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Gao M, Yu S, Ning R, Ji X, Xu Y, Hou L. Indirect photodegradation of typical pyrrolizidine alkaloids in water induced by triplet states of dissolved organic matter. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135142. [PMID: 39029185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in the aquatic environment has received growing attention due to their persistent mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. In this study, the photooxidation processes of four representative PAs (senecionine, senecionine N-oxide, europine, and heliotrine) in the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were investigated. The excited triplet DOM (3DOM*) was demonstrated to play a dominant role in the phototransformation of PAs. The observed degradation rates of PAs largely depended on the DOM concentration. Alkaline conditions and the presence of HCO3-/CO32- were conducive to the photodegradation. Based on kinetic modeling, the second-order reaction rate constants of PAs with 3DOM* were predicted to be (1.7∼5.3)×108 M-1 s-1, nearly two orders of magnitude higher than those with singlet oxygen (1O2). The monoester structure and electron-withdrawing substituent (e.g., -O atom) substantially affected the one-electron oxidation potential of PAs, which dictates the reaction rates of PAs with 3DOM*. Finally, a tentative degradation pathway of PAs was proposed, involving the formation of an N-centered radical cation through one-electron transfer, which then likely deprotonated and further oxidized to more persistent and toxic phototransformation products with an added oxygen atom into the pyrrole ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shuili Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Rongsheng Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xingli Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Li'an Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
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Jayawickreme K, Świstak D, Ozimek E, Reszczyńska E, Rysiak A, Makuch-Kocka A, Hanaka A. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids-Pros and Cons for Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16972. [PMID: 38069294 PMCID: PMC10706944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterocyclic organic compounds named pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) belong to a group of alkaloids and are synthesized by either plants or microorganisms. Therefore, they are naturally occurring secondary metabolites. They are found in species applied in the pharmaceutical and food industries, thus a thorough knowledge of their pharmacological properties and toxicology to humans is of great importance for their further safe employment. This review is original because it synthesizes knowledge of plant and microbial PAs, which is unusual in the scientific literature. We have focused on the Boraginaceae family, which is unique due to the exceptional richness and diversity of its PAs in plant species. We have also presented the microbial sources of PAs, both from fungi and bacteria. The structure and metabolism of PAs have been discussed. Our main aim was to summarize the effects of PAs on humans, including both negative, toxic ones, mainly concerning hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity, as well as potentially positive ones for pharmacological and medical applications. We have collected the results of studies on the anticancer activity of PAs from plant and microbial sources (mainly Streptomyces strains) and on the antimicrobial activity of PAs on different strains of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). Finally, we have suggested potential applications and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavindi Jayawickreme
- Student Scientific Club of Phytochemists, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dawid Świstak
- Student Scientific Club of Phytochemists, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Ozimek
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilia Reszczyńska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki St. 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Rysiak
- Department of Botany, Mycology, and Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Makuch-Kocka
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska St. 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Hanaka
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
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Lin T, Zhou L, Chen Z, Wang L, Yang J, Wang S, Chen X, Zuo Z, He C, Guo L. Exposure to echimidine impairs the heart development and function of zebrafish larvae. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115574. [PMID: 37839186 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a class of phytotoxins that are widely distributed and can be consumed by humans through their daily diets. Echimidine is one of the most abundant PAs, but its safety, particularly its effects on development, is not fully understood. In this study, we used a zebrafish model to assess the developmental toxicity of echimidine. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to echimidine at concentrations of 0.02, 0.2, and 2 mg/L for 96 h. Our study revealed that embryonic exposure to echimidine led to developmental toxicity, characterized by delayed hatching and reduced body length. Additionally, echimidine exposure had a notable impact on heart development in larvae, causing tachycardia and reducing stroke volume (SV)and cardiac output (CO). Upon exposing the transgenic zebrafish strain Tg(cmlc2:EGFP) to echimidine, we observed atrial dilation and thinning of the atrial wall in developing embryos. Moreover, our findings indicated abnormal expression of genes associated with cardiac development (including gata4, tbx5, nkx2.5 and myh6) and genes involved in calcium signaling pathways (such as cacna1aa, cacna1sa, ryr2a, ryr2b, atp2a2a, atp2a2b, slc8a1, slc8a3 and slc8a4a). In summary, our findings demonstrate that echimidine may impair cardiac development and function in zebrafish larvae by disrupting calcium transport, leading to developmental toxicity. These findings provide insights regarding the safety of products containing PAs in food and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Evaluation and Research Center of Daodi Herbs of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Zhibin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Luanjin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Evaluation and Research Center of Daodi Herbs of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xintan Chen
- Chest Pain Center, Anxi County Hospital, Quanzhou, Fujian 362400, China
| | - Zhenghong Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Chengyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
| | - Lanping Guo
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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Kobets T, Smith BPC, Williams GM. Food-Borne Chemical Carcinogens and the Evidence for Human Cancer Risk. Foods 2022; 11:foods11182828. [PMID: 36140952 PMCID: PMC9497933 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Commonly consumed foods and beverages can contain chemicals with reported carcinogenic activity in rodent models. Moreover, exposures to some of these substances have been associated with increased cancer risks in humans. Food-borne carcinogens span a range of chemical classes and can arise from natural or anthropogenic sources, as well as form endogenously. Important considerations include the mechanism(s) of action (MoA), their relevance to human biology, and the level of exposure in diet. The MoAs of carcinogens have been classified as either DNA-reactive (genotoxic), involving covalent reaction with nuclear DNA, or epigenetic, involving molecular and cellular effects other than DNA reactivity. Carcinogens are generally present in food at low levels, resulting in low daily intakes, although there are some exceptions. Carcinogens of the DNA-reactive type produce effects at lower dosages than epigenetic carcinogens. Several food-related DNA-reactive carcinogens, including aflatoxins, aristolochic acid, benzene, benzo[a]pyrene and ethylene oxide, are recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as causes of human cancer. Of the epigenetic type, the only carcinogen considered to be associated with increased cancer in humans, although not from low-level food exposure, is dioxin (TCDD). Thus, DNA-reactive carcinogens in food represent a much greater risk than epigenetic carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Kobets
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-914-594-3105; Fax: +1-914-594-4163
| | - Benjamin P. C. Smith
- Future Ready Food Safety Hub, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Gary M. Williams
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
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Edgar JA, Molyneux RJ, Colegate SM. 1,2-Dehydropyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Their Potential as a Dietary Cause of Sporadic Motor Neuron Diseases. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:340-354. [PMID: 35238548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic motor neuron diseases (MNDs), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can be caused by spontaneous genetic mutations. However, many sporadic cases of ALS and other debilitating neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are believed to be caused by environmental factors, subject to considerable debate and requiring intensive research. A common pathology associated with MND development involves progressive mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in motor neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS), leading to apoptosis. Consequent degeneration of skeletal and respiratory muscle cells can lead to death from respiratory failure. A significant number of MND cases present with cancers and liver and lung pathology. This Perspective explores the possibility that MNDs could be caused by intermittent, low-level dietary exposure to 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (1,2-dehydroPAs) that are increasingly recognized as contaminants of many foods consumed throughout the world. Nontoxic, per se, 1,2-dehydroPAs are metabolized, by particular cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoforms, to 6,7-dihydropyrrolizines that react with nucleophilic groups (-NH, -SH, -OH) on DNA, proteins, and other vital biochemicals, such as glutathione. Many factors, including aging, gender, smoking, and alcohol consumption, influence CYP450 isoform activity in a range of tissues, including glial cells and neurons of the CNS. Activation of 1,2-dehydroPAs in CNS cells can be expected to cause gene mutations and oxidative stress, potentially leading to the development of MNDs and other NDDs. While relatively high dietary exposure to 1,2-dehydroPAs causes hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, pulmonary venoocclusive disease, neurotoxicity, and diverse cancers, this Perspective suggests that, at current intermittent, low levels of dietary exposure, neurotoxicity could become the primary pathology that develops over time in susceptible individuals, along with a tendency for some of them to also display liver and lung pathology and diverse cancers co-occurring with some MND/NDD cases. Targeted research is recommended to investigate this proposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Edgar
