1
|
Sponseller B, Evans T. Plants Causing Toxic Myopathies. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2024; 40:45-59. [PMID: 38151404 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2023.11.001] [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] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Boxelder and sycamore maple contain hypoglycin A (HGA), the toxic metabolite of which, MCPA-CoA, inhibits fatty acid β-oxidation, causing seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM) or atypical myopathy (AM), respectively. White snakeroot and rayless goldenrod contain multiple benzofuran ketones (BFKs). The identity/toxicity of BFKs appear variable, possibly involving interactions between toxins/toxic metabolites, but ultimately inhibit cellular energy metabolism. Unthrifty horses grazing sparse pastures during the fall appear predisposed to these plant-associated, frequently fatal, toxic myopathies. Toxidromes are characterized by varying degrees of rhabdomyolysis and cardiac myonecrosis, with plant toxins remaining toxic in hay and being excreted in milk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Sponseller
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 1809 South Riverside Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Tim Evans
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and MU Extension, University of Missouri, W226 Veterinary Medicine Building, 1520 East Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Novotná T, Jahn P, Šamonilová E, Kabešová M, Pospíšilová S, Maršálek P. Hypoglycin A in Acer genus plants. Toxicon 2023; 234:107271. [PMID: 37652103 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Hypoglycin A (HGA) is an amino acid occuring in the Sapindaceae family. Ingestion of certain Acer genus plants belonging to this family has been connected with atypical myopathy (AM) or seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM). To date, all cases of AM/SPM have been associated with sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and boxelder maple (Acer negundo). The aim of this work was to determine and compare HGA in sycamore, boxelder and silver maple (Acer saccharinum), the trees known for HGA content, whose occurence is quite common in the Czech Republic. In sycamore and boxelder maple the effect of location, weather condition and sampling season was evaluated. The other aim was screening for presence of HGA in 12 other species of Acer genus which are grown as ornamental trees in Europe. The determination of HGA was conducted using ultra - high performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS). HGA was detected in all samples of sycamore, boxelder and silver maple except for eight leave samples of boxelder maple. In the case of sycamore maple, the highest concentrations of HGA (median) were found in seedlings (770 mg/kg) followed by samaras (130 mg/kg) and by leaves (48 mg/kg) and inflorescences (24 mg/kg). In boxelder maple, significantly higher concentrations of HGA (median) were found in seedlings (550 mg/kg) compared with samaras (45 mg/kg), leaves (14 mg/kg) and inflorescences (24 mg/kg). According to the results the seedlings could pose a significant risk of poisoning, although other factors such as accessibility and palatability of other parts, especially samaras, should be considered. No significant differences of HGA concentrations in silver maple (56 mg/kg) were found between samaras, leaves and inflorescences. HGA was also identified in sugar maple (Acer saccharum), Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), paperbark maple (Acer griseum) and Himalayan maple (Acer oblongum). Although silver maple and other ornamental maples have not been reported to cause AM/SPM, the possibility of intoxication in animals can not be excluded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Novotná
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Jahn
- Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Šamonilová
- Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kabešová
- Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sabina Pospíšilová
- Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Maršálek
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sander J, Terhardt M, Janzen N, Renaud B, Kruse CJ, François AC, Wouters CP, Boemer F, Votion DM. Tissue Specific Distribution and Activation of Sapindaceae Toxins in Horses Suffering from Atypical Myopathy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2410. [PMID: 37570219 PMCID: PMC10417358 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine atypical myopathy is caused by hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPrG), the known protoxins of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus). Various tissues from five atypical myopathy cases were analyzed but only HGA was found. Whether deamination of MCPrG has already occurred in the intestine as the first stage of metabolization has not been investigated. Activation of the protoxins to methylenecyclopropylacetyl (MCPA)-CoA and methylenecyclopropylformyl (MCPF)-CoA, respectively, occurred mainly in the skeletal muscles, as evidenced by very high concentrations of MCPA-carnitine and MCPF-carnitine in this tissue. Inhibition of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenases of short- and medium-chain as well as branched-chain fatty acids by the toxins led to a strong increase in the corresponding acylcarnitines, again preferentially in skeletal muscles. An accumulation of the long-chain acylcarnitines beyond the level of the control samples could not be detected in the tissues. As a high amount of HGA was always found unmetabolized in the organs, we speculate that targeting the interruption of further metabolization might be a way to stop the progression of intoxication. Inhibition of the mitochondrial branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase, i.e., the first enzyme responsible for the activation of sycamore maple protoxins, could be a therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Sander
- Screening-Labor Hannover, 30952 Ronnenberg, Germany; (M.T.); (N.J.)
