetivou avaliar a probabilidade de risco de um ataque terrorista com ricina, em um modelo matemático. Para isso, foi utilizada a teoria dos jogos e a equação de probabilidade de Major para análise de risco de terrorismo. A escolha da ricina justifica-se pelo fato de se tratar de uma biotoxina de extração relativamente simples, proveniente da mamona, que é uma planta endêmica no território brasileiro. Os parâmetros analisados foram os recursos de ataque, defesa e valor do alvo. A equação de probabilidade foi otimizada para defesa.
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Franke H, Scholl R, Aigner A. Ricin and Ricinus communis in pharmacology and toxicology-from ancient use and "Papyrus Ebers" to modern perspectives and "poisonous plant of the year 2018". Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 392:1181-1208. [PMID: 31359089 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01691-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While probably originating from Africa, the plant Ricinus communis is found nowadays around the world, grown for industrial use as a source of castor oil production, wildly sprouting in many regions, or used as ornamental plant. As regards its pharmacological utility, a variety of medical purposes of selected parts of the plant, e.g., as a laxative, an anti-infective, or an anti-inflammatory drug, have been described already in the sixteenth century BC in the famous Papyrus Ebers (treasured in the Library of the University of Leipzig). Quite in contrast, on the toxicological side, the native plant has become the "poisonous plant 2018" in Germany. As of today, a number of isolated components of the plant/seeds have been characterized, including, e.g., castor oil, ricin, Ricinus communis agglutinin, ricinin, nudiflorin, and several allergenic compounds. This review mainly focuses on the most toxic protein, ricin D, classified as a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP2). Ricin is one of the most potent and lethal substances known. It has been considered as an important bioweapon (categorized as a Category B agent (second-highest priority)) and an attractive agent for bioterroristic activities. On the other hand, ricin presents great potential, e.g., as an anti-cancer agent or in cell-based research, and is even explored in the context of nanoparticle formulations in tumor therapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology and toxicology-related body of knowledge on ricin. Toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic aspects of ricin poisoning and possibilities for analytical detection and therapeutic use are summarized as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Franke
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Haertelstrasse 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Reinhold Scholl
- Department of History, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Bhutia SK, Panda PK, Sinha N, Praharaj PP, Bhol CS, Panigrahi DP, Mahapatra KK, Saha S, Patra S, Mishra SR, Behera BP, Patil S, Maiti TK. Plant lectins in cancer therapeutics: Targeting apoptosis and autophagy-dependent cell death. Pharmacol Res 2019; 144:8-18. [PMID: 30951812 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Plant lectins are non-immunoglobin in nature and bind to the carbohydrate moiety of the glycoconjugates without altering any of the recognized glycosyl ligands. Plant lectins have found applications as cancer biomarkers for recognizing the malignant tumor cells for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Interestingly, plant lectins contribute to inducing cell death through autophagy and apoptosis, indicating their potential implication in cancer inhibitory mechanism. In the present review, anticancer activities of major plant lectins have been documented, with a detailed focus on the signaling circuit for the possible molecular targeted cancer therapy. In this context, several lectins have exhibited preclinical and clinical significance, driving toward therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Moreover, several plant lectins induce immunomodulatory activities, and therefore, novel strategies have been established from preclinical and clinical investigations for the development of combinatorial treatment consisting of immunotherapy along with other anticancer therapies. Although the application of plant lectins in cancer is still in very preliminary stage, advanced high-throughput technology could pave the way for the development of lectin-based complimentary medicine for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujit K Bhutia
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India.
| | - Prashanta K Panda
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Niharika Sinha
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Prakash P Praharaj
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Chandra S Bhol
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Debasna P Panigrahi
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Kewal K Mahapatra
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Sarbari Saha
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Srimanta Patra
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Soumya R Mishra
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Bishnu P Behera
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Division of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tapas K Maiti
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur-721302, India
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A New Method for Extraction and Analysis of Ricin Samples through MALDI-TOF-MS/MS. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11040201. [PMID: 30987210 PMCID: PMC6520692 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11040201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We report for the first time the efficient use of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) for extraction of ricin to analytical purposes, followed by the combined use of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and MALDI-TOF MS/MS method. That has provided a fast and unambiguous method of ricin identification for in real cases of forensic investigation of suspected samples. Additionally, MALDI-TOF MS was applied to characterize the presence and the toxic activity of ricin in irradiated samples. Samples containing ricin were subjected to ASE, irradiated with different dosages of gamma radiation, and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS/MS for verification of the intact protein signal. For identification purposes, samples were previously subjected to SDS-PAGE, for purification and separation of the chains, followed by digestion with trypsin, and analysis by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. The results were confirmed by verification of the amino acid sequences of some selected peptides by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. The samples residual toxic activity was evaluated through incubation with a DNA substrate, to simulate the attack by ricin, followed by MALDI-TOF MS/MS analyses.
