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Liu R, Yang C, Yang X, Yu J, Tang W. Network toxicology, molecular docking technology, and experimental verification revealed the mechanism of cantharidin-induced testicular injury in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 486:116921. [PMID: 38582374 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116921] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
As a protein kinase inhibitor, cantharidin (CTD) exhibits antitumor activities. However, CTD is highly toxic, thereby limiting clinical applications. Moreover, relatively few studies have investigated CTD-induced reproductive toxicity, thus the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the toxic effects of CTD on mouse testis were confirmed in vivo and the potential mechanism was predicted by network toxicology (NT) and molecular docking technology. Proteins involved in the signaling pathways and core targets were verified. The results showed that different concentrations of CTD induced weight loss increased the testicular coefficient, and caused obvious pathological damage to testicular cells. The NT results showed that the main targets of CTD-induced testicular injury (TI) included AKT1, Caspase 3, Bcl-2, and Bax. The results of pathway enrichment analysis showed that CTD-induced TI was closely related to apoptosis and the PI3K/AKT and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Molecular docking methods confirmed high affinity between CTD and key targets. Western blot analysis showed that CTD inhibited expression of PI3K, AKT, and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, while promoting expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase 3. These results suggest that CTD-induced TI involves multiple targets and pathways, and the underlying mechanism was associated with inhibition of the apoptosis-related PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxia Liu
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Changfu Yang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wenchao Tang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
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Nagy AL, Ardelean S, Chapuis RJJ, Bouillon J, Pivariu D, De Felice B, Bertazzo M, Fossati P, Spicer LJ, Dreanca AI, Caloni F. Zootoxins and Domestic Animals: A European View. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:48. [PMID: 38251264 PMCID: PMC10818608 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010048] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Zootoxins are produced by venomous and poisonous species and are an important cause of poisoning in companion animals and livestock in Europe. Little information about the incidence of zootoxin poisoning is available in Europe, with only a few case reports and review papers being published. This review presents the most important zootoxins produced by European venomous and poisonous animal species responsible for poisoning episodes in companion animals and livestock. The main zootoxin-producing animal species, components of the toxins/venoms and their clinical effects are presented. The most common zootoxicoses involve terrestrial zootoxins excreted by the common toad, the fire salamander, the pine processionary caterpillar, and vipers. The lack of a centralized reporting/poison control system in Europe makes the evaluation of the epidemiology of zootoxin-induced poisonings extremely difficult. Even if there are many anecdotal reports in the veterinary community about the exposure of domestic animals to terrestrial and marine zootoxins, the number of published papers regarding these toxicoses is low. Climate change and its consequences regarding species distribution and human-mediated transportation are responsible for the emerging nature of some intoxications in which zootoxins are involved. Although new venomous or poisonous animal species have emerged in regions where they were previously unreported, zootoxins produced by native species remain the main concern in Europe. The diversity of poisonous and venomous animal species and the emerging nature of certain poisonings warrant the continuous update to such knowledge by veterinary professionals and animal owners. This review offers an overview about zootoxin-related poisonings in domestic animals in Europe and also provides important information from a health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras-Laszlo Nagy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (A.-L.N.); (R.J.J.C.)
| | - Sabrina Ardelean
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (S.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Ronan J. J. Chapuis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (A.-L.N.); (R.J.J.C.)
| | - Juliette Bouillon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (S.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Dalma Pivariu
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.P.); (A.I.D.)
| | - Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Mirko Bertazzo
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Paola Fossati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Leon J. Spicer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
| | - Alexandra Iulia Dreanca
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.P.); (A.I.D.)
| | - Francesca Caloni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (B.D.F.); (M.B.); (P.F.)
