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Dixit S, Parashar J, Dhaked RK, Kumar A, Saxena N. Development and validation of streptavidin-biotin-based double antibody sandwich ELISA for ricin diagnosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111986. [PMID: 38574703 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111986] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ricin is a potential biowarfare agent. It is a phytotoxin isolated from castor seeds. At present there is no antidote available for ricin poisoning, patients only get supportive treatment based on their symptoms. This highlights the importance of early detection to avoid severity of accidents and reduce the risk factor. Considering this, our study aimed to develop a highly sensitive and specific sandwich ELISA for the detection of ricin. METHODS Ricin was purified from castor seeds. Anti-ricin polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were generated from rabbit antisera and hybridoma cell (1H6F1) supernatant using a protein A/G column. Antibody titer estimation was done using Indirect ELISA. A streptavidin-biotin-based sandwich ELISA was developed and the limit of detection (LOD), linear range, intra and inter-assay coefficient of variation (CV), and cross-reactivity with other similar toxins were determined. Interference of human plasma samples spiked with ricin was also checked. RESULTS The LOD of the ELISA was found to be 0.45 ng/ml, with a linear range of 0.90-62 ng/ml, intra and inter-assay CV ranged from 3.34 % to 5 % and 5.17 % to 10.80 % respectively. The assay was not cross-reactive with other similar ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) toxins. Ricin was detected in spiked plasma samples. CONCLUSION The developed assay is highly sensitive and specific for detecting ricin and is not cross-reactive with other similar types of toxins. The assay can detect ricin in spiked plasma samples, so it has the potential to be used for the analysis of clinical samples after ricin poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Dixit
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Defence Research Development & Establishment, Defence Research Development Organization, Gwalior, India
| | - Jagrati Parashar
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Defence Research Development & Establishment, Defence Research Development Organization, Gwalior, India
| | - Ram Kumar Dhaked
- Biotechnology Division, Defence Research Development & Establishment, Defence Research Development Organization, Gwalior, India
| | - Abdhesh Kumar
- Animal Facility Division, Defence Research Development & Establishment, Defence Research Development Organization, Gwalior, India
| | - Nandita Saxena
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Defence Research Development & Establishment, Defence Research Development Organization, Gwalior, India.
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2
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Stoll A, Shenton DP, Green AC, Holley JL. Comparative Aspects of Ricin Toxicity by Inhalation. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040281. [PMID: 37104219 PMCID: PMC10145923 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of ricin toxicity following inhalation has been investigated in many animal models, including the non-human primate (predominantly the rhesus macaque), pig, rabbit and rodent. The toxicity and associated pathology described in animal models are broadly similar, but variation appears to exist. This paper reviews the published literature and some of our own unpublished data and describes some of the possible reasons for this variation. Methodological variation is evident, including method of exposure, breathing parameters during exposure, aerosol characteristics, sampling protocols, ricin cultivar, purity and challenge dose and study duration. The model species and strain used represent other significant sources of variation, including differences in macro- and microscopic anatomy, cell biology and function, and immunology. Chronic pathology of ricin toxicity by inhalation, associated with sublethal challenge or lethal challenge and treatment with medical countermeasures, has received less attention in the literature. Fibrosis may follow acute lung injury in survivors. There are advantages and disadvantages to the different models of pulmonary fibrosis. To understand their potential clinical significance, these factors need to be considered when choosing a model for chronic ricin toxicity by inhalation, including species and strain susceptibility to fibrosis, time it takes for fibrosis to develop, the nature of the fibrosis (e.g., self-limiting, progressive, persistent or resolving) and ensuring that the analysis truly represents fibrosis. Understanding the variables and comparative aspects of acute and chronic ricin toxicity by inhalation is important to enable meaningful comparison of results from different studies, and for the investigation of medical countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Stoll
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - Daniel P Shenton
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK
| | | | - Jane L Holley
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK
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3
