An α-D-galactan and a ß-D-glucan from the mushroom Amanita muscaria: Structural characterization and antitumor activity against melanoma.

Polysaccharides α-D-galactan (GAL-Am) and ß-D-glucan (GLC-Am) were obtained from Amanita muscaria fruiting bodies. They were purified using different methodologies, such as Fehling precipitation (for both fractions), freeze-thawing process and ultrafiltration (for GLC-Am). Results showed that the GAL-Am has (1 â†’ 6)-linked Galp main chain branched at O-2 by terminal Galp units and has not been previously reported. Besides, GLC-Am has (1 â†’ 3)-linked Glcp in the main chain, substituted at O-6 by (1 â†’ 6)-linked ß-Glcp units. Both are water-soluble, with 9.0 × 103 g/moL and 1.3 × 105 g/moL, respectively. GAL-Am and GLC-Am presented a selective proliferation reduction against B16-F10 melanoma cell line, not affecting non tumoral BALB/3T3 fibroblast cell line. Furthermore, both fractions reduced clonogenic capacity of melanoma cell line over an extended period of time. These results were obtained without modulations in B16-F10 cell adhesion, reinforcing the biological activities towards cell proliferation impairment and eliciting these polysaccharides as promising compounds to further exploration of their antimelanoma properties.

Breaking the paradigms of residual categories and neglectable importance of non-used resources: the "vital" traditional knowledge of non-edible mushrooms and their substantive cultural significance.

INTRODUCTION: One of the main goals of ethnomycological studies has been understanding the role of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) in diverse cultures. To accomplish such a purpose, the local knowledge of WEM and their cultural importance have been evaluated and compared using qualitative and quantitative methods. However, few studies have documented these aspects in non-edible mushrooms, because they are considered to be in a category of residual cultural importance. To make up for this lack of investigation, this paper analyzes the traditional knowledge of non-edible mushrooms to understand their cultural role and break it down to its components. The analysis of this topic shows how this knowledge represents a good strategy to prevent mushroom intoxications in humans. METHODS: This study was carried out in two communities residing in La Malintzi National Park, Tlaxcala, Mexico. Mushroom species indicated as non-edible were collected during 13 ethnomycological expeditions and seven requests. To get an insight into the local knowledge about these mushrooms, we used ethnographic techniques, 91 free listings and 81 semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: In total, we collected 178 specimens of wild mushrooms recognized as non-edible by locals, which corresponded to 103 species belonging to 45 genera. People who participated in the study had a vast and deep understanding of non-edible mushrooms. For them, the most important species were Amanita muscaria, Neoboletus aff. erythropus, Xerocomellus chrysenteron, and Suillus tomentosus. Two uses were the most mentioned by respondents: as an insecticide and for medicinal purposes. Of note, however, is that A. muscaria was reported as edible years ago. To avoid possible intoxication, all non-edible mushrooms were included in the general category of "poisonous mushrooms." Non-edible species are seen as a cosmogonic counterpart ("twins") of the edible species that they resemble. We obtained 101 specific recognition criteria, useful only when comparing paired species: edible vs non-edible. The most culturally important non-edible groups were differentiated by clear and precise characteristics, which were reflected in the nomenclature and allowed their classification into specific ethnotaxa. CONCLUSIONS: We found that non-used resources can be the object of a deep traditional knowledge and have a vast cultural importance. In the case of wild non-edible mushrooms in particular: the species are named; they are the subject of vast traditional knowledge which is based on their edible/non-edible duality; this knowledge is widespread but has limited consensus, there is little lexical retention; and this knowledge is vital to avoid fatal intoxications. In consequence, both deadly species and species that share similarities with the most important edible mushrooms have a high cultural importance.

