1
|
Zheng X, Li A, Qiu J, Yan G, Ji Y, Wang G. β-N-methylamino-L-alanine production, photosynthesis and transcriptional expression in a possible mutation strain and a wild strain of Thalassiosira minima. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135301. [PMID: 39053058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) produced by marine diatoms has been implicated as an important environmental trigger of neurodegenerative diseases in humans. However, the biosynthesis mechanism of BMAA in marine diatoms is still unknown. In the present study, the strain of diatom Thalassiosira minima almost lost the biosynthesis ability for BMAA after a long-term subculture in our laboratory. The production of BMAA-containing proteins in the mutant strain of T. minima reduced to 18.2 % of that in the wild strain, meanwhile the cell size decreased but pigment content increased in the mutant strain. Take consideration of our previous transcriptional data on the mixed diatom and cyanobacterium cultures, the current transcriptome analysis showed four identical and highly correlated KEGG pathways associated with the accumulation of misfolded proteins in diatom, including ribosome, proteasome, SNARE interactions in vesicle transport, and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Analysis of amino acids and transcriptional information suggested that amino acid synthesis and degradation are associated with the biosynthesis of BMAA-containing proteins. In addition, a reduction in the precision of ubiquitination-mediated protein hydrolysis and vesicular transport by the COPII system will exacerbate the accumulation of BMAA-containing proteins in diatoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianyao Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Jiangbing Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Guowang Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Ying Ji
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Guixiang Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chatziefthimiou AD, Metcalf JS, Glover WB, Powell JT, Banack SA, Cox PA, Ladjimi M, Sultan AA, Chemaitelly H, Richer RA. Cyanotoxin accumulation and growth patterns of biocrust communities under variable environmental conditions. Toxicon X 2024; 23:100199. [PMID: 38974839 PMCID: PMC11225906 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2024.100199] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Biocrusts dominate the soil surface in deserts and are composed of diverse microbial communities that provide important ecosystem services. Cyanobacteria in biocrusts produce many secondary metabolites, including the neurotoxins BMAA, AEG, DAB, anatoxin-a(S) (guanitoxin), and the microcystin hepatotoxins, all known or suspected to cause disease or illness in humans and other animals. We examined cyanobacterial growth and prevalence of these toxins in biocrusts at millimeter-scales, under a desert-relevant illumination gradient. In contrast to previous work, we showed that hydration had an overall positive effect on growth and toxin accumulation, that nitrogen was not correlated with growth or toxin production, and that phosphorus enrichment negatively affected AEG and BMAA concentrations. Excess illumination positively correlated with AEG, and negatively correlated with all other toxins and growth. Basic pH negatively affected only the accumulation of BMAA. Anatoxin-a(S) (guanitoxin) was not correlated with any tested variables, while microcystins were not detected in any of the samples. Concerning toxin pools, AEG and BMAA were good predictors of the presence of one another. In a newly conceptualized scheme, we integrate aspects of biocrust growth and toxin pool accumulations with arid-relevant desertification drivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - James S. Metcalf
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
- Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | | | - James T. Powell
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Sandra A. Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Paul A. Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY, USA
| | - Moncef Ladjimi
- Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali A. Sultan
- Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim SY, Kim M, Lim YK, Baek SH, Kim JY, An KG, Hong S. First investigation of the temporal distribution of neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and the candidate causative microalgae along the South Sea Coast of Korea. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135486. [PMID: 39151364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), produced by cyanobacteria and diatoms, has been implicated as an environmental risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. This study first investigated the occurrence and monthly distributions of BMAA and its isomers, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and N-2-aminoethylglycine (AEG), in phytoplankton and mussels from 11 sites along the South Sea Coast of Korea throughout 2021. These toxins were quantified using LC-MS/MS, revealing elevated BMAA concentrations from late autumn to spring, with phase lags observed between phytoplankton and mussels. The highest concentration of BMAA in phytoplankton was detected in November (mean: 1490 ng g-1 dry weight (dw)), while in mussels, it peaked in December (mean: 1240 ng g-1 dw). DAB was detected in phytoplankton but was absent in mussels, indicating limited bioaccumulation potential. In February, the peak mean DAB concentration in phytoplankton was 89 ng g-1 dw. AEG was not detected in any samples. Chlorophyll-a concentrations consistently showed an inverse correlation with BMAA concentrations in mussels throughout the year. Through correlation analysis, four diatom genera, Bacillaria, Hemiaulus, Odontella, and Pleurosigma, were identified as potential causative microalgae of BMAA. This study offers insights into identifying the causative microalgae for BMAA and informs future regulatory efforts regarding unmanaged biotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sea-Yong Kim
- Department of Marine Environmental Sciences & Institute of Marine Environmental Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Mungi Kim
- Department of Earth, Environmental & Space Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kyun Lim
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ho Baek
- Ecological Risk Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yoon Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Guk An
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongjin Hong
- Department of Marine Environmental Sciences & Institute of Marine Environmental Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; Department of Earth, Environmental & Space Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim SY, Rasmussen U, Rydberg S. Impact of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine on the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana using metabolomics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116299. [PMID: 38581736 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has emerged as an environmental factor related to neurodegenerative diseases. BMAA is produced by various microorganisms including cyanobacteria and diatoms, in diverse ecosystems. In the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, BMAA is known to inhibit growth. The present study investigated the impact of BMAA on the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana by exposing it to different concentrations of exogenous BMAA. Metabolomics was predominantly employed to investigate the effect of BMAA on T. pseudonana, and MetaboAnalyst (https://www.metabo-analyst.ca/) was used to identify BMAA-associated metabolisms/pathways in T. pseudonana. Furthermore, to explore the unique response, specific metabolites were compared between treatments. When the growth was obstructed by BMAA, 17 metabolisms/pathways including nitrogen and glutathione (i.e. oxidative stress) metabolisms, were influenced in T. pseudonana. This study has further determined that 11 out of 17 metabolisms/pathways could be essentially affected by BMAA, leading to the inhibition of diatom growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sea-Yong Kim
- Department of Ocean Environmental Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Ulla Rasmussen
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Rydberg
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li M, Qiu J, Yan G, Zheng X, Li A. How does the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine exist in biological matrices and cause toxicity? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171255. [PMID: 38417517 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been deemed as a risk factor for some neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS/PDC). This possible link has been proved in some primate models and cell cultures with the appearance that BMAA exposure can cause excitotoxicity, formation of protein aggregates, and/or oxidative stress. The neurotoxin BMAA extensively exists in the environment and can be transferred through the food web to human beings. In this review, the occurrence, toxicological mechanisms, and characteristics of BMAA were comprehensively summarized, and proteins and peptides were speculated as its possible binding substances in biological matrices. It is difficult to compare the published data from previous studies due to the inconsistent analytical methods and components of BMAA. The binding characteristics of BMAA should be focused on to improve our understanding of its health risk to human health in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiangbing Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Guowang Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Xianyao Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sandhu PK, Solonenka JT, Murch SJ. Neurotoxic non-protein amino acids in commercially harvested Lobsters (Homarus americanus H. Milne-Edwards). Sci Rep 2024; 14:8017. [PMID: 38580836 PMCID: PMC10997655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58778-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria produce neurotoxic non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) that accumulate in ecosystems and food webs. American lobsters (Homarus americanus H. Milne-Edwards) are one of the most valuable seafood industries in Canada with exports valued at > $2 billion. Two previous studies have assessed the occurrence of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in a small number of lobster tissues but a complete study has not previously been undertaken. We measured NPAAs in eyeballs, brain, legs, claws, tails, and eggs of 4 lobsters per year for the 2021 and 2022 harvests. Our study included 4 male and 4 female lobsters. We detected BMAA and its isomers, N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and β-aminomethyl-L-alanine (BAMA) by a fully validated reverse phase chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. We quantified BMAA, DAB, AEG and BAMA in all of the lobster tissues. Our quantification data varied by individual lobster, sex and collection year. Significantly more BMAA was quantified in lobsters harvested in 2021 than 2022. Interestingly, more BAMA was quantified in lobsters harvested in 2022 than 2021. Monitoring of lobster harvests for cyanobacterial neurotoxins when harmful algal bloom events occur could mitigate risks to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawanjit K Sandhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Julia T Solonenka
