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Chen Y, Liu J, Song T, Zou X, Li L, Nie Q, Zhang P. Gaps in forensic toxicological analysis: The veiled abrin. Toxicon 2024; 242:107684. [PMID: 38513827 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107684] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Abrus precatorius is an herbaceous, flowering plant that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Its toxic component, known as abrin, is classified as one of the potentially significant biological warfare agents and bioterrorism tools due to its high toxicity. Abrin poisoning can be utilized to cause accidents, suicides, and homicides, which necessitates attention from clinicians and forensic scientists. Although a few studies have recently identified the toxicological and pharmacological mechanisms of abrin, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Furthermore, the clinical symptoms and pathological changes induced by abrin poisoning have not been fully characterized, and there is a lack of standardized methods for identifying biological samples of the toxin. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further toxicopathologic studies and the development of detection methods for abrin in the field of forensic medicine. This review provides an overview of the clinical symptoms, pathological changes, metabolic changes, toxicologic mechanisms, and detection methods of abrin poisoning from the perspective of forensic toxicology. Additionally, the evidence on abrin in the field of forensic toxicology and forensic pathology is discussed. Overall, this review serves as a reference for understanding the toxicological mechanism of abrin, highlighting the clinical applications of the toxin, and aiding in the diagnosis and forensic identification of toxin poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyu Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Xing Zou
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Leilei Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Qianyun Nie
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China; Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
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A Case of Poisoning with Abrus precatarius Complicated with Bilateral Basal Ganglia Haemorrhage. Case Rep Neurol Med 2022; 2022:3318197. [PMID: 36061310 PMCID: PMC9436552 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3318197] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abrus precatarius is a tropical climber, whose seeds contain abrin, which is known to cause toxicity in humans. We report a case of a young girl, who presented with haemorrhagic enterocolitis, bilateral septal vein thrombosis, and basal ganglia haemorrhage leading to seizures and coma, following ingestion of toxic A. precatarius seeds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever case to describe such an intracranial complication of abrin poisoning.
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Le Roy B, Livet S, Taudon N. Fast and single method for quantitation of ricinine or L-abrine in plasma and urine by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sørnes EØ, Risal A, Manandhar K, Thomas H, Steiner TJ, Linde M. Use of medicinal plants for headache, and their potential implication in medication-overuse headache: Evidence from a population-based study in Nepal. Cephalalgia 2021; 41:561-581. [PMID: 33435708 PMCID: PMC8047708 DOI: 10.1177/0333102420970904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background In Nepal, traditional treatment using medicinal plants is popular. Whereas
medication-overuse headache is, by definition, caused by excessive use of
acute headache medication, we hypothesized that medicinal plants, being
pharmacologically active, were as likely a cause. Methods We used data from a cross-sectional, nationwide population-based study, which
enquired into headache and use of medicinal plants and allopathic
medications. We searched the literature for pharmacodynamic actions of the
medicinal plants. Results Of 2100 participants, 1794 (85.4%) reported headache in the preceding year;
161 (7.7%) reported headache on ≥15 days/month, of whom 28 (17.4%) had used
medicinal plants and 117 (72.7%) allopathic medication(s). Of 46 with
probable medication-overuse headache, 87.0% (40/46) were using allopathic
medication(s) and 13.0% (6/46) medicinal plants, a ratio of 6.7:1, higher
than the overall ratio among those with headache of 4.9:1 (912/185). Of 60
plant species identified, 49 were pharmacodynamically active on the central
nervous system, with various effects of likely relevance in
medication-overuse headache causation. Conclusions MPs are potentially a cause of medication-overuse headache, and not to be
seen as innocent in this regard. Numbers presumptively affected in Nepal are
low but not negligible. This pioneering project provides a starting point
for further research to provide needed guidance on use of medicinal plants
for headache.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Øien Sørnes
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ajay Risal
- Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.,Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Kedar Manandhar
- Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.,Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Hallie Thomas
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Timothy J Steiner
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mattias Linde
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Horowitz BZ, Castelli R, Hughes A, Hendrickson RG, Johnson RC, Thomas JD. Massive fatal overdose of abrin with progressive encephalopathy .. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019; 58:417-420. [PMID: 31456429 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1655150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The jequirity bean (Abrus precatorius) seed contains abrin, a toxalbumin, that irreversibly binds the 60-s ribosomal subunit inhibiting protein synthesis. Neurologic manifestations of ingestions are rare.Case details: We present a case of a 20-year-old man with 24 h of vomiting, diarrhea and 2 h of hematemesis and hematochezia. He admitted to purchasing 1000 jequirity beans online, crushing and ingesting them 26 h prior to presentation in a suicide attempt. Over the next 2 days, he developed hallucinations, incomprehensible mumbling and grunting, disconjugate gaze with abnormal roving eye movements and a left gaze preference with his right eye deviated medially. There was a fine tremor of the upper extremities and he had brief episodes of choreoathetoid movements of his legs. A head CT was normal with no cerebral edema. He progressed to minimally responsive to noxious stimuli, and was unable to converse or follow commands and displayed increased choreoathetoid movements of his extremities. An electroencephalogram (EEG) showed only mild background slowing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed showing bilaterally symmetric signal abnormalities in the basal ganglia, brainstem, corpus callosum and corona radiata with diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement. The patient developed a tonic-clonic seizure followed by pulseless electrical activity, from which he was resuscitated. He was provided comfort care and died just under 5 days after his ingestion.Results: Urine analysis using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was positive for 8.84 ng/ml of l-abrine (4.96 ng l-abrine/mg creatinine) 61 h after admission to the hospital (approximately 87 h post-ingestion). Serum concentrations for l-abrine and ricinine were both below the limits of detection.Discussion: Ingestion of 1000 crushed jequirity beans purchased on the internet resulted in progressive encephalopathy and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Zane Horowitz
- Oregon-Alaska Poison Center, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rachel Castelli
- Oregon-Alaska Poison Center, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Adrienne Hughes
- Oregon-Alaska Poison Center, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Robert G Hendrickson
- Oregon-Alaska Poison Center, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rudolph C Johnson
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jerry D Thomas
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Ninan EC, James E. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis due to abrus precatorius poisoning - A case report. Saudi Pharm J 2019; 27:521-524. [PMID: 31249468 PMCID: PMC6586723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abrus precatorius, commonly known as ‘Rosary pea’ or ‘Jequirity pea’ and known as ‘Shisham, Batrah-Hindi or Ain Alfreeth’ in the Middle East, grows wild in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The seeds of the plant contain one of the most potent toxins known to man. Poisoning with abrus seeds is a rare occurrence as the harder outer coat of the seeds generally resists digestion and such reports are scarce in the literature. We present here a case of a 22 year old lady who developed severe vomiting, diarrhoea and malena at the initial stages and later seizures and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis due to deliberate chewing and swallowing of abrus seeds. She was rescued with several sessions of membrane plasmapheresis and supportive care. The neuropathological process of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis due to abrus poisoning was reversed by plasmapheresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Ninan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Emmanuel James
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi, Kerala, India
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Sant B, Rao PVL, Nagar DP, Pant SC, Bhasker ASB. Evaluation of abrin induced nephrotoxicity by using novel renal injury markers. Toxicon 2017; 131:20-28. [PMID: 28288935 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Abrin is a potent plant toxin analogous to ricin that is derived from the seeds of Abrus precatorius plant. It belongs to the family of type II ribosome-inactivating proteins and causes cell death by irreversibly inactivating ribosomes through site-specific depurination. In this study we examined the in vivo nephrotoxicity potential of abrin toxin in terms of oxidative stress, inflammation, histopathological changes and biomarkers of kidney injury. Animals were exposed to 0.5 and 1.0 LD50 dose of abrin by intraperitoneal route and observed for 1, 3, and 7 day post-toxin exposure. Depletion of reduced glutathione and increased lipid peroxidation levels were observed in abrin treated mice. In addition, abrin also induced inflammation in the kidneys as observed through expression of MMP-9 and MMP-9/NGAL complex in abrin treated groups by using zymography method. Nephrotoxicity was also evaluated by western blot analysis of kidney injury biomarkers including Clusterin, Cystatin C and NGAL, and their results indicate severity of kidney injury in abrin treated groups. Kidney histology confirmed inflammatory changes due to abrin. The data generated in the present study clearly prove the nephrotoxicity potential of abrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavana Sant
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - P V Lakshmana Rao
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - D P Nagar
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - S C Pant
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - A S B Bhasker
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India.
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Tiwari V, Bagaria S, Karande AA. A chimeric protein of abrin and Abrus precatorius agglutinin that neutralizes abrin mediated lethality in mice. Toxicon 2017; 127:122-129. [PMID: 28088476 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abrin, a type II ribosome inactivating protein from the Abrus precatorius plant, is extremely toxic. It has been shown to be 75 times more potent than its infamous sister toxin, ricin and their potential use in bio-warfare is a cause of major concern. Although several vaccine candidates are under clinical trials for ricin, none are available against abrin. The present study proposes a chimeric protein, comprising of 1-123 amino acids taken from the A chain of abrin and 124-175 amino acids from Abrus precatorius agglutinin A chain, as a vaccine candidate against abrin intoxication. The design was based on the inclusion of the immunogenic region of the full length protein and the minimal essential folding domains required for inducing neutralizing antibody response. The chimera also contains the epitope for the only two neutralizing antibodies; D6F10 and A7C4, reported against abrin till now. Active immunization with the chimera protected all the mice challenged with 45 X LD50 of abrin. Also, passive transfer of antibodies raised against the chimera rescued all mice challenged with 50 X LD50 of toxin. Hence the chimeric protein appears to be a promising vaccine candidate against abrin induced lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Shradha Bagaria
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Anjali A Karande
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India.
