ToxiconPub Date : 2025-03-05DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108305
Raul Henrique Tonin dos Santos , Alberto Durán González , Camilo Molino Guidoni , Jéssica Vertuan Rufino , Rafaele Maria Tirolla , Edmarlon Girotto
{"title":"Characterization of scorpion envenoming in children care for a poisoning control center","authors":"Raul Henrique Tonin dos Santos , Alberto Durán González , Camilo Molino Guidoni , Jéssica Vertuan Rufino , Rafaele Maria Tirolla , Edmarlon Girotto","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108305","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108305","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To analyse the clinical and epidemiological factors associated with the toxicological events of scorpion envenomation in children aged 0–11 years followed at a Centre for Toxicological Information and Assistance (CIATox).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive study was conducted of children treated at the CIATox of the University Hospital of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil, from 2017 to 2022. Collected data included sociodemographic and clinical data, as well as data regarding the toxicological event. The dependent variable was hospitalization with a minimum duration of 24 h. For the association analyses, Poisson regression with logistic variance was used, with calculation of the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 450 cases were analysed, with an increase in the number of cases over the years, and predominance of accidents caused by <em>Tityus serrulatus</em> (48.7%). The main local symptoms were pain and erythema/hyperaemia, and the main systemic symptoms were tachycardia, vomiting and generalized sweating. Antiscorpion serum or antiarachnidic serum was required for 10.9% of the patients. Hospitalization was observed in 8.4% of the cases, which was higher in children stung by <em>T. serrulatus</em> (RR = 11.34; 95% CI: 3.46–37.18; p < 0.001), aged 4 years or younger (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.15–3.95; p = 0.016), and time between sting and CIATox treatment of 3 h or more (OR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.20–5.35; p = 0.015).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The results indicate that pain, erythema/hypearemia, tachycardia, vomiting and sweating are the main clinical manifestations. Demographic, agent-related, and exposure-related factors were associated with patient hospitalization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"258 ","pages":"Article 108305"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143587159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Protective effects of Lavandula stoechas and Thymus numidicus essential oils against deltamethrin-induced hematological and biochemical toxicity in female rabbits","authors":"Ouardia Chaouchi , Farida Fernane , Nacira Daoudi Zerrouki , Hakima Ait Issad , Thinhinane Chaouchi , Azdinia Zidane , Karim Houali","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent studies have shown that essential oils (EOs) extracted from medicinal and aromatic plants have herbicidal and/or insecticidal properties, helping to mitigate the toxicity experienced by living organisms exposed to pesticides. Moreover, the primary compounds isolated from these EOs also have the potential to reduce pesticide-induced damage. The present work aimed to evaluate the protective effects of <em>Thymus numidicus</em> (TNEO) and <em>Lavandula stoechas</em> (LSEO) against Deltamethrin-induced toxicity in female rabbits. The results obtained by GC/MS analysis showed that monoterpenes and oxygenated monoterpenes were the main components of the EOs extracted from the aerial parts of <em>Thymus numidicus</em> and <em>Lavandula stoechas</em>. The use of the pesticide Deltamethrin caused significant damage to the liver and kidneys (p < 0.05), together with blood disorders, signs of restlessness and tremors. However, females treated with TNEO showed better tolerance than the group treated with LSEO. The combination of both oils showed more pronounced protective effects. This suggests a potential synergistic effect in reducing deltamethrin-induced toxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"258 ","pages":"Article 108309"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143587165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ToxiconPub Date : 2025-03-05DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108292
A.M. Ruha , M.B. Spyres , R. Culbreth , B. Wolk , C. Hoyte , S. Campleman
