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Abdallah MF, Recote JM, Van Camp C, Van Hassel WHR, Pedroni L, Dellafiora L, Masquelier J, Rajkovic A. Potential (co-)contamination of dairy milk with AFM1 and MC-LR and their synergistic interaction in inducing mitochondrial dysfunction in HepG2 cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 192:114907. [PMID: 39111684 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114907] [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: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024]
Abstract
Several toxic metabolites, such as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), are known to contaminate dairy milk. However, as mentioned in an external EFSA report, there is a knowledge gap regarding the carry-over of certain emerging toxins such as microcystin-LR (MC-LR). Therefore, this work aimed to develop an LC-MS/MS method for MC-LR quantification in dairy milk. Also, the method included AFM1 as a common fungal metabolite and applied to analyze 113 dairy milk samples collected directly after the end of the summer peak. Both toxins were below their LODs, keeping the question on MC-LR carry-over still unanswered. Moreover, an in silico analysis, using a 3D molecular modeling was performed, pointing to a possible interaction between MC-LR and milk proteins, especially β-lactoglobulin. Since AFM1 and MC-LR are hepatotoxic, their interaction in inducing mitochondrial dysfunction in HepG2 cells was investigated at low (subcytotoxic) concentrations. Live cell imaging-based assays showed an inhibition in cell viability, without involvement of caspase-3/7, and a hyperpolarization in the mitochondrial membrane potential after the exposure to a mixture of 100 ng mL-1 AFM1 and 1000 ng mL-1 MC-LR for 48h. Extracellular flux analysis revealed inhibitions of several key parameters of mitochondrial function (basal respiration, ATP-linked respiration, and spare respiratory capacity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed F Abdallah
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.
| | - Jessa May Recote
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Camille Van Camp
- Unit Toxins, Organic Contaminants and Additives, Sciensano, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
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Van Hassel WHR, Abdallah MF, Gracia Guzman Velasquez M, Miles CO, Samdal IA, Masquelier J, Rajkovic A. Experimental accumulation and depuration kinetics and natural occurrence of microcystin-LR in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123715. [PMID: 38462191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123715] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a hepatotoxic metabolite that naturally occurs during some cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophic waterbodies, and irrigation of edible plants with MC-LR-contaminated water causes bioaccumulation of the toxin. However, sufficient information about accumulation and depuration mechanics in hydroculture-grown herb plants is still lacking. This work aimed at 1) investigating bioaccumulation and depuration of MC-LR in basil, 2) verifying the possible MC-LR detoxification mechanisms in the plant, and 3) detecting the natural occurrence of MC-LR in basil (n = 50) collected from the Belgian market. Basil plants grown in a hydroculture were exposed to MC-LR (5, 20, and 50 μg L-1) spiked in a Hoagland solution for seven days. MC-LR depuration was also studied by transferring the plants to a non-contaminated Hoagland solution after exposure to MC-LR for another seven days. MC-LR concentrations in Hoagland solution, basil leaves, and roots were quantified using a validated UHPLC-MS/MS method. In addition, ELISA and LC-HRMS (only basil leaves) were used for confirmation. The results showed an increase in the accumulated levels of MC-LR at higher exposure doses, with higher MC-LR levels in roots than in leaves for all the treatment conditions. For MC-LR depuration, significant reductions were observed in all the treatment conditions for roots only. No MC-LR conjugates, potentially related to metabolism, were detected by LC-HRMS. Finally, MC-LR was detected in one store-bought basil sample, representing the first occurrence of cyanotoxins in an edible crop from Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannes Hugo R Van Hassel
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, 9000, Belgium; Sciensano, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Organic Contaminants and Additives, Leuvensesteenweg 17, Tervuren, 3080, Belgium; InBios- Centre for Protein Engineering, Department of Life Sciences, University of Liège, Allée du six Août 11, Liège, 4000, Belgium.
