1
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Barreiro-Crespo L, Sanchez-Henao A, Gimeno-Monforte S, Reverté J, Campàs M, Tsumuraya T, Diogène J, Tunin-Ley A, Maillot F, Flores C, Fontanals N, Borrull F, Turquet J, Rambla-Alegre M. Toxicity and toxin profile of La Réunion (Indian Ocean) fish containing CTX-like compounds. HARMFUL ALGAE 2025; 147:102882. [PMID: 40449987 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2025.102882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2025] [Revised: 04/11/2025] [Accepted: 05/02/2025] [Indexed: 06/03/2025]
Abstract
Several outbreaks of ciguatera poisoning have been recorded in La Réunion (SW Indian Ocean) since 1986. Toxicities and toxin profiles of fish from the Indian Ocean are poorly documented. In this work, a multidisciplinary study on the toxicity of fish from the Indian Ocean by neuro-2a cell-based assay was assessed, and the CTX-like compounds were evaluated by a magnetic bead-based immunoassay. The toxin profile is described by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The liver, muscle, and viscera of four fish specimens of three different species (one Lutjanus bohar, two Variola louti and one Carcharinus leucas) caught in the waters of La Réunion were analysed. One of the V. louti specimens was obtained after a CP incident. Their toxicity values ranged between 0.01 and 2.69 μg CTX1B equiv.·kg-1 in flesh, 1.60 and 6.50 μg CTX1B equiv.·kg-1 in liver and 0.07 and 4.77 μg CTX1B equiv.·kg-1 in viscera. In general, liver and viscera showed higher concentrations of CTX-like compounds than flesh. Several potential CTX congeners were identified. LC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of CTX1B, 52-epi-54-deoxyCTX1B and 54-deoxyCTX1B in the flesh of the V. louti specimen involved in the CP incident. CTX1B was identified in the three tissues of the other V. louti individual and in the L. bohar. The C. leucas samples revealed the presence of a complex CTXs profile showing congeners of the CTX3C-group. The strategy used within this research work could be a valuable tool for future food safety monitoring in the Indian Ocean area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Barreiro-Crespo
- IRTA, Marine and Continental Waters, Ctra. Poble Nou, km 5.5, 43540, La Ràpita, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, C/ Marcel·lí Domingo s/n, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Andres Sanchez-Henao
- IRTA, Marine and Continental Waters, Ctra. Poble Nou, km 5.5, 43540, La Ràpita, Spain; University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Ctra. Transmontaña S/N, 35413 Arucas, Spain
| | | | - Jaume Reverté
- IRTA, Marine and Continental Waters, Ctra. Poble Nou, km 5.5, 43540, La Ràpita, Spain
| | - Mònica Campàs
- IRTA, Marine and Continental Waters, Ctra. Poble Nou, km 5.5, 43540, La Ràpita, Spain
| | - Takeshi Tsumuraya
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570, Japan
| | - Jorge Diogène
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, C/ Marcel·lí Domingo s/n, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Alina Tunin-Ley
- Centre Technique de Recherche et de Valorisation des Millieux Aquatiques (CITEB), C/o CYROI 2, Rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Fanny Maillot
- Centre Technique de Recherche et de Valorisation des Millieux Aquatiques (CITEB), C/o CYROI 2, Rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Cintia Flores
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory/Organic Pollutants, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Fontanals
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, C/ Marcel·lí Domingo s/n, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Francesc Borrull
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, C/ Marcel·lí Domingo s/n, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jean Turquet
- Centre Technique de Recherche et de Valorisation des Millieux Aquatiques (CITEB), C/o CYROI 2, Rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Maria Rambla-Alegre
- IRTA, Marine and Continental Waters, Ctra. Poble Nou, km 5.5, 43540, La Ràpita, Spain.
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2
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Sibat M, Mai T, Chomérat N, Bilien G, Lhaute K, Hess P, Séchet V, Jauffrais T. Gambierdiscus polynesiensis from New Caledonia (South West Pacific Ocean): Morpho-molecular characterization, toxin profile and response to light intensity. HARMFUL ALGAE 2025; 145:102859. [PMID: 40324860 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2025.102859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2025] [Revised: 04/01/2025] [Accepted: 04/06/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025]
Abstract
Gambierdiscus is known to produce neurotoxins associated with ciguatera poisoning (CP). In New Caledonia (NC), South West Pacific Ocean, there is currently a significant knowledge gap regarding CP and the microalgae linked to this foodborne illness. This study describes a new strain of Gambierdiscus polynesiensis, 19PV93, isolated from the west coast of NC. The strain was isolated and cultured for morpho-molecular characterization to determine its phylogenetic position. Toxic activity was assessed using a cell-based assay with neuroblastoma cells (CBA-N2a), and the toxin profile was characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to evaluate potential risks to human health. Regarding the toxin profile, G. polynesiensis was characterized by the presence of gambierone, 44-methylgambierone (44-MeG), and an atypical ciguatoxin profile consisting solely of ciguatoxin-4A (CTX4A) and -4B (CTX4B). This finding confirms intraspecific variations in toxin profiles between strains from different geographic origins. In culture, G. polynesiensis demonstrated a preference for relatively low irradiances (50 to 100 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) compared to the higher light intensities often encountered in their natural environment. The impact of light on toxin concentrations was found to be inversely related to light intensity, with higher quotas observed at lower light levels. Gambierdiscus employed non-photochemical quenching as a photoprotective strategy to safeguard PSII from excessive light, particularly during both short-term and long-term exposure. However, this dissipation strategy alone appears insufficient, as photoinhibition was consistently observed, and the electron transfer rate and yield along the electron transfer chain rapidly declined with increasing light intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoëlla Sibat
- Ifremer, ODE/PHYTOX-METALG, Rue de l'île d'Yeu, F-44300 Nantes, France.
| | - Tepoerau Mai
- Ifremer, IRD, Univ Nouvelle-Calédonie, Univ La Réunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, BP 32078, 98800, Noumea, New Caledonia; Institut Louis Malardé (ILM), 98713 Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.
| | - Nicolas Chomérat
- Ifremer, ODE/COAST/LERBO, Station Ifremer de Concarneau, Place de la Croix, Concarneau, F-29900, France.
| | - Gwenael Bilien
- Ifremer, ODE/COAST/LERBO, Station Ifremer de Concarneau, Place de la Croix, Concarneau, F-29900, France.
| | - Korian Lhaute
- Ifremer, ODE/PHYTOX-METALG, Rue de l'île d'Yeu, F-44300 Nantes, France.
| | - Philipp Hess
- Ifremer, ODE/PHYTOX-METALG, Rue de l'île d'Yeu, F-44300 Nantes, France; Ifremer, PHYTOX, Laboratoire PHYSALG, F-44300 Nantes, France.
| | | | - Thierry Jauffrais
- Ifremer, IRD, Univ Nouvelle-Calédonie, Univ La Réunion, CNRS, UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, BP 32078, 98800, Noumea, New Caledonia.
