Sequence analysis of the cDNA encoding for SpCTx: a lethal factor from scorpionfish venom ( Scorpaena plumieri )

Background: Lethal factors are multifunctional oligomeric proteins found in the venomous apparatus of Scorpaeniformes fish. These toxins elicit not only an array of biological responses in vitro but also cardiovascular disorders and strong hemolytic, nociceptive and edematogenic activities in vivo. This work describes the cloning and molecular identification of two toxin subunits, denominated Sp-CTx- and Sp-CTx-, from scorpionfish venom ( Scorpaena plumieri ). Methods: The primary structures were deduced after cDNA amplification by PCR with primers from conserved sequences described in Scorpaeniformes toxins. Following DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, the tridimensional structures of both subunits were modeled. Results: The translated sequences (702 amino acids, each subunit) show homology with other lethal factors, while alignment between Sp-CTx- and Sp-CTx- shows 54% identity. The subunits lack N-terminal signal sequences and display masses of approximately 80 kDa each. Both Sp-CTx subunits display a B30.2/SPRY domain at the C-terminal region with typically conserved motifs as described in these toxins. Secondary structure prediction identified six -helices 18 residues long in both and subunits, some of them amphiphilic with their N-terminal flanked by many basic residues, creating a cationic site associated with the cytolytic activity of these toxins. Antimicrobial potential sites were identified in Sp-CTx and share some features with other peptides presenting variable and broad-spectrum activity...

La enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura Ortodoncia en la carrera de estomatología en Cuba / The teaching and learning of the subject Orthodontics in the dentistry career in Cuba

Fundamento: La didáctica de las ciencias estomatológicas cubanas acumula experiencias que justifican las características actuales del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la asignatura Ortodoncia de la carrera de estomatología. Objetivo: Identificar los aspectos históricos que distinguen el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la asignatura Ortodoncia, en la educación estomatológica cubana. Metodología: Se empleó el método analítico-sintético, el histórico-lógico y el análisis documental con la revisión de bases de datos médicas de reconocido prestigio. Desarrollo: Se logró establecer una secuencia lógica de hechos trascendentes en la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura Ortodoncia desde sus inicios, cuatro décadas posteriores al comienzo de la estomatología, su evolución con variaciones en la denominación, inclusión de temáticas, ubicación en el plan de estudios e identificación de insuficiencias, presentes en la actualidad Conclusiones: A pesar del perfeccionamiento ascendente aún existen deficiencias en la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura Ortodoncia que se pueden superar al asumir lo más actual de la didáctica contemporánea.

Background: The didactics of Cuban stomatological sciences accumulates experiences that justify the current characteristics of the teaching-learning process in the subject of Orthodontics in the dentistry career. Objective: To identify the historical aspects that distinguish the process of teaching and learning in the subject of Orthodontics in Cuban stomatological education. Methodology: the analytic-synthetic method, logical and historical method and document analysis with review of medical databases of well-recognized prestige were used. Development: It was possible to establish a logical sequence of significant events in the teaching and learning of the subject of Orthodontics since its inception, four decades after the start of stomatology, its evolution with variations on the name, including themes, location in the study plan and identifying shortcomings, currently present. Conclusions: Despite the ascending improvement there are still shortcomings in the teaching and learning of the subject of Orthodontics that can be overcome by taking the most contemporary of didactic teaching today.

