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Atoui A, Carabano MJ, Lasoued M, Laroussi A, Abdennebi M, Tlahig S, Ben Salem F, Najari S. Prediction of birth weight using body measurements of local caprine population kids raised in a low-input breeding mode under arid environment. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 56:15. [PMID: 38105297 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03865-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to establish linear measurements of local goat kids at birth and their factors of variation, as well as their possible correlations with birth weight. Additionally, the study analyses statistical models and barymetric functions to predict birth weight of kids based on their morphometric data. The database includes data on 128 goat kids born to 89 goats and 9 bucks in the experimental goat herd at the El GORDHAB station of IRA. Average BW, withers height (L1), heart girth (L2), rump height (L3), and body length (L4) of all kids were 2.45kg, 32.66cm,30.56cm, 33.41cm, and 31.21cm respectively. Results show that in general, local goat kids are small in size and weight at birth, which varies depending on sex, dam age, and type of birth. Highest and positive correlation coefficient value between birth weight and heart girth were observed (r = 0.95). The coefficient of determination (R2) for heart girth (0.78) was higher than other body measurements in single trait evaluation indicating it as the best trait for the predication of birth weight. The most appropriate combination of body measurements (R2 = 0.82) was observed between height at withers and heart girth for predication of birth weight estimation. Developing a system for recording birth weight based on easily obtainable body measurements could be a useful approach for rural areas. Result join the study objective by conceiving feasible genetic improvement plans for agropastoral herds by establishing individual phenotypes estimation even when the classical animal management does not already allowed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Atoui
- Laboratory of Livestock and Wildlife, Institute of Arid Regions, University of Gabès, Medenine, Tunisia.
| | - M J Carabano
- Depto. de Mejora Genética Animal, INIA, Ctra. de La Coruña Km 7.5, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Lasoued
- Laboratory of Livestock and Wildlife, Institute of Arid Regions, University of Gabès, Medenine, Tunisia
| | - A Laroussi
- Laboratory of Livestock and Wildlife, Institute of Arid Regions, University of Gabès, Medenine, Tunisia
| | - M Abdennebi
- Laboratory of Livestock and Wildlife, Institute of Arid Regions, University of Gabès, Medenine, Tunisia
| | - S Tlahig
- Dryland Farming and Oasis Cropping Laboratory (LR16IRA02), Institute of Arid Regions of Medenine, Road of Djorf Km 22, Medenine, 4119, Tunisia
| | - F Ben Salem
- Laboratory of Livestock and Wildlife, Institute of Arid Regions, University of Gabès, Medenine, Tunisia
| | - S Najari
- Laboratory of Livestock and Wildlife, Institute of Arid Regions, University of Gabès, Medenine, Tunisia
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Atoui A, Cordevant C, Chesnot T, Gassilloud B. SARS-CoV-2 in the environment: Contamination routes, detection methods, persistence and removal in wastewater treatment plants. Sci Total Environ 2023; 881:163453. [PMID: 37059142 PMCID: PMC10091716 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study reviewed the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and the evaluation of virus infectivity in feces and environmental matrices. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in feces and wastewater samples, reported in several studies, has generated interest and concern regarding the possible fecal-oral route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. To date, the presence of viable SARS-CoV-2 in feces of COVID-19 infected people is not clearly confirmed although its isolation from feces of six different patients. Further, there is no documented evidence on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, sludge and environmental water samples, although the viral genome has been detected in these matrices. Decay data revealed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA persisted longer than infectious particle in all aquatic environment, indicating that genome quantification of SARS-CoV-2 does not imply the presence of infective viral particles. In addition, this review also outlined the fate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the different steps in the wastewater treatment plant and focusing on the virus elimination along the sludge treatment line. Studies showed complete removal of SARS-CoV-2 during the tertiary treatment. Moreover, thermophilic sludge treatments present high efficiency in SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. Further studies are required to provide more evidence with respect to the inactivation behavior of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in different environmental matrices and to examine factors affecting SARS-CoV-2 persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Atoui
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Microbiology Unit, 40, rue Lionnois, 54 000 Nancy, France.
| | - Christophe Cordevant
- ANSES, Strategy and Programs Department, Research and Reference Division, Maisons-Alfort F-94 700, France
| | - Thierry Chesnot
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Microbiology Unit, 40, rue Lionnois, 54 000 Nancy, France
| | - Benoît Gassilloud
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Microbiology Unit, 40, rue Lionnois, 54 000 Nancy, France
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El Cheikh J, Bidaoui G, Atoui A, Terro K, Sharrouf L, Zahreddine A, Moukalled N, Abou Dalle I, Bazarbachi A, Mohty M, Dulery R. Clofarabine and total body irradiation (TBI) as conditioning regimen for allogeneic stem cell transplantation in high-risk acute leukemia patients: a two-center retrospective cohort study. Bone Marrow Transplant 2023:10.1038/s41409-023-01947-z. [PMID: 36914730 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-023-01947-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Clofarabine (Clo) is an immunosuppressive purine analog that may have better anti-leukemic activity than fludarabine (Flu). The addition of total body irradiation (TBI) to conditioning regimens has been widely investigated. However, the use of single agent Clo in combination with intermediate doses of TBI ranging from 4 to 8 Gy has not been studied yet. This study is a double center, observational, retrospective study of patients with high-risk hematological malignancies diagnosed from 2012 to 2021, treated at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Beirut (AUBMC), Lebanon, and Saint-Antoine Hospital (SAH) in Paris, France. It aims to identify the outcome of patients with high-risk hematological malignancies who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) and received Clo and TBI (4-8 Gy) before transplant. Data regarding patient baseline characteristics, disease-related factors, and transplant outcomes including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), Non-relapse mortality (NRM), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), were collected. We identified 24 high-risk patients diagnosed with a hematological malignancy. The median age at transplant was 37 years (range 22-78). At the time of the transplant, only 15 patients (63%) were in complete remission (CR). All patients received Clo/TBI (4-8 Gy). After a median follow-up of 40 months, the cumulative incidences of grade II-III acute GVHD, grade IV acute GVHD, and chronic GVHD were 50%, 4%, and 8%, respectively. NRM at 100 days, and 1 year after transplant was 4% and 25%, respectively. 17% of the patients had a relapse or progression of the disease by the end of the study. The 2-year PFS and OS were 50% and 56%, respectively. The median PFS and OS were 66 and 68 months respectively. As a conclusion, Clo/TBI (4-8 Gy) as a conditioning regimen for allo-SCT in high-risk patients confers disease control with an acceptable toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean El Cheikh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Ghassan Bidaoui
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Atoui
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Khodr Terro
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Layal Sharrouf
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ammar Zahreddine
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour Moukalled
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Imane Abou Dalle
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Bazarbachi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Mohty
- Department of Hematology, Saint Antoine Hospital, INSERM UMR 938, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Remy Dulery
- Department of Hematology, Saint Antoine Hospital, INSERM UMR 938, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
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Nahle S, Atoui A, Assaf JC, El Khoury A, Louka N, Chokr A. Time-Dependent Effect of Surface Material on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Biofilm Formation and Gene Expression. Microbiology (Reading) 2023. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261721102142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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Bou Zerdan M, Atoui A, Hijazi A, Basbous L, Abou Zeidane R, Alame SM, Assi HI. Latest updates on cellular and molecular biomarkers of gliomas. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1030366. [PMID: 36425564 PMCID: PMC9678906 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common central nervous system malignancies, compromising almost 80% of all brain tumors and is associated with significant mortality. The classification of gliomas has shifted from basic histological perspective to one that is based on molecular biomarkers. Treatment of this type of tumors consists currently of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. During the past years, there was a limited development of effective glioma diagnostics and therapeutics due to multiple factors including the presence of blood-brain barrier and the heterogeneity of this type of tumors. Currently, it is necessary to highlight the advantage of molecular diagnosis of gliomas to develop patient targeted therapies based on multiple oncogenic pathway. In this review, we will evaluate the development of cellular and molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis of gliomas and the impact of these diagnostic tools for better tailored and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Ali Atoui
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Hijazi
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lynn Basbous
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Reine Abou Zeidane
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Saada M Alame
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hazem I Assi
