1
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Drinkard K, Barr JR, Kalb SR. Mass Spectrometric Detection and Differentiation of Enzymatically Active Abrin and Ricin Combined with a Novel Affinity Enrichment Technique. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:1218-1228. [PMID: 38963334 PMCID: PMC11256886 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Abrin and ricin are toxic proteins produced by plants. Both proteins are composed of two subunits, an A-chain and a B-chain. The A-chain is responsible for the enzymatic activity, which causes toxicity. The B-chain binds to glycoproteins on the cell surface to direct the A-chain to its target. Both toxins depurinate 28S rRNA, making it impossible to differentiate these toxins based on only their enzymatic activity. We developed an analytical workflow for both ricin and abrin using a single method and sample. We have developed a novel affinity enrichment technique based on the ability of the B-chain to bind a glycoprotein, asialofetuin. After the toxin is extracted with asialofetuin-coated magnetic beads, an RNA substrate is added. Then, depurination is detected by a benchtop matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometer to determine the presence or absence of an active toxin. Next, the beads are subjected to tryptic digest. Toxin fingerprinting is done on a benchtop MALDI-TOF MS. We validated the assay through sensitivity and specificity studies and determined the limit of detection for each toxin as nanogram level for enzymatic activity and μg level for toxin fingerprinting. We examined potential cross-reactivity from proteins that are near neighbors of the toxins and examined potential false results in the presence of white powders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn
K. Drinkard
- National Center for Environmental Health,
Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - John R. Barr
- National Center for Environmental Health,
Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Suzanne R. Kalb
- National Center for Environmental Health,
Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
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2
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Saravi B, Goebel U, Hassenzahl LO, Jung C, David S, Feldheiser A, Stopfkuchen-Evans M, Wollborn J. Capillary leak and endothelial permeability in critically ill patients: a current overview. Intensive Care Med Exp 2023; 11:96. [PMID: 38117435 PMCID: PMC10733291 DOI: 10.1186/s40635-023-00582-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) represents a phenotype of increased fluid extravasation, resulting in intravascular hypovolemia, extravascular edema formation and ultimately hypoperfusion. While endothelial permeability is an evolutionary preserved physiological process needed to sustain life, excessive fluid leak-often caused by systemic inflammation-can have detrimental effects on patients' outcomes. This article delves into the current understanding of CLS pathophysiology, diagnosis and potential treatments. Systemic inflammation leading to a compromise of endothelial cell interactions through various signaling cues (e.g., the angiopoietin-Tie2 pathway), and shedding of the glycocalyx collectively contribute to the manifestation of CLS. Capillary permeability subsequently leads to the seepage of protein-rich fluid into the interstitial space. Recent insights into the importance of the sub-glycocalyx space and preserving lymphatic flow are highlighted for an in-depth understanding. While no established diagnostic criteria exist and CLS is frequently diagnosed by clinical characteristics only, we highlight more objective serological and (non)-invasive measurements that hint towards a CLS phenotype. While currently available treatment options are limited, we further review understanding of fluid resuscitation and experimental approaches to target endothelial permeability. Despite the improved understanding of CLS pathophysiology, efforts are needed to develop uniform diagnostic criteria, associate clinical consequences to these criteria, and delineate treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Saravi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Goebel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lars O Hassenzahl
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Jung
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sascha David
- Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aarne Feldheiser
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Huyssens-Stiftung/Knappschaft, University of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Stopfkuchen-Evans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jakob Wollborn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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3
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Thiebot P, Maaziz N, Oppon C, Bertolo L, Magny R, Chevillard L, Mégarbane B, Houzé P, Labat L. Human plasma ricinine quantification by LC-HRMS after micro-solid-phase elution. Biomed Chromatogr 2023; 37:e5604. [PMID: 36776032 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
A rapid, sensitive and specific method for ricinine identification and quantification in plasma has been developed by LC-HRMS. Deuterated ricinine was used as the internal standard. From 100 μL of plasma, ricinine was extracted using micro-solid-phase elution, which allows a reduced extraction time, by eliminating the evaporation step. Eluate is directly injected into the LC-HRMS system. Chromatographic separation was performed using a reverse-phase C18 column with a 4.5 min gradient elution. The method was validated according to European Medicines Agency guidelines. Linearity was verified between 0.25 and 500.0 ng/mL; the maximum precision calculated was 19.9% for the lower limit of quantitation and 9.6% for quality control, and accuracy was within ± 5.6% of the nominal concentrations. Selectivity, carryover, matrix effect and stability were also verified according to European Medicines Agency guidelines. The method allows the rapid and reliable identification of ricin-exposed victims in case of terrorist attacks or poisonings: three intoxication cases are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Thiebot
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nada Maaziz
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Chrystelle Oppon
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Bertolo
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Romain Magny
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Bruno Mégarbane
- INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Réanimation Médicale et Toxicologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Houzé
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, CNRS UMR8258-U1022, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Labat
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Fédération de Toxicologie, Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France.,INSERM UMRS-1144, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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4
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Rasetti-Escargueil C, Avril A. Medical Countermeasures against Ricin Intoxication. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15020100. [PMID: 36828415 PMCID: PMC9966136 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ricin toxin is a disulfide-linked glycoprotein (AB toxin) comprising one enzymatic A chain (RTA) and one cell-binding B chain (RTB) contained in the castor bean, a Ricinus species. Ricin inhibits peptide chain elongation via disruption of the binding between elongation factors and ribosomes, resulting in apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage, in addition to the classically known rRNA damage. Ricin has been used in traditional medicine throughout the world since prehistoric times. Because ricin toxin is highly toxic and can be readily extracted from beans, it could be used as a bioweapon (CDC B-list). Due to its extreme lethality and potential use as a biological weapon, ricin toxin remains a global public health concern requiring specific countermeasures. Currently, no specific treatment for ricin intoxication is available. This review focuses on the drugs under development. In particular, some examples are reviewed to demonstrate the proof of concept of antibody-based therapy. Chemical inhibitors, small proteins, and vaccines can serve as alternatives to antibodies or may be used in combination with antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Rasetti-Escargueil
- Unité des Bactéries Anaérobies et Toxines, Institut Pasteur, 25 Avenue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Arnaud Avril
- Unité Immunopathologies, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
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5
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Parenteral Exposure of Mice to Ricin Toxin Induces Fatal Hypoglycemia by Cytokine-Mediated Suppression of Hepatic Glucose-6-Phosphatase Expression. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120820. [PMID: 36548717 PMCID: PMC9786807 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin toxin is an agent of biodefense concern and we have been developing countermeasures for ricin threats. In doing so, we sought biomarkers of ricin toxicosis and found that in mice parenteral injection of ricin toxin causes profound hypoglycemia, in the absence of other clinical laboratory abnormalities. We now seek to identify the mechanisms underlying this hypoglycemia. Within the first hours following injection, while still normoglycemic, lymphopenia and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion were observed, particularly tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The cytokine response evolved over the next day into a complex storm of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Evaluation of pancreatic function and histology demonstrated marked islet hypertrophy involving predominantly β-cells, but only mildly elevated levels of insulin secretion, and diminished hepatic insulin signaling. Drops in blood glucose were observed even after destruction of β-cells with streptozotocin. In the liver, we observed a rapid and persistent decrease in the expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) RNA and protein levels, accompanied by a drop in glucose-6-phosphate and increase in glycogen. TNF-α has previously been reported to suppress G6Pase expression. In humans, a genetic deficiency of G6Pase results in glycogen storage disease, type-I (GSD-1), a hallmark of which is potentially fatal hypoglycemia.
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6
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Kempa J, O’Shea-Stone G, Moss CE, Peters T, Marcotte TK, Tripet B, Eilers B, Bothner B, Copié V, Pincus SH. Distinct Metabolic States Are Observed in Hypoglycemia Induced in Mice by Ricin Toxin or by Fasting. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120815. [PMID: 36548712 PMCID: PMC9782143 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoglycemia may be induced by a variety of physiologic and pathologic stimuli and can result in life-threatening consequences if untreated. However, hypoglycemia may also play a role in the purported health benefits of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction. Previously, we demonstrated that systemic administration of ricin toxin induced fatal hypoglycemia in mice. Here, we examine the metabolic landscape of the hypoglycemic state induced in the liver of mice by two different stimuli: systemic ricin administration and fasting. Each stimulus produced the same decrease in blood glucose and weight loss. The polar metabolome was studied using 1H NMR, quantifying 59 specific metabolites, and untargeted LC-MS on approximately 5000 features. Results were analyzed by multivariate analyses, using both principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), to identify global metabolic patterns, and by univariate analyses (ANOVA) to assess individual metabolites. The results demonstrated that while there were some similarities in the responses to the two stimuli including decreased glucose, ADP, and glutathione, they elicited distinct metabolic states. The metabolite showing the greatest difference was O-phosphocholine, elevated in ricin-treated animals and known to be affected by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Another difference was the alternative fuel source utilized, with fasting-induced hypoglycemia primarily ketotic, while the response to ricin-induced hypoglycemia involves protein and amino acid catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Kempa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Galen O’Shea-Stone
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Corinne E. Moss
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Tami Peters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Tamera K. Marcotte
- Animal Resources Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Brian Tripet
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Brian Eilers
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Brian Bothner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Valérie Copié
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (S.H.P.)
| | - Seth H. Pincus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (S.H.P.)
