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Lin ZR, Geng HX, Yu RC. Potential roles of hydroxybenzoate paralytic shellfish toxins in modulating toxin biokinetics in scallops. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133896. [PMID: 38428300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) produced by some marine dinoflagellates can cause severe human intoxication via vectors like bivalves. Toxic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum produce a novel group of hydroxybenzoate PSTs named GC toxins, but their biokinetics in bivalves haven't been well examined. In this experiment, we analyzed PSTs in bay scallops Argopecten irradians exposed to G. catenatum (strain MEL11) to determine their accumulation, elimination, anatomical distribution, and biotransformation. To our surprise, up to 30% of the PSTs were accumulated in the adductor muscle of scallops at the end of the experiment, and the toxicity of adductor muscle exceeded the regulatory limit of 800 μg STXeq/kg in only 6 days. High concentration of toxins in the adductor muscle are likely linked to the rapid transfer of GC toxins from viscera to other tissues. Moreover, most GC toxins in scallops were found rapidly transformed to decarbamoyl toxins through enzyme-mediated hydrolysis, which was further supported by the in vitro incubation experiments. Our study demonstrates that GC toxins actively participate in toxin distribution and transformation in scallops, which may increase the risks of food poisoning associated with the consumption of scallop adductor muscle. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The negative impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become a global environmental concern under the joint effects of cultural eutrophication and climate change. Our study, targeted on the biokinetics of paralytic shellfish toxins in scallops exposed to Gymnodinium catenatum producing unique GC toxins, aims to elucidate potential risks of seafood poisoning associated with GC toxins. The findings of this study will help us to understand the roles of GC toxins in seafood poisoning, and to develop effective management strategies against toxic algal blooms and phycotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Ru Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Hui-Xia Geng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ren-Cheng Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China.
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Cadaillon AM, Mattera B, Albizzi A, Montoya N, Maldonado S, Raya Rey A, Riccialdelli L, Almandoz GO, Schloss IR. Multispecies mass mortality in the Beagle Channel associated with paralytic shellfish toxins. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 132:102581. [PMID: 38331545 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2024.102581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The Beagle Channel is a Subantarctic semi-estuarine environment at the southern tip of South America, where intoxication events associated with harmful algal blooms have been reported since 1886, including a world record in toxicity due to Alexandrium catenella in 1992. Toxic algae affect public health and ecosystem services, particularly mussel aquaculture and fisheries management. During the austral summer of 2022, an intense bloom of A. catenella (5 × 104 cells L-1) occurred in the Beagle Channel, leading to the second most toxic event in the area, with mussel toxicity reaching 197,266 µg STXeq kg-1. This event was synchronous with the mortality of marine organisms from different trophic levels and terrestrial fauna, i.e., two Fuegian red foxes and a southern caracara. Stomach content and liver samples from dead kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus), Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), papua penguins (Pygoscelis papua), and imperial cormorants (Leucocarbo atriceps), presented variable paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) levels (up to 3427 µg STXeq kg-1) as measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), suggesting that deaths were associated with high PST toxicity level. The different toxin profiles found in phytoplankton, zooplankton, squat lobsters (Grimothea gregaria), Fuegian sprat (Sprattus fuegensis), and seabirds evidenced possible toxin transformation along the food web and the possible transfer vectors. The unexpected detection of PST in terrestrial fauna (up to 2707 µg STXeq kg-1) suggested intoxication by scavenging on squat lobsters, which had high toxicity (26,663 µg STXeq kg-1). PST trace levels were also detected in a liver sample of a dead false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), an oceanic odontocete stranded on the coast during the bloom. Overall, our results denote the exceptional nature of the toxic, multispecies mortality event and that toxins may propagate to several levels of the food web in this Subantarctic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Cadaillon
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Argentina; Instituto de Desarrollo Económico e Innovación (IDEI), Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur (UNTDF), Yrigoyen 879, Ushuaia 9410, Argentina.
