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Magdy G, ElNaggar MH, Belal F, Elmansi H. A novel quality-by-design optimized spectrofluorimetric method for the sensitive determination of ricinine alkaloid in edible oils. Food Chem 2023; 404:134588. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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2
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Thiebot P, Maaziz N, Oppon C, Bertolo L, Magny R, Chevillard L, Mégarbane B, Houzé P, Labat L. Human plasma ricinine quantification by LC-HRMS after micro-solid-phase elution. Biomed Chromatogr 2023; 37:e5604. [PMID: 36776032 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
A rapid, sensitive and specific method for ricinine identification and quantification in plasma has been developed by LC-HRMS. Deuterated ricinine was used as the internal standard. From 100 μL of plasma, ricinine was extracted using micro-solid-phase elution, which allows a reduced extraction time, by eliminating the evaporation step. Eluate is directly injected into the LC-HRMS system. Chromatographic separation was performed using a reverse-phase C18 column with a 4.5 min gradient elution. The method was validated according to European Medicines Agency guidelines. Linearity was verified between 0.25 and 500.0 ng/mL; the maximum precision calculated was 19.9% for the lower limit of quantitation and 9.6% for quality control, and accuracy was within ± 5.6% of the nominal concentrations. Selectivity, carryover, matrix effect and stability were also verified according to European Medicines Agency guidelines. The method allows the rapid and reliable identification of ricin-exposed victims in case of terrorist attacks or poisonings: three intoxication cases are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Thiebot
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nada Maaziz
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Chrystelle Oppon
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Bertolo
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Romain Magny
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Bruno Mégarbane
- INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Réanimation Médicale et Toxicologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Houzé
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, CNRS UMR8258-U1022, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Labat
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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3
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Zheng KX, Liu CH, Wang S, Tzou YM, Chiang CM, Lin SR, Yang HY, Wu JJ, Chuang YH. Evaluating the release and metabolism of ricinine from castor cake fertilizer in soils using a LC-QTOF/MS coupled with SIRIUS workflow. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 310:136865. [PMID: 36244422 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Castor cake is a major by-product generated after castor oil extraction and has been widely used as an organic fertilizer. Once applied to soil, a toxic alkaloid ricinine in castor cake may be released into soils and subsequently taken up by crops, which poses a potential threat to food safety and human health. However, the environmental fate of castor cake derived ricinine in agroecosystems remains unclear. In this study, the release and metabolism of ricinine in soils were conducted using soil pot experiments with different castor cake application rates. The analytical methodology of ricinine quantification in soil pore water was first established using solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS). A non-target screening workflow associated with LC-QTOF/MS and SIRIUS platform was further developed to identify ricinine metabolites in soil pore water. After castor cake application, the ricinine concentrations in soil pore water significantly increased to 297-7990 μg L-1 at 1 day and then gradually decreased to 62.1-3460 μg L-1 at 7 days and 1.70-279 μg L-1 at 14 days for the selected two tested soils with castor cake application rates of 2, 10, and 20 g castor cake/kg soil. In addition, two ricinine metabolites R-194 and R-180 were tentatively identified and one ricinine metabolite N-demethyl-ricinin was confirmed through authentic reference standard for the first time by the developed non-target screening workflow. This study highlights the release and metabolism of toxic alkaloid ricinine in soils once applied castor cake as an organic fertilizer. Ricinine could be released into soil pore water in a short-term after castor cake application and then undergo demethylation, hydroxylation, and hydroxylation followed by methylation metabolisms over time in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Xuan Zheng
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402204, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hua Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung, 407102, Taiwan
| | - Sichao Wang
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Center for Statistical Training and Consulting, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Yu-Min Tzou
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402204, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Min Chiang
- Division of Product Development, Taiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute, Council of Agricultural, Executive Yuan, 413001, Taiwan
| | - Shiou-Ruei Lin
- Section of Tea Agronomy, Tea Research and Extension Station, Council of Agriculture, Taoyuan City, 326011, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Ying Yang
- Dongding Station, Tea Research and Extension Station, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Nantou County, 558004, Taiwan
| | - Jerry J Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung, 407102, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Chuang
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402204, Taiwan.