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3
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Holmes MJ, Lewis RJ. Reviewing Evidence for Disturbance to Coral Reefs Increasing the Risk of Ciguatera. Toxins (Basel) 2025; 17:195. [PMID: 40278692 PMCID: PMC12030847 DOI: 10.3390/toxins17040195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2025] [Revised: 04/08/2025] [Accepted: 04/09/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis that disturbance to coral reefs creates new surfaces that increase the risk of ciguatera is premised upon the increased algal substrates that develop on these surfaces being colonised by high ciguatoxin (CTX)-producing Gambierdiscus species that proliferate and enter the ciguatera food chain. Current evidence indicates that new algal substrates are indeed rapidly colonised by Gambierdiscus. However, the requirement that these Gambierdiscus species include at least one that is a significant (high) CTX-producer is more likely a limiting step. While ambient environmental conditions impact the capacity of Gambierdiscus to bloom, factors that limit the growth of the bloom could influence (typically increase) the flux of CTX entering marine food chains. Additionally, new algal substrates on damaged reefs can be preferentially grazed to funnel ciguatoxins from Gambierdiscus to herbivores in disturbed reef areas. In societies consuming second trophic level species (herbivores, grazers, and detritivores), such funnelling of CTX would increase the risk of ciguatera, although such risk would be partially offset over time by growth (toxin-dilution) and depuration. Here, we review evidence for six potential mechanisms to increase ciguatera risk from disturbance to coral reefs and suggest a hypothesis where ecosystem changes could increase the flux of CTX to groupers through a shift in predation from predominately feeding on planktonic-feeding prey to mostly feeding on benthic-feeding prey, increasing the potential for CTX to accumulate. Evidence for this hypothesis is stronger for the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and it may not apply to the Caribbean Sea/Atlantic Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia;
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4
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Liu X, Xu C, Wu J, Foo YH, Zhou J, Wu B, Chan LL. Automatic MS/MS Data Mining Strategy for Rapid Screening of Polyether Toxins Derived from Gambierdiscus Species. Anal Chem 2025; 97:5643-5652. [PMID: 40035825 PMCID: PMC11923951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c06440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2025] [Accepted: 02/26/2025] [Indexed: 03/06/2025]
Abstract
Gambierdiscus is a primary producer of diverse polyether toxins that can biomagnify and transform within marine food webs, posing major risks to marine organisms and human health. Currently, many toxins derived from Gambierdiscus remain unidentified. Existing toxin analysis methodologies primarily rely on known toxins, limiting the representation of toxin diversity and complexity and potentially underestimating associated risks. Herein, we present a Toxin-Screening program for high-throughput screening of polyether compounds by analyzing MS2 fragmentation patterns of detected ions and identifying Pacific Ocean ciguatoxins (P-CTXs) and gambierones through specific ion recognition. Using the Toxin-Screening program, eight P-CTXs purified from fish and Gambierdiscus spp., alongside two commercial gambierones standards, were successfully extracted from 5027 MS2 spectra and annotated. This method was subsequently applied to profile polyether compounds in three Gambierdiscus caribaeus strains, revealing only ten polyether compounds shared among the strains, while strain-specific compounds dominated. All G. caribaeus strains were found to produce gambierone, with levels notably varying among the strains. Several polyether compounds containing one or two SO3 groups suggest a potential novel toxin family that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowan Liu
- The
State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon 999077, Hong
Kong SAR, China
| | - Chenchen Xu
- College
of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang
University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- The
State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon 999077, Hong
Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen
Key Laboratory for the Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity, Research
Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Yock Haw Foo
- Asian
School of Environment, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore 637616, Singapore
| | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen
International Graduate School, Tsinghua
University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Ocean
College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 321000, China
| | - Leo Lai Chan
- The
State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon 999077, Hong
Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen
Key Laboratory for the Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity, Research
Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
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5
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Li X, Lew K, Leyau YL, Shen P, Chua J, Lin KJ, Wu Y, Chan SH. Application of High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Ciguatoxin Detection in Fish from the Asia-Pacific Region. Toxins (Basel) 2025; 17:100. [PMID: 40137873 PMCID: PMC11946577 DOI: 10.3390/toxins17030100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2025] [Accepted: 02/11/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Fish is a major source of protein in Asia-Pacific countries. Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), caused by consuming reef fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs), poses a significant health risk, affecting the neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems. Climate change and the global food trade are potentially major factors contributing to the expanding geographical range and frequency of CFP outbreaks. Therefore, the surveillance and monitoring of CTXs in fishery products are essential to safeguard food safety. In this study, liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was used to screen for CTXs in wild-caught fish from the region. Analysis of two grouper fish samples from Okinawa, Japan, detected CTX-1B, a major CTX known to incur in fish from the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, putative Indian Ocean CTXs (I-CTXs) were also identified. Further study with HRMS on wild-caught red emperor fish from Southeast Asia waters revealed low levels of I-CTXs as well. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced food safety measures and expansion of monitoring protocols to include I-CTXs. This research contributes to the global understanding of CTX distribution and confirms the importance of HRMS application in routine surveillance to mitigate the risks associated with ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore; (X.L.); (Y.L.L.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Ker Lew
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore; (X.L.); (Y.L.L.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Yu Lee Leyau
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore; (X.L.); (Y.L.L.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Ping Shen
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore; (X.L.); (Y.L.L.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Joachim Chua
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore; (X.L.); (Y.L.L.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Kung Ju Lin
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore; (X.L.); (Y.L.L.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Yuansheng Wu
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore; (X.L.); (Y.L.L.); (S.H.C.)
| | - Sheot Harn Chan
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, 7 International Business Park, Singapore 609919, Singapore; (X.L.); (Y.L.L.); (S.H.C.)
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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6
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Turner AD, Maskrey BH, Stone D, Mudge EM, Robertson A. First Confirmed Occurrence of Ciguatera Poisoning in the UK from Imported Pinjalo Snapper ( Pinjalo pinjalo). Mar Drugs 2025; 23:67. [PMID: 39997191 PMCID: PMC11857775 DOI: 10.3390/md23020067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2025] [Accepted: 01/31/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Three people in England consumed fish steaks labeled as Red Snapper (Lutjanus bohar) originating from the Indian Ocean. Within 12 h, all three experienced sickness including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as myalgia and paresthesia. Three steaks from a single package of fish obtained from a grocery store were consumed, leaving one uneaten, which was submitted for analysis. Cytotoxicity testing via the mouse neuroblastoma assay confirmed the presence of sodium channel specific activity consistent with a ciguatoxin standard, and the levels detected were above established guidance limits for safe consumption. Chemical detection using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry of both intact toxins and periodate oxidation products was used to confirm the presence of chromatographic peaks consistent with tri- and di-hydroxylated Pacific ciguatoxin 3C congeners. Taking the shared medical symptoms of patients, the recent dietary history, and the known potential for ciguatera poisoning to occur in snapper species, the subsequent evidence for CTX-like activity and CTXs in the same fish sample provides very strong evidence that the fish steaks consumed were similarly contaminated with CTXs. Furthermore, given the levels reported, such toxicity would be expected to cause intoxication in humans. Fish species identification based on DNA barcoding confirmed that the fish products were mislabeled, with the tissues instead being the Pinjalo snapper, Pinjalo pinjalo. This is the first confirmed ciguatera poisoning incident in both the UK and from the Pinjalo snapper and highlights the need for monitoring of these emerging toxins in reef fish imports to prevent future human intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Turner
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (B.H.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Benjamin H. Maskrey
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (B.H.M.); (D.S.)