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Andrade IRAD, Cândido MJD, Pompeu RCFF, Feitosa TS, Bomfim MAD, Salles HO, Egito ASD. Inactivation of lectins from castor cake by alternative chemical compounds. Toxicon 2019; 160:47-54. [PMID: 30790577 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Enabling the use of castor cake in animal feeding is an excellent alternative strategy to reduce feed costs. The cake is a by-product derived from the extraction of the castor oil by the biodiesel industry whose chemical composition is satisfactory despite the presence of antinutritional factors like toxic lectins, which require detoxification before it can be used as a dietary ingredient. The aim of the present study was to evaluate alternative chemical sources in the degradation and inactivation of ricin and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA), two lectins from castor cake. Ten chemical compounds were evaluated: sodium hydroxide, monodicalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcitic limestone, magnesian limestone, urea, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride. Gel electrophoresis indicated 100% lectin degradation only in the cakes treated with 90 g sodium hydroxide and 2500 mL water per kg of cake. The hemagglutination assay was crucial to providing innocuousness to the treated cakes, with total absence of hemagglutinating activity observed in the castor cakes treated with 60 or 90 g sodium hydroxide in water volumes equal to or higher than 1500 mL/kg of castor cake and in the cakes treated with 90 g calcium oxide with 2500 or 3000 mL water/kg castor cake. Thus, though depending on the concentration of the chemical compound and on the volume of water per kilogram of treated cake, sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide showed to be promising chemical products for degradation and complete inactivation of the lectins present in castor cake to allow its use as an ingredient in animal diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igo Renan Albuquerque de Andrade
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará/IFCE, Campus Crateús, Av. Geraldo Marques Barbosa, 567, 63708-260, Crateús, CE, Brazil.
| | - Magno José Duarte Cândido
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Zootecnia, Av. Mister Hull, 2977, Bl. 808, Pici Campus, 60440-554, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | | | - Tibério Sousa Feitosa
- Departamento de Zootecnia, ESALQ, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias, 11, 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Hévila Oliveira Salles
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Estrada Sobral - Groaíras, Km 04, PO Box 71, 62010-970, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Antonio Silvio do Egito
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos/Núcleo Regional Nordeste, Rua Oswaldo Cruz, n° 1.143, Bairro Centenário, 58.428-095, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil.
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Meneguelli de Souza L, Carvalho LD, Araújo J, Melo ED, Machado O. Cell toxicity by ricin and elucidation of mechanism of Ricin inactivation. Int J Biol Macromol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Sousa NL, Cabral GB, Vieira PM, Baldoni AB, Aragão FJL. Bio-detoxification of ricin in castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) seeds. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15385. [PMID: 29133924 PMCID: PMC5684206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15636-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ricin is a highly toxic ribosome-inactivating lectin occurring in the seeds of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.). Castor bean grows throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions and is a very important crop due to its high seed content of ricinoleic acid, an unusual fatty acid, which has several industrial applications. However, due to the presence of the toxin, castor bean can cause death after the exposure of animals to low doses of ricin through skin contact, injection, inhalation or oral routes. Aiming to generate a detoxified genotype, we explored the RNAi concept in order to silence the ricin coding genes in the endosperm of castor bean seeds. Results indicated that ricin genes were effectively silenced in genetically modified (GM) plants, and ricin proteins were not detected by ELISA. Hemagglutination activity was not observed with proteins isolated from GM seeds. In addition, we demonstrated that seed proteins from GM plants were not toxic to rat intestine epithelial cells or to Swiss Webster mice. After oil extraction, bio-detoxified castor bean cake, which is very rich in valuable proteins, can be used for animal feeding. Gene silencing would make castor bean cultivation safer for farmers, industrial workers and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália L Sousa
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, PqEB W5 Norte, 70770-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Universidade de Brasília, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Campus Universitário, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Glaucia B Cabral
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, PqEB W5 Norte, 70770-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Pabline M Vieira
- Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Urutaí, Laboratório de Biotecnologia, 75790-000, Urutaí, GO, Brazil
| | - Aisy B Baldoni
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, PqEB W5 Norte, 70770-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Embrapa Agrossilvipastoril, Rod. dos Pioneiros MT-222, 78550-970, Sinop, MT, Brazil
| | - Francisco J L Aragão
