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Hojjati-Razgi AS, Nazarian S, Samiei-Abianeh H, Vazirizadeh A, Kordbacheh E, Aghaie SM. Expression of Recombinant Stonustoxin Alpha Subunit and Preparation of polyclonal antiserum for Stonustoxin Neutralization Studies. Protein J 2024; 43:627-638. [PMID: 38760596 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-024-10203-2] [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] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Stonustoxin (SNTX) is a lethal protein found in stonefish venom, responsible for many of the symptoms associated with stonefish envenomation. To counter stonefish venom challenges, antivenom is a well-established and effective solution. In this study, we aimed to produce the recombinant alpha subunit protein of Stonustoxin from Synanceia horrida and prepare antibodies against it The SNTXα gene sequence was optimized for E. coli BL21 (DE3) expression and cloned into the pET17b vector. Following purification, the recombinant protein was subcutaneously injected into rabbits, and antibodies were extracted from rabbit´s serum using a G protein column As a result of codon optimization, the codon adaptation index for the SNTXα cassette increased to 0.94. SDS-PAGE analysis validated the expression of SNTXα, with a band observed at 73.5 kDa with a yield of 60 mg/l. ELISA results demonstrated rabbits antibody titers were detectable up to a 1:256,000 dilution. The isolated antibody from rabbit´s serum exhibited a concentration of 1.5 mg/ml, and its sensitivity allowed the detection of a minimum protein concentration of 9.7 ng. In the neutralization assay the purified antibody against SNTXα protected mice challenged with 2 LD50. In conclusion, our study successfully expressed the alpha subunit of Stonustoxin in a prokaryotic host, enabling the production of antibodies for potential use in developing stonefish antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahram Nazarian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hossein Samiei-Abianeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Vazirizadeh
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, The Persian Gulf Research and Studies Center, The Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Emad Kordbacheh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mojtaba Aghaie
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Lennox-Bulow D, Smout M, Loukas A, Seymour J. Stonefish (Synanceia spp.) Ichthyocrinotoxins: An ecological review and prospectus for future research and biodiscovery. Toxicon 2023; 236:107329. [PMID: 37907137 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107329] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Marine organisms possess a diverse array of unique substances, many with wide ranging potential for applications in medicine, industry, and other sectors. Stonefish (Synanceia spp.), a bottom-dwelling fish that inhabit shallow and intertidal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific, harbour two distinct substances, a venom, and an ichthyocrinotoxin. Stonefish are well-known for the potent venom associated with their dorsal spines as it poses a significant risk to public health. Consequently, much of the research on stonefish focusses on the venom, with the aim of improving outcomes in cases of envenomation. However, there has been a notable lack of research on stonefish ichthyocrinotoxins, a class of toxin that is synthesised within specialised epithelial cells (i.e., tubercles) and exuded onto the skin. This has resulted in a substantial knowledge gap in our understanding of these animals. This review aims to bridge this gap by consolidating literature on the ecological functions and biochemical attributes of ichthyocrinotoxins present in various fish species and juxtaposing it with the current state of knowledge of stonefish ecology. We highlight the roles of ichthyocrinotoxins in predator defence, bolstering innate immunity, and mitigating integumentary interactions with parasites and detrimental fouling organisms. The objective of this review is to identify promising research avenues that could shed light on the ecological functions of stonefish ichthyocrinotoxins and their potential practical applications as therapeutics and/or industrial products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danica Lennox-Bulow
- Tropical Australian Stinger Research Unit, James Cook University, McGregor Road, Cairns, Queensland, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Michael Smout
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamie Seymour
- Tropical Australian Stinger Research Unit, James Cook University, McGregor Road, Cairns, Queensland, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, McGregor Road, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Armstrong J, Harris K, Wylie C, Isoardi KZ. Suspected stonefish envenomation in Queensland over eight years: a retrospective series. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2023; 61:956-960. [PMID: 38060371 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2023.2287976] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stonefish envenomation results in localized severe pain and swelling and systemic features, including vomiting, arrhythmia, pulmonary oedema, and possibly death. There are limited data regarding the effectiveness of the available antivenom. The aim of this series is to characterize presentations of patients with suspected stonefish envenomation and investigate treatment, including antivenom. METHODS This is a retrospective observational series of suspected stonefish envenomation as reported to the Queensland Poisons Information Centre or Princess Alexandra Hospital Clinical Toxicology Unit from July 2015 to January 2023. Patients were identified through the databases held by both the Centre and Unit, and data on clinical features and investigations were collected from the patient's electronic medical record. RESULTS There were 87 suspected stonefish envenomations from July 2015 to January 2023. The median age was 26 (range: 5-69) years, and 69 (79 per cent) patients were male. Pain was reported in 85 (98 per cent) with a median peak pain score of 10 (range 4-12; three rated their pain greater than 10/10). A clear wound was documented in 64 (74 per cent), with local swelling in 63 (72 per cent). A foreign body was retained in eight (9 per cent) presentations. Systemic symptoms were rare, with vomiting in four (5 per cent) and dizziness in two (2 per cent) presentations. There were no instances of hypotension, arrhythmia, or pulmonary oedema. Hot water was administered in 72 (83 per cent) presentations. Oral analgesia was given in 55 (63 per cent). Parenteral analgesia was given in 53 (61 per cent), most commonly opioids. Local anaesthetic block was performed in 19 presentations (22 per cent), with effectiveness documented in 16/19 (84 per cent). Five patients received antivenom for intractable pain, and all received subsequent parenteral analgesia or local anaesthetic block. CONCLUSIONS Stonefish envenomation is characterized by severe pain. Systemic symptoms were rare and not severe in this series. Local anaesthetic block appeared to be the most effective intervention for severe pain when performed. Antivenom appeared to be ineffective in managing pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Armstrong
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Keith Harris
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Poisons Information Centre, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Carol Wylie
- Queensland Poisons Information Centre, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katherine Z Isoardi
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Poisons Information Centre, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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Tang T, Huang Y, Peng C, Liao Y, Lv Y, Shi Q, Gao B. A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Reef Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) Provides Novel Insights into Stonustoxin (sntx) Genes. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad215. [PMID: 37770059 PMCID: PMC10566576 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad215] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) is one of the most venomous fishes, but its biomedical study has been restricted to molecular cloning and purification of its toxins, instead of high-throughput genetic research on related toxin genes. In this study, we constructed a chromosome-level haplotypic genome assembly for the reef stonefish. The genome was assembled into 24 pseudo-chromosomes, and the length totaled 689.74 Mb, reaching a contig N50 of 11.97 Mb and containing 97.8% of complete BUSCOs. A total of 24,050 protein-coding genes were annotated, of which metalloproteinases, C-type lectins, and stonustoxins (sntx) were the most abundant putative toxin genes. Multitissue transcriptomic and venom proteomic data showed that sntx genes, especially those clustered within a 50-kb region on the chromosome 2, had higher transcription levels than other types of toxins as well as those sntx genes scatteringly distributed on other chromosomes. Further comparative genomic analysis predicted an expansion of sntx-like genes in the Percomorpha lineage including nonvenomous fishes, but Scorpaenoidei species experienced extra independent sntx duplication events, marking the clear-cut origin of authentic toxic stonustoxins. In summary, this high-quality genome assembly and related comparative analysis of toxin genes highlight valuable genetic differences for potential involvement in the evolution of venoms among Scorpaeniformes fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianle Tang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Peng
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- BGI-Marine Research Institute for Biomedical Technology, Shenzhen Huahong Marine Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanling Liao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yunyun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Life Sciences, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- BGI-Marine Research Institute for Biomedical Technology, Shenzhen Huahong Marine Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Life Sciences, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Schnegg JR, Först J, van Schoonhoven J, Prommersberger KJ, Mühldorfer-Fodor M. [Protracted Course with Finger Amputation Following Stonefish Envenomation]. HANDCHIR MIKROCHIR P 2023; 55:364-367. [PMID: 36948208 DOI: 10.1055/a-2010-7353] [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: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
FallberichtEine 53-jährige Frau stellte sich 2,5 Wochen, nachdem sie sich auf Mauritius
eine Steinfischstichverletzung am rechten Kleinfinger zugezogen hatte, in unserer
Notfallambulanz vor. Sie hatte im Urlaub beim Schwimmen am Meeresufer versehentlich
auf einen im Sand vergrabenen Steinfisch gegriffen (Abb. 1). Sofort war es neben massiven
Schmerzen am gesamten Arm zu einer Rötung am Kleinfinger und einer