Pez león (Pterois volitans) y su impacto en la salud humana / Lionfish (Pterois volitans) and its impact in human health

Fundamento: El alza creciente de las intoxicaciones accidentales por picaduras y exposiciones al Pterois volitans (pez león) en los últimos años en Cuba, es debido a la presencia en el entorno marino cubano de este particular espécimen. Existe cierto desconocimiento por el personal de salud cubano en cuanto a la conducta a seguir de esta intoxicación debido a la relativa escasez de bibliografía. Objetivo: Profundizar en aspectos esenciales de la intoxicación por pez león, como la toxina involucrada, el cuadro clínico y la conducta a seguir. Desarrollo: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de artículos relacionados con la intoxicación por pez león, en diferentes bases de datos médicas de prestigio, donde se hizo énfasis en la toxina involucrada, las principales manifestaciones clínicas y medidas fundamentales dirigidas al tratamiento adecuado de la intoxicación. Conclusiones: La intoxicación por pez león además de causar un intenso dolor es capaz de producir una sintomatología muy variada y exacerbada, por lo que deben tomarse medidas específicas para una adecuada conducta a seguir, y así evitar complicaciones. Son muy frecuentes los casos clínicos atendidos con urgencia tras accidente con este tipo de pez; por lo que es necesario divulgar su potencial toxicológico.

Background: the increase of accidental intoxication by biting and exposure to Pterois volitans fish in the last years in Cuba is due to the presence of this fish in the Cuban sea world. There is evident lack of knowledge by Cuban health personnel with relation to the way to behave with this kind of intoxication due to the lack of bibliography written about it. Objective: To deepen on Pterois volitans fish intoxication essentialities as involved toxin, clinical picture and behavior. Development: A bibliographical revision of articles related to intoxication by Pterois volitans fish was carried out, the main focus was directed to the involved toxin, main clinical manifestations and measures directed to the right treatment of this intoxication. Conclusion: Intoxication by Pterois volitans fish causes a varied and exacerbated symptomatology. For this reason, it is necessary to take specific measures to avoid complications. Clinical cases attended after accident by this type of fish are very frequent what makes necessary to spread its toxicological potentiality.

Tetrodotoxin poisoning caused by Goby fish consumption in southeast China: a retrospective case series analysis

OBJECTIVES: To investigate an unusual outbreak of tetrodotoxin poisoning in Leizhou, southeast China, a case series analysis was conducted to identify the source of illness. METHODS: A total of 22 individuals experienced symptoms of poisoning, including tongue numbness, dizziness, nausea and limb numbness and weakness. Two toxic species, Amoya caninus and Yongeichthys nebulosus, were morphologically identified from the batches of gobies consumed by the patients. Tetrodotoxin levels in the blood and Goby fish samples were detected using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The tetrodotoxin levels in the remaining cooked Goby fish were determined to be 2090.12 µg/kg. For Amoya caninus, the toxicity levels were 1858.29 µg/kg in the muscle and 1997.19 µg/kg in the viscera and for Yongeichthys nebulosus, they were 2783.00 µg/kg in the muscle and 2966.21 µg/kg in the viscera. CONCLUSION: This outbreak demonstrates an underestimation of the risk of Goby fish poisoning. Furthermore, the relationships among the toxic species, climates and marine algae present should be clarified in the future. .

Expressed sequence tags in venomous tissue of Scorpaena plumieri (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae)

Species of the family Scorpaenidae are responsible for accidents and sporadic casualties by the shore they inhabit. The species Scorpaena plumieri from this family populate the Northeastern and Eastern coast of Brazil causing human envenomation characterized by local and systemic symptoms. In experimental animals the venom induces cardiotoxic, hypotensive, and airway respiratory effects. As first step to identify the venom components we isolated gland mRNA to produce a cDNA library from the fish gland. This report describes the partial sequencing of 356 gland transcripts from S. plumieri. BLAST analysis of transcripts showed that 30% were unknown sequences, 17% hypothetical proteins, 17% related to metabolic enzymes, 14% belonged to signal transducing functions and the remaining groups (7-8%) composed by gene related with expressing proteins, regulatory proteins and structural proteins. A considerable number of these EST were not found in available databases suggesting the existence of new proteins and/or functions yet to be discovered. By screening the library with antibodies against a lectin fraction from S. plumieri venom we identified several clones whose DNA sequence showed similarities with lectins found in fish. In silico analysis of these clones confirm the identity of these molecules in the venom gland of S. plumieri. .

