Mechanisms and Effects Posed by Neurotoxic Products of Cyanobacteria/Microbial Eukaryotes/Dinoflagellates in Algae Blooms: a Review

A study on the causal relationship between the gut microbiome and herpes zoster using Mendelian randomization

Introduction

The relationship between herpes zoster recurrence and the gut microbiome was not studied. We analyzed data on the gut microbiome and herpes zoster from the Large-Scale Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) database using bidirectional Mendelian randomization. For the first time, we identified a potentially bidirectional causal relationship between the gut microbiome and herpes zoster (HZ). These findings are groundbreaking and hold promise for new directions in the treatment of HZ, a global disease.

Background and aims

HZ had a high global incidence, characterized by shingled blisters, blood blisters, and neuropathic pain, and could develop in various parts of the body, including the ear and throat. It was believed its onset was closely related to old age and infirmity. Some studies reported that the incidence of herpes zoster in patients with inflammatory intestinal diseases (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) was higher than in the general population. Existing studies attributed this to the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) due to autoinflammatory attacks and immunosuppressive drugs. This provided a basis for exploring the new pathogenesis of HZ and investigating whether there was a relationship between intestinal auto-flora and the development of HZ. This study aimed to examine this potential relationship using bidirectional Mendelian analyses.

Methods

GWAS data on HZ and gut microbiota were obtained from FinnGen, the Mibiogen consortium, and HZ meta-analysis data from the IEU Open GWAS Project. These data were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine if there is a causal relationship between gut microbiota and HZ. Additionally, bidirectional Mendelian analyses were conducted to identify the direction of causality and to clarify any potential interactions.

Results

In our Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis, we identified, for the first time, two gut microbes that might be associated with HZ reactivation. In the reverse MR analysis, four gut microbiota showed a potential association between the genetic susceptibility of gut microbiota and HZ reactivation. We found that genus Tyzzerella3 (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.17-1.72, FDR < 0.1) may be strongly correlated with an increased probability of HZ (ICD-10: B02.901) reactivation. Additionally, phylum Cyanobacteria was identified as a potential risk factor for the onset of HZ rekindling (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.09-1.87). Analyzing the results of the reverse MR, we also identified a potential inhibitory effect (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84-0.99) of HZ onset on the genus Eubacteriumhallii group in the gut, suggesting that HZ might reduce its abundance. However, genus Escherichia/Shigella (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.22), genus Veillonella (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04-1.30), and phylum Proteobacteria (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18) appeared to act as potential protective factors, indicating that the relative abundance and viability of these three bacteria increased in the HZ state.

Conclusion

We identified the influence of gut flora as a new causative factor for HZ reactivation. Additionally, we found that individuals suffering from HZ might potentially impact their gut flora. Specific bacterial taxa that could influence the onset and progression of HZ were identified, potentially providing new directions for HZ treatment.

The health risks of marine biotoxins associated with high seafood consumption: Looking beyond the single dose, single outcome paradigm with a view towards addressing the needs of coastal Indigenous populations in British Columbia

People who consume high quantities of seafood are at a heightened risk for marine biotoxin exposure. Coastal Indigenous peoples may experience higher levels of risk than the general population due to their reliance on traditional marine foods. Most evidence on the health risks associated with biotoxins focus on a single exposure at one point in time. There is limited research on other types of exposures that may occur among those who regularly consume large quantities of seafood. The objective of this review is to assess what is known about the unique biotoxin exposure risks associated with the consumption patterns of many coastal Indigenous populations. These risks include [1]: repeated exposure to low doses of a single or multiple biotoxins [2]; repeated exposures to high doses of a single or multiple biotoxins; and [3] exposure to multiple biotoxins at a single point in time. We performed a literature search and collected 23 recent review articles on the human health effects of different biotoxins. Using a narrative framework synthesis approach, we collated what is known about the health effects of the exposure risks associated with the putative consumption patterns of coastal Indigenous populations. We found that the health effects of repeated low- or high-dose exposures and the chronic health effects of marine biotoxins are rarely studied or documented. There are gaps in our understanding of how risks differ by seafood species and preparation, cooking, and consumption practices. Together, these gaps contribute to a relatively poor understanding of how biotoxins impact the health of those who regularly consume large quantities of seafood. In the context of this uncertainty, we explore how known and potential risks associated with biotoxins can be mitigated, with special attention to coastal Indigenous populations routinely consuming seafood. Overall, we conclude that there is a need to move beyond the single-dose single-outcome model of exposure to better serve Indigenous communities and others who consume high quantities of seafood.

