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High-sensitivity detection for cantharidin by ratiometric fluorescent sensor based on molecularly imprinted nanoparticles of quantum dots. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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2
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Yeung KA, Chai PR, Russell BL, Erickson TB. Avian Toxins and Poisoning Mechanisms. J Med Toxicol 2022; 18:321-333. [PMID: 35474563 PMCID: PMC9492810 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-022-00891-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
All around the world, there are species of birds that have developed the ability to acquire toxic chemicals in their bodies making them less palatable or even lethal when consumed or contacted. Exposure to poisonous bird species is rare among humans, yet their poisons can produce serious clinical outcomes. In this study, we conducted a literature search focusing on seven avian species: the pitohuis (Pitohui spp.), blue-capped ifrita (Ifrita kowaldi), European quail (Cortunix corturnix coturnix), spur or spoor-winged goose (Plectropterus gambensis), North American ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), Brush bronzewings (Phaps elegans), and European hoopoes and woodhoopoes (Upupa epops and Phoeniculus purpureus, respectively). We present the geographic distribution of each poisonous bird, toxin physiology and origin, clinical signs and symptoms of poisoning, cases of human toxicity if available and discuss the birds’ ability to prevent self-intoxication. Our results suggest that most cases of contact with toxic birds produce mild symptoms as most of these birds apart from the European quail (C. c. corturnix) and North American ruffed grouse (B. umbellus) are not commonly consumed by humans. Furthermore, we discuss several methods of toxin acquisition in these bird species, which are mostly diet acquired apart from the hoopoes and woodhoopoes (Upupa and Phoeniculus spp.) who have a symbiotic relationship with chemical-producing bacteria in their uropygial glands. In summary, our study provides a comprehensive review of the toxic physiology, clinical manifestations, and evolutionary insight to avian toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara A Yeung
- Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency (HAEMR) Program, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter R Chai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, Mass General Brigham, Vining St. Neville House Boston, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,The Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Division of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brendan L Russell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, Mass General Brigham, Vining St. Neville House Boston, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Timothy B Erickson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, Mass General Brigham, Vining St. Neville House Boston, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Harvard Humanitarian Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Zhang Y, Yu Y, Zhang J, Guan C, Liu L, Ren L. Biomarkers of myocardial injury in rats after cantharidin poisoning: Application for postmortem diagnosis and estimation of postmortem interval. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12069. [PMID: 32694590 PMCID: PMC7374104 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69118-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmortem diagnosis of cantharidin-induced myocardial injury and postmortem interval estimation (PMI) are the challenges in forensic science. Cardiac biomarkers play an important role in the prediction and diagnosis of myocardial injury and can be used to determine the PMI. Based on the evidence, we aimed to explore the biomarkers which may be used for the postmortem diagnosis of cantharidin-induced myocardial injury and PMI estimation using the study of the proteins expression of TN-T, VEGF and HIF-1α by ELISA. Results of this study suggested that postmortem pathological changes were difficult to identify due to the autolysis of myocardium 72 h after death in cantharidin poisoning group. The plasma levels of TN-T and HIF-1α/TN-T are cardiac biomarkers with higher diagnostic accuracy for postmortem diagnosis of cantharidin-induced myocardial injury, VEGF/HIF-1α promises to be a biomarker for PMI estimation. Further studies are needed to verify these biomarkers, based on population, for being a useful tool in postmortem diagnosis of cantharidin-induced myocardial injury and PMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyou Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yalei Yu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chuhuai Guan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Liang Ren
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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4
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Zhang Y, Liu L, Ren L. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determination of cantharidin in biological specimens and application to postmortem interval estimation in cantharidin poisoning. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10438. [PMID: 32591575 PMCID: PMC7320148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67278-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A rapid, sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination and quantification of cantharidin in rats liver and kidney. After grinding with methanol, the supernatant was determined by LC-MS/MS using an Thermo Accucore C18 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 2.6 μm) with a gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid and 0.1% acetonitrile, and in the subsequent analysis using selected reaction monitoring mode, three ion transitions were monitored for analyte. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.741 ng/ml and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 2.471 ng/ml. Good linearity (R2 = 0.9998) was observed for the analyte over the linear range (5–400 ng/ml). The LC-MS/MS method was applied to the analysis of rats liver and kidney in different postmortem intervals (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 168 h after death) after a single dose (4 mg/kg) of cantharidin administration by gavage. At 72 h after death, the cantharidin concentration in livers and kidneys were significantly higher than that in other postmortem intervals. Linear regression equations between postmortem interval and lg postmortem cantharidin concentration in rats liver and kidney were Y = 0.007455*X + 1.332(R2 = 0.863) and Y = 0.002689*X + 1.433 (R2 = 0.115) respectively. The animal experiment demonstrated LC-MS/MS method can be used to determine the postmortem cantharidin concentration in rats liver and kidney and the determination of cantharidin in the rats liver after death has potential value for postmortem interval estimation in cantharidin poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyou Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Liang Ren
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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5
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From Cord to Eye: Wharton Jelly-Derived Stem Cells Differentiate Into Corneal Endothelial–Like Cells. Cornea 2020; 39:877-885. [DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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6
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Abstract
Traditional medicines in the form of health food and supplements are highly popular nowadays. They are often aggressively promoted with unsubstantiated health benefit claims. Patients suffering from chronic illness, such as psychiatric disorders may be attracted to these products and use them concurrently with their prescribed drugs. The potential danger of these health supplements and traditional medicines containing products have prompted repeated warnings by the US Food and Drug Administration in recent years. A new initiative by the Food and Drug Administration in 2019 was also implemented to strengthen the oversight of these supplements. The WHO global compendium will include traditional medicines in 2019, which has generated much debate about their safety. Many practising psychiatrists are not familiar with traditional medicines, and clinically useful information is also not easily available. In this review, we examine the nature and safety of commonly encountered traditional medicine in these health food products and supplements.
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Su CC, Lee KI, Chen MK, Kuo CY, Tang CH, Liu SH. Cantharidin Induced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis via the JNK-Regulated Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Related Signaling Pathways. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168095. [PMID: 27930712 PMCID: PMC5145211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a subtype of head and neck cancer which represents 2.65% of all human malignancies. Most of oral cancer is histopathologically diagnosed as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OSCC is characterized by a high degree of local invasion and a high rate of metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes. How to prevention and treatment of OSCC is important and imperative. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of cantharidin, an active compound isolated from blister beetles, on OSCC in vitro. Results showed that cantharidin significantly decreased cell viability in human tongue squamous carcinoma-derived SAS, CAL-27, and SCC-4 cell lines. The further mechanistic studies were carried out in SAS cells. Cantharidin also significantly increased apoptosis-related signals, including caspase-9, caspase-7 and caspase-3 proteins. Besides, cantharidin decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP) and induced cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) release. Cantharidin also increased Bax, Bid, and Bak protein expressions and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression. Cantharidin could also increase the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signals, including the expressions of phosphorylated eIF-2α and CHOP, but not Grp78 and Grp94. Furthermore, cantharidin reduced pro-caspase-12 protein expression. In signals of mitogen-activated protein kinases, cantharidin increased the phosphorylation of JNK, but not ERK and p38. Transfection of shRNA-JNK to OSCC cells effectively reversed the cantharidin-induced cell apoptotic signals, including the mitochondrial and ER stress-related signaling molecules. Taken together, these findings suggest that cantharidin induces apoptosis in OSCC cells via the JNK-regulated mitochondria and ER stress-related signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chuan Su
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-I Lee
- Department of Emergency, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Kuan Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ying Kuo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Tang
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shing Hwa Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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8
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Mebs D, Kettner M. Vergiftungen durch Tiere des Festlands. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-015-0052-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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9