Espécies da família Scorpaenidae são responsáveis por acidentes e mortes esporádicas ao longo da costa que habitam. A espécie Scorpaena plumieri desta família povoam a costa Leste e Nordeste do Brasil, causando envenenamento humano caracterizado por sintomas locais e sistêmicos. Em modelos experimentais animais a peçonha induz cardiotoxicidade, efeitos hipotensivos e alterações nas vias aéreas respiratórias. Como primeiro passo para identificar os componentes da peçonha foram isolados os mRNA das glândulas do peixe para produzir uma biblioteca de cDNAs. Esse artigo descreve o sequenciamento parcial de 356 transcritos das glândulas de S. plumieri. Análises em bancos de dados (BLAST) dos transcritos demonstraram que 30% eram sequências desconhecidas, 17% proteínas hipotéticas, 17% relacionadas às enzimas do metabolismo, 14% pertenciam a funções de transdução de sinais e os demais grupos (7-8%) formados por genes relacionados com a expressão de proteínas, proteínas regulatórias e estruturais. Um número considerável destes EST não foi encontrado em bases de dados disponíveis, sugerindo a existência de novas proteínas e/ou funções ainda a serem descobertas. Ao fazer um barrido da biblioteca com anticorpos produzidos contra uma fração das lectinas do veneno de S. plumieri, identificamos vários clones, cuja sequência de DNA mostram semelhanças com lectinas encontradas em peixes. A análise in silico destes clones confirmam a identidade destas moléculas na glândula de peçonha de S. plumieri.

Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom: from the envenoming to the understanding of the immune system

Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim) is a venomous fish found off North and Northeast coast of Brazil, where it is known by the severity of the accidents involving humans. This review article is divided into four topics. The first one provides a brief description of the animal biology and its distribution off Brazilian coastal waters, the venom apparatus, signs and symptoms observed in envenomated humans and also describes envenomation in mice. The second topic describes the use of modern genetic approach and mass spectrometry for identification of highly expressed genes in its venom glands and the sequence of major toxins. The third chapter offers a detailed study of tissue injury induced by the venom and reveals the role of toxins that impair inflammation reduction. Finally, the fourth section expands the understanding of many extrinsic and intrinsic essential factors in maintaining survival of memory B cell compartment. Our results demonstrate the wide possibilities for research in the area of toxinology, also the necessity of interconnection among biochemistry, pharmacology and immunology areas for the expansion of knowledge and for generation of innovation.

Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom: from the envenoming to the understanding of the immune system

Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim) is a venomous fish found off North and Northeast coast of Brazil, where it is known by the severity of the accidents involving humans. This review article is divided into four topics. The first one provides a brief description of the animal biology and its distribution off Brazilian coastal waters, the venom apparatus, signs and symptoms observed in envenomated humans and also describes envenomation in mice. The second topic describes the use of modern genetic approach and mass spectrometry for identification of highly expressed genes in its venom glands and the sequence of major toxins. The third chapter offers a detailed study of tissue injury induced by the venom and reveals the role of toxins that impair inflammation reduction. Finally, the fourth section expands the understanding of many extrinsic and intrinsic essential factors in maintaining survival of memory B cell compartment. Our results demonstrate the wide possibilities for research in the area of toxinology, also the necessity of interconnection among biochemistry, pharmacology and immunology areas for the expansion of knowledge and for generation of innovation.

Injuries by marine and freshwater stingrays: history, clinical aspects of the envenomations and current status of a neglected problem in Brazil

Stingrays are a group of rays – cartilaginous fish related to sharks – that have whiplike tails with barbed, usually venomous spines and are found around the world, especially the marine species. Despite recent reports of accidents involving these fish, they are not aggressive, reacting only when stepped on or improperly handled. Injuries by stingrays are seldom mentioned by historians, although they have always been present in riverine communities of inland waters and in South American coasts. Indeed, envenomations by stingrays are quite common in freshwater and marine fishing communities. Although having high morbidity, such injuries are neglected because they have low lethality and usually occur in remote areas, which favor the use of folk remedies. In the present review article, historical aspects of injuries caused by stingrays in Brazil and their distribution on the coast of São Paulo state and riverine communities of the North, Midwest and Southeast regions were studied. In addition, other aspects were analyzed such as clinical features, therapeutic methods, preventive measures and trends in occurrence of these accidents in the country, particularly in areas in which freshwater stingrays had not been previously registered, being introduced after breaching of natural barriers.