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Susan J Murch
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bal P, Sinam G, Yahavi C, Singh SP, Jena S, Pant AB, Barik SK. A UPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in Cycas sphaerica roxb. and its use in validating efficacy of a traditional BMAA removal method. Toxicon 2024; 238:107566. [PMID: 38151204 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The presence of neurotoxin β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in the seeds of Cycas sphaerica is reported for first time. We developed a UPLC-MS/MS method for BMAA quantification by derivatizing with dansyl chloride. The method successfully differentiated L-BMAA from its structural isomer 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB). The extracting mixture 0.1M TCA: ACN 4:1 v/v had a recovery level of >95%. The method is a high throughput sensitive chromatographic technique with 16.42 ng g-1 Limit of Quantification. BMAA was present in the endosperm of C. sphaerica, and was not detected in the leaves and pith. Washing of seeds in running cold water for 48 h reduced BMAA content by 86%. The local communities also treat the seeds under running cold water, but only for 24 h. The results of the study thus validated the traditional BMAA removal process through cold water treatment, but recommend for increase in the treatment period to 48 h or more.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankajini Bal
- Plant Genetic Resources & Improvement Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Geetgovind Sinam
- Plant Ecology & Climate Change Science Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
| | | | | | - Satyanarayan Jena
- Plant Genetic Resources & Improvement Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Aditya Bhushan Pant
- Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India
| | - Saroj Kanta Barik
- Department of Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Garamszegi SP, Brzostowicki DJ, Coyne TM, Vontell RT, Davis DA. TDP-43 and Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in the Brain of a Harbor Porpoise Exposed to the Cyanobacterial Toxin BMAA. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:42. [PMID: 38251257 PMCID: PMC10821503 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans are well-regarded as sentinels for toxin exposure. Emerging studies suggest that cetaceans can also develop neuropathological changes associated with neurodegenerative disease. The occurrence of neuropathology makes cetaceans an ideal species for examining the impact of marine toxins on the brain across the lifespan. Here, we describe TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) proteinopathy and Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathological changes in a beached harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that was exposed to a toxin produced by cyanobacteria called β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). We found pathogenic TDP-43 cytoplasmic inclusions in neurons throughout the cerebral cortex, midbrain and brainstem. P62/sequestosome-1, responsible for the autophagy of misfolded proteins, was observed in the amygdala, hippocampus and frontal cortex. Genes implicated in AD and TDP-43 neuropathology such as APP and TARDBP were expressed in the brain. AD neuropathological changes such as amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, granulovacuolar degeneration and Hirano bodies were present in the hippocampus. These findings further support the development of progressive neurodegenerative disease in cetaceans and a potential causative link to cyanobacterial toxins. Climate change, nutrient pollution and industrial waste are increasing the frequency of harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Cyanotoxins like BMAA that are associated with neurodegenerative disease pose an increasing public health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanna P. Garamszegi
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daniel J. Brzostowicki
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas M. Coyne
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Regina T. Vontell
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Metcalf JS, Banack SA, Cox PA. Cyanotoxin Analysis of Air Samples from the Great Salt Lake. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:659. [PMID: 37999522 PMCID: PMC10675144 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Great Salt Lake in Utah is the largest saline lake in the Western hemisphere and one of the largest terminal lakes in the world. Situated at the eastern edge of the Great Basin, it is a remnant of the freshwater Lake Bonneville whose water level precipitously lowered about 12,000 years ago due to a natural break in Red Rock pass to the north. It contains a diverse assemblage of cyanobacteria which vary spatially dependent on salinity. In 1984, the waters of the Great Salt Lake occupied 8500 km2. Nearly four decades later, the waters occupy 2500 km2-a reduction in surface area of 71%. With predominantly westerly winds, there is a potential for the adjacent metropolitan residents to the east to be exposed to airborne cyanobacteria- and cyanotoxin-containing dust. During the summer and fall months of 2022, air and dried sediment samples were collected and assessed for the presence of BMAA which has been identified as a risk factor for ALS. Collection of air samples equivalent to a person breathing for 1 h resulted in BMAA and isomers being found in some air samples, along with their presence in exposed lakebed samples. There was no clear relationship between the presence of these toxins in airborne and adjacent lakebed samples, suggesting that airborne toxins may originate from diffuse rather than point sources. These findings confirm that continued low water levels in the Great Salt Lake may constitute an increasing health hazard for the 2.5 million inhabitants of communities along the Wasatch Front.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James S. Metcalf
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
| | | | - Paul Alan Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Weeks RD, Banack SA, Howell S, Thunga P, Metcalf JS, Green AJ, Cox PA, Planchart A. The Effects of Long-term, Low-dose β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) Exposures in Adult SOD G93R Transgenic Zebrafish. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:481-495. [PMID: 37552461 PMCID: PMC11216512 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid produced by cyanobacteria, which has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is postulated that chronic exposure to BMAA can lead to formation of protein aggregates, oxidative stress, and/or excitotoxicity, which are mechanisms involved in the etiology of ALS. While specific genetic mutations are identified in some instances of ALS, it is likely that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to the neurotoxin BMAA, contributes to disease. We used a transgenic zebrafish with an ALS-associated mutation, compared with wild-type fish to explore the potential neurotoxic effects of BMAA through chronic long-term exposures. While our results revealed low concentrations of BMAA in the brains of exposed fish, we found no evidence of decreased swim performance or behavioral differences that might be reflective of neurodegenerative disease. Further research is needed to determine if chronic BMAA exposure in adult zebrafish is a suitable model to study neurodegenerative disease initiation and/or progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Weeks
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Program in Toxicology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Sandra A. Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Shaunacee Howell
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Preethi Thunga
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - James S. Metcalf
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Adrian J. Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Program in Toxicology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Paul A. Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Antonio Planchart
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Program in Toxicology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Amzil Z, Derrien A, Terre Terrillon A, Savar V, Bertin T, Peyrat M, Duval A, Lhaute K, Arnich N, Hort V, Nicolas M. Five Years Monitoring the Emergence of Unregulated Toxins in Shellfish in France (EMERGTOX 2018-2022). Mar Drugs 2023; 21:435. [PMID: 37623716 PMCID: PMC10456248 DOI: 10.3390/md21080435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Shellfish accumulate microalgal toxins, which can make them unsafe for human consumption. In France, in accordance with EU regulations, three groups of marine toxins are currently under official monitoring: lipophilic toxins, saxitoxins, and domoic acid. Other unregulated toxin groups are also present in European shellfish, including emerging lipophilic and hydrophilic marine toxins (e.g., pinnatoxins, brevetoxins) and the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). To acquire data on emerging toxins in France, the monitoring program EMERGTOX was set up along the French coasts in 2018. Three new broad-spectrum LC-MS/MS methods were developed to quantify regulated and unregulated lipophilic and hydrophilic toxins and the BMAA group in shellfish (bivalve mollusks and gastropods). A single-laboratory validation of each of these methods was performed. Additionally, these specific, reliable, and sensitive operating procedures allowed the detection of groups of EU unregulated toxins in shellfish samples from French coasts: spirolides (SPX-13-DesMeC, SPX-DesMeD), pinnatoxins (PnTX-G, PnTX-A), gymnodimines (GYM-A), brevetoxins (BTX-2, BTX-3), microcystins (dmMC-RR, MC-RR), anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin and BMAA/DAB. Here, we present essentially the results of the unregulated toxins obtained from the French EMERGTOX monitoring plan during the past five years (2018-2022). Based on our findings, we outline future needs for monitoring to protect consumers from emerging unregulated toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zouher Amzil
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)/PHYTOX/METALG, F-44311 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Amélie Derrien
- IFREMER/LITTORAL/LER-BO, F-29900 Concarneau, France; (A.D.); (A.T.T.); (A.D.)
| | | | - Véronique Savar
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)/PHYTOX/METALG, F-44311 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Thomas Bertin
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Pesticides and Marine Biotoxins Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (M.P.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Marion Peyrat
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Pesticides and Marine Biotoxins Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (M.P.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Audrey Duval
- IFREMER/LITTORAL/LER-BO, F-29900 Concarneau, France; (A.D.); (A.T.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Korian Lhaute
- IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea)/PHYTOX/METALG, F-44311 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (K.L.)
