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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; 98:2743-2762. [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] [MESH Headings] [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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2
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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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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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Accoroni S, Cangini M, Angeletti R, Losasso C, Bacchiocchi S, Costa A, Taranto AD, Escalera L, Fedrizzi G, Garzia A, Longo F, Macaluso A, Melchiorre N, Milandri A, Milandri S, Montresor M, Neri F, Piersanti A, Rubini S, Suraci C, Susini F, Vadrucci MR, Mudadu AG, Vivaldi B, Soro B, Totti C, Zingone A. Marine phycotoxin levels in shellfish-14 years of data gathered along the Italian coast. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 131:102560. [PMID: 38212084 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Along the Italian coasts, toxins of algal origin in wild and cultivated shellfish have been reported since the 1970s. In this study, we used data gathered by the Veterinary Public Health Institutes (IZS) and the Italian Environmental Health Protection Agencies (ARPA) from 2006 to 2019 to investigate toxicity events along the Italian coasts and relate them to the distribution of potentially toxic species. Among the detected toxins (OA and analogs, YTXs, PTXs, STXs, DAs, AZAs), OA and YTX were those most frequently reported. Levels exceeding regulatory limits in the case of OA (≤2,448 μg equivalent kg-1) were associated with high abundances of Dinophysis spp., and in the case of YTXs (≤22 mg equivalent kg-1) with blooms of Gonyaulax spinifera, Lingulodinium polyedra, and Protoceratium reticulatum. Seasonal blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. occur all along the Italian coast, but DA has only occasionally been detected in shellfish at concentrations always below the regulatory limit (≤18 mg kg-1). Alexandrium spp. were recorded in several areas, although STXs (≤13,782 µg equivalent kg-1) rarely and only in few sites exceeded the regulatory limit in shellfish. Azadinium spp. have been sporadically recorded, and AZAs have been sometimes detected but always in low concentrations (≤7 µg equivalent kg-1). Among the emerging toxins, PLTX-like toxins (≤971 μg kg-1 OVTX-a) have often been detected mainly in wild mussels and sea urchins from rocky shores due to the presence of Ostreopsis cf. ovata. Overall, Italian coastal waters harbour a high number of potentially toxic species, with a few HAB hotspots mainly related to DSP toxins. Nevertheless, rare cases of intoxications have occurred so far, reflecting the whole Mediterranean Sea conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Cangini
- National Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins, CRM, Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Angela Garzia
- DiSVA, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Anna Milandri
- National Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins, CRM, Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Stefania Milandri
- National Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins, CRM, Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Neri
- DiSVA, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Silva Rubini
- IZS della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cecilia Totti
- DiSVA, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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5
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Curren E, Leong SCY. Plankton assemblages from microplastics of tropical coastal environments reveal high diversity and evidence of toxic species. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 193:106251. [PMID: 37952304 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106251] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a major constituent of plastic waste and are of an increasing global concern. Although microplastics are prevalent in marine ecosystems, the characterisation of plankton communities has been largely neglected in this aspect, especially in tropical ecosystems. To better understand the role of microplastics as a carrier of harmful plankton in marine ecosystems, epiplastic plankton communities in tropical marine ecosystems were studied from beach sediments along the Johor and Singapore Straits. Complementary analysis of microscopy and high throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA (V3-V4) and 18S (V4) rRNA regions provided evidence that the plastisphere provided an appropriate environment to host a wide range of planktonic organisms. An average of 781 OTUs were identified across the three sampling sites. The structures of plankton communities were distinct across the sampling sites and were generally dominated by dinoflagellates, fungi and chlorophytes. We demonstrate that marine microplastics serve as microhabitats that are a host to harmful phytoplankton species, including viable resting cysts of dinoflagellates. Furthermore, plastics isolated from the location with the greatest anthropogenic influence demonstrated the greatest plankton diversity. This study presents evidence of diverse toxic plankton species present on the plastisphere and highlights its importance as a vector of the transport of harmful opportunistic species in relation to anthropogenic influence, in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Curren
- St. John's Island National Marine Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore.
| | - Sandric Chee Yew Leong
- St. John's Island National Marine Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
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Kosker AR, Karakus M, Katikou P, Dal İ, Durmus M, Ucar Y, Ayas D, Özogul F. Monthly Variation of Tetrodotoxin Levels in Pufferfish ( Lagocephalus sceleratus) Caught from Antalya Bay, Mediterranean Sea. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:527. [PMID: 37888462 PMCID: PMC10608123 DOI: 10.3390/md21100527] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), an invasive alien pufferfish species that has rapidly settled throughout the Mediterranean region, poses significant threats not only to native marine species and fisheries but also to public health due to the tetrodotoxin (TTX) they harbor. In this study, TTX concentrations in L. sceleratus from Antalya Bay in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea were investigated using Q-TOF-LC-MS on a monthly basis over a one-year period. Pufferfish were caught by angling from May 2018 to April 2019. The TTX levels in three different tissues (gonads, liver, and muscle) of 110 pufferfish in total were determined in both male and female individuals caught for 11 months. The highest TTX mean levels generally occurred in the gonads and the lowest in the muscle samples. As regards the maximum TTX contents, the highest concentrations determined were 68.2, 34.2, and 7.8 µg/g in the gonad, liver, and muscle tissues, respectively. The highest levels were generally observed in late autumn to winter (especially in November and December) in all tissues from both genders. Female individuals were generally found to be more toxic than male individuals. The TTX levels found confirm that the consumption of L. sceleratus from Antalya Bay remains dangerous throughout the year, and thus L. sceleratus constantly constitutes an important risk source for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rıza Kosker
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, 01330 Adana, Turkey; (M.D.); (F.Ö.)
| | - Merve Karakus
- Mediterranean Fisheries Research Production and Training Institute, Demre Unit, 07570 Antalya, Turkey; (M.K.); (İ.D.)
| | - Panagiota Katikou
- Veterinary Research Institute of Thessaloniki, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—DIMITRA, Ktima Thermis, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - İsmail Dal
- Mediterranean Fisheries Research Production and Training Institute, Demre Unit, 07570 Antalya, Turkey; (M.K.); (İ.D.)
| | - Mustafa Durmus
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, 01330 Adana, Turkey; (M.D.); (F.Ö.)
| | - Yılmaz Ucar
- Vocational School of Aladag, Department of Forestry, Cukurova University, 01720 Adana, Turkey;
| | - Deniz Ayas
- Fisheries Faculty, Mersin University, 33169 Mersin, Turkey;
| | - Fatih Özogul
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, 01330 Adana, Turkey; (M.D.); (F.Ö.)