Efectos tóxicos y manejo de las lesiones provocadas por el pez león (Pteroisvolitans, P. miles) / Toxic effects and management and injuries caused by the lion fish(Pteroisvolitan, P. miles)

El Pez León (Pterois volitans y Pteroismiles), especie registrada como invasora en el Atlántico occidental; se ha constituido en un poderoso depredador gracias a que no tiene un antagonista natural en la segunda barrera coralina más grande del mundo, poniendo en riesgo a las especies marinas endémicas de la zona, así com o a nadadores, buzos recreativos, comerciales y pescadores que entran en contacto con el pez. El pinchazo del pez león es venenoso, tiene aproximadamente 17 espinas dorsales,pélvicas y anal, cada uno contiene un tubo que se conecta al extremo de una glándula venenosa que segrega 3 a 10mg de veneno por espina. El mecanismo de intoxicación se produce cuando la persona pisa o toca al pez, ejerciendo presión sobre las espinas y al penetrar la piel las glándulas venenosas liberan el veneno. La toxina inoculada puede causar dolor intenso, fiebre, parálisis respiratoria humana e insuficiencia circulatoria. La toxicidad del veneno es debida a antigénicos de proteínas de alto peso molecular. El tratamiento se basa en la termolabilidad de dichas proteínas, bloquear la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y las posibles complicaciones. Con esta revisión bibliográfica se pretende ampliar sobre los efectos tóxicos y el manejo de las lesiones provocadas por el pez león, a fin de informar a la comunidad médica hondureña de los problemas de salud causada...

Trauma and envenoming caused by stingrays and other fish in a fishing community in Pontal do Paranapanema, state of São Paulo, Brazil: epidemiology, clinical aspects, and therapeutic and preventive measures / Traumas e envenenamentos por arraias e outros peixes em uma colônia de pescadores no pontal do Paranapanema, estado de São Paulo, Brasil: epidemiologia, aspectos clínicos e propostas terapêuticas e preventivas

INTRODUCTION: Accidents caused by fish are common in inland fishing communities in Brazil, being work-related injuries in the majority of cases. These populations have no information on the mechanisms of trauma or envenoming. METHODS: Through a questionnaire administered to fishermen, we obtained clinical and epidemiological data on accidents in Rosana, Pontal do Paranapanema, State of São Paulo, Brazil. These data were analyzed and converted into an easily understood prevention and treatment program for the colony. RESULTS: Thirty-nine fishermen replied to the survey. All of the patients had been hurt by fish. Of those mentioned, the yellow catfish (Pimelodus maculatus) was the main fish species associated with injuries, but others also caused trauma to the fishermen. Six fishermen had been envenomed by stingrays. Pain and ulcers were the main symptoms and were described as intolerable. Approximately half of those injured were treated using traditional folk remedies. CONCLUSIONS: The fishermen suffered multiple accidents with catfish, which are venomous and cause intense pain, as well as trauma due to other fish, such as surubins, traíras, freshwater croakers, and piranhas. Approximately 16% of those interviewed presented with envenomation from stingrays. Our data and previous experience in the area led to the creation of a pamphlet with clear language that can effectively help fishermen in the region, an area in need of health services and disease prevention. This initiative also applies to the whole La Plata River basin, which has similar fauna.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os acidentes causados por peixes são comuns em comunidades de pescadores fluviais no Brasil, sendo acidentes ocupacionais na maioria das vezes. Estas populações não têm informações dos mecanismos de trauma e envenenamento. MÉTODOS: Através de um questionário aplicado aos pescadores, foram obtidos dados clínicos e epidemiológicos sobre acidentes em Rosana, Pontal do Paranapanema, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Estes dados foram analisados e convertidos em um programa de prevenção e tratamento de acidentes através de um folheto de fácil assimilação RESULTADOS: Trinta e nove pescadores responderam o questionário. Todos os pacientes apresentaram ferimentos causados por algum peixe. Dos peixes mencionados, mandijubas (Pimelodus maculatus) foram os mais associados aos ferimentos, mas outros também causaram traumas. Em relação às arraias, seis pescadores tinham sido envenenados. Dor intensa e úlceras foram os principais sintomas. Aproximadamente metade dos acidentados usou apenas medidas de tratamentos populares. CONCLUSÕES: Os pescadores apresentaram acidentes múltiplos por mandis, que são peçonhentos e causam dor intensa, assim como traumas por outros peixes, como surubins, traíras, corvinas de água doce e piranhas. Cerca de 16% dos entrevistados apresentaram envenenamento por arraias. Nossos dados e experiência prévia permitiram a criação de um folheto de fácil assimilação pelas populações locais que pode ajudar os pescadores de forma efetiva, em uma área extremamente carente de serviços de saúde e prevenção de doenças. Esta iniciativa é aplicável a toda a bacia do Rio da Prata, área extensa e de fauna similar.

