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Zhou X, Xia X. Ginsenoside Rg3 improves microcystin-induced cardiotoxicity through the miR-128-3p/MDM4 axis. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024; 47:682-692. [PMID: 37990515 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2023.2251716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin (MC) is the byproduct of cyanobacteria metabolism that is associated with oxidative stress and heart damage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on MC-induced cardiotoxicity. A mouse model of myocardial infarction was constructed by oral MC administration. H9C2 cells were used for in vitro analysis. Cellular oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the relationship between miR-128-3p and double minute 4 protein (MDM4) were analyzed. MiR-128-3p expression was upregulated in vitro and in vivo after MC treatment, which was downregulated after Rg3 treatment. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) were increased and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was decreased after Rg3 treatment. Moreover, Rg3 alleviated MC-induced pathological changes and apoptosis in myocardial tissues. Meanwhile, Rg3 treatment decreased the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and inhabited cell apoptosis and oxidative stress in MC-treated myocardial cells. MiR-128-3p overexpression attenuated the protective effect of Rg3 on MC-induced cardiotoxicity. MiR-128-3p negatively regulated MDM4 expression. This study revealed that Rg3 alleviated MC-induced cardiotoxicity through the miR-128-3p/MDM4 axis, which emphasized the potential of Rg3 as a therapeutic agent for MC-induced cardiotoxicity, and miR-128-3p as a target for the Rg3 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xia
- Dean's Office, Changsha Health Vocational College, Changsha, Hunan, China
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2
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Vejerano EP, Ahn J, Scott GI. Aerosolized algal bloom toxins are not inert. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ATMOSPHERES 2024:d4ea00078a. [PMID: 39169920 PMCID: PMC11331395 DOI: 10.1039/d4ea00078a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are projected to become increasingly prevalent, extending over longer periods and wider geographic regions due to the warming surface ocean water and other environmental factors, including but not limited to nutrient concentrations and runoff for marine and freshwater environments. Incidents of respiratory distress linked to the inhalation of marine aerosols containing HAB toxins have been documented, though the risk is typically associated with the original toxins. However, aerosolized toxins in micrometer and submicrometer particles are vulnerable to atmospheric processing. This processing can potentially degrade HAB toxins and produce byproducts with varying potencies compared to the parent toxins. The inhalation of aerosolized HAB toxins, especially in conjunction with co-morbid factors such as exposure to air pollutants from increased commercial activities in ports, may represent a significant exposure pathway for a considerable portion of the global population. Understanding the chemistry behind the transformation of these toxins can enhance public protection by improving the existing HAB alert systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Vejerano
- Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, Department of Environmental Health Sciences USA +1-803-777-6360
| | - Jeonghyeon Ahn
- Center for Oceans and Human Health on Climate Change Interactions, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina Columbia 29208 USA
| | - Geoffrey I Scott
- Center for Oceans and Human Health on Climate Change Interactions, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina Columbia 29208 USA
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3
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Foysal MJ, Kawser AQMR, Paul SI, Chaklader MR, Gupta SK, Tay A, Neilan BA, Gagnon MM, Fotedar R, Rahman MM, Timms VJ. Prevalence of opportunistic pathogens and anti-microbial resistance in urban aquaculture ponds. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134661. [PMID: 38815393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant concern worldwide. The microbial community profile and potential AMR level in aquaculture ponds are often undervalued and attract less attention than other aquatic environments. We used amplicon and metagenomic shotgun sequencing to study microbial communities and AMR in six freshwater polyculture ponds in rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Amplicon sequencing revealed different community structures between rural and urban ponds, with urban ponds having a higher bacterial diversity and opportunistic pathogens including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium. Despite proteobacterial dominance, Firmicutes was the most interactive in the community network, especially in the urban ponds. Metagenomes showed that drug resistance was the most common type of AMR found, while metal resistance was only observed in urban ponds. AMR and metal resistance genes were found mainly in beta and gamma-proteobacteria in urban ponds, while AMR was found primarily in alpha-proteobacteria in rural ponds. We identified potential pathogens with a high profile of AMR and metal resistance in urban aquaculture ponds. As these ponds provide a significant source of protein for humans, our results raise significant concerns for the environmental sustainability of this food source and the dissemination of AMR into the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Javed Foysal
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia; Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
| | - A Q M Robiul Kawser
- Department of Aquaculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sulav Indra Paul
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh; Institute for Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics, Oklahoma State University, OK, USA
| | - Md Reaz Chaklader
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Sanjay Kumar Gupta
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Alfred Tay
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Brett A Neilan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Ravi Fotedar
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Md Mahbubur Rahman
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Verlaine J Timms
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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4
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Li K, Yang M, Dai Y, Huang J, Zhu P, Qiuzhen L. Microcystin-LR improves anti-tumor efficacy of oxaliplatin through induction of M1 macrophage polarization. Toxicon 2024; 243:107723. [PMID: 38663519 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages within the tumor microenvironment play an immunosuppressive role by promoting tumor growth and immune evasion. Macrophages are highly plastic and can be stimulated to adopt an anti-tumor M1 phenotype. In this study, we used microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a cyclic heptapeptide produced by cyanobacteria, to induce in vitro macrophage innate immunity and transition into the anti-tumor M1 phenotype. MC-LR was also tested in vivo in a mouse model of colorectal cancer. An intraperitoneal injection of MC-LR increased the proportion of CD86⁺ M1 macrophages and triggered the maturation of CD11c⁺ dendritic cells within tumor tissues. MC-LR combined with the chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Flow cytometry analysis revealed increased infiltration of activated cytotoxic (CD8⁺, PD-1⁺) T-cells and anti-tumor cytokines (IFNγ and Granzyme B) in the tumor tissues of the combination therapy group, suggesting that this may be the primary mechanism behind the anti-tumor effect of the combination treatment. These findings indicate that MC-LR regulates the immune stimulation of macrophage polarization and dendritic cell maturation, effectively reversing tumor immunosuppression, activating an anti-tumor immune response, and enhancing tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyi Li
- Pingshan District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Pingshan General Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518118, China
| | - Minzhu Yang
- Pingshan District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Pingshan General Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518118, China
| | - Yuxin Dai
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Shatai South Road, Baiyun District, 16, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jinyan Huang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Shatai South Road, Baiyun District, 16, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Pingshan District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Pingshan General Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518118, China.