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Russell J Molyneux
- Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Steven M Colegate
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, ARS/USDA, 1150 East 1400 North, Logan, Utah 84341, United States
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Metabolic Toxification of 1,2-Unsaturated Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Causes Human Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome: The Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910419. [PMID: 34638760 PMCID: PMC8508847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Saturated and unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are present in more than 6000 plant species growing in countries all over the world. They have a typical heterocyclic structure in common, but differ in their potential toxicity, depending on the presence or absence of a double bond between C1 and C2. Fortunately, most plants contain saturated PAs without this double bond and are therefore not toxic for consumption by humans or animals. In a minority of plants, however, PAs with this double bond between C1 and C2 exhibit strong hepatotoxic, genotoxic, cytotoxic, neurotoxic, and tumorigenic potentials. If consumed in error and in large emouns, plants with 1,2-unsaturated PAs induce metabolic breaking-off of the double bonds of the unsaturated PAs, generating PA radicals that may trigger severe liver injury through a process involving microsomal P450 (CYP), with preference of its isoforms CYP 2A6, CYP 3A4, and CYP 3A5. This toxifying CYP-dependent conversion occurs primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum of the hepatocytes equivalent to the microsomal fraction. Toxified PAs injure the protein membranes of hepatocytes, and after passing their plasma membranes, more so the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), leading to life-threatening hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS). This injury is easily diagnosed by blood pyrrolizidine protein adducts, which are perfect diagnostic biomarkers, supporting causality evaluation using the updated RUCAM (Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method). HSOS is clinically characterized by weight gain due to fluid accumulation (ascites, pleural effusion, and edema), and may lead to acute liver failure, liver transplantation, or death. In conclusion, plant-derived PAs with a double bond between C1 and C2 are potentially hepatotoxic after metabolic removal of the double bond, and may cause PA-HSOS with a potential lethal outcome, even if PA consumption is stopped.
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He Y, Zhu L, Ma J, Lin G. Metabolism-mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:1917-1942. [PMID: 34003343 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03060-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and PA N-oxides are common phytotoxins produced by over 6000 plant species. Humans are frequently exposed to PAs via ingestion of PA-containing herbal products or PA-contaminated foods. PAs require metabolic activation to form pyrrole-protein adducts and pyrrole-DNA adducts which lead to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Individual PAs differ in their metabolic activation patterns, which may cause significant difference in toxic potency of different PAs. This review discusses the current knowledge and recent advances of metabolic pathways of different PAs, especially the metabolic activation and metabolism-mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, and the risk evaluation methods of PA exposure. In addition, this review provides perspectives of precision toxicity assessment strategies and biomarker development for the risk control and translational investigations of human intoxication by PAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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Dai Y, Luo J, Xiang E, Guo Q, He Z, Gong Z, Sun X, Kou H, Xu K, Fan C, Liu J, Qiu S, Wang Y, Wang H, Guo Y. Prenatal Exposure to Retrorsine Induces Developmental Toxicity and Hepatotoxicity of Fetal Rats in a Sex-Dependent Manner: The Role of Pregnane X Receptor Activation. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:3219-3231. [PMID: 33685126 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c06748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a type of natural phytotoxin that contaminate food and feed and become an environmental health risk to humans and livestock. PAs exert toxicity that requires metabolic activation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A, and case reports showed that fetuses are quite susceptible to PAs toxicity. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of developmental toxicity and fetal hepatotoxicity induced by retrorsine (RTS, a typcial toxic PA) and the underlying mechanism. Pregnant Wistar rats were intragastrically administered with 20 mg/(kg·day) RTS from gestation day (GD) 9 to 20. Results showed that prenatal RTS exposure lowered fetal bodyweights, reduced hepatocyte numbers, and potentiated hepatic apoptosis in fetuses, particularly females. Simutaneously, RTS increased CYP3A expression and pregnane X receptor (PXR) activation in female fetal liver. We further confirmed that RTS was a PXR agonist in LO2 and HepG2 cell lines. Furthermore, agonism or antagonism of androgen receptor (AR) either induced or blocked RTS-mediated PXR activation, respectively. As a PXR agonist, RTS toxicity was exacerbated in female fetus due to the increased CYP3A induction and self-metabolism, while the inhibitory effect of AR on PXR activation reduced the susceptibility of male fetus to RTS. Our findings indicated that PXR may be a potential therapeutic target for PA toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguo Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Jinyuan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei Province, China
| | - E Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Zheng He
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Hao Kou
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Kequan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Chengpeng Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Shuaikai Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei Province, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071 Hubei Province, China
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He Y, Zhu L, Ma J, Wong L, Zhao Z, Ye Y, Fu PP, Lin G. Comprehensive investigation and risk study on pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination in Chinese retail honey. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115542. [PMID: 33254676 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are common phytotoxins. We performed the first comprehensive investigation on PA contamination in Chinese honeys. LC-MS analysis revealed that 58% of 255 honey samples purchased from 17 regions across Mainland China and Taiwan contained PAs with total content ranging over 0.2-281.1 μg/kg. Monocrotaline (from Crotalaria spp), a PA never found in honey in other regions, together with echimidine (Echium plantagineum) and lycopsamine (from Senecio spp.), were three predominant PAs in PA-contaminated Chinese honeys. Further, PAs present in honeys were found to have geographically distinct pattern, indicating possible control of such contamination in future honey production. Moreover, we proposed a new risk estimation approach, which considered both content and toxic potency of individual PAs in honeys, and found that 12% of the PA-contaminated Chinese honeys tested might pose potential health risk. This study revealed a high prevalence and potential health risk of PA contamination in Chinese honeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Lailai Wong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongzhen Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Ye
- Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Peter P Fu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
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10
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Female-specific activation of pregnane X receptor mediates sex difference in fetal hepatotoxicity by prenatal monocrotaline exposure. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 406:115137. [PMID: 32682830 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a group of hepatic toxicant widely present in plants. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A plays a key role in metabolic activation of PAs to generate electrophilic metabolites, which is the main cause of hepatotoxicity. We have previously demonstrated the sex difference in developmental toxicity and hepatotoxicity in fetal rats exposed to monocrotaline (MCT), a representative toxic PA. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanism. 20 mg·kg-1·d-1 MCT was intragastrically given to pregnant Wistar rats from gestation day 9 to 20. CYP3As expression and pregnane X receptor (PXR) activation were specifically enhanced in female fetal liver. After MCT treatment, we also observed a significant increase of CYP3As expression in LO2 cells (high PXR level) or hPXR-transfected HepG2 cells (low PXR level). Employing hPXR and CYP3A4 dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, we confirmed the agonism effect of MCT on PXR-dependent transcriptional activity of CYP3A4. Agonism and antagonism of the androgen receptor (AR) either induced or blocked MCT-induced PXR activation, respectively. This study was the first report identifying that MCT served as PXR agonist to induce CYP3A expression. CYP3A induction may increase self-metabolic activation of MCT and subsequently lead to more severe hepatotoxicity in female fetus. While in male, during the intrauterine period, activated AR by testosterone secretion from developing testes represses MCT-induced PXR activation and CYP3A induction, which may partially protect male fetus from MCT-induced hepatotoxicity.
