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Biessy L, Pearman JK, Mertens KN, Réveillon D, Savar V, Hess P, Hampton H, Thompson L, Lebrun L, Terre-Terrillon A, Smith KF. Sudden peak in tetrodotoxin in French oysters during the summer of 2021: Source investigation using microscopy, metabarcoding and droplet digital PCR. Toxicon 2024; 243:107721. [PMID: 38636612 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107721] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin causing human intoxications from contaminated seafood worldwide and is of emerging concern in Europe. Shellfish have been shown to contain varying TTX concentrations globally, with concentrations typically higher in Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas in Europe. Despite many decades of research, the source of TTX remains unknown, with bacterial or algal origins having been suggested. The aim of this study was to identify potential source organisms causing TTX contamination in Pacific oysters in French coastal waters, using three different techniques. Oysters were deployed in cages from April to September 2021 in an estuary where TTX was previously detected. Microscopic analyses of water samples were used to investigate potential microalgal blooms present prior or during the peak in TTX. Differences in the bacterial communities from oyster digestive glands (DG) and remaining flesh were explored using metabarcoding, and lastly, droplet digital PCR assays were developed to investigate the presence of Cephalothrix sp., one European TTX-bearing species in the DG of toxic C. gigas. Oysters analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry contained quantifiable levels of TTX over a three-week period (24 June-15 July 2021), with concentrations decreasing in the DG from 424 μg/kg for the first detection to 101 μg/kg (equivalent to 74 to 17 μg/kg of total flesh), and trace levels being detected until August 13, 2021. These concentrations are the first report of the European TTX guidance levels being exceeded in French shellfish. Microscopy revealed that some microalgae bloomed during the TTX peak, (e.g., Chaetoceros spp., reaching 40,000 cells/L). Prokaryotic metabarcoding showed increases in abundance of Rubritaleaceae (genus Persicirhabdus) and Neolyngbya, before and during the TTX peak. Both phyla have previously been described as possible TTX-producers and should be investigated further. Droplet digital PCR analyses were negative for the targeted TTX-bearing genus Cephalothrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Biessy
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand.
| | - John K Pearman
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Kenneth Neil Mertens
- Ifremer, LITTORAL Unit, Place de la Croix, BP40537, 29900, Concarneau CEDEX, France
| | | | | | | | - Hannah Hampton
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Lucy Thompson
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Luc Lebrun
- Ifremer, LITTORAL Unit, Place de la Croix, BP40537, 29900, Concarneau CEDEX, France
| | | | - Kirsty F Smith
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
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2
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Meng R, Du X, Ge K, Wu C, Zhang Z, Liang X, Yang J, Zhang H. Does climate change increase the risk of marine toxins? Insights from changing seawater conditions. Arch Toxicol 2024:10.1007/s00204-024-03784-5. [PMID: 38795135 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03784-5] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Marine toxins produced by marine organisms threaten human health and impose a heavy public health burden on coastal countries. Lately, there has been an emergence of marine toxins in regions that were previously unaffected, and it is believed that climate change may be a significant factor. This paper systematically summarizes the impact of climate change on the risk of marine toxins in terms of changes in seawater conditions. From our findings, climate change can cause ocean warming, acidification, stratification, and sea-level rise. These climatic events can alter the surface temperature, salinity, pH, and nutrient conditions of seawater, which may promote the growth of various algae and bacteria, facilitating the production of marine toxins. On the other hand, climate change may expand the living ranges of marine organisms (such as algae, bacteria, and fish), thereby exacerbating the production and spread of marine toxins. In addition, the sources, distribution, and toxicity of ciguatoxin, tetrodotoxin, cyclic imines, and microcystin were described to improve public awareness of these emerging marine toxins. Looking ahead, developing interdisciplinary cooperation, strengthening monitoring of emerging marine toxins, and exploring more novel approaches are essential to better address the risks of marine toxins posed by climate change. Altogether, the interrelationships between climate, marine ecology, and marine toxins were analyzed in this study, providing a theoretical basis for preventing and managing future health risks from marine toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyang Meng
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Kangfeng Ge
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chunrui Wu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zongxin Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jun Yang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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3
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Wang Y, Javeed A, Jian C, Zeng Q, Han B. Precautions for seafood consumers: An updated review of toxicity, bioaccumulation, and rapid detection methods of marine biotoxins. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 274:116201. [PMID: 38489901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Seafood products are globally consumed, and there is an increasing demand for the quality and safety of these products among consumers. Some seafoods are easily contaminated by marine biotoxins in natural environments or cultured farming processes. When humans ingest different toxins accumulated in seafood, they may exhibit different poisoning symptoms. According to the investigations, marine toxins produced by harmful algal blooms and various other marine organisms mainly accumulate in the body organs such as liver and digestive tract of seafood animals. Several regions around the world have reported incidents of seafood poisoning by biotoxins, posing a threat to human health. Thus, most countries have legislated to specify the permissible levels of these biotoxins in seafood. Therefore, it is necessary for seafood producers and suppliers to conduct necessary testing of toxins in seafood before and after harvesting to prohibit excessive toxins containing seafood from entering the market, which therefore can reduce the occurrence of seafood poisoning incidents. In recent years, some technologies which can quickly, conveniently, and sensitively detect biological toxins in seafood, have been developed and validated, these technologies have the potential to help seafood producers, suppliers and regulatory authorities. This article reviews the seafood toxins sources and types, mechanism of action and bioaccumulation of marine toxins, as well as legislation and rapid detection technologies for biotoxins in seafood for official and fishermen supervision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Antiallergic Functional Molecules, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Ansar Javeed
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Antiallergic Functional Molecules, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Cuiqin Jian