| | - Mohamed F Abdallah
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, 9000, Belgium; Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
| | - Maria Gracia Guzman Velasquez
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, 9000, Belgium; Sciensano, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Organic Contaminants and Additives, Leuvensesteenweg 17, Tervuren, 3080, Belgium
| | - Christopher O Miles
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada; Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Postboks 64, 1431, Ås, Norway
| | - Ingunn A Samdal
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Postboks 64, 1431, Ås, Norway
| | - Julien Masquelier
- Sciensano, Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Organic Contaminants and Additives, Leuvensesteenweg 17, Tervuren, 3080, Belgium
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, 9000, Belgium
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Carmona-Molero R, Aparicio-Muriana MM, Lara FJ, García-Campaña AM, Olmo-Iruela MD. Capillary electrophoresis tandem mass spectrometry to determine multiclass cyanotoxins in reservoir water and spinach samples. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1717:464666. [PMID: 38266594 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464666] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Cyanotoxins constitute a group of toxic secondary metabolites, the presence of which in any water body poses a major health risk. Moreover, advanced organisms such as edible plants exposed to these toxins, are a possible pathway for human exposure. Green analytical chemistry is demanding environmentally friendly analytical techniques. In this sense, we propose the use of capillary electrophoresis coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (CE-MS/MS) to determine a mixture of eight cyanotoxins belonging to three different classes: cyclic peptides (microcystin-LR, microcystin-RR and nodularin), alkaloids (cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a) and three isomeric non-protein amino acids (β-methylamino-l-alanine, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine). Separation was achieved by using an acidic background electrolyte consisting of 2 M formic acid and 20% acetonitrile in water. Parameters affecting MS/MS detection and the sheath-liquid interface were also studied. Finally, a combination of pH-junction, field-amplified sample stacking (FASS) and acid barrage as online preconcentration strategies, was employed to improve sensitivity and efficiency. The online preconcentration applied, in combination with a dual cartridge solid-phase extraction (SPE) system, allows to obtain limits of detection in the very low range of µg·L-1 for these multiclass cyanotoxins in reservoir water samples (from 0.005 to 0.10 µg·L-1). Furthermore, for the first time cyanotoxins are analysed in spinach samples through CE-MS/MS using the same SPE procedure, following lyophilisation and solid-liquid extraction with 6 mL 80 % aqueous MeOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Carmona-Molero
- Deparment of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Av. Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071, Spain
| | - M Mar Aparicio-Muriana
- Deparment of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Av. Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071, Spain
| | - Francisco J Lara
- Deparment of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Av. Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071, Spain
| | - Ana M García-Campaña
- Deparment of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada, Av. Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071, Spain
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Premathilaka SH, Westrick JA, Isailovic D. Identification of Serine-Containing Microcystins by UHPLC-MS/MS Using Thiol and Sulfoxide Derivatizations and Detection of Novel Neutral Losses. Anal Chem 2024; 96:775-786. [PMID: 38170221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxic cyclic heptapeptides produced by cyanobacteria, and their structural diversity has led to the discovery of more than 300 congeners to date. However, with known amino acid combinations, many more MC congeners are theoretically possible, suggesting many remain unidentified. Herein, two novel serine (Ser)-containing MCs were putatively identified in a Lake Erie cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB), using high-resolution UHPLC-MS as well as thiol and sulfoxide derivatization procedures. These MCs contain an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl on methyl dehydroalanine (Mdha) residue that undergoes Michael addition to produce a thiol-derivatized MC. Derivatization reactions using various thiolation reagents were followed by MS/MS, and two Python codes were used for data analysis and structural elucidation of MCs. Two novel MCs containing Ser at position 1 (i.e., next to Mdha) were putatively identified as [Ser1]MC-RR and [Ser1]MC-YR. Using thiol- and sulfoxide-modified [Ser1]MCs, identifications were confirmed by the observation of specific neutral losses of the oxidized thiols or sulfoxides in CID-MS/MS spectra in both positive and negative electrospray ionization (ESI) modes. These novel neutral losses are unique for MCs with Mdha and an adjacent Ser residue. Data suggest that a gas-phase reaction occurs between oxygen from adjacent Ser residue and sulfur of the Mdha-bonded thiol or sulfoxide, which leads to the formation and detection of stable cyclic MC ions in MS/MS spectra at m/z values corresponding to the loss of oxidized thiols or oxidized sulfoxides from Ser1-containing MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanduni H Premathilaka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Judy A Westrick
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Dragan Isailovic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
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Pravadali-Cekic S, Vojvodic A, Violi JP, Mitrovic SM, Rodgers KJ, Bishop DP. Simultaneous Analysis of Cyanotoxins β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and Microcystins-RR, -LR, and -YR Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Molecules 2023; 28:6733. [PMID: 37764509 PMCID: PMC10537148 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186733] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its isomers, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)-glycine (AEG), along with microcystins (MCs)-RR, -LR, and -YR (the major MC congeners), are cyanotoxins that can cause detrimental health and environmental impacts during toxic blooms. Currently, there are no reverse-phase (RP) LC-MS/MS methods for the simultaneous detection and quantification of BMAA, its isomers, and the major MCs in a single analysis; therefore, multiple analyses are required to assess the toxic load of a sample. Here, we present a newly developed and validated method for the detection and quantification of BMAA, 2,4-DAB, AEG, MC-LR, MC-RR, and MC-YR using RP LC-MS/MS. Method validation was performed, assessing linearity (r2 > 0.996), accuracy (>90% recovery for spiked samples), precision (7% relative standard deviation), and limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) (ranging from 0.13 to 1.38 ng mL-1). The application of this combined cyanotoxin analysis on a culture of Microcystis aeruginosa resulted in the simultaneous detection of 2,4-DAB (0.249 ng mg-1 dry weight (DW)) and MC-YR (4828 ng mg-1 DW). This study provides a unified method for the quantitative analysis of BMAA, its isomers, and three MC congeners in natural environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sercan Pravadali-Cekic
- Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (HyMaS), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (S.P.-C.)
