Poisoning by members of the genus Cortinarius — a review

The tryptophan connection: cyclic peptide natural products linked via the tryptophan side chain

Covering: from 1938 up to March 2021The electron-rich indole side chain of tryptophan is a versatile substrate for peptide modification. Upon the action of various cyclases, the tryptophan side chain may be linked to a nearby amino acid residue, opening the door to a diverse range of cyclic peptide natural products. These compounds exhibit a wide array of biological activity and possess fascinating molecular architectures, which have made them popular targets for total synthesis studies. This review examines the isolation and bioactivity of tryptophan-linked cyclic peptide natural products, along with a discussion of their first total synthesis, and biosynthesis where this has been studied.

Notes, outline and divergence times of Basidiomycota

The Basidiomycota constitutes a major phylum of the kingdom Fungi and is second in species numbers to the Ascomycota. The present work provides an overview of all validly published, currently used basidiomycete genera to date in a single document. An outline of all genera of Basidiomycota is provided, which includes 1928 currently used genera names, with 1263 synonyms, which are distributed in 241 families, 68 orders, 18 classes and four subphyla. We provide brief notes for each accepted genus including information on classification, number of accepted species, type species, life mode, habitat, distribution, and sequence information. Furthermore, three phylogenetic analyses with combined LSU, SSU, 5.8s, rpb1, rpb2, and ef1 datasets for the subphyla Agaricomycotina, Pucciniomycotina and Ustilaginomycotina are conducted, respectively. Divergence time estimates are provided to the family level with 632 species from 62 orders, 168 families and 605 genera. Our study indicates that the divergence times of the subphyla in Basidiomycota are 406–430 Mya, classes are 211–383 Mya, and orders are 99–323 Mya, which are largely consistent with previous studies. In this study, all phylogenetically supported families were dated, with the families of Agaricomycotina diverging from 27–178 Mya, Pucciniomycotina from 85–222 Mya, and Ustilaginomycotina from 79–177 Mya. Divergence times as additional criterion in ranking provide additional evidence to resolve taxonomic problems in the Basidiomycota taxonomic system, and also provide a better understanding of their phylogeny and evolution.

Mushroom Poisoning Cases in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatotoxic, Neurotoxic, Gastroenterotoxic, Nephrotoxic, and Muscarinic Mushrooms

Ingestion of poisonous mushrooms by small animals can lead to liver failure, neurotoxicity, or gastrointestinal irritation. Although amanita poisoning can be lethal, ingestion of other toxic mushrooms is generally self-limiting and not life threatening. Most cases are undiagnosed, as routine diagnostic tests only exist for amanitins and psilocin. Early detection of amanitin exposure can greatly aid in the therapeutic intervention by allowing veterinarians to make timely decisions regarding patient management. Treatment is generally supportive, but specific therapeutic measures exist for amanitin and psilocin exposures.

Human and experimental toxicology of orellanine

Orellanine is a nephrotoxic toxin produced by some mushroom species of the Cortinarius genus, typically found in Europe and North America. The nephrotoxicity of Cortinarius orellanus is well known and was first recognized in the 1950s when this mushroom was identified as the cause of a mass poisoning in Poland. Typically, onset of symptoms is delayed for 1-2 weeks after ingestion. Some patients suffer mild gastrointestinal discomfort in the latency period before developing signs of renal impairment due to severe interstitial nephritis, acute focal tubular damage, and interstitial fibrosis. There is no specific antidote to orellanine poisoning. The mainstay of treatment is the prevention of secondary complications of kidney failure, adequate dialysis and, in the case of incomplete recovery, management of chronic renal insufficiency. : In this work, we aim to review about Cortinarius species, including epidemiological studies, chemical structure, toxicokinetics, toxic doses, mechanisms of toxicity, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.

Treatment of intoxication with Cortinarius speciosissimus using an antioxidant therapy

The authors present the case reports of a 30-year-old man and his 29-year-old wife who ingested a mushroom meal containing Cortinarius speciosissimus. Features of this intoxication include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as well as back pain. The toxin orellanine is nephrotoxic and can lead to acute renal failure. A long symptom-free interval of 2 to 21 days is characteristic of this poisoning. The diagnosis can be made by mycologic testing or by toxicologic analysis of a renal biopsy specimen. Reported therapeutic options include hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, or drug therapy with corticosteroids, all of which have yielded variable results. Here the authors report the use of antioxidant therapy in 2 patients with acute renal failure caused by Cortinarius speciosissimus intoxication.

Amanita muscaria: chemistry, biology, toxicology, and ethnomycology

The fly agaric is a remarkable mushroom in many respects; these are its bearing, history, chemical components and the poisoning that it provokes when consumed. The 'pantherina' poisoning syndrome is characterized by central nervous system dysfunction. The main species responsible are Amanita muscaria and A. pantherina (Amanitaceae); however, some other species of the genus have been suspected for similar actions. Ibotenic acid and muscimol are the active components, and probably, some other substances detected in the latter species participate in the psychotropic effects. The use of the mushroom started in ancient times and is connected with mysticism. Current knowledge on the chemistry, toxicology, and biology relating to this mushroom is reviewed, together with distinctive features concerning this unique species.