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7
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Liu S, Tong Z, Jiang C, Gao C, Liu B, Mu X, Xu J, Du B, Liu Z, Wang J, Xu J. Ultra-sensitive electrochemiluminescence biosensor for abrin detection based on dual-labeled phage display affibodies and polystyrene nanospheres. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Natural Compounds and Products from an Anti-Aging Perspective. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27207084. [PMID: 36296673 PMCID: PMC9610014 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27207084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a very complex process that is accompanied by a degenerative impairment in many of the major functions of the human body over time. This inevitable process is influenced by hereditary factors, lifestyle, and environmental influences such as xenobiotic pollution, infectious agents, UV radiation, diet-borne toxins, and so on. Many external and internal signs and symptoms are related with the aging process and senescence, including skin dryness and wrinkles, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, etc. Oxidative stress, a consequence of the imbalance between pro- and antioxidants, is one of the main provoking factors causing aging-related damages and concerns, due to the generation of highly reactive byproducts such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during the metabolism, which result in cellular damage and apoptosis. Antioxidants can prevent these processes and extend healthy longevity due to the ability to inhibit the formation of free radicals or interrupt their propagation, thereby lowering the level of oxidative stress. This review focuses on supporting the antioxidant system of the organism by balancing the diet through the consumption of the necessary amount of natural ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential amino acids, probiotics, plants’ fibers, nutritional supplements, polyphenols, some phytoextracts, and drinking water.
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9
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Dan J, Shi S, Sun H, Su Z, Liang Y, Wang J, Zhang W. Micro/nanomotor technology: the new era for food safety control. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:2032-2052. [PMID: 36094420 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2119935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Food poisoning caused by eating contaminated food remains a threat to global public health. Making the situation even worse is the aggravated global environmental pollution, which poses a major threat to the safety of agricultural resources. Food adulteration has been rampant owing to negligent national food safety regulations. The speed at which contaminated food is detected and disposed of determines the extent to which consumers' lives are safeguarded and agricultural economic losses are prevented. Micro/nanomotors offer a high-speed mobile loading platform that substantially increases the chemical reaction rates and, accordingly, exhibit great potential as alternatives to conventional detection and degradation techniques. This review summarizes the propulsion modes applicable to micro/nanomotors in food systems and the advantages of using micro/nanomotors, highlighting examples of their potential use in recent years for the detection and removal of food contaminants. Micro/nanomotors are an emerging technology for food applications that is moving toward mass production, simple preparation, and important functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuo Shi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao Sun
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zehui Su
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanmin Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianlong Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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10
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Deshpande AM, Sastry KV, Bhise SB. A Contemporary Exploration of Traditional Indian Snake Envenomation Therapies. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7060108. [PMID: 35736986 PMCID: PMC9227218 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7060108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite being a quick progressing serious situation needs immediate and aggressive therapy. Snake venom antiserum is the only approved and effective treatment available, but for selected snake species only. The requirement of trained staff for administration and serum reactions make the therapy complicated. In tropical countries where snakebite incidence is high and healthcare facilities are limited, mortality and morbidities associated with snake envenomation are proportionately high. Traditional compilations of medical practitioners’ personal journals have wealth of plant-based snake venom antidotes. Relatively, very few plants or their extractives have been scientifically investigated for neutralization of snake venom or its components. None of these investigations presents enough evidence to initiate clinical testing of the agents. This review focuses on curating Indian traditional snake envenomation therapies, identifying plants involved and finding relevant evidence across modern literature to neutralize snake venom components. Traditional formulations, their method of preparation and dosing have been discussed along with the investigational approach in modern research and their possible outcomes. A safe and easily administrable small molecule of plant origin that would protect or limit the spread of venom and provide valuable time for the victim to reach the healthcare centre would be a great lifesaver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adwait M. Deshpande
- Sinhgad Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 309/310, Kusgaon (BK), Lonavala 410401, India;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-99305-04048
| | - K. Venkata Sastry
- Alliance Institute of Advanced Pharmaceutical & Health Sciences, Patel Nagar, Kukatpally, Hyderabad 500085, India;
| | - Satish B. Bhise
- Sinhgad Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 309/310, Kusgaon (BK), Lonavala 410401, India;
- Arogyalabh Foundation, Bibvewadi, Pune 411037, India
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11
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Wooding SP, Ramirez VA, Behrens M. Bitter taste receptors: Genes, evolution and health. Evol Med Public Health 2022; 9:431-447. [PMID: 35154779 PMCID: PMC8830313 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste perception plays vital roles in animal behavior and fitness. By signaling the presence of toxins in foods, particularly noxious defense compounds found in plants, it enables animals to avoid exposure. In vertebrates, bitter perception is initiated by TAS2Rs, a family of G protein-coupled receptors expressed on the surface of taste buds. There, oriented toward the interior of the mouth, they monitor the contents of foods, drinks and other substances as they are ingested. When bitter compounds are encountered, TAS2Rs respond by triggering neural pathways leading to sensation. The importance of this role placed TAS2Rs under selective pressures in the course of their evolution, leaving signatures in patterns of gene gain and loss, sequence polymorphism, and population structure consistent with vertebrates' diverse feeding ecologies. The protective value of bitter taste is reduced in modern humans because contemporary food supplies are safe and abundant. However, this is not always the case. Some crops, particularly in the developing world, retain surprisingly high toxicity and bitterness remains an important measure of safety. Bitter perception also shapes health through its influence on preference driven behaviors such as diet choice, alcohol intake and tobacco use. Further, allelic variation in TAS2Rs is extensive, leading to individual differences in taste sensitivity that drive these behaviors, shaping susceptibility to disease. Thus, bitter taste perception occupies a critical intersection between ancient evolutionary processes and modern human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Wooding
- Department of Anthropology and Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Vicente A Ramirez
- Department of Public Health, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Maik Behrens
- Maik Behrens, Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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12
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Luo L, Yang J, Li Z, Xu H, Guo L, Wang L, Wang Y, Luo L, Wang J, Zhang P, Yang R, Kang W, Xie J. Label-free differentiation and quantification of ricin, abrin from their agglutinin biotoxins by surface plasmon resonance. Talanta 2022; 238:122860. [PMID: 34857316 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Here we describe an affinity molecule-directed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensor for a label-free, differentiation and quantification of ricin and abrin from their structural highly like agglutinin biotoxins. By an introduction of protein G as the affinity capturing molecule, we fulfilled a complete strategy contains (i) screening monoclonal antibodies to be paired in a sandwiched format, (ii) differentiate quantification from the agglutinin, (iii) ascertain of active from inactive biotoxin, and (iv) structural identification of captured biotoxins on a single chip. By the aid of an enrichment step from immunomagnetic beads, we could accurately measure ricin or abrin with a concentration lowered to 0.6 ng/mL (10 pM) in different complex matrices such as stevia, protein powder, and human plasma, with linear ranges of two or three orders of magnitude, and satisfied recovery. We then differentially quantified the mixed crude extracts from castor beans and jequirity peas, and real samples from the fourth OPCW biotoxin exercise to prove the practical availability. We further provided a SPR-mass spectrometric evidence directly obtained from Protein G affinity chip via a noncovalent molecule surface for the first time for definitely structural identification for crude extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Luo
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jiewei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Hua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Lei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Lili Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yuxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Longlong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Ruifu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Weijun Kang
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Jianwei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
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13
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A highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence method for abrin detection by a portable biosensor based on a screen-printed electrode with a phage display affibody as specific labeled probe. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 414:1095-1104. [PMID: 34854959 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03735-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Abrin is a highly toxic ribosome-inactivating protein, which could be used as a biological warfare agent and terrorist weapon, and thus needs to be detected efficiently and accurately. Affibodies are a new class of engineered affinity proteins with small size, high affinity, high stability, favorable folding and good robustness, but they have rarely played a role in biological detection. In this work, we establish a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method for abrin detection with a phage display affibody as the specific probe for the first time, to our knowledge, and a portable biosensor based on a screen-printed electrode (SPE) as the testing platform. On the basis of the double antibody sandwich structure in our previous work, we used a phage display affibody instead of monoclonal antibody as a new specific labeled probe. Due to numerous signal molecules labeled on M13 phages, significant signal amplification was achieved in this experiment. Under optimized conditions, a linear dependence was observed from 0.005 to 100 ng/mL with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5 pg/mL. This assay also showed good reproducibility and specificity, and performed well in the detection of simulated samples. Considering its high sensitivity, interference resistance and convenience, this new biosensing system based on phage display affibodies and a portable ECL biosensor holds promise for in situ detection of toxins and pollutants in different environments.