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11
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Avila C, Breakspear I, Hawrelak J, Salmond S, Evans S. A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Fitoterapia 2020; 142:104519. [PMID: 32105669 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Symphytum officinale (comfrey), Tussilago farfara (coltsfoot) and Borago officinalis (borage) have long histories of therapeutic use, but their safety has been questioned due to the presence of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). The evidence base underlying these concerns relies in part on case reports. This systematic review assesses these case reports for their reliability to inform this debate. METHOD Study selection was restricted to case reports describing possible pyrrolizidine alkaloid related harm and ingestion of comfrey, coltsfoot or borage. An extensive search of academic databases was conducted. Papers meeting the criteria were critically appraised. RESULTS The search resulted in 11 appropriate case reports, none of which involved borage. Nine reports were assessed for causality and indicated some degree of association between the material ingested and the adverse event. Lack of unequivocal identification of the species ingested compromised attribution and was a significant source of uncertainty. Three levels of identity confusions were found; misidentification or substitution at the level of the whole herb; omission of appropriate botanical identification and attribution of a specific PA to either comfrey or coltsfoot when it is a constituent found in other plants of established toxicity. CONCLUSION These cases are an unreliable body of evidence on which to draw conclusions about the safety of the oral consumption of Symphytum officinale and Tussilago farfara. Toxicological studies based on oral ingestion of phytochemically-complex preparations of these herbs may be the most accurate methodology for assessing clinical risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason Hawrelak
- University of Tasmania, Australia; Australian Research Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Ma J, Ruan J, Chen X, Li D, Yao S, Fu PP, Ye Y, Gao H, Wang J, Lin G. Pyrrole-Hemoglobin Adducts, a More Feasible Potential Biomarker of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Exposure. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:1027-1039. [PMID: 31012303 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are naturally occurring phytotoxins widely distributed in about 3% of flowering plants. The formation of PA-derived pyrrole-protein adducts is considered as a primary trigger initiating PA-induced hepatotoxicity. The present study aims to (i) further validate our previous established derivatization method using acidified ethanolic AgNO3 for the analysis of pyrrole-protein adducts and (ii) apply this method to characterize the binding tendency, dose-response, and elimination kinetics of pyrrole-protein adducts in blood samples. Two pyrrole-amino acid conjugates, (±)-6,7-dihydro-7-hydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl-5 H-pyrrolizine (DHP)-cysteine (7-cysteine-DHP) and 9-histidine-DHP, were synthesized and used to demonstrate that acidified ethanolic AgNO3 derivatization can cleave both S-linkage and N-linkage of pyrrole-protein adducts. Subsequently, using precolumn AgNO3 derivatization followed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis, we quantified pyrrole-protein adducts in monocrotaline-treated rat blood protein fractions, including hemoglobin (Hb), plasma, albumin, and plasma residual protein fractions, and found that the amount of pyrrole-Hb adducts was significantly higher than that in all plasma fractions. Moreover, elimination half-life of pyrrole-Hb adducts was also significantly longer than pyrrole-protein adducts in plasma fractions (12.08 vs 2.54-2.93 days). In addition, we also tested blood samples obtained from five PA-induced liver injury patients and found that the amount of pyrrole-protein adducts in blood cells was also remarkably higher than that in plasma. In conclusion, our findings for the first time confirmed that the AgNO3 derivatization method could be used to measure both S- and N-linked pyrrole-protein adducts and also suggested that pyrrole-Hb adducts with remarkably higher level and longer life span could be a better biomarker of PA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Jianqing Ruan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Xinmeng Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Dongping Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, ZhongShan Hospital , Fudan University , Shanghai 200000 , China
| | - Sheng Yao
- Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research , Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Peter P Fu
- National Center for Toxicological Research , U.S. Food and Drug Administration , Jefferson , Arkansas 72079-9502 , United States
| | - Yang Ye
- Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research , Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Hong Gao
- Division of Gastroenterology, ZhongShan Hospital , Fudan University , Shanghai 200000 , China
| | - Jiyao Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, ZhongShan Hospital , Fudan University , Shanghai 200000 , China
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines between The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , China
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13
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Luo J, Yang X, Qiu S, Li X, Xiang E, Fang Y, Wang Y, Zhang L, Wang H, Zheng J, Guo Y. Sex difference in monocrotaline-induced developmental toxicity and fetal hepatotoxicity in rats. Toxicology 2019; 418:32-40. [PMID: 30825512 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a class of hepatic toxins widely existing in plants. Cytochromes P450 (CYP) mediates PA bioactivation and toxicities in mammals. It has been reported that PAs can induce developmental toxicity, but systematic research is lacking. In this study, we investigated developmental toxicity of monocrotaline (MCT) in rats. Pregnant rats were administered with MCT (20 mg/kg) intragastrically from gestation day 9 to 20, followed by determination of changes in fetal growth, hepatic morphology, serum biochemical indices, and indicators of hepatocytes apoptosis. MCT was found to induce developmental toxicity and fetal hepatotoxicity, particularly in female fetuses. Metabolic activation was also studied by examination of bioactivation efficiency of MCT in fetal liver microsomes, serum MCT, pyrrole-protein adduction derived from MCT, and hepatic CYP3 A expression of fetuses in vivo. Male fetuses showed greater basal MCT bioactivation than that of female fetuses, but continuous exposure to MCT caused a selective CYP3 A induction in female fetuses, which may contribute to the sex difference in MCT-induced developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shuaikai Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China.
| | - E Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiang Zheng
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China.
