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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 -
Australian Family Physician 2015Marine stings are common but most are minor and do not require medical intervention. Severe and systemic marine envenoming is uncommon, but includes box jellyfish...
BACKGROUND
Marine stings are common but most are minor and do not require medical intervention. Severe and systemic marine envenoming is uncommon, but includes box jellyfish stings, Irukandji syndrome, major stingray trauma and blue-ringed octopus envenoming. Almost all marine injuries are caused by jellyfish stings, and penetrating injuries from spiny fish, stingrays or sea urchins.
OBJECTIVE
This article describes the presentation and management of marine envenomations and injuries that may occur in Australia.
DISCUSSION
First aid for jellyfish includes tentacle removal, application of vinegar for box jellyfish, and hot water immersion (45°C for 20 min) for bluebottle jellyfish stings. Basic life support is essential for severe marine envenomings that result in cardiac collapse or paralysis. Irukandji syndrome causes severe generalised pain, autonomic excess and minimal local pain, which may require large amounts of analgesia, and, uncommonly, myocardial depression and pulmonary oedema occur. Penetrating marine injuries can cause significant trauma depending on location of the injury. Large and unclean wounds may have delayed healing and secondary infection if not adequately irrigated, debrided and observed.
Topics: Animals; Australia; Bites and Stings; Cubozoa; First Aid; Fish Venoms; Humans; Snake Bites; Venoms
PubMed: 25688956
DOI: No ID Found -
Toxins Jan 2019Research on venomous animals has mainly focused on the molecular, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of venom toxins. However, it is the relatively neglected... (Review)
Review
Research on venomous animals has mainly focused on the molecular, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of venom toxins. However, it is the relatively neglected broader study of evolutionary ecology that is crucial for understanding the biological relevance of venom systems. As fish have convergently evolved venom systems multiple times, it makes them ideal organisms to investigate the evolutionary ecology of venom on a broader scale. This review outlines what is known about how fish venom systems evolved as a result of natural enemy interactions and about the ecological consequences of evolving a venom system. This review will show how research on the evolutionary ecology of venom in fish can aid in understanding the evolutionary ecology of animal venoms more generally. Further, understanding these broad ecological questions can shed more light on the other areas of toxinology, with applications across multiple disciplinary fields.
Topics: Animals; Biological Evolution; Ecology; Fish Venoms; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 30678265
DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020060 -
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 -
The Journal of Venomous Animals and... 2016The most poisonous fish species found along the Brazilian coast is the spotted scorpionfish . Though hardly ever life-threatening to humans, envenomation by can be... (Review)
Review
The most poisonous fish species found along the Brazilian coast is the spotted scorpionfish . Though hardly ever life-threatening to humans, envenomation by can be quite hazardous, provoking extreme pain and imposing significant socioeconomic costs, as the victims may require days to weeks to recover from their injuries. In this review we will walk the reader through the biological features that distinguish this species as well as the current epidemiological knowledge related to the envenomation and its consequences. But above all, we will discuss the challenges involved in the biochemical characterization of the venom and its compounds, focusing then on the successful isolation and pharmacological analysis of some of the bioactive molecules responsible for the effects observed upon envenomation as well as on experimental models. Despite the achievement of considerable progress, much remains to be done, particularly in relation to the non-proteinaceous components of the venom. Therefore, further studies are necessary in order to provide a more complete picture of the venom's chemical composition and physiological effects. Given that fish venoms remain considerably less studied when compared to terrestrial venoms, the exploration of their full potential opens a myriad of possibilities for the development of new drug leads and tools for elucidating the complex physiological processes.
PubMed: 28031733
DOI: 10.1186/s40409-016-0090-7 -
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 -
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