| | - Nathalie Arnich
- Risk Assessment Department, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Vincent Hort
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Pesticides and Marine Biotoxins Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (M.P.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Marina Nicolas
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Pesticides and Marine Biotoxins Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (M.P.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aranda YN, Bhatt P, Ates N, Engel BA, Simsek H. Cyanophage-cyanobacterial interactions for sustainable aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115728. [PMID: 36966999 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are a type of bloom-forming phytoplankton that cause environmental problems in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHAB) often produce cyanotoxins that affect public health by contaminating surface waters and drinking water reservoirs. Conventional drinking water treatment plants are ineffective in treating cyanotoxins, even though some treatment methods are available. Therefore, innovative and advanced treatment methods are required to control cyanoHABs and their cyanotoxins. The goal of this review paper is to provide insight into the use of cyanophages as an effective form of biological control method for the removal of cyanoHABs in aquatic systems. Moreover, the review contains information on cyanobacterial blooms, cyanophage-cyanobacteria interactions, including infection mechanisms, as well as examples of different types of cyanobacteria and cyanophages. Moreover, the real-life application of cyanophages in marine and freshwater environments and the mode of action of cyanophages were compiled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanys Nadir Aranda
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA
| | - Pankaj Bhatt
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA
| | - Nuray Ates
- Department of Environmental Engineering Department, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkiye
| | - Bernard A Engel
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA
| | - Halis Simsek
- Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang JZ. Cyanobacteria blooms induced precipitation of calcium carbonate and dissolution of silica in a subtropical lagoon, Florida Bay, USA. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4071. [PMID: 36906722 PMCID: PMC10008547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30905-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, annual cyanobacteria blooms in Florida Bay displayed spatial and temporal patterns that are consistent with changes in alkalinity and dissolved silicon in water. In early summer, the blooms developed in the north-central bay and spread southward in fall. The blooms drew down dissolved inorganic carbon and increased water pH, causing in situ precipitation of calcium carbonate. Dissolved silicon concentrations in these waters were at minimum in spring (20-60 µM), increased during summer, and reached an annual maximum (100-200 µM) during late summer. The dissolution of silica as a result of high pH in bloom water was first observed in this study. During the peak of blooms, silica dissolution in Florida Bay varied from 0.9 × 107 to 6.9 × 107 mol per month over the study period, depending on the extent of cyanobacteria blooms in a given year. Concurrent calcium carbonate precipitations in the cyanobacteria bloom region are between 0.9 × 108 and 2.6 × 108 mol per month. It is estimated that 30-70% of atmospheric CO2 uptake in bloom waters was precipitated as calcium carbonate mineral and remainders of CO2 influx were used for the production of biomass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Zhong Zhang
- Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, FL, 33149, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Burton B, Collins K, Brooks J, Marx K, Renner A, Wilcox K, Moore E, Osowski K, Riley J, Rowe J, Pawlus M. The biotoxin BMAA promotes dysfunction via distinct mechanisms in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0278793. [PMID: 36893156 PMCID: PMC9997973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to the Cyanobacteria biotoxin Beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been associated with development of a sporadic form of ALS called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC), as observed within certain Indigenous populations of Guam and Japan. Studies in primate models and cell culture have supported the association of BMAA with ALS/PDC, yet the pathological mechanisms at play remain incompletely characterized, effectively stalling the development of rationally-designed therapeutics or application of preventative measures for this disease. In this study we demonstrate for the first time that sub-excitotoxic doses of BMAA modulate the canonical Wnt signaling pathway to drive cellular defects in human neuroblastoma cells, suggesting a potential mechanism by which BMAA may promote neurological disease. Further, we demonstrate here that the effects of BMAA can be reversed in cell culture by use of pharmacological modulators of the Wnt pathway, revealing the potential value of targeting this pathway therapeutically. Interestingly, our results suggest the existence of a distinct Wnt-independent mechanism activated by BMAA in glioblastoma cells, highlighting the likelihood that neurological disease may result from the cumulative effects of distinct cell-type specific mechanisms of BMAA toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Burton
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Kate Collins
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jordan Brooks
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Karly Marx
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Abigail Renner
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Kaylei Wilcox
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Ellie Moore
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Keith Osowski
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jordan Riley
- Department of Biology, University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jarron Rowe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Matthew Pawlus
- Department of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Arnold FJ, Burns M, Chiu Y, Carvalho J, Nguyen AD, Ralph PC, La Spada AR, Bennett CL. Chronic BMAA exposure combined with TDP-43 mutation elicits motor neuron dysfunction phenotypes in mice. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 126:44-57. [PMID: 36931113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with an average age-of-onset of ∼60 years and is usually fatal within 2-5 years of diagnosis. Mouse models based upon single gene mutations do not recapitulate all ALS pathological features. Environmental insults may also contribute to ALS, and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is an environmental toxin linked with an increased risk of developing ALS. BMAA, along with cycasin, are hypothesized to be the cause of the Guam-ALS epicenter of the 1950s. We developed a multihit model based on low expression of a dominant familial ALS TDP-43 mutation (Q331K) and chronic low-dose BMAA exposure. Our two-hit mouse model displayed a motor phenotype absent from either lesion alone. By LC/MS analysis, free BMAA was confirmed at trace levels in brain, and were as high as 405 ng/mL (free) and 208 ng/mL (protein-bound) in liver. Elevated BMAA levels in liver were associated with dysregulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Our data represent initial steps towards an ALS mouse model resulting from combined genetic and environmental insult.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F J Arnold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M Burns
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Departments of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Y Chiu
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - J Carvalho
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A D Nguyen
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - P C Ralph
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A R La Spada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Departments of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - C L Bennett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Garamszegi SP, Banack SA, Duque LL, Metcalf JS, Stommel EW, Cox PA, Davis DA. Detection of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine in postmortem olfactory bulbs of Alzheimer's disease patients using UHPLC-MS/MS: An autopsy case-series study. Toxicol Rep 2023; 10:87-96. [PMID: 36691605 PMCID: PMC9860447 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cyanobacterial blooms produce toxins that may become aerosolized, increasing health risks through inhalation exposures. Health related effects on the lower respiratory tract caused by these toxins are becoming better understood. However, nasal exposures to cyanotoxins remain understudied, especially for those with neurotoxic potential. Here, we present a case series study evaluating exposure to β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), a cyanobacterial toxin linked to neurodegenerative disease, in postmortem olfactory tissues of individuals with varying stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods Olfactory bulb (Ob) tissues were collected during autopsies performed between 2014 and 2017 from six South Florida brain donors (ages 47-78) with residences less than 140 m from a freshwater body. A triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method validated according to peer AOAC International guidelines was used to detect BMAA and two BMAA isomers: 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG). Quantitative PCR was performed on the contralateral Ob to evaluate the relative expression of genes related to proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 & IL-18), apoptotic pathways (CASP1 & BCL2), and mitochondrial stress (IRF1 & PINK1). Immunohistochemistry was also performed on the adjacent olfactory tract (Ot) to evaluate co-occurring neuropathology with BMAA tissue concentration. Results BMAA was detected in the Ob of all cases at a median concentration of 30.4 ng/g (Range <LLOQ - 488.4 ng/g). Structural isomers were also detected with median concentrations of 28.8 ng/g (AEG) and 103.6 ng/g (2,4-DAB). In addition, we found that cases with BMAA tissue concentrations above the <LLOQ also displayed increased expression of IL-6 (3.3-fold), CASP1 (1.7-fold), and IRF1 (1.6-fold). Reactive microglial, astrogliosis, myelinopathy, and neuronopathy of axonal processes in the Ot were also observed in cases with higher BMAA tissue concentrations. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the cyanobacterial toxin BMAA can be detected in the olfactory pathway, a window to the brain, and its presence may increase the occurrence of proinflammatory cytokines, reactive glia, and toxicity to axonal processes. Further studies will be needed to evaluate BMAA's toxicity via this route of exposure and factors that increase susceptibility.