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Hoyt K, Barr JR, Kalb SR. Detection of ricin activity and structure by using novel galactose-terminated magnetic bead extraction coupled with mass spectrometric detection. Anal Biochem 2021; 631:114364. [PMID: 34487718 PMCID: PMC9512066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ricin is a toxic protein derived from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) and has potential for bioterrorism or criminal use. Therefore, sensitive and rapid analytical methods are needed for its confirmatory detection in environmental samples. Our laboratory previously reported on the development of a confirmatory method to detect ricin involving antibody capture of ricin followed by mass spectrometric detection of ricin’s enzymatic activity and of tryptic fragments unique to ricin. Here, we describe a novel ricin capture method of magnetic beads coated with 4-aminophenyl-1-thiol-β-galactopyranoside, using ricin’s lectin characteristics. The assay has been adapted for use on a simple, benchtop MALDI-TOF MS mass spectrometer common in clinical microbiology laboratories. Validation of the novel assay includes establishment of a limit of detection, and an examination of assay selectivity. The limit of detection of the enzymatic activity method is 8 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL for the confirmatory tryptic fragment assay. The assay is highly selective with no cross-reactivity from near neighbors and highly specific with a panel of 19 cultivars all testing positive. Additionally, there were no interferences found during testing of a panel of white powders. This allows for a confirmatory detection method for ricin in laboratories lacking expensive, sophisticated mass spectrometers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Hoyt
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John R Barr
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suzanne R Kalb
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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15
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Bhandari S, Bates PD. Triacylglycerol remodeling in Physaria fendleri indicates oil accumulation is dynamic and not a metabolic endpoint. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 187:799-815. [PMID: 34608961 PMCID: PMC8491037 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Oilseed plants accumulate triacylglycerol (TAG) up to 80% of seed weight with the TAG fatty acid composition determining its nutritional value or use in the biofuel or chemical industries. Two major pathways for production of diacylglycerol (DAG), the immediate precursor to TAG, have been identified in plants: de novo DAG synthesis and conversion of the membrane lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC) to DAG, with each pathway producing distinct TAG compositions. However, neither pathway fits with previous biochemical and transcriptomic results from developing Physaria fendleri seeds for accumulation of TAG containing >60% lesquerolic acid (an unusual 20 carbon hydroxylated fatty acid), which accumulates at only the sn-1 and sn-3 positions of TAG. Isotopic tracing of developing P. fendleri seed lipid metabolism identified that PC-derived DAG is utilized to initially produce TAG with only one lesquerolic acid. Subsequently a nonhydroxylated fatty acid is removed from TAG (transiently reproducing DAG) and a second lesquerolic acid is incorporated. Thus, a dynamic TAG remodeling process involving anabolic and catabolic reactions controls the final TAG fatty acid composition. Reinterpretation of P. fendleri transcriptomic data identified potential genes involved in TAG remodeling that could provide a new approach for oilseed engineering by altering oil fatty acid composition after initial TAG synthesis; and the comparison of current results to that of related Brassicaceae species in the literature suggests the possibility of TAG remodeling involved in incorporation of very long-chain fatty acids into the TAG sn-1 position in various plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajina Bhandari
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | - Philip D. Bates
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
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16
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Kandasamy K, Selvaprakash K, Chen YC. Functional magnetic nanoparticle-based affinity probe for MALDI mass spectrometric detection of ricin B. Mikrochim Acta 2021; 188:339. [PMID: 34510288 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-021-04991-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The use of lactosylated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNP@LAC) has been explored as affinity probes against ricin B based on galactose-ricin B binding interactions. Lactose was bound onto the surface of aminated MNPs through the Maillard reaction. The enrichment of ricin B took ~1 h by incubating MNP@LAC with samples under shaking at room temperature, followed by magnetic isolation. The resultant MNP@LAC-ricin B conjugates were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The limit of detection toward ricin B was ~3 nM by using the developed method. It was possible to detect the peptides derived from the tryptic digest of trace ricin B (~0.39 nM) enriched by the MNP@LAC probes followed by tryptic digestion and MALDI-MS analysis. The feasibility of using the developed method for detection of ricin B from complex white corn starch samples spiked with trace ricin B was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Kandasamy
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.,Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Karuppuchamy Selvaprakash
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.,Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chie Chen
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan. .,Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.
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17
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Bucaretchi F, Borrasca-Fernandes CF, Prado CC, Lanaro R, Costa JL, Petroni OM, Giraldi T, Blotta MHSL, Justo-Junior AS, Sousa NL, Aragão FJL, De Capitani EM, Hyslop S. Near-fatal poisoning after ricin injection. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2021; 59:158-168. [PMID: 32475181 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2020.1771358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report a near-fatal poisoning after intentional injection of ricin from a castor bean (Ricinus communis) extract. CASE REPORT A 21 year-old man self-injected ∼3 mL of a castor bean extract intramuscularly and subcutaneously in the left antecubital fossa. Upon admission to our ED (1 h post-exposure; day 1, D1) he was awake and alert, but complained of mild local pain and showed slight local edema and erythema. He evolved to refractory shock (∼24 h post-exposure) that required the administration of a large volume of fluids and high doses of norepinephrine and vasopressin, mainly from D2 to D4. During this period, he developed clinical and laboratory features compatible with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction, capillary leak syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, necrotizing fasciitis and possible compartment syndrome. The patient underwent forearm fasciotomy on D4 and there was progressive improvement of the hemodynamic status from D7 onwards. Wound management involved several debridements, broad-spectrum antibiotics and two skin grafts. Major laboratory findings within 12 days post-exposure revealed hypoalbuminemia, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis and increases in cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α), troponin and creatine kinase. Ricin A-chain (ELISA) was detected in serum up to D3 (peak at 24 h post-exposure), with ∼79% being excreted in the urine within 64 h post-exposure. Ricinine was detected in serum and urine by LC-MS up to D5. A ricin A-chain concentration of 246 µg/mL was found in the seed extract, corresponding to the injection of ∼738 µg of ricin A-chain (∼10.5 µg/kg). The patient was discharged on D71, with limited range of motion and function of the left forearm and hand. CONCLUSION Ricin injection resulted in a near-fatal poisoning that evolved with septic shock-like syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction and necrotizing fasciitis, all of which were successfully treated with supportive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Bucaretchi
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Carla F Borrasca-Fernandes
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Camila C Prado
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rafael Lanaro
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Costa
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Otávio M Petroni
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Tiago Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Maria Heloísa S L Blotta
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Amauri S Justo-Junior
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Natália L Sousa
- Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Francisco J L Aragão
- Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M De Capitani
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Campinas Poison Control Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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Feldberg L, Elhanany E, Laskar O, Schuster O. Rapid, Sensitive and Reliable Ricin Identification in Serum Samples Using LC-MS/MS. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:79. [PMID: 33499033 PMCID: PMC7911523 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin, a protein derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), is a highly lethal toxin that inhibits protein synthesis, resulting in cell death. The widespread availability of ricin, its ease of extraction and its extreme toxicity make it an ideal agent for bioterrorism and self-poisoning. Thus, a rapid, sensitive and reliable method for ricin identification in clinical samples is required for applying appropriate and timely medical intervention. However, this goal is challenging due to the low predicted toxin concentrations in bio-fluids, accompanied by significantly high matrix interferences. Here we report the applicability of a sensitive, selective, rapid, simple and antibody-independent assay for the identification of ricin in body fluids using mass spectrometry (MS). The assay involves lectin affinity capturing of ricin by easy-to-use commercial lactose-agarose (LA) beads, following by tryptic digestion and selected marker identification using targeted LC-MS/MS (Multiple Reaction Monitoring) analysis. This enables ricin identification down to 5 ng/mL in serum samples in 2.5 h. To validate the assay, twenty-four diverse naive- or ricin-spiked serum samples were evaluated, and both precision and accuracy were determined. A real-life test of the assay was successfully executed in a challenging clinical scenario, where the toxin was identified in an abdominal fluid sample taken 72 h post self-injection of castor beans extraction in an eventual suicide case. This demonstrates both the high sensitivity of this assay and the extended identification time window, compared to similar events that were previously documented. This method developed for ricin identification in clinical samples has the potential to be applied to the identification of other lectin toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Feldberg
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 74100, Israel
| | - Eytan Elhanany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 74100, Israel;
| | - Orly Laskar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 74100, Israel;
| | - Ofir Schuster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 74100, Israel;
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Ricin poisoning after oral ingestion of castor beans: A case report and literature review. Afr J Emerg Med 2020; 10:274-276. [PMID: 33299763 PMCID: PMC7700980 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction >1000 ricin poisoning cases secondary to intentional castor bean consumption have been reported in the literature since the late 1800s. The lethality of ricin poisoning after oral ingestion is determined by a few factors. Case report We present a case that highlights the erratic absorption of ricin after accidental oral ingestion. On admission, the physical examination found a somnolent patient, with miosis, and a generalized abdominal tenderness. Her blood tests showed metabolic acidosis. Thanks to her early management, the discharge was possible three days later. Discussion The toxicity of ricin is dependent on the dose delivered and the route of the exposure. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. As shown in our case, early management is crucial for a good outcome.