Micetismos: Parte 4: Síndromes tempranos con síntomas complejos / Mushroom poisonings. Part 4: early-onset syndromes with complex symptoms / Intoxicações por cogumelos. Parte 4: Síndromes precoces com sintomas complexos

En esta Parte 4 de la serie de cuatro artículos sobre micetismos se analizan los síndromes que se caracterizan por presentar un período de latencia muy corto, con la aparición de síntomas complejos en menos de 6 horas después de la ingestión de los macromicetos. Se discuten los siguientes micetismos: 1) Toxíndrome muscarínico o colinérgico periférico por especies de Inocybe y Clitocybe. 2) Toxíndrome inmunohemolítico o hemolítico por Paxillus. 3) Toxíndrome neumónico alérgico por Lycoperdon perlatum y por Pholiota nameko. 4) Toxíndrome panterínico o neurotóxico glutaminérgico por compuestos isoxazólicos o síndrome pantherina/muscaria. 5) Toxíndrome coprínico o cardiovascular. 6) Toxíndrome neurotóxico alucinogénico por psilocibina y derivados indólicos. 7) Toxíndrome psicotrópico por estirilpironas y gimnopilinas de Gymnopilus spectabilis o G. junonius. 8) Toxíndrome agudo de rabdomiólisis por Russula subnigricans. 9) Toxíndrome cianogénico por Marasmius oreades. 10) Toxíndrome inmunosupresor por tricotecenos macrocíclicos de Podostroma cornu-damae. 11) Toxíndrome hemolítico debido a ostreolisina de Pleurotus ostreatus y especies relacionadas. Se analizan los síntomas, las toxinas involucradas, los mecanismos de acción, cuando se conocen, y las especies causantes de los micetismos.

This Part 4 of the series of four articles on mushroom poisonings refers to early-onset syndromes, which are characterized by a very short latency period, and the appearance of complex symptoms in less than 6 hours after mushroom ingestion. The following mycetisms are discussed, (1) Peripheral cholinergic, or muscarinic syndrome due to Inocybe and Clitocybe species. (2) Immunohaemolytic or haemolytic syndrome by Paxillus. (3) Allergic pneumonic syndrome due to Lycoperdon perlatum, and Pholiota nameko. (4) Glutaminergic neurotoxic, or pantherinic syndrome by isoxazole compounds or pantherina/muscaria syndrome. (5) Coprinic or cardiovascular syndrome. (6) Hallucinogenic neurotoxic syndrome due to psilocybin and indole derivatives. (7) Psychotropic syndrome by styrylpirones and gymnopilins of Gymnopilus spectabilis or G. junonius. (8) Rhabdomyolysis acute syndrome due to Russula subnigricans. (9) Cyanogenic syndrome by Marasmius oreades. (10) Immunosuppressive syndrome by macrocyclic trichothecenes of Podostroma cornu-damae. (11) Haemolytic syndrome due to ostreolisine of Pleurotus ostreatus, and related species. The symptoms, toxins involved, mechanisms of action, when known, and the species of mushrooms responsible for the mycetisms are analyzed.

Nesta parte 4 da série de quatro artigos sobre intoxicação por cogumelos são analisadas síndromes que se caracterizam por apresentar um período de latência muito breve, com aparecimento de sintomas complexos em menos de 6 horas após a ingestão dos macromicetos. As seguintes intoxicações com cogumelos são discutidas: (1) Toxíndrome muscarínico ou colinérgico periférico por espécies de Inocybe e Clitocybe. (2) Toxíndrome imuno-hemolítica ou hemolítica por Paxillus. (3) Toxíndrome pneumônica alérgica por Lycoperdon perlatum e por Pholiota nameko. (4) Toxíndrome panterínica ou neurotóxica glutaminérgica por compostos isoxazólicos ou síndrome pantherina/muscaria. (5) Toxíndrome coprínica ou cardiovascular (6) Toxíndrome neurotóxico-alucinogênica por psilocibina e derivados indólicos. (7) Toxíndrome psicotrópica por estirilpironas e gimnopilinas de Gymnopilus spectabilis ou G. junonius. (8) Toxíndrome aguda de rabdomiólise por Russula subnigricans. (9) Toxíndrome cianogênica por Marasmius oreades. (10) Toxíndrome imunossupressora por tricotecenos macrocíclicos de Podostroma cornu-damae. (11) Síndrome hemolítica por ostreolisina de Pleurotus ostreatus e espécies relacionadas. São analisados os sintomas, as toxinas envolvidas, os mecanismos de ação, quando conhecidos, e as espécies de cogumelos responsáveis pelas intoxicações.