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Diseases of the Alimentary Tract. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7167529 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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10
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Karthikeyan A, Amalnath SD. Abrus precatorius Poisoning: A Retrospective Study of 112 Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2017; 21:224-225. [PMID: 28515607 PMCID: PMC5416790 DOI: 10.4103/ijccm.ijccm_320_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abrus precatorius is a rare but important cause of plant poisoning, especially in tropical countries like India. Most of the published literature on Abrus is limited a few case reports. Hence, we did a retrospective study the clinical features and outcome of Abrus poisoning. Case records of patients admitted to medicine wards during 7 years were included in the study. A total of 112 patients were studied. The majority were females (78%), and most of the patients were between 13 and 30 years (81%). Diarrhea was the most common symptom (66%), and blood in stools was present in (33%). Six patients had died with a mortality rate of (5.35%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Karthikeyan
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - S Deepak Amalnath
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
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Kaland ME, Klein-Schwartz W, Anderson BD. Toxalbumin exposures: 12 years' experience of U.S. poison centers. Toxicon 2015; 99:125-9. [PMID: 25817002 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxalbumins are natural plant toxins purported to be highly toxic. The purpose was to evaluate toxalbumin exposures reported to U.S. poison centers to determine plants involved and their toxicities. METHODS A retrospective review of National Poison Data System data on acute toxalbumin exposures with known outcomes from 2000 through 2011 was performed. RESULTS There were 1164 exposures. The majority involved one route (1135; 97.5%), mostly ingestions (904; 79.7%) or dermal (166; 14.3%). Most patients developed no effects (694; 59.6%) or minor effects (374; 32.1%). Moderate or major effects occurred in 8.3% with 66.6% ingestions and 23.9% dermal. There were no deaths. Exposures to the plants Ricinus communis and Robinia pseudoacacia were most common (33.8% and 32.9%, respectively), with gastrointestinal effects from R. communis (vomiting 19.6%, diarrhea 8.9%, nausea 7.9%) and dermal effects from R. pseudoacacia (puncture 28.7%, dermal irritation/pain 27.9%, and edema 13.3%). CONCLUSIONS While toxalbumin plant exposures were generally well-tolerated, continued evaluation of risk is warranted since plants were primarily identified by the public. Major effects occurred in under 1% of cases overall, and not at all following unintentional ingestions. These findings should help allay concerns that unintentional ingestions of toxalbumin plants by young children will cause serious toxicity and possibly death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruce D Anderson
- Maryland Poison Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, USA
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Bhasker ASB, Sant B, Yadav P, Agrawal M, Lakshmana Rao PV. Plant toxin abrin induced oxidative stress mediated neurodegenerative changes in mice. Neurotoxicology 2014; 44:194-203. [PMID: 25010655 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abrin is a potent plant toxin. It is a heterodimeric protein toxin which is obtained from the seeds of Abrus precatorius plant. At cellular level abrin causes protein synthesis inhibition by removing the specific adenine residue (A4324) from the 28s rRNA of the 60S - ribosomal subunit. In the present study we investigated the role of oxidative stress in neurotoxic potential and demyelinating effects of abrin on brain. The mechanism by which abrin induces oxidative damage and toxicity in brain are relatively unknown. Animals were exposed to 0.4 and 1.0 LD50 abrin dose by intraperitoneal route and observed for 1 and 3 day post-toxin exposure. Oxidative stress occurred in brain due to abrin was confirmed in terms of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione depletion and increased lipid peroxidation. Significant increase in blood and brain ROS was observed at day 3, 1 LD50. Abrin induced changes in the neurotransmitters (5-hydroxy tryptamine, norepinephrine, dopamine and monoamine oxidase) levels were evaluated by spectroflourometry. Increase in the levels of 5-HT and NE was observed after abrin exposure. MAO activity was found to be decreased in abrin exposed animals compared to control. Significant inhibition in the activity of acetylcholine esterase enzyme in brain and serum was reported for both the doses and time points. Western blot analysis of iNOS expression indicated that abrin treatment resulted in dose and time dependent increase. Furthermore, protein expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) was down regulated in a dose and time dependent manner. Brain histopathology was carried out and cortical brain region showed demyelination after abrin exposure. Results confirmed that abrin poisoning leads to neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity mediated through oxidative stress, AChE inhibition, lipid peroxidation and decrease in MBP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S B Bhasker
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India.