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Rong Y, Torres-Velez FJ, Ehrbar D, Doering J, Song R, Mantis NJ. An intranasally administered monoclonal antibody cocktail abrogates ricin toxin-induced pulmonary tissue damage and inflammation. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:793-807. [PMID: 31589555 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1664243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ricin toxin, a plant-derived, mannosylated glycoprotein, elicits an incapacitating and potentially lethal inflammatory response in the airways following inhalation. Uptake of ricin by alveolar macrophages (AM) and other pulmonary cell types occurs via two parallel pathways: one mediated by ricin's B subunit (RTB), a galactose-specific lectin, and one mediated by the mannose receptor (MR;CD206). Ricin's A subunit (RTA) is a ribosome-inactivating protein that triggers apoptosis in mammalian cells. It was recently reported that a single monoclonal antibody (MAb), PB10, directed against an immunodominant epitope on RTA and administered intravenously, was able to rescue Rhesus macaques from lethal aerosol dose of ricin. In this study, we now demonstrate in mice that the effectiveness PB10 is significantly improved when combined with a second MAb, SylH3, against RTB. Mice treated with PB10 alone survived lethal-dose intranasal ricin challenge, but experienced significant weight loss, moderate pulmonary inflammation (e.g., elevated IL-1 and IL-6 levels, PMN influx), and apoptosis of lung macrophages. In contrast, mice treated with the PB10/SylH3 cocktail were essentially impervious to pulmonary ricin toxin exposure, as evidenced by no weight loss, no change in local IL-1 and IL-6 levels, retention of lung macrophages, and a significant dampening of PMN recruitment into the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids. The PB10/SylH3 cocktail only marginally reduced ricin binding to target cells in the BAL, suggesting that the antibody mixture neutralizes ricin by interfering with one or more steps in the RTB- and MR-dependent uptake pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Rong
- New York State Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Fernando J Torres-Velez
- New York State Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Dylan Ehrbar
- New York State Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Doering
- New York State Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Renjie Song
- New York State Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- New York State Department of Health, Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA
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4
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Franke H, Scholl R, Aigner A. Ricin and Ricinus communis in pharmacology and toxicology-from ancient use and "Papyrus Ebers" to modern perspectives and "poisonous plant of the year 2018". Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 392:1181-1208. [PMID: 31359089 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01691-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While probably originating from Africa, the plant Ricinus communis is found nowadays around the world, grown for industrial use as a source of castor oil production, wildly sprouting in many regions, or used as ornamental plant. As regards its pharmacological utility, a variety of medical purposes of selected parts of the plant, e.g., as a laxative, an anti-infective, or an anti-inflammatory drug, have been described already in the sixteenth century BC in the famous Papyrus Ebers (treasured in the Library of the University of Leipzig). Quite in contrast, on the toxicological side, the native plant has become the "poisonous plant 2018" in Germany. As of today, a number of isolated components of the plant/seeds have been characterized, including, e.g., castor oil, ricin, Ricinus communis agglutinin, ricinin, nudiflorin, and several allergenic compounds. This review mainly focuses on the most toxic protein, ricin D, classified as a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP2). Ricin is one of the most potent and lethal substances known. It has been considered as an important bioweapon (categorized as a Category B agent (second-highest priority)) and an attractive agent for bioterroristic activities. On the other hand, ricin presents great potential, e.g., as an anti-cancer agent or in cell-based research, and is even explored in the context of nanoparticle formulations in tumor therapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology and toxicology-related body of knowledge on ricin. Toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic aspects of ricin poisoning and possibilities for analytical detection and therapeutic use are summarized as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Franke
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Haertelstrasse 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Reinhold Scholl
- Department of History, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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5
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Ricin: An Ancient Story for a Timeless Plant Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060324. [PMID: 31174319 PMCID: PMC6628454 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) has been known since time immemorial in traditional medicine in the pharmacopeia of Mediterranean and eastern ancient cultures. Moreover, it is still used in folk medicine worldwide. Castor bean has been mainly recommended as anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-bacterial, laxative, abortifacient, for wounds, ulcers, and many other indications. Many cases of human intoxication occurred accidentally or voluntarily with the ingestion of castor seeds or derivatives. Ricinus toxicity depends on several molecules, among them the most important is ricin, a protein belonging to the family of ribosome-inactivating proteins. Ricin is the most studied of this category of proteins and it is also known to the general public, having been used for several biocrimes. This manuscript intends to give the reader an overview of ricin, focusing on the historical path to the current knowledge on this protein. The main steps of ricin research are here reported, with particular regard to its enzymatic activity, structure, and cytotoxicity. Moreover, we discuss ricin toxicity for animals and humans, as well as the relation between bioterrorism and ricin and its impact on environmental toxicity. Ricin has also been used to develop immunotoxins for the elimination of unwanted cells, mainly cancer cells; some of these immunoconjugates gave promising results in clinical trials but also showed critical limitation.