Facile protection of phenols and hydroxypyridines: key components of natural products--a new pathway to orellanine

The (1,3,6-trioxa-heptyl) aromatic compounds are easily prepared from various phenols and hydroxypyridines. Protection by 2-methoxyethoxymethyl chloride (MEM-Cl) was achieved by phase transfer catalysis with Aliquat 336, subsequent removal of the protecting group was completed with Amberlyst 15. The 2-bromo-3-hydroxy-pyridine 3o constitutes the appropriate starting material for the synthesis of orellanine, the most potent nephrotoxin found in some Cortinarius mushrooms species.

Multivariate analysis of metal concentration profiles in mushrooms

The present work is an overview of the levels of contamination of 92 macromycetes by 15 metals. Data were collected around Paris (France) in 1989 and 1990. A progressive approach involving the use of univariate followed by multivariate statistical analyses allowed to fully exploit the resulting data matrix. Thus, conclusions regarding the origin of the metals, the toxicological implications and the possible use of mushrooms as environmental markers of pollutions are drawn.

Update on metal content profiles in mushrooms--toxicological implications and tentative approach to the mechanisms of bioaccumulation

Fifteen metals (macroelements, heavy metals and trace elements) have been investigated using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) on 92 specimens of mushrooms collected in France, in the Paris region. Their levels and distributions are given. Taking in account the respective contents and bioaccumulation abilities, the data reveal that different mechanisms are involved depending on fungi species and genera besides physicochemical influences. Moreover, they suggest that the different elements might accumulate through various ways that are successively mentioned. Metabolic, toxicological and environmental significances are discussed.

Poisoning by Coprinus atramentarius

The ink cap--Coprinus atramentarius (Bulliard ex Fries) Fries--is responsible for poisoning when ingested with alcohol. The investigation of the "Coprinus syndrome," although a minor poisoning incident, stimulated numerous research programs because the results were expected to yield a novel drug useful during the treatment of alcoholism. This work led to the identification of the active principle--coprine--and to an explanation of its mode of action; nevertheless, detailed toxicology investigations have shown that the mutagenic and gonadotoxic properties of this compound made it unsuitable for therapeutic use. Our current knowledge of the poisoning, the chemistry of the toxin, and its mode of action are here reviewed.

Clinical symptomatology and management of mushroom poisoning

Among poisonous mushrooms, a small number may cause serious intoxication and even fatalities in man. Humans may become symptomatic after a mushroom meal for rather different reasons: (1) ingestion of mushrooms containing toxins, (2) large amounts of mushrooms may be hard to digest, (3) immunological reactions to mushroom-derived antigens, (4) ingestion of mushrooms causing ethanol intolerance, and (5) vegetative symptoms may occur whenever a patient realizes that there might be a possibility of ingestion of a toxic mushroom after a mushroom meal. Based on the classes of toxins and their clinical symptoms, seven different types of mushroom poisoning can be distinguished: (1) phalloides, (2) orellanus, (3) gyromitra, (4) muscarine, (5) pantherina, (6) psilocybin, and (7) gastrointestinal mushroom syndrome. Two other entities of adverse reactions to mushrooms are (8) coprinus and (9) paxillus syndrome. Phalloides, orellanus, gyromitra and paxillus syndrome may lead to serious poisoning, which generally requires treatment of the patient in an intensive care unit. Diagnosis of mushroom poisoning is primarily based on anamnestic data, identification of mushrooms from leftovers of the mushroom meal, spore analysis, and/or chemical analysis. Therapeutic strategies include primary detoxification by induced emesis, gastric lavage and activated charcoal, secondary detoxification, symptomatic treatment and rarely specific antidotes. Owing to progressing fulminant hepatic failure, lethality associated with phalloides syndrome is still high (5-20%). Basic treatment includes administration of silibinin and penicillin G, although controlled studies on its therapeutic efficacy are still lacking. In serious phalloides syndrome, orthotopic liver transplantation has to be considered. Fortunately, the prognosis in most other mushroom poisonings is excellent.

Methods for chromatographic determination of amanitins and related toxins in biological samples

Methods for the chromatographic determination of amanitins, toxins of Amanita phalloides (Fr.), Link mushrooms and related toxins are reviewed; particular emphasis is given to high-performance liquid chromatographic methods. The main chemical and toxicological aspects are discussed, but the focus of the present review is on the analytical problems arising in a laboratory charged with the setting up of a procedure which can direct the appropriate clinical management of an intoxicated patient or solve a forensic case.

Poisoning by Gyromitra esculenta--a review

Gyromitra esculenta (Pers.: Fr.) Fr. and a few other mushrooms have caused severe poisonings and even deaths in humans. Clinical data are characterized primarily by vomiting and diarrhoea, followed by jaundice, convulsions and coma. Gastrointestinal disorders distinguish this poisoning. Frequent consumption can cause hepatitis and neurological diseases. The species of concern are mainly G. esculenta and G. gigas (Kromb.) Cooke (non Phill.). Nevertheless, recent advances in chromatography, biochemistry and toxicology have established that other Ascomycetes species also may prove toxic. Gyromitrin (acetaldehyde methylformylhydrazone, G) and its homologues are toxic compounds that convert in vivo into N-methyl-N-formylhydrazine (MFH), and then into N-methylhydrazine (MH). The toxicity of these chemicals, which are chiefly hepatotoxic and even carcinogenic, has been established through in vivo and in vitro experiments using animals, cell cultures and biochemical systems. When we consider the chemical nature and the reactivity of these natural compounds, we suggest that chemical and biochemical mechanisms may explain their intrinsic biological activity.