| | - Liu Qiuzhen
- Pingshan District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Pingshan General Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518118, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Shatai South Road, Baiyun District, 16, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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5
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Mohammed V, Arockiaraj J. Unveiling the trifecta of cyanobacterial quorum sensing: LuxI, LuxR and LuxS as the intricate machinery for harmful algal bloom formation in freshwater ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171644. [PMID: 38471587 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are causing significant disruptions in freshwater ecosystems, primarily due to the proliferation of cyanobacteria. These blooms have a widespread impact on various lakes globally, leading to profound environmental and health consequences. Cyanobacteria, with their ability to produce diverse toxins, pose a particular concern as they negatively affect the well-being of humans and animals, exacerbating the situation. Notably, cyanobacteria utilize quorum sensing (QS) as a complex communication mechanism that facilitates coordinated growth and toxin production. QS plays a critical role in regulating the dynamics of HABs. However, recent advances in control and mitigation strategies have shown promising results in effectively managing and reducing the occurrence of HABs. This comprehensive review explores the intricate aspects of cyanobacteria development in freshwater ecosystems, explicitly focusing on deciphering the signaling molecules associated with QS and their corresponding genes. Furthermore, a concise overview of diverse measures implemented to efficiently control and mitigate the spread of these bacteria will be provided, shedding light on the ongoing global efforts to address this urgent environmental issue. By deepening our understanding of the mechanisms driving cyanobacteria growth and developing targeted control strategies, we hope to safeguard freshwater ecosystems and protect the health of humans and animals from the detrimental impacts of HABs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajagathali Mohammed
- Department of Forensic Science, Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575013, Karnataka, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Santos AA, Garrute FV, Magalhães VF, Pacheco ABF. Microcystin removal by microbial communities from a coastal lagoon: Influence of abiotic factors, bacterioplankton composition and estimated functions. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 135:102646. [PMID: 38830712 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2024.102646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Toxic cyanobacterial blooms present a substantial risk to public health due to the production of secondary metabolites, notably microcystins (MCs). Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most prevalent and toxic variant in freshwater. MCs resist conventional water treatment methods, persistently impacting water quality. This study focused on an oligohaline shallow lagoon historically affected by MC-producing cyanobacteria, aiming to identify bacteria capable of degrading MC and investigating the influence of environmental factors on this process. While isolated strains did not exhibit MC degradation, microbial assemblages directly sourced from lagoon water removed MC-LR within seven days at 25 ºC and pH 8.0. The associated bacterial community demonstrated an increased abundance of bacterial taxa assigned to Methylophilales, and also Rhodospirillales and Rhodocyclales to a lesser extent. However, elevated atmospheric temperatures (45 ºC) and acidification (pH 5.0 and 3.0) hindered MC-LR removal, indicating that extreme environmental changes could contribute to prolonged MC persistence in the water column. This study highlights the importance of considering environmental conditions in order to develop strategies to mitigate cyanotoxin contamination in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan A Santos
- Laboratory of Ecophysiology and Toxicology of Cyanobacteria, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Felipe V Garrute
- Laboratory of Ecophysiology and Toxicology of Cyanobacteria, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Ultrasound Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering Program-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Biological Physics Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valéria F Magalhães
- Laboratory of Ecophysiology and Toxicology of Cyanobacteria, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz F Pacheco
- Biological Physics Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Dirks C, Cappelli P, Blomqvist M, Ekroth S, Johansson M, Persson M, Drakare S, Pekar H, Zuberovic Muratovic A. Cyanotoxin Occurrence and Diversity in 98 Cyanobacterial Blooms from Swedish Lakes and the Baltic Sea. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:199. [PMID: 38786590 PMCID: PMC11123207 DOI: 10.3390/md22050199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184 includes the parameter microcystin LR, a cyanotoxin, which drinking water producers need to analyze if the water source has potential for cyanobacterial blooms. In light of the increasing occurrences of cyanobacterial blooms worldwide and given that more than 50 percent of the drinking water in Sweden is produced from surface water, both fresh and brackish, the need for improved knowledge about cyanotoxin occurrence and cyanobacterial diversity has increased. In this study, a total of 98 cyanobacterial blooms were sampled in 2016-2017 and identified based on their toxin production and taxonomical compositions. The surface water samples from freshwater lakes throughout Sweden including brackish water from eight east coast locations along the Baltic Sea were analyzed for their toxin content with LC-MS/MS and taxonomic composition with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Both the extracellular and the total toxin content were analyzed. Microcystin's prevalence was highest with presence in 82% of blooms, of which as a free toxin in 39% of blooms. Saxitoxins were found in 36% of blooms in which the congener decarbamoylsaxitoxin (dcSTX) was detected for the first time in Swedish surface waters at four sampling sites. Anatoxins were most rarely detected, followed by cylindrospermopsin, which were found in 6% and 10% of samples, respectively. As expected, nodularin was detected in samples collected from the Baltic Sea only. The cyanobacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with the highest abundance and prevalence could be annotated to Aphanizomenon NIES-81 and the second most profuse cyanobacterial taxon to Microcystis PCC 7914. In addition, two correlations were found, one between Aphanizomenon NIES-81 and saxitoxins and another between Microcystis PCC 7914 and microcystins. This study is of value to drinking water management and scientists involved in recognizing and controlling toxic cyanobacteria blooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Dirks
- Swedish Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700AE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Cappelli
- Swedish Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Blomqvist
- Swedish Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Susanne Ekroth
- Swedish Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Johansson
- Swedish Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Max Persson
- Swedish Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stina Drakare
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Heidi Pekar
- Swedish Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
- Stockholm Vatten och Avfall, Bryggerivägen 10, SE-106 36 Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Sobhani D, Djahaniani H, Duong A, Kazemian H. Efficient removal of microcystin-LR from contaminated water using water-stable MIL-100(Fe) synthesized under HF-free conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:24512-24524. [PMID: 38443530 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32675-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial algal hepatotoxins, called microcystins (MCs), are a global health concern, necessitating research on effective removal methods from contaminated water bodies. In this study, we synthesized non-fluorine MIL-100(Fe) using an environmentally friendly room-temperature method and utilized it as an adsorbent to effectively remove microcystin-LR (MC-LR), which is the most toxic MC congener. MIL-100(Fe) was thoroughly characterized, and its adsorption process was investigated under various conditions. Results revealed rapid MC-LR adsorption, achieving 93% removal in just 5 min, with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model indicating chemisorption as the primary mechanism. The Langmuir isotherm model demonstrated a monolayer sorption capacity of 232.6 µg g-1 at room temperature, showing favorable adsorption. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity increased from 183 µg g-1 at 20 °C to 311 µg g-1 at 40 °C, indicating an endothermic process. Thermodynamic parameters supported MC-LR adsorption's spontaneous and feasible nature onto MIL-100(Fe). This study highlights MIL-100(Fe) as a promising method for effectively removing harmful biological pollutants, such as MC-LR, from contaminated water bodies in an environmentally friendly manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorna Sobhani
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
- Northern Analytical Lab Services (Northern BC's Environment & Climate Solutions Innovation Hub), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Hooreih Djahaniani
- Northern Analytical Lab Services (Northern BC's Environment & Climate Solutions Innovation Hub), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
- Materials Technology & Environmental Research (MATTER) Lab, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Ann Duong
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Hossein Kazemian
- Northern Analytical Lab Services (Northern BC's Environment & Climate Solutions Innovation Hub), University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada.
- Materials Technology & Environmental Research (MATTER) Lab, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada.
- Environmental Sciences Program, Faculty of Environment, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, V2N4Z9, Canada.