| | - Bhavana Sant
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - Preeti Yadav
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - Mona Agrawal
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - P V Lakshmana Rao
- DRDO-BU Center for Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, India
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Adiko M, Bouttier S, Okpekon TA, Lambert S, Ake-Assi L, Kablan BJ, Champy P. Phytothérapie traditionnelle des conjonctivites en milieu urbain ivoirien : enquête sur les deux marchés aux plantes médicinales d’Abidjan. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/12538078.2013.864998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Cho H, Jaworski J. A portable and chromogenic enzyme-based sensor for detection of abrin poisoning. Biosens Bioelectron 2013; 54:667-73. [PMID: 24334282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A first of its kind portable, colorimetric detection system has been developed for the rapid diagnosis of abrin poisoning. Abrin, a natural biotoxin that is homologous to ricin yet more lethal, has high potential for becoming a weapon of bioterrorism given its ease of production. Using an immobilization strategy that implements non-natural amino acids for site-specific conjugation, we have created a reusable N-methyltryptophan oxidase based magnetic bead system that is capable of detecting L-abrine, a marker for abrin poisoning, at concentrations as low as 4 μM in mock urine. Furthermore, we propose that this detection strategy may be readily adaptable for sensing other targets of interest. This unique diagnostic test for abrin poisoning has demonstrated key benefits of portability and simple visual readout. These significant advantages can thus provide the potential for more rapid assessment and corresponding poison management if dedicated toxicology laboratories are not an option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwayoung Cho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Justyn Jaworski
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea.
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Bhaskar AB, Gupta N, Rao PL. Transcriptomic profile of host response in mouse brain after exposure to plant toxin abrin. Toxicology 2012; 299:33-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abrus precatorius is cultivated in many subtropical areas. The seeds exist in a variety of colors such as black, orange, and most commonly, glossy red. A black band is found at the end of the seed. The plant contains multiple pods which typically contain three to five Abrus seeds. The seeds contain abrin, which inhibits ribosomal function, halting protein synthesis and leading to cellular death. A unique aspect of this case is the use of the internet to order a potentially lethal poison as well as transmission of a picture to identify the seed. CASE REPORT A 20-year-old man presented to the emergency department complaining of vomiting and watery diarrhea for 6-8 h prior to arrival. He denied any medication use, recent illness, travel, or changes in his diet. Initial vital signs were normal. The patient was diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis. During his evaluation, the patient admitted to feeling suicidal. While awaiting psychiatry evaluation, the patient's father arrived with a box of small hard red seeds, which he believed that his son ingested in a suicide attempt. The seeds could not be identified by the staff. A picture of the seeds was transmitted by e-mail to the New York City Poison Control Center, allowing their identification as A. precatorius. The patient was reinterviewed and admitted to chewing and swallowing 10 seeds. Given the potential toxicity of abrin, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. He continued to have frequent episodes of emesis as well as diarrhea. He gradually improved over 2 days. He admitted to ordering a box of Abrus seeds online from Asia after reading on the Internet about their use in suicide. He was eventually discharged for outpatient follow-up with no permanent sequelae. CONCLUSION Abrin has an estimated human fatal dose of 0.1-1 μg/kg. Most cases of Abrus seed ingestions are unintentional and occur in children. Ingesting the intact seeds typically results in no clinical findings, as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract due to their hard shell. Abrin released during chewing is poorly absorbed systemically from the gastrointestinal tract. This causes the vomiting and diarrhea with resultant hypovolemia and electrolyte disturbances, which can be severe and life threatening, particularly in areas with less advanced health care systems. Management is primarily supportive.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H. Jang
- New York City Poison Control Center, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Robert S. Hoffman
- New York City Poison Control Center, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Lewis S. Nelson
- New York City Poison Control Center, New York University, New York, NY USA
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Sahoo R, Hamide A, Amalnath SD, Narayana BS. Acute demyelinating encephalitis due toAbrus precatoriuspoisoning – complete recovery after steroid therapy. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2010; 46:1071-3. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650802334671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Lily Robinson and the Mount Vernon Affair: Recollections. Clin Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2008.124701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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20
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Bhaskar A, Deb U, Kumar O, Lakshmana Rao P. Abrin induced oxidative stress mediated DNA damage in human leukemic cells and its reversal by N-acetylcysteine. Toxicol In Vitro 2008; 22:1902-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2008.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2008] [Revised: 09/06/2008] [Accepted: 09/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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