- Biotechnology Research and Application Center, Cukurova University, 01330 Adana, Turkey
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7
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Yasukawa S, Shirai K, Namigata K, Ito M, Tsubaki M, Oyama H, Fujita Y, Okabe T, Suo R, Ogiso S, Watabe Y, Matsubara H, Suzuki N, Hirayama M, Sugita H, Itoi S. Tetrodotoxin Detection in Japanese Bivalves: Toxification Status of Scallops. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 25:666-676. [PMID: 36648572 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-023-10199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX), or pufferfish toxin, has been frequently detected in edible bivalves around the world during the last decade and is problematic in food hygiene and safety. It was reported recently that highly concentrated TTX was detected in the midgut gland of the akazara scallop Chlamys (Azumapecten) farreri subsp. akazara collected in coastal areas of the northern Japanese archipelago. The toxification of the bivalve was likely to involve the larvae of the flatworm, Planocera multitentaculata. However, the overall status of bivalve TTX toxification has not been elucidated. In this study, 14 species/subspecies of bivalves from various Japanese waters were subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis to reveal TTX toxification state, demonstrating that the Pectinidae, including C. farreri akazara, Chlamys farreri nipponensis, Chlamys (Mimachlamys) nobilis, and Mizuhopecten yessoensis, accumulated TTX in their midgut gland. Many individuals of C. farreri akazara and C. farreri nipponensis were found with high concentrations of TTX, while C. nobilis and M. yessoensis exhibited low concentrations. The extent of TTX accumulation in C. farreri akazara and C. farreri nipponensis varied widely by region and season. Curiously, no other bivalve species investigated in this study showed evidence of TTX. These results suggest that monitoring for TTX, like other shellfish toxins, is necessary to ensure that pectinid bivalves are a safe food resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shino Yasukawa
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Kyoko Shirai
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Kaho Namigata
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Masaaki Ito
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Mei Tsubaki
- 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
| | - Yukino Fujita
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Taiki Okabe
- 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
| | - Shouzo Ogiso
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Division of Marine Environmental Studies, Kanazawa University, Ogi, Noto-Cho, Ishikawa , 927-0553, Japan
| | - Yukina Watabe
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Division of Marine Environmental Studies, Kanazawa University, Ogi, Noto-Cho, Ishikawa , 927-0553, Japan
| | - Hajime Matsubara
- Noto Center for Fisheries Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Ossaka, Noto-Cho, Ishikawa , 927-0552, Japan
| | - Nobuo Suzuki
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Division of Marine Environmental Studies, Kanazawa University, Ogi, Noto-Cho, Ishikawa , 927-0553, Japan
| | - Makoto Hirayama
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8528, 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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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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9
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Anastasiou TI, Kagiampaki E, Kondylatos G, Tselepides A, Peristeraki P, Mandalakis M. Assessing the Toxicity of Lagocephalus sceleratus Pufferfish from the Southeastern Aegean Sea and the Relationship of Tetrodotoxin with Gonadal Hormones. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:520. [PMID: 37888455 PMCID: PMC10608560 DOI: 10.3390/md21100520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the dramatic increase in the L. sceleratus population in the southeastern Aegean Sea, there is growing interest in assessing the toxicity of this pufferfish and the factors controlling its tetrodotoxin (TTX) content. In the present study, liver, gonads, muscle and skin of 37 L. sceleratus specimens collected during May and June 2021 from the island of Rhodes, Greece, were subjected to multi-analyte profiling using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in order to quantitate TTX and evaluate whether this biotoxin interrelates with hormones. TTX and its analogues 4-epiTTX, 11-deoxyTTX, 11-norTTX-6-ol, 4,9-anhydroTTX and 5,11/6,11-dideoxyTTX were detected in all tissue types. Liver and gonads were the most toxic tissues, with the highest TTX concentrations being observed in the ovaries of female specimens. Only 22% of the analyzed muscle samples were non-toxic according to the Japanese toxicity threshold (2.2 μg TTX eq g-1), confirming the high poisoning risk from the inadvertent consumption of this species. Four steroid hormones (i.e., cortisol, testosterone, androstenedione and β-estradiol) and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were detected in the gonads. Androstenedione dominated in female specimens, while GnRH was more abundant in males. A positive correlation of TTX and its analogues with β-estradiol was observed. However, a model incorporating sex rather than β-estradiol as the independent variable proven to be more efficient in predicting TTX concentration, implying that other sex-related characteristics are more important than specific hormone-regulated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thekla I Anastasiou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eirini Kagiampaki
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Kondylatos
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes, 85131 Rhodes, Greece
| | | | - Panagiota Peristeraki
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Manolis Mandalakis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
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10
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Ruiz-Ruiz TM, Morquecho L, Cruz-García LM, Torres JR, Del Carmen Flores-Miranda M, Arreola-Lizárraga JA. Eutrophication assessment and environmental management perspectives of Tóbari: an arid subtropical coastal lagoon of the Gulf of California. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1049. [PMID: 37589757 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11638-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Coastal lagoons are vulnerable to eutrophication processes. In this study, we evaluate the eutrophication process in the restricted, arid subtropical Tóbari coastal lagoon, located in the eastern coast of the Gulf of California, where the main source of nutrient inputs and other pollutants is agricultural wastewater from the Yaqui Valley. The Assessment of Estuarine Trophic Status (ASSETS) model and the Trophic State Index (TRIX) were used to evaluate eutrophication. Overall, ASSETS showed that the Tóbari lagoon has a moderate eutrophication process, with seasonal symptoms of hypoxia, increased phytoplankton biomass, dominance of macroalgae (indicative of nutrient enrichment), and blooms development of potentially harmful algae species. The TRIX showed that the lagoon is mesotrophic most of the year. Challenges of environmental management detected correspond to reducing the input of nutrients and others contaminants from anthropic sources: agriculture, shrimp farming, livestock, and urban zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thelma Michelle Ruiz-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIB), Km 2.35 Camino Al Tular, Estero de Bacochibampo, 85454, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Morquecho
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIB), Av. IPN 195, 23096, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - Luz María Cruz-García
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS), Carretera Al Sur Km 5.5, 23080, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - Jony R Torres
- Instituto Tecnológico del Valle del Yaqui (ITVY), Av. Tecnológico, Block 611, Valle del Yaqui, 85276, Bácum, Sonora, Mexico
| | | | - José Alfredo Arreola-Lizárraga
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIB), Km 2.35 Camino Al Tular, Estero de Bacochibampo, 85454, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.