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Hsia TC, Lin JH, Hsu SC, Tang NY, Lu HF, Wu SH, Lin JG, Chung JG. Cantharidin induces DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair-associated protein levels in NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2015; 30:1135-1143. [PMID: 24639390 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin is one of the major compounds from mylabris and it has cytotoxic effects in many different types of human cancer cells. Previously, we found that cantharidin induced cell death through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells. However, cantharidin-affected DNA damage, repair, and associated protein levels in NCI-H460 cells have not been examined. In this study, we determined whether cantharidin induced DNA damage and condensation and altered levels of proteins in NCI-H460 cells in vitro. Incubation of NCI-H460 cells with 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 μM of cantharidin caused a longer DNA migration smear (comet tail). Cantharidin also increased DNA condensation. These effects were dose-dependent. Cantharidin (5, 10, and 15 μM) treatment of NCI-H460 cells reduced protein levels of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), breast cancer 1, early onset (BRCA-1), 14-3-3 proteins sigma (14-3-3σ), DNA-dependent serine/threonine protein kinase (DNA-PK), O(6) -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), and mediator of DNA damage checkpoint protein 1 (MDC1). Protein translocation of p-p53, p-H2A.X (S140), and MDC1 from cytoplasm to nucleus was induced by cantharidin in NCI-H460 cells. Taken together, this study showed that cantharidin caused DNA damage and inhibited levels of DNA repair-associated proteins. These effects may contribute to cantharidin-induced cell death in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Chun Hsia
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Hwa Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chun Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Nou-Ying Tang
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Feng Lu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Hwar Wu
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, 500, Taiwan
| | - Jaung-Geng Lin
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Wufeng, Taichung, 413, Taiwan
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10
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Kadioglu O, Kermani NS, Kelter G, Schumacher U, Fiebig HH, Greten HJ, Efferth T. Pharmacogenomics of cantharidin in tumor cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 87:399-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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11
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Chen L, Huang GZ. Poisoning by toxic animals in China—18 autopsy case studies and a comprehensive literature review. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 232:e12-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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12
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Qualls H, Holbrook T, Gilliam L, Njaa B, Panciera R, Pope C, Payton M. Evaluation of Efficacy of Mineral Oil, Charcoal, and Smectite in a Rat Model of Equine Cantharidin Toxicosis. J Vet Intern Med 2013; 27:1179-84. [DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- H.J. Qualls
- Weatherford Equine Medical Center, PC; Weatherford TX
| | | | | | - B.L. Njaa
- Department of Pathobiology; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater OK
| | - R.J. Panciera
- Department of Pathobiology; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater OK
| | - C.N. Pope
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater OK
| | - M.E. Payton
- Department of Statistics; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater OK
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13
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Huan SKH, Wang KT, Yeh SD, Lee CJ, Lin LC, Liu DZ, Wang CC. Scutellaria baicalensis alleviates cantharidin-induced rat hemorrhagic cystitis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 overexpression. Molecules 2012; 17:6277-89. [PMID: 22634839 PMCID: PMC6268386 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17066277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin, an active component in mylabris, is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat scabies and hepatoma, but accompanied by hemorrhagic cystitis. Evidence shows that cantharidin induces human bladder carcinoma cell death through COX-2 overexpression in vitro. In TCM, Scutellaria baicalensis is usually used to cure mylabris-induced hematuria. This work was undertaken to determine the mechanisms of cantharidin-induced rat hemorrhagic cystitis and explore the uroprotective effect of S. baicalensis. In vitro results showed cantharidin could induce cytotoxicity through prostaglandin (PG)E₂ overproduction of T24 cells. Boiling-water extract of S. baicalensis (SB-WE) could significantly inhibit PGE₂ production and COX-2 expression in lipo-polysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells, indicating obvious anti-inflammatory abilities. In vivo results indicated that cantharidin caused rat hemorrhagic cystitis with hematuria via c-Fos and COX-2 overexpression. SB-WE was given orally to cantharidin-treated rats, whereby hematuria level, elevated PGE₂ and COX-2 protein overexpression were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by SB-WE. The anti-inflammatory components of SB-WE are baicalin and wogonin, whose contents were 200.95 ± 2.00 and 31.93 ± 0.26 μg/mg, respectively. In conclusion, cantharidin induces rat cystitis through c-Fos and COX-2 over-expression and S. baicalensis can prevent the resulting hematuria because of its anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Kuan-Hua Huan
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, No.21, Taikang, Liuying Dist., Tainan City 73657, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Research, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Kun-Teng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan; (K.-T.W.); (C.-J.L.); (L.-C.L.)