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6
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Roy CJ, Ehrbar DJ, Bohorova N, Bohorov O, Kim D, Pauly M, Whaley K, Rong Y, Torres-Velez FJ, Vitetta ES, Didier PJ, Doyle-Meyers L, Zeitlin L, Mantis NJ. Rescue of rhesus macaques from the lethality of aerosolized ricin toxin. JCI Insight 2019; 4:124771. [PMID: 30626745 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.124771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin toxin (RT) ranks at the top of the list of bioweapons of concern to civilian and military personnel alike, due to its high potential for morbidity and mortality after inhalation. In nonhuman primates, aerosolized ricin triggers severe acute respiratory distress characterized by perivascular and alveolar edema, neutrophilic infiltration, and severe necrotizing bronchiolitis and alveolitis. There are currently no approved countermeasures for ricin intoxication. Here, we report the therapeutic potential of a humanized mAb against an immunodominant epitope on ricin's enzymatic A chain (RTA). Rhesus macaques that received i.v. huPB10 4 hours after a lethal dose of ricin aerosol exposure survived toxin challenge, whereas control animals succumbed to ricin intoxication within 30 hours. Antibody intervention at 12 hours resulted in the survival of 1 of 5 monkeys. Changes in proinflammatory cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor profiles in bronchial alveolar lavage fluids before and after toxin challenge successfully clustered animals by treatment group and survival, indicating a relationship between local tissue damage and experimental outcome. This study represents the first demonstration, to our knowledge, in nonhuman primates that the lethal effects of inhalational ricin exposure can be negated by a drug candidate, and it opens up a path forward for product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad J Roy
- Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC), Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Dylan J Ehrbar
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Do Kim
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Michael Pauly
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kevin Whaley
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yinghui Rong
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Fernando J Torres-Velez
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Ellen S Vitetta
- Departments of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Peter J Didier
- Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC), Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lara Doyle-Meyers
- Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC), Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Larry Zeitlin
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
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7
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Kharchoufa L, Merrouni IA, Yamani A, Elachouri M. Profile on medicinal plants used by the people of North Eastern Morocco: Toxicity concerns. Toxicon 2018; 154:90-113. [PMID: 30243516 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the North Eastern region of Morocco, many people are interested in medicinal plants and their uses. However, the rationale for the utilization of medicinal plants has remained largely underestimated with little or no scientific data on plant safety. In this paper we attempt to describe and establish a detailed list of current knowledge in relation to the toxicity of these plants and to evaluate the scientific data concerning the harmful effects of the selected natural products. Our approach consists of collecting published data from literature in specialized journals, books and website related to the toxic plants. This research revealed that 89 plant species, retrieved from 287 plants used as medicine in the North-Eastern region of Morocco, are considered toxic or present some kind of toxicity. Our data determines 55 compounds isolated from the plants which are dominated by five groups of toxic compounds: alkaloids followed by glucosides, terpenoids, protides and phenolics. The present work discusses toxicity-related issues arising from the use of medicinal plants by local people. We conclude that the database considered in this study could serve as an important source of information on the toxicity of medicinal plants used by this society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loubna Kharchoufa
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Génétique et Ethnopharmacologie URAC-40, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco.
| | - Ilyass Alami Merrouni
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Génétique et Ethnopharmacologie URAC-40, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco.
| | - Amal Yamani
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Génétique et Ethnopharmacologie URAC-40, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco.
| | - Mostafa Elachouri
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Génétique et Ethnopharmacologie URAC-40, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco.