Toxic dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi induces apoptosis in Neuro-2a cells through an oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial pathway

The dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi is a toxic bloom-forming species that threatens aquaculture and public health worldwide. Previous studies showed that K. mikimotoi induces neurotoxicity; however, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, three neural cell lines were used to investigate the potential neurotoxicity of K. mikimotoi. The tested cells were exposed to a ruptured cell solution (RCS) of K. mikimotoi at different concentrations (0.5 × 105, 1.0 × 105, 2.0 × 105, 4.0 × 105, and 6 × 105 cells mL-1) for 24 h, and the RCS decreased cell viabilities and promoted Neuro-2a (N2A) cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The underlying mechanism was further investigated in N2A cells. At the biochemical level, the RCS stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, decreased SOD activity, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). At the gene level, the moderate RCS treatment (2.0 × 105 cells mL-1) upregulated antioxidant response genes (e.g., nrf-2, HO-1, NQO-1, and cat) to alleviate RCS-induced oxidative stress, while the high RCS treatment (4.0 × 105 cells mL-1) downregulated these genes, thereby aggravating oxidative stress. Meanwhile, apoptosis-related genes (e.g., p53, caspase 3, and bax2) were significantly upregulated and the anti-apoptotic gene bcl2 was suppressed after RCS treatment. Western blotting results for Caspase 3, Bax2 and Bcl2 were consistent with the mRNA trends. These results revealed that K. mikimotoi RCS can induce neural cell apoptosis via the oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial pathway, providing novel insights into the neurotoxicity of K. mikimotoi.

Transformation of Algal Toxins during the Oxidation/Disinfection Processes of Drinking Water: From Structure to Toxicity

With the increase of algal blooms worldwide, drinking water resources are threatened by the release of various algal toxins, which can be hepatotoxic, cytotoxic, or neurotoxic. Because of their ubiquitous occurrence in global waters and incomplete removal in conventional drinking water treatment, oxidation/disinfection processes have become promising alternative treatment options to destroy both the structures and toxicity of algal toxins. This Review first summarizes the occurrence and regulation of algal toxins in source water and drinking water. Then, the transformation kinetics, disinfection byproducts (DBPs)/transformation products (TPs), pathways, and toxicity of algal toxins in water oxidation/disinfection processes, including treatment by ozonation, chlorination, chloramination, ultraviolet-based advanced oxidation process, and permanganate, are reviewed. For most algal toxins, hydroxyl radicals (HO•) exhibit the highest oxidation rate, followed by ozone and free chlorine. Under practical applications, ozone and chlorine can degrade most algal toxins to meet water quality standards. However, the transformation of the parent structures of algal toxins by oxidation/disinfection processes does not guarantee a reduction in toxicity, and the formation of toxic TPs should also be considered, especially during chlorination. Notably, the toxicity variation of algal toxins is associated with the chemical moiety responsible for toxicity (e.g., Adda moiety in microcystin-LR and uracil moiety in cylindrospermopsin). Moreover, the formation of known halogenated DBPs after chlorination indicates that toxicity in drinking water may shift from toxicity contributed by algal toxins to toxicity contributed by DBPs. To achieve the simultaneous toxicity reduction of algal toxins and their TPs, optimized oxidation/disinfection processes are warranted in future research, not only for meeting water quality standards but also for effective reduction of toxicity of algal toxins.

Saxitoxin induces the release of human neutrophil extracellular traps

Saxitoxin (STX) is a potent shellfish toxin found in freshwater and marine ecosystems which threatens human health by contaminating drinking water and shellfish. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a defense mechanism employed by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to destroy invading pathogens, and also plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of STX on human NET formation. Typical NETs-associated characteristics were detected from STX-stimulated PMNs using immunofluorescence microscopy. Moreover, NET quantification based on PicoGreen® fluorescent dye revealed that STX triggered NET formation in a concentration-dependent manner, and NET formation peaked at 120 min (with a total time of 180 min) after induction by STX. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) detection showed that iROS were significantly elevated in STX-challenged PMNs. These findings present insight into the effects of STX on human NET formation and serve as a basis for further investigations of STX immunotoxicity.