- Section of Biologics & Advanced Therapeutic Product Analysis, Division of Research and Analysis, Food and Drug Administration, No.161-2, Kunyang St, Nangang District, Taipei City 11561, Taiwan
| | - Shauh-Der Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Research, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Jung Lee
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan; (K.-T.W.); (C.-J.L.); (L.-C.L.)
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan; (K.-T.W.); (C.-J.L.); (L.-C.L.)
| | - Der-Zen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Chiung Wang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan; (K.-T.W.); (C.-J.L.); (L.-C.L.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 6161); Fax: +886-2-2732-9368
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Mebs D, Pogoda W, Schneider M, Kauert G. Cantharidin and demethylcantharidin (palasonin) content of blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) from southern Africa. Toxicon 2009; 53:466-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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15
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Xia L, Bai LP, Yi L, Liu BB, Chu C, Liang ZT, Li P, Jiang ZH, Zhao ZZ. Authentication of the 31 species of toxic and potent Chinese Materia medica (T/PCMM) by microscopic technique, part 1: three kinds of toxic and potent animal CMM. Microsc Res Tech 2008; 70:960-8. [PMID: 17661389 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Microscopic authentication is an effective method for quality control of Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) because of its speed, convenience and low cost. However, the application of modern microscopic technique in quality evaluation of Toxic and Potent Chinese Materia Medica (T/PCMM) of animal origin is seldom reported. This gap in published knowledge is increasingly serious because confusion in T/PCMM has led to serious medical problems in China and other countries in recent years. To ensure the safe and effective use of T/PCMM, an accurate and convenient method, based on macroscopic and microscopic techniques, was developed for the authentication of animal T/PCMM. The color microscopic photos of the crude drug were acquired with the light microscope, and from these their morphological and microscopic characters were described. The present method was successfully applied in the analysis of 31 T/PCMM including 17 samples originating from plants, 3 from animals, 9 from minerals, and the remaining 2 from secreta. The macro- and microscopic characters of three animal T/PCMM, namely Mylabris (Mylabris phalerata or Mylabris cichorii), Huechys (Huechys sanguinea), and Lytta (Lytta caraganae) were conclusively determined and are here presented. The results demonstrated that it was feasible to use the present microscopic characters for the authentication of the above three animal T/PCMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xia
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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16
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Huan SKH, Lee HH, Liu DZ, Wu CC, Wang CC. Cantharidin-induced cytotoxicity and cyclooxygenase 2 expression in human bladder carcinoma cell line. Toxicology 2006; 223:136-43. [PMID: 16697099 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2006.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2006] [Revised: 03/14/2006] [Accepted: 03/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mylabris is used in clinical therapy, but is always accompanied by cystitis. The toxic effects of mylabris on bladder are attributed to its active principle: cantharidin. In the present study, we explored how cantharidin induces cytotoxicity in the bladder. Human bladder carcinoma cell line T 24 cells were used as target cells, and human colon carcinoma HT 29 cells as native cells. Cantharidin exhibited acute cytotoxicity in the T 24 cells, and IC(50) was 21.8, 11.2 and 4.6 microM after treatment for 6, 24 and 48 h, respectively. The cytotoxicity of cantharidin was not significantly enhanced when T 24 cells were treated for a longer time. Moreover, PARP proteins and pro-caspase 3, Bcl-2 were significantly inhibited after cantharidin treatment in T 24 cells. Pretreatment with the caspase 3 inhibitor markedly inhibited cantharidin-induced cell death. Therefore, we suggested that cantharidin could induce apoptosis via active caspase 3 in T 24 cells. When T 24 cells were treated with cantharidin at a low dose, the cell cycle was arrested in the G(2)/M phase. Furthermore, p21(Cip1/Waf1) was enhanced, and cyclin A, B1 and cdk1 decreased. At a high dose (more 12.5 microM), cantharidin could stimulate T 24 cells to deplete a large number of ATP and induce secondary necrosis. In addition, cantharidin also stimulated COX 2 over-expression and PGE(2) production in T 24 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. However, cantharidin also induced apoptosis and G(2)/M phase arrest in HT 29 cells, but did not induce COX 2 over-expression. Therefore, we suggest that cantharidin may induce cystitis through secondary necrosis and COX 2 over-expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Kuan-Hua Huan