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Bautista-Sopelana LM, Bolívar P, Gómez-Muñoz MT, Martínez-Díaz RA, Andrés MF, Alonso JC, Bravo C, González-Coloma A. Bioactivity of plants eaten by wild birds against laboratory models of parasites and pathogens. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1027201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants are not only used as energy and nutrient resources for herbivores. Plants can be ingested because of their activity against host parasites and other pathogens. This so-called medicinal role of plants is well reported in ethnopharmacology and under-reported in wild animals. More studies on wild animals are needed because any plant in the world contains bioactive compounds, and probably all plants, no matter how toxic they are, experience herbivory. For example, we tested the activity of extracts and essential oils from Papaver rhoeas and Echium plantagineum against a selection of laboratory pathogens because Great bustards Otis tarda preferred these plants during the mating season, with male fecal droppings showing a higher frequency of P. rhoeas particles than the fecal droppings of females. We hypothesized that P. rhoeas could be helpful for males in the mating season if any part of this plant harbors bioactivity against parasites and other pathogens. Males’ immune system is weakened during the mating season because of their investment in secondary sexual characters and sexual display. As a first exploration of the bioactivity of these plants, we evaluated extracts of both plants against a sample of laboratory models, including a flagellated protozoon (Trichomonas gallinae), a nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) and a fungus (Aspergillus niger). Non-polar and polar extracts of the aerial parts of P. rhoeas, especially the extracts of flowers and capsules, and the extracts of leaves and flowers of E. plantagineum showed activity against nematodes and trichomonads. The bioactivity of plants against parasites could explain the foraging behavior of stressed animals. The chemical communication underpinning the capacity of fauna to recognize those plants is far less known.
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Díaz-Navarro M, Bolívar P, Andrés MF, Gómez-Muñoz MT, Martínez-Díaz RA, Valcárcel F, García-París M, Bautista LM, González-Coloma A. Antiparasitic Effects of Potentially Toxic Beetles (Tenebrionidae and Meloidae) from Steppe Zones. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070489. [PMID: 34357960 PMCID: PMC8310226 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropods and specifically beetles can synthesize and/or sequester metabolites from dietary sources. In beetle families such as Tenebrionidae and Meloidae, a few studies have reported species with toxic defensive substances and antiparasitic properties that are consumed by birds. Here we have studied the antiparasitic activity of extracts from beetle species present in the habitat of the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) against four pathogen models (Aspergillus niger, Meloidogyne javanica, Hyalomma lusitanicum, and Trichomonas gallinae). The insect species extracted were Tentyria peiroleri, Scaurus uncinus, Blaps lethifera (Tenebrionidae), and Mylabris quadripunctata (Meloidae). M. quadripunctata exhibited potent activity against M. javanica and T. gallinae, while T. peiroleri exhibited moderate antiprotozoal activity. The chemical composition of the insect extracts was studied by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The most abundant compounds in the four beetle extracts were hydrocarbons and fatty acids such as palmitic acid, myristic acid and methyl linoleate, which are characteristic of insect cuticles. The presence of cantharidin (CTD) in the M. quadripunctata meloid and ethyl oleate (EO) in T. peiroleri accounted for the bioactivity of their extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Díaz-Navarro
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (P.B.); (M.G.-P.); (L.M.B.)
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, CSIC, Serrano 115-dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Paula Bolívar
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (P.B.); (M.G.-P.); (L.M.B.)
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María Fe Andrés
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, CSIC, Serrano 115-dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Rafael A. Martínez-Díaz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Arzobispo Morcillo S/N, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Félix Valcárcel
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Departamento de Reproducción Animal, CSIC-INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Mario García-París
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (P.B.); (M.G.-P.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Luis M. Bautista
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.D.-N.); (P.B.); (M.G.-P.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Azucena González-Coloma
- Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, CSIC, Serrano 115-dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Jakovac-Strajn B, Brozić D, Tavčar-Kalcher G, Babič J, Trilar T, Vengust M. Entomological Surveillance and Cantharidin Concentrations in Mylabris variabilis and Epicauta rufidorsum Blister Beetles in Slovenia. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:220. [PMID: 33477415 PMCID: PMC7830541 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
True blister beetles (genus Epicauta, family Meloidae) produce cantharidin, which can cause toxicosis in humans and animals. Some recent reports suggest that poisoning by the blister beetle has occurred in the Mediterranean part of Slovenia, which has never been reported before. Drought and modern harvesting techniques are thought to increase the likelihood of blister beetle forage contamination and cantharidin intoxication in animals. A survey of fields associated with blister beetle contamination was conducted and the Meloid species present were identified. Entomological surveillance was conducted for Mylabris variabilis and Epicauta rufidorsum. Cantharidin concentrations were also measured in both blister beetle species. Cantharidin concentration in Mylabris variabilis (n = 17) ranged from 0.038 to 0.354 µg/mg (mean 0.151 µg/mg). Cantharidin concentration in Epicauta rufidorsum (n = 36) ranged from 0.055 to 0.341 µg/mg (mean 0.142 µg/mg). Both species exhibited variable concentrations of cantharidin that could not be associated with their biology, sex, age, size, and/or reproductive status. Epicauta rufidorsum have never previously been studied as a possible source of forage contamination, nor have cantharidin concentrations been determined in this species. It is the most likely source of forage contamination due to its abundance in the investigated fields, its swarming activity, and its tendency to reside in the green parts of plants immediately after cutting. Delaying the simultaneous processing and storage of forage after cutting would reduce the likelihood of forage contamination by blister beetles, as they can then retreat to the ground or fly away.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breda Jakovac-Strajn
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.); (J.B.)