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Hindieh P, Yaghi J, Khoury AE, Chokr A, Atoui A, Louka N, Assaf JC. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Staphylococcus epidermidis in gut microbiota: in vitro antimicrobial resistance. AMB Express 2022; 12:128. [PMID: 36190582 PMCID: PMC9530110 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-022-01468-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is one of the most complex microbiological niches containing beneficial and non-pathogenic bacterial strains of which some may evolve into virulent under specific conditions. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is of the most known beneficial species with an ability to protect the intestine as opposed to Staphylococcus epidermidis 444 which causes serious health risks due to its high antimicrobial resistance. This study investigates first the survival and coexistence ability of L. rhamnosus GG, and S. epidermidis 444 at different pH levels. Subsequently, lysozyme's antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect on these two strains was elucidated before adding different concentrations of oxytetracycline hydrochloride antibiotic. Results showed that 50% inhibition of L. rhamnosus GG, S. epidermidis 444, and a co-culture of these planktonic strains were obtained respectively at a lysozyme concentration of 30, 18, and 26 mg/mL after the addition of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA). At a pH of 7.5, mixing lysozyme (at IC50) and EDTA with oxytetracycline hydrochloride (700 μg/mL) showed an additional bactericidal effect as compared to its known bacteriostatic effect. Similarly, the addition of lysozyme to the antibiotic further increased the biofilm eradication of S. epidermidis 444 and L. rhamnosus GG where a maximal eradication of 70% was reached. Therefore, the potential development of new drugs based on adding a lysozyme-EDTA mixture to different types of antibiotics may be highly promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Hindieh
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche TVA/Résistance aux Antibiotiques et Impact Industriel (RAII), Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn, Lebanon.,Laboratoire de Mycologie Et Sécurité Des Aliments (LMSA), Faculté Des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn, Lebanon.,Ecole Doctorale "Sciences Et Santé", Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des Sciences Médicales et Infirmières, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Yaghi
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche TVA/Résistance aux Antibiotiques et Impact Industriel (RAII), Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn, Lebanon.,Laboratoire de Mycologie Et Sécurité Des Aliments (LMSA), Faculté Des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn, Lebanon
| | - André El Khoury
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche TVA/Résistance aux Antibiotiques et Impact Industriel (RAII), Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn, Lebanon.,Laboratoire de Mycologie Et Sécurité Des Aliments (LMSA), Faculté Des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn, Lebanon
| | - Ali Chokr
- Research Laboratory of Microbiology (RLM), Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut, Lebanon.,Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Atoui
- Research Laboratory of Microbiology (RLM), Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nicolas Louka
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche TVA/Résistance aux Antibiotiques et Impact Industriel (RAII), Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn, Lebanon
| | - Jean Claude Assaf
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche TVA/Résistance aux Antibiotiques et Impact Industriel (RAII), Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn, Lebanon. .,Laboratoire de Mycologie Et Sécurité Des Aliments (LMSA), Faculté Des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn, Lebanon.
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El Mahmoud A, El-Meouchy P, Chamseddine N, Karam EJ, Khaled W, Zougheib Y, Azzo J, El Jebbawi H, Atoui A, Mohty R, Bou Zerdan M, Abou Dalle IA, Assi H. Outcome of cancer patients affected by COVID-19 in different settings. J Clin Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.e18709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e18709 Background: The mortality rate of cancer patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection has reached 25%. The time from symptom onset to admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was on average 10 days, with approximately 26% of patients requiring ICU admission. A higher mortality attributed to COVID-19 was seen in older patients, patients with certain cancer types, and patients with a higher Charslon comorbidity score. Moreover, male sex and leukopenia at diagnosis were associated with an increased risk of worse clinical outcomes. Furthermore, a study done at Memorial Sloan Kettering showed that patients with hematological malignancies had a worse prognosis than those with solid tumors. Our aim is to identify the predictive factors for ICU admission in the setting of positive COVID-19 infection in cancer patients. Differences in prognosis were compared between cancer and non-cancer patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 infection. We also compared the overall outcome between patients with solid cancers and hematologic malignancies. Methods: This is a single institution retrospective study based on chart review analysis conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). 248 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021. The patient groups were (1) all cancer patients admitted to the COVID unit, (2) all cancer patients admitted to ICU, and (3) all other patients without cancer admitted to the ICU. The main outcomes were ICU admission and mortality. Results: 173 cancer patients were admitted to our institution for the management of COVID-19 with a mean age of 63 years. 52 patients (30%) required ICU admission and 50 patients (29%) died during hospital stay or 1 month following discharge. The time from symptom onset to ICU admission and death were 12.8 and 35 days, respectively. Patients admitted to the ICU were more likely to have anemia (Hb < 8 g/dL) and thrombocytopenia (< 50,000/mm3) on admission (p = 0.001). Age, male sex and history of smoking, diabetes or cardiopulmonary diseases were not associated with greater risk of ICU admission or death. Among cancer patients, those with uncontrolled disease at the onset of COVID-19 had greater risk of death from COVID-19 (p = 0.001). Cancer type, number of lines of treatment, history of radiation to the chest, recent cytotoxic therapy, and neutropenia were not associated with ICU admission or death from COVID-19. There was no statistical significance in mortality or disease progression between patients with solid or hematologic malignancies. Conclusions: Our data reaffirms previously reported findings of high mortality in cancer patients who contract COVID-19. In particular, patients with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and uncontrolled disease at diagnosis had unfavorable outcomes. Contrary to the literature, age, male sex, cancer type, and neutropenia were not predictive factors for mortality in cancer patients in the setting of COVID-19 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul El-Meouchy
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Wafaa Khaled
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Joe Azzo
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Ali Atoui
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Razan Mohty
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Hazem Assi
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Hassan HF, Koaik L, Khoury AE, Atoui A, El Obeid T, Karam L. Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessment of Mycotoxins in Thyme and Thyme-Based Products Marketed in Lebanon. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:331. [PMID: 35622578 PMCID: PMC9146503 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the incidence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in thyme and thyme-based products, related dietary exposure, and cancer risk for regular and high consumption. A total of 160 samples were collected, and 32 composite samples were analyzed. AFB1 and OTA were respectively found in 84% (27/32) and 38% (12/32) of the samples. AFB1 exceeded the limits in 41% (13/32) and 25% (8/32) of the samples according to the Lebanese and European standards, respectively. OTA was unacceptable in only 6% (2/32) and 3% (1/32) of the samples according to the Lebanese and European standards, respectively. AFB1 and OTA daily exposure was shown to be 4.270 and 1.345 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. AFB1 was shown to be associated with 0.41 and 0.35 additional cancer cases per 100,000 persons per year for regular consumption, respectively; while for high consumption, an increase of 0.911 and 0.639 cancer cases per 100,000 person per year was noted, respectively. The margin of exposure (MOE) for OTA was >10,000 for the non-neoplastic effect and >200 for the neoplastic effect, representing no toxicological concerns for consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein F. Hassan
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon;
| | - Lara Koaik
- Department of Nursing & Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing & Health Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Zouk Mikael P.O. Box 72, Lebanon;
| | - André El Khoury
- Centre d’Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisation Agro-Alimentaire (UR-TVA), Faculty of Sciences, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Campus of Sciences and Technologies, Beirut P.O. Box 17-5208, Lebanon;
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut P.O. Box 5, Lebanon;
| | - Tahra El Obeid
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
| | - Layal Karam
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
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Nahle S, El Khoury A, Savvaidis I, Chokr A, Louka N, Atoui A. Detoxification approaches of mycotoxins: by microorganisms, biofilms and enzymes. FoodContamination 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s40550-022-00089-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractMycotoxins are generally found in food, feed, dairy products, and beverages, subsequently presenting serious human and animal health problems. Not surprisingly, mycotoxin contamination has been a worldwide concern for many research studies. In this regard, many biological, chemical, and physical approaches were investigated to reduce and/or remove contamination from food and feed products. Biological detoxification processes seem to be the most promising approaches for mycotoxins removal from food. The current review details the newest progress in biological detoxification (adsorption and metabolization) through microorganisms, their biofilms, and enzymatic degradation, finally describing the detoxification mechanism of many mycotoxins by some microorganisms. This review also reports the possible usage of microorganisms as mycotoxins’ binders in various food commodities, which may help produce mycotoxins-free food and feed.
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Atoui A, Jarrah K, Al Mahmasani L, Bou-Fakhredin R, Taher AT. Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Ann Hematol 2022; 101:1111-1113. [PMID: 35083524 PMCID: PMC8791702 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Atoui
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 11072020, Lebanon
| | - Kawthar Jarrah
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 11072020, Lebanon
| | - Layal Al Mahmasani
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 11072020, Lebanon
| | - Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ali T Taher
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 11072020, Lebanon.
