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Hughey SB, Kotler JA, Ozaki Y, Itani Y, Fukuzawa F, Yanagimoto T, Takamatsu K, Koito S, Suzuki H, Nishihira Y, Hughey AC, Nagata T. Marine Envenomation in Okinawa: Overview and Treatment Concept. Wilderness Environ Med 2024; 35:57-66. [PMID: 38379485 DOI: 10.1177/10806032231220401] [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] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Okinawa prefecture is a popular tourist destination due to its beaches and reefs. The reefs host a large variety of animals, including a number of venomous species. Because of the popularity of the reefs and marine activities, people are frequently in close contact with dangerous venomous species and, thus, are exposed to potential envenomation. Commonly encountered venomous animals throughout Okinawa include the invertebrate cone snail, sea urchin, crown-of-thorns starfish, blue-ringed octopus, box jellyfish, and fire coral. The vertebrates include the stonefish, lionfish, sea snake, and moray eel. Treatment for marine envenomation can involve first aid, hot water immersion, antivenom, supportive care, regional anesthesia, and pharmaceutical administration. Information on venomous animals, their toxins, and treatment should be well understood by prehospital care providers and physicians practicing in the prefecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott B Hughey
- Naval Hospital Okinawa, Okinawa, Japan
- Naval Biotechnology Group, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA
| | - Joshua A Kotler
- Naval Biotechnology Group, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA
- III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shu Koito
- Naval Hospital Okinawa, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Takashi Nagata
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Japan Self-Defense Force Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Mouchbahani-Constance S, Choinière M, Sharif-Naeini R. Understanding the pain experience of lionfish envenomation. Pain Rep 2023; 8:e1090. [PMID: 38225957 PMCID: PMC10789455 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stings from the lionfish (Pterois volitans) constitute one of the most painful wounds in the ocean. This species has invaded the Atlantic coast of the United States, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean Sea. In addition to its ecological impact on local fish populations, stings from the lionfish pose a medical problem because of the debilitating nature of the pain they produce. However, there are no studies examining the human pain experience of lionfish stings. Objective To characterize the various aspects of the pain experience following a lionfish sting. Methods We developed a pain questionnaire that includes validated scales used with patients having acute or chronic pain to understand the pain variability, as well as the use of health care resources and treatments. Results We provide the first study of the pain experience from lionfish stings. Here, we show that the pain is intense from the start and peaks approximately 1 hour later, resolving itself in 7 days for most victims. Furthermore, pain intensity can be influenced by several factors, including (1) age of the victim, where older victims experience significantly higher pain intensities, (2) the number of spines involved, (3) and whether infection occurred at the injury site. However, pain intensity was not different between male and female participants. Conclusion These findings will inform the medical community on the pain experience and can be used by local authorities to better appreciate the impact of lionfish envenomations to develop programs aimed at curtailing the expansion of the lionfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Mouchbahani-Constance
- Department of Physiology and Cell Information Systems Group, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Manon Choinière
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Reza Sharif-Naeini
- Department of Physiology and Cell Information Systems Group, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Venom-derived pain-causing toxins: insights into sensory neuron function and pain mechanisms. Pain 2022; 163:S46-S56. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Venomics of the Central European Myrmicine Ants Myrmica rubra and Myrmica ruginodis. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050358. [PMID: 35622604 PMCID: PMC9147725 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050358] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich source of novel biomolecules with potential applications in medicine and agriculture. Ants are one of the most species-rich lineages of venomous animals. However, only a fraction of their biodiversity has been studied so far. Here, we investigated the venom components of two myrmicine (subfamily Myrmicinae) ants: Myrmica rubra and Myrmica ruginodis. We applied a venomics workflow based on proteotranscriptomics and found that the venoms of both species are composed of several protein classes, including venom serine proteases, cysteine-rich secretory protein, antigen 5 and pathogenesis-related 1 (CAP) superfamily proteins, Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors and venom acid phosphatases. Several of these protein classes are known venom allergens, and for the first time we detected phospholipase A1 in the venom of M. ruginodis. We also identified two novel epidermal growth factor (EGF) family toxins in the M. ruginodis venom proteome and an array of additional EGF-like toxins in the venom gland transcriptomes of both species. These are similar to known toxins from the related myrmicine ant, Manica rubida, and the myrmecine (subfamily Myrmeciinae) Australian red bulldog ant Myrmecia gullosa, and are possibly deployed as weapons in defensive scenarios or to subdue prey. Our work suggests that M.rubra and M. ruginodis venoms contain many enzymes and other high-molecular-weight proteins that cause cell damage. Nevertheless, the presence of EGF-like toxins suggests that myrmicine ants have also recruited smaller peptide components into their venom arsenal. Although little is known about the bioactivity and function of EGF-like toxins, their presence in myrmicine and myrmecine ants suggests they play a key role in the venom systems of the superfamily Formicoidea. Our work adds to the emerging picture of ant venoms as a source of novel bioactive molecules and highlights the need to incorporate such taxa in future venom bioprospecting programs.