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8
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Duracova M, Klimentova J, Fucikova A, Dresler J. Proteomic Methods of Detection and Quantification of Protein Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10030099. [PMID: 29495560 PMCID: PMC5869387 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10030099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological toxins are a heterogeneous group of compounds that share commonalities with biological and chemical agents. Among them, protein toxins represent a considerable, diverse set. They cover a broad range of molecular weights from less than 1000 Da to more than 150 kDa. This review aims to compare conventional detection methods of protein toxins such as in vitro bioassays with proteomic methods, including immunoassays and mass spectrometry-based techniques and their combination. Special emphasis is given to toxins falling into a group of selected agents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as Staphylococcal enterotoxins, Bacillus anthracis toxins, Clostridium botulinum toxins, Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin, ricin from Ricinus communis, Abrin from Abrus precatorius or control of trade in dual-use items in the European Union, including lesser known protein toxins such as Viscumin from Viscum album. The analysis of protein toxins and monitoring for biological threats, i.e., the deliberate spread of infectious microorganisms or toxins through water, food, or the air, requires rapid and reliable methods for the early identification of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloslava Duracova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense in Brno, Třebešská 1575, CZ-500 01 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Klimentova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense in Brno, Třebešská 1575, CZ-500 01 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Alena Fucikova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense in Brno, Třebešská 1575, CZ-500 01 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiri Dresler
- Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Tychonova 1, CZ-160 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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9
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Jandhyala DM, Wong J, Mantis NJ, Magun BE, Leong JM, Thorpe CM. A Novel Zak Knockout Mouse with a Defective Ribotoxic Stress Response. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8090259. [PMID: 27598200 PMCID: PMC5037485 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8090259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ricin activates the proinflammatory ribotoxic stress response through the mitogen activated protein 3 kinase (MAP3K) ZAK, resulting in activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and JNK1/2. We had a novel zak−/− mouse generated to study the role of ZAK signaling in vivo during ricin intoxication. To characterize this murine strain, we intoxicated zak−/− and zak+/+ bone marrow–derived murine macrophages with ricin, measured p38 and JNK1/2 activation by Western blot, and measured zak, c-jun, and cxcl-1 expression by qRT-PCR. To determine whether zak−/− mice differed from wild-type mice in their in vivo response to ricin, we performed oral ricin intoxication experiments with zak+/+ and zak−/− mice, using blinded histopathology scoring of duodenal tissue sections to determine differences in tissue damage. Unlike macrophages derived from zak+/+ mice, those derived from the novel zak−/− strain fail to activate p38 and JNK1/2 and have decreased c-jun and cxcl-1 expression following ricin intoxication. Furthermore, compared with zak+/+ mice, zak−/− mice have decreased duodenal damage following in vivo ricin challenge. zak−/− mice demonstrate a distinct ribotoxic stress–associated phenotype in response to ricin and therefore provide a new animal model for in vivo studies of ZAK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakshina M Jandhyala
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
| | - John Wong
- School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
| | - Bruce E Magun
- School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
| | - John M Leong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
| | - Cheleste M Thorpe
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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Wong J, Magun BE, Wood LJ. Lung inflammation caused by inhaled toxicants: a review. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2016; 11:1391-401. [PMID: 27382275 PMCID: PMC4922809 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s106009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure of the lungs to airborne toxicants from different sources in the environment may lead to acute and chronic pulmonary or even systemic inflammation. Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, although wood smoke in urban areas of underdeveloped countries is now recognized as a leading cause of respiratory disease. Mycotoxins from fungal spores pose an occupational risk for respiratory illness and also present a health hazard to those living in damp buildings. Microscopic airborne particulates of asbestos and silica (from building materials) and those of heavy metals (from paint) are additional sources of indoor air pollution that contributes to respiratory illness and is known to cause respiratory illness in experimental animals. Ricin in aerosolized form is a potential bioweapon that is extremely toxic yet relatively easy to produce. Although the aforementioned agents belong to different classes of toxic chemicals, their pathogenicity is similar. They induce the recruitment and activation of macrophages, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, inhibition of protein synthesis, and production of interleukin-1 beta. Targeting either macrophages (using nanoparticles) or the production of interleukin-1 beta (using inhibitors against protein kinases, NOD-like receptor protein-3, or P2X7) may potentially be employed to treat these types of lung inflammation without affecting the natural immune response to bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Wong
- School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bruce E Magun
- School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa J Wood
- School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Zhao YQ, Song J, Wang HL, Xu B, Liu F, He K, Wang N. Rapid Detection of Ricin in Serum Based on Cu-Chelated Magnetic Beads Using Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2016; 27:748-751. [PMID: 26873724 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-016-1340-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The protein toxin ricin obtained from castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) seeds is a potent biological warfare agent due to its ease of availability and acute toxicity. In this study, we demonstrated a rapid and simple method to detect ricin in serum in vitro. The ricin was mixed with serum and digested by trypsin, then all the peptides were efficiently extracted using Cu-chelated magnetic beads and were detected with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The specific ricin peptides were identified by Nanoscale Ultra Performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry according to their sequences. The assay required 2.5 hours, and a characteristic peptide could be detected down to 4 ng/μl and used as a biomarker to detect ricin in serum. The high sensitivity and simplicity of the procedure makes it valuable in clinical practice. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qiang Zhao
- The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China, 100850
| | - Jian Song
- The School of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, China, 130021
| | - Hong-Li Wang
- The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China, 100850
| | - Bin Xu
- The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China, 100850
| | - Feng Liu
- The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China, 100850
| | - Kun He
- The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China, 100850.
| | - Na Wang
- The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China, 100850.