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11
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Alkassar M, Sanchez-Henao A, Reverté J, Barreiro L, Rambla-Alegre M, Leonardo S, Mandalakis M, Peristeraki P, Diogène J, Campàs M. Evaluation of Toxicity Equivalency Factors of Tetrodotoxin Analogues with a Neuro-2a Cell-Based Assay and Application to Puffer Fish from Greece. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:432. [PMID: 37623713 PMCID: PMC10455759 DOI: 10.3390/md21080432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent marine neurotoxin involved in poisoning cases, especially through the consumption of puffer fish. Knowledge of the toxicity equivalency factors (TEFs) of TTX analogues is crucial in monitoring programs to estimate the toxicity of samples analyzed with instrumental analysis methods. In this work, TTX analogues were isolated from the liver of a Lagocephalus sceleratus individual caught on South Crete coasts. A cell-based assay (CBA) for TTXs was optimized and applied to the establishment of the TEFs of 5,11-dideoxyTTX, 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol, 11-deoxyTTX and 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX. Results showed that all TTX analogues were less toxic than the parent TTX, their TEFs being in the range of 0.75-0.011. Then, different tissues of three Lagocephalus sceleratus individuals were analyzed with CBA and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The obtained TEFs were applied to the TTX analogues' concentrations obtained by LC-MS/MS analysis, providing an indication of the overall toxicity of the sample. Information about the TEFs of TTX analogues is valuable for food safety control, allowing the estimation of the risk of fish products to consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounira Alkassar
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (M.A.); (A.S.-H.); (J.R.); (L.B.); (M.R.-A.); (S.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Andres Sanchez-Henao
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (M.A.); (A.S.-H.); (J.R.); (L.B.); (M.R.-A.); (S.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Jaume Reverté
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (M.A.); (A.S.-H.); (J.R.); (L.B.); (M.R.-A.); (S.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Lourdes Barreiro
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (M.A.); (A.S.-H.); (J.R.); (L.B.); (M.R.-A.); (S.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Maria Rambla-Alegre
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (M.A.); (A.S.-H.); (J.R.); (L.B.); (M.R.-A.); (S.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Sandra Leonardo
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (M.A.); (A.S.-H.); (J.R.); (L.B.); (M.R.-A.); (S.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Manolis Mandalakis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Panagiota Peristeraki
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Jorge Diogène
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (M.A.); (A.S.-H.); (J.R.); (L.B.); (M.R.-A.); (S.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Mònica Campàs
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (M.A.); (A.S.-H.); (J.R.); (L.B.); (M.R.-A.); (S.L.); (J.D.)
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12
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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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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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Reverté J, Alkassar M, Diogène J, Campàs M. Detection of Ciguatoxins and Tetrodotoxins in Seafood with Biosensors and Other Smart Bioanalytical Systems. Foods 2023; 12:foods12102043. [PMID: 37238861 DOI: 10.3390/foods12102043] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of marine toxins such as ciguatoxins (CTXs) and tetrodotoxins (TTXs) in non-endemic regions may pose a serious food safety threat and public health concern if proper control measures are not applied. This article provides an overview of the main biorecognition molecules used for the detection of CTXs and TTXs and the different assay configurations and transduction strategies explored in the development of biosensors and other biotechnological tools for these marine toxins. The advantages and limitations of the systems based on cells, receptors, antibodies, and aptamers are described, and new challenges in marine toxin detection are identified. The validation of these smart bioanalytical systems through analysis of samples and comparison with other techniques is also rationally discussed. These tools have already been demonstrated to be useful in the detection and quantification of CTXs and TTXs, and are, therefore, highly promising for their implementation in research activities and monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Reverté
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain
| | - Mounira Alkassar
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain
| | - Jorge Diogène
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain
| | - Mònica Campàs
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Ctra. Poble Nou km 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain
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15
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Highly sensitive and quantitative fluorescent strip immunosensor based on an independent control system for rapid detection of tetrodotoxin in shellfish. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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16
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Tukker AM, Vrolijk MF, van Kleef RGDM, Sijm DTHM, Westerink RHS. Mixture effects of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and drugs targeting voltage-gated sodium channels on spontaneous neuronal activity in vitro. Toxicol Lett 2023; 373:53-61. [PMID: 36375636 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.11.005] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) potently inhibits TTX-sensitive voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels in nerve and muscle cells, potentially resulting in depressed neurotransmission, paralysis and death from respiratory failure. Since a wide range of pharmaceutical drugs is known to also act on NaV channels, the use of medicines could predispose individuals to a higher susceptibility towards TTX toxicity. We therefore first assessed the inhibitory effect of selected medicines that act on TTX-sensitive (Riluzole, Chloroquine, Fluoxetine, Valproic acid, Lamotrigine, Lidocaine) and TTX-resistant (Carbamazepine, Mexiletine, Flecainide) NaV channels on spontaneous neuronal activity of rat primary cortical cultures grown on microelectrode arrays (MEA). After establishing concentration-effect curves, binary mixtures of the medicines with TTX at calculated NOEC, IC20 and IC50 values were used to determine if pharmacodynamic interactions occur between TTX and these drugs on spontaneous neuronal activity. At IC20 and IC50 values, all medicines significantly increased the inhibitory effect of TTX on spontaneous neuronal activity of rat cortical cells in vitro. Subsequent experiments using human iPSC-derived neuronal co-cultures grown on MEAs confirmed the ability of selected medicines (Carbamazepine, Flecainide, Riluzole, Lidocaine) to inhibit spontaneous neuronal activity. Despite the need for additional experiments using human iPSC-derived neuronal co-cultures, our combined data already highlight the importance of identifying and including vulnerable risk groups in the risk assessment of TTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke M Tukker
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.177, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Misha F Vrolijk
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Regina G D M van Kleef
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.177, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dick T H M Sijm
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Office for Risk Assessment and Research, Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), 3540 AA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Remco H S Westerink