Collapse
Key Words
- 2,4-DAB, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid
- AD, Alzheimer's disease
- AEG, N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine
- ALS/PDC, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/ parkinsonism dementia complex
- BMAA, β-N-methylamino-l-alanine
- CBs, Cyanobacterial blooms
- Cyanobacteria
- Cyanotoxin
- IL-6
- Inflammation
- OD, Olfactory dysfunction
- Ob, Olfactory bulb
- Olfactory dysfunction
- Ot, Olfactory tract
- UHPLC-MS/MS, Ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanna P. Garamszegi
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sandra Anne Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Linda L. Duque
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - James S. Metcalf
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - Elijah W. Stommel
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Department of Neurology, One Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Paul Alan Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - David A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acid β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA): Bioactivity and Ecological Significance. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080539. [PMID: 36006201 PMCID: PMC9414260 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Research interest in a non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) arose due to the discovery of a connection between exposure to BMAA and the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous reviews on this topic either considered BMAA as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases or focused on the problems of detecting BMAA in various environmental samples. Our review is devoted to a wide range of fundamental biological problems related to BMAA, including the molecular mechanisms of biological activity of BMAA and the complex relationships between producers of BMAA and the environment in various natural ecosystems. At the beginning, we briefly recall the most important facts about the producers of BMAA (cyanobacteria, microalgae, and bacteria), the pathways of BMAA biosynthesis, and reliable methods of identification of BMAA. The main distinctive feature of our review is a detailed examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of BMAA to living cells. A brand new aspect, not previously discussed in any reviews, is the effect of BMAA on cyanobacterial cells. These recent studies, conducted using transcriptomics and proteomics, revealed potent regulatory effects of BMAA on the basic metabolism and cell development of these ancient photoautotrophic prokaryotes. Exogenous BMAA strongly influences cell differentiation and primary metabolic processes in cyanobacteria, such as nitrogen fixation, photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and various biosynthetic processes involving 2-oxoglutarate and glutamate. Cyanobacteria were found to be more sensitive to exogenous BMAA under nitrogen-limited growth conditions. We suggest a hypothesis that this toxic diaminoacid can be used by phytoplankton organisms as a possible allelopathic tool for controlling the population of cyanobacterial cells during a period of intense competition for nitrogen and other resources in various ecosystems.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kim SY, Hedberg P, Winder M, Rydberg S. Evidence of 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) production as a defense mechanism in diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 249:106210. [PMID: 35665646 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The neurotoxic secondary metabolite β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its structural isomer 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) are known to be produced by various phytoplankton groups. Despite the worldwide spread of these toxin producers, no obvious role and function of BMAA and DAB in diatoms have been identified. Here, we investigated the effects of biotic factors, i.e., predators and competitors, as possible causes of BMAA and/or DAB regulation in the two diatom species Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira pseudonana. DAB was specifically regulated in T. pseudonana by the presence of predators and competitors. The effects of DAB on both diatoms as competitors and on the copepod Tigriopus sp. as predator at individual and at population levels were examined. The toxic effects of DAB on the growth of T. pseudonana and the population of Tigriopus sp. were significant. The effect of DAB as a defensive secondary metabolite is assumed to be environmentally relevant depending on the number of the copepods. The results show a potential function of DAB that can play an important role in defense mechanisms of T. pseudonana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sea-Yong Kim
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Hedberg
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Monika Winder
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Rydberg
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kim SY, Rasmussen U, Rydberg S. Effect and function of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154778. [PMID: 35341850 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is an environmental factor connected to neurodegenerative diseases. BMAA can be produced by various microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and diatoms) present in diverse ecosystems. No previous study has revealed the function of BMAA in diatoms. In the present study, we combined physiological data with metabolomic and transcriptional data in order to investigate the effect and function of BMAA in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. P. tricornutum, exposed to different concentrations of exogenous BMAA, showed concentration dependent responses. When the concentration of supplemented BMAA was sufficient to arrest the growth of P. tricornutum, oxidative stress and obstructed carbon fixation were obtained from the specific metabolite and transcriptional data. Results also indicated increased concentration of intracellular chlorophyll a and alterations in the GS-GOGAT cycle, whereas the urea cycle was suppressed. We therefore conclude that BMAA represents a toxic metabolite able to control the growth of P. tricornutum by triggering oxidative stress, and further influencing photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sea-Yong Kim
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulla Rasmussen
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Rydberg
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, SE 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rangel BS, Hammerschlag N, Martinelli LA, Moreira RG. Effects of urbanization on the nutritional ecology of a highly active coastal shark: Preliminary insights from trophic markers and body condition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:154082. [PMID: 35218820 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The synergistic effects of coastal urbanization have dramatically impacted biological communities. Yet, few studies have investigated how urbanization can influence the diet quality and trophic ecology of coastal sharks. In a preliminary study, we examined for spatial variation in the nutritional ecology of a highly active marine predator, the blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus) exposed to regional differences in coastal urbanization in southeast Florida. We used medium-term nutritional indicators (i.e., body condition and whole blood stable isotopes [δ15N and δ13C]) and short-term dietary markers (i.e., plasma fatty acid profiles) to test the hypothesis that blacktip sharks sampled within highly urbanized areas (hereafter, 'urban sharks') would exhibit higher body condition, but lower diet quality, compared to conspecifics sampled in areas exposed to relatively low levels of urbanization (hereafter, 'urban sharks'). Our initial results showed that urban blacktip sharks exhibited relatively higher body condition, blood δ15N levels, and percentages of saturated fatty acids compared to non-urban sharks. Collectively, these results suggest a possible positive alteration in the amount of food consumed by blacktip sharks in the study region and/or in the caloric value of their prey. We also found lower percentages of bacterial markers and higher values of dinoflagellate markers in urban sharks. Accordingly, we did not detect an expected reduction in diet quality (in terms of essential fatty acids) in this highly active species exposed to urbanization, as has been previously reported in a resident shark species (Ginglymostoma cirratum). Therefore, it is possible that lifestyle and feeding behavior influence the quality of food consumed by urban sharks. We suspect that impacts of urbanization are more pronounced in resident, sedentary and benthic species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca S Rangel
- Laboratório de Metabolismo e Reprodução de Organismos Aquáticos, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, travessa 14, 321, CEP 05508-090, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Luiz A Martinelli
- Departamento de Ecologia Isotópica, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA), Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo 13416-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Guimarães Moreira
- Laboratório de Metabolismo e Reprodução de Organismos Aquáticos, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, travessa 14, 321, CEP 05508-090, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Whitaker MRL, Gilliéron F, Skirgaila C, Mescher MC, De Moraes CM. Experimental evidence challenges the presumed defensive function of a "slow toxin" in cycads. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6013. [PMID: 35397634 PMCID: PMC8994766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
[Formula: see text]-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a neurotoxic non-protein amino acid found in the tissues of cycad plants. The demonstrated toxicity of BMAA to diverse organisms, including humans, is widely assumed to imply a defensive function of BMAA against herbivores; however, this hypothesis has not previously been tested in an ecologically relevant system. We investigated the effects of dietary BMAA, across a range of dosages matching and exceeding levels typically present in cycad leaves, on the feeding preferences and performance of a generalist lepidopteran herbivore (Spodoptera littoralis).We observed no effects of dietary BMAA on the survival or development of S. littoralis larvae, nor any larval preference between BMAA-laced and control diets. These findings suggest that BMAA in cycad tissues does not deter feeding by insect herbivores, raising questions about other potential physiological or ecological functions of this compound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R L Whitaker
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florence Gilliéron
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina Skirgaila
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark C Mescher
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Consuelo M De Moraes
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
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
|
23
|
Sundaravadivelu D, Sanan TT, Venkatapathy R, Mash H, Tettenhorst D, DAnglada L, Frey S, Tatters AO, Lazorchak J. Determination of Cyanotoxins and Prymnesins in Water, Fish Tissue, and Other Matrices: A Review. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030213. [PMID: 35324710 PMCID: PMC8949488 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their toxins are a significant and continuing threat to aquatic life in freshwater, estuarine, and coastal water ecosystems. Scientific understanding of the impacts of HABs on aquatic ecosystems has been hampered, in part, by limitations in the methodologies to measure cyanotoxins in complex matrices. This literature review discusses the methodologies currently used to measure the most commonly found freshwater cyanotoxins and prymnesins in various matrices and to assess their advantages and limitations. Identifying and quantifying cyanotoxins in surface waters, fish tissue, organs, and other matrices are crucial for risk assessment and for ensuring quality of food and water for consumption and recreational uses. This paper also summarizes currently available tissue extraction, preparation, and detection methods mentioned in previous studies that have quantified toxins in complex matrices. The structural diversity and complexity of many cyanobacterial and algal metabolites further impede accurate quantitation and structural confirmation for various cyanotoxins. Liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC–MS/MS) to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of toxin analysis has become an essential tool for cyanotoxin detection and can potentially be used for the concurrent analysis of multiple toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Toby T. Sanan
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA; (H.M.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence: (T.T.S.); (J.L.); Tel.: +1-513-569-7076 (J.L.)
| | | | - Heath Mash
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA; (H.M.); (D.T.)
| | - Dan Tettenhorst
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA; (H.M.); (D.T.)