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Colegate SM, Upton R, Gardner DR, Panter KE, Betz JM. Potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Eupatorium perfoliatum and three related species. Implications for herbal use as boneset. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2018; 29:613-626. [PMID: 29968391 DOI: 10.1002/pca.2775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pro-toxic dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids are associated with liver disease in humans. The potential for long-term, low-level or intermittent exposures to cause or contribute to chronically-developing diseases is of international concern. Eupatorium perfoliatum is a medicinal herb referred to as boneset. While the presence of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids in some Eupatorium species is well-established, reports on Eupatorium perfoliatum are scant and contradictory. OBJECTIVE To investigate the presence of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids in a survey of boneset samples and related alcoholic tinctures, and hot water infusions and decoctions. METHODS Methanol, hot water or aqueous ethanol extracts of Eupatorium perfoliatum and three closely-related species were subjected to HPLC-ESI(+)MS and MS/MS analysis using three complementary column methods. Dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids were identified from their MS data and comparison with standards. RESULTS Forty-nine samples of Eupatorium perfoliatum were shown to contain dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (0.0002-0.07% w/w), the majority dominated by lycopsamine and intermedine, their N-oxides and acetylated derivatives. Alcoholic tinctures and hot water infusions and decoctions had high concentrations of the alkaloids. Different chemotypes, hybridisation or contamination of some Eupatorium perfoliatum samples with related species were suggested by the co-presence of retronecine- and heliotridine-based alkaloids. CONCLUSIONS Sampling issues, low and high alkaloid chemotypes of Eupatorium perfoliatum or interspecies hybridization could cause the wide variation in dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid concentrations or the different profiles observed. Concerns associated with dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids provide a compelling reason for preclusive caution until further research can better define the toxicity and carcinogenicity of the dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid content of Eupatorium perfoliatum. [Correction added on 12 July 2018, after first online publication: The 'Conclusions' section in the abstract has been added.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Colegate
- USDA, ARS, Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, USA
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Roy Upton
- American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Scotts Valley, CA, USA
| | - Dale R Gardner
- USDA, ARS, Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Kip E Panter
- USDA, ARS, Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Joseph M Betz
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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15
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Ma C, Liu Y, Zhu L, Ji H, Song X, Guo H, Yi T. Determination and regulation of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food: A critical review of recent research. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 119:50-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Habs M, Binder K, Krauss S, Müller K, Ernst B, Valentini L, Koller M. A Balanced Risk-Benefit Analysis to Determine Human Risks Associated with Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PA)-The Case of Herbal Medicinal Products Containing St. John's Wort Extracts (SJW). Nutrients 2018; 10:E804. [PMID: 29932143 PMCID: PMC6073194 DOI: 10.3390/nu10070804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) exist ubiquitously in our environment. More than 6000 plants, about 3% of the world’s flowering plants, are known to synthesize PA. As a consequence, many herbal ingredients, including St. John’s wort (SJW), are contaminated with PA that can possess acute and subchronic toxic effects as well as mutagenic and genotoxic properties. Therefore, the possible benefits of SJW as an herbal remedy against depression need to be weighed against the possible risks of unwanted PA intake. METHODS We searched the literature regarding the current knowledge on PA and evaluated the evidence on the antidepressant effects of quantified SJW extract based on a Cochrane Review and the current practice guidelines on depression. Risks are depicted in form of a risk ladder and benefits in form of an icon array. RESULTS Evidence from clinical studies indicates that quantified SJW extract is an effective treatment option for mild to moderate depression with fewer side effects than conventional antidepressants. Health statistics from different countries do not quantify cases of death caused by PA intake. However, deaths due to suicide, often triggered by depression, are common (11 in 1000 in Germany in 2015) and rank between fatalities due to liver diseases (16 in 1000) and household accidents (10 in 1000). CONCLUSIONS Quantified SJW extract is a safe and effective treatment option, and its potential of treating depression outweighs the (hypothetical) risk of unwanted PA intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Habs
- Faculty of Medicine, LMU-University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Karin Binder
- Didactics of Mathematics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Didactics of Mathematics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Karolina Müller
- Center for Clinical Studies, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Brigitte Ernst
- General Medicine Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Luzia Valentini
- Institute of Evidence-Based Dietetics, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Koller
- Center for Clinical Studies, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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17
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Ma J, Xia Q, Fu PP, Lin G. Pyrrole-protein adducts - A biomarker of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatotoxicity. J Food Drug Anal 2018; 26:965-972. [PMID: 29976414 PMCID: PMC9303027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are phytotoxins identified in over 6000 plant species worldwide. Approximately 600 toxic PAs and PA N-oxides have been identified in about 3% flowering plants. PAs can cause toxicities in different organs particularly in the liver. The metabolic activation of PAs is catalyzed by hepatic cytochrome P450 and generates reactive pyrrolic metabolites that bind to cellular proteins to form pyrrole-protein adducts leading to PA-induced hepatotoxicity. The mechanisms that pyrrole-protein adducts induce toxicities have not been fully characterized. Methods for qualitative and quantitative detection of pyrrole-protein adducts have been developed and applied for the clinical diagnosis of PA exposure and PA-induced liver injury. This mini-review addresses the mechanisms of PA-induced hepatotoxicity mediated by pyrrole-protein adducts, the analytical methods for the detection of pyrrole-protein adducts, and the development of pyrrole-protein adducts as the mechanism-based biomarker of PA exposure and PA-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines Between the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, China Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Qingsu Xia
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Peter P Fu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA.
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Joint Research Laboratory for Promoting Globalization of Traditional Chinese Medicines Between the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, China Academy of Sciences, China.
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18
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Dusemund B, Nowak N, Sommerfeld C, Lindtner O, Schäfer B, Lampen A. Risk assessment of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food of plant and animal origin. Food Chem Toxicol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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19
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Zhu L, Wang Z, Wong L, He Y, Zhao Z, Ye Y, Fu PP, Lin G. Contamination of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in retail honey in China. Food Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2017.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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20
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Habs M, Binder K, Krauss S, Müller K, Ernst B, Valentini L, Koller M. A Balanced Risk-Benefit Analysis to Determine Human Risks Associated with Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PA)-The Case of Tea and Herbal Infusions. Nutrients 2017; 9:E717. [PMID: 28686224 PMCID: PMC5537832 DOI: 10.3390/nu9070717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are exposed to pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) through different sources, mainly from contaminated foodstuff. Teas and herbal infusions (T&HI) can be contaminated by PA producing weed. PA can possess toxic, mutagenic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic properties. Thus, possible health risks for the general population are under debate. There is a strong safety record for T&HI and additionally epidemiological evidence for the preventive effects of regular tea consumption on cardiovascular events and certain types of cancer. There is no epidemiological evidence, however, for human risks of regular low dose PA exposure. Recommended regulatory PA-threshold values are based on experimental data only, accepting big uncertainties. If a general risk exists through PA contaminated T&HI, it must be small compared to other frequently accepted risks of daily living and the proven health effects of T&HI. Decision making should be based on a balanced riskbenefit analysis. Based on analyses of the scientific data currently available, it is concluded that the benefits of drinking T&HI clearly outweigh the negligible health risk of possible PA contamination. At the same time, manufacturers must continue their efforts to secure good product quality and to be transparent on their measures of quality control and risk communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Habs
- Faculty of Medicine, LMU-University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany.
| | - Karin Binder
- Didactics of Mathematics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Didactics of Mathematics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Karolina Müller
- Centre for Clinical Studies, University Hospital Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Brigitte Ernst
- General Medicine Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Luzia Valentini
- Institute of Evidence-based Dietetics, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Koller
- Centre for Clinical Studies, University Hospital Regensburg, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