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12
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Delaney B. Safety assessment of foods from genetically modified crops in countries with developing economies. Food Chem Toxicol 2015; 86:132-43. [PMID: 26456807 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Population growth particularly in countries with developing economies will result in a need to increase food production by 70% by the year 2050. Biotechnology has been utilized to produce genetically modified (GM) crops for insect and weed control with benefits including increased crop yield and will also be used in emerging countries. A multicomponent safety assessment paradigm has been applied to individual GM crops to determine whether they as safe as foods from non-GM crops. This paper reviews methods to assess the safety of foods from GM crops for safe consumption from the first generation of GM crops. The methods can readily be applied to new products developed within country and this paper will emphasize the concept of data portability; that safety data produced in one geographic location is suitable for safety assessment regardless of where it is utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Delaney
- Global Industry Affairs and Regulatory, DuPont Pioneer, 7100 NW 62nd Avenue, P.O. Box 1004, Johnston, IA 50131, United States.
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13
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Fredriksson SÅ, Artursson E, Bergström T, Östin A, Nilsson C, Åstot C. Identification of RIP-II Toxins by Affinity Enrichment, Enzymatic Digestion and LC-MS. Anal Chem 2014; 87:967-74. [DOI: 10.1021/ac5032918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sten-Åke Fredriksson
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Artursson
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tomas Bergström
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Östin
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Calle Nilsson
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Crister Åstot
- Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), CBRN Defence and Security, SE-901 82 Umeå, Sweden
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Bushey DF, Bannon GA, Delaney BF, Graser G, Hefford M, Jiang X, Lee TC, Madduri KM, Pariza M, Privalle LS, Ranjan R, Saab-Rincon G, Schafer BW, Thelen JJ, Zhang JX, Harper MS. Characteristics and safety assessment of intractable proteins in genetically modified crops. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2014; 69:154-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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15
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Chen HY, Tran H, Foo LY, Sew TW, Loke WK. Development and validation of an ELISA kit for the detection of ricin toxins from biological specimens and environmental samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:5157-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-7934-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Ricin crosses polarized human intestinal cells and intestines of ricin-gavaged mice without evident damage and then disseminates to mouse kidneys. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69706. [PMID: 23874986 PMCID: PMC3714305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin is a potent toxin found in the beans of Ricinus communis and is often lethal for animals and humans when aerosolized or injected and causes significant morbidity and occasional death when ingested. Ricin has been proposed as a bioweapon because of its lethal properties, environmental stability, and accessibility. In oral intoxication, the process by which the toxin transits across intestinal mucosa is not completely understood. To address this question, we assessed the impact of ricin on the gastrointestinal tract and organs of mice after dissemination of toxin from the gut. We first showed that ricin adhered in a specific pattern to human small bowel intestinal sections, the site within the mouse gut in which a variable degree of damage has been reported by others. We then monitored the movement of ricin across polarized human HCT-8 intestinal monolayers grown in transwell inserts and in HCT-8 cell organoids. We observed that, in both systems, ricin trafficked through the cells without apparent damage until 24 hours post intoxication. We delivered a lethal dose of purified fluorescently-labeled ricin to mice by oral gavage and followed transit of the toxin from the gastrointestinal tracts to the internal organs by in vivo imaging of whole animals over time and ex vivo imaging of organs at various time points. In addition, we harvested organs from unlabeled ricin-gavaged mice and assessed them for the presence of ricin and for histological damage. Finally, we compared serum chemistry values from buffer-treated versus ricin-intoxicated animals. We conclude that ricin transverses human intestinal cells and mouse intestinal cells in situ prior to any indication of enterocyte damage and that ricin rapidly reaches the kidneys of intoxicated mice. We also propose that mice intoxicated orally with ricin likely die from distributive shock.