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Hu X, Wang Z, Ye X, Xie P, Liu Y. Analyzing MC-LR distribution characteristics in natural lakes by a novel fluorescence technology. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123123. [PMID: 38081380 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The death of aquatic and terrestrial organisms caused by cyanobacterial blooms has been a topic of considerable concern since the 19th century. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) produced by cyanobacterial blooms threaten natural ecosystems and human health. Therefore, establishing an effective monitoring and early warning system to detect MC-LR in water bodies is crucial. However, rapidly and intuitively assessing the distribution traits of MC-LR in lakes is a challenging task due to the complexities and expenses associated with conventional detection methods. To overcome these technical limitations, we introduce a novel and effective method for evaluating the distribution of MC-LR in lakes. This method is achieved by using a fluorescence probe (BAD) technology, marking the first application of this technology in evaluating the distribution of MC-LR in natural lake environments. The probe BAD is endowed with unique functions through clever functionalization modification. Experimental results exhibit that BAD has different fluorescence signals at various lake sampling points. The correlation analysis of fluorescence data and physicochemical indicators determines that the fluorescence data of the probe exhibit good correlation with MC-LR, implying that BAD is capable of detecting MC-LR in lakes. Moreover, the introduction of fluorescence technology to achieve the intuitive distribution of MC-LR in the entire plateau lake. This study provides a new method for evaluating the distribution of MC-LR in plateau lakes. It opens a new avenue for exploring the relationship between cyanobacterial blooms and MC-LR in natural waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Hu
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Zhaomin Wang
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Xiao Ye
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China
| | - Ping Xie
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China; Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, PR China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China.
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10
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Chowdhury RR, Rose S, Ezan F, Sovadinová I, Babica P, Langouët S. Hepatotoxicity of cyanotoxin microcystin-LR in human: Insights into mechanisms of action in the 3D culture model Hepoid-HepaRG. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 342:123047. [PMID: 38036087 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a potent hepatotoxin produced by harmful cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs). MC-LR targets highly differentiated hepatocytes expressing organic anion transporting polypeptides OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 that are responsible for hepatocellular uptake of the toxin. The present study utilized an advanced 3D in vitro human liver model Hepoid-HepaRG based on the cultivation of collagen-matrix embedded multicellular spheroids composed of highly differentiated and polarized hepatocyte-like cells. 14-d-old Hepoid-HepaRG cultures showed increased expression of OATP1B1/1B3 and sensitivity to MC-LR cytotoxicity at concentrations >10 nM (48 h exposure, EC20 = 26 nM). MC-LR induced neither caspase 3/7 activity nor expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker gene BiP/GRP78, but increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8, indicating a necrotic type of cell death. Subcytotoxic (10 nM) and cytotoxic (≥100 nM) MC-LR concentrations disrupted hepatocyte functions, such as xenobiotic metabolism phase-I enzyme activities (cytochrome P450 1A/1B) and albumin secretion, along with reduced expression of CYP1A2 and ALB genes. MC-LR also decreased expression of HNF4A gene, a critical regulator of hepatocyte differentiation and function. Genes encoding hepatobiliary membrane transporters (OATP1B1, BSEP, NTCP), hepatocyte gap junctional gene connexin 32 and the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin were also downregulated. Simultaneous upregulation of connexin 43 gene, primarily expressed by liver progenitor and non-parenchymal cells, indicated a disruption of tissue homeostasis. This was associated with a shift in the expression ratio of E-cadherin to N-cadherin towards the mesenchymal cell marker, a process linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hepatocarcinogenesis. The effects observed in the human liver cell in vitro model revealed mechanisms that can potentially contribute to the MC-LR-induced promotion and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepoid-HepaRG cultures provide a robust, accessible and versatile in vitro model, capable of sensitively detecting hepatotoxic effects at toxicologically relevant concentrations, allowing for assessing hepatotoxicity mechanisms, human health hazards and impacts of environmental hepatotoxins, such as MC-LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riju R Chowdhury
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sophie Rose
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Ezan
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Iva Sovadinová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Babica
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sophie Langouët
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000, Rennes, France.
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Navina BK, Velmurugan NK, Senthil Kumar P, Rangasamy G, Palanivelu J, Thamarai P, Vickram AS, Saravanan A, Shakoor A. Fungal bioremediation approaches for the removal of toxic pollutants: Mechanistic understanding for biorefinery applications. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141123. [PMID: 38185426 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Pollution is a global menace that poses harmful effects on all the living ecosystems and to the Earth. As years pass by, the available and the looming rate of pollutants increases at a faster rate. Although many treatments and processing strategies are waged for treating such pollutants, the by-products and the wastes or drain off generated by these treatments further engages in the emission of hazardous waste. Innovative and long-lasting solutions are required to address the urgent global issue of hazardous pollutant remediation from contaminated environments. Myco-remediation is a top-down green and eco-friendly tool for pollution management. It is a cost-effective and safer practice of converting pernicious substances into non-toxic forms by the use of fungi. But these pollutants can be transformed into useable products along with multiple benefits for the environment such as sequestration of carbon emissions and also to generate high valuable bioactive materials that fits as a sustainable economic model. The current study has examined the possible applications of fungi in biorefineries and their critical role in the transformation and detoxification of pollutants. The paper offers important insights into using fungal bioremediation for both economically and environmentally sound solutions in the domain of biorefinery applications by combining recent research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bala Krishnan Navina
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600062, India
| | - Nandha Kumar Velmurugan
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600062, India
| | - P Senthil Kumar
- Centre for Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry, 605014, India.
| | - Gayathri Rangasamy
- School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon; University Centre for Research and Development & Department of Civil Engineering, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India
| | - Jeyanthi Palanivelu
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600062, India
| | - P Thamarai
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, 602105, India
| | - A S Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, 602105, India
| | - A Saravanan
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, 602105, India
| | - Awais Shakoor
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, West Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
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12
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Tayama J, Hamaguchi T, Koizumi K, Yamamura R, Okubo R, Kawahara JI, Inoue K, Takeoka A, Fukudo S. Efficacy of an eHealth self-management program in reducing irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4. [PMID: 38172498 PMCID: PMC10764726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50293-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to verify whether an eHealth-based self-management program can reduce irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptom severity. An open-label simple randomized controlled trial was conducted that compared an intervention group (n = 21) participating in an eHealth self-management program, which involved studying IBS-related information from an established self-help guide followed by in-built quizzes, with a treatment-as-usual group (n = 19) that, except for pharmacotherapy, had no treatment restrictions. Participants were female Japanese university students. The eHealth group received unlimited access to the self-management program for 8 weeks on computers and mobile devices. The primary outcome, participants' severity of IBS symptoms assessed using the IBS-severity index (IBS-SI), and the secondary outcomes of participants' quality of life, gut bacteria, and electroencephalography alpha and beta power percentages were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. A significant difference was found in the net change in IBS-SI scores between the eHealth and treatment-as-usual groups, and the former had significantly lower IBS-SI scores following the 8-week intervention than at baseline. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the net change in phylum Cyanobacteria between the eHealth and treatment-as-usual groups. Thus, the eHealth-based self-management program successfully reduced the severity of IBS symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tayama
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-1192, Japan.
| | - Toyohiro Hamaguchi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University, 820, Sannomiya, Koshigaya, Saitama, 343-8540, Japan
| | - Kohei Koizumi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University, 820, Sannomiya, Koshigaya, Saitama, 343-8540, Japan
| | - Ryodai Yamamura
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Ryo Okubo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, National Hospital Organization Obihiro Hospital, 16, Kita 2, Nishi 18, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-0048, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Kawahara
- Department of Psychology, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0815, Japan
| | - Kenji Inoue
- Center for Student Success Research and Practice, Osaka University, 1-2, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takeoka
- Health Center, Nagasaki University, 1-14, Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan
| | - Shin Fukudo
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
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13
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Mokoena MM. Microcystins in water containers used in the home: A review of their potential health effects. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115787. [PMID: 38086260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria produce toxins that are harmful to humans. They are found mostly in surface water, which is the main water source for drinking water before treatment. However, most of the water treatment plants are inadequate to treat toxins such as microcystins in raw water sources from contaminated surface water that has blooming and/or decaying cyanobacteria. Microcystins are harmful toxins produced by cyanobacteria that cause both acute and chronic health problems in humans. However, little is known about microcystins in water containers at the household level. This article therefore focuses on a review of the effects of microcystins in drinking water containers at the household level, including types of microcystins, their health effects, and cases reported in both animals and humans. Therefore, there is a need to develop the water quality management for cyanobacteria toxins, particularly microcystins in household containers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Mokoena
- Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, P/bag X680, Pretoria 0001, Republic of South Africa.
