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Marine Drugs Oct 2019As people across the world live longer, chronic illness and diminished well-being are becoming major global public health challenges. Marine biotechnology may help... (Review)
Review
As people across the world live longer, chronic illness and diminished well-being are becoming major global public health challenges. Marine biotechnology may help overcome some of these challenges by developing new products and know-how derived from marine organisms. While some products from marine organisms such as microalgae, sponges, and fish have already found biotechnological applications, jellyfish have received little attention as a potential source of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, recent studies have highlighted that scyphomedusae (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) synthesise at least three main categories of compounds that may find biotechnological applications: collagen, fatty acids and components of crude venom. We review what is known about these compounds in scyphomedusae and their current biotechnological applications, which falls mainly into four categories of products: nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, biomedicals, and biomaterials. By defining the state of the art of biotechnological applications in scyphomedusae, we intend to promote the use of these bioactive compounds to increase the health and well-being of future societies.
Topics: Animals; Aquatic Organisms; Biotechnology; Cnidaria; Cnidarian Venoms; Collagen; Cosmeceuticals; Fatty Acids; Humans; Mammals; Scyphozoa
PubMed: 31653064
DOI: 10.3390/md17110604 -
Toxins Dec 2021The majority of the effects observed upon envenomation by scorpaenoid fish species can be reproduced by the cytolysins present in their venoms. Fish cytolysins are... (Review)
Review
The majority of the effects observed upon envenomation by scorpaenoid fish species can be reproduced by the cytolysins present in their venoms. Fish cytolysins are multifunctional proteins that elicit lethal, cytolytic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, nociceptive, and neuromuscular activities, representing a novel class of protein toxins. These large proteins (MW 150-320 kDa) are composed by two different subunits, termed α and β, with about 700 amino acid residues each, being usually active in oligomeric form. There is a high degree of similarity between the primary sequences of cytolysins from different fish species. This suggests these molecules share similar mechanisms of action, which, at least regarding the cytolytic activity, has been proved to involve pore formation. Although the remaining components of fish venoms have interesting biological activities, fish cytolysins stand out because of their multifunctional nature and their ability to reproduce the main events of envenomation on their own. Considerable knowledge about fish cytolysins has been accumulated over the years, although there remains much to be unveiled. In this review, we compiled and compared the current information on the biochemical aspects and pharmacological activities of fish cytolysins, going over their structures, activities, mechanisms of action, and perspectives for the future.
Topics: Animals; Cytotoxins; Fish Venoms; Molecular Structure; Seafood; Toxins, Biological
PubMed: 34941715
DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120877 -
The World Allergy Organization Journal Feb 2023Recent data about clinical features, triggers and management of anaphylaxis in Latin America is lacking.
BACKGROUND
Recent data about clinical features, triggers and management of anaphylaxis in Latin America is lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To provide updated and extended data on anaphylaxis in this region.
METHOD
An online questionnaire was used, with 67 allergy units involved from 12 Latin-American countries and Spain. Among data recorded, demographic information, clinical features, severity, triggering agents, and treatment were received.
RESULTS
Eight hundred and seventeen anaphylactic reactions were recorded. No difference in severity, regardless of pre-existing allergy or asthma history was found. Drug induced anaphylaxis (DIA) was most frequent (40.6%), followed by food induced anaphylaxis (FIA) (32.9%) and venom induced anaphylaxis (VIA) (12%). FIA and VIA were more common in children-adolescents. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and beta-lactam antibiotics (BLA) were the most frequent drugs involved. Milk (61.1% of FIA) and egg (15.4% of FIA) in children, and shellfish (25.5% of FIA), fresh fruits (14.2% of FIA), and fish (11.3% of FIA) in adults were the most common FIA triggers. Fire ants were the most frequent insect triggers, and they induced more severe reactions than triggers of FIA and DIA (p < 0.0001). Epinephrine was used in 43.8% of anaphylaxis episodes. After Emergency Department treatment, epinephrine was prescribed to 13% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Drugs (NSAIDs and BLA), foods (milk and egg in children and shellfish, fruits and fish in adults) and fire ants were the most common inducers of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine was used in less than half of the episodes emphasizing the urgent need to improve dissemination and implementation of anaphylaxis guidelines.