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Røen BT, Opstad AM, Haavind A, Tønsager J. Serial ricinine levels in serum and urine after ricin intoxication. J Anal Toxicol 2013; 37:313-7. [PMID: 23592744 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkt026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricinine is an alkaloid present in the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) that can be used as a biomarker for ricin poisoning. Serial ricinine levels are reported in the serum and urine of a patient suffering from intentional ricin intoxication. The patient was brought to the hospital 4 h after injection and oral intake of a castor bean extract, but died 38 h later, despite intensive medical care. Ricinine was isolated from the samples by solid-phase extraction and quantitatively determined by isotopic dilution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The ricinine level in serum declined from 33 to 23 ng/mL between 10 and 29 h post-exposure. Three urine samples collected from 12 to 41 h after ricin intoxication showed ricinine concentrations in the range of 20-58 ng/mL. The creatinine corrected values (21-30 µg/g) indicated a concentration-time profile with a maximum ricinine level in urine between 12 and 29 h after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bent Tore Røen
- Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), P.O. Box 25, N-2027 Kjeller, Norway.
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HUEBNER M, WUTZ K, SZKOLA A, NIESSNER R, SEIDEL M. A Glyco-chip for the Detection of Ricin by an Automated Chemiluminescence Read-out System. ANAL SCI 2013; 29:461-6. [DOI: 10.2116/analsci.29.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria HUEBNER
- Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Institute of Hydrochemistry, Technical University of Munich
| | - Klaus WUTZ
- Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Institute of Hydrochemistry, Technical University of Munich
| | - Agathe SZKOLA
- Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Institute of Hydrochemistry, Technical University of Munich
| | - Reinhard NIESSNER
- Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Institute of Hydrochemistry, Technical University of Munich
| | - Michael SEIDEL
- Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Institute of Hydrochemistry, Technical University of Munich
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19
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Understanding ricin from a defensive viewpoint. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:1373-92. [PMID: 22174975 PMCID: PMC3237001 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3111373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxin ricin has long been understood to have potential for criminal activity and there has been concern that it might be used as a mass-scale weapon on a military basis for at least two decades. Currently, the focus has extended to encompass terrorist activities using ricin to disrupt every day activities on a smaller scale. Whichever scenario is considered, there are features in common which need to be understood; these include the knowledge of the toxicity from ricin poisoning by the likely routes, methods for the detection of ricin in relevant materials and approaches to making an early diagnosis of ricin poisoning, in order to take therapeutic steps to mitigate the toxicity. This article will review the current situation regarding each of these stages in our collective understanding of ricin and how to defend against its use by an aggressor.
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20
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Worbs S, Köhler K, Pauly D, Avondet MA, Schaer M, Dorner MB, Dorner BG. Ricinus communis intoxications in human and veterinary medicine-a summary of real cases. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:1332-72. [PMID: 22069699 PMCID: PMC3210461 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidental and intended Ricinus communis intoxications in humans and animals have been known for centuries but the causative agent remained elusive until 1888 when Stillmark attributed the toxicity to the lectin ricin. Ricinus communis is grown worldwide on an industrial scale for the production of castor oil. As by-product in castor oil production ricin is mass produced above 1 million tons per year. On the basis of its availability, toxicity, ease of preparation and the current lack of medical countermeasures, ricin has gained attention as potential biological warfare agent. The seeds also contain the less toxic, but highly homologous Ricinus communis agglutinin and the alkaloid ricinine, and especially the latter can be used to track intoxications. After oil extraction and detoxification, the defatted press cake is used as organic fertilizer and as low-value feed. In this context there have been sporadic reports from different countries describing animal intoxications after uptake of obviously insufficiently detoxified fertilizer. Observations in Germany over several years, however, have led us to speculate that the detoxification process is not always performed thoroughly and controlled, calling for international regulations which clearly state a ricin threshold in fertilizer. In this review we summarize knowledge on intended and unintended poisoning with ricin or castor seeds both in humans and animals, with a particular emphasis on intoxications due to improperly detoxified castor bean meal and forensic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Worbs
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Kernt Köhler
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Street 96, Giessen 35392, Germany;
| | - Diana Pauly
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Marc-André Avondet
- Biology and Chemistry Section, Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS SPIEZ LABORATORY, Austrasse 1, Spiez CH-3700, Switzerland; (M.-A.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Schaer
- Biology and Chemistry Section, Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS SPIEZ LABORATORY, Austrasse 1, Spiez CH-3700, Switzerland; (M.-A.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin B. Dorner
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
| | - Brigitte G. Dorner
- Centre for Biological Security, Microbial Toxins (ZBS3), Robert Koch-Institut, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany; (S.W.); (D.P.); (M.B.D.)