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Abou Dalle I, Atoui A, Bazarbachi A. The Elephant in The Room: AML Relapse Post Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Front Oncol 2022; 11:793274. [PMID: 35047405 PMCID: PMC8761806 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.793274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is an unfavorable event associated with a poor prognosis, particularly for patients with early relapses. It usually arises from resistant leukemic blasts that escaped both preparative chemotherapy regimen and the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Independent from the choice of salvage treatment, only minority of patients can achieve durable remissions. In recent years, better understanding of the disease relapse biology post allo-HCT allowed the application of newer strategies that could induce higher rates of remission, and potential longer survival. Those strategies aim at optimizing drugs that have a direct anti-leukemia activity by targeting different oncogenic mutations, metabolism pathways or surface antigens, and concurrently enhancing the immune microenvironment to promote GVL effect. This review discusses the current treatment landscape of AML relapse post allo-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Abou Dalle
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Atoui
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Bazarbachi
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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12
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Bou Zerdan M, Moussa S, Atoui A, Assi HI. Mechanisms of Immunotoxicity: Stressors and Evaluators. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8242. [PMID: 34361007 PMCID: PMC8348050 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system defends the body against certain tumor cells and against foreign agents such as fungi, parasites, bacteria, and viruses. One of its main roles is to distinguish endogenous components from non-self-components. An unproperly functioning immune system is prone to primary immune deficiencies caused by either primary immune deficiencies such as genetic defects or secondary immune deficiencies such as physical, chemical, and in some instances, psychological stressors. In the manuscript, we will provide a brief overview of the immune system and immunotoxicology. We will also describe the biochemical mechanisms of immunotoxicants and how to evaluate immunotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, 1107 2020 Beirut, Lebanon; (M.B.Z.); (A.A.)
| | - Sara Moussa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, 1100 Beirut, Lebanon;
| | - Ali Atoui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, 1107 2020 Beirut, Lebanon; (M.B.Z.); (A.A.)
| | - Hazem I. Assi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, 1107 2020 Beirut, Lebanon; (M.B.Z.); (A.A.)
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13
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Al Khoury A, Sleiman R, Atoui A, Hindieh P, Maroun RG, Bailly JD, El Khoury A. Antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic properties of organs of Cannabis sativa L.: relation to phenolic content and antioxidant capacities. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:4485-4492. [PMID: 34143269 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 is a carcinogenic mycotoxin that frequently contaminates crops worldwide. Current research indicates that the use of natural extracts to combat mycotoxin contamination may represent an eco-friendly, sustainable strategy to ensure food safety. Although Cannabis sativa L. has long been known for its psychoactive cannabinoids, it is also rich in many other bioactive molecules. This study examines extracts from various organs of Cannabis sativa L. to determine their ability to limit aflatoxin production and growth of Aspergillus flavus. The results indicate that flower extract is most effective for limiting the synthesis of aflatoxin B1, leading to an almost-complete inhibition of toxin production at a concentration of 0.225 mg dry matter per gram of culture medium. Since flower extract is rich in phenolic compounds, its total antioxidant ability and radical-scavenging capacity are determined. Compared with other anti-aflatoxigenic extracts, the anti-oxidative potential of Cannabis sativa L. flower extract appears moderate, suggesting that its anti-mycotoxin effect may be related to other bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Al Khoury
- Centre d'analyse et de Recherche, Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisations Agro-Alimentaires, Faculté Des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, Mar Mikhael, P.O. Box 17-5208, Beirut, 1104, Lebanon.,Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Rhend Sleiman
- Climate and Water Unit, Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, Fanar station, P.O. Box 1965, Jdeidet El Maten, 1202, Lebanon
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, P.O. Box 5, Beirut, 1104, Lebanon
| | - Pamela Hindieh
- Centre d'analyse et de Recherche, Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisations Agro-Alimentaires, Faculté Des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, Mar Mikhael, P.O. Box 17-5208, Beirut, 1104, Lebanon
| | - Richard G Maroun
- Centre d'analyse et de Recherche, Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisations Agro-Alimentaires, Faculté Des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, Mar Mikhael, P.O. Box 17-5208, Beirut, 1104, Lebanon
| | - Jean-Denis Bailly
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, 31300, Toulouse, France.
| | - André El Khoury
- Centre d'analyse et de Recherche, Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisations Agro-Alimentaires, Faculté Des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, Mar Mikhael, P.O. Box 17-5208, Beirut, 1104, Lebanon
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14
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Abou Chakra R, Najib B, Abdallah W, Akiki M, El Khoury L, Atoui A, Moubarak M, Atallah D. B-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in Relapse Presenting as a Uterine Mass: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Case Rep Oncol 2021; 14:868-873. [PMID: 34248553 PMCID: PMC8255752 DOI: 10.1159/000515196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is a highly aggressive malignant proliferation of lymphoblasts of B-origin grouped with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Multiple studies demonstrated the various sites of involvement in adult LBL. The involvement of the uterus as a site of relapse for such disease is rare. We herein report the case of relapsed B-cell LBL mimicking endometrial sarcoma. The patient is a 56-year-old female patient known to have B-cell LBL on chemotherapy. She presented with abdominal pain and fever. Positron emission tomodensitometry-computed tomography showed the presence of a uterine mass with bilateral iliac lymph node involvement. She underwent surgery with mass removal and pathology showed relapsed B-cell LBL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rim Abou Chakra
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bernard Najib
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wael Abdallah
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mira Akiki
- Department of Pathology, Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lea El Khoury
- Department of Pathology, Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Atoui
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Malak Moubarak
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - David Atallah
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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15
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El Hajj Assaf C, Zetina-Serrano C, Tahtah N, Khoury AE, Atoui A, Oswald IP, Puel O, Lorber S. Regulation of Secondary Metabolism in the Penicillium Genus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9462. [PMID: 33322713 PMCID: PMC7763326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Penicillium, one of the most common fungi occurring in a diverse range of habitats, has a worldwide distribution and a large economic impact on human health. Hundreds of the species belonging to this genus cause disastrous decay in food crops and are able to produce a varied range of secondary metabolites, from which we can distinguish harmful mycotoxins. Some Penicillium species are considered to be important producers of patulin and ochratoxin A, two well-known mycotoxins. The production of these mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites is controlled and regulated by different mechanisms. The aim of this review is to highlight the different levels of regulation of secondary metabolites in the Penicillium genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle El Hajj Assaf
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), member of Food2Know, Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Chrystian Zetina-Serrano
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
| | - Nadia Tahtah
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
- Centre D’analyse et de Recherche, Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisations Agro-Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, P.O. Box 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut 1104, Lebanon;
| | - André El Khoury
- Centre D’analyse et de Recherche, Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisations Agro-Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, P.O. Box 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut 1104, Lebanon;
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, P.O. Box 5, Beirut 1104, Lebanon;
| | - Isabelle P. Oswald
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
| | - Olivier Puel
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
| | - Sophie Lorber
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
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16
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Mansour MN, Yaghi J, El Khoury A, Felten A, Mistou MY, Atoui A, Radomski N. Prediction of Salmonella serovars isolated from clinical and food matrices in Lebanon and genomic-based investigation focusing on Enteritidis serovar. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 333:108831. [PMID: 32854018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovars are considered major causes of food poisoning and we performed this study because Salmonella is a burden in Lebanon. The present study investigated the ability of genomic information to predict serovar using a collection of Salmonella isolates from infected humans (n = 24) and contaminated food (n = 63) in Lebanon. Further, the phylogenomic relationships of the serovar the predominated in Lebanon (i.e., S. Enteritidis; n = 25) were investigated in comparison with isolates from other countries (n = 130) based on coregenome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Genetic elements, specifically Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs), plasmid replicons, and antibiotic-resistance genes were screened in S. Enteritidis genomes (n = 155). Our results revealed that the Salmonella serovars identification by seroagglutination from the samples isolated in Lebanon (n = 87) was highly correlated with the genomic-based prediction of serovars (80.4-85.0% with SeqSero1 and 93.1-94.2% with SeqSero2). The Salmonella serovars isolated from human and food samples in Lebanon were mainly Enteritidis (28.7%) and Infantis (26%). To a rare extent, other serovars included Amager, Anatum, Bredeney, Chincol, Heidelberg, Hofit, Kentucky, Montevideo, Muenster, Newport, Schwarzengrund, Senftenberg and Typhimurium. In comparison with other countries, S. Enteritidis samples isolated in Lebanon (56 ± 27 intra-group pairwise SNP differences) presented a strong phylogenomic relativeness at the coregenome level with samples, as for example with samples isolated from Syria (65 ± 31 inter-group pairwise SNP differences). Most of the studied S. Enteritidis genomes encoded 10 SPIs involved in survival in immune cells (i.e. SPIs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17). The plasmid replicons IncFIB (S)_1 and IncFII (S)_1 encoding elements involved in virulence were identified in the majority of the S. Enteritidis genomes (94% and 96%, respectively), the majority exhibiting aminoglycosides (gene aac(6')-Iaa_1). The IncI_1_Alpha replicon responsible for ampicillin-resistance was only detected in 2 of 25 S. Enteritidis Lebanese strains. Genomic-based risk assessment of Salmonella serovars in Lebanon showed that food imported from Syria might be an origin of the S. Enteritidis human cases in Lebanon. The detection of several SPIs involved in the survival, plasmid replicons involved in virulence, and aminoglycoside-resistance genes, emphasizes that S. Enteritidis is of paramount importance for public health in Lebanon and other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Noel Mansour
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche « Technologies et Valorisation Agro-alimentaire » (UR-TVA), Faculty of Sciences, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Campus of Sciences and Technologies, Mar Roukos, Lebanon.