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Li SN, Xu F, Long P, Liu F, Zhang P, Fan YG, Chen ZH. Five new species of Inosperma from China: Morphological characteristics, phylogenetic analyses, and toxin detection. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1021583. [PMID: 36386664 PMCID: PMC9659589 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1021583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Many species of Inosperma cause neurotoxic poisoning in humans after consumption around the world. However, the toxic species of Inosperma and its toxin content remain unclear. In the present study, we proposed five new Inosperma species from China, namely, I. longisporum, I. nivalellum, I. sphaerobulbosum, I. squamulosobrunneum, and I. squamulosohinnuleum. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on three genes (ITS, nrLSU, rpb2) revealed that these taxa are independent species. A key to 17 species of Inosperma in China is provided. In addition, targeted screening for the most notorious mushroom neurotoxins, muscarine, psilocybin, ibotenic acid, and muscimol, in these five new species was performed by using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Our results show that the neurotoxin contents in these five species varied: I. sphaerobulbosum contains none of the tested neurotoxins; I. nivalellum is muscarine positive; I. longisporum and I. squamulosohinnuleum contain both ibotenic acid and muscimol, and I. squamulosobrunneum only contains muscimol; psilocybin was not detected in these five new species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Nan Li
- Mycology Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Physical and Chemical, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yinchuan, China
| | - Pan Long
- Mycology Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Physical and Chemical, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Mycology Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Guang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for R&D of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zuo-Hong Chen
- Mycology Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Bai X, Hu C, Chen L, Wang J, Li Y, Wan W, Jin Z, Li Y, Xin W, Kang L, Jin H, Yang H, Wang J, Gao S. A Self-Driven Microfluidic Chip for Ricin and Abrin Detection. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22093461. [PMID: 35591151 PMCID: PMC9101213 DOI: 10.3390/s22093461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Ricin and abrin are phytotoxins that can be easily used as biowarfare and bioterrorism agents. Therefore, developing a rapid detection method for both toxins is of great significance in the field of biosecurity. In this study, a novel nanoforest silicon microstructure was prepared by the micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technique; particularly, a novel microfluidic sensor chip with a capillary self-driven function and large surface area was designed. Through binding with the double antibodies sandwich immunoassay, the proposed sensor chip is confirmed to be a candidate for sensing the aforementioned toxins. Compared with conventional immunochromatographic test strips, the proposed sensor demonstrates significantly enhanced sensitivity (≤10 pg/mL for both toxins) and high specificity against the interference derived from juice or milk, while maintaining good linearity in the range of 10–6250 pg/mL. Owing to the silicon nanoforest microstructure and improved homogeneity of the color signal, short detection time (within 15 min) is evidenced for the sensor chip, which would be helpful for the rapid tracking of ricin and abrin for the field of biosecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexin Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chenyi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yanwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wei Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhiying Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wenwen Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Lin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Han Jin
- Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Shan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
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Intramuscular Exposure to a Lethal Dose of Ricin Toxin Leads to Endothelial Glycocalyx Shedding and Microvascular Flow Abnormality in Mice and Swine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212345. [PMID: 34830227 PMCID: PMC8618821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212345] [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] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ricin toxin isolated from the castor bean (Ricinus communis) is one of the most potent and lethal molecules known. While the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of ricin poisoning by the parenteral route, i.e., intramuscular penetration, have been described recently in various animal models, the preceding mechanism underlying the clinical manifestations of systemic ricin poisoning has not been completely defined. Here, we show that following intramuscular administration, ricin bound preferentially to the vasculature in both mice and swine, leading to coagulopathy and widespread hemorrhages. Increased levels of circulating VEGF and decreased expression of vascular VE-cadherin caused blood vessel impairment, thereby promoting hyperpermeability in various organs. Elevated levels of soluble heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid and syndecan-1 were measured in blood samples following ricin intoxication, indicating that the vascular glycocalyx of both mice and swine underwent extensive damage. Finally, by using side-stream dark field intravital microscopy imaging, we determined that ricin poisoning leads to microvasculature malfunctioning, as manifested by aberrant blood flow and a significant decrease in the number of diffused microvessels. These findings, which suggest that glycocalyx shedding and microcirculation dysfunction play a major role in the pathology of systemic ricin poisoning, may serve for the formulation of specifically tailored therapies for treating parenteral ricin intoxication.