In Colombia the Eurasian fungus Amanita muscaria is expanding its range into native, tropical Quercus humboldtii forests.

To meet a global demand for timber, tree plantations were established in South America during the first half of the 20th century. Extensive plantings of non-native species now are found in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. In Colombia, miscellaneous plantations were established in the 1950s, during a period of intensive local logging, when policies to limit deforestation in native Quercus humboldtii forests were established. One unforeseen consequence of planting non-native trees was the simultaneous introduction and subsequent persistence of ectomycorrhizal fungi. We sought to document the origins and spread of the introduced Amanita muscaria found in Colombian plantations of the Mexican species Pinus patula, North American species P. taeda, and Australian species Acacia melanoxylon and Eucalyptus globulus. In Colombia, Amanita muscaria is establishing a novel association with native Q. humboldtii and has spread to local Q. humboldtii forests. According to a Bayesian phylogeny and haplotype analysis based on the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8-ITS2 (ITS barcode), A. muscaria individuals found in four exotic plant species, and those colonizing Q. humboldtii roots, have a Eurasian origin and belong to two Eurasian haplotypes. This is the first time the spread of an introduced mutualist fungus into native Colombian Q. humboldtii forests is reported. To arrest its spread, we suggest the use of local inocula made up of native fungi, instead of inocula of introduced fungi.

Current concepts in acute liver failure.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe condition secondary to a myriad of causes associated with poor outcomes. The prompt diagnosis and identification of the aetiology allow the administration of specific treatments plus supportive strategies and to define the overall prognosis, the probability of developing complications and the need for liver transplantation. Pivotal issues are adequate monitoring and the institution of prophylactic strategies to reduce the risk of complications, such as progressive liver failure, cerebral oedema, renal failure, coagulopathies or infections. In this article, we review the main aspects of ALF, including the definition, diagnosis and complications. Also, we describe the standard-of-care strategies and recent advances in the treatment of ALF. Finally, we include our experience of care patients with ALF.

Micetismo: reporte de dos casos fatales y revisión bibliográfica / Mycetism: Report of two fatal cases and review of the literature

Justificación:El micetismo es la intoxicación producida por la ingestión de setas silvestres, que puede presentarse clínicamente con diferentes síndromes toxicológicos, dependiendo de la especie de hongo involucrada y sus toxinas. Su importancia médicolegal radica en que la ingesta puede ocurrir de manera accidental, homicida o suicida. Objetivo: Revisar aspectos relevantes sobre el micetismo, para el reconocimiento de síndromes toxicológicos asociados a la ingesta de setas. Metodología:Se revisaron diferentes bases de datos utilizando las palabras clave: micetismo, Amanita phalloides, autopsia médicolegal, abordaje diagnóstico. Resultados:A. phalloides, contiene amatoxinas causantes de insuficiencia hepática aguda y las falotoxinas responsables de manifestaciones gastrointestinales 10 horas después de la ingesta, característica del síndrome tóxico faloidiano. Los casos que se describen corresponden a dos femeninas de la misma familia, una mujer adulta 36 años embarazada y su hija de seisaños, procedentes de una comunidad rural en la parte central de Honduras, que fallecieron después de la ingestión de setas silvestres y cuyas autopsias se realizaron en la Dirección de Medicina Forense de Tegucigalpa, para establecer la causa de muerte. En la historia médico legal se consignó que los hongos fueron cocinados por la madre y consumidos por ella y su hija. Conclusión:Es recomendable la capacitación continuade los médicos de emergencia en hospitales, para el reconocimiento de síndromes toxicológicos asociados a la ingesta de setas, con el propósito de tratar oportunamente estos pacientes y ofrecerles mejor oportunidad de sobrevivir...(AU)

Intragenomic nuclear RNA variation in a cryptic Amanita taxon.