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, PqEB W5 Norte, 70770-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Noy-Porat T, Alcalay R, Epstein E, Sabo T, Kronman C, Mazor O. Extended therapeutic window for post-exposure treatment of ricin intoxication conferred by the use of high-affinity antibodies. Toxicon 2017; 127:100-105. [PMID: 28089771 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The plant toxin ricin is considered a potential bioterror agent against which there is no available antidote. To date, neutralizing antibodies are the most promising post-exposure treatment for ricin intoxication, yet so far they were shown to be effective only when given within several hours post exposure. As part of an ongoing effort to develop efficient ricin-countermeasures, we tested whether high-affinity antibodies that were previously isolated from immunized non-human primates, may confer effective post-exposure therapy for ricin-intoxicated mice treated at late time-points after exposure. While each antibody is capable of providing high protection rate by itself, a formulation consisting of three neutralizing antibodies that target different epitopes was tested to provide therapeutic coverage against different variants of the malicious pathogen. Indeed, the tri-antibody based cocktail was highly effective, its administration resulting in very high survival rates (>70%) when animals were treated as late as 48 h post exposure and significant protection (>30%) even at 72 h. This study establishes for the first time that anti-ricin antibodies can serve as a highly effective antidote at such late time-points after exposure. From the clinical point of view, the extended therapeutic window documented here is of high importance allowing adequate time to accurately identify the causative agent and may permit initiation of life-saving treatment with these antibodies even after the onset of clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Noy-Porat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona, Israel
| | - Ron Alcalay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona, Israel
| | - Eyal Epstein
- Department of Biotechnology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona, Israel
| | - Tamar Sabo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona, Israel
| | - Chanoch Kronman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona, Israel
| | - Ohad Mazor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona, Israel.
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An International Proficiency Test to Detect, Identify and Quantify Ricin in Complex Matrices. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:4987-5010. [PMID: 26703726 PMCID: PMC4690109 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7124859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While natural intoxications with seeds of Ricinus communis (R. communis) have long been known, the toxic protein ricin contained in the seeds is of major concern since it attracts attention of those intending criminal, terroristic and military misuse. In order to harmonize detection capabilities in expert laboratories, an international proficiency test was organized that aimed at identifying good analytical practices (qualitative measurements) and determining a consensus concentration on a highly pure ricin reference material (quantitative measurements). Sample materials included highly pure ricin as well as the related R. communis agglutinin (RCA120) spiked into buffer, milk and meat extract; additionally, an organic fertilizer naturally contaminated with R. communis shred was investigated in the proficiency test. The qualitative results showed that either a suitable combination of immunological, mass spectrometry (MS)-based and functional approaches or sophisticated MS-based approaches alone successfully allowed the detection and identification of ricin in all samples. In terms of quantification, it was possible to determine a consensus concentration of the highly pure ricin reference material. The results provide a basis for further steps in quality assurance and improve biopreparedness in expert laboratories worldwide.
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Worbs S, Skiba M, Söderström M, Rapinoja ML, Zeleny R, Russmann H, Schimmel H, Vanninen P, Fredriksson SÅ, Dorner BG. Characterization of Ricin and R. communis Agglutinin Reference Materials. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:4906-34. [PMID: 26703723 PMCID: PMC4690106 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7124856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricinus communis intoxications have been known for centuries and were attributed to the toxic protein ricin. Due to its toxicity, availability, ease of preparation, and the lack of medical countermeasures, ricin attracted interest as a potential biological warfare agent. While different technologies for ricin analysis have been established, hardly any universally agreed-upon "gold standards" are available. Expert laboratories currently use differently purified in-house materials, making any comparison of accuracy and sensitivity of different methods nearly impossible. Technically challenging is the discrimination of ricin from R. communis agglutinin (RCA120), a less toxic but highly homologous protein also contained in R. communis. Here, we established both highly pure ricin and RCA120 reference materials which were extensively characterized by gel electrophoresis, liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI MS/MS), and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight approaches as well as immunological and functional techniques. Purity reached >97% for ricin and >99% for RCA120. Different isoforms of ricin and RCA120 were identified unambiguously and distinguished by LC-ESI MS/MS. In terms of function, a real-time cytotoxicity assay showed that ricin is approximately 300-fold more toxic than RCA120. The highly pure ricin and RCA120 reference materials were used to conduct an international proficiency test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Worbs
- Biological Toxins, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin Skiba
- Biological Toxins, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin Söderström
- VERIFIN (Finnish Institute for Verification of the ChemicalWeapons Convention), Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, A.I. Virtasen aukio 1, Helsinki 05600, Finland.