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14
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Shi JH, Olson NE, Birbeck JA, Pan J, Peraino NJ, Holen AL, Ledsky IR, Jacquemin SJ, Marr LC, Schmale DG, Westrick JA, Ault AP. Aerosolized Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins: Microcystin Congeners Quantified in the Atmosphere. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21801-21814. [PMID: 38078756 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) have the potential to adversely affect public health through the production of toxins such as microcystins, which consist of numerous molecularly distinct congeners. Microcystins have been observed in the atmosphere after emission from freshwater lakes, but little is known about the health effects of inhaling microcystins and the factors contributing to microcystin aerosolization. This study quantified total microcystin concentrations in water and aerosol samples collected around Grand Lake St. Marys (GLSM), Ohio. Microcystin concentrations in water samples collected on the same day ranged from 13 to 23 μg/L, dominated by the d-Asp3-MC-RR congener. In particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), microcystin concentrations up to 156 pg/m3 were detected; the microcystins were composed primarily of d-Asp3-MC-RR, with additional congeners (d-Asp3-MC-HtyR and d-Asp3-MC-LR) observed in a sample collected prior to a storm event. The PM size fraction containing the highest aerosolized MC concentration ranged from 0.44 to 2.5 μm. Analysis of total bacteria by qPCR targeting 16S rDNA revealed concentrations up to 9.4 × 104 gc/m3 in aerosol samples (≤3 μm), while a marker specific to cyanobacteria was not detected in any aerosol samples. Concentrations of aerosolized microcystins varied even when concentrations in water were relatively constant, demonstrating the importance of meteorological conditions (wind speed and direction) and aerosol generation mechanism(s) (wave breaking, spillway, and aeration systems) when evaluating inhalation exposure to microcystins and subsequent impacts on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia H Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nicole E Olson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Johnna A Birbeck
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Jin Pan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Nicholas J Peraino
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Andrew L Holen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Isabel R Ledsky
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota 55057, United States
| | - Stephen J Jacquemin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Lake Campus, Celina, Ohio 45822, United States
| | - Linsey C Marr
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - David G Schmale
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Judy A Westrick
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Andrew P Ault
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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15
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Oh JW, Pushparaj SSC, Muthu M, Gopal J. Review of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Causing Marine Fish Kills: Toxicity and Mitigation. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3936. [PMID: 38068573 PMCID: PMC10871120 DOI: 10.3390/plants12233936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Extensive growth of microscopic algae and cyanobacteria results in harmful algal blooms (HABs) in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. HABs can harm humans and animals through their toxicity or by producing ecological conditions such as oxygen depletion, which can kill fish and other economically or ecologically important organisms. This review summarizes the reports on various HABs that are able to bring about marine fish kills. The predominant HABs, their toxins, and their effects on fishes spread across various parts of the globe are discussed. The mechanism of HAB-driven fish kills is discussed based on the available reports, and existing mitigation methods are presented. Lapses in the large-scale implementation of mitigation methods demonstrated under laboratory conditions are projected. Clay-related technologies and nano-sorption-based nanotechnologies, although proven to make significant contributions, have not been put to use in real-world conditions. The gaps in the technology transfer of the accomplished mitigation prototypes are highlighted. Further uses of remote sensing and machine learning state-of-the-art techniques for the detection and identification of HABs are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Wook Oh
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea;
| | - Suraj Shiv Charan Pushparaj
- Department of Research and Innovation, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Manikandan Muthu
- Department of Research and Innovation, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Judy Gopal
- Department of Research and Innovation, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India;
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16
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French BW, Kaul R, George J, Haller ST, Kennedy DJ, Mukundan D. A Case Series of Potential Pediatric Cyanotoxin Exposures Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms in Northwest Ohio. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:726-734. [PMID: 37987403 PMCID: PMC10660511 DOI: 10.3390/idr15060065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) are increasing in prevalence and severity in the Great Lakes region, as well as both globally and locally. CyanoHABs have the potential to cause adverse effects on human health due to the production of cyanotoxins from cyanobacteria. Common routes of exposure include recreational exposure (swimming, skiing, and boating), ingestion, and aerosolization of contaminated water sources. Cyanotoxins have been shown to adversely affect several major organ systems contributing to hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal distress, and pulmonary inflammation. We present three pediatric case reports that coincided with CyanoHABs exposure with a focus on presentation of illness, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of CyanoHAB-related illnesses. Potential cyanotoxin exposure occurred while swimming in the Maumee River and Maumee Bay of Lake Erie in Ohio during the summer months with confirmed CyanoHAB activity. Primary symptoms included generalized macular rash, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe respiratory distress. Significant labs included leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein. All patients ultimately recovered with supportive care. Symptoms following potential cyanotoxin exposure coincide with multiple disease states representing an urgent need to develop specific diagnostic tests of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W. French
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (B.W.F.); (J.G.)
| | - Rajat Kaul
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Life Science, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| | - Jerrin George
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (B.W.F.); (J.G.)
| | - Steven T. Haller
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (B.W.F.); (J.G.)
| | - David J. Kennedy
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (B.W.F.); (J.G.)
| | - Deepa Mukundan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Life Science, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
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17
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Reif JS, Stockley N, Harvey K, McFarland M, Gordon SC, Schaefer AM. Symptom frequency and exposure to a cyanobacteria bloom in Florida. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 129:102526. [PMID: 37951612 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
This investigation was undertaken to characterize health effects associated with a major bloom of blue-green algae due to the proliferation Microcystis aeruginosa that occurred in Florida in 2018. Cyanobacteria produce multiple toxins, including the potent hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs), that have been reported to cause illness in exposed persons worldwide. Widespread exposure to toxins released by blue-green algae during the 2018 bloom was shown by the presence of MCs in the nasal passages of 95 percent of the individuals studied previously in south Florida (Schaefer et al., 2020). The current analyses were conducted to determine whether self-reported symptoms were associated with activity patterns, direct contact with water, residential, recreational, and occupational exposure. The 125 persons who participated in the initial study reported an average of 4.94 (± 4.87) symptoms. Those reported most commonly included rhinorrhea, sneezing, headache, sore throat and dry cough. Respiratory symptoms were reported by 74%, ocular symptoms by 62%, and gastrointestinal symptoms by 35% of respondents. Residential and recreational exposures were associated with increased risks of respiratory, gastrointestinal, or ocular symptoms in univariate and adjusted multivariable analyses. Residential exposure was significantly associated with increased reporting of dry cough (p = 0.03), dyspnea (p < 0.01) and wheezy respirations (p = 0.04). Among persons reporting gastrointestinal symptoms, nausea (p = 0.02) and abdominal pain (p < 0.01) were significantly associated with residential exposure. Recreational exposure was significantly associated with sore throat and eye irritation. The findings add to the evidence that exposure to cyanobacteria at concentrations encountered during an algal bloom is associated with a diverse array of symptoms and that inhalation of aerosols constitutes an important exposure pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Reif
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, United States.