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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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Bambauer TP, Wagmann L, Weber AA, Meyer MR. Further development of a liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry-based strategy for analyzing eight biomarkers in human urine indicating toxic mushroom or Ricinus communis ingestions. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1603-1613. [PMID: 34080326 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we presented a strategy for analysis of eight biomarkers in human urine to verify toxic mushroom or Ricinus communis ingestions. However, screening for the full panel is not always necessary. Thus, we aimed to develop a strategy to reduce analysis time and by focusing on two sets of analytes. One set (A) for biomarkers of late-onset syndromes, such as phalloides syndrome or the syndrome after castor bean intake. Another set (B) for biomarkers of early-onset syndromes, such as pantherine-muscaria syndrome and muscarine syndrome. Both analyses should be based on hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS)/MS (HILIC-HRMS/MS). For A, urine samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction using dichloromethane and subsequent solid-phase extraction of the aqueous supernatant. For B urine was precipitated using acetonitrile. Method A was validated for ricinine and α- and β-amanitin and method B for muscarine, muscimol, and ibotenic acid according to the specifications for qualitative analytical methods. In addition, robustness of recovery and normalized matrix factors to matrix variability measured by urinary creatinine was tested. Moreover, applicability was tested using 10 urine samples from patients after suspected mushroom intoxication. The analytes α- and β-amanitin, muscarine, muscimol, and ibotenic acid could be successfully identified. Finally, psilocin-O-glucuronide could be identified in two samples and unambiguously distinguished from bufotenine-O-glucuronide via their MS2 patterns. In summary, the current workflow offers several advantages towards the previous method, particularly being more labor-, time-, and cost-efficient, more robust, and more sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Bambauer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, 66421, Germany
| | - Lea Wagmann
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, 66421, Germany
| | - Armin A Weber
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, 66421, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, Homburg, 66421, Germany
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Lefever S, Geerts I, Vermeulen E, Vermeersch P, De Rydt F, Dobbels L, Gillis M, Croes K. Non-Lethal Intoxication by Ingestion of 50 Castor Beans: Serial Measurement of Ricinine in Blood, Plasma and Urine. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:e8-e12. [PMID: 32991682 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A 30-year-old woman presented to the emergency department 2 days after ingestion of 50 castor beans. Her symptoms on admission were vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, agitation and anxiety. Initial laboratory tests showed a slightly elevated C-reactive protein and mild liver and kidney dysfunction. The patient was transferred to the medium care unit of our hospital where she was observed for possible organ failure. During the next days, the kidney function improved and liver function started to recover. Four days after admission, the patient was transferred to the psychiatric ward. Urine, serum, plasma and whole-blood samples were analyzed for ricinine using a quantitative LC-MS-MS method. Initial values on admission (serum and urine) were very high in comparison with previously reported cases. Based on these values, the patient was monitored closely in the following days. The patient made a full recovery, and during the course of hospitalization, concentrations of ricinine in plasma/serum, blood and urine gradually declined. The presence of ricinine in a patient's blood or plasma is a proof of castor bean and, hence, ricin exposure. However, based on this case and previously reported cases in literature, we can conclude that no clear correlation can be established between ricinine blood, plasma or urine levels and the severity of the intoxication. Clinicians should be aware of the potential danger of a ricin intoxication, and patients should be monitored closely for several days due to the unpredictable outcome of the intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Lefever