Amanita cf. lavendula collections in eastern North America, Mexico, and Costa Rica were found to consist of four cryptic taxa, one of which exhibited consistently unreadable nuclear rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (fungal barcode) sequences after ITS1 base 130. This taxon is designated here as Amanita cf. lavendula taxon 1. ITS sequences from dikaryotic basidiomata were cloned, but sequences recovered from cloning did not segregate into distinct haplotypes. Rather, there was a mix of haplotypes that varied among themselves predominantly at 28 ITS positions. Analysis of each of these 28 variable bases showed predominantly two alternate bases at each position. Based on these findings and additional sequence data from the nuclear rDNA 28S, RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (RPB2) and mitochondrial rDNA small subunit (SSU) and 23S genes, we speculate that taxon 1 represents an initial hybridization event between two divergent taxa followed by failure of the ribosomal repeat to homogenize. Homogenization failure may be a result of repeated hybridization between divergent internal transcribed spacer (ITS) types with inadequate time for concerted evolution of the ribosomal repeat or, alternately, a complete failure of the ribosomal homogenization process. To our knowledge, this finding represents the first report of a geographically widespread taxon (Canada, eastern USA, Costa Rica) with apparent homogenization failure across all collections. Findings such as these have implications for fungal barcoding efforts and the application of fungal barcodes in identifying environmental sequences.

The Gondwanan connection - Southern temperate Amanita lineages and the description of the first sequestrate species from the Americas.

Amanita is a diverse and cosmopolitan genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi. We describe Amanita nouhrae sp. nov., a new hypogeous ('truffle-like') species associated with Nothofagus antarctica in northern Patagonia. This constitutes the first report of a sequestrate Amanita from the Americas. Thick-walled basidiospores ornamented on the interior spore wall ('crassospores') were observed consistently in A. nouhrae and its sister epigeous taxon Amanita morenoi, a rarely collected but apparently common species from northern Patagonia that has sometimes been misidentified as the Australian taxon Amanita umbrinella. Nuclear 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial 16S and 26S DNA placed these two species in a southern temperate clade within subgenus Amanita, together with other South American and Australian species. Based on a dated genus-level phylogeny, we estimate that the southern temperate clade may have originated near the Eocene/Oligocene boundary (ca. 35 Ma ± 10 Ma). This date suggests a broadly distributed ancestor in the Southern Hemisphere, which probably diversified as a result of continental drift, as well as the initiation of the Antarctic glaciation. By comparison, we show that this clade follows an exceptional biogeographic pattern within a genus otherwise seemingly dominated by Northern Hemisphere dispersal.

Defining the phylogenetic position of Amanita species from Andean Colombia.

Amanita is a worldwide-distributed fungal genus, with approximately 600 known species. Most species within the genus are ectomycorrhizal (ECM), with some saprotrophic representatives. In this study, we constructed the first comprehensive phylogeny including ECM species from Colombia collected in native Quercus humboldtii forests and in introduced Pinus patula plantations. We included 8 species (A. brunneolocularis, A. colombiana, A. flavoconia, A. fuligineodisca, A. muscaria, A. rubescens, A. sororcula, and A. xylinivolva) out of 16 species reported for the country, two new reports: A. citrina and A. virosa, and a new variety A. brunneolocularis var. pallida. Morphological taxonomic keys together with a phylogenetic approach using three nuclear gene regions: partial nuc rDNA 28S nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2 and partial translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1), were used to classify the specimens. Several highly supported clades were obtained from the phylogenetic hypotheses obtained by Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood approaches, allowing us to position the Colombian collections in a coherent infrageneric level and to contribute to the knowledge of local Amanita diversity.

Hepatotoxicidad por Amanita lilloi, reporte de primeros casos / Amanita lilloi hepatotoxicity, first cases report

Se presentan dos casos clínicos de intoxicación por A. lilloi, hongos silvestres, que fueron recolectados por quienes los consumieron. Ambas pacientes desarrollaron sintomatología digestiva y evolucionaron a la falla hepática. La consulta tardía retrasó el diagnóstico y el tratamiento, pero igualmente la evolución de ambas pacientes fue favorable.