| | - David Stone
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK; (B.H.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Elizabeth M. Mudge
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, Halifax, NS B3H 3Z1, Canada;
| | - Alison Robertson
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA;
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, University Avenue N., Mobile, AL 36688, USA
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7
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Sasaki M, Ohba M, Murakami A, Umehara A. Convergent and Scalable Second-Generation Synthesis of the Fully Functionalized HIJKLMN-Ring Segment of Caribbean Ciguatoxin C-CTX-1. J Org Chem 2024; 89:18631-18639. [PMID: 39630570 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.4c02723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
A highly convergent and scalable second-generation synthesis of the fully functionalized HIJKLMN-ring segment of Caribbean ciguatoxin C-CTX-1, the primary toxin responsible for ciguatera fish poisoning in the Caribbean Sea and the Northeast Atlantic regions, has been accomplished. Key aspects of the synthetic approach include the efficient syntheses of the HI- and KLM-ring fragments on gram scales, a convergent fragment coupling toward the HIJKLM-ring skeleton based on the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling strategy, and optimized iron hydride-catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer-mediated olefin coupling conditions for constructing the N-ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Sasaki
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Miyu Ohba
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Ako Murakami
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Atsushi Umehara
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
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8
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Liu X, Bian Z, Hu S, Dickinson CF, Benjamin MM, Jia J, Tian Y, Place A, Hanna GS, Luesch H, Croot P, Reddy MM, Thomas OP, Hardiman G, Puglisi MP, Yang M, Zhong Z, Lemasters JJ, Korte JE, Waters AL, Heltzel CE, Williamson RT, Strangman WK, Valeriote F, Tius MA, DiTullio GR, Ferreira D, Alekseyenko A, Wang S, Hamann MT, Wang X. The Chemistry of Phytoplankton. Chem Rev 2024; 124:13099-13177. [PMID: 39571071 PMCID: PMC11638913 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024]
Abstract
Phytoplankton have a high potential for CO2 capture and conversion. Besides being a vital food source at the base of oceanic and freshwater food webs, microalgae provide a critical platform for producing chemicals and consumer products. Enhanced nutrient levels, elevated CO2, and rising temperatures increase the frequency of algal blooms, which often have negative effects such as fish mortalities, loss of flora and fauna, and the production of algal toxins. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) produce toxins that pose major challenges to water quality, ecosystem function, human health, tourism, and the food web. These toxins have complex chemical structures and possess a wide range of biological properties with potential applications as new therapeutics. This review presents a balanced and comprehensive assessment of the roles of algal blooms in generating fixed carbon for the food chain, sequestering carbon, and their unique secondary metabolites. The structural complexity of these metabolites has had an unprecedented impact on structure elucidation technologies and total synthesis, which are highlighted throughout this review. In addition, the influence of biogeochemical environmental perturbations on algal blooms and their influence on biospheric environments is discussed. Lastly, we summarize work on management strategies and technologies for the control and treatment of HABs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Liu
- Department
of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu China
| | - Zhiwei Bian
- Department
of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu China
| | - Shian Hu
- Department
of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu China
| | - Cody F. Dickinson
- Department
of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Menny M. Benjamin
- Department
of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Jia Jia
- School
of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yintai Tian
- Department
of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu China
| | - Allen Place
- Institute
of Marine Biotechnology and Technology, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, United States
| | - George S. Hanna
- Department
of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Hendrik Luesch
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery
and Development, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- Program
in Cancer and Stem Cell Technology, Duke-NUS
Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Peter Croot
- Irish
Centre
for Research in Applied Geoscience, Earth and Ocean Sciences and Ryan
Institute, School of Natural Sciences, University
of Galway, Galway H91TK33, Ireland
| | - Maggie M. Reddy
- School
of
Biological and Chemical Sciences, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Olivier P. Thomas
- School
of
Biological and Chemical Sciences, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of
Biological Sciences Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT7 1NN, U.K.
| | - Melany P. Puglisi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chicago State
University, Chicago, Illinois 60628, United States
| | - Ming Yang
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Zhi Zhong
- Department
of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - John J. Lemasters
- Department
of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Jeffrey E. Korte
- Department
of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Amanda L. Waters
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034, United States
| | - Carl E. Heltzel
- Department
of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - R. Thomas Williamson
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina 28409, United States
| | - Wendy K. Strangman
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina 28409, United States
| | - Fred Valeriote
- Henry
Ford Health Systems, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Marcus A. Tius
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, United States
| | - Giacomo R. DiTullio
- Department
of Oceanography, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina 29403, United States
| | - Daneel Ferreira
- Department
of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Alexander Alekseyenko
- Department
of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- State Key
Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese
Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Mark T. Hamann
- Department
of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Department
of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu China
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9
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Perkins JC, Zenger KR, Liu Y, Strugnell JM. Ciguatera poisoning: A review of the ecology and detection methods for Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa species. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 139:102735. [PMID: 39567072 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2024.102735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 10/02/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024]
Abstract
Ciguatera poisoning is the most prevalent non-bacterial seafood illness globally, with an estimated 10,000 to 50,000 human cases reported annually. While most symptoms are generally mild, some cases can result in severe and long-lasting neurological and psychological damage, and in some instances, even death. The known causative agents of ciguatera poisoning are benthic toxic dinoflagellate species belonging to the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa. These species produce highly potent ciguatoxins that bioaccumulate through the marine food chain, eventually reaching humans through seafood consumption. Although Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa species are widespread in tropical waters worldwide, the full extent of their distribution remains uncertain. This review provides a detailed examination of the ecological dynamics of these dinoflagellates and explores the diverse range of detection methods used to monitor them. These include a focus on molecular techniques for detection, alongside morphological methods, emerging technologies, and a toxin detection overview. Additionally, we offer recommendations on how the field can advance, highlighting novel solutions and next steps for improving detection and monitoring practices. By assessing the strengths and limitations of current approaches and proposing directions for future research, this review aims to support efforts in better understanding and mitigating the risk of ciguatera poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Perkins
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Qld, Australia.
