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Comparative toxicity of dinophysistoxin-1 and okadaic acid in mice
Hodaka Suzuki1,2, Yumiko Okada2
1Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Toxicology, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, 3-21-1 Chuo, Ami, Inashiki, Ibaraki 300-0393, Japan.
Abstract:
The mouse bioassay for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxins has been used worldwide. In this study, dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1) and okadaic acid (OA) were compared for toxicity. The lethality rate increased and the median survival time decreased in a dose-dependent manner in both DTX-1 and OA. The median lethal dose value was 150.4 µg/kg (95% confidence interval=130.1-171.2 µg/kg) for DTX-1 and 185.6 µg/kg (95% confidence interval=161.2-209.6 µg/kg) for OA. The toxicity equivalent factor 1:1 has been used for OA and DTX-1 in the EU and Japan. Thus, it may be considered that toxicity potential of DTX-1 has remained underestimated as compared to that of OA and DTX-1 might be more toxic than OA.
Insights
Dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1) and okadaic acid (OA) are diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxins. DTX-1 demonstrated higher toxicity than OA in mouse bioassays, suggesting its potential may be underestimated.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Toxicology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) poses a global health risk.
- The mouse bioassay is a standard method for assessing DSP toxin toxicity.
- Dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1) and okadaic acid (OA) are key DSP toxins requiring comparative toxicity evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the relative toxicity of DTX-1 and OA using the mouse bioassay.
- To evaluate the accuracy of current toxicity equivalence factors for DTX-1 and OA.
Main Methods:
- Administering varying doses of DTX-1 and OA to mice.
- Monitoring lethality rates and median survival times.
- Calculating median lethal dose (LD50) values for both toxins.
Main Results:
- Both DTX-1 and OA exhibited dose-dependent increases in lethality and decreased survival times.
- DTX-1 had a lower median lethal dose (150.4 µg/kg) compared to OA (185.6 µg/kg).
- The results indicate DTX-1 is more potent than OA.
Conclusions:
- The current 1:1 toxicity equivalence factor for DTX-1 and OA, used in the EU and Japan, may underestimate DTX-1's toxicity.
- DTX-1 appears to be more toxic than OA, necessitating a review of regulatory standards.
- Accurate toxicity assessment is crucial for effective management of shellfish contamination.
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