| | - Diana Brozić
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Gabrijela Tavčar-Kalcher
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.); (J.B.)
| | - Janja Babič
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.); (J.B.)
| | - Tomi Trilar
- Slovenian Museum of Natural History, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Modest Vengust
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.J.-S.); (G.T.-K.); (J.B.)
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6
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Antiparasitic Properties of Cantharidin and the Blister Beetle Berberomeloe majalis (Coleoptera: Meloidae). Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11040234. [PMID: 31013660 PMCID: PMC6521026 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11040234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD) is a toxic monoterpene produced by blister beetles (Fam. Meloidae) as a chemical defense against predators. Although CTD is highly poisonous to many predator species, some have evolved the ability to feed on poisonous Meloidae, or otherwise beneficially use blister beetles. Great Bustards, Otis tarda, eat CTD-containing Berberomeloe majalis blister beetles, and it has been hypothesized that beetle consumption by these birds reduces parasite load (a case of self-medication). We examined this hypothesis by testing diverse organisms against CTD and extracts of B. majalis hemolymph and bodies. Our results show that all three preparations (CTD and extracts of B. majalis) were toxic to a protozoan (Trichomonas vaginalis), a nematode (Meloidogyne javanica), two insects (Myzus persicae and Rhopalosiphum padi) and a tick (Hyalomma lusitanicum). This not only supports the anti-parasitic hypothesis for beetle consumption, but suggests potential new roles for CTD, under certain conditions.
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López-Perea JJ, Camarero PR, Sánchez-Barbudo IS, Mateo R. Urbanization and cattle density are determinants in the exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides of non-target wildlife. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:801-808. [PMID: 30390453 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The persistence and toxicity of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in animal tissues make these compounds dangerous by biomagnification in predatory species. Here we studied the levels of SGARs in non-target species of wildlife and the environmental factors that influence such exposure. Liver samples of terrestrial vertebrates (n = 244) found dead between 2007 and 2016 in the region of Aragón (NE Spain) were analysed. The presence of SGARs was statistically analysed with binary or ordinal logistic models to study the effect of habitat characteristics including human population density, percentage of urban surface, livestock densities and surface of different types of crops. SGARs residues were detected in 83 (34%) of the animals and levels >200 ng/g were found in common raven (67%), red fox (50%), red kite (38%), Eurasian eagle-owl (25%), stone marten (23%), Eurasian buzzard (17%), northern marsh harrier (17%), and Eurasian badger (14%). The spatial analysis revealed that the presence of SGARs residues in wildlife was more associated with the use of these products as biocides in urban areas and cattle farms rather than as plant protection products in agricultural fields. This information permits to identify potential habitats where SGARs may pose a risk for predatory birds and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhon J López-Perea
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ines S Sánchez-Barbudo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Chiang LL, Tseng IJ, Lin PY, Sheu SY, Lin CT, Hsieh YH, Lin YJ, Chen HL, Lin MH. Synthesis of Canthardin Sulfanilamides and Their Acid Anhydride Analogues via a Ring-Opening Reaction of Activated Aziridines and Their Associated Pharmacological Effects. Molecules 2016; 21:100. [PMID: 26784163 PMCID: PMC6273973 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cantharidinimide derivatives, 5a-h, including sulfanilamides containing pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, hydrogen, thiazolyl, and oxazolyl groups were synthesized. Modification of cantharidinimide by means of the reaction of activated aziridine ring opening led to the discovery of a novel class of antitumor compounds. The analogues 10i-k, 11l-n, 12o-p, and 16q-s were obtained from treating cantharidinimide 6 and analogues (7, 8, and 13) with activated aziridines, which produced a series of ring-opened products including normal and abnormal types. Some of these compounds showed cytotoxic effects in vitro against HL-60, Hep3B, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. The most potent cytostatic compound, N-cantharidinimido-sulfamethazine (5a), exhibited anti-HL-60 and anti-Hep3B cell activities. Two compounds 5g and 5h displayed slight effects on the Hep3B cell line, while the other compounds produced no response in these four cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Chiang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Chest Medicine Department, Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Ing-Jy Tseng
- Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Pen-Yuan Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Shiow-Yunn Sheu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Tung Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Tam-Kang University, Danshui 25137, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Han Hsieh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Jing Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiao-Ling Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Hsiang Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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Mateo R, Sánchez-Barbudo IS, Camarero PR, Martínez JM. Risk assessment of bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) exposure to topical antiparasitics used in livestock within an ecotoxicovigilance framework. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 536:704-712. [PMID: 26254071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Between 2004 and 2013, 486 suspected scavenger poisoning cases, including 24 bearded vultures (Gypaetus barbatus), were investigated in the Pyrenees and surrounding areas in Spain as part of a monitoring programme regarding accidental and intentional poisoning of wildlife. Poisoning was confirmed in 36% of all analysed cases where scavenger species were found dead within the distribution range of bearded vultures. Organophosphates and carbamates were the most frequently detected poisons. Four of the bearded vulture cases were positive for the presence of topical antiparasitics (3 with diazinon and 1 with permethrin). These likely represented accidental exposure due to the legal use of these veterinary pharmaceuticals. In order to confirm the risk of exposure to topical antiparasitics in bearded vultures, pig feet (n=24) and lamb feet (n=24) were analysed as these are one of the main food resources provided to bearded vultures at supplementary feeding stations. Pig feet had no detectable residues of topical antiparasitics. In contrast, 71.4% of lamb feet showed residues of antiparasitics including diazinon (64.3%), pirimiphos-methyl (25.4%), chlorpyrifos (7.1%), fenthion (1.6%), permethrin (0.8%) and cypermethrin (27.8%). Washing the feet with water significantly reduced levels of these topical antiparasitics, as such, this should be a recommended practice for lamb feet supplied at feeding stations for bearded vultures. Although the detected levels of antiparasitics were relatively low (≤1 μg/g), a risk assessment suggests that observed diazinon levels may affect brain acetylcholinesterase and thermoregulation in bearded vultures subject to chronic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Inés S Sánchez-Barbudo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José M Martínez
- Departamento de Agricultura, Ganadería y Medio Ambiente, Dirección General de Desarrollo Sostenible y Biodiversidad, Zaragoza, Spain
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Lopez-Antia A, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Mougeot F, Mateo R. Imidacloprid-treated seed ingestion has lethal effect on adult partridges and reduces both breeding investment and offspring immunity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 136:97-107. [PMID: 25460626 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of imidacloprid treated seeds by farmland birds may result in exposure to toxic amounts of this insecticide. Here we report on the effects that the exposure to the recommended application rate and to 20% of that rate may produce on birds feeding on treated seeds. Experimental exposure to imidacloprid treated seeds was performed on red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) (n=15 pairs per treatment group: control, 20% or 100% of the recommended application rate) during two periods that corresponded to the autumn (duration of exposure: 25 days) and late winter (10 days) cereal sowing times in Spanish farmlands. We studied effects on the survival, body condition, oxidative stress biomarkers, plasma biochemistry, carotenoid-based coloration, T-cell mediated immune response and reproduction of exposed adult partridges, and on the survival and T-cell immune response of their chicks. The high dose (recommended application rate) killed all partridges, with mortality occurring faster in females than in males. The low dose (20% the recommended application rate) had no effect on mortality, but reduced levels of plasma biochemistry parameters (glucose, magnesium and lactate dehydrogenase), increased blood superoxide dismutase activity, produced changes in carotenoid-based integument coloration, reduced the clutch size, delayed the first egg lay date, increased egg yolk vitamins and carotenoids and depressed T-cell immune response of chicks. Moreover, the analysis of the livers of dead partridges revealed an accumulation of imidacloprid during exposure time. Despite the moratorium on the use of neonicotinoids in the European Union, birds may still be at high risk of poisoning by these pesticides through direct sources of exposure to coated seeds in autumn and winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lopez-Antia
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - François Mougeot
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA) CSIC, Ctra. de Sacramento s/n La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
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Males of a strongly polygynous species consume more poisonous food than females. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111057. [PMID: 25337911 PMCID: PMC4206510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We present evidence of a possible case of self-medication in a lekking bird, the great bustard Otis tarda. Great bustards consumed blister beetles (Meloidae), in spite of the fact that they contain cantharidin, a highly toxic compound that is lethal in moderate doses. In addition to anthelminthic properties, cantharidin was effective against gastrointestinal bacteria that cause sexually-transmitted diseases. Although both sexes consumed blister beetles during the mating season, only males selected them among all available insects, and ingested more and larger beetles than females. The male-biased consumption suggests that males could use cantharidin to reduce their parasite load and increase their sexual attractiveness. This plausibly explains the intense cloaca display males perform to approaching females, and the meticulous inspection females conduct of the male's cloaca, a behaviour only observed in this and another similar species of the bustard family. A white, clean cloaca with no infection symptoms (e.g., diarrhoea) is an honest signal of both, resistance to cantharidin and absence of parasites, and represents a reliable indicator of the male quality to the extremely choosy females. Our results do not definitely prove, but certainly strongly suggest that cantharidin, obtained by consumption of blister beetles, acts in great bustards as an oral anti-microbial and pathogen-limiting compound, and that males ingest these poisonous insects to increase their mating success, pointing out that self-medication might have been overlooked as a sexually-selected mechanism enhancing male fitness.