| | - Joseph Yaghi
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche « Technologies et Valorisation Agro-alimentaire » (UR-TVA), Faculty of Sciences, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Campus of Sciences and Technologies, Mar Roukos, Lebanon.
| | - André El Khoury
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche « Technologies et Valorisation Agro-alimentaire » (UR-TVA), Faculty of Sciences, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Campus of Sciences and Technologies, Mar Roukos, Lebanon.
| | - Arnaud Felten
- Paris-Est University, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses), Laboratory for Food Safety (LSAL), Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Michel-Yves Mistou
- Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, From Genomes to the Environment (MaIAGE), National Institute for Agricultural, Food and Environmental Research (INRAE), Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Nicolas Radomski
- Paris-Est University, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses), Laboratory for Food Safety (LSAL), Maisons-Alfort, France.
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17
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Saliba AN, Atoui A, Labban M, Hamade H, Bou-Fakhredin R, Mufarrij A, Taher AT. Thalassemia in the emergency department: special considerations for a rare disease. Ann Hematol 2020; 99:1967-1977. [PMID: 32621178 PMCID: PMC7333588 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-020-04164-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Thalassemia is characterized by a defect in the synthesis of one or more of the globin subunits of hemoglobin. This defect results in imbalance in the α/β-globin chain ratio, ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolytic anemia, and iron overload. With advances in diagnosis, treatment, and transfusion support, the prognosis of patients with thalassemia has improved over the past few decades. An increasing number of patients with thalassemia is living with long-term complications, including cardiomyopathy, chronic liver disease, endocrinopathy, and infections. In this paper, we review common complications that bring the patient with thalassemia to urgent or emergent medical attention. We also discuss the aspects of emergency care that are most relevant while caring for the patient with thalassemia in the emergency department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine N Saliba
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ali Atoui
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Labban
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hani Hamade
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rayan Bou-Fakhredin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Afif Mufarrij
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali T Taher
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Atoui A, Carabaño MJ, Abdennebi M, Najari S. Impact of simplified methods of growth recording on genetic parameter estimates of Tunisian local goat population under a low input production system. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2020.1720531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Atoui
- Institute of Arid Regions, Faculty of Sciences (F.S.G.) Gabés, University of Gabés, Médenine, Tunisia
| | | | - M. Abdennebi
- Institute of Arid Regions, Faculty of Sciences (F.S.G.) Gabés, University of Gabés, Médenine, Tunisia
| | - S. Najari
- Institute of Arid Regions, Faculty of Sciences (F.S.G.) Gabés, University of Gabés, Médenine, Tunisia
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Assaf JC, Nahle S, Chokr A, Louka N, Atoui A, El Khoury A. Assorted Methods for Decontamination of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk Using Microbial Adsorbents. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E304. [PMID: 31146398 PMCID: PMC6628408 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AF) are carcinogenic metabolites produced by different species of Aspergillus which readily colonize crops. AFM1 is secreted in the milk of lactating mammals through the ingestion of feedstuffs contaminated by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Therefore, its presence in milk, even in small amounts, presents a real concern for dairy industries and consumers of dairy products. Different strategies can lead to the reduction of AFM1 contamination levels in milk. They include adopting good agricultural practices, decreasing the AFB1 contamination of animal feeds, or using diverse types of adsorbent materials. One of the most effective types of adsorbents used for AFM1 decontamination are those of microbial origin. This review discusses current issues about AFM1 decontamination methods. These methods are based on the use of different bio-adsorbent agents such as bacteria and yeasts to complex AFM1 in milk. Moreover, this review answers some of the raised concerns about the binding stability of the formed AFM1-microbial complex. Thus, the efficiency of the decontamination methods was addressed, and plausible experimental variants were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Claude Assaf
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisation agro-Alimentaire (UR-TVA), Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn 1104-2020, Lebanon .
- Research Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut P.O Box 5, Lebanon.
- Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut P.O. Box 6573/14, Lebanon.
| | - Sahar Nahle
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisation agro-Alimentaire (UR-TVA), Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn 1104-2020, Lebanon .
- Research Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut P.O Box 5, Lebanon.
- Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut P.O. Box 6573/14, Lebanon.
| | - Ali Chokr
- Research Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut P.O Box 5, Lebanon.
- Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut P.O. Box 6573/14, Lebanon.
| | - Nicolas Louka
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisation agro-Alimentaire (UR-TVA), Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn 1104-2020, Lebanon .
| | - Ali Atoui
- Research Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut P.O Box 5, Lebanon.
| | - André El Khoury
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR), Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisation agro-Alimentaire (UR-TVA), Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des sciences et technologies, Mar Roukos, Matn 1104-2020, Lebanon .