Two clinical cases of poisoning A. lilloi, wild mushrooms, which were collected by those who consumed themdebe, are presented. Both patients developed gastrointestinal symptoms and progressed to liver failure. The late consultation delayed diagnosis and treatment, but nevertheless the evolution of both patients was favorable.

Early initiation of MARS® dialysis in Amanita phalloides-induced acute liver injury prevents liver transplantation.

 Amanita phalloides is the most relevant mushroom intoxication leading to acute liver failure. The two principal groups of toxins, the amatoxins and the phallotoxins, are small oligopeptides highly resistant to chemical and physical influences. The amatoxins inhibit eukaryotic RNA polymerase II causing transcription arrest affecting mainly metabolically highly active cells like hepatocytes and renal cells. The clinically most characteristic symptom is a 6-40 h lag phase before onset of gastrointestinal symptoms and the rapid progression of acute liver failure leading to multi-organ failure and death within a week if left untreated. Extracorporeal albumin dialysis (ECAD) was reported to improve patient's outcome or facilitate bridging to transplantation. In our tertiary center, out of nine intoxicated individuals from five non-related families six patients presented with acute liver injury; all of them were treated with ECAD using the MARS® system. Four of them were listed on admission for high urgency liver transplantation. In addition to standard medical treatment for Amanita intoxication we initiated ECAD once patients were admitted to our center. Overall 16 dialysis sessions were performed. All patients survived with full native liver recovery without the need for transplantation. ECAD was well tolerated; no severe adverse events were reported during treatment. Coagulopathy resolved within days in all patients, and acute kidney injury in all but one individual. In conclusion, ECAD is highly effective in treating intoxication with Amanita phalloides. Based on these experiences we suggest early initiation and repeated sessions depending on response to ECAD with the chance of avoiding liver transplantation.

Amanita diemii singer y amanita merxmellueri bresinsky & garrido (agaricales, basidiomycota), las amanitas comestibles de Chile / Amanita diemii singer and amanita merxmuelleri Bresinsky & garrido (agaricales, basiodiomycota), the edible amanitas of Chile

Se presenta una breve revisión del género Amanita Pers. y posteriormente, se describen los caracteres macromorfológicos de las especies nativas comestibles Amanita diemii Singer y Amanita merxmuelleri Bresinsky & Garrido, las cuales se encuentran distribuidas desde la Región del Maule hasta la Región de Magallanes asociadas a especies del género Nothofagus Blume.

A brief review of the genus Amanita Pers. is presented and then the characters macromorphological of edible native species Amanita diemii Singer and Amanita merxmuelleri Bresinsky & Garrido, which are distributed from the Maule Region to the Magallanes Region described associated with Nothofagus Blume species.

Actividad antioxidante de extractos de diez basidiomicetos comestibles en Guatemala / Antioxidant activity of extracts of ten edible basidiomycetes in Guatemala

Los antioxidantes son esenciales en el cuerpo humano para prevenir el daño oxidativo. Estas sustancias pueden obtenerse de diferentes fuentes como frutas, plantas y hongos. En Guatemala, diversas especies de hongos comestibles son comercializadas y consumidas, sin embargo su actividad antioxidante no ha sido documentada en el país. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la actividad antioxidante de extractos acuosos y etanólicos obtenidos de diez especies de basidiomicetos comestibles (Agaricus aff. bisporus, Agaricus brunnescens, Armilla-riella polymyces, Amanita garabitoana, Boletus edulis, Cantharellus lateritius, Laccaria amethystina, Lactarius deliciosus, Neolentinus ponderosus y Pleurotus ostreatus). Se utilizó un método cualitativo por cromatografía en capa fina (CCF) y tres ensayos macrométricos in vitro de cuantificación de fenoles totales, reducción del radical 1,1-difenil-2-pricrilhidrazilo (DPPH) y decoloración del radical catiónico del reactivo ácido 2,2’-azinobis-(acido-3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfónico)(ABTS). Los extractos acuosos mostraron mayor actividad antioxidante que los extractos etanólicos en todas las técnicas cuantitativas realizadas. La especie que mostró mayor actividad antioxidante en ambos extractos fue B. edulis, cuyos resultados en el extracto acuoso fueron: fenoles totales 93.46 ± 18.17 mg/g, DPPH CI 50 0.93 mg/mL (IC95% 0.65-1.28) y en ABTS CI50 0.96 mg/mL (IC 95% 0.63-1.35); los resultados en el extracto etanólico fueron: Fenoles totales 42.70 ± 3.48 mg/g, DPPH CI50 2.75 mg/mL (IC 95% 2.46-3.07) y 4.13 mg/mL (IC 95% 2.67-5.88). Se evidencia de esta forma que las especies de basidiomicetos estudiadas presentan actividad antioxidante por lo cual pueden ser una fuente potencial de antioxidantes naturales.