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Kokalj M, Prikeržnik M, Kreft S. FTIR spectroscopy as a tool to detect contamination of rocket (Eruca sativa and Diplotaxis tenuifolia) salad with common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) leaves. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2017; 97:2238-2244. [PMID: 27620169 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rocket is a popular salad vegetable used all over the world and it has many health benefits. However, like with all plant material, there exists a danger of contamination with toxic substances. In the case of rocket, contamination with groundsel has occurred. Groundsel is a common weed in rocket crops, and it contains very toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. In our study infrared spectroscopy was used to distinguish groundsel samples from rocket leaves. Infrared spectroscopy is a very simple analytical technique; however, some specific conditions are more easily implemented in industrial environment than others. Some of these conditions and parameters of infrared spectroscopy were explored in detail. RESULTS We tested for the influence of different parameters of attenuated total reflectance and transmission infrared method. Our results show that a 100 % correct classification can be obtained under conditions most suitable for industry: using fresh samples and parameters that enable fast spectral measurement. CONCLUSION Infrared spectroscopy is a fast and easy-to-use method that has been shown to be able to differentiate between rocket and groundsel leaves. Therefore, it could be further studied for implementation in the safety control of rocket salads. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meta Kokalj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marcel Prikeržnik
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Samo Kreft
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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22
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van de Schans MGM, Blokland MH, Zoontjes PW, Mulder PPJ, Nielen MWF. Multiple heart-cutting two dimensional liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Chromatogr A 2017; 1503:38-48. [PMID: 28487121 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and their and the corresponding N-oxides (PAs-ox) are genotoxic plant metabolites which can be present as unwanted contaminants in food products of herbal origin like tea and food supplements. PAs and PAs-ox come in a wide variety of molecular structures including many structural isomers. For toxicity assessment it is important to determine the composition of a sample and to resolve all isomeric PAs and PAs-ox, which is currently not possible in one liquid or gas chromatographic (LC or GC) run. In this study an online two dimensional liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (2D-LC QToF-MS) method was developed to resolve isomeric PAs and PAs-ox. After comprehensive column and mobile phase selection a polar endcapped C18 column was used at pH 3 in the first dimension, and a cross-linked C18 column at pH 10 in the second dimension. Injection solvents, column IDs, flow rates and temperatures were carefully optimized. The method with column selection valve switching described in this study was able to resolve and visualize 20 individual PAs/PAs-ox (6 sets of isomers) in one 2D-LC QToF-MS run. Moreover, it was shown that all isomeric PAs/PAs-ox could be unambiguously annotated. The method was shown to be applicable for the determination and quantification of isomeric PAs/PAs-ox in plant extracts and could be easily extended to include other PAs and PAs-ox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou G M van de Schans
- RIKILT Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marco H Blokland
- RIKILT Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul W Zoontjes
- RIKILT Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick P J Mulder
- RIKILT Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michel W F Nielen
- RIKILT Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
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23
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Wieland M, Mann S, Hafner-Marx A, Ignatius A, Metzner M. Hepatic Lipodystrophy in Galloway Calves. Vet Pathol 2017; 54:467-474. [PMID: 28055330 DOI: 10.1177/0300985816684928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic lipodystrophy in Galloway calves is a fatal liver disease affecting a small proportion of the Galloway breed described in different parts of Europe and North America during the past decades. The clinical findings include a diversity of neurological signs. Clinical pathology findings frequently indicate hepatobiliary disease. Postmortem examination reveals an enlarged, pale yellow, and firm liver. Histologic lesions include hepatic fibrosis, hepatic lipidosis, and bile duct hyperplasia. To date, the etiopathogenesis remains obscure. Infectious causes, intoxications, and a hereditary origin have been considered. We describe hepatic lipodystrophy in Galloway calves from an extensively farmed cow-calf operation in southern Germany. Main clinical findings in 6 calves were consistent with hepatic encephalopathy. Clinical pathology findings in 5 of 6 tested animals revealed increased concentration of total bilirubin (maximum value [MV], 54 μmol/l; reference range [RR], <8.5 μmol/l), direct bilirubin (MV, 20 μmol/l; RR, <3.4 μmol/l), increased activity of gamma glutamyl transferase (MV, 162 U/l; RR, <36 U/l) and glutamate dehydrogenase (MV, 420 U/l; RR, <16 U/l). In addition, activity of glutathione peroxidase was decreased in all tested ( n = 5) animals (MV, 61 U/g hemoglobin [Hb]; RR, >250 U/g Hb). Postmortem examination in 6 calves revealed a firm, diffusely enlarged yellow liver with a finely nodular surface. Histologic lesions included hepatic fibrosis, hepatic lipidosis, and bile duct hyperplasia. Our findings add to the existing data on hepatic lipodystrophy in the Galloway breed and outline a protocol to aid in the diagnosis of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wieland
- 1 Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany.,2 Current address: Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - S Mann
- 1 Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany.,2 Current address: Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - A Hafner-Marx
- 3 Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Office Oberschleissheim, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - A Ignatius
- 4 Bavarian Animal Health Service, Günzburg, Germany
| | - M Metzner
- 1 Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Stegelmeier BL, Colegate SM, Brown AW. Dehydropyrrolizidine Alkaloid Toxicity, Cytotoxicity, and Carcinogenicity. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E356. [PMID: 27916846 PMCID: PMC5198550 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8120356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid (DHPA)-producing plants have a worldwide distribution amongst flowering plants and commonly cause poisoning of livestock, wildlife, and humans. Previous work has produced considerable understanding of DHPA metabolism, toxicity, species susceptibility, conditions, and routes of exposure, and pathogenesis of acute poisoning. Intoxication is generally caused by contaminated grains, feed, flour, and breads that result in acute, high-dose, short-duration poisoning. Acute poisoning produces hepatic necrosis that is usually confirmed histologically, epidemiologically, and chemically. Less is known about chronic poisoning that may result when plant populations are sporadic, used as tisanes or herbal preparations, or when DHPAs contaminate milk, honey, pollen, or other animal-derived products. Such subclinical exposures may contribute to the development of chronic disease in humans or may be cumulative and probably slowly progress until liver failure. Recent work using rodent models suggest increased neoplastic incidence even with very low DHPA doses of short durations. These concerns have moved some governments to prohibit or limit human exposure to DHPAs. The purpose of this review is to summarize some recent DHPA research, including in vitro and in vivo DHPA toxicity and carcinogenicity reports, and the implications of these findings with respect to diagnosis and prognosis for human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan L Stegelmeier
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, 1150 East 1400 North, Logan, UT 84341, USA.
| | - Steven M Colegate
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, 1150 East 1400 North, Logan, UT 84341, USA.
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
| | - Ammon W Brown
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA.
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Kristanc L, Kreft S. European medicinal and edible plants associated with subacute and chronic toxicity part I: Plants with carcinogenic, teratogenic and endocrine-disrupting effects. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 92:150-64. [PMID: 27090581 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, the use of herbal medicines and food products has been widely embraced in many developed countries. These products are generally highly accepted by consumers who often believe that "natural" equals "safe". This is, however, an oversimplification because several botanicals have been found to contain toxic compounds in concentrations harmful to human health. Acutely toxic plants are in most cases already recognised as dangerous as a result of their traditional use, but plants with subacute and chronic toxicity are difficult or even impossible to detect by traditional use or by clinical research studies. In this review, we systematically address major issues including the carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and endocrine-disrupting effects associated with the use of herbal preparations with a strong focus on plant species that either grow natively or are cultivated in Europe. The basic information regarding the molecular mechanisms of the individual subtypes of plant-induced non-acute toxicity is given, which is followed by a discussion of the pathophysiological and clinical characteristics. We describe the genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of alkenylbenzenes, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and bracken fern ptaquiloside, the teratogenicity issues regarding anthraquinone glycosides and specific alkaloids, and discuss the human health concerns regarding the phytoestrogens and licorice consumption in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Kristanc
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Primary Healthcare of Gorenjska, ZD Kranj, Gosposvetska Ulica 10, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia.
| | - Samo Kreft
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška Cesta 32, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract
AbstractBuckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, F. tataricum Gaertner) groats and flour have been established globally as nutritional foods because of their high levels of proteins, polyphenols and minerals. In some regions, buckwheat herb is used as a functional food. In the present study, reports of in vitro studies, preclinical and clinical trials dealing with the effect of buckwheat and its metabolites were reviewed. There are numerous reports of potential health benefits of consuming buckwheat, which may be in the form of food, dietary supplements, home remedies or possibly pharmaceutical drugs; however, adverse effects, including those resulting from contamination, must be considered. There are reports of antioxidative activity of buckwheat, which contains high levels of rutin and quercetin. On the other hand, both cytotoxic and antigenotoxic effects have been shown. Reduction of hyperlipidaemia, reduction of blood pressure and improved weight regulation have been suggested. Consuming buckwheat may have a beneficial effect on diabetes, since lower postprandial blood glucose and insulin response have been reported. In addition, buckwheat metabolites, such as rutin, may have intrinsic protective effects in preserving insulin signalling. Rutin has also been suggested to have potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The literature indicates that buckwheat is safe to consume and may have various beneficial effects on human health.