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Browne DT, Aguilo-Seara G, DeFranzo A. The Black Locust Tree: Toxalbumin-Induced Tissue Necrosis of the Upper Extremity. Cureus 2020; 12:e11758. [PMID: 33409007 PMCID: PMC7779141 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11758] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the case of a 48-year-old male who developed tissue necrosis and subsequent necrotizing fasciitis in his right upper extremity after sustaining a puncture injury from a large black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) splinter. Blood and intraoperative wound cultures revealed Streptococcus constellatus and Eikenella corrodens infection. The treatment consisted of IV antibiotics, fasciotomy, and multiple debridements, which left a 30 x 5-cm defect, requiring negative pressure wound therapy with Integra Dermal Regeneration Template (Integra Lifesciences, Plainsboro Township, NJ) and, ultimately, split-thickness skin grafts. Although uncommon, plastic surgeons should be aware of tissue necrosis associated with robin toxalbumin in cases of black locust tree puncture wounds. Robin toxalbumin causes cellular death by inhibiting protein synthesis. In this patient, the toxalbumin from the black locust tree fragment led to extensive tissue necrosis, serving as the nidus for necrotizing fasciitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald T Browne
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Gabriela Aguilo-Seara
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Anthony DeFranzo
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
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21
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Kariya T, Hasegawa Y. Scallop mantle toxin induces apoptosis in liver tissues of mice. Food Sci Nutr 2020; 8:3308-3316. [PMID: 32724595 PMCID: PMC7382190 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We had previously shown that the intake of scallop mantle tissue resulted in the death of mice and rats. In this study, we investigated the liver injury caused by mantle tissue to clarify the mechanism behind its toxicity. Mantle toxin increased lipid peroxidation and decreased the reductive thiol content as well as the DPPH radical scavenging activity, catalase activity, and glutathione content in the liver of the mice. These results suggested that the mantle tissue diet caused oxidative stress through the decrease in antioxidants. In addition, mantle toxin increased the mRNA expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress- and inflammation-induced genes and the protein expression of caspase-3 and Bax (which induce apoptosis), suggesting that the mantle tissue diet causes apoptosis through oxidative stress, ER stress, and inflammation in the liver tissue. Such liver injury may be an essential cause of the rodent demise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahide Kariya
- College of Environmental TechnologyMuroran Institute of TechnologyMuroranJapan
| | - Yasushi Hasegawa
- College of Environmental TechnologyMuroran Institute of TechnologyMuroranJapan
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22
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Fatal intoxication by intravenous injection of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) extract-a case study. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:2133-2141. [PMID: 32548760 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02340-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A case report of a 25-year-old man who committed suicide by intravenous injection himself of an aqueous home-made castor bean extract is presented. The patient was hospitalized and treated symptomatically and was released at its own request fourth day after intoxication. The next day, the patient's condition deteriorated, and he died 6 days after intoxication even though he was given medical care. Case history, autopsy, and toxicological investigation of ante- and post-mortem collected materials are described. Blood and urine collected from the patient ante-mortem and other several biological materials (namely blood from the upper and lower limb, blood from the right and left ventricle, pericardial fluid, vitreous humour, liver, kidney, and spleen) were collected post-mortem during autopsy. Liquid-liquid extraction procedure followed by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis for identification and determination of ricinine as a biomarker of ricin/castor seed intoxication was developed and validated. The method was applied on analysis of collected ante- and post-mortem biological materials. The post-mortem contents of ricinine in organs (namely the liver, kidney, and spleen) are firstly reported. The obtained results indicated approximately uniform distribution of ricinine (concentration level about 1 ng mL-1) in the body after death. In addition, the GC-MS method was also applied for the analysis of extract of castor seed and the patient's urine, to demonstrate alternative possibility for identification of ricinine for clinical and forensic purposes.
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Kim S. Ricin B-like lectin orthologues from two mushrooms, Hericium erinaceus and Stereum hirsutum, enable recognition of highly fucosylated N-glycans. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 147:560-568. [PMID: 31931062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The mushroom Hericium erinaceus contains isolectins, including the ricin B-like lectin HEL1 and the core 1 O-glycan-binding lectin HEL2. Recombinant HEL2 reportedly binds O-linked glycans, but recombinant HEL1 (rHEL1) has not been characterized. HEL1 and Stereum hirsutum lectin (SHL1) orthologues, which contain the typical (QxW)3 ricin-B like motif, were evaluated. Interestingly, under non-denaturing conditions, recombinant SHL1 (rSHL1) existed as a trimer and exhibited agglutination activity, whereas rHEL1 existed as a monomer with no agglutination activity. The hemagglutination activity of rSHL1 was inhibited by N-linked glycoprotein transferrin. A glycan-array analysis revealed that the two recombinant lectins had different binding intensities toward fucosylated N-glycans harboring fucose-α(1,2) galactose or fucose-α(1,4) N-acetylglucosamine. Isothermal calorimetry showed that compared with rHEL1, rSHL1 interacted more strongly with transferrin, a fucosylated glycoprotein, than with other fucosylated disaccharide glycoconjugates. Finally, rSHL1 and rHEL1 were comparable in their ability to detect highly fucosylated N-glycans within glycoproteins on the surface of SW1116 human colorectal carcinoma cells. Therefore, these ricin B-like lectins might enable detection of highly fucosylated glycoepitopes on cancer cells for diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonghun Kim
- Jeonbuk Branch Institute, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 181 Ipsin-gil, Jeongeup 56212, Republic of Korea; Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Feldberg L, Schuster O, Elhanany E, Laskar O, Yitzhaki S, Gura S. Rapid and sensitive identification of ricin in environmental samples based on lactamyl agarose beads using LC-MS/MS (MRM). JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2020; 55:e4482. [PMID: 31782217 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ricin, a plant-derived toxin extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis (castor bean plant), is one of the most toxic proteins known. Ricin's high toxicity, widespread availability, and ease of its extraction make it a potential agent for bioterrorist attacks. Most ricin detection methods are based on immunoassays. These methods may suffer from low efficiency in matrices containing interfering substances, or from false positive results due to antibody cross reactivity, with highly homologous proteins. In this study, we have developed a simple, rapid, sensitive, and selective mass spectrometry assay, for the identification of ricin in complex environmental samples. This assay involves three main stages: (a) Ricin affinity capture by commercial lactamyl-agarose (LA) beads. (b) Tryptic digestion. (c) LC-MS/MS (MRM) analysis of tryptic fragments. The assay was validated using 60 diverse environmental samples such as soil, asphalt, and vegetation, taken from various geographic regions. The assay's selectivity was established in the presence of high concentrations of competing lectin interferences. Based on our findings, we have defined strict criteria for unambiguous identification of ricin. Our novel method, which combines affinity capture beads followed by MRM-based analysis, enabled the identification of 1 ppb ricin spiked into complex environmental matrices. This methodology has the potential to be extended for the identification of ricin in body fluids from individuals exposed (deliberately or accidentally) to the toxin, contaminated food or for the detection of the entire family of RIP-II toxins, by applying multiplex format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Feldberg
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Ofir Schuster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Eytan Elhanany
- Department of Biochemistry, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Orly Laskar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Shmuel Yitzhaki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Sigalit Gura
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
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Kandasamy K, Selvaprakash K, Chen YC. Using lactosylated cysteine functionalized gold nanoparticles as colorimetric sensing probes for rapid detection of the ricin B chain. Mikrochim Acta 2019; 186:847. [PMID: 31776791 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-019-3900-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A new colorimetric method that can be used to rapidly detect toxic ricin is demonstrated. Lactosylated cysteine-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au@LACY NPs) were prepared by a one-pot reaction and employed as optical probes for determination of ricin B chain. It is found that the Au@LACY NPs undergo aggregation in the presence of ricin B chain. This leads to surface plasmon coupling effects of the particles and a color change from red to blue, with absorption maxima at 519 and 670 nm, respectively. The feasibility of using the current approach for quantitative analysis of ricin B chain is also demonstrated. The calibration plot is generated by plotting the ratio of the absorbance at the wavelength of 634 to 518 nm versus the concentration of the ricin B chain. The spectrophotometric method has a ~29 pM (~ 0.91 ng·mL-1) detection limit, and the sample with the concentration of ~ 400 pM (~ 13 ng·mL-1) can be detected visually. Graphical abstractSchematic representation of using lactosylated cysteine capped gold nanoparticles (Au@LACY NPs) as colorimetric probes for the ricin B chain through surface plasmon coupling effects. Sample solution turns from red to blue in the presence of ricin B chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Kandasamy
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | | | - Yu-Chie Chen
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
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TNF Family Cytokines Induce Distinct Cell Death Modalities in the A549 Human Lung Epithelial Cell Line when Administered in Combination with Ricin Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11080450. [PMID: 31374990 PMCID: PMC6723388 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11080450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ricin is a member of the ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) family of toxins and is classified as a biothreat agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inhalation, the most potent route of toxicity, triggers an acute respiratory distress-like syndrome that coincides with near complete destruction of the lung epithelium. We previously demonstrated that the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL; CD253) sensitizes human lung epithelial cells to ricin-induced death. Here, we report that ricin/TRAIL-mediated cell death occurs via apoptosis and involves caspases -3, -7, -8, and -9, but not caspase-6. In addition, we show that two other TNF family members, TNF-α and Fas ligand (FasL), also sensitize human lung epithelial cells to ricin-induced death. While ricin/TNF-α- and ricin/FasL-mediated killing of A549 cells was inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor, zVAD-fmk, evidence suggests that these pathways were not caspase-dependent apoptosis. We also ruled out necroptosis and pyroptosis. Rather, the combination of ricin plus TNF-α or FasL induced cathepsin-dependent cell death, as evidenced by the use of several pharmacologic inhibitors. We postulate that the effects of zVAD-fmk were due to the molecule’s known off-target effects on cathepsin activity. This work demonstrates that ricin-induced lung epithelial cell killing occurs by distinct cell death pathways dependent on the presence of different sensitizing cytokines, TRAIL, TNF-α, or FasL.