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Assaf JC, Khoury AE, Chokr A, Louka N, Atoui A. A novel method for elimination of aflatoxin M1 in milk using
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG
biofilm. INT J DAIRY TECHNOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0307.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Claude Assaf
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR)Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisation agro‐Alimentaire (UR‐TVA) Faculté des Sciences Université Saint‐Joseph de Beyrouth Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos Matn Lebanon
- Laboratory of Microbiology Department of Life and Earth Sciences Faculty of Sciences I Lebanese University Hadat Campus Beirut Lebanon
- Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE) Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies Lebanese University Hadat Campus Beirut Lebanon
- Ecole Doctorale ‘Sciences et Santé’ Université Saint‐Joseph de Beyrouth Campus des Sciences Médicales et Infirmières Riad El Solh, Beyrouth Liban
| | - André El Khoury
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR)Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisation agro‐Alimentaire (UR‐TVA) Faculté des Sciences Université Saint‐Joseph de Beyrouth Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos Matn Lebanon
| | - Ali Chokr
- Laboratory of Microbiology Department of Life and Earth Sciences Faculty of Sciences I Lebanese University Hadat Campus Beirut Lebanon
- Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE) Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies Lebanese University Hadat Campus Beirut Lebanon
| | - Nicolas Louka
- Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (CAR)Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisation agro‐Alimentaire (UR‐TVA) Faculté des Sciences Université Saint‐Joseph de Beyrouth Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos Matn Lebanon
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology Department of Life and Earth Sciences Faculty of Sciences I Lebanese University Hadat Campus Beirut Lebanon
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El-Cheikh J, Atoui A, Moukalled N, Ghaoui N, El Darsa H, Kanj SS, Bazarbachi A. Successful treatment of severe aplastic anemia with syngeneic stem cell transplantation in the setting of active disseminated mucormycosis. Med Mycol Case Rep 2019; 23:68-71. [PMID: 30705813 PMCID: PMC6349008 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a hematological disease resulting in pancytopenia due to bone marrow failure. Treatment consists of immunosppressive therapy, or allo-SCT. Patients with aplastic anemia are predisposed to invasive fungal infections due to mucormycosis. Till now, syngeneic SCT in the context of active mucormycosis infection for patients with severe aplastic anemia is lacking in the literature. Here, we report a case of severe aplastic anemia with disseminated mucormycosis infection undergoing syngeneic transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean El-Cheikh
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Medical Center, 113-6044 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Atoui
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Medical Center, 113-6044 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour Moukalled
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Medical Center, 113-6044 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nohra Ghaoui
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Medical Center, 113-6044 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Haidar El Darsa
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Medical Center, 113-6044 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souha S Kanj
- Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Bazarbachi
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Medical Center, 113-6044 Beirut, Lebanon
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Assaf JC, El Khoury A, Atoui A, Louka N, Chokr A. A novel technique for aflatoxin M1 detoxification using chitin or treated shrimp shells: in vitro effect of physical and kinetic parameters on the binding stability. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:6687-6697. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9124-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Assaf JC, Atoui A, Khoury AE, Chokr A, Louka N. A comparative study of procedures for binding of aflatoxin M1 to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Braz J Microbiol 2018; 49:120-127. [PMID: 28843807 PMCID: PMC5790588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjm.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), frequently used in food fermentation and preservation, have been reported to bind different types of toxins in liquid media. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) to bind aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in liquid media. AFM1 binding was tested following repetitive washes or filtration procedures in combination with additional treatments such as heating, pipetting, and centrifugation. The mixture of L. rhamnosus GG and AFM1 was incubated for 18h at 37°C and the binding efficiency was determined by quantifying the unbound AFM1 using HPLC. The stability of the complexes viable bacteria-AFM1 and heat treated bacteria-AFM1 was tested. Depending on the bacterial concentration and procedure used, the percentages of bound AFM1 by L. rhamnosus GG varied from as low as undetectable to as high as 63%. The highest reduction in the level of unbound AFM1 was recorded for the five washes procedure that involved heating and pipetting. Results also showed that binding was partially reversible and AFM1 was released after repeated washes. These findings highlight the effect of different treatments on the binding of AFM1 to L. rhamnosus GG in liquid matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Claude Assaf
- Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Faculté des Sciences, Matn, Lebanon; Faculty of Sciences I Lebanese University, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Beirut, Lebanon; Lebanese University, Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE), Beirut, Lebanon; Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Ecole Doctorale "Sciences et Santé", Campus des Sciences Médicales et Infirmières, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Atoui
- Faculty of Sciences I Lebanese University, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - André El Khoury
- Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Faculté des Sciences, Matn, Lebanon
| | - Ali Chokr
- Faculty of Sciences I Lebanese University, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Beirut, Lebanon; Lebanese University, Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE), Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Nicolas Louka
- Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Faculté des Sciences, Matn, Lebanon
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Fadel A, Lemaire BJ, Vinçon-Leite B, Atoui A, Slim K, Tassin B. On the successful use of a simplified model to simulate the succession of toxic cyanobacteria in a hypereutrophic reservoir with a highly fluctuating water level. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2017; 24:20934-20948. [PMID: 28721624 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9723-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Many freshwater bodies worldwide that suffer from harmful algal blooms would benefit for their management from a simple ecological model that requires few field data, e.g. for early warning systems. Beyond a certain degree, adding processes to ecological models can reduce model predictive capabilities. In this work, we assess whether a simple ecological model without nutrients is able to describe the succession of cyanobacterial blooms of different species in a hypereutrophic reservoir and help understand the factors that determine these blooms. In our study site, Karaoun Reservoir, Lebanon, cyanobacteria Aphanizomenon ovalisporum and Microcystis aeruginosa alternatively bloom. A simple configuration of the model DYRESM-CAEDYM was used; both cyanobacteria were simulated, with constant vertical migration velocity for A. ovalisporum, with vertical migration velocity dependent on light for M. aeruginosa and with growth limited by light and temperature and not by nutrients for both species. The model was calibrated on two successive years with contrasted bloom patterns and high variations in water level. It was able to reproduce the measurements; it showed a good performance for the water level (root-mean-square error (RMSE) lower than 1 m, annual variation of 25 m), water temperature profiles (RMSE of 0.22-1.41 °C, range 13-28 °C) and cyanobacteria biomass (RMSE of 1-57 μg Chl a L-1, range 0-206 μg Chl a L-1). The model also helped understand the succession of blooms in both years. The model results suggest that the higher growth rate of M. aeruginosa during favourable temperature and light conditions allowed it to outgrow A. ovalisporum. Our results show that simple model configurations can be sufficient not only for theoretical works when few major processes can be identified but also for operational applications. This approach could be transposed on other hypereutrophic lakes and reservoirs to describe the competition between dominant phytoplankton species, contribute to early warning systems or be used for management scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fadel
- National Center for Remote Sensing, National Council for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 11-8281, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2260, Lebanon.
| | - Bruno J Lemaire
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU, UPEC, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, AgroParisTech, F-77455, Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - Brigitte Vinçon-Leite
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU, UPEC, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, AgroParisTech, F-77455, Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation, Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission-CNRS, P.O. Box 11-8281, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2260, Lebanon
| | - Kamal Slim
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation, Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission-CNRS, P.O. Box 11-8281, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2260, Lebanon
| | - Bruno Tassin
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU, UPEC, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, AgroParisTech, F-77455, Marne-la-Vallée, France
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Khoury RE, Mathieu F, Atoui A, Kawtharani H, Khoury AE, Afif C, Maroun RG, Khoury AE. Ability of Soil Isolated Actinobacterial Strains to Prevent, Bind and Biodegrade Ochratoxin A. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9070222. [PMID: 28708102 PMCID: PMC5535169 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9070222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most important mycotoxins, and contaminates several agricultural products, particularly cereals, grapes, maize, barley, spices and coffee. The aim of this project was to reduce the levels of OTA by supplementing the artificially contaminated solutions with seven strains of actinobacteria (AT10, AT8, SN7, MS1, ML5, G10 and PT1) in order to evaluate their capacity for binding and metabolizing the OTA, as well as their ability to reduce the expression of the genes responsible for its production in A. carbonarius. In the first part of this study, we evaluated the capacity of Streptomyces strains for binding OTA on their surfaces after 0, 30 and 60 min of incubation with PBS solution supplemented with OTA. In the second part, we tested the ability of these strains, as well as their supernatants, to detoxify the ISP2 medium. Finally, we studied the effect of the Streptomyces cocultured with Aspergillus carbonarius on the expression of OTA biosynthesis genes. Results showed that, among the strains co-cultured with A. carbonarius, the strain G10 was able to reduce the expression of acpks, acOTApks, acOTAnrps and vea genes, thus reducing OTA from solid PDA medium to 13.50% of reduction. This strain was remarkably able to detoxify and bind OTA up to 47.07%. Strain AT8 was stronger in detoxifying OTA (52.61%), but had no significant effect on the studied gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle El Khoury
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité des Aliments (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Dekwaneh-Beyrouth 1104-2020, Lebanon.
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse 31 326, France.
| | - Florence Mathieu
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse 31 326, France.
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Natural Sciences and Earth, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, P.O Box 5 Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Hiba Kawtharani
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité des Aliments (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Dekwaneh-Beyrouth 1104-2020, Lebanon.
| | - Anthony El Khoury
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité des Aliments (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Dekwaneh-Beyrouth 1104-2020, Lebanon.
| | - Charbel Afif
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité des Aliments (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Dekwaneh-Beyrouth 1104-2020, Lebanon.
| | - Richard G Maroun
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité des Aliments (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Dekwaneh-Beyrouth 1104-2020, Lebanon.
| | - André El Khoury
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité des Aliments (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Dekwaneh-Beyrouth 1104-2020, Lebanon.