Schwellung der Hand gekommen. Nach notfallmäßigem Transport in das
nächste Krankenhaus wurde der Patientin dort aufgrund einer starken
systemischen Reaktion ein Antidot im Rahmen eines kurzzeitigen intensivmedizinischen
Aufenthaltes verabreicht. Bei Blasenbildung wurde eine oberflächliche
Wundrevision und eine Kompartmentspaltung palmar an der rechten Hand am Folgetag
durchgeführt. Die Narben ließen allerdings auf eine nur minimale
Eröffnung der Stichwunde und der Intermetakarpalräume
schließen. Eine Antibiotikatherapie erfolgte während des
4-tägigen Krankenhausaufenthaltes mittels Ampicillin/Sulbactam
intravenös, welche bei Entlassung oralisiert und bis zur Vorstellung in
unserer Klinik fortgesetzt wurde.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg Först
- Klinik für Handchirurgie, Rhön Klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Bad Neustadt, Germany
| | - Jörg van Schoonhoven
- Klinik für Handchirurgie, Rhön Klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Bad Neustadt, Germany
| | - Karl-Josef Prommersberger
- Klinik für Handchirurgie, Rhön Klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Bad Neustadt, Germany
- Elektive Handchirurgie, St. Josef Krankenhaus, Schweinfurt, Germany
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Lopes Ferreira M, Falcão MAP, Bruni FM, Haddad V, Marques EE, Seibert CS, Lima C. Effective Pre-Clinical Treatment of Fish Envenoming with Polyclonal Antiserum. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098338. [PMID: 37176045 PMCID: PMC10179662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by venomous fish, although not always fatal, is capable of causing damage to homeostasis by activating the inflammatory process, with the formation of edema, excruciating pain, necrosis that is difficult to heal, as well as hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory changes. Despite the wide variety of pharmacological treatments used to manage acute symptoms, none are effective in controlling envenomation. Knowing the essential role of neutralizing polyclonal antibodies in the treatment of envenoming for other species, such as snakes, this work aimed to produce a polyclonal antiserum in mice and test its ability to neutralize the main toxic effects induced by the venoms of the main venomous Brazilian fish. We found that the antiserum recognizes the main toxins present in the different venoms of Thalassophryne nattereri, Scorpaena plumieri, Potamotrygon gr. Orbignyi, and Cathorops spixii and was effective in pre-incubation trials. In an independent test, the antiserum applied immediately to the topical application of T. nattereri, P. gr orbygnyi, and C. spixii venoms completely abolished the toxic effects on the microcirculation, preventing alterations such as arteriolar contraction, slowing of blood flow in postcapillary venules, venular stasis, myofibrillar hypercontraction, and increased leukocyte rolling and adherence. The edematogenic and nociceptive activities induced by these venoms were also neutralized by the immediate application of the antiserum. Importantly, the antiserum prevented the acute inflammatory response in the lungs induced by the S. plumieri venom. The success of antiserum containing neutralizing polyclonal antibodies in controlling the toxic effects induced by different venoms offers a new strategy for the treatment of fish envenomation in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Lopes Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit of Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Alice Pimentel Falcão
- Immunoregulation Unit of Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Miriane Bruni
- Immunoregulation Unit of Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Vidal Haddad
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Elineide Eugênio Marques
- Environmental Sciences, Campus of Palmas, Federal University of Tocantins, Palmas 77001-090, Brazil
| | - Carla Simone Seibert
- Environmental Sciences, Campus of Palmas, Federal University of Tocantins, Palmas 77001-090, Brazil
| | - Carla Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
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Abstract
Covering: January to December 2021This review covers the literature published in 2021 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 736 citations (724 for the period January to December 2021) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1425 in 416 papers for 2021), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Pertinent reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that led to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included. An analysis of the number of authors, their affiliations, domestic and international collection locations, focus of MNP studies, citation metrics and journal choices is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Carroll
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. .,Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brent R Copp
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rohan A Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Enivironment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert A Keyzers
- Centre for Biodiscovery, and School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Lennox-Bulow D, Smout M, Wilson D, Seymour J. Inter-species variation in stonefish (Synanceia SPP.) ichthyocrinotoxins; an ecological Perspective. Toxicon 2022; 221:106977. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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