| | - Nicole Stockley
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600U.S. 1N, Ft Pierce, FL 34946, United States
| | - Kathi Harvey
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States
| | - Malcolm McFarland
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600U.S. 1N, Ft Pierce, FL 34946, United States
| | - Shirley C Gordon
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States
| | - Adam M Schaefer
- Abt Associates, 6130 Executive Blvd Rockville, MD, 20852, United States
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18
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Zhiquan L, Rui H, Zhu W, Fuyi C, Chun H. Effects of the nutrient inhibition on the yield of DBPFPs by Microcystis aeruginosa. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:1676-1685. [PMID: 38017598 PMCID: wh_2023_391 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The yield of three disinfection byproduct formation potentials (DBPFPs), including trichloromethane, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid formation potential (TCMFP, DCAAFP and TCAAFP), by Microcystis aeruginosa under the nitrate and phosphate inhibition conditions was investigated. The results showed that excessive nitrate could inhibit the growth of M. aeruginosa, but the concentration of DBPFPs in the five fractions of algal metabolites, including hydrophilic extracellular organic matter (EOM), hydrophobic EOM, hydrophilic intracellular organic matter, hydrophobic intracellular organic matter and cell debris, only decreased slightly. Accordingly, the productivity of DBPFPs by M. aeruginosa increased by approximately 40% under the nitrate inhibition condition and the increased productivity of DBPFPs mainly came from EOM. The phosphate inhibition also performed a similar pattern with a lesser extent. The nutrient inhibition did not change the proportion of these three DPBFPs, and TCMFP accounted for approximately 87% of the total DBPFPs. The inhibition could promote M. aeruginosa to secrete more metabolites. However, the cyanobacteria tended to secrete more DBPFPs under the nitrate inhibition condition, which resulted in an increased specific DBPFP, while they tended to secrete more non-DBPFPs under the phosphate inhibition condition, which resulted in a decreased specific DBPFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Zhiquan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China E-mail:
| | - Huang Rui
- Guangdong GDH Water Co. Ltd, Shenzhen 518021, China
| | - Wang Zhu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Cui Fuyi
- School of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hu Chun
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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19
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Thawabteh AM, Naseef HA, Karaman D, Bufo SA, Scrano L, Karaman R. Understanding the Risks of Diffusion of Cyanobacteria Toxins in Rivers, Lakes, and Potable Water. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:582. [PMID: 37756009 PMCID: PMC10535532 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090582] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, may be prevalent in our rivers and tap water. These minuscule bacteria can grow swiftly and form blooms in warm, nutrient-rich water. Toxins produced by cyanobacteria can pollute rivers and streams and harm the liver and nervous system in humans. This review highlights the properties of 25 toxin types produced by 12 different cyanobacteria genera. The review also covered strategies for reducing and controlling cyanobacteria issues. These include using physical or chemical treatments, cutting back on fertilizer input, algal lawn scrubbers, and antagonistic microorganisms for biocontrol. Micro-, nano- and ultrafiltration techniques could be used for the removal of internal and extracellular cyanotoxins, in addition to powdered or granular activated carbon, ozonation, sedimentation, ultraviolet radiation, potassium permanganate, free chlorine, and pre-treatment oxidation techniques. The efficiency of treatment techniques for removing intracellular and extracellular cyanotoxins is also demonstrated. These approaches aim to lessen the risks of cyanobacterial blooms and associated toxins. Effective management of cyanobacteria in water systems depends on early detection and quick action. Cyanobacteria cells and their toxins can be detected using microscopy, molecular methods, chromatography, and spectroscopy. Understanding the causes of blooms and the many ways for their detection and elimination will help the management of this crucial environmental issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Mahmood Thawabteh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Ramallah 00972, Palestine
- General Safety Section, General Services Department, Birzeit University, Bir Zeit 71939, Palestine
| | - Hani A Naseef
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions, Birzeit University, Ramallah 00972, Palestine
| | - Donia Karaman
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem 20002, Palestine
| | - Sabino A Bufo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa
| | - Laura Scrano
- Department of European and Mediterranean Cultures, University of Basilicata, Via Lanera 20, 75100 Matera, Italy
| | - Rafik Karaman
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem 20002, Palestine
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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20
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Kim J, Lee G, Han S, Kim MJ, Shin JH, Lee S. Microbial communities in aerosol generated from cyanobacterial bloom-affected freshwater bodies: an exploratory study in Nakdong River, South Korea. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1203317. [PMID: 37520352 PMCID: PMC10374321 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1203317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic blooms of cyanobacteria, which can produce cyanotoxins, are prevalent in freshwater, especially in South Korea. Exposure to cyanotoxins via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact may cause severe diseases. Particularly, toxic cyanobacteria and their cyanotoxins can be aerosolized by a bubble-bursting process associated with a wind-driven wave mechanism. A fundamental question remains regarding the aerosolization of toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins emitted from freshwater bodies during bloom seasons. To evaluate the potential health risk of the aerosolization of toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, the objectives of this study were as follows: 1) to quantify levels of microcystin in the water and air samples, and 2) to monitor microbial communities, including toxic cyanobacteria in the water and air samples. Water samples were collected from five sites in the Nakdong River, South Korea, from August to September 2022. Air samples were collected using an air pump with a mixed cellulose ester membrane filter. Concentrations of total microcystins were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to investigate microbial communities, including toxic cyanobacteria. Mean concentrations of microcystins were 960 μg/L ranging from 0.73 to 5,337 μg/L in the water samples and 2.48 ng/m3 ranging from 0.1 to 6.8 ng/m3 in the air samples. In addition, in both the water and air samples, predominant bacteria were Microcystis (PCC7914), which has a microcystin-producing gene, and Cyanobium. Particularly, abundance of Microcystis (PCC7914) comprised more than 1.5% of all bacteria in the air samples. This study demonstrates microbial communities with genes related with microcystin synthesis, antibiotic resistance gene, and virulence factors in aerosols generated from cyanobacterial bloom-affected freshwater body. In summary, aerosolization of toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins is a critical concern as an emerging exposure route for potential risk to environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinnam Kim
- Major of Food Science & Nutrition, Division of Food Science, College of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - GyuDae Lee
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeong Han
- Major of Food Science & Nutrition, Division of Food Science, College of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ji Kim
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Shin
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- NGS Core Facility, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungjun Lee
- Major of Food Science & Nutrition, Division of Food Science, College of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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21
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Niture S, Gadi S, Qi Q, Rios-Colon L, Khatiwada S, Vandana, Fernando RA, Levine KE, Kumar D. Cyanotoxins Increase Cytotoxicity and Promote Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Progression by Enhancing Cell Steatosis. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:411. [PMID: 37505679 PMCID: PMC10467139 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Freshwater prokaryotic cyanobacteria within harmful algal blooms produce cyanotoxins which are considered major pollutants in the aquatic system. Direct exposure to cyanotoxins through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion of contaminated drinking water can target the liver and may cause hepatotoxicity. In the current study, we investigated the effect of low concentrations of cyanotoxins on cytotoxicity, inflammation, modulation of unfolded protein response (UPR), steatosis, and fibrosis signaling in human hepatocytes and liver cell models. Exposure to low concentrations of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), microcystin-RR (MC-RR), nodularin (NOD), and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in human bipotent progenitor cell line HepaRG and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines HepG2 and SK-Hep1 resulted in increased cell toxicity. MC-LR, NOD, and CYN differentially regulated inflammatory signaling, activated UPR signaling and lipogenic gene expression, and induced cellular steatosis and fibrotic signaling in HCC cells. MC-LR, NOD, and CYN also regulated AKT/mTOR signaling and inhibited autophagy. Chronic exposure to MC-LR, NOD, and CYN upregulated the expression of lipogenic and fibrosis biomarkers. Moreover, RNA sequencing (RNA seq) data suggested that exposure of human hepatocytes, HepaRG, and HCC HepG2 cells to MC-LR and CYN modulated expression levels of several genes that regulate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our data suggest that low concentrations of cyanotoxins can cause hepatotoxicity and cell steatosis and promote NAFLD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suryakant Niture
