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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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2
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Malykin GV, Velansky PV, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues (TTXs) in the Food-Capture and Defense Organs of the Palaeonemertean Cephalothrix cf. simula. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:43. [PMID: 38251259 PMCID: PMC10818845 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010043] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX), an extremely potent low-molecular-weight neurotoxin, is widespread among marine animals including ribbon worms (Nemertea). Previously, studies on the highly toxic palaeonemertean Cephalothrix cf. simula showed that toxin-positive structures are present all over its body and are mainly associated with glandular cells and epithelial tissues. The highest TTXs concentrations were detected in a total extract from the intestine of the anterior part of the body and also in a total extract from the proboscis. However, many questions as to the TTXs distribution in the organs of the anterior part of the worm's body and the functions of the toxins in these organs are still unanswered. In the present report, we provide additional results of a detailed and comprehensive analysis of TTXs distribution in the nemertean's proboscis, buccal cavity, and cephalic gland using an integrated approach including high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), confocal laser scanning microscopy with anti-TTX antibodies, light and electron microscopies, and observations of feeding behavior. For the proboscis, we have found a TTXs profile different from that characteristic of other organs and tissues. We have also shown for the first time that the major amount of TTXs is localized in the anterior part of the proboscis that is mainly involved in hunting. TTX-containing glandular cells, which can be involved in the prey immobilization, have been found in the buccal cavities of the nemerteans. A significant contribution of the cephalic gland to the toxicity of this animal has been shown for the first time, and the role of the gland is hypothesized to be involved not only in protection against potential enemies but also in immobilizing prey. The data obtained have made it possible to extend the understanding of the role and features of the use of TTXs in the organs of the anterior part of nemertean's body.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Timur Yu. Magarlamov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
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3
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Antonelli P, Peruzzo A, Mancin M, Boscolo Anzoletti A, Dall'Ara S, Orsini M, Bordin P, Arcangeli G, Zanolin B, Barco L, Losasso C. Tetrodotoxin in bivalve mollusks: An integrated study towards the comprehension of the influencing factors of a newly native phenomenon. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139682. [PMID: 37527741 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139682] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxins (TTXs) are potent neurotoxins named after the Tetraodontidae fish family. The ingestion of TTX-contaminated flesh can cause neurotoxic symptoms and can lead to death. In 2017 symptoms the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognized the threat to food safety resulting from TTX exposure via food consumption and, thus, proposed a safety limit of 44 μg/kg of TTX in marine gastropods and bivalves. To date, however, TTXs have not yet been included in the list of biotoxins to be monitored within the European Union, even though, in a few cases, levels of TTX found were higher than the EFSA limit. The origin of TTX production is debated and the roles of both biotic and abiotic factors on TTX-mediated toxic events remain unclear. In order to meet these knowledge requests the present study was aimed to investigate the role of seawater temperature, pH, water conductivity, and oxygen saturation, along with the marine phytoplankton community and the bacterial community of mussels and oysters on the accumulation of TTX and analogues in the bivalves. Abiotic parameters were measured by means of a multi-parametric probe, phytoplankton community was analyzed by optic microscopy while microbial community was described by amplicon metataxonomic sequencing, TTXs concentration in the collected matrices were measured by HILIC-MS/MS. A possible role of seawater pH and temperature, among the investigated abiotic factors, in regulating the occurrence of TTXs was found. Regarding biotic variables, a possible influence of Vibrio, Shewanella and Flavobacteriaceae in the occurrence of TTXs was found. Concurrently, Prorocentrum cordatum cell numbers were correlated to the incidence of TTX in mussels. The results herein collected suggest that environmental variables play a consistent part in the occurrence of TTX in the edible bivalve habitats, and there are also indications of a potential role played by specific bacteria taxa in association with phytoplankton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Antonelli
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Arianna Peruzzo
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Marzia Mancin
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Aurora Boscolo Anzoletti
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Sonia Dall'Ara
- National Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins, Fondazione Centro Ricerche Marine, Viale A. Vespucci 2, 47042, Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paola Bordin
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Arcangeli
- Specialistic Aquatic Animal Health Centre, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Bruno Zanolin
- Regional Environmental Protection Agency of Friuli Venezia Giulia, ARPA FVG, Via Cairoli 14, 33057, Palmanova, UD, Italy
| | - Lisa Barco
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Carmen Losasso
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy.
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Han JL, Zhang L, Zhou PP, Xu JJ, Pan XD, Cao P, Xu XM. Analytical Method Optimization of Tetrodotoxin and Its Contamination in Gastropods. Foods 2023; 12:3103. [PMID: 37628101 PMCID: PMC10453083 DOI: 10.3390/foods12163103] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is an extremely potent marine biotoxin. An analytical method was developed for both trace contamination and extremely high levels of TTX in gastropods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with clean-up of cation exchange solid phase extraction (SPE) in this study. The limit of detection (LOD) in the sample matrix was 0.5 μg/kg. With the calibration of a screened internal standard (validamycin, IS), the linear range was 0.1-100 ng/mL (1.5-1500 μg/kg in sample matrix) with a correlation coefficient of r2 > 0.999. The average recoveries at three spiking levels (1.5 μg/kg, 44 μg/kg, and 1500 μg/kg) were 82.6-94.4% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 8.4%. TTX levels in seven gastropods (741 samples) were studied. The contamination and analogues in Neverita didyma (N. didyma, 565 samples collected in Zhejiang province, China, from 2016 to 2022) were first reported. The detection rate of TTX in N. didyma was 34.2%. The average concentration was 23.1 μg/kg, and the maximum value was 2327 μg/kg. The time distribution study indicated that high contaminations of TTX occurred from May to August for N. didyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Long Han
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China; (J.-L.H.); (J.-J.X.); (X.-D.P.)