{"title":"Systemic toxicity after rattlesnake envenomation in patients using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors: A North American Snakebite Registry study","authors":"A.M. Ruha , M.B. Spyres , R. Culbreth , B. Wolk , C. Hoyte , S. Campleman","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Some North American rattlesnake venoms and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) medications each increase bradykinin levels in humans, with clinical effects attributable to bradykinin described in exposed populations. Influence of ACEI exposure on persons with snake envenomation has not been studied. We used data from the ACMT North American Snakebite Registry (NASBR) to determine if use of ACEI medications at the time of rattlesnake envenomation is associated with increased rate of systemic toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Rattlesnake envenomations entered in the NASBR between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2021 were included. Data extracted included patient demographics, medical history, clinical and laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes. Patients who use ACE Inhibitors (ACEI group) were compared to patients without ACEI use (No ACEI group). Primary outcomes included systemic venom effects and secondary outcomes included length of stay and total number of antivenom vials administered (for Fab and F (ab')<sub>2</sub>).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>817 rattlesnake envenomations were included. Forty-three (5.3%) were in the ACEI group and 774 (94.7%) in the No ACEI group. There were no differences in time to antivenom or acute hypersensitivity reactions between groups. Hypotension was more frequent in the ACEI group (18.6%) compared to the No ACEI group (6.5%; <em>p</em> = 0.008). Diarrhea also occurred more frequently in the ACEI group (11.6%) compared to the No ACEI group (2.1%; <em>p</em> = 0.003). However, overall systemic toxicity did not significantly differ between the two groups (25.6% ACEI vs. 17.4% no ACEI, p = 0.25).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In the NASBR, patients who use ACEIs are more likely to experience hypotension and/or diarrhea after rattlesnake envenomation than are patients who do not use ACEIs; however, overall systemic toxicity did not significantly differ between the two groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"258 ","pages":"Article 108292"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143587169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ToxiconPub Date : 2025-03-03DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108304
Heyue Yang , Xiaoling Zhu , Zhiqun Zhan , Xian Wu , Sitong Mou , Peng Zhou , Qiliu Peng , Wei Wang , Hongli Teng , Huamin Tang
{"title":"Metagenomic analysis of pathogenic microorganisms in bloodstream infections following venomous snakebites","authors":"Heyue Yang , Xiaoling Zhu , Zhiqun Zhan , Xian Wu , Sitong Mou , Peng Zhou , Qiliu Peng , Wei Wang , Hongli Teng , Huamin Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108304","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108304","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the biometric characterization of pathogenic microorganisms associated with bloodstream infections in patients bitten by venomous snakes, and to determine whether the composition of these microorganisms influences the effects of snake venom.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The composition and relative abundance of microorganisms were statistically analyzed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) on blood samples from patients with varying degrees of snakebite injuries. These patients were admitted to the our study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the light injury group (group L), the dominant phylum and genus were Pseudomonadota (73.31%) and Pseudomonas (35.32%). In the moderate injury group (group M), the predominant phylum was Bacillota (56.74%) and Aerococcus (45.45%). There was no statistically significant difference in the microbial composition between group L and group M based on α- and β-diversity analyses. LEfSe differential analysis revealed that the absolute abundances of Actinomycetota and Actinomycetes were higher in group L, while <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> emerged as a significantly differential species in Group M.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study found that differences in bacterial bloodstream infections due to venomous snakebite may enhance the effects of snake venom, leading to more severe injuries. The mNGS technique can rapidly detect pathogens related to venomous snakebites and has the potential for broader clinical use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"258 ","pages":"Article 108304"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143568339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ToxiconPub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108293
Shuaishuai Chen , Taotao Ma , Minmin Hu , Ruixi Li , Dingyan Lu , Yang Jin , Mingliang Zhang , Yong Huang , Yongjun Li , Ting Liu , Wen Liu