| | - Kyall R Zenger
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Qld, Australia
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Qld, Australia
| | - Jan M Strugnell
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Qld, Australia
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10
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Fernández-Herrera LJ, Núñez-Vázquez EJ, Hernández-Sandoval FE, Ceseña-Ojeda DO, García-Davis S, Teles A, Virgen-Félix M, Tovar-Ramírez D. Morphological, Toxicological, and Biochemical Characterization of Two Species of Gambierdiscus from Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:422. [PMID: 39330303 PMCID: PMC11433345 DOI: 10.3390/md22090422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe five new isolates of two Gambierdiscus species from Bahía de La Paz in the southern Gulf of California. Batch cultures of Gambierdiscus were established for morphological characterization using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pigment and amino acid profiles were also analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV and HPLC-DAD). Finally, toxicity (CTX-like and MTX-like activity) was evaluated using the Artemia salina assay (ARTOX), mouse assay (MBA), marine fish assay (MFA), and fluorescent receptor binding assay (fRBA). These strains were identified as Gambierdiscus cf. caribaeus and Gambierdiscus cf. carpenteri. Toxicity for CTX-like and MTX-like activity was confirmed in all evaluated clones. Seven pigments were detected, with chlorophyll a, pyridine, Chl2, and diadinoxanthin being particularly noteworthy. For the first time, a screening of the amino acid profile of Gambierdiscus from the Pacific Ocean was conducted, which showed 14 amino acids for all strains except histidine, which was only present in G. cf. caribeaus. We report the presence of Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa species in the Mexican Pacific, where ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) cases have occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyberth José Fernández-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Toxinas Marinas y Aminoácidos, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita, La Paz CP 23096, Mexico
| | - Erick Julián Núñez-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Toxinas Marinas y Aminoácidos, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita, La Paz CP 23096, Mexico
| | - Francisco E Hernández-Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Microalgas Nocivas, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita, La Paz CP 23096, Mexico
| | - Daniel Octavio Ceseña-Ojeda
- Laboratorio de Toxinas Marinas y Aminoácidos, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita, La Paz CP 23096, Mexico
| | - Sara García-Davis
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González (IUBO AG), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Andressa Teles
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada y Genómica Funcional, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita, La Paz CP 23096, Mexico
| | - Marte Virgen-Félix
- Laboratorio de Colección de Microalgas, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita, La Paz CP 23096, Mexico
| | - Dariel Tovar-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Comparada y Genómica Funcional, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita, La Paz CP 23096, Mexico
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11
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Yon T, Réveillon D, Sibat M, Holland C, Litaker RW, Nascimento SM, Rossignoli AE, Riobó P, Hess P, Bertrand S. Targeted and non-targeted mass spectrometry to explore the chemical diversity of the genus Gambierdiscus in the Atlantic Ocean. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 222:114095. [PMID: 38631521 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Dinoflagellates of the genus Gambierdiscus have been associated with ciguatera, the most common non-bacterial fish-related intoxication in the world. Many studies report the presence of potentially toxic Gambierdiscus species along the Atlantic coasts including G. australes, G. silvae and G. excentricus. Estimates of their toxicity, as determined by bio-assays, vary substantially, both between species and strains of the same species. Therefore, there is a need for additional knowledge on the metabolite production of Gambierdiscus species and their variation to better understand species differences. Using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, toxin and metabolomic profiles of five species of Gambierdiscus found in the Atlantic Ocean were reported. In addition, a molecular network was constructed aiming at annotating the metabolomes. Results demonstrated that G. excentricus could be discriminated from the other species based solely on the presence of MTX4 and sulfo-gambierones and that the variation in toxin content for a single strain could be up to a factor of two due to different culture conditions between laboratories. While untargeted analyses highlighted a higher variability at the metabolome level, signal correction was applied and supervised multivariate statistics performed on the untargeted data set permitted the selection of 567 features potentially useful as biomarkers for the distinction of G. excentricus, G. caribaeus, G. carolinianus, G. silvae and G. belizeanus. Further studies will be required to validate the use of these biomarkers in discriminating Gambierdiscus species. The study also provided an overview about 17 compound classes present in Gambierdiscus, however, significant improvements in annotation are still required to reach a more comprehensive knowledge of Gambierdiscus' metabolome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Yon
- Ifremer, PHYTOX, Laboratoire METALG, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | | | - Manoëlla Sibat
- Ifremer, PHYTOX, Laboratoire METALG, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Chris Holland
- Beaufort Laboratory, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, NOAA, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - R Wayne Litaker
- CSS, Inc. Under Contract to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Silvia M Nascimento
- Laboratório de Microalgas Marinhas, Departamento de Ecologia e Recursos Marinhos, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro 22290-240, Brazil
| | - Araceli E Rossignoli
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Ocenográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radiofaro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Pilar Riobó
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, CSIC. Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Philipp Hess
- Ifremer, PHYTOX, Laboratoire METALG, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Samuel Bertrand
- Nantes Université, Institut des Substances et Organismes de la Mer, ISOMer, UR 2160, F-44000 Nantes, France; ThalassOMICS Metabolomics Facility, Plateforme Corsaire, Biogenouest, 44311 Nantes, France
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12
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Estevez P, Oses-Prieto J, Castro D, Penin A, Burlingame A, Gago-Martinez A. First Detection of Algal Caribbean Ciguatoxin in Amberjack Causing Ciguatera Poisoning in the Canary Islands (Spain). Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:189. [PMID: 38668614 PMCID: PMC11054928 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ciguatera Poisoning (CP) is an illness associated with the consumption of fish contaminated with potent natural toxins found in the marine environment, commonly known as ciguatoxins (CTXs). The risk characterization of CP has become a worldwide concern due to the widespread expansion of these natural toxins. The identification of CTXs is hindered by the lack of commercially available reference materials. This limitation impedes progress in developing analytical tools and conducting toxicological studies essential for establishing regulatory levels for control. This study focuses on characterizing the CTX profile of an amberjack responsible for a recent CP case in the Canary Islands (Spain), located on the east Atlantic coast. The exceptional sensitivity offered by Capillary Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (cLC-HRMS) enabled the detection, for the first time in fish contaminated in the Canary Islands, of traces of an algal ciguatoxin recently identified in G. silvae and G. caribeaus from the Caribbean Sea. This algal toxin was structurally characterized by cLC-HRMS being initially identified as C-CTX5. The total toxin concentration of CTXs was eight times higher than the guidance level proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (0.1 ng C-CTX1/g fish tissue), with C-CTX1 and 17-hydroxy-C-CTX1 as major CTXs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Estevez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; (P.E.); (J.O.-P.); (A.B.)
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Campus Universitario de Vigo, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (D.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Juan Oses-Prieto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; (P.E.); (J.O.-P.); (A.B.)
| | - David Castro
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Campus Universitario de Vigo, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (D.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Alejandro Penin
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Campus Universitario de Vigo, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (D.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Alma Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; (P.E.); (J.O.-P.); (A.B.)
| | - Ana Gago-Martinez
- Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Campus Universitario de Vigo, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (D.C.); (A.P.)
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13
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Yokozeki T, Kawabata M, Fujita K, Hirama M, Tsumuraya T. Sensitive Detection of Ciguatoxins Using a Neuroblastoma Cell-Based Assay with Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Inhibitors. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:118. [PMID: 38535783 PMCID: PMC10974581 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16030118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Ciguatoxins (CTXs) are neurotoxins responsible for ciguatera poisoning (CP), which affects more than 50,000 people worldwide annually. The development of analytical methods to prevent CP is a pressing global issue, and the N2a assay is one of the most promising methods for detecting CTXs. CTXs are highly toxic, and an action level of 0.01 μg CTX1B equivalent (eq)/kg in fish has been proposed. It is desirable to further increase the detection sensitivity of CTXs in the N2a assay to detect such low concentrations reliably. The opening of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV channels) and blocking of voltage-gated potassium channels (KV channels) are thought to be involved in the toxicity of CTXs. Therefore, in this study, we developed an assay that could detect CTXs with higher sensitivity than conventional N2a assays, using KV channel inhibitors as sensitizing reagents for N2a cells. The addition of the KV channel inhibitors 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium chloride to N2a cells, in addition to the traditional sensitizing reagents ouabain and veratridine, increased the sensitivity of N2a cells to CTXs by up to approximately 4-fold. This is also the first study to demonstrate the influence of KV channels on the toxicity of CTXs in a cell-based assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Yokozeki
- Osaka Saito Laboratory, Japan Food Research Laboratories, 7-4-41 Saitoasagi, Osaka 567-0085, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.Y.); (K.F.)