| | - Lei Zhang
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100026, China; (L.Z.); (P.-P.Z.)
| | - Ping-Ping Zhou
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100026, China; (L.Z.); (P.-P.Z.)
| | - Jiao-Jiao Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China; (J.-L.H.); (J.-J.X.); (X.-D.P.)
| | - Xiao-Dong Pan
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China; (J.-L.H.); (J.-J.X.); (X.-D.P.)
| | - Pei Cao
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100026, China; (L.Z.); (P.-P.Z.)
| | - Xiao-Min Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China; (J.-L.H.); (J.-J.X.); (X.-D.P.)
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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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6
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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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7
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Lage S, Afonso II, Reis Costa P, Canário AVM, Da Silva JP. Tissue accumulation of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and analogues in trumpet shell Charonia lampas. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2023; 40:159-168. [PMID: 36441669 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2022.2148756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin responsible for a human intoxication event in Spain associated with the consumption of trumpet shell Charonia lampas. In Europe, TTX is not regulated or monitored, and there is little knowledge about its presence in seafood. Here, we investigated the tissue distribution of TTX and analogues in three specimens of trumpet shell C. lampas bought in a market in southern Portugal. Toxin concentration was above the EFSA recommended limit in the non-edible tissues of all specimens and within the limit in the edible tissues of two specimens. 4,9-AnhydroTTX and 13 additional TTX analogues were detected in tissues, the most abundant being anhydrotrideoxyTTX and trideoxyTTX. These results suggest that although thorough evisceration may lower the amount of TTX consumed, it may not be sufficient to ensure consumer safety. Regular monitoring of TTX and analogues in trumpet shell and other edible gastropods is therefore recommended to avoid poisoning incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Lage
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Inês I Afonso
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Reis Costa
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Adelino V M Canário
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - José P Da Silva
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR/CIMAR LA), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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Baptista M, Braga AC, Rosa R, Costa PR. Does Ocean Sunfish Mola spp. (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) Represent a Risk for Tetrodotoxin Poisoning in the Portuguese Coast? Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20100594. [PMID: 36286418 PMCID: PMC9604967 DOI: 10.3390/md20100594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin naturally occurring in terrestrial and marine organisms such as pufferfish. Due to the risk of TTX poisoning, fish of Tetraodontidae family and other puffer-related species must not be placed in the EU markets. This restriction applies to fish of the family Molidae even though no data on toxins’ occurrence is available. In this study, the presence of TTX and its analogues was investigated in the main edible tissue (the white muscle) and the main xenobiotics storage organ (the liver) of ocean sunfish Mola spp. (n = 13) from the South Portuguese coast. HILIC-MS/MS analyses did not reveal TTX in the analyzed samples, suggesting an inexistent or very limited risk of TTX poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Baptista
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET—Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-005 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Braga
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute for the Ocean and Atmosphere, Av. Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, n° 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal
- S2AQUA—Collaborative Laboratory, Association for a Sustainable and Smart Aquaculture, Av. Parque Natural da Ria Formosa s/n, 8700-194 Olhão, Portugal
| | - Rui Rosa
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET—Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-005 Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-063 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Reis Costa
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute for the Ocean and Atmosphere, Av. Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, n° 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal
- S2AQUA—Collaborative Laboratory, Association for a Sustainable and Smart Aquaculture, Av. Parque Natural da Ria Formosa s/n, 8700-194 Olhão, Portugal
- CCMAR—Centre of Marine Sciences, Campus de Gambelas, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Cheung KS, Chan CK. A 12-year retrospective review of tetrodotoxin poisoning in Hong Kong. HONG KONG J EMERG ME 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/10249079221106841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Tetrodotoxin poisoning is typically caused by puffer fish consumption. This study is to review its demographics, clinical presentations and management in Hong Kong. Method: Reported cases of tetrodotoxin poisoning to Hong Kong Poison Information Centre from October 2008 to March 2021 were included in the study. Information from electronic database was analysed. Results: Forty-two cases were included in this case series. The number of incidents of tetrodotoxin poisoning ranged from 0 to 5 per year, mostly in the winter months. Median ingestion-to-symptom and ingestion-to-door time was 2 and 6.5 h, respectively. 48% of puffer fish meal sharer was symptomatic and attended emergency department. 100% and 48% of all cases had neurological and cardiovascular/gastrointestinal symptoms, respectively. Fukuda and Tani clinical Grade 1 and 2 were the most common presentation. 17% required intensive care while most patients were managed safely in emergency department and/or emergency medicine ward. Conclusion: There are recurrent incidents of tetrodotoxin poisoning in Hong Kong. Public education is the key to prevent future outbreaks. Targeted history and enhanced availability of tetrodotoxin test would assist in its diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent Shek Cheung
- Department of Accident & Emergency, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Keung Chan
- Hong Kong Poison Information Centre, Department of Clinical Toxicology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
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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: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [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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11
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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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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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