{"title":"Common immunotoxicity mechanisms of hepatotoxicity induced by raw Polygonum multiflorum and Polygonum multiflorum praeparata: Inhibition of M2 macrophage polarization","authors":"Shuaishuai Chen , Taotao Ma , Minmin Hu , Ruixi Li , Dingyan Lu , Yang Jin , Mingliang Zhang , Yong Huang , Yongjun Li , Ting Liu , Wen Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Macrophage polarization has been linked to hepatotoxicity induced by raw <em>Polygonum multiflorum</em> (RPM) and <em>Polygonum multiflorum</em> praeparata (PMP), but the regulatory mechanisms behind this remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of RPM and PMP on M2 macrophages and the potential mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to RPM and PMP under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. RAW264.7 cells induced with IL-4 were treated with RPM and PMP. Under LPS stimulation, both RPM and PMP increased serum enzyme levels and pro-inflammatory factor levels and induced histopathological injury. M1 macrophage infiltration and M1 gene expression in the liver increased, whereas M2 macrophage infiltration and M2 gene expression decreased. RPM and PMP inhibited M2 gene expression and reduced green fluorescence intensity. RNA sequencing and metabolomics revealed that RPM regulated sphingolipid signaling and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways, while PMP influenced arginine and proline metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and cholesterol metabolism pathways. RPM and PMP orchestrate distinct signaling pathways, thereby inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization and inducing hepatotoxicity. This study not only elucidates the pathophysiology underlying RPM- and PMP-induced hepatotoxicity, but also provides insights for the development of new therapeutic interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 108293"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143504350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ToxiconPub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108294
Inan Dursun , Esra Demir Kanbur , Yakup Kara , Sevgi Kolaylı
{"title":"Determination of Grayanotoxin-III amount in the rhododendron honey and flowers samples using UHPLC-Orbitrap®-HRMS","authors":"Inan Dursun , Esra Demir Kanbur , Yakup Kara , Sevgi Kolaylı","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Grayanotoxins (GTXs) are naturally occurring toxins with diterpenoid structures, predominantly found in species of Rhododendron, and are responsible for food poisoning associated with honey, commonly referred to as mad honey. The Black Sea region, known for its rich Rhododendron species, is also the geographical area with the highest incidence of honey poisoning cases globally. In this study, the concentration of GTX-III was quantified in the honey and Rhododendron flower samples collected from the Black Sea region. An Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Orbitrap®-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap®-HRMS) analytical method was validated for the precise measurement of GTX-III isomers in both honey and flower matrices. The GTX-III concentrations ranged from 0 to 6.59 mg/g in honey and 33.57–44.99 mg/g in flowers. Additionally, the concentration of GTX-III in honey was found to correlate with the density of Rhododendron pollen present in the honey. The study confirmed that the UHPLC-Orbitrap®-HRMS method is a reliable and sensitive tool for the accurate quantification of GTX-III. Using this sensitive and reliable method, the precise concentration of GTX-III in mad honey can be accurately determined; however, honey samples from case study samples are required for further investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 108294"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143509750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Systemic, hemodynamic and neurological effects of caudal epidural administration of Neosaxitoxin in horses","authors":"Lissette Oyaneder , Néstor Lagos , Cristóbal Dörner","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108303","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108303","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety and the long-lasting anesthetic properties of Neosaxitoxin (NeoSTX) when injected into the intercoccygeal space in standing horses. A group of eighteen (n = 18) healthy client-owned mature crossbreed horses were enrolled in this study. Caudal epidural injection was ascertained by two methods, the \"hanging drop\" technique and radiographs. Horses were allocated into three groups (n = 6) each group receiving different dosages of NeoSTX. To assess the onset of action and duration of anesthesia, six horses received 20 μg in 2 mL, six 20 μg in 4 mL, and six 40 μg in 4 mL. Perineal sensitivity, tail and anal sphincter tone were evaluated to determine the anesthetic effect of NeoSTX. The safety of the toxin was assessed by conducting physical and neurological exams, chemistry panel, and complete blood count at different time points. Epidural injection of Neosaxitoxin showed significant differences in the onset of action and duration of anesthesia, displaying a long-lasting, dose-dependent nociceptive blocker effect with minor adverse effects. All horses did develop transient urine incontinence and fecal accumulation, which did not cause discomfort or changes in clinical parameters. This study demonstrated that Neosaxitoxin can be safely and efficiently used as an alternative for caudal epidural anesthesia and analgesia in horses, but more research is needed to evaluate its use in surgical procedures and pain control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 108303"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143562697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ToxiconPub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108306