Antioxidants are essential in the body to prevent oxidative damage. These antioxidant substances are obtained from different sources such as fruits, plants and mushrooms. In Guatemala, diverse species of mushrooms are commercialized and consumed, however their antioxidant activity has not been documented in Guatemala. The goal of this study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from edible basidiomycete’s species: Agaricus aff. bisporus, A. brunnescens, Armillariella polymyces, Amanita garabitoana, Boletus edulis, Cantharellus lateritius, Laccaria amethystina, Lactarius deliciosus, Neolentinus ponderosus and Pleurotus ostreatus. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used as a qualitative method to determine the presence of antioxidant activity, subsequently, three in vitro macrometric assays were used: the quantification of total phenolics, reduction of 1,1-diphenyl-2-pricrilhidrazil (DPPH) radical, and discoloration of the acid reagent 2.2 ‘-azinobis-(acid-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation. Aqueous extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity than ethanolic in all the quantitative techniques used. The specie that showed greater antioxidant activity in both extracts was B. edulis, whose results of aqueous extract were as follows: Total phenolics 93.46 ± 18.17 mg/g , DPPH IC50 0.93 mg/mL (CI95% 0.65-1.28) and ABTS IC50 0.96 mg/mL (CI95% 0.63-1.35); results of ethanolic extract were: Total phenolics 42.70 ± 3.48 mg/g, DPPH IC50 2.75 mg/mL (CI95% 2.46-3.07) and ABTS IC50 4.13 mg/mL (CI95% 2.67-5.88). Based in the result of the study all the basidiomycete’s species that were evaluated have antioxidant activity, therefore, are potential sources of natural antioxidants.

[Toxic fungi in Buenos Aires City and surroundings]. / Hongos tóxicos en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y alrededores.

In Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales,Universidad de Buenos Aires there is a service called Servicio de Identificación de Hongos Tóxicos, directed by researchers of the Program of Medicinal Plants and Fungi Involved in Biological Degradation (PROPLAME-PRHIDEB, CONICET) that assist hospitals and other health establishments, identifying the different samples of fungi and providing information about their toxicity, so that patients can receive the correct treatment. The objective of the present study was to analyze all the cases received from 1985 to 2012. This analysis permitted the confection of a table identifying the most common toxic species. The information gathered revealed that 47% of the patients were under 18 years of age and had eaten basidiomes; the remaining 53% were adults who insisted that they were able to distinguish edible from toxic mushrooms. Chlorophyllum molybdites turned out to be the main cause of fungal intoxication in Buenos Aires, which is commonly confused with Macrolepiota procera, an edible mushroom. In the second place Amanita phalloides was registered, an agaric known to cause severe symptoms after a long period of latency (6-10 hours), and which can lead to hepatic failure even requiring a transplant to prevent severe internal injuries or even death, is not early and correctly treated.