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Tannous J, Keller NP, Atoui A, El Khoury A, Lteif R, Oswald IP, Puel O. Secondary metabolism in Penicillium expansum: Emphasis on recent advances in patulin research. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 58:2082-2098. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1305945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Tannous
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
- Université Saint-Joseph, Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche, Unité de Technologie et Valorisation Alimentaire, Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos, Mkallès, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nancy P. Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation, Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission-CNRS, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - André El Khoury
- Université Saint-Joseph, Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche, Unité de Technologie et Valorisation Alimentaire, Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos, Mkallès, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roger Lteif
- Université Saint-Joseph, Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche, Unité de Technologie et Valorisation Alimentaire, Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos, Mkallès, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Isabelle P. Oswald
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Puel
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
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El Khoury R, Caceres I, Puel O, Bailly S, Atoui A, Oswald IP, El Khoury A, Bailly JD. Identification of the Anti-Aflatoxinogenic Activity of Micromeria graeca and Elucidation of Its Molecular Mechanism in Aspergillus flavus. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9030087. [PMID: 28257049 PMCID: PMC5371842 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9030087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Of all the food-contaminating mycotoxins, aflatoxins, and most notably aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), are found to be the most toxic and economically costly. Green farming is striving to replace fungicides and develop natural preventive strategies to minimize crop contamination by these toxic fungal metabolites. In this study, we demonstrated that an aqueous extract of the medicinal plant Micromeria graeca—known as hyssop—completely inhibits aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus without reducing fungal growth. The molecular inhibitory mechanism was explored by analyzing the expression of 61 genes, including 27 aflatoxin biosynthesis cluster genes and 34 secondary metabolism regulatory genes. This analysis revealed a three-fold down-regulation of aflR and aflS encoding the two internal cluster co-activators, resulting in a drastic repression of all aflatoxin biosynthesis genes. Hyssop also targeted fifteen regulatory genes, including veA and mtfA, two major global-regulating transcription factors. The effect of this extract is also linked to a transcriptomic variation of several genes required for the response to oxidative stress such as msnA, srrA, catA, cat2, sod1, mnsod, and stuA. In conclusion, hyssop inhibits AFB1 synthesis at the transcriptomic level. This aqueous extract is a promising natural-based solution to control AFB1 contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoda El Khoury
- Toxalim, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP Purpan, UPS, Toulouse F-31027, France.
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité des Aliments (LMSA), Département des sciences de la vie et de la terres - Biochimie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, P.O. Box 17-5208, Mar Mikhael Beirut 1104 2020 Lebanon.
| | - Isaura Caceres
- Toxalim, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP Purpan, UPS, Toulouse F-31027, France.
| | - Olivier Puel
- Toxalim, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP Purpan, UPS, Toulouse F-31027, France.
| | - Sylviane Bailly
- Toxalim, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP Purpan, UPS, Toulouse F-31027, France.
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Natural Sciences and Earth, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, P.O. Box 5, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Isabelle P Oswald
- Toxalim, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP Purpan, UPS, Toulouse F-31027, France.
| | - André El Khoury
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité des Aliments (LMSA), Département des sciences de la vie et de la terres - Biochimie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, P.O. Box 17-5208, Mar Mikhael Beirut 1104 2020 Lebanon.
| | - Jean-Denis Bailly
- Toxalim, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP Purpan, UPS, Toulouse F-31027, France.
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Tannous J, Snini SP, El Khoury R, Canlet C, Pinton P, Lippi Y, Alassane-Kpembi I, Gauthier T, El Khoury A, Atoui A, Zhou T, Lteif R, Oswald IP, Puel O. Patulin transformation products and last intermediates in its biosynthetic pathway, E- and Z-ascladiol, are not toxic to human cells. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:2455-2467. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1900-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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El Khoury R, Atoui A, Verheecke C, Maroun R, El Khoury A, Mathieu F. Essential Oils Modulate Gene Expression and Ochratoxin A Production in Aspergillus carbonarius. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E242. [PMID: 27548221 PMCID: PMC4999858 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8080242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin, mainly produced on grapes by Aspergillus carbonarius, that causes massive health problems for humans. This study aims to reduce the occurrence of OTA by using the ten following essential oils (E.Os): fennel, cardamom, anise, chamomile, celery, cinnamon, thyme, taramira, oregano and rosemary at 1 µL/mL and 5 µL/mL for each E.O.As a matter of fact, their effects on the OTA production and the growth of A. carbonarius S402 cultures were evaluated, after four days at 28 °C on a Synthetic Grape Medium (SGM). Results showed that A. carbonarius growth was reduced up to 100%, when cultured with the E.Os of cinnamon, taramira, and oregano at both concentrations and the thyme at 5 µL/mL. As for the other six E.Os, their effect on A. carbonarius growth was insignificant, but highly important on the OTA production. Interestingly, the fennel E.O at 5 µL/mL reduced the OTA production up to 88.9% compared to the control, with only 13.8% of fungal growth reduction. We further investigated the effect of these E.Os on the expression levels of the genes responsible for the OTA biosynthesis (acOTApks and acOTAnrps along with the acpks gene) as well as the two regulatory genes laeA and vea, using the quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) method. The results revealed that these six E.Os reduced the expression of the five studied genes, where the ackps was downregulated by 99.2% (the highest downregulation in this study) with 5 µL/mL of fennel E.O.As for the acOTApks, acOTAnrps, veA and laeA, their reduction levels ranged between 10% and 96% depending on the nature of the E.O and its concentration in the medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle El Khoury
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité Alimentaire (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Mkalles-Beyrouth 1107-2050, Lebanon.
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse 31326, France.
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Natural Sciences and Earth, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, Beirut P.O Box 11-8281, Lebanon.
| | - Carol Verheecke
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse 31326, France
| | - Richard Maroun
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité Alimentaire (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Mkalles-Beyrouth 1107-2050, Lebanon.
| | - Andre El Khoury
- Laboratoire de Mycologie et Sécurité Alimentaire (LMSA), Centre d'analyse et de Recherche (CAR), Campus des Sciences et Technologie, Université Saint-Joseph, Mkalles-Beyrouth 1107-2050, Lebanon.
| | - Florence Mathieu
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse 31326, France
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Tannous J, Atoui A, El Khoury A, Francis Z, Oswald IP, Puel O, Lteif R. A study on the physicochemical parameters for Penicillium expansum growth and patulin production: effect of temperature, pH, and water activity. Food Sci Nutr 2016; 4:611-22. [PMID: 27386110 PMCID: PMC4930504 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Penicillium expansum is among the most ubiquitous fungi disseminated worldwide, that could threaten the fruit sector by secreting patulin, a toxic secondary metabolite. Nevertheless, we lack sufficient data regarding the growth and the toxigenesis conditions of this species. This work enables a clear differentiation between the favorable conditions to the P. expansum growth and those promising for patulin production. A mathematical model allowing the estimation of the P. expansum growth rate according to temperature, a W, and pH, was also developed. An optimal growth rate of 0.92 cm/day was predicted at 24°C with pH level of 5.1 and high a W level of 0.99. The model's predictive capability was tested successfully on artificial contaminated apples. This model could be exploited by apple growers and the industrialists of fruit juices in order to predict the development of P. expansum during storage and apple processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Tannous
- Unité de Technologie et Valorisation AlimentaireCentre d'Analyses et de RechercheUniversité Saint‐JosephCampus des Sciences et TechnologiesMar Roukos, Mkallès, P.O Box 11‐ 514, Riad El Solh1107 2050BeirutLebanon
- Research Centre in Food ToxicologyINRAUMR 1331 Toxalim180 Chemin de TournefeuilleF‐31027Toulouse CedexFrance
- Université de Toulouse IIIENVTINPUMR 1331ToxalimF‐31076ToulouseFrance
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food IrradiationLebanese Atomic Energy Commission‐CNRSP.O. Box 11‐8281, Riad El Solh1107 2260BeirutLebanon
- Department of BiologyFaculty of SciencesLaboratory of MicrobiologyLebanese UniversityHadath CampusBeirutLebanon
| | - André El Khoury
- Unité de Technologie et Valorisation AlimentaireCentre d'Analyses et de RechercheUniversité Saint‐JosephCampus des Sciences et TechnologiesMar Roukos, Mkallès, P.O Box 11‐ 514, Riad El Solh1107 2050BeirutLebanon
| | - Ziad Francis
- Unité de Technologie et Valorisation AlimentaireCentre d'Analyses et de RechercheUniversité Saint‐JosephCampus des Sciences et TechnologiesMar Roukos, Mkallès, P.O Box 11‐ 514, Riad El Solh1107 2050BeirutLebanon
| | - Isabelle P. Oswald
- Research Centre in Food ToxicologyINRAUMR 1331 Toxalim180 Chemin de TournefeuilleF‐31027Toulouse CedexFrance
- Université de Toulouse IIIENVTINPUMR 1331ToxalimF‐31076ToulouseFrance
| | - Olivier Puel
- Research Centre in Food ToxicologyINRAUMR 1331 Toxalim180 Chemin de TournefeuilleF‐31027Toulouse CedexFrance
- Université de Toulouse IIIENVTINPUMR 1331ToxalimF‐31076ToulouseFrance
| | - Roger Lteif
- Unité de Technologie et Valorisation AlimentaireCentre d'Analyses et de RechercheUniversité Saint‐JosephCampus des Sciences et TechnologiesMar Roukos, Mkallès, P.O Box 11‐ 514, Riad El Solh1107 2050BeirutLebanon
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Fadel A, Atoui A, Lemaire BJ, Vinçon-Leite B, Slim K. Environmental factors associated with phytoplankton succession in a Mediterranean reservoir with a highly fluctuating water level. Environ Monit Assess 2015; 187:633. [PMID: 26383738 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4852-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication and harmful algal blooms have become a worldwide environmental problem. Understanding the mechanisms and processes that control algal blooms is of great concern. The phytoplankton community of Karaoun Reservoir, the largest water body in Lebanon, is poorly studied, as in many freshwater bodies around the Mediterranean Sea. Sampling campaigns were conducted semi-monthly between May 2012 and August 2013 to assess the dynamics of its phytoplankton community in response to changes in physical-chemical and hydrological conditions. Karaoun Reservoir is a monomictic waterbody and strongly stratifies between May and August. Changes in its phytoplankton community were found to be a result of the interplay between water temperature, stratification, irradiance, nutrient availability and water level. Thermal stratification established in spring reduced the growth of diatoms and resulted in their replacement by green algae species when nutrient availability was high and water temperatures lower than 22 °C. At water temperature higher than 25 °C and low nutrient concentrations in summer, blooms of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa occurred. Despite different growth conditions in other lakes and reservoir, cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon ovalisporum dominated at temperatures lower than 23 °C in weakly stratified conditions in early autumn and dinoflagellate Ceratium hirundinella dominated in mixed conditions, at low light intensity and a water temperature of 19 °C in late autumn. We believe that the information presented in this paper will increase the knowledge about phytoplankton dynamics in the Mediterranean region and contribute to a safer usage of reservoir waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fadel
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU (UMR MA-102)l, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, AgroParisTech, F-77455, Marne-la-Vallée, France.