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, 2820, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Leuven and KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Inge Geerts
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, 2820, Belgium
| | - Edith Vermeulen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, 2820, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vermeersch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Leuven and KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Frederic De Rydt
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Imelda, Bonheiden, 2820, Belgium
| | - Laurens Dobbels
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Imelda, Bonheiden, 2820, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, 2820, Belgium
| | - Marc Gillis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Imelda, Bonheiden, 2820, Belgium
| | - Kathleen Croes
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, 8500, Belgium
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Abbes M, Montana M, Curti C, Vanelle P. Ricin poisoning: A review on contamination source, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and reporting of ricin poisoning. Toxicon 2021; 195:86-92. [PMID: 33711365 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ricin, a toxic glycoprotein derived from the castor bean plant, is one of the most potent poisons known in the world. Ricin intoxication is a fatal and uncommon medical condition and recently its use as a potential bioterrorism agent has also been reported. This study aims to identify the main characteristics of diagnosed ricin poisoning cases worldwide in order to raise awareness of this toxin among the population and clinicians. METHODS A collection of human case studies of ricin intoxication in the world was produced. The databases Pubmed, Sciencedirect and Google Scholar were used to extract articles from January 1980 to June 2020. RESULTS Fifty ricin-intoxicated patients worldwide described in the literature have been identified. Most cases were found in Asia (19 cases), Europe (12 cases) and America (15 cases). Intoxication was mostly accidental (37 cases). Intoxication by castor bean is characterized by acute gastroenteritis-like disease as primary manifestations leading to severe fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The mechanism of death was peripheral vascular collapse and progressing multiple organ failure occurring 10h-72h after intoxication. The questioning of patients and family made it possible to retrieve an history of castor seeds or castor oil ingestion Patients received symptomatic treatment consisting mostly to rehydration with intravenous fluids and digestive decontamination performed with activated charcoal and/or gastric lavage within one day after the ingestion, to reduce gastrointestinal absorption of ricin. This decontamination treatment administered early has been very effective. Only six deaths were observed. DISCUSSION Currently, no antidote, vaccine, or other specific effective treatment is available for ricin poisoning or prevention. Prompt treatment with supportive care was necessary to limit morbidity and mortality. To date, patient education is essential to prevent this accidental poisoning. CONCLUSION Clinicians and health care professionals should have a high level of suspicion when faced with an outbreak of serious respiratory or gastrointestinal illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Abbes
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Oncopharma, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Marc Montana
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Oncopharma, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR, UMR, 7273, Laboratoire de Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Curti
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR, UMR, 7273, Laboratoire de Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Marseille, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Service Central de la Qualité et de l'Information Pharmaceutiques (SCQIP), Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Vanelle
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR, UMR, 7273, Laboratoire de Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Marseille, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Service Central de la Qualité et de l'Information Pharmaceutiques (SCQIP), Marseille, France.
