Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are becoming an increasing problem to human health and environment (including effects on natural and cultured resources, tourism and ecosystems) all over the world. In Mexico a number of human fatalities and important economic losses have occurred in the last 30 years because of these events. There are about 70 species of planktonic and non-planktonic microalgae considered harmful in Mexican coasts. The most important toxin-producing species are the dinoflagellates Gymnodinium catenatum and Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum, in the Mexican Pacific, and Karenia brevis in the Gulf of Mexico, and consequently the poisonings documented in Mexico are Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) and Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP). Although there is evidence that Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) and Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) also occur in Mexico, these problems are reported less frequently. The type of phytoplankton and epiphytic microalgae, their toxins and harmful effects as well as current methodology used to study these phenomena are presented in this paper. As an experienced group of workers, we include descriptions of monitoring and mitigation programs, our proposals for collaborative projects and perspectives on future research.
Galectin-3 has been implicated in tumor progression. We demonstrated immunohistochemically that galectin-3 was negative in normal breast tissue, but it was highly increased in breast cancer and in metastatic tissues to brain. Similarly, histochemistry with mucin-specific lectins showed increased recognition in breast tumor and metastasis with Machaerocereus eruca agglutinin (Fualpha 1,2 (GalNAcalpha 1,3) Galss1,4 in complex mucin) but not for Amaranthus leucocarpus (Galss1,3-GalNAc-alpha 1,0-Ser/Thr) and Arachis hypogaea lectins (Galss1,3GalNAc/Galss1,4GlcNAc). Mucin-type glycans and galectin-3 colocalized in breast cancer and metastasis, but not in normal tissue, suggesting upregulated biosynthesis of complex O-glycosidically linked glycans and galectin-3 favor breast cancer progression and brain metastasis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.