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.177, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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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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A Hotspot of TTX Contamination in the Adriatic Sea: Study on the Origin and Causative Factors. Mar Drugs 2022; 21:md21010008. [PMID: 36662181 PMCID: PMC9866420 DOI: 10.3390/md21010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxins (TTXs), the pufferfish venom traditionally associated with Indo-Pacific area, has been reported during last decades in ever wider range of marine organisms and ever more geographical areas, including shellfish in Europe. Wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) grown in the Marche Region (N Adriatic Sea, Italy) were shown to be prone to TTX contamination during the warm season, with a suspected role of Vibrio alginolyticus characterized by non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and polyketide synthase (PKS)-encoding genes. This work aimed to deepen the knowledge about the toxin's origin and the way through which it accumulates in mussels. A two-year study (spring-summer 2020-2021) confirmed the recurrent presence of TTX (11-68 µg kg-1) in the official monitored natural mussel beds of the Conero Riviera. During 2021, a supplementary nonroutine monitoring of a natural mussel bed in the same area was carried out weekly from June until August for TTXs and/or the presence of V. alginolyticus. Biotic (mussels, mesozooplankton, worms and phytoplankton); abiotic (water and sediment) matrices and phytoplankton assemblage characterizations were studied. Mussels showed relevant TTX contamination levels (9-296 µg kg-1) with extremely rapid TTX accumulation/depletion rates. The toxin presence in phytoplankton and its distribution in the different mussel tissues supports its possible exogenous origin. The V. alginolyticus count trend overlaps that of TTX contamination in mussels, and similar trends were reported also for some phytoplankton species. The role of V. alginolyticus carrying NRPS or PKS genes as a possible TTX source and of phytoplankton as a "potential vector" should therefore be further investigated.
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Alkassar M, Leonardo S, Diogène J, Campàs M. Immobilisation of Neuro-2a cells on electrodes and electrochemical detection of MTT formazan crystals to assess their viability. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 148:108274. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Bloom of Prorocentrum cordatum in Paracas Bay, Peru. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14100844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
During the austral winter of 2017, a bloom of Prorocentrum spp. occurred, reaching a cell density of 2.73 × 106 cells L−1, in Paracas Bay, Peru. In order to identify which, type of species generated this event and determine its toxicity, the values of the environmental parameters (temperature, winds and salinity) that induced the rapid growth of the dinoflagellate in this bloom were identified. A clonal culture was established for taxonomic (SEM), phylogenetic (ITS) and toxicological analysis via LC-MS/MS to determine the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and whether the species represents a food safety hazard. This event coincided with the coastal upwelling process, which generated high concentrations of phytoplankton biomass (>10 mg m−3 chlorophyll-a) and allowed the rapid growth of P. cordatum (IMP-BG 450) in Paracas Bay. However, toxicological analyses of the IMP-BG 450 strain culture did not show the presence of TTX quantifiable through the technique used. Due to the antecedents of the presence of TTX in mollusks from other latitudes during blooms of this species, it is recommended that analyses of this toxin be carried out both in filter-feeding mollusks and in this species during a new bloom.
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21
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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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22
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Yaegashi Y, Kudo Y, Ueyama N, Onodera KI, Cho Y, Konoki K, Yotsu-Yamashita M. Isolation and Biological Activity of 9- epiTetrodotoxin and Isolation of Tb-242B, Possible Biosynthetic Shunt Products of Tetrodotoxin from Pufferfish. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:2199-2206. [PMID: 35994072 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1) is a potent voltage-gated sodium channel blocker detected in certain marine and terrestrial organisms. We report here a new TTX analogue, 9-epiTTX (2), and a TTX-related compound, Tb-242B (4), isolated from the pufferfish Takifugu flavipterus and Dichotomyctere ocellatus, respectively. NMR analysis suggested that 2 exists as a mixture of hemilactal and 10,8-lactone forms, whereas other reported TTX analogues are commonly present as an equilibrium mixture of hemilactal and 10,7-lactone forms. Compound 2 and TTX were confirmed not to convert to each other by incubation under neutral and acidic conditions at 37 °C for 24 h. Compound 4 was identified as the 9-epimer of Tb-242A (3), previously reported as a possible biosynthetic precursor of TTX. Compound 4 was partially converted to 3 by incubation in a neutral buffer at 37 °C for 7 days, whereas 3 was not converted to 4 under this condition. Compound 2 was detected in several TTX-containing marine animals and a newt. Mice injected with 600 ng of 2 by intraperitoneal injection did not show any adverse symptoms, suggesting that the C-9 configuration in TTX is critical for its biological activity. Based on the structures, 2 and 4 were predicted to be shunt products for TTX biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Yaegashi
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Yuta Kudo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Nozomi Ueyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Onodera
- Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Kochi University, 200 Otsu, Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8502, Japan
| | - Yuko Cho
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Keiichi Konoki
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
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23
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Threshold values on environmental chemical contaminants in seafood in the European Economic Area. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.108978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Morphologic and phylogenic characterization of two bloom-forming planktonic Prorocentrum (Dinophyceae) species and their potential distribution in the China Sea. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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25
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Malissiova E, Soultani G, Kogia P, Koureas M, Hadjichristodoulou C. Analysis of 20 year data for the assessment of dietary exposure to chemical contaminants in the region of Thessaly, Greece. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.108838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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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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27
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Otero P, Silva M. Emerging Marine Biotoxins in European Waters: Potential Risks and Analytical Challenges. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:199. [PMID: 35323498 PMCID: PMC8955394 DOI: 10.3390/md20030199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms pose a challenge regarding food safety due to their erratic nature and forming circumstances which are yet to be disclosed. The best strategy to protect human consumers is through legislation and monitoring strategies. Global warming and anthropological intervention aided the migration and establishment of emerging toxin producers into Europe's temperate waters, creating a new threat to human public health. The lack of information, standards, and reference materials delay effective solutions, being a matter of urgent resolution. In this work, the recent findings of the presence of emerging azaspiracids, spirolildes, pinnatoxins, gymnodimines, palitoxins, ciguatoxins, brevetoxins, and tetrodotoxins on European Coasts are addressed. The information concerning emerging toxins such as new matrices, locations, and toxicity assays is paramount to set the risk assessment guidelines, regulatory levels, and analytical methodology that would protect the consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paz Otero
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Marisa Silva
- MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
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28
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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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29
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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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30