Clinical and epidemiological study of 27 poisonings caused by ingesting puffer fish (Tetrodontidae) in the states of Santa Catarina and Bahia, Brazil / Estudo clinico-epidemiológico de 27 envenenamentos causados pela ingestão de baiacus (Tetrodontidae) nos estados de Santa Catarina e Bahia, Brasil

Puffer fish can be poisonous due to the presence of the potent neurotoxins such as Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and Saxitoxin (STX) found in its tissues. The authors report 27 human poisonings from ingestion of puffer fish in patients treated at Toxicology Centers in the states of Santa Catarina and Bahia, Brazil, between 1984 and January 2009. Poisonings were classified as moderate (52 percent) and severe (33 percent), two deaths were observed. Early diagnosis is very important to ensure respiratory support.

Os baiacus ou peixes-bola podem ser venenosos devido à presença em seus tecidos corporais de Tetrodotoxina e/ou Saxitoxina, ambas potentes neurotoxinas. Os autores relatam 27 envenenamentos por ingestão da carne de baiacus. Os pacientes foram atendidos nos Centros de Toxicologia de Santa Catarina e da Bahia de 1984 a 2009. Os acidentes foram classificados em moderados (52 por cento) e graves (33 por cento), havendo dois óbitos. O diagnóstico precoce é fundamental no sentido de garantir suporte ventilatório aos pacientes.

Eficácia da acupuntura no tratamento das manifestações clínicas do envenenamento pelo peixe Talassophryne nattereri, em modelo murino

Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim), peixe peçonhento encontrado no norte e nordeste do Brasil, provoca muitos acidentes pela inoculação de veneno através de espinhos dorsais e laterais, sendo o quadro clínico de intensa dor, edema e necrose. O objetivo principal deste projeto foi estudar ação da acupuntura sobre os efeitos do envenenamento experimental por T. nattereri, pesquisando os acupontos no camundongo (definição dos pontos etempo de agulhamento) em relação à eficiência no tratamento de dor, edema e necrose induzida pela administração subcutânea do veneno. Assim, grupos de 5 camundongos BALB/c foram inoculados com 3 µg do veneno nocoxim plantar direito e receberam agulha nos acupontos B60/R3 da pata posterior esquerda, na orelha esquerda ou na lateral esquerda do dorso (0, 5 ou 15 minutos após a inoculação do veneno). Nos grupos-controle os animais receberam apenas veneno. A atividade noceptiva foi avaliada pelo tempo gasto em segundos em que os animais lambem ou mordem a pata injetada, a atividade edematogênica foi determinada pela espessura dessa pata e a atividade necrosante foi avaliada pelo tamanho da reação na pele invertida após inoculação de 100µg do veneno s.c., no dorso. Os resultados mostram que os animais que receberam agulha nos acupontos específicos(B60/R3 e na orelha) apresentaram uma efetiva e acentuada diminuição da dor (aproximadamente 70%). A acupuntura também reduziu significantemente as atividades edematogênica e necrosante do veneno. Concluímos ainda que embora o tratamento com acupuntura seja mais eficaz quando feito simultaneamente ao envenenamento, ainda é bastante efetivo mesmo 15 minutos após a inoculação com o veneno.