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Li YH, Tai WCS, Xue JY, Wong WY, Lu C, Ruan JQ, Li N, Wan TF, Chan WY, Hsiao WLW, Lin G. Proteomic Study of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid-Induced Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome in Rats. Chem Res Toxicol 2015; 28:1715-27. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5b00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hong Li
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Chi-Shing Tai
- Centre
of Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine & Translational Science, Hong Kong Baptist University Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun-Yi Xue
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Yan Wong
- Centre
of Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Centre
of Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Institute
of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Qing Ruan
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Na Li
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tai-Fung Wan
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wood-Yee Chan
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wen-Luan Wendy Hsiao
- State
Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Ge Lin
- School
of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Stegelmeier BL, Brown AW, Welch KD. Safety concerns of herbal products and traditional Chinese herbal medicines: dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids and aristolochic acid. J Appl Toxicol 2015; 35:1433-7. [PMID: 26152912 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In many countries, including the United States, herbal supplements, tisanes and vegetable products, including traditional Chinese medicines, are largely unregulated and their content is not registered, monitored or verified. Consequently, potent plant toxins including dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids and other potential carcinogens can contaminate these products. As herbal and food supplement producers are left to their own means to determine the safety and purity of their products prior to marketing, disturbingly often good marketing practices currently in place are ignored and content is largely undocumented. Historical examples of poisoning and health issues relating to plant material containing dehydopyrrolizidine alkaloids and aristolochic acids were used as examples to demonstrate the risk and potential toxicity of herbal products, food supplements, or traditional medicines. More work is needed to educate consumers of the potential risk and require the industry to be more responsible to verify the content and insure the safety of their products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan L Stegelmeier
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agriculture Research Service, Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, 84341, USA
| | - Ammon W Brown
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agriculture Research Service, Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, 84341, USA
| | - Kevin D Welch
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agriculture Research Service, Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, 84341, USA
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Edgar JA, Molyneux RJ, Colegate SM. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Potential Role in the Etiology of Cancers, Pulmonary Hypertension, Congenital Anomalies, and Liver Disease. Chem Res Toxicol 2014; 28:4-20. [PMID: 25483859 DOI: 10.1021/tx500403t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Large outbreaks of acute food-related poisoning, characterized by hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, hemorrhagic necrosis, and rapid liver failure, occur on a regular basis in some countries. They are caused by 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids contaminating locally grown grain. Similar acute poisoning can also result from deliberate or accidental consumption of 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herbal medicines, teas, and spices. In recent years, it has been confirmed that there is also significant, low-level dietary exposure to 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids in many countries due to consumption of common foods such as honey, milk, eggs, salads, and meat. The level of 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids in these foods is generally too low and too intermittent to cause acute toxicity. However, these alkaloids are genotoxic and can cause slowly developing chronic diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancers, cirrhosis, and congenital anomalies, conditions unlikely to be easily linked with dietary exposure to 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids, especially if clinicians are unaware that such dietary exposure is occurring. This Perspective provides a comprehensive review of the acute and chronic toxicity of 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids and their potential to initiate certain chronic diseases, and suggests some associative considerations or indicators to assist in recognizing specific cases of diseases that may have resulted from dietary exposure to these hazardous natural substances. If it can be established that low-level dietary exposure to 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids is a significant cause of some of these costly and debilitating diseases, then this should lead to initiatives to reduce the level of these alkaloids in the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Edgar
- CSIRO Food and Nutrition , 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Russell J Molyneux
- Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo , 34 Rainbow Drive, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Steven M Colegate
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, ARS/USDA , 1150 East 1400 North, Logan, Utah 84341, United States
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Gardiner P, Adams D, Filippelli AC, Nasser H, Saper R, White L, Vohra S. A systematic review of the reporting of adverse events associated with medical herb use among children. Glob Adv Health Med 2014; 2:46-55. [PMID: 24416663 PMCID: PMC3833530 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2012.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Information about the safety of herbal medicine often comes from case reports published in the medical literature, thus necessitating good quality reporting of these adverse events. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the comprehensiveness of reporting of published case reports of adverse events associated with herb use in the pediatric population. METHODS Electronic literature search included 7 databases and a manual search of retrieved articles from inception through 2010. We included published case reports and case series that reported an adverse event associated with exposure to an herbal product by children under the age of 18 years old. We used descriptive statistics. Based on the International Society of Epidemiology's "Guidelines for Submitting Adverse Events Reports for Publication," we developed and assigned a guideline adherence score (0-17) to each case report. RESULTS Ninety-six unique journal papers were identified and represented 128 cases. Of the 128 cases, 37% occurred in children under 2 years old, 38% between the ages of 2 and 8 years old, and 23% between the ages of 9 and 18 years old. Twenty-nine percent of cases were the result of an intentional ingestion while 36% were from an unintentional ingestion. Fifty-two percent of cases documented the Latin binomial of the herb ingredients; 41% documented plant part. Thirty-two percent of the cases reported laboratory testing of the herb, 20% documented the manufacturer of the product, and 22% percent included an assessment of the potential concomitant therapies that could have been influential in the adverse events. Mean guideline adherence score was 12.5 (range 6-17). CONCLUSIONS There is considerable need for improvement in reporting adverse events in children following herb use. Without better quality reporting, adverse event reports cannot be interpreted reliably and do not contribute in a meaningful way to guiding recommendations for medicinal herb use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Gardiner
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Denise Adams
- CARE Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Amanda C Filippelli
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Hafsa Nasser
- CARE Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Robert Saper
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Laura White
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, United States
| | - Sunita Vohra
- CARE Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Sandini TM, Udo MS, Reis‐Silva TM, Bernardi MM, Spinosa HDS. Prenatal exposure to integerrimine N‐oxide impaired the maternal care and the physical and behavioral development of offspring rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 36:53-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thaísa M. Sandini
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological AnalysesFaculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloAv. Prof. Dr. Lineu Prestes, 58005508‐000São PauloBrazil
| | - Mariana S.B. Udo
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological AnalysesFaculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloAv. Prof. Dr. Lineu Prestes, 58005508‐000São PauloBrazil
| | - Thiago M. Reis‐Silva
- Department of NeuroscienceInstitute of PsychologyUniversity of São PauloAv. Prof. Dr. Melo de Morais, 172105508‐030São PauloBrazil
| | - Maria Martha Bernardi
- Graduate Program of Environmental and Experimental Pathology and Graduate Program DentistryPaulista University, UNIPRua Dr. Bacelar, 121204026‐002São PauloBrazil
| | - Helenice de S. Spinosa
- Department of PathologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sao PauloAv. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 8705508 270São PauloBrazil
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Griffin CT, O’Mahony J, Danaher M, Furey A. Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Detection of Targeted Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Honeys Purchased within Ireland. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-014-9855-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Griffin CT, Gosetto F, Danaher M, Sabatini S, Furey A. Investigation of targeted pyrrolizidine alkaloids in traditional Chinese medicines and selected herbal teas sourced in Ireland using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2014; 31:940-61. [PMID: 24645695 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2014.900193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Publications linking hepatotoxicity to the use of herbal preparations are escalating. Herbal teas, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and dietary supplements have been shown to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Acute PA toxicosis of the liver can result in sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome, also known as veno-occlusive disease (VOD). This paper describes a sensitive and robust method for the detection of targeted PAs and their N-oxides (PANOs) in herbal products (selected herbal teas and TCMs) sourced within Ireland. The sample preparation includes a simple acidic extraction with clean-up via solid-phase extraction (SPE). Sample extracts were accurately analysed by using LC-ESI-MS/MS applying for the first time a pentafluorophenyl (PFP) core-shell column to the chromatographic separation of PAs and PANOs. The method was validated for selectivity, taking into consideration matrix effects, specificity, linearity, precision and trueness. Limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantitation (LOQ) were quantified for all PAs and PANOs ranging from 0.4 to 1.9 µg kg⁻¹ and from 1.3 to 6.3 µg kg⁻¹, respectively. In this study 10 PAs and four PANOs were targeted because they are commercially available as reference standards. Therefore, this study can only report the levels of these PAs and PANOs analysed in the herbal teas and TCMs. The results reported represent the minimum levels of PAs and PANOs present in the samples analysed; commercially available herbal teas (n = 18) and TCMs (n = 54). A total of 50% herbal teas and 78% Chinese medicines tested positive for one or more PAs and/or PANOs included within this study, ranging from 10 to 1733 and from 13 to 3668 µg kg⁻¹, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline T Griffin