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11
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Bucaretchi F, Borrasca-Fernandes CF, Prado CC, Lanaro R, Costa JL, Petroni OM, Giraldi T, Blotta MHSL, Justo-Junior AS, Sousa NL, Aragão FJL, De Capitani EM, Hyslop S. Near-fatal poisoning after ricin injection. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2021; 59:158-168. [PMID: 32475181 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2020.1771358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report a near-fatal poisoning after intentional injection of ricin from a castor bean (Ricinus communis) extract. CASE REPORT A 21 year-old man self-injected ∼3 mL of a castor bean extract intramuscularly and subcutaneously in the left antecubital fossa. Upon admission to our ED (1 h post-exposure; day 1, D1) he was awake and alert, but complained of mild local pain and showed slight local edema and erythema. He evolved to refractory shock (∼24 h post-exposure) that required the administration of a large volume of fluids and high doses of norepinephrine and vasopressin, mainly from D2 to D4. During this period, he developed clinical and laboratory features compatible with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction, capillary leak syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, necrotizing fasciitis and possible compartment syndrome. The patient underwent forearm fasciotomy on D4 and there was progressive improvement of the hemodynamic status from D7 onwards. Wound management involved several debridements, broad-spectrum antibiotics and two skin grafts. Major laboratory findings within 12 days post-exposure revealed hypoalbuminemia, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis and increases in cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α), troponin and creatine kinase. Ricin A-chain (ELISA) was detected in serum up to D3 (peak at 24 h post-exposure), with ∼79% being excreted in the urine within 64 h post-exposure. Ricinine was detected in serum and urine by LC-MS up to D5. A ricin A-chain concentration of 246 µg/mL was found in the seed extract, corresponding to the injection of ∼738 µg of ricin A-chain (∼10.5 µg/kg). The patient was discharged on D71, with limited range of motion and function of the left forearm and hand. CONCLUSION Ricin injection resulted in a near-fatal poisoning that evolved with septic shock-like syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction and necrotizing fasciitis, all of which were successfully treated with supportive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Bucaretchi
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Carla F Borrasca-Fernandes
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Camila C Prado
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rafael Lanaro
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Costa
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Otávio M Petroni
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Tiago Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Maria Heloísa S L Blotta
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Amauri S Justo-Junior
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Natália L Sousa
- Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Francisco J L Aragão
- Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M De Capitani
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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12
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Feldberg L, Elhanany E, Laskar O, Schuster O. Rapid, Sensitive and Reliable Ricin Identification in Serum Samples Using LC-MS/MS. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:79. [PMID: 33499033 PMCID: PMC7911523 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin, a protein derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), is a highly lethal toxin that inhibits protein synthesis, resulting in cell death. The widespread availability of ricin, its ease of extraction and its extreme toxicity make it an ideal agent for bioterrorism and self-poisoning. Thus, a rapid, sensitive and reliable method for ricin identification in clinical samples is required for applying appropriate and timely medical intervention. However, this goal is challenging due to the low predicted toxin concentrations in bio-fluids, accompanied by significantly high matrix interferences. Here we report the applicability of a sensitive, selective, rapid, simple and antibody-independent assay for the identification of ricin in body fluids using mass spectrometry (MS). The assay involves lectin affinity capturing of ricin by easy-to-use commercial lactose-agarose (LA) beads, following by tryptic digestion and selected marker identification using targeted LC-MS/MS (Multiple Reaction Monitoring) analysis. This enables ricin identification down to 5 ng/mL in serum samples in 2.5 h. To validate the assay, twenty-four diverse naive- or ricin-spiked serum samples were evaluated, and both precision and accuracy were determined. A real-life test of the assay was successfully executed in a challenging clinical scenario, where the toxin was identified in an abdominal fluid sample taken 72 h post self-injection of castor beans extraction in an eventual suicide case. This demonstrates both the high sensitivity of this assay and the extended identification time window, compared to similar events that were previously documented. This method developed for ricin identification in clinical samples has the potential to be applied to the identification of other lectin toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Feldberg
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 74100, Israel
| | - Eytan Elhanany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 74100, Israel;
| | - Orly Laskar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 74100, Israel;
| | - Ofir Schuster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 74100, Israel;
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13