Eficácia da acupuntura no tratamento das manifestações clínicas do envenenamento pelo peixe Talassophryne nattereri, em modelo murino / Acupunture efficacy at manifestation clinic treatment of poisoning fish Talassophyne nattereri, in murine model

Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim), peixe peçonhento encontrado no norte e nordeste do Brasil, provoca muitos acidentes pela inoculação de veneno através de espinhos dorsais e laterais, sendo o quadro clínico de intensa dor, edema e necrose. O objetivo principal deste projeto foi estudar ação da acupuntura sobre os efeitos do envenenamento experimental por T. nattereri, pesquisando os acupontos no camundongo (definição dos pontos etempo de agulhamento) em relação à eficiência no tratamento de dor, edema e necrose induzida pela administração subcutânea do veneno. Assim, grupos de 5 camundongos BALB/c foram inoculados com 3 µg do veneno nocoxim plantar direito e receberam agulha nos acupontos B60/R3 da pata posterior esquerda, na orelha esquerda ou na lateral esquerda do dorso (0, 5 ou 15 minutos após a inoculação do veneno). Nos grupos-controle os animais receberam apenas veneno. A atividade noceptiva foi avaliada pelo tempo gasto em segundos em que os animais lambem ou mordem a pata injetada, a atividade edematogênica foi determinada pela espessura dessa pata e a atividade necrosante foi avaliada pelo tamanho da reação na pele invertida após inoculação de 100µg do veneno s.c., no dorso. Os resultados mostram que os animais que receberam agulha nos acupontos específicos(B60/R3 e na orelha) apresentaram uma efetiva e acentuada diminuição da dor (aproximadamente 70%). A acupuntura também reduziu significantemente as atividades edematogênica e necrosante do veneno. Concluímos ainda que embora o tratamento com acupuntura seja mais eficaz quando feito simultaneamente ao envenenamento, ainda é bastante efetivo mesmo 15 minutos após a inoculação com o veneno.

Caribbean ciguatera: a changing paradigm

Analyses of ciguatoxicity in the great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda and quantity of toxic benthic dinoflagellates on coastal reefs (correlated with the number of cases of human ciguatera intoxications in Puerto Rico) were used to construct a model formulated on data obtained during the period of 1985-1988. The validity of the proposed model has been questioned by recent data obtained during the period of 1990-2000. Barracuda ciguatoxicity no longer showed a prominent seasonality while the fraction of randomly caught barracuda that were ciguatoxic significantly increased during this period. These two changes, accompanied by the discovery that ciguatoxic fish contained a variety of multiple toxins, appear to be correlated with the steadily increasing periods of elevated sea surface temperatures in this region

Pruebas de ciguatoxicidad en la gran barracuda, Sphyraena barracuda y la cantidad de dinoflagelados bentónicos tóxicos en los arrecifes de la costa están correlacionados con el número de casos de intoxicaciones por ciguatera en humanos, en Puerto Rico. Estos hechos fueron utilizados para construir un modelo que fue formulado con la información recopilada durante el período de 1985- 1988. La validez de este modelo propuesto ha sido cuestionada debido a la información recientemente obtenida durante el período 1990-2000. La ciguatoxicidad en la barracuda ya no demostraba una marcada asociación con las temporadas mientras que la cantidad de barracuda ciguatóxica capturada al azar tuvo un aumento significativo durante este período. Estos dos cambios estuvieron acompañados por el descubrimiento de que peces ciguatóxicos contienen una gran variedad de toxinas que parecen estar relacionadas con los períodos de elevadas temperaturas en la superficie del mar. Estas temperaturas continúan aumentando de manera que a su vez continúan en un aumento estable en esta región