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570, Kanagawa, Japan (M.H.)
| | - Madoka Kawabata
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570, Kanagawa, Japan (M.H.)
| | - Kazuhiro Fujita
- Osaka Saito Laboratory, Japan Food Research Laboratories, 7-4-41 Saitoasagi, Osaka 567-0085, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.Y.); (K.F.)
| | - Masahiro Hirama
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570, Kanagawa, Japan (M.H.)
| | - Takeshi Tsumuraya
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8570, Kanagawa, Japan (M.H.)
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14
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Ukai R, Uchida H, Sugaya K, Onose JI, Oshiro N, Yasumoto T, Abe N. Structural Assignment of the Product Ion Generated from a Natural Ciguatoxin-3C Congener, 51-Hydroxyciguatoxin-3C, and Discovery of Distinguishable Signals in Congeners Bearing the 51-Hydroxy Group. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:89. [PMID: 38393167 PMCID: PMC10892285 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ciguatoxins (CTXs) stand as the primary toxins causing ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) and are essential compounds distinguished by their characteristic polycyclic ether structure. In a previous report, we identified the structures of product ions generated via homolytic fragmentation by assuming three charge sites in the mass spectrometry (MS)/MS spectrum of ciguatoxin-3C (CTX3C) using LC-MS. This study aims to elucidate the homolytic fragmentation of a ciguatoxin-3C congener. We assigned detailed structures of the product ions in the MS/MS spectrum of a naturally occurring ciguatoxin-3C congener, 51-hydroxyciguatoxin-3C (51-hydoxyCTX3C), employing liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source. The introduction of a hydroxy substituent on C51 induced different fragmentation pathways, including a novel cleavage mechanism of the M ring involving the elimination of 51-OH and the formation of enol ether. Consequently, new cleavage patterns generated product ions at m/z 979 (C55H79O15), 439 (C24H39O7), 149 (C10H13O), 135 (C9H11O), and 115 (C6H11O2). Additionally, characteristic product ions were observed at m/z 509 (C28H45O8), 491 (C28H43O7), 481 (C26H41O8), 463 (C26H39O7), 439 (C24H39O7), 421 (C24H37O6), 171 (C9H15O3), 153 (C9H13O2), 141 (C8H13O2), and 123 (C8H11O).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryogo Ukai
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Graduate School of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan; (R.U.); (K.S.); (J.-i.O.)
| | - Hideaki Uchida
- Japan Customer Service Organization, Agilent Technologies Japan, Ltd., 9-1 Takakura-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8510, Japan;
| | - Kouichi Sugaya
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Graduate School of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan; (R.U.); (K.S.); (J.-i.O.)
| | - Jun-ichi Onose
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Graduate School of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan; (R.U.); (K.S.); (J.-i.O.)
| | - Naomasa Oshiro
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki 210-9501, Japan;
| | - Takeshi Yasumoto
- Tama Laboratory, Japan Food Research Laboratories, 6-11-10 Nagayama, Tama, Tokyo 206-0025, Japan;
| | - Naoki Abe
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Safety, Graduate School of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan; (R.U.); (K.S.); (J.-i.O.)
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15
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Mudge EM, Robertson A, Uhlig S, McCarron P, Miles CO. 3-Epimers of Caribbean ciguatoxins in fish and algae. Toxicon 2024; 237:107536. [PMID: 38043714 PMCID: PMC10826338 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Ciguatera poisoning (CP) is endemic to several subtropical and tropical regions and is caused by the consumption of fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). The recent discovery of Caribbean CTXs (C-CTXs) in Gambierdiscus spp. isolated from the Caribbean resulted in the identification of a precursor analogue, C-CTX5, that is reduced into C-CTX1. C-CTX5 has two reducible sites, a ketone at C-3 and hemiketal at C-56. Chemical reductions of C-CTX5 into C-CTX3/4 resulted in two peaks in the LC-HRMS chromatograms with a ratio that differed markedly from that observed in fish extracts and the reduction of C-CTX1 isolated from fish. Reduction of C-CTX5 should have produced four diastereoisomers of C-CTX3/4, prompting a more detailed study of the reduction products. LC-HRMS with a slow gradient was used to separate and detect the four stereoisomers of C-CTX3/4, and to determine the distribution of these analogues in naturally contaminated fish tissues and following chemical reduction of isolated analogues. The results showed that in naturally contaminated fish tissues C-CTX1/2 is a mixture of two diastereoisomers at C-3 and that C-CTX3/4 is a mixture of two pairs of diastereoisomers at C-3 and C-56. The data suggests that there is variability in the enzymatic reduction at C-3 and C-56 of C-CTXs in reef fish, leading to variations in the ratios of the four stereoisomers. Based on these findings, a naming convention for C-CTXs is proposed which aligns with that used for Pacific CTX congeners and will aid in the identification of the structure and stereochemistry of the different CTX analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Mudge
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada.