| | - Marja-Leena Rapinoja
- VERIFIN (Finnish Institute for Verification of the ChemicalWeapons Convention), Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, A.I. Virtasen aukio 1, Helsinki 05600, Finland.
| | - Reinhard Zeleny
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg 111, 2440 Geel, Belgium.
| | - Heiko Russmann
- Bundeswehr Research Institute for Protective Technologies and NBC Protection, Humboldtstr. 100, 29633 Munster, Germany.
| | - Heinz Schimmel
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg 111, 2440 Geel, Belgium.
| | - Paula Vanninen
- VERIFIN (Finnish Institute for Verification of the ChemicalWeapons Convention), Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, A.I. Virtasen aukio 1, Helsinki 05600, Finland.
| | - Sten-Åke Fredriksson
- FOI, Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Cementvagen 20, 901 82 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Brigitte G Dorner
- Biological Toxins, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Seestr. 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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Wang CF, Nie XJ, Chen GM, Yu ZH, Li Z, Sun ZW, Weng ZF, Yang YY, Chen SL, Zheng SR, Luo YY, Lu YT, Cao HQ, Zhan HX. Early plasma exchange for treating ricin toxicity in children after castor bean ingestion. J Clin Apher 2015; 30:141-6. [PMID: 25116073 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Plasma exchange (PE) for the treatment of ricin toxicity has not been previously reported. Here we describe the use of PE to treat children who experienced ricin toxicity after ingesting castor beans. Seven children (median age: 8.1 years) who consumed castor beans (median: 5 beans) were treated with PE. All had bradycardia and sinus arrhythmia, and most had experienced episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea. PE settings were blood flow, 50-80 mL/min; PE rate, 600-800 mL/h; volume of exchange, 1440-1950 mL. Median time from ingestion to PE was 73 h. All clinical symptoms disappeared and vital signs rapidly returned to normal after PE; no severe organ dysfunction occurred. All children were discharged and recovered uneventfully. Concentrations of all serum biochemical parameters significantly decreased immediately after PE. Some, but not all, of these parameters were also significantly decreased at 48 and 72 h after PE compared with before PE. Our findings suggest that PE can be an effective early intervention in the treatment of ricin toxicity due to castor bean ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-feng Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Xiao-jing Nie
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Guang-ming Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Zi-hua Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Zhi-wen Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Zeng-feng Weng
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Yu-ying Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Shu-lian Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Si-rui Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Ying-yun Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Yan-ting Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Hui-qin Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Hai-xia Zhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, PLA, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Dongfang Hospital, Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, China
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16
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Schrot J, Weng A, Melzig MF. Ribosome-inactivating and related proteins. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:1556-615. [PMID: 26008228 PMCID: PMC4448163 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7051556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are toxins that act as N-glycosidases (EC 3.2.2.22). They are mainly produced by plants and classified as type 1 RIPs and type 2 RIPs. There are also RIPs and RIP related proteins that cannot be grouped into the classical type 1 and type 2 RIPs because of their different sizes, structures or functions. In addition, there is still not a uniform nomenclature or classification existing for RIPs. In this review, we give the current status of all known plant RIPs and we make a suggestion about how to unify those RIPs and RIP related proteins that cannot be classified as type 1 or type 2 RIPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Schrot
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Koenigin-Luise-Str. 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Alexander Weng
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Koenigin-Luise-Str. 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Matthias F Melzig
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Koenigin-Luise-Str. 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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17