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Christidis G, Mandalakis M, Anastasiou TI, Tserpes G, Peristeraki P, Somarakis S. Keeping Lagocephalus sceleratus off the Table: Sources of Variation in the Quantity of TTX, TTX Analogues, and Risk of Tetrodotoxication. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120896. [PMID: 34941733 PMCID: PMC8706384 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasion of the tetrodotoxin (TTX)-bearing silver-cheeked toadfish and potential poisoning due to its consumption (tetrodotoxication) threatens public safety in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, TTX and TTX analogues of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) were measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in fish collected off the island of Crete (Southern Mediterranean). We tested the synergistic effect of a suite of factors potentially affecting toxins' levels and tetrodotoxication risk using general and generalized linear models, respectively. The type of tissue, geographic origin (Cretan Sea, Libyan Sea), sex, and fish maturity stage were significant predictors of toxin concentrations. Mean TTX was higher in gonads and lower in muscles, higher in the Libyan Sea and in female fish, and lower in juvenile (virgin) fish. The concentration of TTX was also significantly and positively correlated with the concentration of several TTX analogues (4-epiTTX, 4,9-anhydroTTX, 11-deoxyTTX, 5,11/6,11-dideoxyTTX, 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, 11-norTTX-6-ol). The analysis showed that fish originating from the Libyan Sea had significantly higher probability to cause tetrodotoxication in case of consumption. The variability explained by the models developed in this study was relatively low, indicating that toxin levels are hard to predict and the consumption of L. sceleratus should therefore be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Christidis
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (G.T.); (P.P.); (S.S.)
- Biology Department, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Manolis Mandalakis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center of Marine Research (HCMR), 71500 Heraklion, Greece;
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Thekla I. Anastasiou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center of Marine Research (HCMR), 71500 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - George Tserpes
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (G.T.); (P.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Panagiota Peristeraki
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (G.T.); (P.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Stylianos Somarakis
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (G.T.); (P.P.); (S.S.)
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31
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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
![]()
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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32
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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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Zgouridou A, Tripidaki E, Giantsis IA, Theodorou JA, Kalaitzidou M, Raitsos DE, Lattos A, Mavropoulou AM, Sofianos S, Karagiannis D, Chaligiannis I, Anestis A, Papadakis N, Feidantsis K, Mintza D, Staikou A, Michaelidis B. The current situation and potential effects of climate change on the microbial load of marine bivalves of the Greek coastlines: an integrative review. Environ Microbiol 2021; 24:1012-1034. [PMID: 34499795 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Global warming affects the aquatic ecosystems, accelerating pathogenic microorganisms' and toxic microalgae's growth and spread in marine habitats, and in bivalve molluscs. New parasite invasions are directly linked to oceanic warming. Consumption of pathogen-infected molluscs impacts human health at different rates, depending, inter alia, on the bacteria taxa. It is therefore necessary to monitor microbiological and chemical contamination of food. Many global cases of poisoning from bivalve consumption can be traced back to Mediterranean regions. This article aims to examine the marine bivalve's infestation rate within the scope of climate change, as well as to evaluate the risk posed by climate change to bivalve welfare and public health. Biological and climatic data literature review was performed from international scientific sources, Greek authorities and State organizations. Focusing on Greek aquaculture and bivalve fisheries, high-risk index pathogenic parasites and microalgae were observed during summer months, particularly in Thermaikos Gulf. Considering the climate models that predict further temperature increases, it seems that marine organisms will be subjected in the long term to higher temperatures. Due to the positive linkage between temperature and microbial load, the marine areas most affected by this phenomenon are characterized as 'high risk' for consumer health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Zgouridou
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece
| | - Eirini Tripidaki
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece
| | - Ioannis A Giantsis
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Florina, 53100, Greece
| | - John A Theodorou
- Department Animal Production Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Patras, Messolonghi, Greece
| | - Maria Kalaitzidou
- National Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins, Department of Food Microbiology, Biochemical Control, Residues, Marine Biotoxins and Other Water Toxins, Directorate of Veterinary Center of Thessaloniki, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dionysios E Raitsos
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Lattos
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece
| | - Apostolia-Maria Mavropoulou
- Department of Physics, Section of Environmental Physics and Meteorology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sarantis Sofianos
- Department of Physics, Section of Environmental Physics and Meteorology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Karagiannis
- National Reference Laboratory for Mollusc Diseases, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Thessaloniki, 54627, Greece
| | - Ilias Chaligiannis
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece.,Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-DEMETER, Veterinary Research Institute of Thessaloniki, Campus of Thermi, 570 01, Thermi, Greece
| | - Andreas Anestis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social - Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Papadakis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social - Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Feidantsis
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece
| | - Dionysia Mintza
- Department of Fishery Products, Milk and Other Food of Animal Origin, Ministry of Rural Development and Food of Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Staikou
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece
| | - Basile Michaelidis
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece
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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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Tetrodotoxins (TTXs) and Vibrio alginolyticus in Mussels from Central Adriatic Sea (Italy): Are They Closely Related? Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19060304. [PMID: 34070400 PMCID: PMC8228660 DOI: 10.3390/md19060304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxins (TTXs), potent neurotoxins, have become an increasing concern in Europe in recent decades, especially because of their presence in mollusks. The European Food Safety Authority published a Scientific Opinion setting a recommended threshold for TTX in mollusks of 44 µg equivalent kg−1 and calling all member states to contribute to an effort to gather data in order to produce a more exhaustive risk assessment. The objective of this work was to assess TTX levels in wild and farmed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) harvested in 2018–2019 along the coastal area of the Marche region in the Central Adriatic Sea (Italy). The presence of Vibrio spp. carrying the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and polyketide synthase (PKS) genes, which are suspected to be involved in TTX biosynthesis, was also investigated. Out of 158 mussel samples analyzed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS), 11 (7%) contained the toxins at detectable levels (8–26 µg kg−1) and 3 (2%) contained levels above the EFSA safety threshold (61–76 µg kg−1). Contaminated mussels were all harvested from natural beds in spring or summer. Of the 2019 samples, 70% of them contained V. alginolyticus strains with the NRPS and/or PKS genes. None of the strains containing NRPS and/or PKS genes showed detectable levels of TTXs. TTXs in mussels are not yet a threat in the Marche region nor in Europe, but further investigations are surely needed.