Hongos tóxicos en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y alrededores / Toxic fungi in Buenos Aires City and surroundings

En la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (FCEN-UBA) funciona el Servicio de Identificación de Hongos Tóxicos. Lo integran los investigadores del Programa de Plantas Medicinales y Programa de Hongos que Intervienen en la Degradación Biológica (PROPLAME-PRHIDEB, CONICET) y colabora con servicios médicos, estatales y privados, identificando los materiales remitidos en casos de intoxicaciones con hongos, permitiendo, en muchos casos, realizar el tratamiento adecuado. El presente trabajo da a conocer los casos atendidos por el servicio desde 1985 hasta 2012 inclusive, además de una tabla para reconocer las especies tóxicas más comunes de la región. Según esta información, el 47% de las consultas que se recibieron correspondieron a pacientes menores de 18 años de edad que ingirieron materiales fúngicos de forma accidental (o al menos se sospechaba que lo hubieran hecho). El 53% restante correspondió a adultos que afirmaron ser capaces de distinguir hongos comestibles de tóxicos. Se determinó que Chlorophyllum molybdites fue la principal especie causante de intoxicaciones, la cual es comúnmente confundida con el hongo comestible Macrolepiota procera. En segundo lugar Amanita phalloides, un hongo altamente tóxico, que se caracteriza por presentar inicio de síntomas en forma tardía (latencia de 6-10 horas), evolucionando a falla hepática con el consiguiente requerimiento de trasplante o la muerte, si no se realiza el tratamiento adecuado en forma oportuna.

In Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires there is a service called Servicio de Identificación de Hongos Tóxicos, directed by researchers of the Program of Medicinal Plants and Fungi Involved in Biological Degradation (PROPLAME-PRHIDEB, CONICET) that assist hospitals and other health establishments, identifying the different samples of fungi and providing information about their toxicity, so that patients can receive the correct treatment. The objective of the present study was to analyze all the cases received from 1985 to 2012. This analysis permitted the confection of a table identifying the most common toxic species. The information gathered revealed that 47% of the patients were under 18 years of age and had eaten basidiomes; the remaining 53% were adults who insisted that they were able to distinguish edible from toxic mushrooms. Chlorophyllum molybdites turned out to be the main cause of fungal intoxication in Buenos Aires, which is commonly confused with Macrolepiota procera, an edible mushroom. In the second place Amanita phalloides was registered, an agaric known to cause severe symptoms after a long period of latency (6-10 hours), and which can lead to hepatic failure even requiring a transplant to prevent severe internal injuries or even death, is not early and correctly treated.

Hongos tóxicos en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y alrededores / Toxic fungi in Buenos Aires City and surroundings

En la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (FCEN-UBA) funciona el Servicio de Identificación de Hongos Tóxicos. Lo integran los investigadores del Programa de Plantas Medicinales y Programa de Hongos que Intervienen en la Degradación Biológica (PROPLAME-PRHIDEB, CONICET) y colabora con servicios médicos, estatales y privados, identificando los materiales remitidos en casos de intoxicaciones con hongos, permitiendo, en muchos casos, realizar el tratamiento adecuado. El presente trabajo da a conocer los casos atendidos por el servicio desde 1985 hasta 2012 inclusive, además de una tabla para reconocer las especies tóxicas más comunes de la región. Según esta información, el 47% de las consultas que se recibieron correspondieron a pacientes menores de 18 años de edad que ingirieron materiales fúngicos de forma accidental (o al menos se sospechaba que lo hubieran hecho). El 53% restante correspondió a adultos que afirmaron ser capaces de distinguir hongos comestibles de tóxicos. Se determinó que Chlorophyllum molybdites fue la principal especie causante de intoxicaciones, la cual es comúnmente confundida con el hongo comestible Macrolepiota procera. En segundo lugar Amanita phalloides, un hongo altamente tóxico, que se caracteriza por presentar inicio de síntomas en forma tardía (latencia de 6-10 horas), evolucionando a falla hepática con el consiguiente requerimiento de trasplante o la muerte, si no se realiza el tratamiento adecuado en forma oportuna.(AU)

In Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires there is a service called Servicio de Identificación de Hongos Tóxicos, directed by researchers of the Program of Medicinal Plants and Fungi Involved in Biological Degradation (PROPLAME-PRHIDEB, CONICET) that assist hospitals and other health establishments, identifying the different samples of fungi and providing information about their toxicity, so that patients can receive the correct treatment. The objective of the present study was to analyze all the cases received from 1985 to 2012. This analysis permitted the confection of a table identifying the most common toxic species. The information gathered revealed that 47% of the patients were under 18 years of age and had eaten basidiomes; the remaining 53% were adults who insisted that they were able to distinguish edible from toxic mushrooms. Chlorophyllum molybdites turned out to be the main cause of fungal intoxication in Buenos Aires, which is commonly confused with Macrolepiota procera, an edible mushroom. In the second place Amanita phalloides was registered, an agaric known to cause severe symptoms after a long period of latency (6-10 hours), and which can lead to hepatic failure even requiring a transplant to prevent severe internal injuries or even death, is not early and correctly treated.(AU)

Fucomannogalactan and glucan from mushroom Amanita muscaria: structure and inflammatory pain inhibition.

A fucomannogalactan (FMG-Am) and a (1→3), (1→6)-linked ß-D-glucan (ßGLC-Am) were isolated from Amanita muscaria fruiting bodies. These compounds' structures were determined using mono- and bi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, methylation analysis, and controlled Smith degradation. FMG-Am was shown to be a heterogalactan formed by a (1→6)-linked α-D-galactopyranosyl main chain partially substituted at O-2 mainly by α-L-fucopyranose and a minor proportion of ß-D-mannopyranose non-reducing end units. ßGLC-Am was identified as a (1→3)-linked ß-D-glucan partially substituted at O-6 by mono- and a few oligosaccharide side chains, which was confirmed after controlled Smith degradation. Both the homo- and heteropolysaccharide were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential, and they produced potent inhibition of inflammatory pain, specifically, 91±8% (30 mg kg(-1)) and 88±7% (10 mg kg(-1)), respectively.

Hongos tóxicos en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y alrededores. / [Toxic fungi in Buenos Aires City and surroundings].

In Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales,Universidad de Buenos Aires there is a service called Servicio de Identificación de Hongos Tóxicos, directed by researchers of the Program of Medicinal Plants and Fungi Involved in Biological Degradation (PROPLAME-PRHIDEB, CONICET) that assist hospitals and other health establishments, identifying the different samples of fungi and providing information about their toxicity, so that patients can receive the correct treatment. The objective of the present study was to analyze all the cases received from 1985 to 2012. This analysis permitted the confection of a table identifying the most common toxic species. The information gathered revealed that 47

of the patients were under 18 years of age and had eaten basidiomes; the remaining 53

were adults who insisted that they were able to distinguish edible from toxic mushrooms. Chlorophyllum molybdites turned out to be the main cause of fungal intoxication in Buenos Aires, which is commonly confused with Macrolepiota procera, an edible mushroom. In the second place Amanita phalloides was registered, an agaric known to cause severe symptoms after a long period of latency (6-10 hours), and which can lead to hepatic failure even requiring a transplant to prevent severe internal injuries or even death, is not early and correctly treated.

Amatoxin and phallotoxin composition in species of the genus Amanita in Colombia: a taxonomic perspective.

Some species in the genus Amanita have a great variety of toxic secondary metabolites. They are characterized macroscopically by having a white spore print and free gills, and microscopically by the presence of a divergent hymenophoral trama. Some species of Amanita present in Colombia were chemically characterized by analyzing their toxin composition using HPLC. Samples were collected in oak (Quercus humboldtii) and pine (Pinus radiata) forests. Twelve species were recovered, Amanita fuligineodisca, Amanita xylinivolva, Amanita flavoconia, Amanita rubescens, Amanita bisporigera, Amanita muscaria, Amanita humboldtii, Amanita sororcula, Amanita brunneolocularis, Amanita colombiana, Amanita citrina, Amanita porphyria as well as two unreported species. Results showed that most of the analyzed species have α -amanitin in concentrations ranging from 50 ppm to 6000 ppm. Concentrations of α-amanitin in the pileus were significantly greater than in the stipe. Phalloidin and phallacidin were only present in A. bisporigera. Chromatographic profiles are proposed as an additional taxonomic tool since specific peaks with similar retention times were conserved at the species level.