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Valadez-Vega C, Morales-González JA, Sumaya-Martínez MT, Delgado-Olivares L, Cruz-Castañeda A, Bautista M, Sánchez-Gutiérrez M, Zuñiga-Pérez C. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect of tepary bean lectins on C33-A, MCF-7, SKNSH, and SW480 cell lines. Molecules 2014; 19:9610-27. [PMID: 25004071 PMCID: PMC6271045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19079610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For many years, several studies have been employing lectin from vegetables in order to prove its toxic effect on various cell lines. In this work, we analyzed the cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and post-incubatory effect of pure tepary bean lectins on four lines of malignant cells: C33-A; MCF-7; SKNSH, and SW480. The tests were carried out employing MTT and 3[H]-thymidine assays. The results showed that after 24 h of lectin exposure, the cells lines showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, the effect being higher on MCF-7, while C33-A showed the highest resistance. Cell proliferation studies showed that the toxic effect induced by lectins is higher even when lectins are removed, and in fact, the inhibition of proliferation continues after 48 h. Due to the use of two techniques to analyze the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect, differences were observed in the results, which can be explained by the fact that one technique is based on metabolic reactions, while the other is based on the 3[H]-thymidine incorporated in DNA by cells under division. These results allow concluding that lectins exert a cytotoxic effect after 24 h of exposure, exhibiting a dose-dependent effect. In some cases, the cytotoxic effect is higher even when the lectins are eliminated, however, in other cases, the cells showed a proliferative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Valadez-Vega
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. Ex Hacienda la Concepción s/n. Carr. Pachuca-Tilcuautla C.P. 42060 Tilcuautla, Hidalgo, Mexico.
| | - José A Morales-González
- Laboratorio Medicina de Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Unidad Casco de Santo Tomas, México D.F. 11340, Mexico.
| | - María Teresa Sumaya-Martínez
- Secretary of Research and Graduate Studies, Autonomous University of Nayarit, Ciudad de la Cultura "Amado Nervo", Boulevard Tepic-Xalisco S/N. Tepic, Nayarit, 63190 Mexico.
| | - Luis Delgado-Olivares
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. Ex Hacienda la Concepción s/n. Carr. Pachuca-Tilcuautla C.P. 42060 Tilcuautla, Hidalgo, Mexico.
| | - Areli Cruz-Castañeda
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. Ex Hacienda la Concepción s/n. Carr. Pachuca-Tilcuautla C.P. 42060 Tilcuautla, Hidalgo, Mexico.
| | - Mirandeli Bautista
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. Ex Hacienda la Concepción s/n. Carr. Pachuca-Tilcuautla C.P. 42060 Tilcuautla, Hidalgo, Mexico.
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. Ex Hacienda la Concepción s/n. Carr. Pachuca-Tilcuautla C.P. 42060 Tilcuautla, Hidalgo, Mexico.
| | - Clara Zuñiga-Pérez
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. Ex Hacienda la Concepción s/n. Carr. Pachuca-Tilcuautla C.P. 42060 Tilcuautla, Hidalgo, Mexico.
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18
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Llama-derived single domain antibodies specific for Abrus agglutinin. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:1405-19. [PMID: 22174977 PMCID: PMC3237003 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3111405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 10/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Llama derived single domain antibodies (sdAb), the recombinantly expressed variable heavy domains from the unique heavy-chain only antibodies of camelids, were isolated from a library derived from llamas immunized with a commercial abrin toxoid preparation. Abrin is a potent toxin similar to ricin in structure, sequence and mechanism of action. The selected sdAb were evaluated for their ability to bind to commercial abrin as well as abrax (a recombinant abrin A-chain), purified abrin fractions, Abrus agglutinin (a protein related to abrin but with lower toxicity), ricin, and unrelated proteins. Isolated sdAb were also evaluated for their ability to refold after heat denaturation and ability to be used in sandwich assays as both capture and reporter elements. The best binders were specific for the Abrus agglutinin, showing minimal binding to purified abrin fractions or unrelated proteins. These binders had sub nM affinities and regained most of their secondary structure after heating to 95 °C. They functioned well in sandwich assays. Through gel analysis and the behavior of anti-abrin monoclonal antibodies, we determined that the commercial toxoid preparation used for the original immunizations contained a high percentage of Abrus agglutinin, explaining the selection of Abrus agglutinin binders. Used in conjunction with anti-abrin monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, these reagents can fill a role to discriminate between the highly toxic abrin and the related, but much less toxic, Abrus agglutinin and distinguish between different crude preparations.