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Antiallergic Functional Molecules, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Qiuyu Zeng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Antiallergic Functional Molecules, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Bingnan Han
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Antiallergic Functional Molecules, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
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4
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Qian MR, Wu HZ, Cai ZX, Xu MJ, Han JL, Xu XM. Determination of tetrodotoxin in bivalve mollusks by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with internal standard calibration and its contamination in Zhejiang province, China. Food Chem 2024; 434:137493. [PMID: 37741232 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
A method was established for determining tetrodotoxin (TTX) in bivalve mollusks by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) using kasugamycin as the internal standard for quantification. Samples were subjected to ultrasonic extraction with methanol-water (1:1, v/v) containing 0.5% acetic acid, protein precipitation with acetonitrile, clean-up using a cation exchange solid phase extraction cartridge, elution with acetonitrile:water (1:1, v/v) containing 0.3% hydrochloric acid, neutralization with ammonia before HILIC-MS/MS analysis. The average recovery of the samples spiked at 3 levels ranged in 84.6%-98.1% with the relative standard deviation less than 7.2%. Using this method, the contamination of TTX in 429 bivalve mollusk samples collected in the local markets during 2018 and 2020 was investigated. The detection rates were 12.0-18.8%, following the order of oyster > mussel > clam > scallop. High contaminated oysters and mussels with TTX were found in July to August. Moreover, TTX analogs found in bivalve mollusks included 4-epiTTX, 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, 4,9-anhydroTTX, and 5-deoxyTTX/11-deoxyTTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Rong Qian
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Hui-Zhen Wu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Zeng-Xuan Cai
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Mei-Jia Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Jian-Long Han
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Xiao-Min Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China.
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5
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Zhong Y, Zhang X, Yang Q, Wang Q. Hepatorenal Toxicity after 7-Day Oral Administration of Low-Dose Tetrodotoxin and Its Distribution in the Main Tissues in Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:564. [PMID: 37755990 PMCID: PMC10538156 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090564] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a highly toxic compound detected in various edible marine animals even in European waters. To characterize the hazard by oral exposure to TTX, its tissue distribution was evaluated after single (75 μg/kg) or 7-day (25-125 μg/kg) oral administration in mice. Moreover, TTX liver and renal toxicity was evaluated after 7-day oral administration. The elimination cycle of a single oral dose of TTX (75 µg/kg) was found to be approximately 168 h (7 days). Daily oral administration of TTX at doses of 25, 75, and 125 µg/kg for 7 consecutive days revealed dose-dependent toxic effects on the liver and kidney. Histopathological examination showed increased inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver and kidney with higher TTX doses, along with disorganization of the hepatic cord and renal tubular cell arrangement. The study results indicated that TTX had more hepatotoxicity than nephrotoxicity in mice. These findings provide insights into the unintentional ingestion of a low dose of TTX in mammals, including humans, and emphasize the importance of food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Zhong
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Q.W.)
- Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Quality Safety, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan 316100, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Quality Safety, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan 316100, China
| | - Qiyu Yang
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Q.W.)
- Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Quality Safety, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan 316100, China
| | - Qianfeng Wang
- School of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Q.W.)
- Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Quality Safety, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan 316100, China
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6
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Malloggi C, Rizzo B, Giusti A, Guardone L, Gasperetti L, Dall’Ara S, Armani A. First Toxicological Analysis of the Pufferfish Sphoeroides pachygaster Collected in Italian Waters (Strait of Sicily): Role of Citizens Science in Monitoring Toxic Marine Species. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1873. [PMID: 37889799 PMCID: PMC10252100 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111873] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea may represent an emerging public health risk due to the possible accumulation of marine neurotoxins such as tetrodotoxin (TTXs) and saxitoxin (STXs) in their tissues. In this study, the presence of pufferfish species in the Strait of Sicily (Lampedusa Island, Italy) was investigated using a citizen science (CS) approach, involving local fishermen. Samples (liver, intestine, gonads, muscle, skin) from 20 specimens were sent to the National Reference Laboratory on Marine Biotoxins for TTXs detection using a validated HILIC-MS/MS method on fish tissue. The presence of STXs was also screened in part of the specimens. Overall, 56 specimens identified as Sphoeroides pachygaster (Müller &Troschel, 1848) were collected. Data on their total length, body weight, fishing method and catch area (with relative depth temperature and salinity) were analyzed and compared with the S. pachygaster records reported in literature which were updated to 2022. All the analysed tissues were found to be negative for both TTXs and STXs. CS played an essential role in monitoring potentially toxic marine species in this investigation. Outcomes from this study, which is the first investigating S. pachygaster toxicity in Italian waters, may provide useful data for the proper assessment of this emerging risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Malloggi
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Biagio Rizzo
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Alice Giusti
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Lisa Guardone
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Gasperetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, 00178 Roma, Italy;
| | - Sonia Dall’Ara
- Fondazione Centro Ricerche Marine, National Reference Laboratory on Marine Biotoxins, Viale A. Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico, Italy;
| | - Andrea Armani
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
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7