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Kim H, Park H, Wang H, Yoo HY, Park J, Ki JS. Low Temperature and Cold Stress Significantly Increase Saxitoxins (STXs) and Expression of STX Biosynthesis Genes sxtA4 and sxtG in the Dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:291. [PMID: 34064031 PMCID: PMC8224010 DOI: 10.3390/md19060291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium spp. produce saxitoxins (STXs), whose biosynthesis pathway is affected by temperature. However, the link between the regulation of the relevant genes and STXs' accumulation and temperature is insufficiently understood. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of temperature on cellular STXs and the expression of two core STX biosynthesis genes (sxtA4 and sxtG) in the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella Alex03 isolated from Korean waters. We analyzed the growth rate, toxin profiles, and gene responses in cells exposed to different temperatures, including long-term adaptation (12, 16, and 20 °C) and cold and heat stresses. Temperature significantly affected the growth of A. catenella, with optimal growth (0.49 division/day) at 16 °C and the largest cell size (30.5 µm) at 12 °C. High concentration of STXs eq were detected in cells cultured at 16 °C (86.3 fmol/cell) and exposed to cold stress at 20→12 °C (96.6 fmol/cell) compared to those at 20 °C and exposed to heat stress. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed significant gene expression changes of sxtA4 in cells cultured at 16 °C (1.8-fold) and cold shock at 20→16 °C (9.9-fold). In addition, sxtG was significantly induced in cells exposed to cold shocks (20→16 °C; 19.5-fold) and heat stress (12→20 °C; 25.6-fold). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that low temperature (12 and 16 °C) and cold stress were positively related with STXs' production and gene expression levels. These results suggest that temperature may affect the toxicity and regulation of STX biosynthesis genes in dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansol Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea; (H.K.); (H.P.); (H.W.); (H.Y.Y.)
| | - Hyunjun Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea; (H.K.); (H.P.); (H.W.); (H.Y.Y.)
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea; (H.K.); (H.P.); (H.W.); (H.Y.Y.)
| | - Hah Young Yoo
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea; (H.K.); (H.P.); (H.W.); (H.Y.Y.)
| | - Jaeyeon Park
- Environment and Resource Convergence Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technologies, Suwon 16229, Korea
| | - Jang-Seu Ki
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea; (H.K.); (H.P.); (H.W.); (H.Y.Y.)
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Costa PR, Giráldez J, Rodrigues SM, Leão JM, Pinto E, Soliño L, Gago-Martínez A. High Levels of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) in Trumpet Shell Charonia lampas from the Portuguese Coast. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:250. [PMID: 33807311 PMCID: PMC8066793 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin, considered an emerging toxin in Europe where recently a safety limit of 44 µg TTX kg-1 was recommended by authorities. In this study, three specimens of the large gastropod trumpet shell Charonia lampas bought in a market in south Portugal were analyzed using a neuroblastoma cell (N2a) based assay and by LC-MS/MS. N2a toxicity was observed in the viscera of two individuals analyzed and LC-MS/MS showed very high concentrations of TTX (42.1 mg kg-1) and 4,9-anhydroTTX (56.3 mg kg-1). A third compound with m/z 318 and structurally related with TTX was observed. In the edible portion, i.e., the muscle, toxin levels were below the EFSA recommended limit. This study shows that trumpet shell marine snails are seafood species that may reach the markets containing low TTX levels in the edible portion but containing very high levels of TTX in non-edible portion raising concerns regarding food safety if a proper evisceration is not carried out by consumers. These results highlight the need for better understanding TTX variability in this gastropod species, which is critical to developing a proper legal framework for resources management ensuring seafood safety, and the introduction of these gastropods in the markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Reis Costa
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.M.R.); (E.P.); (L.S.)
- CCMAR—Center of Marine Sciences, Campus of Gambelas, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Jorge Giráldez
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Campus Universitario de Vigo, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (J.G.); (J.M.L.); (A.G.-M.)
| | - Susana Margarida Rodrigues
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.M.R.); (E.P.); (L.S.)
| | - José Manuel Leão
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Campus Universitario de Vigo, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (J.G.); (J.M.L.); (A.G.-M.)
| | - Estefanía Pinto
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.M.R.); (E.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Lucía Soliño
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.M.R.); (E.P.); (L.S.)