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Abstract
In this chapter we discuss vaccines to protect against the highly toxic plant-derived toxin, ricin. Due to its prevalence, ease of use, and stability it has been used in sporadic incidents of espionage. There is also concern that it will be used as an agent of bioterrorism. As a result there has been a great deal of interest in developing a safe vaccine or antidote to protect humans, and in particular soldiers and first responders. Although multiple types of vaccines have been tested, at this time two recombinant vaccines are the leading candidates for the national vaccine stockpile. In terms of passive post-exposure protection, monoclonal neutralizing antibodies that passively protect animals are also under development. These vaccines and antibodies are discussed in the context of the toxicity and structure of ricin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan E Smallshaw
- The Cancer Immunobiology Center, Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
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22
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Detection of residual toxin in tissues of ricin-poisoned mice by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoprecipitation. Anal Biochem 2010; 401:211-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2010.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2009] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Wu F, Fan S, Martiniuk F, Pincus S, Müller S, Kohler H, Tchou-Wong KM. Protective effects of anti-ricin A-chain antibodies delivered intracellularly against ricin-induced cytotoxicity. World J Biol Chem 2010; 1:188-95. [PMID: 21541003 PMCID: PMC3083952 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v1.i5.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 05/15/2010] [Accepted: 05/22/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the ability of anti-ricin A-chain antibodies, delivered intracellularly, to protect against ricin-induced cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 cells.
METHODS: Anti-deglycosylated ricin A-chain antibody and RAC18 anti-ricin A-chain monoclonal antibody were delivered intracellularly by encapsulating in liposomes or via conjugation with the cell-penetrating MTS-transport peptide. RAW264.7 cells were incubated with these antibodies either before or after ricin exposure. The changes in cytotoxicity were estimated by MTT assay. Co-localization of internalized antibody and ricin was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy.
RESULTS: Internalized antibodies significantly increased cell viability either before or after ricin exposure compared to the unconjugated antibodies. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the co-localization of internalized antibodies and ricin inside the cells.
CONCLUSION: Intracellular delivery of antibodies to neutralize the ricin toxin after cellular uptake supports the potential use of cell-permeable antibodies for post-exposure treatment of ricin intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wu
- Feng Wu, Shaoan Fan, Kam-Meng Tchou-Wong, Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987, United States
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Stechmann B, Bai SK, Gobbo E, Lopez R, Merer G, Pinchard S, Panigai L, Tenza D, Raposo G, Beaumelle B, Sauvaire D, Gillet D, Johannes L, Barbier J. Inhibition of Retrograde Transport Protects Mice from Lethal Ricin Challenge. Cell 2010; 141:231-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2010.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Revised: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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25
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Kumar O, Pradhan S, Sehgal P, Singh Y, Vijayaraghavan R. Denatured ricin can be detected as native ricin by immunological methods, but nontoxic in vivo. J Forensic Sci 2010; 55:801-7. [PMID: 20102466 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01290.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ricin is a glycoprotein from Ricinus communis seeds. It is known to have diverse toxic effects on cells of different visceral organs. In the present study, we purified and denatured ricin in a boiling water bath for different time intervals. We further made an attempt to identify native and denatured ricin by immunobased detection systems. All the antigen/antibody-based assays identified native and denatured ricin. On SDS-PAGE, only native ricin was observed. In western blotting, ricin boiled for 3.75 min gave a strong band on X-ray film. On native polyacryl amide gel electrophoresis, native and denatured ricin gave ricin band in 60-kDa region. The denatured ricin did not [corrected] cause mortality up to 25 mg/kg, while 5 and 10 microg/kg of native ricin caused 50% and 100% mortality, respectively. Detection of native and denatured ricin is very difficult, and the investigating agencies, forensic scientists, and analysts should be very careful while interpreting the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Om Kumar
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior - 474002, India.