| | - Lesley DAnglada
- Office of Water, Science and Technology, U.S. EPA, Washington, DC 20004, USA; (L.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Sharon Frey
- Office of Water, Science and Technology, U.S. EPA, Washington, DC 20004, USA; (L.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Avery O. Tatters
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. EPA, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561, USA;
| | - James Lazorchak
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
- Correspondence: (T.T.S.); (J.L.); Tel.: +1-513-569-7076 (J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Davis DA, Garamszegi SP, Banack SA, Dooley PD, Coyne TM, McLean DW, Rotstein DS, Mash DC, Cox PA. BMAA, Methylmercury, and Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Dolphins: A Natural Model of Toxin Exposure. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13100697. [PMID: 34678990 PMCID: PMC8540894 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dolphins are well-regarded sentinels for toxin exposure and can bioaccumulate a cyanotoxin called β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) that has been linked to human neurodegenerative disease. The same dolphins also possessed hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggesting a possible association between toxin exposure and neuropathology. However, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in dolphins and the impact cyanotoxins have on these processes are unknown. Here, we evaluate BMAA exposure by investigating transcription signatures using PCR for dolphin genes homologous to those implicated in AD and related dementias: APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT, GRN, TARDBP, and C9orf72. Immunohistochemistry and Sevier Münger silver staining were used to validate neuropathology. Methylmercury (MeHg), a synergistic neurotoxicant with BMAA, was also measured using PT-GC-AFS. We report that dolphins have up to a three-fold increase in gene transcription related to Aβ+ plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plaques, and TDP-43+ intracytoplasmic inclusions. The upregulation of gene transcription in our dolphin cohort paralleled increasing BMAA concentration. In addition, dolphins with BMAA exposures equivalent to those reported in AD patients displayed up to a 14-fold increase in AD-type neuropathology. MeHg was detected (0.16–0.41 μg/g) and toxicity associated with exposure was also observed in the brain. These results demonstrate that dolphins develop neuropathology associated with AD and exposure to BMAA and MeHg may augment these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Davis
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Susanna P. Garamszegi
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | - Sandra Anne Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Patrick D. Dooley
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | - Thomas M. Coyne
- Office of the District 21 Medical Examiner, Fort Myers, FL 33907, USA;
| | - Dylan W. McLean
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
| | | | - Deborah C. Mash
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.P.G.); (P.D.D.); (D.W.M.); (D.C.M.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL 33328, USA
| | - Paul Alan Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Institute for Ethnomedicine, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Heil CA, Muni-Morgan AL. Florida’s Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Problem: Escalating Risks to Human, Environmental and Economic Health With Climate Change. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.646080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) pose unique risks to the citizens, stakeholders, visitors, environment and economy of the state of Florida. Florida has been historically subjected to reoccurring blooms of the toxic marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (C. C. Davis) G. Hansen & Moestrup since at least first contact with explorers in the 1500’s. However, ongoing immigration of more than 100,000 people year–1 into the state, elevated population densities in coastal areas with attendant rapid, often unregulated development, coastal eutrophication, and climate change impacts (e.g., increasing hurricane severity, increases in water temperature, ocean acidification and sea level rise) has likely increased the occurrence of other HABs, both freshwater and marine, within the state as well as the number of people impacted by these blooms. Currently, over 75 freshwater, estuarine, coastal and marine HAB species are routinely monitored by state agencies. While only blooms of K. brevis, the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense (Böhm) Steidinger, Tester, and Taylor and the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia spp. have resulted in closure of commercial shellfish beds, other HAB species, including freshwater and marine cyanobacteria, pose either imminent or unknown risks to human, environmental and economic health. HAB related human health risks can be classified into those related to consumption of contaminated shellfish and finfish, consumption of or contact with bloom or toxin contaminated water or exposure to aerosolized HAB toxins. While acute human illnesses resulting from consumption of brevetoxin-, saxitoxin-, and domoic acid-contaminated commercial shellfish have been minimized by effective monitoring and regulation, illnesses due to unregulated toxin exposures, e.g., ciguatoxins and cyanotoxins, are not well documented or understood. Aerosolized HAB toxins potentially impact the largest number of people within Florida. While short-term (days to weeks) impacts of aerosolized brevetoxin exposure are well documented (e.g., decreased respiratory function for at-risk subgroups such as asthmatics), little is known of longer term (>1 month) impacts of exposure or the risks posed by aerosolized cyanotoxin [e.g., microcystin, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA)] exposure. Environmental risks of K. brevis blooms are the best studied of Florida HABs and include acute exposure impacts such as significant dies-offs of fish, marine mammals, seabirds and turtles, as well as negative impacts on larval and juvenile stages of many biota. When K. brevis blooms are present, brevetoxins can be found throughout the water column and are widespread in both pelagic and benthic biota. The presence of brevetoxins in living tissue of both fish and marine mammals suggests that food web transfer of these toxins is occurring, resulting in toxin transport beyond the spatial and temporal range of the bloom such that impacts of these toxins may occur in areas not regularly subjected to blooms. Climate change impacts, including temperature effects on cell metabolism, shifting ocean circulation patterns and changes in HAB species range and bloom duration, may exacerbate these dynamics. Secondary HAB related environmental impacts are also possible due to hypoxia and anoxia resulting from elevated bloom biomass and/or the decomposition of HAB related mortalities. Economic risks related to HABs in Florida are diverse and impact multiple stakeholder groups. Direct costs related to human health impacts (e.g., increased hospital visits) as well as recreational and commercial fisheries can be significant, especially with wide-spread sustained HABs. Recreational and tourism-based industries which sustain a significant portion of Florida’s economy are especially vulnerable to both direct (e.g., declines in coastal hotel occupancy rates and restaurant and recreational users) and indirect (e.g., negative publicity impacts, associated job losses) impacts from HABs. While risks related to K. brevis blooms are established, Florida also remains susceptible to future HABs due to large scale freshwater management practices, degrading water quality, potential transport of HABs between freshwater and marine systems and the state’s vulnerability to climate change impacts.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang C, Yan C, Qiu J, Liu C, Yan Y, Ji Y, Wang G, Chen H, Li Y, Li A. Food web biomagnification of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in a diatom-dominated marine ecosystem in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 404:124217. [PMID: 33129020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) reported in some cyanobacteria and eukaryote microalgae is a cause of concern due to its potential risk of human neurodegenerative diseases. Here, BMAA distribution in phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other marine organisms was investigated in Jiaozhou Bay, China, a diatom-dominated marine ecosystem, during four seasons in 2019. Results showed that BMAA was biomagnified in the food web from phytoplankton to higher trophic levels. Trophic magnification factors (TMFs) for zooplankton, bivalve mollusks, carnivorous crustaceans and carnivorous gastropod mollusks were ca. 4.58, 30.1, 42.5, and 74.4, respectively. Putative identification of β-amino-N-methylalanine (BAMA), an isomer of BMAA, was frequently detected in phytoplankton samples. A total of 56 diatom strains of the genera Pseudo-nitzschia, Thalassiosira, Chaetoceros, Planktoniella, and Minidiscus isolated from the Chinese coast were cultured in the laboratory, among which 21 strains contained BMAA mainly in precipitated bound form at toxin concentrations ranging from 0.11 to 3.95 µg/g dry weight. Only 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) but not BMAA or BAMA was detected in seven species of bacteria isolated from the gut of gastropod Neverita didyma, suggesting that this benthic vector of BMAA may have accumulated this compound via trophic transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Chen Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiangbing Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yeju Yan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Ying Ji
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Guixiang Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Hongju Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, College of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang J, Chen S, Yuan M, Zhang W, Xu H, Wang X, Zheng X, Wang L. Interactions of the Cyanobacterium Chrysosporum ovalisporum with Antibiotics in Water. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 80:402-413. [PMID: 33534037 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00811-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the effects of 11-day exposure of sulfadiazine (SD), sulfamethazine (SM2), norfloxacin (NOR), and enrofloxacin (ENR) on the growth, chlorophyll a (Chl. a) content, phycobiliproteins (PBPs) content, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of Chrysosporum ovalisporum, examined the removal rate of these antibiotics by C. ovalisporum, and performed acute toxicology test with Daphnia magna to determine the effect of interaction between antibiotics and cyanobacteria on aquatic animals. The results showed that the stress of SD and SM2 increased extracellular ALP activity and weakly inhibited the algal growth and the contents of Chl. a and PBPs compared with that noted in the control. ENR and NOR treatment groups exerted significant inhibition on algal growth as well as Chl. a and PBPs contents and ALP activity, although the cyanobacterium could degrade these two antibiotics more than SD and SM2. The results also revealed that the interaction between antibiotics and cyanobacteria could inhibit D. magna feeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhang
- Centre for Research On Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrient of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Shan Chen
- Centre for Research On Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrient of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Mingzhe Yuan
- Centre for Research On Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrient of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Centre for Research On Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrient of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Houtao Xu
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xianyun Wang
- Shanghai National Engineering Research Center of Urban Water Resources Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200082, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- Shanghai Aquatic Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Liqing Wang
- Centre for Research On Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrient of the Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
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
|
29
|
Davis DA, Cox PA, Banack SA, Lecusay PD, Garamszegi SP, Hagan MJ, Powell JT, Metcalf JS, Palmour RM, Beierschmitt A, Bradley WG, Mash DC. l-Serine Reduces Spinal Cord Pathology in a Vervet Model of Preclinical ALS/MND. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 79:393-406. [PMID: 32077471 PMCID: PMC7092359 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The early neuropathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND) are protein aggregates in motor neurons and microglial activation. Similar pathology characterizes Guamanian ALS/Parkinsonism dementia complex, which may be triggered by the cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). We report here the occurrence of ALS/MND-type pathological changes in vervets (Chlorocebus sabaeus; n = 8) fed oral doses of a dry powder of BMAA HCl salt (210 mg/kg/day) for 140 days. Spinal cords and brains from toxin-exposed vervets were compared to controls fed rice flour (210 mg/kg/day) and to vervets coadministered equal amounts of BMAA and l-serine (210 mg/kg/day). Immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis were used to examine markers of ALS/MND and glial activation. UHPLC-MS/MS was used to confirm BMAA exposures in dosed vervets. Motor neuron degeneration was demonstrated in BMAA-dosed vervets by TDP-43+ proteinopathy in anterior horn cells, by reactive astrogliosis, by activated microglia, and by damage to myelinated axons in the lateral corticospinal tracts. Vervets dosed with BMAA + l-serine displayed reduced neuropathological changes. This study demonstrates that chronic dietary exposure to BMAA causes ALS/MND-type pathological changes in the vervet and coadministration of l-serine reduces the amount of reactive gliosis and the number of protein inclusions in motor neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Davis
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Paul Alan Cox
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.,Brain Chemistry Labs, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
| | - Sandra Anne Banack
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.,Brain Chemistry Labs, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
| | | | | | - Matthew J Hagan
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | | | | | - Roberta M Palmour
- Behavioural Science Foundation, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amy Beierschmitt
- Behavioural Science Foundation, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
| | - Walter G Bradley
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Deborah C Mash
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.,Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
van Onselen R, Scott LL, Downing TG. Evaluating amino acids as protectants against β-N-methylamino-l-alanine-induced developmental neurotoxicity in a rat model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 403:115140. [PMID: 32682829 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
With accumulating evidence that supports the role of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) in neurodegeneration, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms and modes of BMAA toxicity so as to facilitate the search for potential preventative/therapeutic strategies. Daily supplementation with l-serine was suggested as a possible therapy to treat BMAA-induced neurotoxicity, based on the hypothesized mechanism of BMAA misincorporation into proteins for l-serine. As an alternative to misincorporation, it was hypothesized that BMAA toxicity may, in part, be due to its high affinity for associating with hydroxyl group-containing amino acids, and that a dietary excess of the hydroxyl-containing l-serine might offer protection by binding to BMAA and reducing its toxicity. Additionally, l-serine can also reduce the uptake of BMAA into human cells by competitive uptake at ASCT2, and l-phenylalanine, by competitive uptake at LAT1, and l-alanine, by competitive uptake at SNAT2, can also reduce BMAA uptake into human cells. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the protective value of l-serine, l-phenylalanine and l-alanine in reducing the effects of neonatal exposure to BMAA in a Sprague Dawley rat model. Pre-treatment with l-phenylalanine reduced the observed behavioral abnormalities and neuropathologies by 60-70% in most cases. l-serine was also effective in reducing some of the behavioral abnormalities and neuropathologies, most markedly spinal cord neuronal loss. However, the protective effect of l-serine was obfuscated by neuropathies that were observed in l-serine-treated control male rats. l-alanine had no effect in protecting against BMAA-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting that competitive amino acid uptake plays a minor role in protecting against BMAA-induced neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rianita van Onselen
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Laura Louise Scott
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Tim G Downing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa..
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Behavior and gene expression in the brain of adult self-fertilizing mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus) after early life exposure to the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). Neurotoxicology 2020; 79:110-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
32
|
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
|
33
|
Schneider T, Simpson C, Desai P, Tucker M, Lobner D. Neurotoxicity of isomers of the environmental toxin L-BMAA. Toxicon 2020; 184:175-179. [PMID: 32585217 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that the environmental toxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) may be involved in neurodegenerative diseases. However, a number of controversies exist regarding L-BMAA, one of which is the possibility that when assaying for L-BMAA, its isomers are being detected instead. There are at least four isomers of BMAA that are known to occur: L-BMAA, β-N-methylamino-D-alanine (D-BMAA), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG). The fact that isomers of BMAA exist in nature also leads to the possibility that they are involved in toxicity. We set out to determine both the potency and the mechanism of toxicity of L-BMAA, D-BMAA, DAB, asnd AEG using primary cortical cultures. The results were surprising with the following order of potency of toxicity: AEG > DAB > D-BMAA > L-BMAA. These results suggest that AEG may be an overlooked neurotoxin. We found that AEG induced toxicity through mGluR5 receptors and induction of oxidative stress. While the potential role of L-BMAA in neurodegenerative diseases has been emphasized, other isomers of L-BMAA, particularly AEG, are actually more potent toxins, and could therefore potentially contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schneider
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, 561 N. 15th Street, Rm 426,Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Catherine Simpson
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, 561 N. 15th Street, Rm 426,Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Prachi Desai
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, 561 N. 15th Street, Rm 426,Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Madeleine Tucker
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, 561 N. 15th Street, Rm 426,Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA
| | - Doug Lobner
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, 561 N. 15th Street, Rm 426,Milwaukee, WI, 53233, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Transfer of the Neurotoxin β- N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) in the Agro-Aqua Cycle. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18050244. [PMID: 32384637 PMCID: PMC7281744 DOI: 10.3390/md18050244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxic non-protein amino acid β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is connected to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. BMAA has been shown to accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, and filter-feeding molluscs seem particularly susceptible to BMAA accumulation. The blue mussels farmed along the Swedish coastline in the Baltic Sea are, due to their small size, exclusively used to produce feed for chicken and fish in the agro-aqua cycle. We have investigated the possible biotransfer of BMAA from mussels, via mussel-based feed, into chickens. Chickens were divided into two groups, the control and the treatment. BMAA was extracted from the muscle, liver, brain, and eye tissues in both chicken groups; a UPLC-MS/MS method was subsequently used to quantify BMAA. The results indicate detectable concentrations of BMAA in both chicken groups. However, the BMAA concentration in chicken was 5.65 times higher in the treatment group than the control group, with the highest concentration found in muscle tissue extracted from the treatment group chickens. These data suggest that there is a BMAA transfer route within the agro-aqua cycle, so further investigation is recommended before using mussel-based feed in the chicken industry.
Collapse
|
35
|
Li A, Espinoza J, Hamdoun A. Inhibitory effects of neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine on fertilization and early development of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 221:105425. [PMID: 32058875 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been widely detected in diverse aquatic organisms and hypothesized as an environmental risk to neurodegenerative diseases in humans. However, the knowledge of its toxicity to marine organisms requires attention. In the present study, embryos and sperm of the sea urchin, Lytechinus pictus, were used to assess the toxicity of BMAA. Effects of BMAA on fertilization and development of sea urchin embryos were measured, and its impacts on efflux transport of sea urchin blastula were also assayed. Results demonstrated that the fertilization and development of embryos were significantly inhibited by high concentrations of BMAA above 300 μg L-1. The EC50 values indicated by active swimming larvae and total larvae numbers at 96 HPF (hours post fertilization) were 165 μg L-1 (1.4 μmol L-1) and 329 μg L-1 (2.8 μmol L-1), respectively. Additionally, sperm exposed to BMAA for 10 min significantly reduced the fertilization ratio of sea urchin eggs. However, the ABC transport activity on the cytomembrane of sea urchin blastula was not inhibited by the presence of BMAA at 50 μg L-1, even up to 500 μg L-1. Abnormal division and developmental malformations occurred at different developmental stages for sea urchin embryos exposed to BMAA at 500 μg L-1. The inhibitory effects of BMAA on sea urchin embryos were reported at the first time in this study, for which the toxicological mechanisms will be explored in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Jose Espinoza
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0202, USA
| | - Amro Hamdoun
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yan B, Liu Z, Huang R, Xu Y, Liu D, Wang W, Zhao Z, Cui F, Shi W. Impact factors on the production of β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) by cyanobacteria. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 243:125355. [PMID: 31759214 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria produce a series of secondary metabolites, one of which is beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). BMAA is considered to be the cause of human neurodegeneration. Compared with other cyanotoxins, the role of BMAA in cyanobacteria remains unclear. To investigate this question, six strains of cyanobacteria were cultured and tested in this experiment with an optimized and validated BMAA determination method. The results show that four strains can produce BMAA. The effects of nutrient levels on the production of BMAA by Anabaena sp. FACHB-418 were studied by changing the initial concentrations of nitrate (NaNO3) and phosphate (K2HPO4) in mediums. Bound BMAA was detected in all samples and the concentrations were within 50-100 ng/g. Free BMAA was presence when the concentration of nitrogen was lower than 1.7 mg/L (121.43 μM). Free BMAA was released from the dead and ruptured cells during the cell decline period, so dissolved BMAA cannot be detectable in the adaptation and logarithmic periods, but could be abundant in the decline periods. Statistical analyses show that free BMAA concentrations were negatively correlated with nitrogen strongly (p = 2.334 × 10-10 and r = -0.842), but positively correlated with phosphorus weakly (p = 0.016 and r = 0.405). Moreover, the results of culture experiments indicated that exogenous BMAA could inhibit the growth of cyanobacteria that cannot produce BMAA, and the effect was enhanced as the concentration of exogenous BMAA increased. This phenomenon implies that the production of BMAA may be the stress response by some cyanobacteria to low nitrogen conditions to kill other cyanobacteria, i.e., their competitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boyin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China; Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Rui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Yongpeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Dongmei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Zhao
- School of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Fuyi Cui
- School of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Wenxin Shi
- School of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang Y, Whalen JK. Production of the neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine may be triggered by agricultural nutrients: An emerging public health issue. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 170:115335. [PMID: 31812811 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Diverse taxa of cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and diatoms produce β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), a non-lipophilic, non-protein amino acid. BMAA is a neurotoxin in mammals. Its ingestion may be linked to human neurodegenerative diseases, namely the Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinsonism dementia complex, based on epidemiological evidence from regions where cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms occur frequently. In controlled environments, cyanobacteria produce BMAA in response to ecophysiological cues such as nutrient availability, which may explain the elevated BMAA concentrations in freshwater environments that receive nutrient-rich agricultural runoff. This critical review paper summarizes what is known about how BMAA supports ecophysiological functions like nitrogen metabolism, photosyntheis and provides a competitive advantage to cyanobacteria in controlled and natural environments. We explain how BMAA production affected competitive interactions among the N2-fixing and non-N2-fixing populations in a freshwater cyanobacterial bloom that was stimulated by nutrient loading from the surrounding agricultural landscape. Better control of nutrients in agricultural fields is an excellent strategy to avoid the negative environmental consequences and public health concerns related to BMAA production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhang
- McGill University, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, Macdonald Campus, 21, 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de, Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Joann K Whalen
- McGill University, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, Macdonald Campus, 21, 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de, Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Nunes-Costa D, Magalhães JD, G-Fernandes M, Cardoso SM, Empadinhas N. Microbial BMAA and the Pathway for Parkinson's Disease Neurodegeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:26. [PMID: 32317956 PMCID: PMC7019015 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a natural non-proteinogenic diamino acid produced by several species of both prokaryotic (cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic (diatoms and dinoflagellates) microorganisms. BMAA has been shown to biomagnify through the food chain in some ecosystems, accumulating for example in seafood such as shellfish and fish, common dietary sources of BMAA whose ingestion may have possible neuronal consequences. In addition to its excitotoxic potential, BMAA has been implicated in protein misfolding and aggregation, inhibition of specific enzymes and neuroinflammation, all hallmark features of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity remain to be elucidated in detail. Although BMAA is commonly detected in its free form, complex BMAA-containing molecules have also been identified such as the paenilamicins, produced by an insect gut bacterial pathogen. On the other hand, production of BMAA or BMAA-containing molecules by members of the human gut microbiota, for example by non-photosynthetic cyanobacteria, the Melainabacteria, remains only hypothetical. In any case, should BMAA reach the gut it may interact with cells of the mucosal immune system and neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and possibly target the mitochondria. Here, we review the available evidence and hint on possible mechanisms by which chronic exposure to dietary sources of this microbial neurotoxin may drive protein misfolding and mitochondrial dysfunction with concomitant activation of innate immune responses, chronic low-grade gut inflammation, and ultimately the neurodegenerative features observed across the gut-brain axis in Parkinson's disease (PD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Nunes-Costa
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental
Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of
Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| | - João Duarte Magalhães
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Biomedicine and Experimental
Biology (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of
Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| | - Maria G-Fernandes
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| | - Sandra Morais Cardoso
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra,
Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell
Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
(IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra,
Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lu S, Sun Y, Lu B, Zheng D, Xu S. Change of abundance and correlation of Nitrospira inopinata-like comammox and populations in nitrogen cycle during different seasons. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 241:125098. [PMID: 31877618 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Complete-nitrifying bacteria (comammox) play important roles in nitrogen-overloading aquatic systems. However, the understanding of the environmental relevance is still limited. Here, we studied the responses of comammox bacteria (Nitrospira inopinata) in a tributary of the Yellow River, with the water and sediment, microbial, seasonal, and chemical variations considered. Illumina sequencing indicated that the predominant phyla in the river sediment were Proterobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflex. Quantitative PCR revealed that N. inopinata-like comammox were approximately twice as abundant in the water during the wet season and in the sediment during the dry season than that of other conditions. Significant correlations were found between the abundance of N. inopinata-like comammox and pH (r = 0.58), temperature (r = 0.63), and dissolved oxygen (r = - 0.77). The abundance of N. inopinata-like comammox was higher than that of ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA), and lower than that of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Furthermore, a significant correlation was discovered between N. inopinata-like comammox and NOB (r = 0.60), and so was anammox bacteria (r = 0.358). Interestingly, N. inopinata-like comammox also showed positive relationships with denitrifying microbes (r = 0.559).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidan Lu
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujiao Sun
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Urban Hydrological Cycle and Sponge City Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Baiyun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Heilongjiang, Harbin, 150090 China
| | - Danyang Zheng
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shangwei Xu
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Diaz-Parga P, Goto JJ, Krishnan VV. On the Differential Roles of Mg 2+, Zn 2+, and Cu 2+ in the Equilibrium of β-N-Methyl-Amino-L-Alanine (BMAA) and its Carbamates. Neurotox Res 2020; 39:6-16. [PMID: 31955368 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00157-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
β-N-methyl-amino-L-alanine (BMAA) in the presence of bicarbonate (HCO3-) undergoes structural modifications generating two carbamate species, α-carbamate and β-carbamate forms of BMAA. The chemical structure of BMAA and BMAA-carbamate adducts strongly suggest they may interact with divalent metal ions. The ability of BMAA to cross the blood-brain barrier and possibly interact with divalent metal ions may augment the neurotoxicity of these molecules. To understand the effects of divalent metal ions (Mg2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+) on the overall dynamic equilibrium between BMAA and its carbamate adducts, a systematic study using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is presented. The chemical equilibria between BMAA, its carbamate adducts, and each of the divalent ions were studied using two-dimensional chemical exchange spectroscopy (EXSY). The NMR results demonstrate that BMAA preferentially interacts with Zn2+ and Cu2+, causing an overall reduction in the production of carbamate species by altering the dynamic equilibria. The NMR-based spectral changes due to the BMAA interaction with Cu2+ is more drastic than with the Zn2+, under the same stoichiometric ratios of BMAA and the individual divalent ions. However, the presence of Mg2+ does not significantly alter the dynamic equilibria between BMAA and its carbamate adducts. The NMR-based results are further validated using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, observing the n ➔ π interaction in the complex formation of BMAA and the divalent metal ions, with additional verification of the interaction with Cu2+ using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Our results demonstrate that BMAA differentially interacts with divalent metal ions (Mg2+ < Zn2+ < Cu2+), and thus alters the rate of formation of carbamate products. The equilibria between BMAA, the bicarbonate ions, and the divalent metal ions may alter the total population of a specific form of BMAA-ion complex at physiological conditions and, therefore, add a level of complexity of the mechanisms by which BMAA acts as a neurotoxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Diaz-Parga
- Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, CA, 93740, USA
| | - Joy J Goto
- Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, CA, 93740, USA.
| | - V V Krishnan
- Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, CA, 93740, USA. .,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang S, Qiu J, Zhao M, Li F, Yu R, Li A. Accumulation and distribution of neurotoxin BMAA in aquatic animals and effect on the behavior of zebrafish in a T-maze test. Toxicon 2020; 173:39-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
42
|
Bishop SL, Murch SJ. A systematic review of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA). Analyst 2019; 145:13-28. [PMID: 31742261 DOI: 10.1039/c9an01252d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are influenced by environmental factors such as exposure to toxins including the cyanotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) that can bioaccumulate in common food sources such as fish, mussels and crabs. Accurate and precise analytical methods are needed to detect and quantify BMAA to minimize human health risks. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the methods used for BMAA analysis from 2003 to 2019 and to evaluate the reported performance characteristics for each method to determine the consensus data for each analytical approach and different sample matrices. Detailed searches of the database Web of Science™ (WoS) were performed between August 21st, 2018 and April 5th, 2019. Eligible studies included analytical methods for the detection and quantification of BMAA in cyanobacteria and bioaccumulated BMAA in higher trophic levels, in phytoplankton and zooplankton and in human tissues and fluids. This systematic review has limitations in that only the English language literature is included and it did not include standard operating protocols nor any method validation data that have not been made public. We identified 148 eligible studies, of which a positive result for BMAA in one or more samples analyzed was reported in 84% (125 out of 148) of total studies, 57% of HILIC studies, 92% of RPLC studies and 71% of other studies. The largest discrepancy between different methods arose from the analysis of cyanobacteria samples, where BMAA was detected in 95% of RPLC studies but only in 25% of HILIC studies. Without sufficient published validation of each method's performance characteristics, it is difficult to establish each method as fit for purpose for each sample matrix. The importance of establishing methods as appropriate for their intended use is evidenced by the inconsistent reporting of BMAA across environmental samples, despite its prevalence in diverse ecosystems and food webs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Bishop
- Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, CanadaV1V 1V7.