- National Center for Remote Sensing, National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), P.O. Box 11-8281, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2260, Lebanon.
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation, Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission-CNRS, P.O. Box 11-8281, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2260, Lebanon.
| | - Bruno J Lemaire
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU (UMR MA-102)l, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, AgroParisTech, F-77455, Marne-la-Vallée, France.
- AgroParisTech, F-75005, Paris, France.
| | - Brigitte Vinçon-Leite
- Université Paris-Est, LEESU (UMR MA-102)l, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, AgroParisTech, F-77455, Marne-la-Vallée, France.
| | - Kamal Slim
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation, Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission-CNRS, P.O. Box 11-8281, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2260, Lebanon.
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Tannous J, Atoui A, El Khoury A, Kantar S, Chdid N, Oswald IP, Puel O, Lteif R. Development of a real-time PCR assay for Penicillium expansum quantification and patulin estimation in apples. Food Microbiol 2015; 50:28-37. [PMID: 25998812 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Due to the occurrence and spread of the fungal contaminants in food and the difficulties to remove their resulting mycotoxins, rapid and accurate methods are needed for early detection of these mycotoxigenic fungi. The polymerase chain reaction and the real time PCR have been widely used for this purpose. Apples are suitable substrates for fungal colonization mostly caused by Penicillium expansum, which produces the mycotoxin patulin during fruit infection. This study describes the development of a real-time PCR assay incorporating an internal amplification control (IAC) to specifically detect and quantify P. expansum. A specific primer pair was designed from the patF gene, involved in patulin biosynthesis. The selected primer set showed a high specificity for P. expansum and was successfully employed in a standardized real-time PCR for the direct quantification of this fungus in apples. Using the developed system, twenty eight apples were analyzed for their DNA content. Apples were also analyzed for patulin content by HPLC. Interestingly, a positive correlation (R(2) = 0.701) was found between P. expansum DNA content and patulin concentration. This work offers an alternative to conventional methods of patulin quantification and mycological detection of P. expansum and could be very useful for the screening of patulin in fruits through the application of industrial quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Tannous
- Université Saint-Joseph, Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (Faculté des Sciences), Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos, Mkallès, P.O Box 11-514, Riad El Solh, 1107 2050 Beirut, Lebanon; INRA, UMR 1331 Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, 180 Chemin de Tournefeuille, F-31027 Toulouse, Cedex, France; Université de Toulouse III, ENVT, INP, UMR 1331, Toxalim, F-31076, Toulouse, France
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation, Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission-CNRS, P.O. Box 11-8281, Riad El Solh, 1107 2260 Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - André El Khoury
- Université Saint-Joseph, Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (Faculté des Sciences), Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos, Mkallès, P.O Box 11-514, Riad El Solh, 1107 2050 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sally Kantar
- Université Saint-Joseph, Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (Faculté des Sciences), Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos, Mkallès, P.O Box 11-514, Riad El Solh, 1107 2050 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nader Chdid
- Université Saint-Joseph, Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (Faculté des Sciences), Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos, Mkallès, P.O Box 11-514, Riad El Solh, 1107 2050 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Isabelle P Oswald
- INRA, UMR 1331 Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, 180 Chemin de Tournefeuille, F-31027 Toulouse, Cedex, France; Université de Toulouse III, ENVT, INP, UMR 1331, Toxalim, F-31076, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Puel
- INRA, UMR 1331 Toxalim, Research Centre in Food Toxicology, 180 Chemin de Tournefeuille, F-31027 Toulouse, Cedex, France; Université de Toulouse III, ENVT, INP, UMR 1331, Toxalim, F-31076, Toulouse, France
| | - Roger Lteif
- Université Saint-Joseph, Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche (Faculté des Sciences), Campus des Sciences et Technologies, Mar Roukos, Mkallès, P.O Box 11-514, Riad El Solh, 1107 2050 Beirut, Lebanon
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Fadel A, Lemaire BJ, Atoui A, Vinçon‐Leite B, Amacha N, Slim K, Tassin B. First assessment of the ecological status of
K
araoun reservoir,
L
ebanon. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/lre.12058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fadel
- LEESU (UMR MA‐102) Université Paris‐Est Ecole des Ponts ParisTech AgroParisTech Marne‐la‐Vallée France
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission‐ CNRS Beirut Lebanon
| | - Bruno J. Lemaire
- LEESU (UMR MA‐102) Université Paris‐Est Ecole des Ponts ParisTech AgroParisTech Marne‐la‐Vallée France
- AgroParisTech Paris France
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission‐ CNRS Beirut Lebanon
| | - Brigitte Vinçon‐Leite
- LEESU (UMR MA‐102) Université Paris‐Est Ecole des Ponts ParisTech AgroParisTech Marne‐la‐Vallée France
| | - Nabil Amacha
- Faculty of Science Lebanese University Beirut Lebanon
- Litani River Authority Beirut Lebanon
| | - Kamal Slim
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission‐ CNRS Beirut Lebanon
- Faculty of Science Lebanese University Beirut Lebanon
| | - Bruno Tassin
- LEESU (UMR MA‐102) Université Paris‐Est Ecole des Ponts ParisTech AgroParisTech Marne‐la‐Vallée France
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Atoui A, El Khoury A, Kallassy M, Lebrihi A. Quantification of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum by real-time PCR system and zearalenone assessment in maize. Int J Food Microbiol 2011; 154:59-65. [PMID: 22240058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2011.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by some species of Fusarium, especially by Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum. ZEA induces hyperoestrogenic responses in mammals and can result in reproductive disorders in farm animals. In the present study, a real-time PCR (qPCR) assay has been successfully developed for the detection and quantification of Fusarium graminearum based on primers targeting the gene PKS13 involved in ZEA biosynthesis. A standard curve was developed by plotting the logarithm of known concentrations of F. graminearum DNA against the cycle threshold (Ct) value. The developed real time PCR system was also used to analyze the occurrence of zearalenone producing F. graminearum strains on maize. In this context, DNA extractions were performed from thirty-two maize samples, and subjected to real time PCR. Maize samples also were analyzed for zearalenone content by HPLC. F. graminearum DNA content (pg DNA/ mg of maize) was then plotted against ZEA content (ppb) in maize samples. The regression curve showed a positive and good correlation (R²=0.760) allowing for the estimation of the potential risk from ZEA contamination. Consequently, this work offers a quick alternative to conventional methods of ZEA quantification and mycological detection and quantification of F. graminearum in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Food Irradiation, Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission-CNRS, P.O. Box 11-8281, Riad El Solh, 11072260 Beirut, Lebanon.