| | - B Mattera
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero, Paseo Victoria Ocampo N°1, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
| | - A Albizzi
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - N Montoya
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero, Paseo Victoria Ocampo N°1, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
| | - S Maldonado
- Dirección General de Laboratorio de Toxinas y Microbiología, Secretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura, Ministerio de Produccion y Ambiente. Gobierno de la Provincia de Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur, Argentina
| | - A Raya Rey
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (ICPA), UNTDF, Yrigoyen 879, Ushuaia 9410, Argentina; Wildlife Conservation Society, Amenábar 1595, Office 19, C1426AKC CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Riccialdelli
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - G O Almandoz
- División Ficología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque s/n, B1900FWA La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - I R Schloss
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (ICPA), UNTDF, Yrigoyen 879, Ushuaia 9410, Argentina; Instituto Antártico Argentino, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Pires E, Lana PDC, Mafra LL. Phycotoxins and marine annelids - A global review. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 122:102373. [PMID: 36754459 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2022.102373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Several species of microalgae can produce potent phycotoxins that negatively affect aquatic organisms and their consumers following different exposure routes, as well as toxicokinetic (TK) and toxicodynamic (TD) processes. Benthic organisms are especially vulnerable as they are exposed to both benthic and planktonic species causative of harmful algal blooms (HABs). While benthic algae can come into direct contact with annelids during substrate remobilization, planktonic cells can settle to the bottom mostly during senescence and/or encystment stages, and in shallow and calm waters. We performed a systematic, qualitative review of the literature on the phycotoxin TK and TD processes in marine annelids, summarizing the most relevant findings and general trends. Besides, by using innovative analytical/statistical approaches, we were able to detect patterns and gaps in the current literature, thus pointing to future research directions. We retrieved and analyzed studies involving diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs), paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), brevetoxins (PbTXs), domoic acid (DA), as well as palytoxin and its congeners, the ovatoxins (treated together as PLTXs). It is worth mentioning that studies evaluating other phycotoxins (e.g., ciguatoxins, yessotoxins) were not found in the literature. The absence of data on PbTXs, PSTs and DA is the largest gap hampering TK assessment in annelids, although some relevant information on TD is already available. Whereas lethal effects from DSTs have not been reported, more potent toxins like PbTXs, PSTs, DA and those grouped as PLTX-like compounds can cause mortality and/or marked decrease in annelid abundance. In addition, phycotoxins have been linked to sublethal effects on annelid cells. Although very sparse, field and laboratory studies offer strong evidence that annelids may be reliable indicators of toxin exposure and their negative effects during both early and later stages of HABs in marine environments. Besides quickly responding to these compounds at both organismic and suborganismic levels, annelids are easily found in areas affected by HABs. The use of annelids in future investigations evaluating the action mechanisms of toxic microalgae on marine invertebrates should be thus encouraged. In this case, the choice for widely dispersed and numerically dominant species of annelids would strengthen the validation and extrapolation of results from risk assessments in areas affected by HABs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela Pires
- Center for Marine Studies, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s / n, CEP 83255-976, PO Box 61, Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Paulo da Cunha Lana
- Center for Marine Studies, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s / n, CEP 83255-976, PO Box 61, Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luiz Laureno Mafra
- Center for Marine Studies, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s / n, CEP 83255-976, PO Box 61, Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil
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Rattner BA, Wazniak CE, Lankton JS, McGowan PC, Drovetski SV, Egerton TA. Review of harmful algal bloom effects on birds with implications for avian wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay region. HARMFUL ALGAE 2022; 120:102319. [PMID: 36470599 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2022.102319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Chesapeake Bay, along the mid-Atlantic coast of North America, is the largest estuary in the United States and provides critical habitat for wildlife. In contrast to point and non-point source release of pesticides, metals, and industrial, personal care and household use chemicals on biota in this watershed, there has only been scant attention to potential exposure and effects of algal toxins on wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay region. As background, we first review the scientific literature on algal toxins and harmful algal bloom (HAB) events in various regions of the world that principally affected birds, and to a lesser degree other wildlife. To examine the situation for the Chesapeake, we compiled information from government reports and databases summarizing wildlife mortality events for 2000 through 2020 that were associated with potentially toxic algae and HAB events. Summary findings indicate that there have been few wildlife mortality incidents definitively linked to HABs, other mortality events that were suspected to be related to HABs, and more instances in which HABs may have indirectly contributed to or occurred coincident with wildlife mortality. The dominant toxins found in the Chesapeake Bay drainage that could potentially affect wildlife are microcystins, with concentrations in water approaching or exceeding human-based thresholds for ceasing recreational use and drinking water at a number of locations. As an increasing trend in HAB events in the U.S. and in the Chesapeake Bay have been reported, additional information on HAB toxin exposure routes, comparative sensitivity among species, consequences of sublethal exposure, and better diagnostic and risk criteria would greatly assist in predicting algal toxin hazard and risks to wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnett A Rattner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center at the Patuxent Research Refuge, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
| | - Catherine E Wazniak
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
| | - Julia S Lankton
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Peter C McGowan
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Office, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
| | - Serguei V Drovetski
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center at the Patuxent Research Refuge, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Todd A Egerton
- Virginia Department of Health, Division of Shellfish Safety and Waterborne Hazards, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
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Van Hemert C, Harley JR, Baluss G, Smith MM, Dusek RJ, Lankton JS, Hardison DR, Schoen SK, Kaler RSA. Paralytic shellfish toxins associated with Arctic Tern mortalities in Alaska. HARMFUL ALGAE 2022; 117:102270. [PMID: 35944958 PMCID: PMC10237520 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2022.102270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms produce biotoxins that can injure or kill fish, wildlife, and humans. These blooms occur naturally but have intensified in many locations globally due to recent climatic changes, including ocean warming. Such changes are especially pronounced in northern regions, where the effects of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) on marine wildlife are of growing concern. In Alaska, seabird mortality events have increased in frequency, magnitude, and duration since 2015 alongside anomalously high ocean temperatures. Although starvation has been implicated as the apparent cause of death in many of these die-offs, saxitoxin (STX) and other PSTs have been identified as possible contributing factors. Here, we describe a mortality event at a nesting colony of Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea) near Juneau, Alaska in 2019 and report elevated concentrations of PSTs in bird, forage fish, and mussel samples. Concentrations of STX and other PSTs in tern tissues (2.5-51.2 µg 100g-1 STX-equivalents [STX-eq]) were of similar magnitude to those reported from other PST-induced bird die-offs. We documented high PST concentrations in blue mussels (>11,000 µg 100g-1 STX-eq; Mytilus edulis spp.) collected from nearby beaches, as well as in forage fish (up to 494 µg 100g-1 STX-eq) retrieved from Arctic Tern nests, thereby providing direct evidence of PST exposure via the terns' prey. At maximum concentrations measured in this study, a single 5 g Pacific Sand Lance (Ammodytes personatus) could exceed the median lethal STX dose (LD50) currently estimated for birds, offering strong support for PSTs as a likely source of tern mortality. In addition to describing this localized bird mortality event, we used existing energetics data from adult and nestling Arctic Terns to calculate estimated cumulative daily PST exposure based on ecologically relevant concentrations in forage fish. Our estimates revealed potentially lethal levels of PST exposure even at relatively low (≤30 ug 100g-1 STX-eq) toxin concentrations in prey. These findings suggest that PSTs present a significant hazard to Arctic Terns and other northern seabirds and should be included in future investigations of avian mortality events as well as assessments of population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Van Hemert
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA.