| | - Aleksandar Vojvodic
- Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (HyMaS), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (S.P.-C.)
| | - Jake P. Violi
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia;
| | - Simon M. Mitrovic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (S.M.M.); (K.J.R.)
| | - Kenneth J. Rodgers
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (S.M.M.); (K.J.R.)
| | - David P. Bishop
- Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (HyMaS), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (S.P.-C.)
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Nugumanova G, Ponomarev ED, Askarova S, Fasler-Kan E, Barteneva NS. Freshwater Cyanobacterial Toxins, Cyanopeptides and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030233. [PMID: 36977124 PMCID: PMC10057253 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria produce a wide range of structurally diverse cyanotoxins and bioactive cyanopeptides in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. The health significance of these metabolites, which include genotoxic- and neurotoxic agents, is confirmed by continued associations between the occurrence of animal and human acute toxic events and, in the long term, by associations between cyanobacteria and neurodegenerative diseases. Major mechanisms related to the neurotoxicity of cyanobacteria compounds include (1) blocking of key proteins and channels; (2) inhibition of essential enzymes in mammalian cells such as protein phosphatases and phosphoprotein phosphatases as well as new molecular targets such as toll-like receptors 4 and 8. One of the widely discussed implicated mechanisms includes a misincorporation of cyanobacterial non-proteogenic amino acids. Recent research provides evidence that non-proteinogenic amino acid BMAA produced by cyanobacteria have multiple effects on translation process and bypasses the proof-reading ability of the aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase. Aberrant proteins generated by non-canonical translation may be a factor in neuronal death and neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that the production of cyanopeptides and non-canonical amino acids is a more general mechanism, leading to mistranslation, affecting protein homeostasis, and targeting mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. It can be evolutionarily ancient and initially developed to control phytoplankton communities during algal blooms. Outcompeting gut symbiotic microorganisms may lead to dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, a shift in blood-brain-barrier functionality, and eventually, mitochondrial dysfunction in high-energy demanding neurons. A better understanding of the interaction between cyanopeptides metabolism and the nervous system will be crucial to target or to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Nugumanova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Eugene D Ponomarev
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Sholpan Askarova
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Elizaveta Fasler-Kan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natasha S Barteneva
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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Towards a Better Quantification of Cyanotoxins in Fruits and Vegetables: Validation and Application of an UHPLC-MS/MS-Based Method on Belgian Products. SEPARATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9100319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vegetables and fruits can potentially accumulate cyanotoxins after water contaminated with cyanobacteria is used for irrigation. We developed and validated an analytical method to quantify eight microcystin congeners (MCs) and nodularin (NOD) using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) in three different matrices. Strawberries, carrots and lettuce are selected as model matrices to represent the fruits/berries, leafy and root vegetables, sequentially. The validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS method in the strawberry matrix is novel. Matrix effects are observed in all three matrices. Our methodology uses matrix-matched calibration curves to compensate for the matrix effect. The implementation of our method on 103 samples, containing nine different sorts of fruits and vegetables from the Belgian market, showed no presence of MCs or NOD. However, the recoveries of our quality controls showed the effectiveness of our method, illustrating that the use of this method in future research or monitoring as well as in official food controls in fruit and vegetable matrices is valid.
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LC-MS/MS Validation and Quantification of Cyanotoxins in Algal Food Supplements from the Belgium Market and Their Molecular Origins. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080513. [PMID: 36006175 PMCID: PMC9415669 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Food supplements are gaining popularity worldwide. However, harmful natural compounds can contaminate these products. In the case of algae-based products, the presence of toxin-producing cyanobacteria may cause health risks. However, data about the prevalence of algal food supplements on the Belgian market and possible contaminations with cyanotoxins are scarce. Therefore, we optimized and validated a method based on Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry to quantify eight microcystin congeners and nodularin in algal food supplements. Our analytical method was successfully validated and applied on 35 food supplement samples. Nine out of these samples contained microcystin congeners, of which three exceeded 1 µg g−1, a previously proposed guideline value. Additionally, the mcyE gene was amplified and sequenced in ten products to identify the taxon responsible for the toxin production. For seven out of these ten samples, the mcyE gene could be amplified and associated to Microcystis sp. EFSA and posology consumption data for algal-based food supplements were both combined with our toxin prevalence data to establish different toxin exposure scenarios to assess health risks and propose new guideline values.
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