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Hanover Medical School, 30625 Hanover, Germany
| | - Michael Terhardt
- Screening-Labor Hannover, 30952 Ronnenberg, Germany; (M.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Nils Janzen
- Screening-Labor Hannover, 30952 Ronnenberg, Germany; (M.T.); (N.J.)
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Hanover Medical School, 30625 Hanover, Germany
| | - Benoît Renaud
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.R.); (A.-C.F.); (C.P.W.); (D.-M.V.)
| | - Caroline-Julia Kruse
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology and Sport Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Anne-Christine François
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.R.); (A.-C.F.); (C.P.W.); (D.-M.V.)
| | - Clovis P. Wouters
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.R.); (A.-C.F.); (C.P.W.); (D.-M.V.)
| | - François Boemer
- Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, Human Genetics, CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Dominique-Marie Votion
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.R.); (A.-C.F.); (C.P.W.); (D.-M.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Engel AM, El-Khatib AH, Klevenhusen F, Weiss M, Aboling S, Sachse B, Schäfer B, Weigel S, Pieper R, Fischer-Tenhagen C. Detection of Hypoglycin A and MCPrG Metabolites in the Milk and Urine of Pasture Dairy Cows after Intake of Sycamore Seedlings. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37419492 PMCID: PMC10360155 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Hypoglycin A (HGA), methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPrG), hypoglycin B (HGB), and γ-glutamyl-α-(methylenecyclopropyl) glycine (γ-glutamyl-MCPrG) are secondary plant metabolites occurring in sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) as well as several other Sapindaceae (e.g., Blighia sapida). By interfering with energy metabolism, they may cause severe intoxication in humans and other species. However, to date, there is not enough data available concerning the intake, metabolism, or excretion of sycamore maple toxins in dairy cows. In May 2022, five cows were observed over four days, when they had first access to a pasture with two sycamore maples. Grazing of their seedlings that grew numerously in between the pasture plants was monitored by direct observation. Milk samples were drawn both from individual cows and from the bulk tank. Spontaneous urine samples were collected from all cows on day 3 after access to the pasture. Seedlings (100 g) were sampled on the pasture and analyzed, together with milk and urine samples, for sycamore toxins and their metabolites using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Cows ingested sycamore seedlings while grazing. Values of HGA in milk were below the limit of quantification. However, metabolites of HGA and MCPrG were detected in individual milk samples already at the end of the first day of grazing. Urine samples of all five cows showed higher concentrations of conjugated HGA and MCPrG metabolites than in milk. Observations suggest that dairy cows may have a low susceptibility toward sycamore maple toxins. However, whether this could be attributed to foregut fermenting species in general requires further elucidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Engel
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ahmed H El-Khatib
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fenja Klevenhusen
- Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, University of Kassel, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
| | - Michael Weiss
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Aboling
- Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Benjamin Sachse
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Schäfer
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Weigel
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Pieper
- Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carola Fischer-Tenhagen
- Center for Protection of Laboratory Animals, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 12277 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of the plant toxins hypoglycin A and methylenecyclopropylglycine and their metabolites in cow's milk and urine and application to farm milk samples from Germany. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:1933-1942. [PMID: 36877265 PMCID: PMC10050036 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04607-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypoglycin A (HGA) and its homologue methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPrG) are present in ackee and lychee as well as seeds, leaves, and seedlings of some maple (Acer) species. They are toxic to some animal species and humans. The determination of HGA, MCPrG, and their glycine and carnitine metabolites in blood and urine is a useful tool for screening for potential exposure to these toxins. In addition, HGA, MCPrG, and/or their metabolites have been detected in milk. In this work, simple and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) methods without derivatization were developed and validated for the quantification of HGA, MCPrG, and their metabolites in cow's milk and urine. An extraction procedure from milk samples has been developed, whereas a dilute-and-shoot approach was implemented for urine samples. For quantification, the MS/MS analysis was performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The methods were validated according to the European Union guidelines using blank raw milk and urine as matrices. The limit of quantification presented here for HGA in milk (1.12 µg/L) is noticeably lower than the lowest published limit of detection (9 µg/L). Acceptable values for recovery (89-106% and 85-104% in milk and urine, respectively) and precision (≤ 20%) were obtained for all the quality control levels. The stability of HGA and MCPrG in frozen milk over a period of 40 weeks has been demonstrated. The method was applied to 68 milk samples from 35 commercial dairy farms and showed the absence of any quantifiable amounts of HGA, MCPrG, and their metabolites.