- .Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
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Abstract
The emerging nation of South Africa, in common with some other countries, notably Eastern Europe, is heir to decades of neglect with regards to the exposure of the majority of its population to toxic materials. In this short review, the major toxic health hazards are described. For most of these risks there are now programs in place to improve the situation, but co-ordination and financial constraints, along with the fact that the majority of the population neither live, nor work, in a controlled environment, mean that much remains to be done. The recent formation of a South African Toxicology society, which strives to bring together environmental, industrial, forensic and clinical toxicology should assist in an improvement, both in the epidemiology of toxicity in South Africa and in improved measures to reduce the incidence of preventable noncommunicable diseases related to both acute and chronic exposure to toxins. The South African scene also provides a "window' of opportunity to study the more fundamental aspects of exposure in human subjects and to couple these to animal and in vitro studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms where these are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Stewart
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Chemical Pathology SAIMR, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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18
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Abstract
Cantharidin, the active ingredient of "Spanish Fly", is contained in a number of insects collectively called blister beetles and is a well known toxin and vesicant. We report on a case of ingestion of Mylabris dicincta ("Blister beetle") in Zimbabwe by a 4 year old girl. The ingested beetles were probably mistaken for the edible Eulepida mashona. She presented with many of the classic signs and symptoms of cantharidin poisoning including haematuria and abdominal pains. This was recognised only after consultation with the drug information centre. She was managed conservatively, recovered and was discharged after 9 days. A overview of the clinical effects of cantharidin toxicity and its treatment is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tagwireyi
- Drug and Toxicology Information Service, Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Wang CC, Wu CH, Hsieh KJ, Yen KY, Yang LL. Cytotoxic effects of cantharidin on the growth of normal and carcinoma cells. Toxicology 2000; 147:77-87. [PMID: 10874155 DOI: 10.1016/s0300-483x(00)00185-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cantharidin is isolated from Mylabris phalerata Pallas and is a potent inhibitor of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep 3B cells). In the present study, the IC(50) values of cantharidin on Hep 3B cells and normal Chang liver cells were found to be 2.2 and 30.2 microM for 36 h, respectively. Furthermore, cantharidin-treated Hep 3B cells induced cell death within 1 h (IC(50)=52.8 microM), suggesting that cantharidin is an acute cytotoxic agent. We found that although cantharidin could induce cell death, it could not directly inhibit the activity of nucleic acid biosynthesis by the cellular incorporation of 3H-thymidine, 3H-uridine or 3H-leucine. Cantharidin-treated Hep 3B cells showed no evidence of major alterations in the cell cycle distribution within 1 h. However, examination of cells after treatment for 36 h showed that cantharidin regulated the cell cycle at the G(2)/M phase. Moreover, the treated Hep 3B cells had a rounded and shrunken appearance. The microvilli of treated Hep 3B cells were reduced in number and replaced by numerous blebs. Other ultrastructural changes following cantharidin treatment included the presence of lipid droplets, swelling of the mitochondria and accumulation of glycogen particles. The findings of damaged mitochondria in the cantharidin treated Hep 3B cells in this study suggest that cantharidin can induce acute and lethal toxic effects on Hep 3B cells by inhibiting the mitochondria energy system. In conclusion, this study had demonstrated that cantharidin could inhibit progression of all phases of the Hep 3B cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Wang
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy Science, Taipei Medical College, Taiwan
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Abstract
A case of fatal poisoning due to voluntary ingestion of cantharides powder for aphrodisiac purposes is reported. Clinical history, autopsy and analytical findings are described. Blood and urine samples collected during the 30 h of survival, as well as the cantharides product, were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. On the basis of the percentage of the active principle measured in the powder, an ingested dose of 26-45 mg of cantharidin could be estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Polettini
- Chair of Forensic Toxicology, University of Pavia, Italy
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