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Development and application of a strategy for analyzing eight biomarkers in human urine to verify toxic mushroom or ricinus communis ingestions by means of hydrophilic interaction LC coupled to HRMS/MS. Talanta 2020; 213:120847. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.120847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Reisinger A, Rabensteiner J, Hackl G. Diagnosis of acute intoxications in critically ill patients: focus on biomarkers - part 2: markers for specific intoxications. Biomarkers 2020; 25:112-125. [PMID: 32011177 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2020.1725787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In medical intensive care units, acute intoxications contribute to a large proportion of all patients. Epidemiology and a basic overview on this topic were presented in part one. The purpose of this second part regarding toxicological biomarkers in the ICU setting focuses on specific poisons and toxins. Following the introduction of anion and osmol gap in part one, it's relevance in toxic alcohols and other biomarkers for these poisonings are presented within this publication. Furthermore, the role of markers in the blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid for several intoxications is evaluated. Specific details are presented, amongst others, for cardiovascular drug poisoning, paracetamol (acetaminophen), ethanol, pesticides, ricin and yew tree intoxications. Detailed biomarkers and therapeutic decision tools are shown for carbon monoxide (CO) and cyanide (CN-) poisoning. Also, biomarkers in environmental toxicological situations such as mushroom poisoning and scorpion stings are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Reisinger
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jasmin Rabensteiner
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerald Hackl
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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15
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Swiner DJ, Durisek GR, Osae H, Badu-Tawiah A. A Proof-of-Concept, Two-Tiered Approach for Ricin Detection Using Ambient Mass Spectrometry. RSC Adv 2020; 10:17045-17049. [PMID: 35173958 PMCID: PMC8846442 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra03317k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin is a naturally occurring, highly potent toxin native to castor bean plants that has recently been used as a biological weapon in cases of bioterrorism and suicide attempts. Difficulties with direct detection arise from large heterogeneities in ricin glycosylation, which leads to markedly different bioactivity, and the fact that carefully developed and laborious sample preparation steps are required to maintain the activity of the protein during analysis. Herein, we present an alternative, two-tiered approach to identify the presence of ricin by detecting ricinoleic acid and ricinine, which are co-extracted with the protein. This direct mass spectrometric-based technique takes as little as 2 minutes, and we determined its sensitivity to be in the parts-per-trillion range. Our method is applicable to paper substrates from suspected contaminated envelopes and biofluids from at-risk patients. The fact that prior sample preparations are not needed in this procedure means that analysis can be performed in the field for emergency cases. Ricin is a naturally occurring, highly potent toxin native to castor bean plants that has recently been used as a biological weapon in cases of bioterrorism and suicide attempts.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin J Swiner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W 18th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - George R Durisek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W 18th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Hannah Osae
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W 18th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Abraham Badu-Tawiah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W 18th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
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16
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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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17
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Sapoznikov A, Rosner A, Falach R, Gal Y, Aftalion M, Evgy Y, Israeli O, Sabo T, Kronman C. Intramuscular Ricin Poisoning of Mice Leads to Widespread Damage in the Heart, Spleen, and Bone Marrow. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E344. [PMID: 31208156 PMCID: PMC6628730 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin, a lethal toxin derived from castor oil beans, is a potential bio-threat due to its high availability and simplicity of preparation. Ricin is prepared according to simple recipes available on the internet, and was recently considered in terrorist, suicide, or homicide attempts involving the parenteral route of exposure. In-depth study of the morbidity developing from parenteral ricin poisoning is mandatory for tailoring appropriate therapeutic measures to mitigate ricin toxicity in such instances. The present study applies various biochemical, hematological, histopathological, molecular, and functional approaches to broadly investigate the systemic effects of parenteral intoxication by a lethal dose of ricin in a murine model. Along with prompt coagulopathy, multi-organ hemorrhages, and thrombocytopenia, ricin induced profound morpho-pathological and functional damage in the spleen, bone marrow, and cardiovascular system. In the heart, diffuse hemorrhages, myocyte necrosis, collagen deposition, and induction in fibrinogen were observed. Severe functional impairment was manifested by marked thickening of the left ventricular wall, decreased ventricular volume, and a significant reduction in stroke volume and cardiac output. Unexpectedly, the differential severity of the ricin-induced damage did not correlate with the respective ricin-dependent catalytic activity measured in the various organs. These findings emphasize the complexity of ricin toxicity and stress the importance of developing novel therapeutic strategies that will combine not only anti-ricin specific therapy, but also will target ricin-induced indirect disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Sapoznikov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Amir Rosner
- Veterinary Center for Preclinical Research, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Reut Falach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Yoav Gal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Moshe Aftalion
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Yentl Evgy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Ofir Israeli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Tamar Sabo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Chanoch Kronman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
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