Animais aquáticos de importância médica no Brasil / Aquatic animals of medical importance in Brazil

Os acidentes por animais aquáticos venenosos e traumatizantes podem provocar morbidez importante em humanos. Em 236 ocorrências por animais marinhos observadas pelo autor, os ouriços-do-mar causaram cerca de 50 por cento, os cnidários (cubomedusas e caravelas) 25 por cento e peixes venenosos (bagres, arraias e peixes-escorpiäo) 25 por cento dos acidentes. Nos rios e lagos, as arraias, bagres e mandis causam acidentes que têm mecanismo do envenenamento e efeitos das toxinas semelhantes às espécies marinhas. Em uma série de cerca de 200 acidentes em pescadores de água doce, quase 40 por cento foram causados por bagres e mandis, 5 por cento por arraias de água doce e 55 por cento por peixes traumatogênicos, como as piranhas e as traíras. O autor demonstra os principais animais aquáticos que causam acidentes no Brasil, apresenta aspectos clínicos dos envenenamentos e discute medidas terapêuticas para o controle da intensa sintomatologia observada principalmente nos acidentes causados por cnidários e peixes venenosos

The venomous toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim or miquim): report of 43 injuries provoked in fishermen of Salinópolis (Pará State) and Aracaju (Sergipe State), Brazil

Fishes of family Batrachoididae are responsible for great number of injuries in fishermen in North and Northeast regions of Brazil. The genus Thalassophryne presents various venomous species of fishes found in the Brazilian coast, T. nattereri being the most common of them. The venom is ejected through two hollow spines on the dorsal fin and two on pre-opercular regions, which present a venomous gland in the base and can be erected or depressed by the fish. The manifestations of the envenoming were intense local pain, edema and erythema in 43 patients observed in Salinópolis (Pará State) and Aracaju (Sergipe State). There were no systemic manifestations, but necrosis was detected in eight and bacterial infection in ten injured fishermen. The circumstances of the contacts and therapeutic aspects are discussed. Envenoming by the genus Thalassophryne is important and frequent and should be considered of moderate severity grade, since there are not the excruciating pain or the massive local necrosis provoked by scorpionfishes (Scorpaena) or stingrays injuries nor the systemic manifestations that are the most important marker of severe envenoming

Toxicity of puffer fish - two species(Lagocephalus laevigatus, LINAEUS 1766 and Sphoeroides spengleri, BLOCH 1785) from the southeastern Brazilian coast

In Brazil, where puffer fish are considered poisonous, there are few documented cases on human consumption and consequent poisoning. In this study, toxicity of two puffer fish species from the Brazilian coast was examined. Specimens of Sphoeroides spengleri and Lagocephalus laevigatus were caught in Säo Sebastiäo Channel (North coast of Säo Paulo State, Brazil) between January 1996 and May 1997. Acidic ethanol extracts from muscle and skin plus viscera were tested for mice acute toxicity using the standard method of Kawabata. Polar extracts of S. spengleri showed high toxicity up to 946 MU/g. Extracts from L. laevigatus showed very low levels of toxicity, never exceeding 1.7 MU/g. All extracts from both species blocked amielinic nerve fiber evoked impulses of crustacean legs; this effect reverted on washing similar to the standard tetrodotoxin TTX. The aqueous extract solutions were partially purified using an ionic exchange column (Amberlit GC-50) followed by treatment with activated charcoal (Norit-A). The presence of TTX and their analogs in the semi-purified extracts were confirmed by HPLC and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF).