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Pinto A, Macário IPE, Marques SM, Lourenço J, Domingues I, Botelho MJ, Asselman J, Pereira P, Pereira JL. A short-term exposure to saxitoxin triggers a multitude of deleterious effects in Daphnia magna at levels deemed safe for human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175431. [PMID: 39128511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms and the toxins produced during these events are a human and environmental health concern worldwide. Saxitoxin and its derivatives are potent natural aquatic neurotoxins produced by certain freshwater cyanobacteria and marine algae species during these bloom events. Saxitoxins effects on human health are well studied, however its effects on aquatic biota are still largely unexplored. This work aims at evaluating the effects of a pulse acute exposure (24 h) of the model cladoceran Daphnia magna to 30 μg saxitoxin L-1, which corresponds to the safety guideline established by the World Health Organization (WHO) for these toxins in recreational freshwaters. Saxitoxin effects were assessed through a comprehensive array of biochemical (antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid peroxidation), genotoxicity (alkaline comet assay), neurotoxicity (total cholinesterases activity), behavioral (swimming patterns), physiological (feeding rate and heart rate), and epigenetic (total 5-mC DNA methylation) biomarkers. Exposure resulted in decreased feeding rate, heart rate, total cholinesterases activity and catalase activity. Contrarily, other antioxidant enzymes, namely glutathione-S-transferases and selenium-dependent Glutathione peroxidase had their activity increased, together with lipid peroxidation levels. The enhancement of the antioxidant enzymes was not sufficient to prevent oxidative damage, as underpinned by lipid peroxidation enhancement. Accordingly, average DNA damage level was significantly increased in STX-exposed daphnids. Total DNA 5-mC level was significantly decreased in exposed organisms. Results showed that even a short-term exposure to saxitoxin causes significant effects on critical molecular and cellular pathways and modulates swimming patterns in D. magna individuals. This study highlights sub-lethal effects caused by saxitoxin in D. magna, suggesting that these toxins may represent a marked challenge to their thriving even at a concentration deemed safe for humans by the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albano Pinto
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Inês P E Macário
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sérgio M Marques
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Lourenço
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Inês Domingues
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria João Botelho
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Algés, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge Building, Ostend Science Park 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Patrícia Pereira
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Huang S, Zuo L, Zhang L, Guo X, Cheng C, He Y, Cheng G, Yu J, Liu Y, Chen R, Tang G, Fan Y, Feng L. Design, Synthesis, and Mode of Action of Thioacetamide Derivatives as the Algicide Candidate Based on Active Substructure Splicing Strategy. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7021-7032. [PMID: 38501582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Lakes and reservoirs worldwide are experiencing a growing problem with harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs), which have significant implications for ecosystem health and water quality. Algaecide is an effective way to control HCBs effectively. In this study, we applied an active substructure splicing strategy for rapid discovery of algicides. Through this strategy, we first optimized the structure of the lead compound S5, designed and synthesized three series of thioacetamide derivatives (series A, B, C), and then evaluated their algicidal activities. Finally, compound A3 with excellent performance was found, which accelerated the process of discovering and developing new algicides. The biological activity assay data showed that A3 had a significant inhibitory effect on M. aeruginosa. FACHB905 (EC50 = 0.46 μM) and Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 (EC50 = 0.95 μM), which was better than the commercial algicide prometryn (M. aeruginosa. FACHB905, EC50 = 6.52 μM; Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, EC50 = 4.64 μM) as well as better than lead compound S5 (M. aeruginosa. FACHB905, EC50 = 8.80 μM; Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, EC50 = 7.70 μM). The relationship between the surface electrostatic potential, chemical reactivity, and global electrophilicity of the compounds and their activities was discussed by density functional theory (DFT). Physiological and biochemical studies have shown that A3 might affect the photosynthesis pathway and antioxidant system in cyanobacteria, resulting in the morphological changes of cyanobacterial cells. Our work demonstrated that A3 might be a promising candidate for the development of novel algicides and provided a new active skeleton for the development of subsequent chemical algicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Lingzi Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Liexiong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Xiaoliang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Cai Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yanlin He
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Guonian Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yanyang Liu
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430083, China
| | - Ruiqing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Guangmei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yuxuan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Lingling Feng
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430083, China
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Flores-Holguín N, Salas-Leiva JS, Núñez-Vázquez EJ, Tovar-Ramírez D, Glossman-Mitnik D. Marine Toxins as Pharmaceutical Treasure Troves: A Focus on Saxitoxin Derivatives from a Computational Point of View. Molecules 2024; 29:275. [PMID: 38202857 PMCID: PMC10780485 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010275] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This work highlights the significant potential of marine toxins, particularly saxitoxin (STX) and its derivatives, in the exploration of novel pharmaceuticals. These toxins, produced by aquatic microorganisms and collected by bivalve mollusks and other filter-feeding organisms, offer a vast reservoir of chemical and biological diversity. They interact with sodium channels in physiological processes, affecting various functions in organisms. Exposure to these toxins can lead to symptoms ranging from tingling sensations to respiratory failure and cardiovascular shock, with STX being one of the most potent. The structural diversity of STX derivatives, categorized into carbamate, N-sulfocarbamoyl, decarbamoyl, and deoxydecarbamoyl toxins, offers potential for drug development. The research described in this work aimed to computationally characterize 18 STX derivatives, exploring their reactivity properties within marine sponges using conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) techniques. Additionally, their pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability, and drug-likeness scores were assessed. The outcomes of this research were the chemical reactivity parameters calculated via CDFT as well as the estimated pharmacokinetic and ADME properties derived using computational tools. While they may not align directly, the integration of these distinct datasets enriches our comprehensive understanding of the compound's properties and potential applications. Thus, this study holds promise for uncovering new pharmaceutical candidates from the considered marine toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma Flores-Holguín
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, Miguel de Cervantes 120, Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31136, Chih, Mexico; (J.S.S.-L.); (D.G.-M.)
| | - Joan S. Salas-Leiva
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, Miguel de Cervantes 120, Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31136, Chih, Mexico; (J.S.S.-L.); (D.G.-M.)
| | - Erick J. Núñez-Vázquez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz 23096, BCS, Mexico; (E.J.N.-V.); (D.T.-R.)
| | - Dariel Tovar-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz 23096, BCS, Mexico; (E.J.N.-V.); (D.T.-R.)
| | - Daniel Glossman-Mitnik
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, Miguel de Cervantes 120, Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31136, Chih, Mexico; (J.S.S.-L.); (D.G.-M.)
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Metcalf JS, Banack SA, Wyatt PB, Nunn PB, Cox PA. A Direct Analysis of β- N-methylamino-l-alanine Enantiomers and Isomers and Its Application to Cyanobacteria and Marine Mollusks. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:639. [PMID: 37999501 PMCID: PMC10674937 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110639] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the wide variety of toxic compounds produced by cyanobacteria, the neurotoxic amino acid β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) has attracted attention as a result of its association with chronic human neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer's. Consequently, specific detection methods are required to assess the presence of BMAA and its isomers in environmental and clinical materials, including cyanobacteria and mollusks. Although the separation of isomers such as β-amino-N-methylalanine (BAMA), N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) from BMAA has been demonstrated during routine analysis, a further compounding factor is the potential presence of enantiomers for some of these isomers. Current analytical methods for BMAA mostly do not discriminate between enantiomers, and the chiral configuration of BMAA in cyanobacteria is still largely unexplored. To understand the potential for the occurrence of D-BMAA in cyanobacteria, a chiral UPLC-MS/MS method was developed to separate BMAA enantiomers and isomers and to determine the enantiomeric configuration of endogenous free BMAA in a marine Lyngbya mat and two mussel reference materials. After extraction, purification and derivatization with N-(4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl)-l-phenylalanine 2-methoxyethyl ester ((S)-NIFE), both L- and D-BMAA were identified as free amino acids in cyanobacterial materials, whereas only L-BMAA was identified in mussel tissues. The finding of D-BMAA in biological environmental materials raises questions concerning the source and role of BMAA enantiomers in neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Metcalf
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
| | - Sandra Anne Banack
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Peter B. Wyatt
- The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (P.B.W.); (P.B.N.)
| | - Peter B. Nunn
- The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (P.B.W.); (P.B.N.)
| | - Paul A. Cox
- Brain Chemistry Labs, Box 3464, Jackson, WY 83001, USA; (S.A.B.); (P.A.C.)
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