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Lage S, Ten Brink F, Canário AVM, Da Silva JP. New Vectors of TTX Analogues in the North Atlantic Coast: The Edible Crabs Afruca tangeri and Carcinus maenas. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:320. [PMID: 37367645 DOI: 10.3390/md21060320] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its analogues are naturally occurring toxins historically responsible for human poisoning fatalities in Eastern Asia. It is typically linked to the consumption of pufferfish and, to a lesser extent, marine gastropods and crabs. In the scope of a comprehensive project to understand the prevalence of emergent toxins in edible marine organisms, we report, for the first time, the detection of TTX analogues in the soft tissues of edible crabs, the European fiddler crab (Afruca tangeri) and green crab (Carcinus maenas), harvested in southern Portugal. No TTX was detected in the analyzed samples. However, three TTX analogues were detected-an unknown TTX epimer, deoxyTTX, and trideoxyTTX. These three analogues were found in the European fiddler crab while only trideoxyTTX was found in the green crab, suggesting that the accumulation of TTX analogues might be influenced by the crabs' different feeding ecology. These results highlight the need to widely monitor TTX and its analogues in edible marine species in order to provide adequate information to the European Food Safety Authority and to protect consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Lage
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Felicitas Ten Brink
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Energy and Environment Institute, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Adelino V M Canário
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - José P Da Silva
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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8
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Rossignoli AE, Mariño C, Martín H, Blanco J. First Report of Two Gymnodimines and Two Tetrodotoxin Analogues in Invertebrates from the North Atlantic Coast of Spain. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21040232. [PMID: 37103371 PMCID: PMC10144553 DOI: 10.3390/md21040232] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gymnodimine D (GYM D), 16-desmethyl gymnodimine D (16-desmethyl GYM D), and two tetrodotoxin analogues have been found in invertebrates obtained from the north Atlantic coast of Spain from May 2021 to October 2022. It is the first report of GYMD and 16-desmethyl GYM D in invertebrates worldwide and of the tetrodotoxin analogues, 5,6,11 trideoxy tetrodotoxin (5,6,11 trideoxy TTX) and its isomer (referred to as 5,6,11 trideoxy-epi-TTX), in the north Atlantic Coast of Spain. In this study, we also report for the first time the detection of tetrodotoxin (TTX) in three species (the cnidaria Calliactis parasitica, an unidentified species, and the bivalve Tellina donacina). The prevalence was medium for GYM D and 16-desmethyl GYM D and low for TTXs overall. The concentrations recorded were variable, with maximum values of GYM D in the bivalve Cerastoderma edule (8.8 μg GYM A equivalents kg-1), of 16-desmethyl GYM D in the bivalve Magellana gigas (10 μg GYM A equivalents kg-1) and of TTX and 5,6,11 trideoxy TTX in the cnidaria C. parasitica (49.7 and 233 μg TTX equivalents kg-1, respectively). There is very scarce information about these compounds. Therefore, the reporting of these new detections will increase the knowledge on the current incidence of marine toxins in Europe that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in particular, and the scientific community, in general, have. This study also highlights the importance of analyzing toxin analogues and metabolites for effective monitoring programs and adequate health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli E Rossignoli
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas (CIMA), Pedras de Corón s/n, 36620 Vilanova de Arousa, Spain
| | - Carmen Mariño
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas (CIMA), Pedras de Corón s/n, 36620 Vilanova de Arousa, Spain
| | - Helena Martín
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas (CIMA), Pedras de Corón s/n, 36620 Vilanova de Arousa, Spain
| | - Juan Blanco
- Centro de Investigacións Mariñas (CIMA), Pedras de Corón s/n, 36620 Vilanova de Arousa, Spain
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Zheng R, Huang L, Wu Y, Lin S, Huang L. Simultaneous analysis of paralytic shellfish toxins and tetrodotoxins in human serum by liquid chromatography coupled to Q-Exactive high-resolution mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1215:123565. [PMID: 36586344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) and tetrodotoxins (TTXs) are powerful neurotoxins. Previous research reported that PSTs and TTXs are found together in seafoods and may pose a serious hazard to public health. In this study, a new analytical method combining modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to Q-Exactive Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the quantification of 10 PSTs and 2 TTXs in human serum. Chromatographic separation was achieved using the HILIC TSK-Gel Amide-80 column. The mass spectrometer was operated in full scan/dd-MS2(data-dependent MS2) mode, and for quantification analysis. The dd-MS2 resolution was set to 17,500 fullwidthat halfmaximum (FWHM). Results showed that methanol with 1 % (v/v) acetic acid extraction combined with 50 mg graphitized carbon black (GCB) and 50 mg octadecyl bonded silica gel (C18) was most suitable for purification. The mean recovery for all toxins ranged from 85.3 % to 118.2 % (RSD < 12 %). The limits of detection and quantification for human serum were in the ranges of 0.67-2.61 and 2.23-8.69 ng mL-1, respectively. The method was applied to analyze toxins in serum samples obtained from three poisoned patients in a case of poisoning caused by consumption of toxin-contaminated gastropoda (Bullacta exerata). The study has important application for rapid and accurate diagnosis of PSTs and TTXs toxin poisoning patients in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjin Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Physical and Chemical Analysis Department, Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Lingyi Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Youjia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Shouer Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Physical and Chemical Analysis Department, Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Liying Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
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10
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Hu C, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Xiang YJY, Liu ZF, Wang ZH, Feng XS. Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues in Food: Recent Updates on Sample Preparation and Analytical Methods Since 2012. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:12249-12269. [PMID: 36153990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c04106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX), found in various organisms including pufferfish, is an extremely potent marine toxin responsible for numerous food poisoning accidents. Due to its serious toxicity and public health threat, detecting TTX and its analogues in diverse food matrices with a simple, fast, efficient method has become a worldwide concern. This review summarizes the advances in sample preparation and analytical methods for the determination of TTX and its analogues, focusing on the latest development over the past five years. Current state-of-the-art technologies, such as solid-phase microextraction, online technology, novel injection technology, two-dimensional liquid chromatography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, newly developed lateral flow immunochromatographic strips, immunosensors, dual-mode aptasensors, and nanomaterials-based approaches, are thoroughly discussed. The advantages and limitations of different techniques, critical comments, and future perspectives are also proposed. This review is expected to provide rewarding insights to the future development and broad application of pretreatment and detection methods for TTX and its analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Hu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yang-Jia-Yi Xiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhi-Fei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Wang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xue-Song Feng