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Franke H, Scholl R, Aigner A. Ricin and Ricinus communis in pharmacology and toxicology-from ancient use and "Papyrus Ebers" to modern perspectives and "poisonous plant of the year 2018". Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 392:1181-1208. [PMID: 31359089 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01691-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While probably originating from Africa, the plant Ricinus communis is found nowadays around the world, grown for industrial use as a source of castor oil production, wildly sprouting in many regions, or used as ornamental plant. As regards its pharmacological utility, a variety of medical purposes of selected parts of the plant, e.g., as a laxative, an anti-infective, or an anti-inflammatory drug, have been described already in the sixteenth century BC in the famous Papyrus Ebers (treasured in the Library of the University of Leipzig). Quite in contrast, on the toxicological side, the native plant has become the "poisonous plant 2018" in Germany. As of today, a number of isolated components of the plant/seeds have been characterized, including, e.g., castor oil, ricin, Ricinus communis agglutinin, ricinin, nudiflorin, and several allergenic compounds. This review mainly focuses on the most toxic protein, ricin D, classified as a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP2). Ricin is one of the most potent and lethal substances known. It has been considered as an important bioweapon (categorized as a Category B agent (second-highest priority)) and an attractive agent for bioterroristic activities. On the other hand, ricin presents great potential, e.g., as an anti-cancer agent or in cell-based research, and is even explored in the context of nanoparticle formulations in tumor therapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology and toxicology-related body of knowledge on ricin. Toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic aspects of ricin poisoning and possibilities for analytical detection and therapeutic use are summarized as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Franke
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Haertelstrasse 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Reinhold Scholl
- Department of History, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Verougstraete N, Helsloot D, Deprez C, Heylen O, Casier I, Croes K. Lethal Injection of a Castor Bean Extract: Ricinine Quantification as a Marker for Ricin Exposure Using a Validated LC-MS/MS Method. J Anal Toxicol 2019; 43:e1-e5. [PMID: 30590581 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin is a highly toxic agent derived from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). Poisoning occurs commonly by oral ingestion of the beans. Injection of ricin is believed to be more lethal. Ricin is a large glycosylated protein difficult to detect in clinical samples. Instead, ricinine, a small alkaloid found in the same beans, is used as surrogate marker for ricin exposure. We describe a simple LC-MS/MS method for the detection of ricinine in serum, blood and urine, validated according to EMA guidelines and successfully applied to patient samples of a suicidal death after injection of a castor bean extract. A 26-year-old man self-presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal cramps and nausea after injection of a castor bean extract. Due to rapid deterioration of his hemodynamic function despite early aggressive fluid resuscitation, he was transferred to ICU. Abdominal cramps worsened and a fulminant diarrhea developed, resulting in hypovolemic shock and cardiorespiratory collapse. Despite full supportive therapy, the patient died approximately 10 hours after injection due to multiple organ failure. Ricinine was quantified by LC-MS/MS after LLE with diethyl ether using ricinine-D3 as internal standard. Six hours after injection, ricinine concentrations in serum and blood were 16.5 and 12.9 ng/mL, respectively, which decreased to 12.4 and 10.6 ng/mL, 4 hours later. The urinary concentration was 81.1 ng/mL 7 hours after injection, which amply exceeded the levels previously reported in similar cases with lethal outcome. Concentrations of ricinine, compatible with a lethal exposure to castor beans, were detected in serum, blood and urine. Ricinine was also found in bile and liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Verougstraete
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Toxicology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Dries Helsloot
- Department of Anesthesiology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
- Department of Emergency Medicine, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Christa Deprez
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Toxicology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Olivier Heylen
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Toxicology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Casier
- Department of Anesthesiology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Kathleen Croes
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Toxicology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
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Sapoznikov A, Rosner A, Falach R, Gal Y, Aftalion M, Evgy Y, Israeli O, Sabo T, Kronman C. Intramuscular Ricin Poisoning of Mice Leads to Widespread Damage in the Heart, Spleen, and Bone Marrow. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E344. [PMID: 31208156 PMCID: PMC6628730 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin, a lethal toxin derived from castor oil beans, is a potential bio-threat due to its high availability and simplicity of preparation. Ricin is prepared according to simple recipes available on the internet, and was recently considered in terrorist, suicide, or homicide attempts involving the parenteral route of exposure. In-depth study of the morbidity developing from parenteral ricin poisoning is mandatory for tailoring appropriate therapeutic measures to mitigate ricin toxicity in such instances. The present study applies various biochemical, hematological, histopathological, molecular, and functional approaches to broadly investigate the systemic effects of parenteral intoxication by a lethal dose of ricin in a murine model. Along with prompt coagulopathy, multi-organ hemorrhages, and thrombocytopenia, ricin induced profound morpho-pathological and functional damage in the spleen, bone marrow, and cardiovascular system. In the heart, diffuse hemorrhages, myocyte necrosis, collagen deposition, and induction in fibrinogen were observed. Severe functional impairment was manifested by marked thickening of the left ventricular wall, decreased ventricular volume, and a significant reduction in stroke volume and cardiac output. Unexpectedly, the differential severity of the ricin-induced damage did not correlate with the respective ricin-dependent catalytic activity measured in the various organs. These findings emphasize the complexity of ricin toxicity and stress the importance of developing novel therapeutic strategies that will combine not only anti-ricin specific therapy, but also will target ricin-induced indirect disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Sapoznikov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Amir Rosner
- Veterinary Center for Preclinical Research, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Reut Falach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Yoav Gal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Moshe Aftalion
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Yentl Evgy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Ofir Israeli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Tamar Sabo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
| | - Chanoch Kronman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel.
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Ricin: An Ancient Story for a Timeless Plant Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060324. [PMID: 31174319 PMCID: PMC6628454 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) has been known since time immemorial in traditional medicine in the pharmacopeia of Mediterranean and eastern ancient cultures. Moreover, it is still used in folk medicine worldwide. Castor bean has been mainly recommended as anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-bacterial, laxative, abortifacient, for wounds, ulcers, and many other indications. Many cases of human intoxication occurred accidentally or voluntarily with the ingestion of castor seeds or derivatives. Ricinus toxicity depends on several molecules, among them the most important is ricin, a protein belonging to the family of ribosome-inactivating proteins. Ricin is the most studied of this category of proteins and it is also known to the general public, having been used for several biocrimes. This manuscript intends to give the reader an overview of ricin, focusing on the historical path to the current knowledge on this protein. The main steps of ricin research are here reported, with particular regard to its enzymatic activity, structure, and cytotoxicity. Moreover, we discuss ricin toxicity for animals and humans, as well as the relation between bioterrorism and ricin and its impact on environmental toxicity. Ricin has also been used to develop immunotoxins for the elimination of unwanted cells, mainly cancer cells; some of these immunoconjugates gave promising results in clinical trials but also showed critical limitation.