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19
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Understanding ricin from a defensive viewpoint. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:1373-92. [PMID: 22174975 PMCID: PMC3237001 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3111373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxin ricin has long been understood to have potential for criminal activity and there has been concern that it might be used as a mass-scale weapon on a military basis for at least two decades. Currently, the focus has extended to encompass terrorist activities using ricin to disrupt every day activities on a smaller scale. Whichever scenario is considered, there are features in common which need to be understood; these include the knowledge of the toxicity from ricin poisoning by the likely routes, methods for the detection of ricin in relevant materials and approaches to making an early diagnosis of ricin poisoning, in order to take therapeutic steps to mitigate the toxicity. This article will review the current situation regarding each of these stages in our collective understanding of ricin and how to defend against its use by an aggressor.
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20
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Worbs S, Köhler K, Pauly D, Avondet MA, Schaer M, Dorner MB, Dorner BG. Ricinus communis intoxications in human and veterinary medicine-a summary of real cases. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:1332-72. [PMID: 22069699 PMCID: PMC3210461 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidental and intended Ricinus communis intoxications in humans and animals have been known for centuries but the causative agent remained elusive until 1888 when Stillmark attributed the toxicity to the lectin ricin. Ricinus communis is grown worldwide on an industrial scale for the production of castor oil. As by-product in castor oil production ricin is mass produced above 1 million tons per year. On the basis of its availability, toxicity, ease of preparation and the current lack of medical countermeasures, ricin has gained attention as potential biological warfare agent. The seeds also contain the less toxic, but highly homologous Ricinus communis agglutinin and the alkaloid ricinine, and especially the latter can be used to track intoxications. After oil extraction and detoxification, the defatted press cake is used as organic fertilizer and as low-value feed. In this context there have been sporadic reports from different countries describing animal intoxications after uptake of obviously insufficiently detoxified fertilizer. Observations in Germany over several years, however, have led us to speculate that the detoxification process is not always performed thoroughly and controlled, calling for international regulations which clearly state a ricin threshold in fertilizer. In this review we summarize knowledge on intended and unintended poisoning with ricin or castor seeds both in humans and animals, with a particular emphasis on intoxications due to improperly detoxified castor bean meal and forensic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Worbs
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Kernt Köhler
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Street 96, Giessen 35392, Germany;
| | - Diana Pauly
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Marc-André Avondet
- Biology and Chemistry Section, Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS SPIEZ LABORATORY, Austrasse 1, Spiez CH-3700, Switzerland; (M.-A.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Schaer
- Biology and Chemistry Section, Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS SPIEZ LABORATORY, Austrasse 1, Spiez CH-3700, Switzerland; (M.-A.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin B. Dorner
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Brigitte G. Dorner
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
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21
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Sehgal P, Kumar O, Kameswararao M, Ravindran J, Khan M, Sharma S, Vijayaraghavan R, Prasad GBKS. Differential toxicity profile of ricin isoforms correlates with their glycosylation levels. Toxicology 2011; 282:56-67. [PMID: 21255629 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2011.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ricin is one of the most potent and deadly plant toxins from the seeds of Ricinus communis. In view of its high toxicity, ricin is being used as an immunotoxin in cancer therapy. Ricin also has several isoforms with differential glycosylation depending on the seed variety. Our study shows three isoforms designated 1, 2 and 3, which differed in their surface charge, resulting in a different behavior on cation exchange chromatography, two dimensional (pI 5.5-8.7) and native PAGE. The molecular masses of isoform-1, 2 and 3 were measured as 63.55 kDa, 64.03 kDa and 62.8 kDa, respectively, by MALDI-TOF/MS. In vitro studies with monkey kidney (Vero) cells showed a time dependent increase in cytotoxicity of the isoforms evaluated by extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity and mitochondrial dehydrogenase assay. These isoforms also induce oxidative stress and DNA damage. Among the isoforms, isoform-3 was quick to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), (in 90 min) and exhibited maximum cytotoxicity. Morphological changes, catalase activity and DNA fragmentation were significantly higher with isoform-3 treatment compared to others. The glycosylation studies by MALDI-TOF/MS showed that isoform-3 is highly glycosylated with high sugar levels containing more of hybrid/complex type glycopeptides with mannose as hexose units. These experimental evidences clearly suggest that isoform-3 is superior in its early ROS generation, potency to induce oxidative stress and cytotoxicity, that could be due to it's higher glycosylation levels which make isoform-3 as an ideal candidate for immunotoxin studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Sehgal
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior, India
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