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El Khoury A, Atoui A, Yaghi J. Analysis of aflatoxin M1 in milk and yogurt and AFM1 reduction by lactic acid bacteria used in Lebanese industry. Food Control 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2011.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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El Khoury A, Atoui A, Rizk T, Lteif R, Kallassy M, Lebrihi A. Differentiation between Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus from pure culture and aflatoxin-contaminated grapes using PCR-RFLP analysis of aflR-aflJ intergenic spacer. J Food Sci 2011; 76:M247-53. [PMID: 22417364 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02153.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) represent the most important single mycotoxin-related food safety problem in developed and developing countries as they have adverse effects on human and animal health. They are produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Both species have different aflatoxinogenic profile. In order to distinguish between A. flavus and A. parasiticus, gene-specific primers were designed to target the intergenic spacer (IGS) for the AF biosynthesis genes, aflJ and aflR. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were subjected to restriction endonuclease analysis using BglII to look for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Our result showed that both species displayed different PCR-based RFLP (PCR-RFLP) profile. PCR products from A. flavus cleaved into 3 fragments of 362, 210, and 102 bp. However, there is only one restriction site for this enzyme in the sequence of A. parasiticus that produced only 2 fragments of 363 and 311 bp. The method was successfully applied to contaminated grapes samples. This approach of differentiating these 2 species would be simpler, less costly, and quicker than conventional sequencing of PCR products and/or morphological identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- André El Khoury
- Centre d'analyses et de recherches, Faculté des Sciences, Univ. Saint-Joseph, Beyrouth, Liban.
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Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi that structurally consists of a para-chlorophenolic group containing a dihydroisocoumarin moiety that is amide-linked to L-phenylalanine. OTA is detected worldwide in various food and feed sources. Studies show that this molecule can have several toxicological effects such as nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, neurotoxic, teratogenic and immunotoxic. A role in the etiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy and its association to urinary tract tumors has been also proved. In this review, we will explore the general aspect of OTA: physico-chemical properties, toxicological profile, OTA producing fungi, contaminated food, regulation, legislation and analytical methods. Due to lack of sufficient information related to the molecular background, this paper will discuss in detail the recent advances in molecular biology of OTA biosynthesis, based on information and on new data about identification and characterization of ochratoxin biosynthetic genes in both Penicillium and Aspergillus species. This review will also cover the development of the molecular methods for the detection and quantification of OTA producing fungi in various foodstuffs.
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Affiliation(s)
- André el Khoury
- Centre d’analyses et de recherches, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, Beyrouth, Lebanon
| | - Ali Atoui
- Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission-CNRS, P.O. Box 11-8281, Riad El Solh, 1107 2260 Beirut, Lebanon
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Bacha N, Dao HP, Atoui A, Mathieu F, O’Callaghan J, Puel O, Liboz T, Dobson AD, Lebrihi A. Cloning and characterization of novel methylsalicylic acid synthase gene involved in the biosynthesis of isoasperlactone and asperlactone in Aspergillus westerdijkiae. Fungal Genet Biol 2009; 46:742-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Purschwitz J, Müller S, Kastner C, Schöser M, Haas H, Espeso EA, Atoui A, Calvo AM, Fischer R. Functional and physical interaction of blue- and red-light sensors in Aspergillus nidulans. Curr Biol 2008; 18:255-9. [PMID: 18291652 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2008.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2007] [Revised: 01/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Light sensing is very important for organisms in all biological kingdoms to adapt to changing environmental conditions. It was discovered recently that plant-like phytochrome is involved in light sensing in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans[1]. Here, we show that phytochrome (FphA) is part of a protein complex containing LreA (WC-1) and LreB (WC-2) [2, 3], two central components of the Neurospora crassa blue-light-sensing system. We found that FphA represses sexual development and mycotoxin formation, whereas LreA and LreB stimulate both. Surprisingly, FphA interacted with LreB and with VeA, another regulator involved in light sensing and mycotoxin biosynthesis. LreB also interacted with LreA. All protein interactions occurred in the nucleus, despite cytoplasmic subfractions of the proteins. Whereas the FphA-VeA interaction was dependent on the presence of the linear tetrapyrrole in FphA, the interaction between FphA and LreB was chromophore independent. These results suggest that morphological and physiological differentiations in A. nidulans are mediated through a network consisting of FphA, LreA, LreB, and VeA acting in a large protein complex in the nucleus, sensing red and blue light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Purschwitz
- Department of Applied Microbiology, University of Karlsruhe, Hertzstrasse 16, D-76187 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Atoui A, Mitchell D, Mathieu F, Magan N, Lebrihi A. Partitioning of ochratoxin A in mycelium and conidia ofAspergillus carbonariusand the impact on toxin contamination of grapes and wine. J Appl Microbiol 2007; 103:961-8. [PMID: 17897199 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03320.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Aspergillus carbonarius is an important ochratoxin A (OTA)-producing fungus which is responsible for toxin contamination of grapes and wine. The objectives of this study were to examine the partitioning of OTA in mycelium and conidia of a range of A. carbonarius strains on artificial grape juice and defined media, to determine the excretion patterns of OTA from these spores, and the effect of organic acids used in wine production on OTA excretion from conidia. METHODS AND RESULTS The results showed that 60-70% of the OTA was accumulated in the conidia of a number of different isolates of A. carbonarius. Calculations showed that on different defined media, an amount of 0.011- to 0.1-pg OTA was present per conidium. The OTA in spores was found to be rapidly excreted into the medium during the initial few hours after conidial germination leading to an increase of OTA in must during maceration for wine production. The presence of tartaric acid inhibited OTA production, but malic acid enhanced this production during mycelial growth. These acids were also shown to affect the time course of germination and the rate of OTA excretion from conidia during germination. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to examine and show the partitioning of OTA into spores of strains of A. carbonarius and that rapid excretion of OTA from spores could be a reason for OTA accumulation in musts during wine production. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Conidia of A. carbonarius could be a major source of OTA contamination of grapes used in wine production. This information could help in the development of effective prevention strategies to minimize wine contamination with this important mycotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Atoui
- Département Bioprocédés et Systèmes Microbiens, Laboratoire de Génie Chimique UMR5503 (CNRS/INPT/UPS), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, Castanet Tolosan, France
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Atoui A, Mathieu F, Lebrihi A. Targeting a polyketide synthase gene for Aspergillus carbonarius quantification and ochratoxin A assessment in grapes using real-time PCR. Int J Food Microbiol 2007; 115:313-8. [PMID: 17291614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2006.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2006] [Revised: 11/03/2006] [Accepted: 11/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus carbonarius is an ochratoxin producing fungus that has been considered to be responsible of the ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in grapes and wine. In order to monitor and quantify A. carbonarius, a specific primer pair Ac12RL_OTAF/Ac12RL_OTAR has been designed from the acyltransferase (AT) domain of the polyketide synthase sequence Ac12RL3 to amplify 141 bp PCR product. Among the mycotoxigenic fungi tested, only A. carbonarius gave a positive result. This specific primer pair was also successfully employed in real-time PCR conjugated with SYBR Green I dye for the direct quantification of this fungus in grape samples. A positive correlation (R(2)=0.81) was found between A. carbonarius DNA content and OTA concentration in 72 grape samples, allowing for the estimation of the potential risk from OTA contamination. Consequently, this work offers a quick alternative to conventional methods of OTA quantification and mycological detection and quantification of A. carbonarius in grapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Atoui
- Département Bioprocédés et Systèmes Microbiens, Laboratoire de Génie Chimique UMR5503, Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, 1, avenue de l'Agrobiopôle, BP32607, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
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Atoui A, Dao HP, Mathieu F, Lebrihi A. Amplification and diversity analysis of ketosynthase domains of putative polyketide synthase genes inAspergillus ochraceus andAspergillus carbonarius producers of ochratoxin A. Mol Nutr Food Res 2006; 50:488-93. [PMID: 16715542 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200500165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The diversity of polyketide synthase (PKS) genes in Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL 3174 and Aspergillus carbonarius 2Mu134 has been investigated using different primer pairs previously developed for the ketosynthase (KS) domain of fungal PKSs. Nine different KS domain sequences in A. ochraceus NRRL 3174 as well as five different KS domain sequences in A. carbonarius 2Mu134 have been identified. The identified KS fragments were distributed in five different clusters on the phylogenetic tree, indicating that they most probably represent PKSs responsible for different functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Atoui
- Département Bioprocédés et Systèmes Microbiens, Laboratoire de Génie Chimique UMR5503 (CNRS/INPT/UPS), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, France
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