Collapse
|
6
|
El-Khatib AH, Engel AM, Weigel S. Co-Occurrence of Hypoglycin A and Hypoglycin B in Sycamore and Box Elder Maple Proved by LC-MS/MS and LC-HR-MS. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090608. [PMID: 36136546 PMCID: PMC9504185 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclpropylglycine (MCPrG) are formed by some maple trees (Acer species) and have been associated with incidences of atypical myopathy among horses in pastures. In this work, a simple and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method without derivatization was developed for the quantification of HGA and MCPrG in maple samples and validated according to EU guidelines. The LOQ presented here for HGA (16.4 µg/kg) is considerably lower than the lowest published LOQ (500 µg/kg). This method confirms that sycamore and box elder maple contain considerable amounts of HGA and MCPrG. In addition, the presence of the dipeptides hypoglycin B and γ-glutamyl-MCPrG in these two maple species is shown using high-resolution MS. This is the first report on the presence of these dipeptides in maple since 1973. The presence of HGB and γ-glutamyl-MCPrG could change the way we understand animal intoxication following the ingestion of maple.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H El-Khatib
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Safety in the Food Chain, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Engel
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Safety in the Food Chain, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Weigel
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Safety in the Food Chain, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Acer pseudoplatanus: A Potential Risk of Poisoning for Several Herbivore Species. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080512. [PMID: 35893754 PMCID: PMC9394473 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acer pseudoplatanus is a worldwide-distributed tree which contains toxins, among them hypoglycin A (HGA). This toxin is known to be responsible for poisoning in various species, including humans, equids, Père David's deer and two-humped camels. We hypothesized that any herbivore pasturing with A. pseudoplatanus in their vicinity may be at risk for HGA poisoning. To test this hypothesis, we surveyed the HGA exposure from A. pseudoplatanus in species not yet described as being at risk. Animals in zoological parks were the major focus, as they are at high probability to be exposed to A. pseudoplatanus in enclosures. We also searched for a toxic metabolite of HGA (i.e., methylenecyclopropylacetyl-carnitine; MCPA-carnitine) in blood and an alteration of the acylcarnitines profile in HGA-positive animals to document the potential risk of declaring clinical signs. We describe for the first instance cases of HGA poisoning in Bovidae. Two gnus (Connochaetes taurinus taurinus) exposed to A. pseudoplatanus in their enclosure presented severe clinical signs, serum HGA and MCPA-carnitine and a marked modification of the acylcarnitines profile. In this study, even though all herbivores were exposed to A. pseudoplatanus, proximal fermenters species seemed less susceptible to HGA poisoning. Therefore, a ruminal transformation of HGA is hypothesized. Additionally, we suggest a gradual alteration of the fatty acid metabolism in case of HGA poisoning and thus the existence of subclinical cases.