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Sashi Gadi
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Qi Qi
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Leslimar Rios-Colon
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Sabin Khatiwada
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Vandana
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Reshan A. Fernando
- NCCU-RTI Center for Applied Research in Environmental Sciences (CARES), RTI International, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Keith E. Levine
- NCCU-RTI Center for Applied Research in Environmental Sciences (CARES), RTI International, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
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Dolce A, Della Torre S. Sex, Nutrition, and NAFLD: Relevance of Environmental Pollution. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102335. [PMID: 37242221 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease and represents an increasing public health issue given the limited treatment options and its association with several other metabolic and inflammatory disorders. The epidemic, still growing prevalence of NAFLD worldwide cannot be merely explained by changes in diet and lifestyle that occurred in the last few decades, nor from their association with genetic and epigenetic risk factors. It is conceivable that environmental pollutants, which act as endocrine and metabolic disruptors, may contribute to the spreading of this pathology due to their ability to enter the food chain and be ingested through contaminated food and water. Given the strict interplay between nutrients and the regulation of hepatic metabolism and reproductive functions in females, pollutant-induced metabolic dysfunctions may be of particular relevance for the female liver, dampening sex differences in NAFLD prevalence. Dietary intake of environmental pollutants can be particularly detrimental during gestation, when endocrine-disrupting chemicals may interfere with the programming of liver metabolism, accounting for the developmental origin of NAFLD in offspring. This review summarizes cause-effect evidence between environmental pollutants and increased incidence of NAFLD and emphasizes the need for further studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Dolce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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23
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Fierascu RC, Fierascu I, Matei Brazdis RI, Manaila-Maximean D. Natural and Natural-Based Polymers: Recent Developments in Management of Emerging Pollutants. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15092063. [PMID: 37177209 PMCID: PMC10181049 DOI: 10.3390/polym15092063] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities lead to the issue of new classes of pollutants in the environment that are not currently monitored in environmental studies. This category of pollutants (known as emerging contaminants) includes a very wide range of target substances, such as pharmaceuticals, plant protection products, personal care products, dyes, toxins, microplastics and many other industrially important intermediaries. Together with an increasing demand for clean water (both for agricultural necessities and for the increasing population consumption), the need for the removal of emerging pollutants, simultaneously with the current "green chemistry" approach, opens the door for the industrial application of natural polymers in the area of environmental protection. Recent developments in this area are presented in this paper, as well as the application of these particular natural materials for the removal of other contaminants of interest (such as radioisotopes and nanoparticles). The current knowledge regarding the processes' kinetics is briefly presented, as well as the future development perspectives in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Claudiu Fierascu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM-Bucharest, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University "Politehnica" of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Fierascu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM-Bucharest, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Ioana Matei Brazdis
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry-ICECHIM-Bucharest, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University "Politehnica" of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Doina Manaila-Maximean
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, University "Politehnica" of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
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24
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Chatterjee S, More M. Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Microcystin and Increased Vibrio Occurrence as Climate-Change-Induced Biological Co-Stressors: Exposure and Disease Outcomes via Their Interaction with Gut-Liver-Brain Axis. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:289. [PMID: 37104227 PMCID: PMC10144574 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of global warming are not limited to rising global temperatures and have set in motion a complex chain of events contributing to climate change. A consequence of global warming and the resultant climate change is the rise in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyano-HABs) across the world, which pose a threat to public health, aquatic biodiversity, and the livelihood of communities that depend on these water systems, such as farmers and fishers. An increase in cyano-HABs and their intensity is associated with an increase in the leakage of cyanotoxins. Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxins produced by some cyanobacterial species, and their organ toxicology has been extensively studied. Recent mouse studies suggest that MCs can induce gut resistome changes. Opportunistic pathogens such as Vibrios are abundantly found in the same habitat as phytoplankton, such as cyanobacteria. Further, MCs can complicate human disorders such as heat stress, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Firstly, this review describes how climate change mediates the rise in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in freshwater, causing increased levels of MCs. In the later sections, we aim to untangle the ways in which MCs can impact various public health concerns, either solely or in combination with other factors resulting from climate change. In conclusion, this review helps researchers understand the multiple challenges brought forth by a changing climate and the complex relationships between microcystin, Vibrios, and various environmental factors and their effect on human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Chatterjee
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Toxicology Core, NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health on Climate Change Interactions, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, UCI School of Medicine, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Madhura More
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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25
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Rogers MM, Stanley RK. Airborne Algae: A Rising Public Health Risk. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5501-5503. [PMID: 36996349 PMCID: PMC10100814 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mickey M. Rogers
- Environmental Molecular Sciences
Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Robert K. Stanley
- Environmental Molecular Sciences
Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
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26
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Birk S, Miller JD, MacMullin A, Patterson RT, Villeneuve PJ. Perceptions of Freshwater Algal Blooms, Causes and Health among New Brunswick Lakefront Property Owners. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 71:249-259. [PMID: 36318287 PMCID: PMC9628596 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01736-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Changes to water conditions due to eutrophication and climate change have resulted in the proliferation of algae blooms in freshwater and marine environments globally, including in Canadian lakes. We developed and administered an online survey to evaluate the awareness of these blooms and the perceptions of health risks in a sample of New Brunswick waterfront cottage and homeowners. The survey was distributed to lake and cottage associations in New Brunswick and was completed by 186 eligible respondents (18 years of age or older). Participants were asked about the water quality of their lake, awareness about algae blooms, sociodemographic and cottage characteristics, and to complete a self-rated measure of physical and mental health. While approximately 73% of participants reported that the quality of their lake water was good or very good, 41% indicated a concern about algae blooms. We found no differences in self-reported physical or mental health between those who were aware of algae blooms at their cottage and those who were not (p > 0.05). Participants expressed concerns about the impacts of algae blooms on the health of their pets, and wildlife. While climate change was the most frequently identified cause of algae blooms, there was substantial heterogeneity in the responses. In addition, the reporting of the presence and frequency of algae bloom varied between respondents who lived on the same lake. Taken together, the findings from our survey suggest that cottage owners in New Brunswick are aware and concerned about the impacts of algae blooms, however, there is a need to provide additional information to them about the occurrence and causes of these blooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapriya Birk
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - J David Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Aidan MacMullin
- Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - R Timothy Patterson
- Ottawa Carleton Geoscience Centre and Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Paul J Villeneuve
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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27
