Cyanobacterial toxins and human health

The profound effects of microcystin on cardiac antioxidant enzymes, mitochondrial function and cardiac toxicity in rat

“…To date, more than 80 structural variants have been identified (Sivonen and Jones, 1999), differing primarily in the two variable l-amino acids. So far, human illnesses attributed to cyanobacterial toxins can be categorized into gastroenteritis and related diseases, allergic and irritation reactions, and liver diseases (Bell and Codd, 1994;Chorus et al, 2000;Hitzfeld et al, 2000). In Brazil, tragic deaths of 60 hemodialysis patients are confirmed as a result of contamination of cyanobacterial toxins in the water supply used in hemodialysis unit (Jochimsen et al, 1998;Carmichael et al, 2001;Azevedo et al, 2002).…”

Effects of microcystins on the growth and the activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase of rape (Brassica napus L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.)

“…These toxic water blooms are an increasing environmental hazard in many countries, and domestic and wild animal death and also cases of human illness are caused by drinking water contaminated with these toxic cyanobacteria (Carmichael and Falconer, 1993;Carmichael, 1992Carmichael, , 1994Bell and Codd, 1994;Ueno et al, 1996;Jochimsen et al, 1998). The toxic mechanism of microcystins is the inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A in animal and plant cells (MacKintosh et al, 1990;Yoshizawa et al, 1990;Kurki-Helasmo and Meriluoto, 1998).…”

Responses of antioxidant systems in the hepatocytes of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) to the toxicity of microcystin-LR

“…Degradation of MC in water is slow and the toxins often remain in the water supply used by people. There are many reports that Microcystis bloom leads to liver damage in human populations whose water supplies were contaminated by toxic Microcystis (Falconer et al, 1983;Carmichael et al, 1985;Carmichael, 1994;Bell and Codd, 1994 (Runnegar et al, 1987;Takenaka and Otsu, 1999). But little is known about the responses of antioxidant enzymes activities to microcystin-LR in freshwater fish hepatocytes and the relationship between ROS contents and MC shock.…”