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Fish Cytolysins in All Their Complexity. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120877. [PMID: 34941715 PMCID: PMC8704401 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of the effects observed upon envenomation by scorpaenoid fish species can be reproduced by the cytolysins present in their venoms. Fish cytolysins are multifunctional proteins that elicit lethal, cytolytic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, nociceptive, and neuromuscular activities, representing a novel class of protein toxins. These large proteins (MW 150–320 kDa) are composed by two different subunits, termed α and β, with about 700 amino acid residues each, being usually active in oligomeric form. There is a high degree of similarity between the primary sequences of cytolysins from different fish species. This suggests these molecules share similar mechanisms of action, which, at least regarding the cytolytic activity, has been proved to involve pore formation. Although the remaining components of fish venoms have interesting biological activities, fish cytolysins stand out because of their multifunctional nature and their ability to reproduce the main events of envenomation on their own. Considerable knowledge about fish cytolysins has been accumulated over the years, although there remains much to be unveiled. In this review, we compiled and compared the current information on the biochemical aspects and pharmacological activities of fish cytolysins, going over their structures, activities, mechanisms of action, and perspectives for the future.
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Trim CM, Byrne LJ, Trim SA. Utilisation of compounds from venoms in drug discovery. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 60:1-66. [PMID: 34147202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Difficult drug targets are becoming the normal course of business in drug discovery, sometimes due to large interacting surfaces or only small differences in selectivity regions. For these, a different approach is merited: compounds lying somewhere between the small molecule and the large antibody in terms of many properties including stability, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Venoms have evolved over millions of years to be complex mixtures of stable molecules derived from other somatic molecules, the stability comes from the pressure to be ready for delivery at a moment's notice. Snakes, spiders, scorpions, jellyfish, wasps, fish and even mammals have evolved independent venom systems with complex mixtures in their chemical arsenal. These venom-derived molecules have been proven to be useful tools, such as for the development of antihypotensive angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and have also made successful drugs such as Byetta® (Exenatide), Integrilin® (Eptifibatide) and Echistatin. Only a small percentage of the available chemical space from venoms has been investigated so far and this is growing. In a new era of biological therapeutics, venom peptides present opportunities for larger target engagement surface with greater stability than antibodies or human peptides. There are challenges for oral absorption and target engagement, but there are venom structures that overcome these and thus provide substrate for engineering novel molecules that combine all desired properties. Venom researchers are characterising new venoms, species, and functions all the time, these provide great substrate for solving the challenges presented by today's difficult targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Trim
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Lee J Byrne
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Patients diagnosed with Christianson syndrome have intellectual disability, epilepsy, ataxia, and mutism, as well as hyposensitivity to pain. In this study, we use a mouse model of Christianson syndrome to demonstrate that this pain hyposensitivity is due in part to a decrease in excitability of nociceptors. Children diagnosed with Christianson syndrome (CS), a rare X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, epilepsy, ataxia, and mutism, also suffer from hyposensitivity to pain. This places them at risk of sustaining serious injuries that often go unattended. Christianson syndrome is caused by mutations in the alkali cation/proton exchanger SLC9A6/NHE6 that regulates recycling endosomal pH homeostasis and trafficking. Yet, it remains unclear how defects in this transporter lead to altered somatosensory functions. In this study, we validated a Nhe6 knockout (KO) mouse as a model of CS and used it to identify the cellular mechanisms underlying the elevated pain tolerance observed in CS patients. Within the central nervous system, NHE6 immunolabelling is detected in a small percentage of cortical neurons involved in pain processing, including those within the primary somatosensory and the anterior cingulate cortices as well as the periaqueductal gray. Interestingly, it is expressed in a larger percentage of nociceptors. Behaviourally, Nhe6 KO mice have decreased nocifensive responses to acute noxious thermal, mechanical, and chemical (ie, capsaicin) stimuli. The reduced capsaicin sensitivity in the KO mice correlates with a decreased expression of the transient receptor potential channel TRPV1 at the plasma membrane and capsaicin-induced Ca2+ influx in primary cultures of nociceptors. These data indicate that NHE6 is a significant determinant of nociceptor function and pain behaviours, vital sensory processes that are impaired in CS.