Freshwater Cyanobacterial Toxins, Cyanopeptides and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Cyanobacteria produce a wide range of structurally diverse cyanotoxins and bioactive cyanopeptides in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. The health significance of these metabolites, which include genotoxic- and neurotoxic agents, is confirmed by continued associations between the occurrence of animal and human acute toxic events and, in the long term, by associations between cyanobacteria and neurodegenerative diseases. Major mechanisms related to the neurotoxicity of cyanobacteria compounds include (1) blocking of key proteins and channels; (2) inhibition of essential enzymes in mammalian cells such as protein phosphatases and phosphoprotein phosphatases as well as new molecular targets such as toll-like receptors 4 and 8. One of the widely discussed implicated mechanisms includes a misincorporation of cyanobacterial non-proteogenic amino acids. Recent research provides evidence that non-proteinogenic amino acid BMAA produced by cyanobacteria have multiple effects on translation process and bypasses the proof-reading ability of the aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase. Aberrant proteins generated by non-canonical translation may be a factor in neuronal death and neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that the production of cyanopeptides and non-canonical amino acids is a more general mechanism, leading to mistranslation, affecting protein homeostasis, and targeting mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. It can be evolutionarily ancient and initially developed to control phytoplankton communities during algal blooms. Outcompeting gut symbiotic microorganisms may lead to dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, a shift in blood-brain-barrier functionality, and eventually, mitochondrial dysfunction in high-energy demanding neurons. A better understanding of the interaction between cyanopeptides metabolism and the nervous system will be crucial to target or to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Plant-cyanobacteria interactions: Beneficial and harmful effects of cyanobacterial bioactive compounds on soil-plant systems and subsequent risk to animal and human health

Plant-cyanobacteria interactions occur in different ways and at many different levels, both beneficial and harmful. Plant-cyanobacteria interactions, as a beneficial symbiosis, have long been demonstrated in rice-growing areas (Poaceae) where the most efficient nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria are present in paddies. Moreover, cyanobacteria may in turn produce and/or secrete numerous bioactive compounds that have plant growth-promoting abilities or that may make the plant more resistant to abiotic or biotic stress. In recent years, there has been a growing worldwide interest in the use of cyanobacterial biomass as biofertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers, in part to overcome increasing organic-farming demands. However, the potential presence of harmful cyanotoxins has delayed the use of such cyanobacterial biomass, which can be found in large quantities in freshwater ecosystems around the world. In this review, we describe the existing evidence for the positive benefit of plant-cyanobacteria interactions and discuss the use of cyanobacterial biomass as biofertilizers and its growing worldwide interest. Although mass cyanobacterial blooms and scums are a current and emerging threat to the degradation of ecosystems and to animal and human health, they may serve as a source of numerous bioactive compounds with multiple positive effects that could be of use as an alternative to chemical fertilizers in the context of sustainable development.

Quantifying the social benefits and costs of reducing phosphorus pollution under climate change

Excess phosphorus loading to waterbodies has led to increasing frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms, negatively impacting economic activity and human health. While interventions to improve water quality can create large societal benefits, these investments are costly and the value of benefits is often unknown. Understanding the social and economic impacts of reduced phosphorus loading is critical for developing effective land use policies and for generating public and political support for these initiatives. Here, we quantify the social benefits and costs of improving water quality in Lake Champlain under a range of phosphorus reduction and climate change scenarios between 2016 and 2050. We use statistical models to link water quality outputs from an established integrated assessment model with three categories of benefits: tourism expenditures, property sales, and avoided human health impacts. We estimate the costs of reducing phosphorus loading using data reported by the State of Vermont. We find that under the most aggressive phosphorus reduction scenario, the total benefits of improved water quality are $55 to $60 million between 2016 and 2050. Over this 35 year time horizon, the combined benefits do not outweigh the costs under any scenario. If the time horizon is extended to 2100 or beyond, however, the benefits may exceed the costs if the applied discount rate is less than 3%. Importantly, we almost certainly underestimate the value of clean water, due to the omission of other types of benefits. Despite this uncertainty, our study provides a tractable framework for disentangling the complex relationships between water quality and human well-being, and illuminates the value of reductions in phosphorus loading to society.

Repeated exposure to microcystin-leucine-arginine potentiates excitotoxicity induced by a low dose of kainate

Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MLCR) is a cyanobacterial toxin, and has been demonstrated to cause neurotoxicity. In addition, MCLR has been identified as an inhibitor of protein phosphatase (PP)1 and PP2A, which are known to regulate the phosphorylation of various molecules related to synaptic excitability. Thus, in the present study, we examined whether MCLR exposure affects seizures induced by a low dose of kainic acid (KA; 0.05 μg, i.c.v.) administration. KA-induced seizure occurrence and seizure score significantly increased after repeated exposure to MCLR (2.5 or 5.0 μg/kg, i.p., once a day for 10 days), but not after acute MCLR exposure (2.5 or 5.0 μg/kg, i.p., 2 h and 30 min prior to KA administration), and hippocampal neuronal loss was consistently facilitated by repeated exposure to MCLR. In addition, repeated MCLR significantly elevated the membrane expression of kainate receptor GluK2 subunits, p-pan-protein kinase C (PKC), and p-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) at 1 h after KA. However, KA-induced membrane expression of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) was significantly reduced by repeated MCLR exposure. Consistent with the enhanced seizures and neurodegeneration, MCLR exposure significantly potentiated KA-induced oxidative stress and microglial activation, which was accompanied by increased expression of p-ERK and p-PKCδ in the hippocampus. The combined results suggest that repeated MCLR exposure potentiates KA-induced excitotoxicity in the hippocampus by increasing membrane GluK2 expression and enhancing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation through the modulation of p-CaMKII, p-PKC, and p-ERK.

Integrating Systems and Synthetic Biology to Understand and Engineer Microbiomes

Microbiomes are complex and ubiquitous networks of microorganisms whose seemingly limitless chemical transformations could be harnessed to benefit agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. The spatial and temporal changes in microbiome composition and function are influenced by a multitude of molecular and ecological factors. This complexity yields both versatility and challenges in designing synthetic microbiomes and perturbing natural microbiomes in controlled, predictable ways. In this review, we describe factors that give rise to emergent spatial and temporal microbiome properties and the meta-omics and computational modeling tools that can be used to understand microbiomes at the cellular and system levels. We also describe strategies for designing and engineering microbiomes to enhance or build novel functions. Throughout the review, we discuss key knowledge and technology gaps for elucidating the networks and deciphering key control points for microbiome engineering, and highlight examples where multiple omics and modeling approaches can be integrated to address these gaps.

Effects of long-term low dose saxitoxin exposure on nerve damage in mice

Saxitoxin (STX), as a type of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), is gaining widespread attention due to its long existence in edible shellfish. However, the mechanism underlying STX chronic exposure-induced effect is not well understood. Here, we evaluated the neurotoxicity effects of long-term low-dose STX exposure on C57/BL mice by behavioral tests, pathology analysis, and hippocampal proteomics analysis. Several behavioral tests showed that mice were in a cognitive deficiency after treated with 0, 0.5, 1.5, or 4.5 μg STX equivalents/kg body weight in the drinking water for 3 months. Compared with control mice, STX-exposed mice exhibited brain neuronal damage characterized by decreasing neuronal cells and thinner pyramidal cell layers in the hippocampal CA1 region. A total of 29 proteins were significantly altered in different STX dose groups. Bioinformatics analysis showed that protein phosphatase 1 (Ppp1c) and arylsulfatase A (Arsa) were involved in the hippo signaling pathway and sphingolipid metabolism pathway. The decreased expression of Arsa indicates that long-term low doses of STX exposure can cause neuronal inhibition, which is a process related to spatial memory impairment. Taken together, our study provides a new understanding of the molecular mechanisms of STX neurotoxicity.

Toxicity and bioaccumulation of two non-protein amino acids synthesised by cyanobacteria, β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), on a crop plant

In order to study the toxicity of the cyanobacterial non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) L-β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its structural isomer L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) in the forage crop plant alfalfa (Medicago sativa), seedlings were exposed to NPAA-containing media for four days. Root growth was significantly inhibited by both treatments. The content of derivatised free and protein-bound BMAA and DAB in seedlings was then analysed by LC-MS/MS. Both NPAAs were detected in free and protein-bound fractions with higher levels detected in free fractions. Compared to shoots, there was approximately tenfold more BMAA and DAB in alfalfa roots. These results suggest that NPAAs might be taken up into crop plants from contaminated irrigation water and enter the food chain. This may present an exposure pathway for NPAAs in humans.

Toxic compounds produced by cyanobacteria belonging to several species of the order Nostocales: A review

Cyanobacteria are well recognised as producers of a wide range of natural compounds that are in turn recognised as toxins that have potential and useful applications in the future as pharmaceutical agents. The order Nostocales, which is largely overlooked in this regard, has become increasingly recognised as a source of toxin producers including Anabaena, Nostoc, Hapalosiphon, Fischerella, Anabaenopsis, Aphanizomenon, Gloeotrichia, Cylindrospermopsis, Scytonema, Raphidiopsis, Cuspidothrix, Nodularia, Stigonema, Calothrix, Cylindrospermum and Desmonostoc species. The toxin compounds (i.e., microcystins, nodularin, anatoxins, ambiguines, fischerindoles and welwitindolinones) and metabolites are about to have a destructive effect on both inland and aquatic environment aspects. The present review gives an overview of the various toxins that are extracted by the order Nostocales. The current research suggests that these compounds that are produced by cyanobacterial species have promising future considerations as potentially harmful algae and as promising leads for drug discovery.