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Sun J, Zhang X, Li T, Xie J, Shao B, Xue D, Tang X, Li H, Liu Y. Ultrasensitive On-Site Detection of Biological Active Ricin in Complex Food Matrices Based on Immunomagnetic Enrichment and Fluorescence Switch-On Nanoprobe. Anal Chem 2019; 91:6454-6461. [PMID: 30994324 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Ricin is a highly toxic protein largely existing in castor beans, which could be used as a warfare agent due to its unique properties. As a deadenylase, inactivation of ricin means a loss of its toxic threat. Therefore, developing simple, accurate, and sensitive on-site detection of biologically active ricin in wide types of complex matrices is most valuable. Here, antifouling polymer brush modified magnetic beads were prepared first and post modified with ricin monoclonal antibody (the MB@P(C-H)-mAbricin) to efficiently capture ricin from various foods and biological matrices. Active ricin obtained in this manner were sequentially determined by a new designed AuNP/QDs nanoassembly. In this double strand oligodeoxynucleotides (dsODN) linked core-satellite nanoprobe, the fluorescence of satellite QDs was extensively quenched by AuNPs due to the dipole-metal interaction. Active ricin can react with its specific depurination substrates which had been inserted in the dsODN linkers. This reaction would trigger the separation of QDs from Au cores by cutting multiple adenines, and then result in the restoration of QDs fluorescence. By coupling with the magnetic enrichment, this AuNP/QDs nanoprobe provided a qualitative result for active ricin in the range from 10.0 to 100.0 ng mL-1 with the limit of detection as low as 7.46 ng mL-1. Compared with previously proposed methods, this on-site detection strategy offered an easy to handle on-site test for trace amounts of active ricin in a wide range of complex matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiefang Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning , Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control , Beijing 100013 , P. R. China
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- School of Police Law Enforcement Abilities Training , People's Public Security University of China , Beijing 100038 , P. R. China
| | - Ting Li
- School of Public Health , Capital Medical University , Beijing 100069 , P. R. China
| | - Jijia Xie
- Department of Chemical Engineering , University College London , Torrington Place , London WC1E7JE , United Kingdom
| | - Bing Shao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning , Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control , Beijing 100013 , P. R. China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health , China Agricultural University , Beijing 100193 , P. R. China
| | - Dingshuai Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100029 , P. R. China
| | - Xu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100029 , P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning , Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control , Beijing 100013 , P. R. China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100029 , P. R. China
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Janik E, Ceremuga M, Saluk-Bijak J, Bijak M. Biological Toxins as the Potential Tools for Bioterrorism. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1181. [PMID: 30857127 PMCID: PMC6429496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological toxins are a heterogeneous group produced by living organisms. One dictionary defines them as "Chemicals produced by living organisms that have toxic properties for another organism". Toxins are very attractive to terrorists for use in acts of bioterrorism. The first reason is that many biological toxins can be obtained very easily. Simple bacterial culturing systems and extraction equipment dedicated to plant toxins are cheap and easily available, and can even be constructed at home. Many toxins affect the nervous systems of mammals by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses, which gives them their high potential in bioterrorist attacks. Others are responsible for blockage of main cellular metabolism, causing cellular death. Moreover, most toxins act very quickly and are lethal in low doses (LD50 < 25 mg/kg), which are very often lower than chemical warfare agents. For these reasons we decided to prepare this review paper which main aim is to present the high potential of biological toxins as factors of bioterrorism describing the general characteristics, mechanisms of action and treatment of most potent biological toxins. In this paper we focused on six most danger toxins: botulinum toxin, staphylococcal enterotoxins, Clostridium perfringens toxins, ricin, abrin and T-2 toxin. We hope that this paper will help in understanding the problem of availability and potential of biological toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Janik
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Michal Ceremuga
- CBRN Reconnaissance and Decontamination Department, Military Institute of Chemistry and Radiometry, Antoniego Chrusciela "Montera" 105, 00-910 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Joanna Saluk-Bijak
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Michal Bijak
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
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Aitbakieva VR, Ahmad R, Singh S, Domashevskiy AV. Inhibition of ricin A-chain (RTA) catalytic activity by a viral genome-linked protein (VPg). BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2019; 1867:645-653. [PMID: 30822539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Ricin is a plant derived protein toxin produced by the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) classifies ricin as a Category B biological agent. Currently, there is neither an effective vaccine that can be used to protect against ricin exposure nor a therapeutic to reverse the effects once exposed. Here we quantitatively characterize interactions between catalytic ricin A-chain (RTA) and a viral genome-linked protein (VPg) from turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). VPg and its N-terminal truncated variant, VPg1-110, bind to RTA and abolish ricin's catalytic depurination of 28S rRNA in vitro and in a cell-free rabbit reticulocyte translational system. RTA and VPg bind in a 1 to 1 stoichiometric ratio, and their binding affinity increases ten-fold as temperature elevates (5 °C to 37 °C). RTA-VPg binary complex formation is enthalpically driven and favored by entropy, resulting in an overall favorable energy, ΔG = -136.8 kJ/mol. Molecular modeling supports our experimental observations and predicts a major contribution of electrostatic interactions, suggesting an allosteric mechanism of downregulation of RTA activity through conformational changes in RTA structure, and/or disruption of binding with the ribosomal stalk. Fluorescence anisotropy studies show that heat affects the rate constant and the activation energy for the RTA-VPg complex, Ea = -62.1 kJ/mol. The thermodynamic and kinetic findings presented here are an initial lead study with promising results and provides a rational approach for synthesis of therapeutic peptides that successfully eliminate toxicity of ricin, and other cytotoxic RIPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina R Aitbakieva
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the City University of New York, New York 10019, NY, United States of America
| | - Rahimah Ahmad
- Department of Biology, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States of America
| | - Shaneen Singh
- Department of Biology, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States of America
| | - Artem V Domashevskiy
- Department of Sciences, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the City University of New York, New York 10019, NY, United States of America.
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High-Definition Mapping of Four Spatially Distinct Neutralizing Epitope Clusters on RiVax, a Candidate Ricin Toxin Subunit Vaccine. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2017; 24:CVI.00237-17. [PMID: 29046307 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00237-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RiVax is a promising recombinant ricin toxin A subunit (RTA) vaccine antigen that has been shown to be safe and immunogenic in humans and effective at protecting rhesus macaques against lethal-dose aerosolized toxin exposure. We previously used a panel of RTA-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to demonstrate, by competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), that RiVax elicits similar serum antibody profiles in humans and macaques. However, the MAb binding sites on RiVax have yet to be defined. In this study, we employed hydrogen exchange-mass spectrometry (HX-MS) to localize the epitopes on RiVax recognized by nine toxin-neutralizing MAbs and one nonneutralizing MAb. Based on strong protection from hydrogen exchange, the nine MAbs grouped into four spatially distinct epitope clusters (namely, clusters I to IV). Cluster I MAbs protected RiVax's α-helix B (residues 94 to 107), a protruding immunodominant secondary structure element known to be a target of potent toxin-neutralizing antibodies. Cluster II consisted of two subclusters located on the "back side" (relative to the active site pocket) of RiVax. One subcluster involved α-helix A (residues 14 to 24) and α-helices F-G (residues 184 to 207); the other encompassed β-strand d (residues 62 to 69) and parts of α-helices D-E (154 to 164) and the intervening loop. Cluster III involved α-helices C and G on the front side of RiVax, while cluster IV formed a sash from the front to back of RiVax, spanning strands b, c, and d (residues 35 to 59). Having a high-resolution B cell epitope map of RiVax will enable the development and optimization of competitive serum profiling assays to examine vaccine-induced antibody responses across species.
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He X, Patfield S, Cheng LW, Stanker LH, Rasooly R, McKeon TA, Zhang Y, Brandon DL. Detection of Abrin Holotoxin Using Novel Monoclonal Antibodies. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E386. [PMID: 29182545 PMCID: PMC5744106 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9120386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Abrin, a member of the ribosome-inactivating protein family, is produced by the Abrus precatorius plant. Having the potential to pose a severe threat to both human and animal health, abrin is classified as a Select Agent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, an immunoassay that is specific for intact abrin holotoxin has not yet been reported. In this study, seven new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), designated as Abrin-1 through Abrin-7 have been developed. Isotyping analyses indicate these mAbs have IgG1, IgG2a, or IgG2b heavy-chains and kappa light-chains. Western blot analyses identified two abrin A-chain specific mAbs, Abrin-1 and Abrin-2, and four B-chain specific mAbs (Abrin-3, -5, -6, and -7). A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), capable of detecting a mixture of abrin isoforms and agglutinins was developed using B-chain specific Abrin-3 for capture and A-chain specific Abrin-2 as detector. The ELISA is highly sensitive and detects 1 ng/mL of the abrin holotoxin in phosphate-buffered saline, nonfat milk, and whole milk, significantly below concentrations that would pose a health concern for consumers. This ELISA also detects native abrin in plant extracts with a very low background signal. The new abrin mAbs and ELISA should be useful for detecting this potent toxin in the milk supply chain and other complex matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua He
- Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Stephanie Patfield
- Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Luisa W Cheng
- Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Larry H Stanker
- Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Reuven Rasooly
- Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Thomas A McKeon
- Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Yuzhu Zhang
- Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - David L Brandon
- Western Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
