Tag Archives: toxin
Do pufferfish selectively accumulate toxins?
Marine pufferfish of the genus Takifugu, including Takifugu pardalis, contain the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX). TTX is distributed not only in pufferfish, but also in various other organisms, many of which are toxified exogenously by the food
Rapid monitoring of the impact of polymicrobial infections using electrochemical sensors
The development of bacterial infections is a major challenge as pathogenic bacteria spread through healthcare facilities where patients may come in contact with complex bacterial communities heavily colonizing on hospital surfaces. These bacteria cause internal and external
Temporo-mandibular dysfunctions and injections
Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a recurrent pathology and classical treatment only relieves some patients. Botulinum Toxin type A (BoNTA) injections, both intra-muscular and intra-articular, and intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid (HA) are precious
Components of tea may help in the fight against bioterrorisum
Ricin toxin (RT), a protein produced by the castor bean (Ricinus communis) and is rated by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention as a level B biothreat. This is because it is: 1) available and
The antibacterials that have yet to be found
Science has contributed greatly to prolong the lifespan and health conditions of humans. However, close to the coming of age of the XXI Century, humankind is confronting the global war against infectious diseases. Leaving aside other microorganisms-associated
Key elements of proteins involved in the bacterial production of the toxin methylmercury
Mercury is a prevalent global pollutant that has adverse effects on human health. This toxin is present in the environment not only as a result of releases during natural events, such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires and
Sponge toxin kills lung and breast cancer cells in mice
Peloruside A is a potent toxin that was isolated from a New Zealand marine sponge. It has a similar mechanism of action to the commonly used taxane-type anticancer drugs, including paclitaxel and docetaxel, that block the action
Botox injections: a “bittersweet” medicine
Despite being one of the most deadly neurotoxins known to man, Botox has become a popular cosmetic treatment for reducing facial wrinkles. Originally, Botox injections were used for reducing uncontrolled movements caused by neuromuscular disorders that impaired
Using Anthrax toxin (Atx) for drug delivery
When people think of toxins in relation to medicine, they usually think of the use of the toxins’ warhead. This warhead has been used to kill things like cancer cells when directed by a cell-targeting antibody. However,
Differentiation of pathogenic races of the lentil anthracnose pathogen C.lentis using effectors
The genus Colletotrichum has been under revision for the last decade. It contains species of high economic importance as pathogens of major crops, but also includes species that are model organisms to study host-pathogen interactions. The hemibiotroph
Participation of secreted protein L5 in formation of outer membrane vesicles produced by Lysobacter sp. XL1
Formation of outer membrane vesicles is a physiological feature of Gram-negative bacteria. Vesicles formation is result of splitting off the evagination of bacterial outer membrane. Its size varies from 20 to 300 nm. During formation of vesicles,