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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11
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Sun X, Xiang Y, Liu M, Xu X, Zhang L, Zhuang L, Wang P, Wang Q. High-performance and -efficiency cardiomyocyte-based potential biosensor for temporal-specific detection of ion channel marine toxins. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 220:114837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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The Dynamics of Maximum Lengths for the Invasive Silver-Cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10030387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The Eastern Mediterranean Sea is the most invaded sea on the planet, with 666 non-indigenous species now recorded in the region. However, not all of these become successful in their new environments. Success here is defined by wide geographical spread, increased abundances, and larger maximum sizes than their native range. The silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin 1789) was first recorded in the Mediterranean Sea in 2003. It has now spread to all corners of the basin and is increasingly abundant in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea where it reaches monstrous sizes compared to the maximum sizes reported from its native range. This contribution presents three well-documented new weight records from the Dodecanese Islands, Greece: one specimen weighing 8.5 kg from 2012, and two specimens weighing 8 and 9 kg, respectively, from 2021. The latter is also confirmed with other well-documented larger-size records, along with a physiological hypothesis suggesting how such large sizes are reached.
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Katikou P, Gokbulut C, Kosker AR, Campàs M, Ozogul F. An Updated Review of Tetrodotoxin and Its Peculiarities. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20010047. [PMID: 35049902 PMCID: PMC8780202 DOI: 10.3390/md20010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a crystalline, weakly basic, colorless organic substance and is one of the most potent marine toxins known. Although TTX was first isolated from pufferfish, it has been found in numerous other marine organisms and a few terrestrial species. Moreover, tetrodotoxication is still an important health problem today, as TTX has no known antidote. TTX poisonings were most commonly reported from Japan, Thailand, and China, but today the risk of TTX poisoning is spreading around the world. Recent studies have shown that TTX-containing fish are being found in other regions of the Pacific and in the Indian Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. This review aims to summarize pertinent information available to date on the structure, origin, distribution, mechanism of action of TTX and analytical methods used for the detection of TTX, as well as on TTX-containing organisms, symptoms of TTX poisoning, and incidence worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Katikou
- Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Education, Hapsa & Karatasou 1, 54626 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (P.K.); (F.O.)
| | - Cengiz Gokbulut
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University, Balikesir 10145, Turkey;
| | - Ali Rıza Kosker
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey;
| | - Mònica Campàs
- IRTA, Ctra Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain;
| | - Fatih Ozogul
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (P.K.); (F.O.)
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Antonelli P, Salerno B, Bordin P, Peruzzo A, Orsini M, Arcangeli G, Barco L, Losasso C. Tetrodotoxin in live bivalve mollusks from Europe: Is it to be considered an emerging concern for food safety? Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2021; 21:719-737. [PMID: 34954887 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxins (TTXs) are a group of potent neurotoxins named after the Tetraodontidae fish family (pufferfish). TTXs have been reported in several animal taxa, both terrestrial and marine. The ingestion of TTX-contaminated flesh can cause serious neurotoxic symptomatology and can eventually lead to death. Traditionally, TTXs have been associated with Asian countries, in particular with pufferfish consumption. However, they have also been reported in bivalve mollusks farmed in the Pacific area and, recently, in European seas. In Europe, different countries have reported TTXs, especially those bordering the Mediterranean Sea. As a consequence, in 2017 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released an opinion with reference to TTX present in marine gastropods and bivalves, proposing a safety limit of 44 µg/kg TTXs in shellfish meat, below which no adverse effects should be observed in humans. Nevertheless, this limit has been exceeded on many occasions in European shellfish and, while for bivalves there have been no registered human intoxications, that is not the case for marine gastropods. However, TTXs have not yet been included in the list of marine biotoxins officially monitored in live bivalve mollusks within the European Union (EU). Thus, the aims of this manuscript are to discuss the increasing occurrence of TTXs in live bivalve mollusks from European sea waters, to acknowledge the still ongoing knowledge gaps that should be covered and to stimulate constructive debate on the eventuality of adopting a shared regulatory context, at least in the EU, for monitoring and managing this potential threat to food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Antonelli
- Microbial Ecology and Microrganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Barbara Salerno
- Microbial Ecology and Microrganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paola Bordin
- Microbial Ecology and Microrganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Arianna Peruzzo
- Microbial Ecology and Microrganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Microbial Ecology and Microrganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Arcangeli
- Specialistic Aquatic Animal Health Centre, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Lisa Barco
- Microbial Ecology and Microrganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Carmen Losasso
- Microbial Ecology and Microrganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
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Shkembi X, Skouridou V, Svobodova M, Leonardo S, Bashammakh AS, Alyoubi AO, Campàs M, O Sullivan CK. Hybrid Antibody-Aptamer Assay for Detection of Tetrodotoxin in Pufferfish. Anal Chem 2021; 93:14810-14819. [PMID: 34697940 PMCID: PMC8581965 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
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The marine toxin
tetrodotoxin (TTX) poses a great risk to public
health safety due to its severe paralytic effects after ingestion.