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Sun J, Wang C, Shao B, Wang Z, Xue D, Liu Y, Qi K, Yang Y, Niu Y. Fast on-Site Visual Detection of Active Ricin Using a Combination of Highly Efficient Dual-Recognition Affinity Magnetic Enrichment and a Specific Gold Nanoparticle Probe. Anal Chem 2017; 89:12209-12216. [PMID: 29058405 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b02944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Ricin, a highly toxic protein, is a controlled substance by both the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Therefore, fast precaution of potential ricin toxin plays an important role in national security and public safety. Herein, a simple, sensitive, and accurate visual detection of active ricin in complex samples is presented by combining magnetic affinity enrichment with a specific gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probe. In the first step, a dual-recognition magnetic absorbent was fabricated by simultaneously incorporating two different affinity ligands (concanavalin A and galactosamine) on low-foul polymer brushes grafted magnetic beads, which showed remarkable multivalent synergy binding capacity for ricin even under complex interfering environments. Subsequently, a homoadenine-constituted oligodeoxynucleotide named poly(21dA) was conjugated to AuNPs (the poly(21dA)-AuNPs), which served as a specific depurination substrate of active ricin. Coralyne can trigger the intact poly(21dA)-AuNPs aggregate by forming a non-Watson-Crick homoadenine/coralyne complex, but the poly(21dA)-AuNPs after reacting with active ricin failed to form this complex due to the loss of adenines. Based on these facts, active ricin can be detected as low as 12.5 ng mL-1 with the naked eyes. This detection strategy could be well-applied in various ricin-spiked complex matrices. The features such as ready operation, facile readout, and easy accessibility make the assay a better choice for fast on-site active ricin detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiefang Sun
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University , Beijing 100193, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control , Beijing 100013, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University , Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bing Shao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University , Beijing 100193, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control , Beijing 100013, China
| | - Zhanhui Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University , Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dingshuai Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100029, China
| | - Kailun Qi
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University , Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control , Beijing 100013, China
| | - Yumin Niu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control , Beijing 100013, China
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Lopez Nunez OF, Pizon AF, Tamama K. Ricin Poisoning after Oral Ingestion of Castor Beans: A Case Report and Review of the Literature and Laboratory Testing. J Emerg Med 2017; 53:e67-e71. [PMID: 28987302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ricin is a protein toxin derived from the castor bean plant Ricinus communis. Several cases secondary to its consumption have been published and, more recently, its use as a potential bioterrorism agent has also been reported. Oral absorption of ricin is highly erratic, leading to a wide spectrum of symptoms. In addition, conventional urine drug screening tests will not be able to detect this compound, posing a diagnostic challenge. CASE REPORT A male teenager intended to die by ingesting 200 castor beans after mixing and blending them with juice. Eight hours later, he presented with weakness, light-headedness, nausea, and vomiting and sought medical treatment. The patient was admitted and treated conservatively. An immune-based standard urine toxicology drug screen panel was reported as negative. A comprehensive untargeted urine drug screen test showed the presence of ricinine, a surrogate marker of ricin intoxication. He was transferred to the psychiatric service 3 days after admission. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case highlights the importance of knowing the peculiar pharmacokinetic properties of ricin after oral ingestion of castor beans and toxin release through mastication. Emergency physicians should be aware that oral absorption of ricin is dependent on several factors, such type and size of seeds and the geographic harvesting region, making it extremely difficult to estimate its lethality based solely on the number of ingested beans. Finally, comprehensive untargeted urine drug screening testing is highly valuable as a diagnostic tool in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar F Lopez Nunez
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Clinical Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anthony F Pizon
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenichi Tamama
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Clinical Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Siddall E, Khatri M, Radhakrishnan J. Capillary leak syndrome: etiologies, pathophysiology, and management. Kidney Int 2017; 92:37-46. [PMID: 28318633 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In various human diseases, an increase in capillary permeability to proteins leads to the loss of protein-rich fluid from the intravascular to the interstitial space. Although sepsis is the disease most commonly associated with this phenomenon, many other diseases can lead to a "sepsis-like" syndrome with manifestations of diffuse pitting edema, exudative serous cavity effusions, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, hypotension, and, in some cases, hypovolemic shock with multiple-organ failure. The term capillary leak syndrome has been used to describe this constellation of disease manifestations associated with an increased capillary permeability to proteins. Diseases other than sepsis that can result in capillary leak syndrome include the idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome or Clarkson's disease, engraftment syndrome, differentiation syndrome, the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, viral hemorrhagic fevers, autoimmune diseases, snakebite envenomation, and ricin poisoning. Drugs including some interleukins, some monoclonal antibodies, and gemcitabine can also cause capillary leak syndrome. Acute kidney injury is commonly seen in all of these diseases. In addition to hypotension, cytokines are likely to be important in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury in capillary leak syndrome. Fluid management is a critical part of the treatment of capillary leak syndrome; hypovolemia and hypotension can cause organ injury, whereas capillary leakage of administered fluid can worsen organ edema leading to progressive organ injury. The purpose of this article is to discuss the diseases other than sepsis that produce capillary leak and review their collective pathophysiology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Siddall
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Minesh Khatri
- Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York, USA
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Fan JR, Zhu J, Wu WG, Huang Y. Plasmonic Metasurfaces Based on Nanopin-Cavity Resonator for Quantitative Colorimetric Ricin Sensing. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2017; 13:1601710. [PMID: 27709785 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201601710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In view of the toxic potential of a bioweapon threat, rapid visual recognition and sensing of ricin has been of considerable interest while remaining a challenging task up to date. In this study, a gold nanopin-based colorimetric sensor is developed realizing a multicolor variation for ricin qualitative recognition and analysis. It is revealed that such plasmonic metasurfaces based on nanopin-cavity resonator exhibit reflective color appearance, due to the excitation of standing-wave resonances of narrow bandwidth in visible region. This clear color variation is a consequence of the reflective color mixing defined by different resonant wavelengths. In addition, the colored metasurfaces appear sharp color difference in a narrow refractive index range, which makes them especially well-suited for sensing applications. Therefore, this antibody-functionalized nanopin-cavity biosensor features high sensitivity and fast response, allowing for visual quantitative ricin detection within the range of 10-120 ng mL-1 (0.15 × 10-9 -1.8 × 10-9 m), a limit of detection of 10 ng mL-1 , and the typical measurement time of less than 10 min. The on-chip integration of such nanopin metasurfaces to portable colorimetric microfluidic device may be envisaged for the quantitative studies of a variety of biochemical molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Rong Fan
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Institute of Microelectronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Innovation Center for MicroNanoelectronics and Integrated System, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Jia Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Institute of Microelectronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Innovation Center for MicroNanoelectronics and Integrated System, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Gang Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Institute of Microelectronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Innovation Center for MicroNanoelectronics and Integrated System, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Yun Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Institute of Microelectronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Innovation Center for MicroNanoelectronics and Integrated System, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
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40
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Zhang R, Cai X, Feng G, Liu B. Real-time naked-eye multiplex detection of toxins and bacteria using AIEgens with the assistance of graphene oxide. Faraday Discuss 2016; 196:363-375. [PMID: 27918604 DOI: 10.1039/c6fd00169f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxins and bacteria in water or food pose a threat to human life and could potentially be exploited for bioterrorism. Real-time naked-eye detection of these contaminants is highly desirable to provide a direct and simple analytical method and address the challenges of the existing strategies. Using the detection of ricin and B. subtilis as an example, a naked-eye multiplex detection model is established. In this work, a green fluorogen with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics was encapsulated in silica nanoshells. The resulting green AIE nanoparticles (NPs) were further functionalized with ricin binding aptamers (RBA), which were used together with graphene oxide (GO) to provide a fluorescence turn-on approach recognizable by naked eye for the specific sensing of ricin. The platform is compatible with a red emissive fluorescent light-up probe (AIE-2Van) for B. subtilis detection. The success of the multiplex is validated by different colours, that is, green for ricin and red for B. subtilis, which are clearly recognizable by naked eye in the same solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585.
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41
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Selvaprakash K, Chen YC. Detection of ricin by using gold nanoclusters functionalized with chicken egg white proteins as sensing probes. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 92:410-416. [PMID: 27836610 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.10.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ricin produced from the castor oil plant, Ricinus communis, is a well-known toxin. The toxin comprises A and B chains. Ricin A chain can cause toxicity by inhibiting protein synthesis, and ricin B can bind to the galactose ligand on the cell membrane of host cells. Inhalation or ingestion of ricin may even lead to death. Therefore, rapid and convenient sensing methods for detecting ricin in suspicious samples must be developed. In this study, we generated protein encapsulated gold nanoclusters (AuNCs@ew) with bright photoluminescence by using chicken egg white proteins as starting materials to react with aqueous tetrachloroaurate. The generated nanoclusters, which were mainly composed of chicken ovalbumin-encapsulated AuNCs, can recognize ricin B because of the presence of Galβ(1→4)GlcNAc ligands on chicken ovalbumin. The generated conjugates of AuNCs@ew and ricin B were heavy and readily settled down under centrifugation (13,000rpm, 60min). Thus, bright spots resulting from the conjugates at the bottom of the sample vials were easily visualized by the naked eye under ultraviolet light illumination. The limit of detection (LOD) was ~4.6µM. The LOD was reduced to ~400nM when fluorescence spectroscopy was used as the detection tool, while the LOD can be further improved to ~7.8nM when using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry as the detection method. We also demonstrated the feasibility of using the proposed approach to selectively detect ricin B chain in complex samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu-Chie Chen
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
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Kanchan T, Atreya A, Shekhawat RS. Cathartic Turned Bioweapon: Ricinus communis, the Castor Bean. Wilderness Environ Med 2016; 27:444-5. [PMID: 27591711 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2016.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanuj Kanchan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India (Drs Kanchan and Shekhawat).