| | - Alison Robertson
- Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of South Alabama, 600 Clinic Drive, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA; Marine Ecotoxicology Lab, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528, USA
| | - Silvio Uhlig
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 64, 1431, Ås, Norway
| | - Pearse McCarron
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Christopher O Miles
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 3Z1, Canada
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16
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Richlen ML, Horn K, Uva V, Fachon E, Heidmann SL, Smith TB, Parsons ML, Anderson DM. Gambierdiscus species diversity and community structure in St. Thomas, USVI and the Florida Keys, USA. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 131:102562. [PMID: 38212087 PMCID: PMC11137678 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Ciguatera Poisoning (CP) is a widespread and complex poisoning syndrome caused by the consumption of fish or invertebrates contaminated with a suite of potent neurotoxins collectively known as ciguatoxins (CTXs), which are produced by certain benthic dinoflagellates species in the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa. Due to the complex nature of this HAB problem, along with a poor understanding of toxin production and entry in the coral reef food web, the development of monitoring, management, and forecasting approaches for CP has lagged behind those available for other HAB syndromes. Over the past two decades, renewed research on the taxonomy, physiology, and toxicology of CP-causing dinoflagellates has advanced our understanding of the species diversity that exists within these genera, including identification of highly toxic species (so called "superbugs") that likely contribute disproportionately to ciguatoxins entering coral reef food webs. The recent development of approaches for molecular analysis of field samples now provide the means to investigate in situ community composition, enabling characterization of spatio-temporal species dynamics, linkages between toxic species abundance and toxin flux, and the risk of ciguatoxin prevalence in fish. In this study we used species-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probes to investigate Gambierdiscus species composition and dynamics in St. Thomas (USVI) and the Florida Keys (USA) over multiple years (2018-2020). Within each location, samples were collected seasonally from several sites comprising varying depths, habitats, and algal substrates to characterize community structure over small spatial scales and across different host macrophytes. This approach enabled the quantitative determination of communities over spatiotemporal gradients, as well as the selective enumeration of species known to exhibit high toxicity, such as Gambierdiscus silvae. The investigation found differing community structure between St. Thomas and Florida Keys sites, driven in part by differences in the distribution of toxin-producing species G. silvae and G. belizeanus, which were present throughout sampling sites in St. Thomas but scarce or absent in the Florida Keys. This finding is significant given the high toxicity of G. silvae, and may help explain differences in fish toxicity and CP incidence between St. Thomas and Florida. Intrasite comparisons along a depth gradient found higher concentrations of Gambierdiscus spp. at deeper locations. Among the macrophytes sampled, Dictyota may be a likely vector for toxin transfer based on their widespread distribution, apparent colonization by G. silvae, and palatability to at least some herbivore grazers. Given its ubiquity throughout both study regions and sites, this taxa may also serve as a refuge, accumulating high concentrations of Gambierdiscus and other benthic dinoflagellates, which in turn can serve as source populations for highly palatable and ephemeral habitats nearby, such as turf algae. These studies further demonstrate the successful application of FISH probes in examining biogeographic structuring of Gambierdiscus communities, targeting individual toxin-producing species, and characterizing species-level dynamics that are needed to describe and model ecological drivers of species abundance and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy L Richlen
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA.
| | - Kali Horn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Victoria Uva
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Evangeline Fachon
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA; Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sarah L Heidmann
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802, USA
| | - Tyler B Smith
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802, USA
| | - Michael L Parsons
- The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA
| | - Donald M Anderson
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
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17
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Parsons ML, Richlen ML, Smith TB, Anderson DM, Abram AL, Erdner DL, Robertson A. CiguaMOD I: A conceptual model of ciguatoxin loading in the Greater Caribbean Region. HARMFUL ALGAE 2024; 131:102561. [PMID: 38212086 PMCID: PMC10784636 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Ciguatera poisoning (CP) is the most common form of phycotoxin-borne seafood poisoning globally, affecting thousands of people on an annual basis. It most commonly occurs in residential fish of coral reefs, which consume toxin-laden algae, detritus, and reef animals. The class of toxins that cause CP, ciguatoxins (CTXs), originate in benthic, epiphytic dinoflagellates of the genera, Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa, which are consumed by herbivores and detritivores that facilitate food web transfer. A number of factors have hindered adequate environmental monitoring and seafood surveillance for ciguatera including the low concentrations in which the toxins are found in seafood causing illness (sub-ppb), a lack of knowledge on the toxicity equivalence of other CTXs and contribution of other benthic algal toxins to the disease, and the limited availability of quantified toxin standards and reference materials. While progress has been made on the identification of the dinoflagellate taxa and toxins responsible for CP, more effort is needed to better understand the dynamics of toxin transfer into reef food webs in order to implement a practical monitoring program for CP. Here, we present a conceptual model that utilizes empirical field data (temperature, Gambierdiscus cell densities, macrophyte cover) in concert with other published studies (grazing rates and preference) to produce modeling outputs that suggest approaches that may be beneficial to developing monitoring programs: 1) targeting specific macrophytes for Gambierdiscus and toxin measurements to monitor toxin levels at the base of the food web (i.e., toxin loading); and 2) adjusting these targets across sites and over seasons. Coupling this approach with other methodologies being incorporated into monitoring programs (artificial substrates; FISH probes; toxin screening) may provide an "early warning" system to develop strategic responses to potential CP flare ups in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Parsons
- The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA.
| | - Mindy L Richlen
- Biology Department, MS #32, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Tyler B Smith
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands 00802, USA
| | - Donald M Anderson
- Biology Department, MS #32, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Ashley L Abram
- The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA
| | - Deana L Erdner
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - Alison Robertson
- School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
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Clausing RJ, Ben Gharbia H, Sdiri K, Sibat M, Rañada-Mestizo ML, Lavenu L, Hess P, Chinain M, Bottein MYD. Tissue Distribution and Metabolization of Ciguatoxins in an Herbivorous Fish following Experimental Dietary Exposure to Gambierdiscus polynesiensis. Mar Drugs 2023; 22:14. [PMID: 38248639 PMCID: PMC10817614 DOI: 10.3390/md22010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ciguatoxins (CTXs), potent neurotoxins produced by dinoflagellates of the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa, accumulate in commonly consumed fish species, causing human ciguatera poisoning. Field collections of Pacific reef fish reveal that consumed CTXs undergo oxidative biotransformations, resulting in numerous, often toxified analogs. Following our study showing rapid CTX accumulation in flesh of an herbivorous fish, we used the same laboratory model to examine the tissue distribution and metabolization of Pacific CTXs following long-term dietary exposure. Naso brevirostris consumed cells of Gambierdiscus polynesiensis in a gel food matrix over 16 weeks at a constant dose rate of 0.36 ng CTX3C equiv g-1 fish d-1. CTX toxicity determination of fish tissues showed CTX activity in all tissues of exposed fish (eight tissues plus the carcass), with the highest concentrations in the spleen. Muscle tissue retained the largest proportion of CTXs, with 44% of the total tissue burden. Moreover, relative to our previous study, we found that larger fish with slower growth rates assimilated a higher proportion of ingested toxin in their flesh (13% vs. 2%). Analysis of muscle extracts revealed the presence of CTX3C and CTX3B as well as a biotransformed product showing the m/z transitions of 2,3-dihydroxyCTX3C. This is the first experimental evidence of oxidative transformation of an algal CTX in a model consumer and known vector of CTX into the fish food web. These findings that the flesh intended for human consumption carries the majority of the toxin load, and that growth rates can influence the relationship between exposure and accumulation, have significant implications in risk assessment and the development of regulatory measures aimed at ensuring seafood safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J. Clausing
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell’Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hela Ben Gharbia
- IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories, International Atomic Energy Agency, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (H.B.G.); (K.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Khalil Sdiri
- IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories, International Atomic Energy Agency, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (H.B.G.); (K.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Manoëlla Sibat
- Ifremer, ODE/PHYTOX/METALG, Rue de l’île d’Yeu, F-44300 Nantes, France; (M.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Ma. Llorina Rañada-Mestizo
- IAEA Collaborating Center on Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Studies, Chemistry Research Section, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines;
| | - Laura Lavenu
- IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories, International Atomic Energy Agency, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (H.B.G.); (K.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Philipp Hess
- Ifremer, ODE/PHYTOX/METALG, Rue de l’île d’Yeu, F-44300 Nantes, France; (M.S.); (P.H.)
| | - Mireille Chinain
- Laboratoire des Biotoxines Marines, UMR 241 EIO, Institut Louis Malardé, BP 30, Papeete-Tahiti 98713, French Polynesia;
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19
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Chinain M, Gatti Howell C, Roué M, Ung A, Henry K, Revel T, Cruchet P, Viallon J, Darius HT. Ciguatera poisoning in French Polynesia: A review of the distribution and toxicity of Gambierdiscus spp., and related impacts on food web components and human health. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 129:102525. [PMID: 37951623 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Ciguatera Poisoning (CP) is a seafood poisoning highly prevalent in French Polynesia. This illness results from the consumption of seafood contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs) produced by Gambierdiscus, a benthic dinoflagellate. Ciguatera significantly degrades the health and economic well-being of local communities largely dependent on reef fisheries for their subsistence. French Polynesia has been the site of rich and active CP research since the 1960's. The environmental, toxicological, and epidemiological data obtained in the frame of large-scale field surveys and a country-wide CP case reporting program conducted over the past three decades in the five island groups of French Polynesia are reviewed. Results show toxin production in Gambierdiscus in the natural environment may vary considerably at a temporal and spatial scale, and that several locales clearly represent Gambierdiscus spp. "biodiversity hotspots". Current data also suggest the "hot" species G. polynesiensis could be the primary source of CTXs in local ciguateric biotopes, pending formal confirmation. The prevalence of ciguatoxic fish and the CTX levels observed in several locales were remarkably high, with herbivores and omnivores often as toxic as carnivores. Results also confirm the strong local influence of Gambierdiscus spp. on the CTX toxin profiles characterized across multiple food web components including in CP-prone marine invertebrates. The statistics, obtained in the frame of a long-term epidemiological surveillance program established in 2007, point towards an apparent decline in the number of CP cases in French Polynesia as a whole; however, incidence rates remain dangerously high in some islands. Several of the challenges and opportunities, most notably those linked to the strong cultural ramifications of CP among local communities, that need to be considered to define effective risk management strategies are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chinain
- Institut Louis Malardé (ILM), Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, UMR 241-EIO (IFREMER, ILM, IRD, UPF), P.O. Box 30, Papeete, Tahiti 98713, French Polynesia.
| | - C Gatti Howell
- Institut Louis Malardé (ILM), Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, UMR 241-EIO (IFREMER, ILM, IRD, UPF), P.O. Box 30, Papeete, Tahiti 98713, French Polynesia
| | - M Roué
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 241-EIO (IFREMER, ILM, IRD, UPF), P.O. Box 6570, Faa'a, Tahiti 98702, French Polynesia
| | - A Ung
- Institut Louis Malardé (ILM), Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, UMR 241-EIO (IFREMER, ILM, IRD, UPF), P.O. Box 30, Papeete, Tahiti 98713, French Polynesia
| | - K Henry
- Institut Louis Malardé (ILM), Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, UMR 241-EIO (IFREMER, ILM, IRD, UPF), P.O. Box 30, Papeete, Tahiti 98713, French Polynesia
| | - T Revel
- Institut Louis Malardé (ILM), Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, UMR 241-EIO (IFREMER, ILM, IRD, UPF), P.O. Box 30, Papeete, Tahiti 98713, French Polynesia
| | - P Cruchet
- Institut Louis Malardé (ILM), Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, UMR 241-EIO (IFREMER, ILM, IRD, UPF), P.O. Box 30, Papeete, Tahiti 98713, French Polynesia
| | - J Viallon
- Institut Louis Malardé (ILM), Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, UMR 241-EIO (IFREMER, ILM, IRD, UPF), P.O. Box 30, Papeete, Tahiti 98713, French Polynesia
| | - H T Darius
- Institut Louis Malardé (ILM), Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, UMR 241-EIO (IFREMER, ILM, IRD, UPF), P.O. Box 30, Papeete, Tahiti 98713, French Polynesia
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20
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Costa PR, Churro C, Rodrigues SM, Frazão B, Barbosa M, Godinho L, Soliño L, Timóteo V, Gouveia N. A 15-Year Retrospective Review of Ciguatera in the Madeira Islands (North-East Atlantic, Portugal). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:630. [PMID: 37999493 PMCID: PMC10674775 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The first ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) in Portugal dates from 2008 when 11 people reported CFP symptoms after consuming a 30 kg amberjack caught around the Selvagens Islands (Madeira Archipelago). Since then, 49 human poisonings have been reported. The emergence of a new threat challenged scientists and regulators, as methods for toxic microalgae analyses and ciguatoxin (CTX) detection were not implemented. To minimise the risk of ciguatera, the Madeira Archipelago authorities interdicted fisheries in Selvagens Islands and banned the capture of amberjacks weighing more than 10 kg in the entire region of Madeira Archipelago. The accurate identification and quantification of the benthic toxin-producing algae species spreading to new areas require efforts in terms of both microscopy and molecular techniques. Two ciguatera-causing dinoflagellates, Gambierdiscus excentricus and Gambierdiscus australes, were identified in the Madeira Island and Selvagens sub-archipelago, respectively. Regarding the CTX analysis (N2a cell-based assay and LC-MS) in fish, the results indicate that the Selvagens Islands are a ciguatera risk area and that fish vectoring CTX are not limited to top predator species. Nevertheless, advances and improvements in screening methods for the fast detection of toxicity in seafood along with certified reference material and sensitive and selective targeted analytical methods for the determination of CTX content are still pending. This study aims to revise the occurrence of ciguatera cases in the Madeira Archipelago since its first detection in 2008, to discuss the risk management strategy that was implemented, and to provide a summary of the available data on the bioaccumulation of CTX in marine fish throughout the marine food web, taking into consideration their ecological significance, ecosystem dynamics, and fisheries relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Reis Costa
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (S.M.R.); (B.F.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.S.)
- CCMAR—Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Catarina Churro
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (S.M.R.); (B.F.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.S.)
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Margarida Rodrigues
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (S.M.R.); (B.F.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Bárbara Frazão
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (S.M.R.); (B.F.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Miguel Barbosa
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (S.M.R.); (B.F.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Lia Godinho
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (S.M.R.); (B.F.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Lucía Soliño
- IPMA—Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (S.M.R.); (B.F.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Viriato Timóteo
- Laboratório Regional de Veterinária e Segurança Alimentar, Caminho das Quebradas de Baixo nº 79, S. Martinho, 9000-254 Funchal, Portugal; (V.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Neide Gouveia
- Laboratório Regional de Veterinária e Segurança Alimentar, Caminho das Quebradas de Baixo nº 79, S. Martinho, 9000-254 Funchal, Portugal; (V.T.); (N.G.)