Harmful Algal Blooms Threaten the Health of Peri-Urban Fisher Communities: A case study in Kisumu Bay, Lake Victoria, Kenya

Available guidance to mitigate health risks from exposure to freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) is largely derived from temperate ecosystems. Yet in tropical ecosystems, HABs can occur year-round, and resource-dependent populations face multiple routes of exposure to toxic components. Along Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya, fisher communities rely on lake water contaminated with microcystins (MCs) from HABs. In these peri-urban communities near Kisumu, we tested hypotheses that MCs exceed exposure guidelines across seasons, and persistent HABs present a chronic risk to fisher communities through ingestion with minimal water treatment and frequent, direct contact. We tested source waters at eleven communities across dry and rainy seasons from September 2015 through May 2016. We measured MCs, other metabolites, physicochemical parameters, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton abundance and diversity, and fecal indicators. We then selected four communities for interviews about water sources, usage, and treatment. Greater than 30% of source water samples exceeded WHO drinking water guidelines for MCs (1μg/L), and over 60% of source water samples exceeded USEPA guidelines for children and immunocompromised individuals. 50% of households reported sole use of raw lake water for drinking and household use, with alternate sources including rain and boreholes. Household chlorination was the most widespread treatment utilized. At this tropical, eutrophic lake, HABs pose a year-round health risk for fisher communities in resource -limited settings. Community-based solutions and site-specific guidance for Kisumu Bay and similarly impacted regions is needed to address a chronic health exposure likely to increase in severity and duration with global climate change.

A Scientometric Overview of Global Dinoflagellate Research

Understanding the evolution of scientific literature is a critical and necessary step for the development and strengthening of a research field. However, an overview of global dinoflagellate research remains unavailable. Herein, global dinoflagellate research output was analyzed based on a scientometric approach using the Scopus data archive. The basic characteristics and worldwide interactions of dinoflagellate research output were analyzed to determine the temporal evolution and new emerging trends. The results confirm that dinoflagellate research output, reflected in the number of publications, is a fast-growing area since the mid-1990s. In total, five research subareas emerged using a bibliometric keywords analysis: (1) “symbiosis with coral reefs”, (2) “phylogeny”, (3) “palynology”, (4) “harmful algal blooms” and (5) “nutrition strategies”. Dinoflagellate publications were modeled by fish production (both aquaculture and fisheries) and economic and social indexes. Finally, directions for future research are proposed and discussed. The presented scientometric analysis confirms that dinoflagellate research is an active and important area with focus on mitigating economic impacts, especially in regard to fish production.

Freshwater neurotoxins and concerns for human, animal, and ecosystem health: A review of anatoxin-a and saxitoxin

Toxic cyanobacteria are a concern worldwide because they can adversely affect humans, animals, and ecosystems. However, neurotoxins produced by freshwater cyanobacteria are understudied relative to microcystin. Thus, the objective of this critical review was to provide a comprehensive examination of the modes of action, production, fate, and occurrence of the freshwater neurotoxins anatoxin-a and saxitoxin as they relate to human, animal, and ecosystem health. Literature on freshwater anatoxin-a and saxitoxin was obtained and reviewed for both laboratory and field studies. Current (2020) research identifies as many as 41 anatoxin-a producing species and 15 saxitoxin-producing species of freshwater cyanobacteria. Field studies indicate that anatoxin-a and saxitoxin have widespread distribution, and examples are given from every continent except Antarctica. Human and animal health concerns can range from acute to chronic. However, few researchers studied chronic or sublethal effects of freshwater exposures to anatoxin-a or saxitoxin. Ecosystem health also is a concern, as the effects of toxicity may be far reaching and include consequences throughout the food web. Several gaps in knowledge were identified for anatoxin-a and saxitoxin, including triggers of production and release, environmental fate and degradation, primary and secondary exposure routes, diel variation, food web effects, effects of cyanotoxin mixtures, and sublethal health effects on individual organisms and populations. Despite the gaps, this critical review facilitates our current understanding of freshwater neurotoxins and thus can serve to `` guide future research on anatoxin-a, saxitoxin, and other cyanotoxins.