- a Department of Chemistry, Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) , Mass Spectrometry Research Centre (MSRC) and Team Elucidate Research Groups , Cork , Ireland
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de Nijs M, Elbers IJ, Mulder PP. Inter-laboratory comparison study for pyrrolizidine alkaloids in animal feed using spiked and incurred material. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2014; 31:288-99. [DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2013.871757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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35
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Edgar JA. Food contaminants capable of causing cancer, pulmonary hypertension and cirrhosis. Med J Aust 2014; 200:73-4. [DOI: 10.5694/mja13.10227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John A Edgar
- CSIRO Animal, Food and Health Sciences, Sydney, NSW
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36
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Li YH, Kan WLT, Li N, Lin G. Assessment of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced toxicity in an in vitro screening model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 150:560-567. [PMID: 24045176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a group of heterocyclic phytotoxins present in a wide range of plants. The consumption of PA-containing medicinal herbs or PA-contaminated foodstuffs has long been reported to cause human hepatotoxicity. However, the degrees of hepatotoxicity of different PAs are unknown, which makes it difficult to determine a universal threshold of toxic dose of individual PAs for safe regulation of PA-containing natural products. The aim of the present study is to develop a simple and convenient in vitro model to assess the hepatotoxicity of different PAs. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six common cytotoxicity assays were used to evaluate the hepatotoxicity of different PAs in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. RESULTS The combination of MTT and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation (BrdU) assays demonstrated to be a suitable method to evaluate the toxic potencies of various PAs in HepG2 cells, and the results indicated that otonecine-type PA (clivorine: IC₂₀=0.013 ± 0.004 mM (MTT), 0.066 ± 0.031 mM (BrdU)) exhibited significantly higher cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects than retronecine-type PA (retrorsine: IC₂₀=0.27 ± 0.07 mM (MTT), 0.19 ± 0.03 mM (BrdU)). While as expected, the known less toxic platyphylline-type PA (platyphylline: IC₂₀=0.85 ± 0.11 mM (MTT), 1.01 ± 0.40 mM (BrdU)) exhibited significantly less toxicity. The different cytotoxic and anti-proliferative potencies of various PAs in the same retronecine-type could also be discriminated by using the combined MTT and BrdU assays. In addition, the developed assays were further utilized to test alkaloid extract of Gynura segetum, a senecionine and seneciphylline-containing herb, the overall cytotoxicity of two PAs in the extract was comparable to that of these two PAs tested individually. CONCLUSION Using the developed in vitro model, the cytotoxicity of different PAs and the extract of a PA-containing herb were investigated in parallel in one system, and their different hepatotoxic potencies were determined and directly compared for the first time. The results suggested that the developed model has a great potential to be applied for the quick screening of the toxicity of PAs and PA-containing natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hong Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.
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37
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Aydın AA, Letzel T. Simultaneous investigation of sesquiterpenes, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and N-oxides in Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) with an offline 2D-combination of HPLC-UV and LC-MMI-ToF-MS. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2013; 85:74-82. [PMID: 23906985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
With the worldwide rapid increasing interest in the use of natural products as dietary supplements, medical remedies and functional foods, it has been accepted that omitting the plant constituents with potential adverse effects was a huge fault of the past. Several countries developed regulations to limit the consumption of such products in the markets. Among these natural products, butterbur (Petasites) has been used for years as herbal supplement for its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its hepatotoxic alkaloid content limits the direct usage. In this study, investigation of sesquiterpenes and pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) together with their N-oxide forms has been conducted with an offline 2D-combination using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV) and liquid chromatography - multi mode ionization - time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-MMI-ToF-MS) for plant screening. The content has been qualitatively investigated to provide information on the constituents of the plant rhizomes extracted using ethanol. Besides the reported hepatotoxic and medically bio-active plant constituents, a strategy has been suggested for estimating the retention order and retention times with respect to calculated logD (distribution coefficient) and hydrophobicity distributions on C18 reversed-phase column when all standard compounds are not available in laboratory. In this sense, the influence of calculated logD and hydrophobicity distributions on retention time has been clarified via available PA and PA-N-oxide standards. The ethanolic extract of Petasites hybridus has been used for examination of the strategy in a real-sample model. Additionally, the advantages of the developed HPLC-UV and LC-MMI-ToF-MS combination have been discussed with respect to the presented results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Alper Aydın
- Analytical Research Group, Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall, D-85748 Garching, Germany
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38
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Aydın AA, Zerbes V, Parlar H, Letzel T. The medical plant butterbur (Petasites): analytical and physiological (re)view. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2012; 75:220-9. [PMID: 23277154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2012.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2012] [Revised: 11/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Butterbur (Petasites) is an ancient plant which has been used for medical and edible purposes with its spasmolytic agents. However, toxic alkaloid content of the plant limits its direct usage. The paper covers the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and butterbur themes in detail in order to display the outline of alkaloid-free plant extract production for medical and edible purposes. The toxic PAs and medicinal constituents of the plant are described with emphasis on analytics, physiological effects and published patent data on alkaloid free extract production. The analytics is based on several commonly used analytical methods including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and enzyme linked immunoassay analysis of PAs and N-oxides based on published literature data of butterbur. The analyses of major medicinal constituents of butterbur are given and the physiological effects of these compounds have been discussed to attract attention to the importance of alkaloid-free extract production. The concentration distributions of the medicinal constituents and toxic PAs in different parts of the plant and the outcomes of the published patent data provide comprehensive information for proper plant raw-material selection and production of alkaloid-free butterbur extracts. The review is intended to guide researchers interested in medical plant extracts by providing comprehensive data on the medical plant butterbur and its chemical constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Alper Aydın
- Analytical Research Group, Institute of Water Quality Control, Technische Universität München, Am Coloumbwall, D-85748 Garching, Germany.
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Spezielle Arzneimitteltherapie in der Schwangerschaft. ARZNEIMITTEL IN SCHWANGERSCHAFT UND STILLZEIT 2012. [PMCID: PMC7271212 DOI: 10.1016/b978-3-437-21203-1.10002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wiedenfeld H. Plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids: toxicity and problems. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2011; 28:282-92. [PMID: 21360374 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2010.541288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are toxic for human and livestock. They undergo a metabolic toxication process in the liver which is the first target organ for PA poisoning. Worldwide many episodes of human PA intoxications are well reported. In many cases the reason for these intoxications has been PA contamination in food. The main tools for analysing food and fodder on PA content are based on GC and HPLC separation, followed by MS(-MS) detection. Actual incidents with toxic PA are the 'Jacobaea vulgaris (syn. Senecio jacobaea) problem' in Europe and the 'Ageratum conyzoides problem' in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wiedenfeld
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Edgar JA, Colegate SM, Boppré M, Molyneux RJ. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food: a spectrum of potential health consequences. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2011; 28:308-24. [PMID: 21360376 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2010.547520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Contamination of grain with 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine ester alkaloids (dehydroPAs) and their N-oxides is responsible for large incidents of acute and subacute food poisoning, with high morbidity and mortality, in Africa and in central and south Asia. Herbal medicines and teas containing dehydroPAs have also caused fatalities in both developed and developing countries. There is now increasing recognition that some staple and widely consumed foods are sometimes contaminated by dehydroPAs and their N-oxides at levels that, while insufficient to cause acute poisoning, greatly exceed maximum tolerable daily intakes and/or maximum levels determined by a number of independent risk assessment authorities. This suggests that there may have been cases of disease in the past not recognised as resulting from dietary exposure to dehydroPAs. A review of the literature shows that there are a number of reports of liver disease where either exposure to dehydroPAs was suspected but no source was identified or a dehydroPA-aetiology was not considered but the symptoms and pathology suggests their involvement. DehydroPAs also cause progressive, chronic diseases such as cancer and pulmonary arterial hypertension but proof of their involvement in human cases of these chronic diseases, including sources of exposure to dehydroPAs, has generally been lacking. Growing recognition of hazardous levels of dehydroPAs in a range of common foods suggests that physicians and clinicians need to be alert to the possibility that these contaminants may, in some cases, be a possible cause of chronic diseases such as cirrhosis, pulmonary hypertension and cancer in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Edgar
- CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences, North Ryde, Australia.