Seafood poisoning caused by the consumption of contaminated marine
species like pufferfish due to its expansion to nonendemic areas has
increased the need for fast and reliable detection of the toxin to
effectively implement prevention strategies. Liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry is considered the most accurate method, although competitive
immunoassays have also been reported. In this work, we sought to develop
an aptamer-based assay for the rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective
detection of TTX in pufferfish. Using capture-SELEX combined with
next-generation sequencing, aptamers were identified, and their binding
properties were evaluated. Finally, a highly sensitive and user-friendly
hybrid antibody–aptamer sandwich assay was developed with superior
performance compared to several assays reported in the literature
and commercial immunoassay kits. The assay was successfully applied
to the quantification of TTX in pufferfish extracts, and the results
obtained correlated very well with a competitive magnetic bead-based
immunoassay performed in parallel for comparison. This is one of the
very few works reported in the literature of such hybrid assays for
small-molecule analytes whose compatibility with field samples is
also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xhensila Shkembi
- Interfibio, Nanobiotechnology and Bioanalysis Group, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Paisos Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Vasso Skouridou
- Interfibio, Nanobiotechnology and Bioanalysis Group, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Paisos Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Marketa Svobodova
- Interfibio, Nanobiotechnology and Bioanalysis Group, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Paisos Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Sandra Leonardo
- IRTA, Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain
| | - Abdulaziz S Bashammakh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, 21589 Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman O Alyoubi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, 21589 Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mònica Campàs
- IRTA, Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain
| | - Ciara K O Sullivan
- Interfibio, Nanobiotechnology and Bioanalysis Group, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Paisos Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avancats (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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Réveillon D, Savar V, Schaefer E, Chevé J, Halm-Lemeille MP, Hervio-Heath D, Travers MA, Abadie E, Rolland JL, Hess P. Tetrodotoxins in French Bivalve Mollusks-Analytical Methodology, Environmental Dynamics and Screening of Bacterial Strain Collections. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:740. [PMID: 34822524 PMCID: PMC8618394 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxins (TTXs) are potentially lethal paralytic toxins that have been identified in European shellfish over recent years. Risk assessment has suggested comparatively low levels (44 µg TTX-equivalent/kg) but stresses the lack of data on occurrence. Both bacteria and dinoflagellates were suggested as possible biogenic sources, either from an endogenous or exogenous origin. We thus investigated TTXs in (i) 98 shellfish samples and (ii) 122 bacterial strains, isolated from French environments. We optimized a method based on mass spectrometry, using a single extraction step followed by ultrafiltration without Solid Phase Extraction and matrix-matched calibration for both shellfish and bacterial matrix. Limits of detection and quantification were 6.3 and 12.5 µg/kg for shellfish and 5.0 and 10 µg/kg for bacterial matrix, respectively. Even though bacterial matrix resulted in signal enhancement, no TTX analog was detected in any strain. Bivalves (either Crassostrea gigas or Ruditapes philippinarum) were surveyed in six French production areas over 2.5-3 month periods (2018-2019). Concentrations of TTX ranged from 'not detected' to a maximum of 32 µg/kg (Bay of Brest, 17 June 2019), with events lasting 2 weeks at maximum. While these results are in line with previous studies, they provide new data of TTX occurrence and confirm that the link between bacteria, bivalves and TTX is complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Réveillon
- Ifremer, DYNECO, Laboratoire Phycotoxines, F-44000 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Véronique Savar
- Ifremer, DYNECO, Laboratoire Phycotoxines, F-44000 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Estelle Schaefer
- Ifremer, DYNECO, Laboratoire Phycotoxines, F-44000 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (E.S.)
| | | | | | - Dominique Hervio-Heath
- LEMAR, Université de Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, F-29280 Plouzané, France;
- Ifremer, SG2M, Laboratoire LSEM, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Marie-Agnès Travers
- Ifremer, SG2M, Laboratoire LGPMM, F-17390 La Tremblade, France;
- IHPE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, F-34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Eric Abadie
- Ifremer, Biodivenv, F-97231 Le Robert, France;
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, IRD, Ifremer, CNRS, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Luc Rolland
- IHPE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, F-34000 Montpellier, France;
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, IRD, Ifremer, CNRS, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Philipp Hess
- Ifremer, DYNECO, Laboratoire Phycotoxines, F-44000 Nantes, France; (V.S.); (E.S.)