PubMed: 36816598
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100748 -
Marine Drugs May 2021Stonefish are regarded as one of the most venomous fish in the world. Research on stonefish venom has chiefly focused on the in vitro and in vivo neurological,... (Review)
Review
Stonefish are regarded as one of the most venomous fish in the world. Research on stonefish venom has chiefly focused on the in vitro and in vivo neurological, cardiovascular, cytotoxic and nociceptive effects of the venom. The last literature review on stonefish venom was published over a decade ago, and much has changed in the field since. In this review, we have generated a global map of the current distribution of all stonefish () species, presented a table of clinical case reports and provided up-to-date information about the development of polyspecific stonefish antivenom. We have also presented an overview of recent advancements in the biomolecular composition of stonefish venom, including the analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data from venom gland. Moreover, this review highlights the need for further research on the composition and properties of stonefish venom, which may reveal novel molecules for drug discovery, development or other novel physiological uses.
Topics: Animals; Bites and Stings; Cardiovascular Diseases; Fish Venoms; Fishes, Poisonous; Geography; Humans; Indian Ocean; Neuromuscular Diseases; Pacific Ocean
PubMed: 34073964
DOI: 10.3390/md19060302 -
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Sep 2019Between 40,000 and 50,000 divers and swimmers are envenomated each year and diving as a hobby is becoming increasingly popular. In the Mediterranean, envenomation is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Between 40,000 and 50,000 divers and swimmers are envenomated each year and diving as a hobby is becoming increasingly popular. In the Mediterranean, envenomation is most often by Weever fish, Scorpion fish and jellyfish but coral and sea urchins may also be venomous.
ENVENOMATION
Most stings cause local inflammation, oedema and pain. The severity of pain varies with the venom and the amount injected. In severe cases, stings may be life-threatening due to cardiogenic or anaphylactic shock or penetration of vital structures.
MANAGEMENT
Most cases of envenomation are preventable with a combination of measures including the avoidance of contact through good buoyancy control, the wearing of body-suits, and by maintaining visual awareness. Immediate management is to return to the surface, elevate and wash the site of injury. Immersion in hot water followed by simple analgesics for pain relief has been shown to be more effective than other methods. More severe cases should be identified by symptoms including confusion and heavy bleeding and referred to qualified medical care.
CONCLUSION
Envenomation by subaquatic species is common and preventable yet the dissemination of the appropriate knowledge is limited. This knowledge summary provides pertinent information aimed at divers in preventing and managing such injuries.
Topics: Animals; Antivenins; Bites and Stings; Diving; Emergency Medical Services; First Aid; Fish Venoms; Humans; Marine Toxins; Mollusk Venoms; Scyphozoa
PubMed: 31523798
DOI: 10.28920/dhm49.3.225-228 -
Allergy Nov 2021The WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Database (http://allergen.org) provides up-to-date expert-reviewed data on newly discovered allergens and their unambiguous... (Review)
Review
The WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Database (http://allergen.org) provides up-to-date expert-reviewed data on newly discovered allergens and their unambiguous nomenclature to allergen researchers worldwide. This review discusses the 106 allergens that were accepted by the Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee between 01/2019 and 03/2021. Information about protein family membership, patient cohorts, and assays used for allergen characterization is summarized. A first allergenic fungal triosephosphate isomerase, Asp t 36, was discovered in Aspergillus terreus. Plant allergens contained 1 contact, 38 respiratory, and 16 food allergens. Can s 4 from Indian hemp was identified as the first allergenic oxygen-evolving enhancer protein 2 and Cic a 1 from chickpeas as the first allergenic group 4 late embryogenesis abundant protein. Among the animal allergens were 19 respiratory, 28 food, and 3 venom allergens. Important discoveries include Rap v 2, an allergenic paramyosin in molluscs, and Sal s 4 and Pan h 4, allergenic fish tropomyosins. Paramyosins and tropomyosins were previously known mainly as arthropod allergens. Collagens from barramundi, Lat c 6, and salmon, Sal s 6, were the first members from the collagen superfamily added to the database. In summary, the addition of 106 new allergens to the previously listed 930 allergens reflects the continuous linear growth of the allergen database. In addition, 17 newly described allergen sources were included.