- CCMAR—Center of Marine Sciences, Campus of Gambelas, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Gago-Martínez
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Campus Universitario de Vigo, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (J.G.); (J.M.L.); (A.G.-M.)
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Li J, Zhang X, Ye Y, Li X, Gu Y, Yun L. Awareness on tetrodotoxin of illegal activity: forensic issue from a rare homicide case report and literature review. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 79:102152. [PMID: 33765596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The authors describe an extremely rare case of homicide by injecting tetrodotoxin (TTX) as lethal neurotoxin found in puffer fish. After a thorough investigation, the male victim was found to have a broken stalk from syringe needle in the subcutaneous tissue of left buttock and severe asphyxia confirmed by the main pathological findings at autopsy. During tortuous toxicological analysis,TTX was revealed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) as well as acute intoxication confirmed from forensic examination. The literature of qualitative and quantitative determination of TTX from human fluids was also reviewed to expect widely acceptable detection strategies. This case highlighted the importance of TTX toxicant with chemical formula name purchased through e-commerce,so as to improve particular emphasis and supervision on harmful substances possibly using hidden information or illegal means. Histopathological and toxicological results demonstrated here provided a reference and other useful information to the challenges of forensic casework. In general, the case report illustrates medico-legal issues of more attention to the possibility of TTX poisoning in rapid death and the need of routine postmortem tox screening in future practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Public Security Sub-Bureau of Tianfu New Area, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Ye
- Department of Forensic Toxicological Analysis, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuewen Li
- Public Security Sub-Bureau of Tianfu New Area, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Libing Yun
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Assessing the Use of Molecular Barcoding and qPCR for Investigating the Ecology of Prorocentrum minimum (Dinophyceae), a Harmful Algal Species. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030510. [PMID: 33670984 PMCID: PMC7997176 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Prorocentrum minimum is a species of marine dinoflagellate that occurs worldwide and can be responsible for harmful algal blooms (HABs). Some studies have reported it to produce tetrodotoxin; however, results have been inconsistent. qPCR and molecular barcoding (amplicon sequencing) using high-throughput sequencing have been increasingly applied to quantify HAB species for ecological analyses and monitoring. Here, we isolated a strain of P. minimum from eastern Australian waters, where it commonly occurs, and developed and validated a qPCR assay for this species based on a region of ITS rRNA in relation to abundance estimates from the cultured strain as determined using light microscopy. We used this tool to quantify and examine ecological drivers of P. minimum in Botany Bay, an estuary in southeast Australia, for over ~14 months in 2016–2017. We compared abundance estimates using qPCR with those obtained using molecular barcoding based on an 18S rRNA amplicon. There was a significant correlation between the abundance estimates from amplicon sequencing and qPCR, but the estimates from light microscopy were not significantly correlated, likely due to the counting method applied. Using amplicon sequencing, ~600 unique actual sequence variants (ASVs) were found, much larger than the known phytoplankton diversity from this region. P. minimum abundance in Botany Bay was found to be significantly associated with lower salinities and higher dissolved CO2 levels.
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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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Berlinck RGS, Bernardi DI, Fill T, Fernandes AAG, Jurberg ID. The chemistry and biology of guanidine secondary metabolites. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 38:586-667. [PMID: 33021301 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00051e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2017-2019Guanidine natural products isolated from microorganisms, marine invertebrates and terrestrial plants, amphibians and spiders, represented by non-ribosomal peptides, guanidine-bearing polyketides, alkaloids, terpenoids and shikimic acid derived, are the subject of this review. The topics include the discovery of new metabolites, total synthesis of natural guanidine compounds, biological activity and mechanism-of-action, biosynthesis and ecological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto G S Berlinck
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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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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Survey of Tetrodotoxin in New Zealand Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish over a 16-Month Period. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12080512. [PMID: 32784980 PMCID: PMC7472152 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a heat-stable neurotoxin typically associated with pufferfish intoxications. It has also been detected in shellfish from Japan, the United Kingdom, Greece, China, Italy, the Netherlands and New Zealand. A recent European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientific opinion concluded that a level of <0.044 mg TTX/kg in marine bivalves and gastropods, based on a 400 g portion size, does not result in adverse effects in humans. There have been no reports of human illness attributed to the consumption of New Zealand shellfish containing TTX. To obtain a greater understanding of its presence, a survey of non-commercial New Zealand shellfish was performed between December 2016 and March 2018. During this period, 766 samples were analysed from 8 different species. TTX levels were found to be low and similar to those observed in shellfish from other countries, except for pipi (Paphies australis), a clam species endemic to New Zealand. All pipi analysed as part of the survey were found to contain detectable levels of TTX, and pipi from a sampling site in Hokianga Harbour contained consistently elevated levels. In contrast, no TTX was observed in cockles from this same sampling site. No recreationally harvested shellfish species, including mussels, oysters, clams and tuatua, contained TTX levels above the recommended EFSA safe guidance level. The levels observed in shellfish were considerably lower than those reported in other marine organisms known to contain TTX and cause human intoxication (e.g., pufferfish). Despite significant effort, the source of TTX in shellfish, and indeed all animals, remains unresolved making it a difficult issue to understand and manage.