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Volk A, Lee J. Cyanobacterial blooms: A player in the freshwater environmental resistome with public health relevance? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114612. [PMID: 36272588 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) are an ecological concern because of large ecosystem-disrupting blooms and a global public health concern because of the cyanotoxins produced by certain bloom-forming species. Another threat to global public health is the dissemination of antibiotic resistance (AR) in freshwater environmental reservoirs from anthropogenic sources, such as wastewater discharge and urban and agricultural runoff. In this study, cyanobacteria are now hypothesized to play a role in the environmental resistome. A non-systematic literature review of studies using molecular techniques (such as PCR and metagenomic sequencing) was conducted to explore indirect and direct ways cyanobacteria might contribute to environmental AR. Results show cyanobacteria can host antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and might promote the spread of ARGs in bacteria due to the significant contribution of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) located in genera such as Microcystis. However, cyanobacteria may promote or inhibit the spread of ARGs in environmental freshwater bacteria due to other factors as well. The purpose of this review is to 1) consider the role of cyanobacteria as AR hosts, since cyanoHABs are historically considered to be a separate problem from AR, and 2) to identify the knowledge gap in understanding cyanobacteria as ARG reservoirs. Cyanobacterial blooms, as well as other biotic (e.g. interactions with protists or cyanophages) and abiotic factors, should be studied further using advanced methods such as shotgun metagenomic and long read sequencing to clarify the extent of their functional ARGs/MGEs and influences on environmental AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Volk
- Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- College of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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28
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Analysis of the Impact of the Presence of Phylum Cyanobacteria in the Microbiome of Patients with Breast Cancer on Their Prognosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11247272. [PMID: 36555890 PMCID: PMC9787457 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11247272] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacterial blooms caused by Cyanobacteria adversely affect the health of the people living in their vicinity. We elucidated the effect of Cyanobacteria in patients with breast cancer. The serum microbiome of the patients with breast cancer was analyzed using NGS. Serologic tests were performed to analyze the association between the factors affecting the liver function of patients with breast cancer and the amount of Cyanobacteria. In addition, the recurrent-free survival of patients with breast cancer according to the abundance of Cyanobacteria was analyzed. The abundance of Cyanobacteria tended to be correlated with the serological results related to liver function. A high abundance of Cyanobacteria seemed to be more related to late-stage breast cancer. A high recurrent-free survival was related to a low abundance of Cyanobacteria. Even though no toxicity study was conducted, this study demonstrates the impact of phylum Cyanobacteria on the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Thus, the abundance of Cyanobacteria in the microbiome can help predict the prognosis of patients with breast cancer.
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29
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Chu H, Du C, Yang Y, Feng X, Zhu L, Chen J, Yang F. MC-LR Aggravates Liver Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/SREBP1 Signaling Pathway. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120833. [PMID: 36548730 PMCID: PMC9784346 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity, a metabolic disease caused by excessive fat accumulation in the body, has attracted worldwide attention. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a hepatotoxic cyanotoxin which has been reportedly to cause lipid metabolism disorder. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks to build obese an animal model, and subsequently, the obese mice were fed MC-LR for another eight weeks, and we aimed to determine how MC-LR exposure affects the liver lipid metabolism in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. The results show that MC-LR increased the obese mice serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), indicating damaged liver function. The lipid parameters include serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and liver TG, which were all increased, whilst the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was decreased. Furthermore, after MC-LR treatment, histopathological observation revealed that the number of red lipid droplets increased, and that steatosis was more severe in the obese mice. In addition, the lipid synthesis-related genes were increased and the fatty acid β-oxidation-related genes were decreased in the obese mice after MC-LR exposure. Meanwhile, the protein expression levels of phosphorylation phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), phosphorylation protein kinase B (p-AKT), phosphorylation mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1-c) were increased; similarly, the p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, and SREBP1/β-actin were significantly up-regulated in obese mice after being exposed to MC-LR, and the activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR/SREBP1 signaling pathway. In addition, MC-LR exposure reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the obese mice's serum. In summary, the MC-LR could aggravate the HFD-induced obese mice liver lipid metabolism disorder by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/SREBP1 signaling pathway to hepatocytes, increasing the SREBP1-c-regulated key enzymes for lipid synthesis, and blocking fatty acid β-oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyu Chu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Can Du
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xiangling Feng
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Lemei Zhu
- School of Public Health, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China
| | - Jihua Chen
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (F.Y.)
| | - Fei Yang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (F.Y.)
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30
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Banerji A, Benesh K. Incorporating Microbial Species Interaction in Management of Freshwater Toxic Cyanobacteria: A Systems Science Challenge. AQUATIC ECOLOGY 2022; 3:570-587. [PMID: 36643215 PMCID: PMC9836389 DOI: 10.3390/ecologies3040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Water resources are critically important, but also pose risks of exposure to toxic and pathogenic microbes. Increasingly, a concern is toxic cyanobacteria, which have been linked to the death and disease of humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife in freshwater systems worldwide. Management approaches successful at reducing cyanobacterial abundance and toxin production have tended to be short-term solutions applied on small scales (e.g., algaecide application) or solutions that entail difficult multifaceted investments (e.g., modification of landscape and land use to reduce nutrient inputs). However, implementation of these approaches can be undermined by microbial species interactions that (a) provide toxic cyanobacteria with protection against the method of control or (b) permit toxic cyanobacteria to be replaced by other significant microbial threats. Understanding these interactions is necessary to avoid such scenarios and can provide a framework for novel strategies to enhance freshwater resource management via systems science (e.g., pairing existing physical and chemical approaches against cyanobacteria with ecological strategies such as manipulation of natural enemies, targeting of facilitators, and reduction of benthic occupancy and recruitment). Here, we review pertinent examples of the interactions and highlight potential applications of what is known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aabir Banerji
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Kasey Benesh
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science & Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
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31
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Zhang T, Shi M, Yan H, Li C. Effects of Salicylic Acid on Heavy Metal Resistance in Eukaryotic Algae and Its Mechanisms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13415. [PMID: 36293995 PMCID: PMC9603326 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution and water eutrophication are still the main issues to be solved in the environmental field. To find a biological control method for Cd2+-contaminated water or combined eutrophication and Cd2+ pollution water, the effects of salicylic acid on heavy metal Cd2+ resistance in eukaryotic algae Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella pyrenoidosa and its mechanisms were studied. The results showed that the inhibition rates of 3.0 mg/L Cd2+ stress group at 96 h were 67.0% on S. obliquus and 61.4% on C. pyrenoidosa and their uptake of Cd2+ was 0.31 mg/g and 0.35 mg/g, respectively. When adding the different concentrations of salicylic acid while stressed by 3.0 mg/L Cd2+, the hormesis phenomenon of low dose stimulation and high dose inhibition could be seen, and the inhibition rates of 30 mg/L~90 mg/L salicylic acid addition groups were significantly lower than those of the Cd2+ stress group alone, which were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and the absorption of Cd2+ was dramatically improved. Except for the 120 mg/L salicylic acid addition group, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm and YII), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities of all the other concentration groups were significantly higher than those of the Cd2+ stress group alone, p < 0.05.; the algal cell morphology in low concentration groups (30 mg/L and 60 mg/L) was also less damaged than those in the Cd2+ stress group alone. These indicate that the low concentrations of salicylic acid can counteract or protect the algal cells from Cd2+ attack, the mechanisms, on the one hand, might be related to the chelation of heavy metals by salicylic acid, resulting in the decrease of the toxicity of Cd2+; on the other hand, low concentrations of salicylic acid can stimulate the growth of these two algae, improve their photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant capacity, as well as maintain the relative integrity of algal morphological structure.