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21
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Mafra LL, Sunesen I, Pires E, Nascimento SM, Álvarez G, Mancera-Pineda JE, Torres G, Carnicer O, Huamaní Galindo JA, Sanchez Ramirez S, Martínez-Goicoechea A, Morales-Benavides D, Valerio-González L. Benthic harmful microalgae and their impacts in South America. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 127:102478. [PMID: 37544678 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Public awareness about Benthic Harmful Algal Blooms (BHABs) and their negative impacts has increased substantially over the past few decades. Even so, reports of BHABs remain relatively scarce in South America (SA). This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on BHABs in the continent, by integrating data from published articles, books, and technical reports. We recorded ∼300 different occurrences of potentially toxic BHAB species over the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific coasts, mostly in marine (>95%) but also in estuarine areas located from 12⁰36' N to 54⁰53' S. Over 70% of the data was published/released within the past 10 years, and ∼85% were concentrated in Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia. Benthic species were mainly associated with macroalgae, seagrass and sediment. Incidental detection in the plankton was also relevant, mainly in places where studies targeting BHAB species are still rare, like Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Peru. The study listed 31 infrageneric taxa of potentially toxic benthic dinoflagellates and eight of estuarine cyanobacteria occurring in SA, with the greatest species diversity recorded in the equatorial-tropical zone, mainly in northeastern Brazil (Atlantic), Venezuela and Colombia (Caribbean), and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador (Pacific). Local strains of Amphidinium, Gambierdiscus, Coolia and Prorocentrum spp. produced toxic compounds of emerging concern. Prorocentrum lima species complex was the most common and widely distributed taxon, followed by Ostreopsis cf. ovata. In fact, these two dinoflagellates were associated with most BHAB events in SA. Whereas the former has caused the contamination of multiple marine organisms and cases of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning in subtropical and temperate areas, the latter has been associated with faunal mortalities and is suspected of causing respiratory illness to beach users in tropical places. Ciguatera Poisoning has been reported in Colombia (∼240 cases; no deaths) and Venezuela (60 cases; two deaths), and may be also a risk in other places where Gambierdiscus spp. and Fukuyoa paulensis have been reported, such as the Galapagos Islands and the tropical Brazilian coast. Despite the recent advances, negative impacts from BHABs in SA are intensified by limited research/training funding, as well as the lack of official HAB monitoring and poor analytical capability for species identification and toxin detection in parts of the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz L Mafra
- Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Anibal Khury, 2033 - P.O. Box 61, Pontal do Paraná, PR, 83255-976, Brazil.
| | - Inés Sunesen
- División Ficología Dr. Sebastián Guarrera, FCNyM, Paseo del Bosque s/n, 1900, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - CONICET, Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Estela Pires
- Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Anibal Khury, 2033 - P.O. Box 61, Pontal do Paraná, PR, 83255-976, Brazil
| | - Silvia Mattos Nascimento
- Laboratório de Microalgas Marinhas, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO, Av. Pasteur, 458, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, 22290-240, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Álvarez
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Departamento de Acuicultura, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1281, Chile
| | - Josè Ernesto Mancera-Pineda
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Bogotá.Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias. Carrera 45 No. 26-85, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gladys Torres
- Instituto Oceanográfico y Antártico de la Armada (INOCAR), Vía Puerto Marítimo, Av. 25 de Julio, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Olga Carnicer
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Ambiental, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Spain
| | - José Alexis Huamaní Galindo
- Instituto del Mar del Perú, Laboratorio de Fitoplancton y Producción Primaria. Esq Gamarra y Gral Valle s/n Chucuito- Callao, Peru
| | - Sonia Sanchez Ramirez
- Instituto del Mar del Perú, Laboratorio de Fitoplancton y Producción Primaria. Esq Gamarra y Gral Valle s/n Chucuito- Callao, Peru
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Pottier I, Lewis RJ, Vernoux JP. Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean: Reconciling the Multiplicity of Ciguatoxins and Analytical Chemistry Approach for Public Health Safety. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:453. [PMID: 37505722 PMCID: PMC10467118 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ciguatera is a major circumtropical poisoning caused by the consumption of marine fish and invertebrates contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs): neurotoxins produced by endemic and benthic dinoflagellates which are biotransformed in the fish food-web. We provide a history of ciguatera research conducted over the past 70 years on ciguatoxins from the Pacific Ocean (P-CTXs) and Caribbean Sea (C-CTXs) and describe their main chemical, biochemical, and toxicological properties. Currently, there is no official method for the extraction and quantification of ciguatoxins, regardless their origin, mainly due to limited CTX-certified reference materials. In this review, the extraction and purification procedures of C-CTXs are investigated, considering specific objectives such as isolating reference materials, analysing fish toxin profiles, or ensuring food safety control. Certain in vitro assays may provide sufficient sensitivity to detect C-CTXs at sub-ppb levels in fish, but they do not allow for individual identification of CTXs. Recent advances in analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with low- or high-resolution mass spectrometry provide new opportunities to identify known C-CTXs, to gain structural insights into new analogues, and to quantify C-CTXs. Together, these methods reveal that ciguatera arises from a multiplicity of CTXs, although one major form (C-CTX-1) seems to dominate. However, questions arise regarding the abundance and instability of certain C-CTXs, which are further complicated by the wide array of CTX-producing dinoflagellates and fish vectors. Further research is needed to assess the toxic potential of the new C-CTX and their role in ciguatera fish poisoning. With the identification of C-CTXs in the coastal USA and Eastern Atlantic Ocean, the investigation of ciguatera fish poisoning is now a truly global effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivannah Pottier
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, ABTE, 14000 Caen, France;
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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Leynse AK, Mudge EM, Turner AD, Maskrey BH, Robertson A. Gambierone and Sodium Channel Specific Bioactivity Are Associated with the Extracellular Metabolite Pool of the Marine Dinoflagellate Coolia palmyrensis. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:244. [PMID: 37103383 PMCID: PMC10143066 DOI: 10.3390/md21040244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical epibenthic dinoflagellate communities produce a plethora of bioactive secondary metabolites, including the toxins ciguatoxins (CTXs) and potentially gambierones, that can contaminate fishes, leading to ciguatera poisoning (CP) when consumed by humans. Many studies have assessed the cellular toxicity of causative dinoflagellate species to better understand the dynamics of CP outbreaks. However, few studies have explored extracellular toxin pools which may also enter the food web, including through alternative and unanticipated routes of exposure. Additionally, the extracellular exhibition of toxins would suggest an ecological function and may prove important to the ecology of the CP-associated dinoflagellate species. In this study, semi-purified extracts obtained from the media of a Coolia palmyrensis strain (DISL57) isolated from the U.S. Virgin Islands were assessed for bioactivity via a sodium channel specific mouse neuroblastoma cell viability assay and associated metabolites evaluated by targeted and non-targeted liquid chromatography tandem and high-resolution mass spectrometry. We found that extracts of C. palmyrensis media exhibit both veratrine enhancing bioactivity and non-specific bioactivity. LC-HR-MS analysis of the same extract fractions identified gambierone and multiple undescribed peaks with mass spectral characteristics suggestive of structural similarities to polyether compounds. These findings implicate C. palmyrensis as a potential contributor to CP and highlight extracellular toxin pools as a potentially significant source of toxins that may enter the food web through multiple exposure pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K. Leynse
- School of Marine & Environmental Sciences, University of South Alabama, 600 Clinic Drive, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Mudge
- National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3M3Z1, Canada
| | - Andrew D. Turner
- Center for the Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Benjamin H. Maskrey
- Center for the Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Alison Robertson
- School of Marine & Environmental Sciences, University of South Alabama, 600 Clinic Drive, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
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