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Multi-Toxin Quantitative Analysis of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins and Tetrodotoxins in Bivalve Mollusks with Ultra-Performance Hydrophilic Interaction LC-MS/MS-An In-House Validation Study. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070452. [PMID: 32668707 PMCID: PMC7404990 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultra-performance hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry system (UP-HILIC–MS/MS) was used in multi-toxin analysis of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) and tetrodotoxins (TTXs) in sample matrices from bivalve molluscan species commercially produced for human consumption in Sweden. The method validation includes 17 toxins of which GTX6 and two TTX analogues, TTX and 4,9-anhydroTTX, were previously not analyzed together with hydrophilic PSTs. 11-deoxyTTX was monitored qualitatively with a non-certified reference standard. The performance of the method was evaluated for selectivity, repeatability, and linearity by analyzing spiked samples which generated linear calibration curves across the concentration ranges used (R2 > 0.99). The in-house reproducibility (RSD) was satisfactory including the LOD and LOQ for both PST and TTX toxins being far below their regulatory action limits. The major advantage of the method is that it allows direct confirmation of the toxin identity and specific toxin quantification using a derivatization-free approach. Unlike the PST-chemical methods used in routine regulatory monitoring until now for food control, the UP-HILIC-MS/MS approach enables the calibration set-up for each of the toxin analogs separately, thereby providing the essential flexibility and specificity in analysis of this challenging group of toxins. The method is suitable to implement in food monitoring for PSTs and TTXs in bivalves, and can serve as a fast and cost-efficient screening method. However, positive samples would, for regulatory reasons still need to be confirmed using the AOAC official method (2005.06).
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Draredja MA, Frihi H, Boualleg C, Abadie E, Laabir M. Distribution of dinoflagellate cyst assemblages in recent sediments from a southern Mediterranean lagoon (Mellah, Algeria) with emphasis on toxic species. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:25173-25185. [PMID: 32347479 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This is the first study on the dinoflagellate cysts in Algerian waters and in Mellah Lagoon (South Western Mediterranean), located within a protected reserve. In total, 42 species of dinocysts belonging to 7 orders, 12 families and 23 genera, were identified in the 26 superficial sediment samples from Mellah Lagoon. The distribution of dinocysts in the sediment of this lagoon is heterogeneous. Indeed, their abundance oscillates between 1 and 315 cysts g-1 dry sediment (DS). Cyst morphotype assemblages were dominated by a few numbers of species: Alexandrium minutum (15.87%), Gonyaulax verior (9.81%), Protoperidinium spp. (7.74%), Alexandrium affine (7.05%), Scrippsiella trochoidea (6.67%), and Alexandrium pseudogonyaulax (6.19%). There is a positive correlation between the density of cysts and the depth (r = 0.61; p < 0.05), organic matter (r = 0.70; p < 0.05), water content (r = 0.71; p < 0.05), and the fine fraction of sediment (r = 0.74; p < 0.05). Surprisingly, although the Mellah Lagoon is almost semi-closed, it holds an important specific richness in dinocysts (42 species) higher than others observed in Mediterranean lagoons. However, cyst abundances are low compared to other lagoons in the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, the presence of dinocysts of Alexandrium catenella/tamarense, A. minutum, and Gymnodinium catenatum associated to paralytic shellfish toxins, A. pseudogonyaulax which produces goniodomin A, also Protoceratium reticulatum and Gonyaulax spinifera complex which produce yessotoxins, needs to implement a monitoring program to prevent a potential human intoxication due to the consumption of contaminated sea products by these potent neurotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Anis Draredja
- Laboratory of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems, Faculty of Sciences of Nature and Life, M.C Messaadia University, PB 1553, 41000, Souk Ahras, Algeria.
- Marine Bioressources Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, PB 12, 23000, Annaba, Algeria.
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, IRD, Ifremer, CNRS, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
| | - Hocine Frihi
- Marine Bioressources Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, PB 12, 23000, Annaba, Algeria
| | - Chahinaise Boualleg
- Laboratory of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems, Faculty of Sciences of Nature and Life, M.C Messaadia University, PB 1553, 41000, Souk Ahras, Algeria
| | | | - Mohamed Laabir
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, IRD, Ifremer, CNRS, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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A fast magnetic bead-based colorimetric immunoassay for the detection of tetrodotoxins in shellfish. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 140:111315. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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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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Melnikova DI, Magarlamov TY. The Microbial Community of Tetrodotoxin-Bearing and Non-Tetrodotoxin-Bearing Ribbon Worms (Nemertea) from the Sea of Japan. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18030177. [PMID: 32210160 PMCID: PMC7143766 DOI: 10.3390/md18030177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A potent marine toxin, tetrodotoxin (TTX), found in a great variety of marine and some terrestrial species, leaves intriguing questions about its origin and distribution in marine ecosystems. TTX-producing bacteria were found in the cultivable microflora of many TTX-bearing hosts, thereby providing strong support for the hypothesis that the toxin is of bacterial origin in these species. However, metagenomic studies of TTX-bearing animals addressing the whole microbial composition and estimating the contribution of TTX-producing bacteria to the overall toxicity of the host were not conducted. The present study is the first to characterize and compare the 16S rRNA gene data obtained from four TTX-bearing and four non-TTX-bearing species of marine ribbon worms. The statistical analysis showed that different nemertean species harbor distinct bacterial communities, while members of the same species mostly share more similar microbiomes. The bacterial species historically associated with TTX production were found in all studied samples but predominated in TTX-bearing nemertean species. This suggests that deeper knowledge of the microbiome of TTX-bearing animals is a key to understanding the origin of TTX in marine ecosystems.
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Li Y, Xu X, Liu L, Kuang H, Xu L, Xu C. A gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of tetrodotoxin. Analyst 2020; 145:2143-2151. [PMID: 32129380 DOI: 10.1039/d0an00170h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent marine neurotoxin. Its frequent detection and widespread distribution pose a substantial health risk to consumers. The work presented herein describes the development of a lateral flow immunosensor based on a gold nanoparticle-labeled monoclonal antibody probe, which allows the affinity reaction of antigen-antibody and amplifies the reaction signal. The immunosensor assay was found to provide a visible limit of detection (vLOD) of 10 μg kg-1 in crucian and clam matrices without time-consuming pretreatment. Spiked samples were analyzed using the immunosensor and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The immunosensor gave average intra-assay recoveries of 84.0-103.9%, inter-assay recoveries of 76.1-105% for the crucian matrix and intra-assay recoveries of 78.5-93.0%, inter-assay recoveries of 74.8-85.7% for the clam matrix. The results obtained using the immunosensor and LC-MS/MS were in good agreement. The immunosensor test could be completed within 10 min, offering a convenient option or complementarity to the traditional methods of TTX detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.
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