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Norton BB, Norton SA. Lionfish envenomation in Caribbean and Atlantic waters: Climate change and invasive species. Int J Womens Dermatol 2021; 7:120-123. [PMID: 33537402 PMCID: PMC7838239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of emerging diseases is well understood; however, the concept of emerging injuries is not. We describe the introduction of two species of lionfish, native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, into the warm shallow coastal waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Lionfish thrive in the same coastal waters that attract recreational swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. Because lionfish have ornate colors, people often swim close to have a better look. Lionfish have venomous spines and, in a defensive reaction, frequently envenomate curious humans. The fish are voracious predators and disrupt the coral ecosystems of the Atlantic. Furthermore, their range is spreading through a combination of lack of natural predators and the expansion of hospitable warm waters into higher latitudes as part of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Norton
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans LA 70112, United States
| | - Scott A Norton
- The George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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Becerra-Amezcua MP, Hernández-Sámano AC, Puch-Hau C, Aguilar MB, Collí-Dulá RC. Effect of pterois volitans (lionfish) venom on cholinergic and dopaminergic systems. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 77:103359. [PMID: 32146351 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pterois volitans venom induces muscular fibrillation, which results from nerve transmission caused by the presence of acetylcholine (ACh). It also has cardiovascular effects that are due to its actions on muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors. In this study, we characterized the effects of P. volitans venom on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and dopaminergic neurons. After exposure to P. volitans venom, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) mRNA levels and the expression of the α2 subunit of nAChR increased in zebrafish embryos (15-20 somites). In addition, the lionfish venom blocked zebrafish α2 nAChR subunit functional expression and the ACh-induced response of human neuronal α3β2 receptors. The latter receptor was blocked by a protein fraction named F2, which was isolated from P. volitans venom using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). This venom causes death in dopaminergic neurons, and affects the cholinergic system. The effect of these two systems may result in retarded embryonic development of zebrafish, since the two systems function in a related manner to control growth hormone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra P Becerra-Amezcua
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Arisaí C Hernández-Sámano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Carlos Puch-Hau
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Manuel B Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Reyna C Collí-Dulá
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT), Mexico
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Finger Flexor Tenosynovitis From Stonefish Envenomation Injury. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS GLOBAL RESEARCH AND REVIEWS 2019; 3:e024. [PMID: 31321369 PMCID: PMC6553631 DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-19-00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This case illustrates the challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic tenosynovitis caused by stonefish envenomation injury. Persistence of symptoms can be secondary to an indolent infection, retained micro-foreign bodies, or persistence inflammatory response to verrucotoxin. Successful treatment was obtained with serial debridement coupled with a prolonged antibiotic regimen for coverage of the marine base pathogens. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
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