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17
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Simultaneous determination of ten paralytic shellfish toxins and tetrodotoxin in scallop and short-necked clam by ion-pair solid-phase extraction and hydrophilic interaction chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1651:462328. [PMID: 34153733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Paralytic shellfish toxins and tetrodotoxin (puffer-fish toxin), the latter of which was recently found in bivalves from Europe, Japan, and New Zealand, are potent neurotoxins. A simple and effective clean-up procedure was developed for the simultaneous determination of ten paralytic shellfish toxins (gonyautoxins 1-6, decarbamoylgonyautoxins 2 and 3, and N-sulfocarbamoylgonyautoxins 2 and 3) and tetrodotoxin in the scallop, Mizuhopecten (Patinopecten) yessoensis, and the short-necked clam, Ruditapes philippinarum. To reduce matrix effects, 1% aqueous acetic acid extracts of the bivalves were cleaned up by ion-pair solid-phase extraction using a graphite carbon cartridge with tridecafluoroheptanoic acid as the volatile ion-pair reagent, followed by fourfold dilution. The ten paralytic shellfish toxins and tetrodotoxin were then separated on a hydrophilic interaction chromatography column and quantified by tandem mass spectrometry. The limits of detection and the limits of quantification for the ten PSTs ranged from 0.09 to 13.0 µg saxitoxin equivalents/kg and from 0.26 to 39.4 µg saxitoxin equivalents/kg, respectively. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification for tetrodotoxin ranged from 27.4 to 27.9 µg/kg and from 83.1 to 84.4 µg/kg, respectively. The proposed method yielded minimal matrix effects for the 11 analytes, thus allowing their quantification by simple external calibration. The proposed method also gave good mean recoveries of the 11 analytes ranging from 75.7 to 96.2% with relative standard deviations less than 16% at three fortification levels for the ten paralytic shellfish toxins (total concentrations of 277, 554, and 1107 µg saxitoxin equivalents/kg) and tetrodotoxin (100, 200, and 400 µg/kg) in the two bivalve samples. Finally, the proposed method was applied for the determination of the ten paralytic shellfish toxins and tetrodotoxin in scallop and short-necked clam samples.
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18
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Dhanji-Rapkova M, Turner AD, Baker-Austin C, Huggett JF, Ritchie JM. Distribution of Tetrodotoxin in Pacific Oysters ( Crassostrea gigas). Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19020084. [PMID: 33540777 PMCID: PMC7913107 DOI: 10.3390/md19020084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A potent and heat-stable tetrodotoxin (TTX) has been found to accumulate in various marine bivalve species, including Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas), raising a food safety concern. While several studies on geographical occurrence of TTX have been conducted, there is a lack of knowledge about the distribution of the toxin within and between bivalves. We, therefore, measured TTX in the whole flesh, mantle, gills, labial palps, digestive gland, adductor muscle and intravalvular fluid of C. gigas using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Weekly monitoring during summer months revealed the highest TTX concentrations in the digestive gland (up to 242 µg/kg), significantly higher than in other oyster tissues. Intra-population variability of TTX, measured in the whole flesh of each of twenty animals, reached 46% and 32% in the two separate batches, respectively. In addition, an inter-population study was conducted to compare TTX levels at four locations within the oyster production area. TTX concentrations in the whole flesh varied significantly between some of these locations, which was unexplained by the differences in weight of flesh. This is the first study examining TTX distribution in C. gigas and the first confirmation of the preferential accumulation of TTX in oyster digestive gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dhanji-Rapkova
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (A.D.T.); (C.B.-A.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- Correspondence: (M.D.-R.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Andrew D. Turner
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (A.D.T.); (C.B.-A.)
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (A.D.T.); (C.B.-A.)
| | - Jim F. Huggett
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- National Measurement Laboratory, LGC, Queens Rd, Teddington TW11 0LY, UK
| | - Jennifer M. Ritchie
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- Correspondence: (M.D.-R.); (J.M.R.)
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Bordin P, Dall’Ara S, Tartaglione L, Antonelli P, Calfapietra A, Varriale F, Guiatti D, Milandri A, Dell’Aversano C, Arcangeli G, Barco L. First occurrence of tetrodotoxins in bivalve mollusks from Northern Adriatic Sea (Italy). Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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20
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A Microencapsulation Method for Delivering Tetrodotoxin to Bivalves to Investigate Uptake and Accumulation. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19010033. [PMID: 33450969 PMCID: PMC7828407 DOI: 10.3390/md19010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Most marine biotoxins are produced by microalgae. The neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX) has been reported in many seafood species worldwide but its source is unknown, making accumulation and depuration studies in shellfish difficult. Tetrodotoxin is a water-soluble toxin and cannot be directly ingested by shellfish. In the present study, a method was developed which involved binding TTX to solid particles of humic acid and encapsulating them in agar-gelatin capsules. A controlled quantity of TTX-containing microcapsules (size range 20–280 μm) was fed to Paphies australis, a bivalve known to accumulate TTX in the wild. The TTX-containing microcapsules were fed to P. australis every second day for 13 days. Ten P. australis (including five controls fed non-toxic microalgae) were harvested after 7 days and ten after 13 days. Paphies australis accumulated TTX, reaching concentrations of up to 103 µg kg−1 by day 13, exceeding the European Food Safety Authority recommended concentration of 44 μg kg−1 in shellfish. This novel method will allow future studies to explore the effects, accumulation and depuration rates of TTX in different animals and document how it is transferred through food webs.
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First Detection of Tetrodotoxin in Bivalves and Gastropods from the French Mainland Coasts. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090599. [PMID: 32947992 PMCID: PMC7551754 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2015, tetrodotoxins (TTXs) were considered a potential threat in Europe since several studies had shown the presence of these toxins in European bivalve molluscs. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of TTXs in 127 bivalve samples (mussels and oysters) and in 66 gastropod samples (whelks) collected all along the French mainland coasts in 2017 and 2018. Analyses were carried out after optimization and in-house validation of a performing hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography associated with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) method. The concentration set by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) not expected to result in adverse effects (44 µg TTX equivalent/kg) was never exceeded, but TTX was detected in three mussel samples and one whelk sample (1.7-11.2 µg/kg). The tissue distribution of TTX in this whelk sample showed higher concentrations in the digestive gland, stomach and gonads (7.4 µg TTX/kg) than in the rest of the whelk tissues (below the limit of detection of 1.7 µg TTX/kg). This is the first study to report the detection of TTX in French molluscs.