Cyanotoxin Analysis and Amino Acid Profiles of Cyanobacterial Food Items from Chad

In some parts of the world, cyanobacteria are used as a food in the human diet, due to their ready availability. Lake Chad, has long been a traditional site for the collection of Arthrospira fusiformis which is dried and processed at the lake into thin wafers called Dihé for later consumption or is transported to market for sale. However, Dihé purchased from markets in Chad has not been analyzed for known cyanobacterial toxins or assessed for total amino acid content. Since BMAA in traditional foodstuffs of the indigenous Chamorro people of Guam causes neurodegenerative illness, it is important that Dihé from Chad be analyzed for this neurotoxin. BMAA and its isomer AEG were not detected in our analyses, but a further isomer DAB was detected as both a free and bound amino acid, with an increase in the free concentration after acid hydrolysis of this fraction. Microcystins were present in 6 samples at up to 20 μg/g according to UPLC-PDA, although their presence could not be confirmed using PCR for known microcystin synthetic genes. Amino acid analysis of the cyanobacterial material from Chad showed the presence of large amounts of canonical amino acids, suggesting that this may supplement indigenous people on low protein diets, although regular monitoring of the foodstuffs for the presence of cyanotoxins should be performed.

Living near waterbodies as a proxy of cyanobacteria exposure and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population based case-control study

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies highlighted the possibility that exposure to cyanotoxins leads to the development of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

METHODS

We devised a population-based case-control study in two Italian populations. We used residential proximity of the residence to water bodies as a measure of possible exposure to cyanotoxins.

RESULTS

Based on 703 newly-diagnosed ALS cases and 2737 controls, we calculated an ALS odds ratio (OR) of 1.41 (95% CI: 0.72-2.74) for current residence in the vicinity of water bodies, and a slightly lower estimate for historical residence (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 0.57-2.99). Subjects <65 years and people living in the Northern Italy province of Modena had higher ORs, especially when historical residence was considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, despite some risk of bias due to exposure misclassification and unmeasured confounding, our results appear to support the hypothesis that cyanotoxin exposure may increase ALS risk.

Responses of Two Coastal Algae (Skeletonema costatum and Chlorella vulgaris) to Changes in Light and Iron Levels1

Iron (Fe) is essential for phytoplankton growth and photosynthesis, and is proposed to be an important factor regulating algal blooms under replete major nutrients in coastal environments. Here, Skeletonema costatum, a typical red-tide diatom species, and Chlorella vulgaris, a widely distributed Chlorella, were chosen to examine carbon fixation and Fe uptake by coastal algae under dark and light conditions with different Fe levels. The cellular carbon fixation and intracellular Fe uptake were measured via ¹⁴ C and ⁵⁵ Fe tracer assay, respectively. Cell growth, cell size, and chlorophyll-α concentration were measured to investigate the algal physiological variation in different treatments. Our results showed that cellular Fe uptake proceeds under dark and the uptake rates were comparable to or even higher than those in the light for both algal species. Fe requirements per unit carbon fixation were also higher in the dark resulting in higher Fe: C ratios. During the experimental period, high Fe addition significantly enhanced cellular carbon fixation and Fe uptake. Compared to C. vulgaris, S. costatum was the common dominant bloom species because of its lower Fe demand but higher Fe uptake rate. This study provides some of the first measurements of Fe quotas in coastal phytoplankton cells, and implies that light and Fe concentrations may influence the phytoplankton community succession when blooms occur in coastal ecosystems.

Algal neurotoxin biosynthesis repurposes the terpene cyclase structural fold into an N-prenyltransferase

Prenylation is a common biological reaction in all domains of life wherein prenyl diphosphate donors transfer prenyl groups onto small molecules as well as large proteins. The enzymes that catalyze these reactions are structurally distinct from ubiquitous terpene cyclases that, instead, assemble terpenes via intramolecular rearrangements of a single substrate. Herein, we report the structure and molecular details of a new family of prenyltransferases from marine algae that repurposes the terpene cyclase structural fold for the N-prenylation of glutamic acid during the biosynthesis of the potent neurochemicals domoic acid and kainic acid. We solved the X-ray crystal structure of the prenyltransferase found in domoic acid biosynthesis, DabA, and show distinct active site binding modifications that remodel the canonical magnesium (Mg²⁺)-binding motif found in terpene cyclases. We then applied our structural knowledge of DabA and a homologous enzyme from the kainic acid biosynthetic pathway, KabA, to reengineer their isoprene donor specificities (geranyl diphosphate [GPP] versus dimethylallyl diphosphate [DMAPP]) with a single amino acid change. While diatom DabA and seaweed KabA enzymes share a common evolutionary lineage, they are distinct from all other terpene cyclases, suggesting a very distant ancestor to the larger terpene synthase family.

Oligosaccharides from Morinda officinalis Slow the Progress of Aging Mice by Regulating the Key Microbiota-Metabolite Pairs

The gut microbiota is considered an important factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Active research on the association between the metabolome and the gut microbiome is ongoing and can provide a large amount of beneficial information about the interactions between the microbiome and the metabolome. Previous studies have shown that the oligosaccharides from Morinda officinalis (OMO) can delay the progress of AD in model animals by regulating the diversity of the gut microbiome and metabolic components, and the correlation between the gut microbiome and metabolic components still needs to be further verified. This study applied a new two-level strategy to investigate and ensure the accuracy and consistency of the results. This strategy can be used to determine the association between the gut microbiome and serum metabolome in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and C57BL/6J male mice. The “4C0d-2 spp.-Cholesterol,” “CW040 spp.-L-valine,” “CW040 spp.-L-acetylcarnitine,” “RF39 spp.-L-valine,” “TM7-3 spp.-L-valine,” and “TM7-3 spp.-L-acetylcarnitine” associations among specific “microbiota-metabolite” pairs were further identified based on univariate and multivariate correlation analyses and functional analyses. The key relevant pairs were verified by an independent oligosaccharide intervention study, and the gut microbiome and serum metabolome of the OMO intervention group were similar to those of the normal group. The results indicate that OMO can significantly suppress Alzheimer's disease by regulating the key microbiota-metabolite pairs. Therefore, this two-level strategy is effective in identifying the principal correlations in large datasets obtained from combinations of multiomic studies and further enhancing our understanding of the correlation between the brain and gut in patients with AD.

Blooming cyanobacteria alter water flea reproduction via exudates of estrogen analogues

Cyanobacteria blooms are increasing globally, with further increases predicted in association with climate change. Recently, some cyanobacteria species have been identified as a source of estrogenic effects in aquatic animals. To explore possible estrogenic effects of Microcystis aeruginosa (an often-dominant cyanobacteria species) on zooplankton, we examined effects of cyanobacteria exudates (MaE, 2 × 10⁴ and 4 × 10⁵ cells/ml) on reproduction in Daphnia magna. We analyzed physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics of exposed Daphnia via both chronic and acute exposures. MaE at both low and high cell density enhanced egg number (15.4% and 23.3%, respectively) and reproduction (37.7% and 52.4%, respectively) in D. magna similar to 10 μg/L estradiol exposure. In addition, both MaE of low and high cell densities increased population growth rate (15.8% and 19.6%, respectively) and reproductive potential (60% and 83%, respectively) of D. magna. These exudates promoted D. magna reproduction by stimulating 17β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) activity and production of ecdysone and juvenile hormone, and by enhancing vitellogenin biosynthesis via up-regulating expression of Vtg1 and Vtg2. However, increased expression (6.6 times higher than controls) of a detoxification gene (CYP360A8) indicated that MaE might also induce toxicity in D. magna. Reproductive interference of zooplankton by blooming cyanobacteria might negatively affect foodwebs because MaE-induced zooplankton population increase would enhance grazing and reduce abundance of edible algae, thereby adding to the list of known disruptive properties of cyanobacterial blooms.