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
A Single Laboratory Validation for the Analysis of Underivatized β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA). Neurotox Res 2019; 39:49-71. [PMID: 31823228 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00137-4] [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: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-protein amino acid produced by cyanobacteria that can accumulate in ecosystems and food webs. Human exposure to cyanobacterial and algal blooms may be a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Analytical chemists have struggled to find reliable methods for BMAA analysis in complex sample matrices. Analysis of BMAA is complicated by at least 3 naturally occurring isomers: N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), and β-aminomethyl-L-alanine (BAMA). More than 350 publications have reported detection and quantification of BMAA and its isomers, but varying results have led to controversy in the literature. The objective of this study was to perform a single laboratory validation (SLV) of a frequently published method for BMAA analysis using a ZIC-HILIC column. We investigated the selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of the method and our data show that this HILIC method fails many of the criteria for a validated method. The method fails the criterion for selectivity as the chromatography does not separate BMAA from its isomer BAMA. Sensitivity of the method greatly decreased over the experimental period and it demonstrated a higher limit of detection (LOD) (7.5 pg on column) and a higher lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) (30 pg on column) than other published validated methods. The method demonstrated poor precision of repeated injections of standards of BMAA with % relative standard deviation (%RSD) values that ranged from 37 to 107% while HorRat values for BMAA had a fail rate of 80% and BAMA had a fail rate of 73%. No HorRat values between 0.5 and 2 were found for repeated injections of standards of AEG and DAB. Recovery of 13C3,15N2-BMAA in a cyanobacterial matrix was < 10% in experiments and we were also unable to accurately detect other protein amino acids including methionine, cysteine, or alanine, indicating matrix effects. The results of this study demonstrate that the ZIC-HILIC column is not fit for purpose for the analysis of BMAA in cyanobacterial matrices and further provides explanations for the high level of negative results reported by researchers using this method.
Collapse
|
44
|
Production of β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and Its Isomers by Freshwater Diatoms. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090512. [PMID: 31480725 PMCID: PMC6784237 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-protein amino acid that has been implicated as a risk factor for motor neurone disease (MND). BMAA is produced by a wide range of cyanobacteria globally and by a small number of marine diatoms. BMAA is commonly found with two of its constitutional isomers: 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB), and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG). The isomer 2,4-DAB, like BMAA, has neurotoxic properties. While many studies have shown BMAA production by cyanobacteria, few studies have looked at other algal groups. Several studies have shown BMAA production by marine diatoms; however, there are no studies examining freshwater diatoms. This study aimed to determine if some freshwater diatoms produced BMAA, and which diatom taxa are capable of BMAA, 2,4-DAB and AEG production. Five axenic diatom cultures were established from river and lake sites across eastern Australia. Cultures were harvested during the stationary growth phase and intracellular amino acids were extracted. Using liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), diatom extracts were analysed for the presence of both free and protein-associated BMAA, 2,4-DAB and AEG. Of the five diatom cultures analysed, four were found to have detectable BMAA and AEG, while 2,4-DAB was found in all cultures. These results show that BMAA production by diatoms is not confined to marine genera and that the prevalence of these non-protein amino acids in Australian freshwater environments cannot be solely attributed to cyanobacteria.
Collapse
|
45
|
The Cyanotoxin and Non-protein Amino Acid β-Methylamino-L-Alanine (L-BMAA) in the Food Chain: Incorporation into Proteins and Its Impact on Human Health. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:602-611. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00089-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
46
|
Cao Y, Hu S, Gong T, Xian Q, Xu B. Decomposition of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) during chlorination and consequent disinfection byproducts formation. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 159:365-374. [PMID: 31112889 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) are two newly identified algal toxins, and they may react with chlorine to undergo decomposition and generate disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during pre-chlorination as well as chlorine disinfection. In this study, the decomposition of BMAA and DAB during chlorination and the consequent DBPs formation were investigated. The BMAA and DAB concentrations in source waters were determined, the decomposition kinetics of BMAA and DAB and the formation of DBPs during chlorination were studied, the formation pathways of DBPs from BMAA and DAB were explored, and the factors which may affect the decomposition and DBPs formation were examined. The results revealed that BMAA and DAB were commonly detected in source waters from Taihu Lake, and the highest level of BMAA reached 230.8 ng/L, while the concentrations of DAB were generally around 2.0 ng/L. The decomposition of BMAA and DAB during chlorination both followed pseudo-first-order decay while the decomposition rate constant of DAB was significantly higher than that of BMAA. Trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), and haloacetonitriles (HANs) were all generated during the chlorination of BMAA and DAB with relatively high yields. Notably, the THMs, HAAs, and HANs yields of each carbon atom from BMAA and DAB were significantly higher than that from other organic precursors, and the formation of HANs from DAB was significantly higher than that from BMAA. The formation pathways of DBPs from BMAA and DAB were tentatively proposed and verified through theoretical calculations. Of note, the proposed formation pathways of THMs and HAAs from BMAA were similar to that from DAB, while the proposed formation pathways of HANs from BMAA and DAB showed some differences. Chlorine dose, pH and temperature all affected the decomposition of BMAA and DAB and DBPs formation during chlorination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shaoyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tingting Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Qiming Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Bin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wu X, Wu H, Gu X, Zhang R, Ye J, Sheng Q. Biomagnification characteristics and health risk assessment of the neurotoxin BMAA in freshwater aquaculture products of Taihu Lake Basin, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 229:332-340. [PMID: 31078890 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.04.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In freshwater aquaculture ecosystems with high-frequency occurrences of cyanobacteria blooms, a chronic neurotoxic cyanobacteria toxin, β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), is a new pollutant that affects the normal growth, development, and reproduction of aquaculture organisms. BMAA poses a great threat to the food quality and food safety of aquatic products. In this paper, high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to detect the contents of BMAA in the edible portions of six representative freshwater aquaculture products (Corbicula fluminea, Anodonta arcaeformis, Macrobrachium nipponense, Eriocheir sinensis, Ctenopharyngodon idella, and Mylopharyngodon piceus) from Taihu Lake Basin in China. Noncarcinogenic health risks were assessed with reference to the model recommended by the International Environmental Modelling and Software Society and based on the biomagnification characteristics of BMAA in the various aquaculture products investigated by the stable nitrogen isotope technique. The average BMAA concentrations in the edible portions of the six freshwater culture products were from 2.05 ± 1.40 to 4.21 ± 1.26 μg g-1 dry weight (DW), and the difference was significant (p < 0.05), such a difference increased with the increase in the trophic level in the aquaculture products. Although a biomagnification indication was observed, the trophic magnification factor (TMF) was only 1.20 which exhibited a relatively low biomagnification efficiency. The annual health risk values of BMAA in all the measured aquatic products were within the maximum tolerable range (<1 × 10-6 a-1), and the health risk increased with the increase in the trophic level. The risk values of BMAA in the six freshwater aquaculture products for children was slightly higher than the negligible level (<1 × 10-7 a-1), thus there might have potential health risks for children's long-term consumption. Considering China's national conditions, the guidance values of BMAA based on the quality and safety of freshwater aquaculture products were proposed to be 7.2 μg g-1 DW for adults and 1.8 μg g-1 DW for children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources Conservation and Development Technology Research, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- Environmental Protection Monitoring Centre Station, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Gu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources Conservation and Development Technology Research, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| | - Rongfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources Conservation and Development Technology Research, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| | - Jinyun Ye
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources Conservation and Development Technology Research, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| | - Qiang Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources Conservation and Development Technology Research, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, 313000, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
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
|
49
|
Insufficient evidence for BMAA transfer in the pelagic and benthic food webs in the Baltic Sea. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10406. [PMID: 31320701 PMCID: PMC6639344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46815-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The evidence regarding BMAA occurrence in the Baltic Sea is contradictory, with benthic sources appearing to be more important than pelagic ones. The latter is counterintuitive considering that the identified sources of this compound in the food webs are pelagic primary producers, such as diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria. To elucidate BMAA distribution, we analyzed BMAA in the pelagic and benthic food webs in the Northern Baltic Proper. As potential sources, phytoplankton communities were used. Pelagic food chain was represented by zooplankton, mysids and zooplanktivorous fish, whereas benthic invertebrates and benthivorous fish comprised the benthic chain. The trophic structure of the system was confirmed by stable isotope analysis. Contrary to the reported ubiquitous occurrence of BMAA in the Baltic food webs, only phytoplankton, zooplankton and mysids tested positive, whereas no measurable levels of this compound occurred in the benthic invertebrates and any of the tested fish species. These findings do not support the widely assumed occurrence and transfer of BMAA to the top consumers in the Baltic food webs. More controlled experiments and field observations are needed to understand the transfer and possible transformation of BMAA in the food web under various environmental settings.
Collapse
|
50
|
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
|