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Biessy L, Pearman JK, Smith KF, Hawes I, Wood SA. Seasonal and Spatial Variations in Bacterial Communities From Tetrodotoxin-Bearing and Non-tetrodotoxin-Bearing Clams. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1860. [PMID: 32849450 PMCID: PMC7419435 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is one of the most potent naturally occurring compounds and is responsible for many human intoxications worldwide. Paphies australis are endemic clams to New Zealand which contain varying concentrations of TTX. Research suggests that P. australis accumulate the toxin exogenously, but the source remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to identify potential bacterial TTX-producers by exploring differences in bacterial communities in two organs of P. australis: the siphon and digestive gland. Samples from the digestive glands of a non-toxic bivalve Austrovenus stutchburyi that lives amongst toxic P. australis populations were also analyzed. Bacterial communities were characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA gene metabarcoding in P. australis sourced monthly from the Hokianga Harbor, a site known to have TTX-bearing clams, for 1 year, from ten sites with varying TTX concentrations around New Zealand, and in A. stutchburyi from the Hokianga Harbor. Tetrodotoxin was detected in P. australis from sites all around New Zealand and in all P. australis collected monthly from the Hokianga Harbor. The toxin averaged 150 μg kg-1 over the year of sampling in the Hokianga Harbor but no TTX was detected in the A. stutchburyi samples from the same site. Bacterial species diversity differed amongst sites (p < 0.001, F = 5.9) and the diversity in siphon samples was significantly higher than in digestive glands (p < 0.001, F = 65.8). Spirochaetaceae (4-60%) and Mycoplasmataceae (16-78%) were the most abundant families in the siphons and the digestive glands, respectively. The bacterial communities were compared between sites with the lowest TTX concentrations and the Hokianga Harbor (site with the highest TTX concentrations), and the core bacterial communities from TTX-bearing individuals were analyzed. The results from both spatial and temporal studies corroborate with previous hypotheses that Vibrio and Bacillus could be responsible for the source of TTX in bivalves. The results from this study also indicate that marine cyanobacteria, in particular picocyanobacteria (e.g., Cyanobium, Synechococcus, Pleurocapsa, and Prochlorococcus), should be investigated further as potential TTX producers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Biessy
- Coastal and Freshwater, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.,New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - John K Pearman
- Coastal and Freshwater, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Kirsty F Smith
- Coastal and Freshwater, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Ian Hawes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Susanna A Wood
- Coastal and Freshwater, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
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Boente-Juncal A, Otero P, Rodríguez I, Camiña M, Rodriguez-Vieytes M, Vale C, Botana LM. Oral Chronic Toxicity of the Safe Tetrodotoxin Dose Proposed by the European Food Safety Authority and Its Additive Effect with Saxitoxin. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E312. [PMID: 32397553 PMCID: PMC7291010 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent natural toxin causative of human food intoxications that shares its mechanism of action with the paralytic shellfish toxin saxitoxin (STX). Both toxins act as potent blockers of voltage-gated sodium channels. Although human intoxications by TTX were initially described in Japan, nowadays increasing concern about the regulation of this toxin in Europe has emerged due to its detection in fish and mollusks captured in European waters. Currently, TTX is only regularly monitored in Dutch fishery products. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established a safety level of 44 µg/kg TTX as the amount of toxin that did not cause adverse effects in humans. This level was extrapolated considering initial data on its acute oral toxicity and EFSA remarked the need for chronic toxicity studies to further reduce the uncertainty of future toxin regulations. Thus, in this work, we evaluated the oral chronic toxicity of TTX using the safety levels initially recommended by EFSA in order to exclude potential human health risks associated with the worldwide expanding presence of TTX. Using internationally recommended guidelines for the assessment of oral chronic toxicity, the data provided here support the proposed safety level for TTX as low enough to prevent human adverse effects of TTX even after chronic daily exposure to the toxin. However, the combination of TTX with STX at doses above the maximal exposure level of 5.3 µg/kg body weight derived by EFSA increased the lethality of TTX, thus confirming that both TTX and paralytic shellfish toxins should be taken into account to assess human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Boente-Juncal
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Farmacia e Tecnoloxía Farmacéutica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (P.O.)
| | - Paz Otero
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Farmacia e Tecnoloxía Farmacéutica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (P.O.)
| | - Inés Rodríguez
- Laboratorios Cifga, Benigno Rivera, 56, 27003 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Mercedes Camiña
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (M.C.); (M.R.-V.)
| | - Mercedes Rodriguez-Vieytes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (M.C.); (M.R.-V.)
| | - Carmen Vale
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Farmacia e Tecnoloxía Farmacéutica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (P.O.)
| | - Luis M. Botana
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Farmacia e Tecnoloxía Farmacéutica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Universitario s/n, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.B.-J.); (P.O.)