Collapse
|
8
|
Hirz M, Gregersen HA, Sander J, Votion DM, Schänzer A, Köhler K, Herden C. Atypical myopathy in 2 Bactrian camels. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:961-965. [PMID: 34092152 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211020721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical myopathy (AM) is an acute seasonal rhabdomyolysis seen primarily in equids, caused by the ingestion of sycamore maple samaras containing hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclopropyl-glycine (MCPG). Toxic metabolites inhibit acyl-CoA dehydrogenases and enoyl-CoA hydratases, causing selective hyaline degeneration of type I muscle fibers. Two zoo-kept Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) with a fatal course of AM had sudden onset of muscle pain and weakness, recumbency, and dysphagia, accompanied by increased serum creatine kinase activity and detection in serum of HGA, MCPG, and metabolites. Medical treatment was ineffective. At postmortem examination, sycamore maple tree material was found within the first gastric compartment of the 2-y-old gelding. Although musculature was macroscopically normal, histologically, monophasic hyaline degeneration was marked within type I fibers of intercostal and hypoglossal muscles of the gelding, and in neck, tongue, and masticatory muscles of the cow. The ingestion of sycamore maple material can cause AM in Bactrian camels, and trees of the Sapindaceae family should be avoided in enclosures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Hirz
- Institutes for Veterinary-Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | | | - Dominique M Votion
- Equine Pole, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Anne Schänzer
- Neuropathology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kernt Köhler
- Institutes for Veterinary-Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christiane Herden
- Institutes for Veterinary-Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bochnia M, Ziegler J, Glatter M, Zeyner A. Hypoglycin A in Cow's Milk-A Pilot Study. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060381. [PMID: 34073628 PMCID: PMC8230099 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoglycin A (HGA) originating from soapberry fruits (litchi, and ackee) seeds or seedlings from the sycamore maple (SM) tree (related to Sapindaceae) may cause Jamaican vomiting sickness in humans and atypical myopathy in horses and ruminants. A possible transfer into dairy cow’s milk cannot be ruled out since the literature has revealed HGA in the milk of mares and in the offal of captured deer following HGA intoxication. From a study, carried out for another purpose, bulk raw milk samples from four randomly selected dairy farms were available. The cows were pastured in the daytime. A sycamore maple tree was found on the pasture of farm No. 1 only. Bulk milk from the individual tank or milk filling station was sampled in parallels and analyzed for HGA by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Measurable concentrations of HGA occurred only in milk from farm No. 1 and amounted to 120 and 489 nmol/L. Despite low and very variable HGA concentrations, the results indicate that the ingested toxin, once eaten, is transferred into the milk. However, it is unknown how much HGA the individual cow ingested during grazing and what amount was transferred into the bulk milk samples. As a prerequisite for a possible future safety assessment, carry-over studies are needed. Furthermore, the toxins’ stability during milk processing should also be investigated as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Bochnia
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Jörg Ziegler
- Department of Molecular Signal Processing, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Maren Glatter
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Annette Zeyner
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.B.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-345-5522716
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xu S, Zhang S, Hu X, Zhang B, Yang S, Hu X, Liu S, Hu D, Bai J. Temporal and spatial dynamics of gastrointestinal parasite infection in Père David's deer. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11335. [PMID: 33996283 PMCID: PMC8106392 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) population was established from only a small number of individuals. Their genetic diversity is therefore relatively low and transmissible (parasitic) diseases affecting them merit further attention. Parasitic infections can affect the health, survival, and population development of the host. However, few reports have been published on the gastrointestinal parasites of Père David's deer. The aims of this study were: (1) to identify the intestinal parasites groups in Père David's deer; (2) to determine their prevalence and burden and clarify the effects of different seasons and regions on various indicators of Père David's deer intestinal parasites; (3) to evaluate the effects of the Père David's deer reproductive period on these parasites; (4) to reveal the regularity of the parasites in space and