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32
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Antioxidant Therapy Significantly Attenuates Hepatotoxicity following Low Dose Exposure to Microcystin-LR in a Murine Model of Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081625. [PMID: 36009344 PMCID: PMC9404967 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081625] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown in a murine model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) that chronic, low-dose exposure to the Harmful Algal Bloom cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR), resulted in significant hepatotoxicity including micro-vesicular lipid accumulation, impaired toxin metabolism as well as dysregulation of the key signaling pathways involved in inflammation, immune response and oxidative stress. On this background we hypothesized that augmentation of hepatic drug metabolism pathways with targeted antioxidant therapies would improve MC-LR metabolism and reduce hepatic injury in NAFLD mice exposed to MC-LR. We chose N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 40 mM), a known antioxidant that augments the glutathione detoxification pathway and a novel peptide (pNaKtide, 25 mg/kg) which is targeted to interrupting a specific Src-kinase mediated pro-oxidant amplification mechanism. Histological analysis showed significant increase in hepatic inflammation in NAFLD mice exposed to MC-LR which was attenuated on treatment with both NAC and pNaKtide (both p ≤ 0.05). Oxidative stress, as measured by 8-OHDG levels in urine and protein carbonylation in liver sections, was also significantly downregulated upon treatment with both antioxidants after MC-LR exposure. Genetic analysis of key drug transporters including Abcb1a, Phase I enzyme-Cyp3a11 and Phase II metabolic enzymes-Pkm (Pyruvate kinase, muscle), Pklr (Pyruvate kinase, liver, and red blood cell) and Gad1 (Glutamic acid decarboxylase) was significantly altered by MC-LR exposure as compared to the non-exposed control group (all p ≤ 0.05). These changes were significantly attenuated with both pNaKtide and NAC treatment. These results suggest that MC-LR metabolism and detoxification is significantly impaired in the setting of NAFLD, and that these pathways can potentially be reversed with targeted antioxidant treatment.
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33
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Hernandez BY, Biggs J, Zhu X, Sotto P, Nagata M, Mendez AJP, Paulino Y. Environmental Exposure to Cyanobacteria Hepatotoxins in a Pacific Island Community: A Cross-Sectional Assessment. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1607. [PMID: 36014026 PMCID: PMC9412653 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cyanobacteria produce a wide range of secondary metabolites, including tumor-promoting hepatotoxins. We recently reported evidence of an independent association between oral cyanobacteria and hepatocellular carcinoma in a U.S. population. We sought to characterize the nature, sources, and health correlates of cyanotoxin exposure in the U.S. Pacific Island territory of Guam, which has a high incidence of liver cancer. (2) Methods: Seventy-four adult males and females were enrolled in a cross-sectional study to quantify cyanotoxins in saliva, urine, and blood and their correlation with health behaviors, medical history, and environmental exposures. Plant samples were collected from locations throughout the island. Microcystin/nodularin (MC/NOD), cylindrospermopsin (CYN), and anabaenopeptin (AB) were measured in biospecimens and in plant extracts by ELISA. (3) Results: Overall, among study participants MC/NOD were detected in 53.9% of saliva, 7.5% of urine, and 100% of serum.; CYN in 40.0% of saliva, 100.0% of urine, and 70.4% of serum; AB in 30.8% of saliva, 85% of urine, and 92.6% of serum. Salivary MC/NOD levels were significantly higher in individuals using municipal tap water as their primary source of drinking water; both salivary and urinary MC/NOD levels were higher in those not using store-bought/commercial water. Urine MC/NOD levels were highest among individuals consuming fruits and vegetables exclusively from local sources. Urine MC/NOD levels were elevated in individuals with hypertension and hyperlipidemia and salivary MC/NOD in those with recent alcohol consumption. Cyanotoxins were prevalent in plant samples including MC/NOD (46.6%), CYN (35.1%), and AB (51.7%). (4) Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that exposure to cyanobacterial hepatotoxins, including tumor promoters, may be prevalent in Guam and may originate from environmental sources. Population-based epidemiologic studies are needed to investigate the role of cyanotoxins in liver cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Y. Hernandez
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Jason Biggs
- University of Guam Cancer Research Center, Mangilao, GU 96913, USA
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Patrick Sotto
- University of Guam Cancer Research Center, Mangilao, GU 96913, USA
| | - Michelle Nagata
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | | | - Yvette Paulino
- University of Guam Cancer Research Center, Mangilao, GU 96913, USA
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Microcystin Contamination and Toxicity: Implications for Agriculture and Public Health. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050350. [PMID: 35622596 PMCID: PMC9145844 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcystins are natural hepatotoxic metabolites secreted by cyanobacteria in aquatic ecosystems. When present at elevated concentrations, microcystins can affect water quality aesthetics; contaminate drinking water reservoirs and recreational waters; disrupt normal ecosystem functioning; and cause health hazards to animals, plants, and humans. Animal and human exposures to microcystins generally result from ingesting contaminated drinking water or physically contacting tainted water. Much research has identified a multitude of liver problems from oral exposure to microcystins, varying from hepatocellular damage to primary liver cancer. Provisional guidelines for microcystins in drinking and recreational water have been established to prevent toxic exposures and protect public health. With increasing occurrences of eutrophication in freshwater systems, microcystin contamination in groundwater and surface waters is growing, posing threats to aquatic and terrestrial plants and agricultural soils used for crop production. These microcystins are often transferred to crops via irrigation with local sources of water, such as bloom-forming lakes and ponds. Microcystins can survive in high quantities in various parts of plants (roots, stems, and leaves) due to their high chemical stability and low molecular weight, increasing health risks for consumers of agricultural products. Studies have indicated potential health risks associated with contaminated fruits and vegetables sourced from irrigated water containing microcystins. This review considers the exposure risk to humans, plants, and the environment due to the presence of microcystins in local water reservoirs used for drinking and irrigation. Additional studies are needed to understand the specific health impacts associated with the consumption of microcystin-contaminated agricultural plants.
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