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24
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Tan S, Ge W, Wang J, Liu W, Zhao Y, Shen W, Li L. Zearalenone-induced aberration in the composition of the gut microbiome and function impacts the ovary reserve. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 244:125493. [PMID: 32050327 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA), as a contaminant commonly found in our daily diet, has been widely studied for its toxicity. However, the exact mechanism underlying ZEA induced reproduction disorders remains unclear. Our study aimed to elucidate the underlying relationship between aberrations in the gut microbiota and the degeneration of the ovarian reserve following exposure to ZEA. Four-week-old mice were treated with different doses (0, 20, 40 μg/kg bw/day) of ZEA for 2 weeks and it was found that the primordial follicles were dramatically decreased when compared to untreated controls. Moreover, we applied metagenomic shotgun sequencing to investigate the effects of ZEA exposure on the population composition and function of gut microbiota. The results showed that the abundance of three susceptible bacterial strains, parabacteroides, bacteroides and lachnospiraceae were increased in a dose-dependent manner after ZEA exposure, whereas the bacterial glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was greatly suppressed. Of note, utilizing LC/MS we found lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), important metabolites in the process of glycerophospholipid metabolism, were markedly decreased in the plasma of the ZEA treated mice. In conclusion, our findings here provide evidences that the dysfunction in gut microbiome after ZEA exposure may affect the ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojing Tan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Wenxiang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
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25
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Biessy L, Boundy MJ, Smith KF, Harwood DT, Hawes I, Wood SA. Tetrodotoxin in marine bivalves and edible gastropods: A mini-review. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 236:124404. [PMID: 31545201 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin responsible for countless human intoxications and deaths around the world. The distribution of TTX and its analogues is diverse and the toxin has been detected in organisms from both marine and terrestrial environments. Increasing detections seafood species, such as bivalves and gastropods, has drawn attention to the toxin, reinvigorating scientific interest and regulatory concerns. There have been reports of TTX in 21 species of bivalves and edible gastropods from ten countries since the 1980's. While TTX is structurally dissimilar to saxitoxin (STX), another neurotoxin detected in seafood, it has similar sodium channel blocking action and potency and both neurotoxins have been shown to have additive toxicities. The global regulatory level for the STX group toxins applied to shellfish is 800 μg/kg. The presence of TTX in shellfish is only regulated in one country; The Netherlands, with a regulatory level of 44 μg/kg. Due to the recent interest surrounding TTX in bivalves, the European Food Safety Authority established a panel to assess the risk and regulation of TTX in bivalves, and their final opinion was that a concentration below 44 μg of TTX per kg of shellfish would not result in adverse human effects. In this article, we review current knowledge on worldwide TTX levels in edible gastropods and bivalves over the last four decades, the different methods of detection used, and the current regulatory status. We suggest research needs that will assist with knowledge gaps and ultimately allow development of robust monitoring and management protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Biessy
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand; New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | | | - Kirsty F Smith
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand.
| | - D Tim Harwood
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand; New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Ian Hawes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand.
| | - Susanna A Wood
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand.
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26
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Okabe T, Oyama H, Kashitani M, Ishimaru Y, Suo R, Sugita H, Itoi S. Toxic Flatworm Egg Plates Serve as a Possible Source of Tetrodotoxin for Pufferfish. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E402. [PMID: 31373322 PMCID: PMC6669758 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11070402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The pufferfish Takifugu niphobles (at present Takifugu alboplumbeus) possesses highly concentrated tetrodotoxin (TTX), an extremely potent neurotoxin that provides effective protection from predators, at least at the larval stages. However, the source of the toxin has remained unclear. Recently, DNA from the toxic flatworm Planocera multitentaculata was detected in the intestinal contents of juveniles and young of the pufferfish, suggesting that the flatworm contributes to its toxification at various stages of its life. In this study, we describe the behavior of the pufferfish in the intertidal zone that appears to contribute to its toxification before and during its spawning period: pufferfish were found to aggregate and ingest flatworm egg plates by scraping them off the surface of rocks. DNA analysis based on 28S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes identified the egg plates as those of P. multitentaculata. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the egg plates contain highly concentrated TTX. The feeding behavior of the pufferfish on the flatworm egg plates was also observed in the aquarium. These results suggest that pufferfish feed on the flatworm egg plate, which enables them to acquire toxicity themselves while providing their offspring with the protective shield of TTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Okabe
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Hikaru Oyama
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Maho Kashitani
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Yuta Ishimaru
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Rei Suo
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Haruo Sugita
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Shiro Itoi
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
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27
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Blanco L, Lago J, González V, Paz B, Rambla-Alegre M, Cabado AG. Occurrence of Tetrodotoxin in Bivalves and Gastropods from Harvesting Areas and Other Natural Spaces in Spain. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E331. [PMID: 31212624 PMCID: PMC6628449 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin that is receiving increasing interest in the European Union because it has been found in different fishery products (fish, bivalves and gastropods) captured in European waters. Since available information is scarce, further analytical data regarding the incidence of this toxin in European fishery products is needed in order to perform an appropriate risk assessment devoted to protecting consumers' health. Hence, samples of bivalves and gastropods were collected at different points of the Spanish coast and analyzed by high-performance hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) to evaluate the presence of TTX. None of the analyzed samples showed TTX above an internal threshold of 10 µg/kg or even showed a peak under it. Our results on TTX occurrence obtained in bivalve molluscs and gastropods did not show, at least in the studied areas, a risk for public health. However, taking into account previous positive results obtained by other research groups, and since we did not detect TTX in our samples, a more completed study increasing sampling frequency is needed to ensure proper risk evaluation towards the food safety of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Blanco
- ANFACO-CECOPESCA, Campus University 16, 36310 Vigo PO, Spain.
| | - Jorge Lago
- ANFACO-CECOPESCA, Campus University 16, 36310 Vigo PO, Spain.
| | | | - Beatriz Paz
- ANFACO-CECOPESCA, Campus University 16, 36310 Vigo PO, Spain.
| | - Maria Rambla-Alegre
- IRTA, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology. Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 San Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Ana G Cabado
- ANFACO-CECOPESCA, Campus University 16, 36310 Vigo PO, Spain.
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