| | - John R Harley
- Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center, University of Alaska Southeast, 11066 Auke Lake Way, Juneau AK, 99801, USA
| | - Gwen Baluss
- U.S. Forest Service, Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | - Matthew M Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Robert J Dusek
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Julia S Lankton
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - D Ransom Hardison
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Stressor Detection and Impacts Division, National Center for Coastal Ocean Sciences Beaufort Laboratory, 101 Pivers Road, Beaufort, NC, 28516, USA
| | - Sarah K Schoen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Robert S A Kaler
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Bird Management, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK, 99503, USA
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Louzao MC, Vilariño N, Vale C, Costas C, Cao A, Raposo-Garcia S, Vieytes MR, Botana LM. Current Trends and New Challenges in Marine Phycotoxins. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20030198. [PMID: 35323497 PMCID: PMC8950113 DOI: 10.3390/md20030198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine phycotoxins are a multiplicity of bioactive compounds which are produced by microalgae and bioaccumulate in the marine food web. Phycotoxins affect the ecosystem, pose a threat to human health, and have important economic effects on aquaculture and tourism worldwide. However, human health and food safety have been the primary concerns when considering the impacts of phycotoxins. Phycotoxins toxicity information, often used to set regulatory limits for these toxins in shellfish, lacks traceability of toxicity values highlighting the need for predefined toxicological criteria. Toxicity data together with adequate detection methods for monitoring procedures are crucial to protect human health. However, despite technological advances, there are still methodological uncertainties and high demand for universal phycotoxin detectors. This review focuses on these topics, including uncertainties of climate change, providing an overview of the current information as well as future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmen Louzao
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.L.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Natalia Vilariño
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Carmen Vale
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Celia Costas
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Alejandro Cao
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Sandra Raposo-Garcia
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Mercedes R. Vieytes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Luis M. Botana
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.L.); (L.M.B.)
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Long M, Krock B, Castrec J, Tillmann U. Unknown Extracellular and Bioactive Metabolites of the Genus Alexandrium: A Review of Overlooked Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:905. [PMID: 34941742 PMCID: PMC8703713 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120905] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Various species of Alexandrium can produce a number of bioactive compounds, e.g., paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), spirolides, gymnodimines, goniodomins, and also uncharacterised bioactive extracellular compounds (BECs). The latter metabolites are released into the environment and affect a large range of organisms (from protists to fishes and mammalian cell lines). These compounds mediate allelochemical interactions, have anti-grazing and anti-parasitic activities, and have a potentially strong structuring role for the dynamic of Alexandrium blooms. In many studies evaluating the effects of Alexandrium on marine organisms, only the classical toxins were reported and the involvement of BECs was not considered. A lack of information on the presence/absence of BECs in experimental strains is likely the cause of contrasting results in the literature that render impossible a distinction between PSTs and BECs effects. We review the knowledge on Alexandrium BEC, (i.e., producing species, target cells, physiological effects, detection methods and molecular candidates). Overall, we highlight the need to identify the nature of Alexandrium BECs and urge further research on the chemical interactions according to their ecological importance in the planktonic chemical warfare and due to their potential collateral damage to a wide range of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Long
- IFREMER, Centre de Brest, DYNECO Pelagos, 29280 Plouzané, France;
| | - Bernd Krock
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany;
| | - Justine Castrec
- University Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, 29280 Plouzané, France;
- Station de Recherches Sous-Marines et Océanographiques (STARESO), Punta Revellata, BP33, 20260 Calvi, France
| | - Urban Tillmann
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany;