Neurotoxicity induced by microcystins and cylindrospermopsin: A review

Microcystins (MCs) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) are among the most frequent toxins produced by cyanobacteria. These toxic secondary metabolites are classified as hepatotoxins and cytotoxin, respectively. Furthermore, both may present the ability to induce damage to the nervous system. In this sense, there are many studies manifesting the potential of MCs to cause neurotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, due to their probable capacity to cross the blood-brain-barrier through organic anion transporting polypeptides. Moreover, the presence of MCs has been detected in brain of several experimental models. Among the neurological effects, histopathological brain changes, deregulation of biochemical parameters in brain (production of oxidative stress and inhibition of protein phosphatases) and behavioral alterations have been described. It is noteworthy that minority variants such as MC-LF and -LW have demonstrated to exert higher neurotoxic effects compared to the most studied congener, MC-LR. By contrast, the available studies concerning CYN-neurotoxic effects are very scarce, mostly showing inflammation and apoptosis in neural murine cell lines, oxidative stress, and alteration of the acetylcholinesterase activity in vivo. However, more studies are required in order to clarify the neurotoxic potential of both toxins, as well as their possible contribution to neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurotoxic assessment of Microcystin-LR, cylindrospermopsin and their combination on the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) are produced by cyanobacteria. Although being considered as a hepatotoxin and a cytotoxin, respectively, different studies have revealed neurotoxic properties for both of them. The aim of the present work was to study their cytotoxic effects, alone and in combination, in the SH-SY5Y cell line. In addition, toxicity mechanisms such as oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and morphological studies were carried out. Results showed a cytotoxic response of the cells after their exposure to 0-100 μg/mL of MC-LR or 0-10 μg/mL CYN in both differentiated and undifferentiated cells. Thus, CYN resulted to be more toxic than MC-LR. Respect to their combination, a higher cytotoxic effect than the toxins alone in the case of undifferentiated cells, and almost a similar response to the presented by MC-LR in differentiated cells were observed. However, after analyzing this data with the isobolograms method, an antagonistic effect was mainly obtained. The oxidative stress study only showed an affectation of glutathione levels at the highest concentrations assayed of MC-LR and the combination in the undifferentiated cells. A significant increase in the AChE activity was observed after exposure to MC-LR in undifferentiated cells, and after exposure to the combination of both cyanotoxins on differentiated cells. However, CYN decreased the AChE activity only on differentiated cultures. Finally, the morphological study revealed different signs of cellular affectation, with apoptotic processes at all the concentrations assayed. Therefore, both cyanotoxins isolated and in combination, have demonstrated to cause neurotoxic effects in the SH-SY5Y cell line.

The Incidence of Marine Toxins and the Associated Seafood Poisoning Episodes in the African Countries of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea

The occurrence of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and bacteria can be one of the great threats to public health due to their ability to produce marine toxins (MTs). The most reported MTs include paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), amnesic shellfish toxins (ASTs), diarrheic shellfish toxins (DSTs), cyclic imines (CIs), ciguatoxins (CTXs), azaspiracids (AZTs), palytoxin (PlTXs), tetrodotoxins (TTXs) and their analogs, some of them leading to fatal outcomes. MTs have been reported in several marine organisms causing human poisoning incidents since these organisms constitute the food basis of coastal human populations. In African countries of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, to date, only South Africa has a specific monitoring program for MTs and some other countries count only with respect to centers of seafood poisoning control. Therefore, the aim of this review is to evaluate the occurrence of MTs and associated poisoning episodes as a contribution to public health and monitoring programs as an MT risk assessment tool for this geographic region.

Cyanobacterial Neurotoxin Beta-Methyl-Amino-l-Alanine Affects Dopaminergic Neurons in Optic Ganglia and Brain of Daphnia magna

The non-proteinogenic amino acid beta-methyl-amino-l-alanine (BMAA) is a neurotoxin produced by cyanobacteria. BMAA accumulation in the brain of animals via biomagnification along the food web can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS/PDC), the latter being associated with a loss of dopaminergic neurons. Daphnia magna is an important microcrustacean zooplankton species that plays a key role in aquatic food webs, and BMAA-producing cyanobacteria often form part of their diet. Here, we tested the effects of BMAA on putative neurodegeneration of newly identified specific dopaminergic neurons in the optic ganglia/brain complex of D. magna using quantitative tyrosine-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry and fluorescence cytometry. The dopaminergic system was analysed in fed and starved isogenic D. magna adults incubated under different BMAA concentrations over 4 days. Increased BMAA concentration showed significant decrease in the stainability of dopaminergic neurons of D. magna, with fed animals showing a more extreme loss. Furthermore, higher BMAA concentrations tended to increase offspring mortality during incubation. These results are indicative of ingested BMAA causing neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in D. magna and adversely affecting reproduction. This may imply similar effects of BMAA on known human neurodegenerative diseases involving dopaminergic neurons.

Practical Application of Aptamer-Based Biosensors in Detection of Low Molecular Weight Pollutants in Water Sources

Water pollution has become one of the leading causes of human health problems. Low molecular weight pollutants, even at trace concentrations in water sources, have aroused global attention due to their toxicity after long-time exposure. There is an increased demand for appropriate methods to detect these pollutants in aquatic systems. Aptamers, single-stranded DNA or RNA, have high affinity and specificity to each of their target molecule, similar to antigen-antibody interaction. Aptamers can be selected using a method called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). Recent years we have witnessed great progress in developing aptamer selection and aptamer-based sensors for low molecular weight pollutants in water sources, such as tap water, seawater, lake water, river water, as well as wastewater and its effluents. This review provides an overview of aptamer-based methods as a novel approach for detecting low molecular weight pollutants in water sources.