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26
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Melchior WB, Tolleson WH. A functional quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for ricin, Shiga toxin, and related ribosome-inactivating proteins. Anal Biochem 2010; 396:204-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2009.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2009] [Revised: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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27
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Roche JK, Stone MK, Gross LK, Lindner M, Seaner R, Pincus SH, Obrig TG. Post-exposure targeting of specific epitopes on ricin toxin abrogates toxin-induced hypoglycemia, hepatic injury, and lethality in a mouse model. J Transl Med 2008; 88:1178-91. [PMID: 18779782 PMCID: PMC2575142 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2008.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects in the liver of fatal intoxication with the binary toxin ricin are unclear. We report a robust neutrophil influx into the liver of C57BL/6 mice after lethal parenteral ricin challenge, occurring in peri-portal and centro-lobular hepatic areas within 2 h, followed by the abrupt disappearance of hepatic macrophages/Kupffer cells. Chemokine profiles determined by microarray, ribonuclease protection assays, northern blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed rapid (2 h) upregulation and persistence of those for neutrophils (CXCL1/KC, CXCL2/MIP-2) and monocytes (CCL2/MCP-1). Red blood cell pooling (8-12 h), loss of hepatocyte glycogen (8-48 h) associated with progressive hypoglycemia, fibrin deposition (24-48 h), and death (72-96 h) followed. Monoclonal antibody to ricin A chain, administered intravenously, blunted hypoglycemia, and abrogated death. This outcome was observed when anti-ricin antibody was given before toxin exposure as well as when administered approximately 10 h after toxin exposure. Targeting antibody to specific amino-acid sequences on the ricin A chain (HAEL and QXXWXXA) was critical to the therapeutic effect. Re-emergence of liver macrophages/Kupffer cells and replenishment of glycogen in previously depleted hepatocytes preceded full recovery of the host. These data identify critical events for liver injury and healing in ricin intoxication, as well as a new means and specific targets for post-exposure therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K. Roche
- Departments of Medicine (Nephrology) and Microbiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Matthew K. Stone
- Departments of Medicine (Nephrology) and Microbiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Lisa K. Gross
- Departments of Medicine (Nephrology) and Microbiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Matthew Lindner
- Departments of Medicine (Nephrology) and Microbiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Regina Seaner
- Departments of Medicine (Nephrology) and Microbiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Seth H. Pincus
- Research Institute for Children, Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans. LA
| | - Tom G. Obrig
- Departments of Medicine (Nephrology) and Microbiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA
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29
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Ricin (from Ricinus communis) as undesirable substances in animal feed - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain. EFSA J 2008. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2008.726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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30
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Pratt TS, Pincus SH, Hale ML, Moreira AL, Roy CJ, Tchou-Wong KM. Oropharyngeal aspiration of ricin as a lung challenge model for evaluation of the therapeutic index of antibodies against ricin A-chain for post-exposure treatment. Exp Lung Res 2008; 33:459-81. [PMID: 17994372 DOI: 10.1080/01902140701731805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effectiveness of passive antibody treatment as post-exposure therapy for ricin, we had developed an oropharyngeal aspiration model for ricin lethal challenge and antibody administration. When polyclonal anti-deglycosylated ricin A-chain antibody (dgA Ab) was administered between 1-18 hr after ricin challenge, all animals survived while delayed treatment to 24 hr resulted in 30% survival. The protective effects of dgA Ab correlated with inhibition of apoptosis in the lungs in vivo and in RAW264.7 macrophage and Jurkat T cells in vitro. In addition, ricin-induced cell cytotoxicity was inhibited by both dgA Ab and RAC18 monoclonal antibody against ricin A-chain. Administration of RAC18 monoclonal antibody at 4, 18, and 24 hr after ricin exposure resulted in 100%, 60% and 50% protection, respectively, suggesting that the therapeutic window for passive vaccination extended to at least 24 hr post-ricin lung challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Pratt
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987, USA
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31
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Yoder JM, Aslam RU, Mantis NJ. Evidence for widespread epithelial damage and coincident production of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in a murine model of intestinal ricin intoxication. Infect Immun 2007; 75:1745-50. [PMID: 17283086 PMCID: PMC1865717 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01528-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of small-animal models is necessary to understand host responses and immunity to emerging infectious diseases and potential bioterrorism agents. In this report we have characterized a murine model of intestinal ricin intoxication. Ricin administered intragastrically (i.g.) to BALB/c mice at doses ranging from 1 to 10 mg/kg of body weight induced dose-dependent morphological changes in the proximal small intestine (i.e., duodenum), including widespread villus atrophy and epithelial damage. Coincident with epithelial damage was a localized increase in monocyte chemotactic protein 1, a chemokine known to be associated with inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Immunity to intestinal ricin intoxication was achieved by immunizing mice i.g. with ricin toxoid and correlated with elevated levels of antitoxin mucosal immunoglobulin A (IgA) and serum IgG antibodies. We expect that this model will serve as a valuable tool in identifying the inflammatory pathways and protective immune responses that are elicited in the intestinal mucosa following ricin exposure and will prove useful in the evaluation of antitoxin vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Marina Yoder
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 120 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA
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