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Dean KJ, Alexander RP, Hatfield RG, Lewis AM, Coates LN, Collin T, Teixeira Alves M, Lee V, Daumich C, Hicks R, White P, Thomas KM, Ellis JR, Turner AD. The Common Sunstar Crossaster papposus-A Neurotoxic Starfish. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:695. [PMID: 34940694 PMCID: PMC8704474 DOI: 10.3390/md19120695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Saxitoxins (STXs) are a family of potent neurotoxins produced naturally by certain species of phytoplankton and cyanobacteria which are extremely toxic to mammalian nervous systems. The accumulation of STXs in bivalve molluscs can significantly impact animal and human health. Recent work conducted in the North Sea highlighted the widespread presence of various saxitoxins in a range of benthic organisms, with the common sunstar (Crossaster papposus) demonstrating high concentrations of saxitoxins. In this study, an extensive sampling program was undertaken across multiple seas surrounding the UK, with 146 starfish and 5 brittlestars of multiple species analysed for STXs. All the common sunstars analysed (n > 70) contained quantifiable levels of STXs, with the total concentrations ranging from 99 to 11,245 µg STX eq/kg. The common sunstars were statistically different in terms of toxin loading to all the other starfish species tested. Two distinct toxic profiles were observed in sunstars, a decarbomylsaxitoxin (dcSTX)-dominant profile which encompassed samples from most of the UK coast and an STX and gonyautoxin2 (GTX2) profile from the North Yorkshire coast of England. Compartmentalisation studies demonstrated that the female gonads exhibited the highest toxin concentrations of all the individual organs tested, with concentrations >40,000 µg STX eq/kg in one sample. All the sunstars, male or female, exhibited the presence of STXs in the skin, digestive glands and gonads. This study highlights that the common sunstar ubiquitously contains STXs, independent of the geographical location around the UK and often at concentrations many times higher than the current regulatory limits for STXs in molluscs; therefore, the common sunstar should be considered toxic hereafter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl J. Dean
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
| | - Ryan P. Alexander
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
| | - Robert G. Hatfield
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
| | - Adam M. Lewis
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
| | - Lewis N. Coates
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
| | - Tom Collin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Mickael Teixeira Alves
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
| | - Vanessa Lee
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Caroline Daumich
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
| | - Ruth Hicks
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
| | - Peter White
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
| | - Krista M. Thomas
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, Halifax, NS B3Z 3H1, Canada;
| | - Jim R. Ellis
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK;
| | - Andrew D. Turner
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (R.P.A.); (R.G.H.); (A.M.L.); (L.N.C.); (T.C.); (M.T.A.); (V.L.); (C.D.); (R.H.); (P.W.); (A.D.T.)
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9
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Dusek RJ, Smith MM, Van Hemert C, Shearn-Bochsler VI, Hall S, Ridge CD, Hardison DR, Kaler RSA, Bodenstein BL, Hofmeister EK, Hall JS. Acute oral toxicity and tissue residues of saxitoxin in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). HARMFUL ALGAE 2021; 109:102109. [PMID: 34815022 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2021.102109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Since 2014, widespread, annual mortality events involving multiple species of seabirds have occurred in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Chukchi Sea. Among these die-offs, emaciation was a common finding with starvation often identified as the cause of death. However, saxitoxin (STX) was detected in many carcasses, indicating exposure of these seabirds to STX in the marine environment. Few data are available that describe the effects of STX in birds, thus presenting challenges for determining its contributions to specific mortality events. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted an acute oral toxicity trial in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), a common laboratory avian model, using an up-and-down method to estimate the median lethal dose (LD50) for STX. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we tested select tissues from all birds and feces from those individuals that survived initial dosing. Samples with an ELISA result that exceeded approximately 10 µg 100 g-1 STX and randomly selected ELISA negative samples were further tested by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Tissues collected from mallards were also examined grossly at necropsy and then later by microscopy to identify lesions attributable to STX. The estimated LD50 was 167 µg kg-1 (95% CI = 69-275 µg kg-1). Saxitoxin was detected in fecal samples of all mallards tested for up to 48 h after dosing and at the end of the sampling period (7 d) in three birds. In those individuals that died or were euthanized <2 h after dosing, STX was readily detected throughout the gastrointestinal tract but only infrequently in heart, kidney, liver, lung, and breast muscle. No gross or microscopic lesions were observed that could be attributable to STX exposure. Given its acute toxicity, limited detectability, and frequent occurrence in the Alaska marine environment, additional research on STX in seabirds is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Dusek
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, United States.
| | - Matthew M Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States.
| | - Caroline Van Hemert
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States.
| | - Valerie I Shearn-Bochsler
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, United States.
| | - Sherwood Hall
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, United States.
| | - Clark D Ridge
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, United States.
| | - D Ransom Hardison
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, United States.
| | - Robb S A Kaler
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States.
| | - Barbara L Bodenstein
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, United States.
| | - Erik K Hofmeister
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, United States.
| | - Jeffrey S Hall
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, United States.
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