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Lin G, Wang JY, Li N, Li M, Gao H, Ji Y, Zhang F, Wang H, Zhou Y, Ye Y, Xu HX, Zheng J. Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome associated with consumption of Gynura segetum. J Hepatol 2011; 54:666-73. [PMID: 21146894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS One major cause of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is the intake of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-containing products. Over 8000 PA-induced HSOS cases have been reported worldwide and at least 51 among them were suspected to be attributed to exposure to the Chinese medicine 'Tusanqi'. PA-induced hepatotoxicity involves cytochrome P450-mediated metabolic activation of PAs to electrophilic pyrrolic metabolites which react with macromolecules, such as proteins. However, no studies have found such protein adduction in HSOS patients. We report one HSOS case confirmed by liver biopsy, where the patient claimed taking 'Tusanqi' as self-medication. METHODS The herb was analyzed by HPLC-MS, and its induced hepatotoxicity in rats was assessed by monitoring the alteration of serum ALT level and liver morphology. Blood pyrrole-protein adducts were determined by UPLC-MS. RESULTS The herb the patient consumed was identified as Gynura segetum, an erroneous substitute of non-PA-containing Sedum aizoon, called 'Tusanqi'. Hepatotoxic PAs senecionine and seneciphylline were detected in G. segetum. In the PA-exposed patient, serum pyrrole-protein adducts were detected by a newly developed analytical approach. The animal study showed a good correlation of liver injury with the ingestion of G. segetum. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, serum pyrrole-protein adducts were unequivocally detected in a PA-induced HSOS patient, and such adducts show a potential to be developed as a biomarker for the assessment of PA-induced HSOS. Similar to the well-known case of aristolochic acid-poisoning, the observed HSOS was confirmed to arise from the consumption of PA-containing G. segetum, an erroneous substitute of non-PA-containing S. aizoon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong.
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Satake M. [Safety information of healthy food used in Japan]. Food Hygiene and Safety Science (Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi) 2011; 51:408-14. [PMID: 21228532 DOI: 10.3358/shokueishi.51.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Motoyoshi Satake
- Institute of Environmental Science for Life, Ohanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
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Kleiman R, Rentz ED, Teshale E, Thompson N, Schurz-Rogers H. Update on research and activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the agency for toxic substances and disease registry. J Med Toxicol 2008; 4:197-200. [PMID: 18821495 DOI: 10.1007/bf03161201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kleiman
- Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
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Cao Y, Colegate SM, Edgar JA. Safety assessment of food and herbal products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids: interlaboratory consistency and the importance of N-oxide determination. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2008; 19:526-533. [PMID: 18618436 DOI: 10.1002/pca.1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Two recent mass spectrometry-based reports concerning Senecio scandens yielded remarkably dissimilar pyrrolizidine alkaloid constituents. In both studies, and in a related analysis of Senecio scandens and Tussilago farfara using micellar electrokinetic chromatography, the presence of hazardous N-oxides of the alkaloids was either not considered or was inadequately considered. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the methodologies used in these, and similar, studies in assessing the pyrrolizidine alkaloid content and the safety of food, food supplements and medicines for human use. OBJECTIVE To highlight essential analytical requirements for confident assessment of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-related safety of food and herbal products for human use. METHODOLOGY Direct infusion-ESI MS and HPLC-ESI MS were used to analyse samples derived from liquid-liquid partitioning experiments and from strong cation exchange, solid-phase extraction of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides. RESULTS A simple solvent partitioning experiment using pure senecionine and senecionine-N-oxide, two constituents reported in one of the mass spectrometry-based studies of S. scandens, clearly demonstrated the inadequacy of the reported method to detect and quantitate hazardous pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxide components. A preliminary LCMS analysis of commercially-prepared extracts of comfrey roots (Symphytum officinale and S. uplandicum s. l.) was used as a model to highlight the analytical importance of N-oxides in the safety assessment of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing medicinal herbs. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted significant differences in the reported identification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from the same plant species, and clearly demonstrated the inadequacy of some procedures to include N-oxides in the assessment of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-related safety of food and herbal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- CSIRO Livestock Industries, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Plant Toxins Research Group, Private Bag 24, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
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Boppré M, Colegate SM, Edgar JA, Fischer OW. Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in pollen and drying-related implications for commercial processing of bee pollen. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2008; 56:5662-5672. [PMID: 18553916 DOI: 10.1021/jf800568u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Using HPLC-ESI-MS, several saturated and 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids were detected, mainly as their N-oxides, in fresh pollen collected from flowers of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid-producing plants Echium vulgare, E. plantagineum, Senecio jacobaea, S. ovatus, and Eupatorium cannabinum, and/or pollen loads from bees (bee pollen) that foraged on those plants. A major alkaloidal metabolite in S. ovatus was tentatively identified, using its mass spectrometric data and biogenic considerations, as the previously unreported, saturated alkaloid, 2-hydroxysarracine. Heating had very little effect on the 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides from a variety of sources. Considered in conjunction with international concerns about the adverse effects of these alkaloids, the results strongly indicate a need for monitoring pollen supplies intended for human consumption, at least until conditions for processing and/or selection are clearly defined such as to significantly reduce the hepatotoxic (and potentially carcinogenic and genotoxic) pyrrolizidine alkaloid content of bee pollen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Boppré
- CSIRO Livestock Industries, Plant Toxins Research Group, Private Bag 24, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
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Abstract
Perceptions of safety and/or cultural mores prompt individuals to seek herbal slimming aids in preference to conventional dietary, physical activity and medication-based protocols. In recent years, terpenoid-containing dietary supplements have been implicated in causing severe and sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity. Teucrium polium (germander) was the first of these herbal products to be clearly linked to cases of acute liver failure. Subsequently, similar hepatotoxicity has been observed with other members of the Teucrium genus. While diterpenoid-derived reactive metabolites are central to germander hepatotoxicity, it may also be that the hepatic effects of compounds such as Sho-saiko-to, Centella asiatica and Black cohosh are linked to their triterpenoid content. Other non-terpenoid-containing herbal remedies marketed for weight reduction have been causally associated with significant liver injury. Important among these are preparations containing N-nitrosofenfluramine, usnic acid and ephedra alkaloids. Finally, we review recent data on known and emerging hepatotoxins such as Boh-Gol-Zhee, Kava, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and Shou-Wu-Pian. Better public and physician awareness through health education, early recognition and management of herbal toxicity and tighter regulation of complementary/alternative medicine systems are required to minimize the dangers of herbal product use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivakumar Chitturi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
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Opinion of the Panel on contaminants in the food chain [CONTAM] related to pyrrolizidine alkaloids as undesirable substances in animal feed. EFSA J 2007. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2007.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Spezielle Arzneimitteltherapie in der Schwangerschaft. ARZNEIVERORDNUNG IN SCHWANGERSCHAFT UND STILLZEIT 2006. [PMCID: PMC7271219 DOI: 10.1016/b978-343721332-8.50004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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