Topics: Allergens; Animals; Aspergillus; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Tropomyosin; World Health Organization
PubMed: 34310736
DOI: 10.1111/all.15021 -
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences Jan 2021Honey bee is vital for pollination and ecological services, boosting crops productivity in terms of quality and quantity and production of colony products: wax, royal... (Review)
Review
Honey bee is vital for pollination and ecological services, boosting crops productivity in terms of quality and quantity and production of colony products: wax, royal jelly, bee venom, honey, pollen and propolis. Honey bees are most important plant pollinators and almost one third of diet depends on bee's pollination, worth billions of dollars. Hence the role that honey bees have in environment and their economic importance in food production, their health is of dominant significance. Honey bees can be infected by various pathogens like: viruses, bacteria, fungi, or infested by parasitic mites. At least more than 20 viruses have been identified to infect honey bees worldwide, generally from Dicistroviridae as well as Iflaviridae families, like ABPV (Acute Bee Paralysis Virus), BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus), KBV (Kashmir Bee Virus), SBV (Sacbrood Virus), CBPV (Chronic bee paralysis virus), SBPV (Slow Bee Paralysis Virus) along with IAPV (Israeli acute paralysis virus), and DWV (Deformed Wing Virus) are prominent and cause infections harmful for honey bee colonies health. This issue about honey bee viruses demonstrates remarkably how diverse this field is, and considerable work has to be done to get a comprehensive interpretation of the bee virology.
PubMed: 33424335
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.037 -
Marine Drugs Jan 2022Within the Conidae family, the piscivorous species have been a hotspot target for drug discovery. Here, we assess the relevance of and their other feeding habits, and... (Review)
Review
Within the Conidae family, the piscivorous species have been a hotspot target for drug discovery. Here, we assess the relevance of and their other feeding habits, and thus under distinctive evolutionary constraints, to highlight the potential of neglected molluscivorous and vermivorous species in biomedical research and pharmaceutical industry. By singling out the areas with inadequate disquisition, such as the Tamil Nadu Coast and the Andaman Islands, research resources can be expanded and better protected through awareness. In this study, 728 species and 190 species from three other genera (1 from , 159 from and 30 from ) in the Conidae family are assessed. The phylogenetic relationships of the Conidae species are determined and their known feeding habits superimposed. The worm-hunting species appeared first, and later the mollusc- and fish-hunting species were derived independently in the Neogene period (around 23 million years ago). Interestingly, many species in the warm and shallow waters become polyphagous, allowing them to hunt both fish and worms, given the opportunities. Such newly gained trait is multi originated. This is controversial, given the traditional idea that most species are specialized to hunt certain prey categories. However, it shows the functional complexity and great potential of conopeptides from some worm-eating species. Pharmaceutical attempts and relevant omics data have been differentially obtained. Indeed, data from the fish-hunting species receive strong preference over the worm-hunting ones. Expectedly, conopeptides from the fish-hunting species are believed to include the most potential candidates for biomedical research. Our work revisits major findings throughout the evolution and emphasizes the importance of increasing omics surveys complemented with further behavior observation studies. Hence, we claim that species and their feeding habits are equally important, highlighting many places left for exploration worldwide. We also discuss the Conotoxin drug discovery potentials and the urgency of protecting the bioresources of species. In particular, some vermivorous species have demonstrated great potential in malaria therapy, while other conotoxins from several worm- and mollusc-eating species exhibited explicit correlation with SARS-CoV-2. Reclaiming idle data with new perspectives could also promote interdisciplinary studies in both virological and toxicological fields.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Conus Snail; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Mollusk Venoms; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35200635
DOI: 10.3390/md20020105