| | - Alok Atreya
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal (Dr Atreya)
| | - Raghvendra Singh Shekhawat
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India (Drs Kanchan and Shekhawat)
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Management of Castor Bean Seed-Associated Intraventricular Hemorrhage with Fresh Frozen Plasma: A Case Report. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2016. [DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.27834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Wong J, Magun BE, Wood LJ. Lung inflammation caused by inhaled toxicants: a review. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2016; 11:1391-401. [PMID: 27382275 PMCID: PMC4922809 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s106009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure of the lungs to airborne toxicants from different sources in the environment may lead to acute and chronic pulmonary or even systemic inflammation. Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, although wood smoke in urban areas of underdeveloped countries is now recognized as a leading cause of respiratory disease. Mycotoxins from fungal spores pose an occupational risk for respiratory illness and also present a health hazard to those living in damp buildings. Microscopic airborne particulates of asbestos and silica (from building materials) and those of heavy metals (from paint) are additional sources of indoor air pollution that contributes to respiratory illness and is known to cause respiratory illness in experimental animals. Ricin in aerosolized form is a potential bioweapon that is extremely toxic yet relatively easy to produce. Although the aforementioned agents belong to different classes of toxic chemicals, their pathogenicity is similar. They induce the recruitment and activation of macrophages, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, inhibition of protein synthesis, and production of interleukin-1 beta. Targeting either macrophages (using nanoparticles) or the production of interleukin-1 beta (using inhibitors against protein kinases, NOD-like receptor protein-3, or P2X7) may potentially be employed to treat these types of lung inflammation without affecting the natural immune response to bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Wong
- School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bruce E Magun
- School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa J Wood
- School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
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45
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Respaud R, Marchand D, Pelat T, Tchou-Wong KM, Roy CJ, Parent C, Cabrera M, Guillemain J, Mac Loughlin R, Levacher E, Fontayne A, Douziech-Eyrolles L, Junqua-Moullet A, Guilleminault L, Thullier P, Guillot-Combe E, Vecellio L, Heuzé-Vourc'h N. Development of a drug delivery system for efficient alveolar delivery of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody to treat pulmonary intoxication to ricin. J Control Release 2016; 234:21-32. [PMID: 27173943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The high toxicity of ricin and its ease of production have made it a major bioterrorism threat worldwide. There is however no efficient and approved treatment for poisoning by ricin inhalation, although there have been major improvements in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. We describe the development of an anti-ricin neutralizing monoclonal antibody (IgG 43RCA-G1) and a device for its rapid and effective delivery into the lungs for an application in humans. The antibody is a full-length IgG and binds to the ricin A-chain subunit with a high affinity (KD=53pM). Local administration of the antibody into the respiratory tract of mice 6h after pulmonary ricin intoxication allowed the rescue of 100% of intoxicated animals. Specific operational constraints and aerosolization stresses, resulting in protein aggregation and loss of activity, were overcome by formulating the drug as a dry-powder that is solubilized extemporaneously in a stabilizing solution to be nebulized. Inhalation studies in mice showed that this formulation of IgG 43RCA-G1 did not induce pulmonary inflammation. A mesh nebulizer was customized to improve IgG 43RCA-G1 deposition into the alveolar region of human lungs, where ricin aerosol particles mostly accumulate. The drug delivery system also comprises a semi-automatic reconstitution system to facilitate its use and a specific holding chamber to maximize aerosol delivery deep into the lung. In vivo studies in monkeys showed that drug delivery with the device resulted in a high concentration of IgG 43RCA-G1 in the airways for at least 6h after local deposition, which is consistent with the therapeutic window and limited passage into the bloodstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Respaud
- Université François-Rabelais de Tours, UMR 1100, CHRU de Tours, Service de Pharmacie, F-37032 Tours, France; INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France
| | - Denis Marchand
- Université François Rabelais, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France; INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France; Aerodrug, F-37032 Tours, France
| | - Thibaut Pelat
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA-CRSSA); Département de Microbiologie; Unité de biotechnologie des anticorps et des toxines; Brétigny sur Orge, France; BIOTEM, Parc d'activité Bièvre Dauphine, Apprieu, France
| | - Kam-Meng Tchou-Wong
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Environmental Medicine, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, New York 10987, USA
| | - Chad J Roy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Christelle Parent
- Université François Rabelais, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France; INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France
| | - Maria Cabrera
- Université François Rabelais, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France; INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France
| | - Joël Guillemain
- SESAME, Expertise en toxicologie, Chambray-les-tours, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Laurent Guilleminault
- Université François Rabelais, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France; INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France
| | - Philippe Thullier
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA-CRSSA); Département de Microbiologie; Unité de biotechnologie des anticorps et des toxines; Brétigny sur Orge, France
| | - Emmanuelle Guillot-Combe
- DGA, Direction de la Stratégie (DS), Mission pour la recherche et l'Innovation scientifique (MRIS), France
| | - Laurent Vecellio
- Université François Rabelais, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France; INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France; Aerodrug, F-37032 Tours, France
| | - Nathalie Heuzé-Vourc'h
- Université François Rabelais, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France; INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, UMR 1100, F-37032 Tours, France.
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Berger T, Eisenkraft A, Bar-Haim E, Kassirer M, Aran AA, Fogel I. Toxins as biological weapons for terror-characteristics, challenges and medical countermeasures: a mini-review. DISASTER AND MILITARY MEDICINE 2016; 2:7. [PMID: 28265441 PMCID: PMC5330008 DOI: 10.1186/s40696-016-0017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxins are hazardous biochemical compounds derived from bacteria, fungi, or plants. Some have mechanisms of action and physical properties that make them amenable for use as potential warfare agents. Currently, some toxins are classified as potential biological weapons, although they have several differences from classic living bio-terror pathogens and some similarities to manmade chemical warfare agents. This review focuses on category A and B bio-terror toxins recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Botulinum neurotoxin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin, and ricin. Their derivation, pathogenesis, mechanism of action, associated clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed in detail. Given their expected covert use, the primary diagnostic challenge in toxin exposure is the early detection of morbidity clusters, apart from background morbidity, after a relatively short incubation period. For this reason, it is important that clinicians be familiar with the clinical manifestations of toxins and the appropriate methods of management and countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Berger
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel ; Department of Internal Medicine, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Arik Eisenkraft
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel ; Institute for Research in Military Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel ; NBC Protection Division, IMOD, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Erez Bar-Haim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Michael Kassirer
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Adi Avniel Aran
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel ; Pediatric Critical Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Itay Fogel
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Stern D, Pauly D, Zydek M, Müller C, Avondet MA, Worbs S, Lisdat F, Dorner MB, Dorner BG. Simultaneous differentiation and quantification of ricin and agglutinin by an antibody-sandwich surface plasmon resonance sensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 78:111-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Duriez E, Armengaud J, Fenaille F, Ezan E. Mass spectrometry for the detection of bioterrorism agents: from environmental to clinical applications. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2016; 51:183-199. [PMID: 26956386 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the current context of international conflicts and localized terrorist actions, there is unfortunately a permanent threat of attacks with unconventional warfare agents. Among these, biological agents such as toxins, microorganisms, and viruses deserve particular attention owing to their ease of production and dissemination. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques for the detection and quantification of biological agents have a decisive role to play for countermeasures in a scenario of biological attacks. The application of MS to every field of both organic and macromolecular species has in recent years been revolutionized by the development of soft ionization techniques (MALDI and ESI), and by the continuous development of MS technologies (high resolution, accurate mass HR/AM instruments, novel analyzers, hybrid configurations). New possibilities have emerged for exquisite specific and sensitive detection of biological warfare agents. MS-based strategies for clinical application can now address a wide range of analytical questions mainly including issues related to the complexity of biological samples and their available volume. Multiplexed toxin detection, discovery of new markers through omics approaches, and identification of untargeted microbiological or of novel molecular targets are examples of applications. In this paper, we will present these technological advances along with the novel perspectives offered by omics approaches to clinical detection and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean Armengaud
- CEA, iBiTec-S, Service de Pharmacologie et d'Immunologie, 30207, Bagnols sur-Cèze, France
| | - François Fenaille
- CEA, iBiTec-S, Service de Pharmacologie et d'Immunoanalyse, Laboratoire d'Etude du Métabolisme des Médicaments, MetaboHUB-Paris, CEA Saclay, Building 136, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Eric Ezan
- CEA, Programme Transversal Technologies pour la Santé, 91191, Gif sur Yvette, France
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49
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Hoizey G, Cheze M, Villa A, Muckensturm A, Pepin G, Garnier R, Deveaux M. Intoxication volontaire par la ricine : description d’un cas avec détermination des concentrations de ricinine dans le sang et l’urine. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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50
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Tang JJ, Sun JF, Lui R, Zhang ZM, Liu JF, Xie JW. New Surface-Enhanced Raman Sensing Chip Designed for On-Site Detection of Active Ricin in Complex Matrices Based on Specific Depurination. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:2449-2455. [PMID: 26719952 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Quick and accurate on-site detection of active ricin has very important realistic significance in view of national security and defense. In this paper, optimized single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides named poly(21dA), which function as a depurination substrate of active ricin, were screened and chemically attached on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, ∼100 nm) via the Au-S bond [poly(21dA)-AuNPs]. Subsequently, poly(21dA)-AuNPs were assembled on a dihydrogen lipoic-acid-modified Si wafer (SH-Si), thus forming the specific surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) chip [poly(21dA)-AuNPs@SH-Si] for depurination of active ricin. Under optimized conditions, active ricin could specifically hydrolyze multiple adenines from poly(21dA) on the chip. This depurination-induced composition change could be conveniently monitored by measuring the distinct attenuation of the SERS signature corresponding to adenine. To improve sensitivity of this method, a silver nanoshell was deposited on post-reacted poly(21dA)-AuNPs, which lowered the limit of detection to 8.9 ng mL(-1). The utility of this well-controlled SERS chip was successfully demonstrated in food and biological matrices spiked with different concentrations of active ricin, thus showing to be very promising assay for reliable and rapid on-site detection of active ricin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Jun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences , Beijing 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Fang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Lui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Zong-Mian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Fu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University , Wuhan, Hubei 430056, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Wei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, and Laboratory of Toxicant Analysis, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences , Beijing 100850, People's Republic of China
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