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Kadioglu O, Kermani NS, Kelter G, Schumacher U, Fiebig HH, Greten HJ, Efferth T. Pharmacogenomics of cantharidin in tumor cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 87:399-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Puerto Galvis CE, Vargas Méndez LY, Kouznetsov VV. Cantharidin-Based Small Molecules as Potential Therapeutic Agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013; 82:477-99. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E. Puerto Galvis
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Biomolecular; Escuela de Química; Universidad Industrial de Santander; A.A. 678; Bucaramanga; Colombia
| | - Leonor Y. Vargas Méndez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Ambientales; Facultad de Química Ambiental; Universidad Santo Tomás; A. A. 1076; Bucaramanga; Colombia
| | - Vladimir V. Kouznetsov
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Biomolecular; Escuela de Química; Universidad Industrial de Santander; A.A. 678; Bucaramanga; Colombia
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Huan SKH, Wang KT, Yeh SD, Lee CJ, Lin LC, Liu DZ, Wang CC. Scutellaria baicalensis alleviates cantharidin-induced rat hemorrhagic cystitis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 overexpression. Molecules 2012; 17:6277-89. [PMID: 22634839 PMCID: PMC6268386 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17066277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin, an active component in mylabris, is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat scabies and hepatoma, but accompanied by hemorrhagic cystitis. Evidence shows that cantharidin induces human bladder carcinoma cell death through COX-2 overexpression in vitro. In TCM, Scutellaria baicalensis is usually used to cure mylabris-induced hematuria. This work was undertaken to determine the mechanisms of cantharidin-induced rat hemorrhagic cystitis and explore the uroprotective effect of S. baicalensis. In vitro results showed cantharidin could induce cytotoxicity through prostaglandin (PG)E₂ overproduction of T24 cells. Boiling-water extract of S. baicalensis (SB-WE) could significantly inhibit PGE₂ production and COX-2 expression in lipo-polysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells, indicating obvious anti-inflammatory abilities. In vivo results indicated that cantharidin caused rat hemorrhagic cystitis with hematuria via c-Fos and COX-2 overexpression. SB-WE was given orally to cantharidin-treated rats, whereby hematuria level, elevated PGE₂ and COX-2 protein overexpression were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by SB-WE. The anti-inflammatory components of SB-WE are baicalin and wogonin, whose contents were 200.95 ± 2.00 and 31.93 ± 0.26 μg/mg, respectively. In conclusion, cantharidin induces rat cystitis through c-Fos and COX-2 over-expression and S. baicalensis can prevent the resulting hematuria because of its anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Kuan-Hua Huan
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, No.21, Taikang, Liuying Dist., Tainan City 73657, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Research, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Kun-Teng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan; (K.-T.W.); (C.-J.L.); (L.-C.L.)
- Section of Biologics & Advanced Therapeutic Product Analysis, Division of Research and Analysis, Food and Drug Administration, No.161-2, Kunyang St, Nangang District, Taipei City 11561, Taiwan
| | - Shauh-Der Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Research, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Jung Lee
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan; (K.-T.W.); (C.-J.L.); (L.-C.L.)
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan; (K.-T.W.); (C.-J.L.); (L.-C.L.)
| | - Der-Zen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Chiung Wang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan; (K.-T.W.); (C.-J.L.); (L.-C.L.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 6161); Fax: +886-2-2732-9368
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