time. Methods In total, 1,345 Père David's deer faecal samples from four regions during four seasons were tested using the flotation (saturated sodium nitrate solution) to identify parasites of different genus or group, and the McMaster technique to count the number of eggs or oocysts. Results Four groups of gastrointestinal parasites were found, of which strongyles were dominant; their prevalence and burden were significantly higher than other groups. Significant temporal and spatial effects on gastrointestinal parasitic infection were found. Parasite diversity, prevalence, parasite burden, and aggregation were the highest in summer. Among the four regions, parasite diversity, prevalence, and burden were the highest in the Dongting Lake area. In addition, parasite diversity and burden during the reproductive period of Père David's deer was significantly higher than during the post-reproductive period. Conclusions The summer season and the reproductive period of Père David's deer had great potential for parasite transmission, and there is a high risk of parasite outbreaks in the Dongting Lake area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanghua Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Shumiao Zhang
- Department of Research, Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Baofeng Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqiang Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Defu Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiade Bai
- Department of Research, Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
González-Medina S, Bevin W, Alzola-Domingo R, Chang YM, Piercy RJ. Hypoglycin A absorption in sheep without concurrent clinical or biochemical evidence of disease. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1170-1176. [PMID: 33675130 PMCID: PMC7995363 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoglycin A (HGA) intoxication after ingestion of Acer spp. tree material has never been confirmed in domesticated ruminants despite their similar grazing habitats. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether sheep have low HGA bioavailability caused by rumen HGA breakdown. ANIMALS Stomach and rumen fluid samples from 5 adult horses and 5 adult sheep respectively. Residual serum samples from 30 ewes and lambs. METHODS Experimental and retrospective cohort study. Hypoglycin A concentration was quantified in horse gastric and sheep ruminal samples after in vitro incubation with Acer pseudoplatanus seeds. Serum samples from grazing sheep (n = 20) and nursing lambs (n = 10) obtained before and after their release onto pastures with and without Sycamore seedlings were analyzed for HGA and methylenecyclopropyl-acetic acid carnitine, and serum biochemistry. RESULTS Neither ovine rumen nor equine gastric fluid affected HGA content in samples incubated for up to 2 hours. Despite HGA's detection in serum from sheep (n = 13/15; median, 23.71 ng/mL; range, 5.62-126.4 ng/mL) grazing contaminated pastures and in their nursing lambs (n = 2/5; median, 12.5 ng/mL; range, 8.82-15.67 ng/mL), there was no apparent clinical or subclinical disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Any reduced sensitivity to HGA intoxication in sheep seems unrelated to ruminal degradation. Serum HGA concentrations in sheep were similar to those of subclinically affected atypical myopathy horses. Any reduced sensitivity of sheep to HGA might be related to greater metabolic resistance rather than selective grazing habits or lower bioavailability. Hypoglycin A was found in nursing lambs, suggesting that HGA is excreted in milk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia González-Medina
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, London, Colorado, United Kingdom.,Equine Internal Medicine Department, James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - William Bevin
- Oakham Veterinary Hospital, Oakham, Rutland, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael Alzola-Domingo
- Oakham Veterinary Hospital, Oakham, Rutland, United Kingdom.,Equine Emergency and Critical Care Department, James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Yu-Mei Chang
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, London, Colorado, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, London, Colorado, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bochnia M, Ziemssen E, Sander J, Stief B, Zeyner A. Methylenecyclopropylglycine and hypoglycin A intoxication in three Pére David's Deers (Elaphurus davidianus) with atypical myopathy. Vet Med Sci 2020; 7:998-1005. [PMID: 33314647 PMCID: PMC8136943 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPrG) from seeds/seedlings of Sycamore maple (SM, Acer pseudoplatanus) causes atypical myopathy (AM) in horses. AM was not known to occur in wild ruminants until several fatalities in milus (Elaphurus davidianus) following the ingestion of HGA in SM seeds. However, a role for MCPrG has not previously been evaluated. OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that MCPrG is also a major factor in AM in milus, three milus (M1, M2, M3) from the Zoo Dresden (aged 7-11 years, 2 females and 1 male, in good nutritional condition) that developed AM were studied. METHODS Serum, urine and methanol extracts from the liver, kidney, rumen digesta and faeces were analysed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for HGA, MCPrG and for conjugates of carnitine (C) and glycine (G): Methylenecyclopropylacetyl (MCPA)-G, MCPA-C, Methylenecyclopropylformyl (MCPF)-G, MCPF-C, butyryl-C and isobutyryl-C. RESULTS HGA in serum was high (M2 480 nmol/L; M3 460 nmol/L), but MCPrG was not. HGA and MCPrG were found in rumen and faeces extracts, and MCPrG was also identified in the liver. Metabolites of HGA and MCPrG were high in serum, urine and liver, but not in the rumen or faeces. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that MCPrG is involved in the pathophysiology of AM in milus. The metabolism of MCPrG is considered to be faster because, after ingestion, the specific metabolites appear highly concentrated in the serum. The high toxin concentration in the liver suggests that a possible transfer into products for human consumption may pose a risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Bochnia
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | | | - Birgit Stief
- Landesuntersuchungsanstalt für das Gesundheits- und Veterinärwesen, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annette Zeyner
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aboling S, Scharmann F, Bunzel D. Equine atypical myopathy: consumption of sycamore maple seedlings ( Acer pseudoplatanus) by pastured horses is driven by seedling maturity and might be associated with phenolic compounds. Vet Rec 2020; 187:e116. [PMID: 32862135 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poisoning with Acer pseudoplatanus L. in horses contradicts the hypothesis of coexistence between plants and vertebrate herbivores being mediated through antipastoral traits as toxins. However, incidental observations showed that horses evaded Acer seedlings with primary leaves. The objective of the present cross-discipline study was (i) to analyse whether developmental stages of A. pseudoplatanus L. differed as to phenolics hypothesised as antipastoral traits, and (ii) to observe systematically the selection behaviour of pastured horses towards A. pseudoplatanus seedlings. METHODS Phenolic profiles of five developmental stages from fruits to seedlings of progressing age up to adult leaves of A. pseudoplatanus and Acer campestre L. were characterised. Video recordings of grazing behaviour of 29 pastured horses towards seedlings of A. pseudoplatanus resulted into 117 sequences as additional field data. RESULTS The horses ingested 19.1 per cent of juvenile seedlings with cotyledons (1.65 mg total phenolics/g fresh weight (FW), 82 compounds, 0.02 mg total gallic acid/g FW) yet only 5.46 per cent of older seedlings with primary leaves (8.48 mg total phenolics/g FW, 120 compounds, 3.13 mg total gallic acid/g FW). CONCLUSION Horses distinguished between seedlings in distinct stages that could be chemically distinguished, too. Acer seedlings with primary leaves provide a strong, but not complete antipastoral effect that correlates with dramatic changes in phenolic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Aboling
- Institute for Animal Nutrition, Tierarztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Scharmann
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institute Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Diana Bunzel
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institute Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
González-Medina S, Hyde C, Lovera I, Piercy RJ. Detection of hypoglycin A and MCPA-carnitine in equine serum and muscle tissue: Optimisation and validation of a LC-MS-based method without derivatisation. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:558-568. [PMID: 32525217 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measurement of hypoglycin A (HGA) and its toxic metabolite, methylenecyclopropylacetic acid (MCPA), in equine serum confirms a diagnosis of atypical myopathy (AM), a pasture-associated toxic rhabdomyolysis with high mortality linked to the ingestion of Acer trees plant material. Supportive diagnostic tests include plasma acyl-carnitine profiling and urine organic acid testing, but these are not specific for AM. Previously reported HGA and MCPA analytical techniques used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with a derivatising step, but the latter prolongs testing and increases costs. OBJECTIVES To develop a rapid LCMS method for detection of serum and tissue HGA and MCPA that enables expedited diagnosis for horses with AM. STUDY DESIGN Analytical test validation. METHODS Validation parameters to industry standards using as criteria precision, accuracy, linearity, reproducibility and stability in analyte-spiked samples were calculated on 9-calibration points and 3 different validation concentrations in both serum and muscle tissue. RESULTS The test was successfully validated for the detection of HGA and MCPA-carnitine in equine serum and muscle. Test linearity was excellent (r2 = .999), accuracy was very good for both analytes (93%-108%), precision did not exceed 10% coefficient of variation and reproducibility met the requirements of the Horwitz equation. Stability was unaffected by storage at a range of temperatures. MAIN LIMITATIONS The spectrum of the tested analytes was limited to only two relevant analytes in favour of a quick and easy analysis. Linearity of the muscle method was not evaluated as calibration curves were not produced in this matrix. CONCLUSION We report an optimised, simplified and validated method for detection of HGA and MCPA-carnitine in equine serum and muscle suitable for rapid diagnosis of suspected AM cases. The serum-based test should also enable risk assessment of toxin exposure in cograzing horses and assessment of horses with undiagnosed myopathies, while the tissue detection test should help to confirm cases post-mortem and to determine toxin distribution, metabolism and clearance across different tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia González-Medina
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Carolyne Hyde
- Bio-Analysis Centre, Royal College Street, London, UK
| | - Imogen Lovera
- Bio-Analysis Centre, Royal College Street, London, UK
| | - Richard J Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Votion DM, François AC, Kruse C, Renaud B, Farinelle A, Bouquieaux MC, Marcillaud-Pitel C, Gustin P. Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Horse Feeding and Management Practices to Reduce the Risk of Atypical Myopathy. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020365. [PMID: 32102384 PMCID: PMC7071031 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Equine atypical myopathy is a severe intoxication of grazing equids resulting from the ingestion of samaras or seedlings of trees from the Acer species. The sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) is involved in European cases whereas the box elder (Acer negundo) is recognized as the cause of this seasonal pasture myopathy in the Unites States of America. In Europe, young and inactive animals with a thin to normal body condition and no feed supplementation, except for hay in autumn, are at higher risk. The risk is also associated with full time pasturing in a humid environment. Indeed, dead leaves piling up in autumn as well as, the presence of trees and/or woods presumably exposes the horses to the sycamore maple. This manuscript answers the most frequently asked questions arising from the equine field about feeding and management of equines to reduce the risk of atypical myopathy. All answers are based on data collected from 2006 to 2019 by the “Atypical Myopathy Alert Group” (AMAG, Belgium) and the “Réseau d’épidémiosurveillance en Pathologie équine” (RESPE, France) as well as on a review of the most recent literature. Abstract In 2014, atypical myopathy (AM) was linked to Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore maple) in Europe. The emergence of this seasonal intoxication caused by a native tree has raised many questions. This manuscript aims at answering the five most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding (1) identification of toxic trees; reduction of risk at the level of (2) pastures and (3) equids; (4) the risk associated with pastures with sycamores that have always been used without horses being poisoned and (5) the length of the risk periods. Answers were found in a literature review and data gathered by AM surveillance networks. A guide is offered to differentiate common maple trees (FAQ1). In order to reduce the risk of AM at pasture level: Avoid humid pastures; permanent pasturing; spreading of manure for pasture with sycamores in the vicinity and avoid sycamore maple trees around pasture (FAQ2). To reduce the risk of AM at horse level: Reduce pasturing time according to weather conditions and to less than six hours a day during risk periods for horses on risk pasture; provide supplementary feeds including toxin-free forage; water from the distribution network; vitamins and a salt block (FAQ3). All pastures with a sycamore tree in the vicinity are at risk (FAQ4). Ninety-four percent of cases occur over two 3-month periods, starting in October and in March, for cases resulting from seeds and seedlings ingestion, respectively (FAQ5).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique-Marie Votion
- Equine Pole, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lieège, 4000 Liège 1 (Sart Tilman), Belgium; (D.-M.V.); (M.-C.B.)
| | - Anne-Christine François
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège 1 (Sart Tilman), Belgium; (B.R.); (P.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Caroline Kruse
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Physiology and Sport Medicine, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège 1 (Sart Tilman), Belgium;
| | - Benoit Renaud
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège 1 (Sart Tilman), Belgium; (B.R.); (P.G.)
| | | | - Marie-Catherine Bouquieaux
- Equine Pole, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lieège, 4000 Liège 1 (Sart Tilman), Belgium; (D.-M.V.); (M.-C.B.)
| | | | - Pascal Gustin
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège 1 (Sart Tilman), Belgium; (B.R.); (P.G.)
| |
Collapse
|