Lidia Riaño-Umbarila , José Alberto Romero-Moreno , Lourival D. Possani , Baltazar Becerril
{"title":"State of the art on the development of a recombinant antivenom against Mexican scorpion stings","authors":"Lidia Riaño-Umbarila , José Alberto Romero-Moreno , Lourival D. Possani , Baltazar Becerril","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108306","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108306","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Around 2,750 species of scorpions have been recorded worldwide and classified into 21 families and 208 genera. Of these, the family Buthidae stands out as one of the largest, comprising several genera including the genus <em>Centruroides</em> with 102 recorded species. This genus is home to the largest number of species dangerous to humans as described in Mexico, where there are 55 species of the genus <em>Centruroides</em>, of which more than 24 are of medical importance. Envenoming in humans is caused by the presence of peptides (toxins) in the venom that modify the gating mechanism of Na<sup>+</sup> voltage dependent ionic channels. Therefore, a rational approach to generate a new antivenom is to obtain neutralizing antibodies against these toxins, whose average abundance in venom is 10%. In this review paper, we document that from the characterization of the lethal venoms of Mexican scorpions, 30 lethal components have been identified, so their neutralization represents an enormous challenge. Thanks to phage display and directed evolution technologies, it has been possible to generate specific antibody fragments against several of these toxins, some of which exhibit broad cross-neutralization. Currently, progress has been made in neutralizing the venoms of 9 species with the use of recombinant antibody fragments, mainly of human origin. One of them has the potential to neutralize approximately 20 toxins.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 108306"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143562695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ToxiconPub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108308
Anderson Gattis , Alejandro Hinojosa , Maytham Ismail , Venkateshwar G. Keshamouni , Mathumai Kanapathipillai
{"title":"A preliminary investigation into the activity and toxicity of an amyloid-based Emodin formulation","authors":"Anderson Gattis , Alejandro Hinojosa , Maytham Ismail , Venkateshwar G. Keshamouni , Mathumai Kanapathipillai","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108308","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108308","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Emodin is a natural plant derivative with many therapeutic properties including anti-cancer, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the delivery of Emodin is quite challenging due to its superhydrophobic properties. Furthermore, conventional systemic delivery approaches often result in side effects. Thus, alternative strategies are important for the successful delivery of Emodin. The goal of this study was to develop a novel Emodin drug depot utilizing peptide amyloids. For the peptides, an aggregation-prone amino acid domain of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIP3) protein was used. The RIP3/Emodin amyloid aggregates physicochemical characterization, cellular uptake, effects on toxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation were investigated. Studies reveal that Emodin-encapsulated RIP3 peptide amyloid aggregates were able to induce significant lung cancer cell toxicity compared to free Emodin. Further, aggregates alone did not exhibit toxicity and or oxidative stress. In addition, the formulation was able to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated inflammation in macrophage cells. Overall, the studies indicate the potential of RIP3 peptide amyloids as hydrophobic drug depots.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 108308"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143562696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ToxiconPub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108269
JeongMi Moon , DongKi Kim , ByeongJo Chun
{"title":"Electrocardiogram indicators for risk of respiratory failure in patients with tetrodotoxin poisoning","authors":"JeongMi Moon , DongKi Kim , ByeongJo Chun","doi":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108269","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tetrodotoxin blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, which are responsible for the initiation and propagation of action potentials. Impairment of action potential conduction in myocardial cells affects the cardiac conduction system and can influence electrocardiogram output.</div><div>In this retrospective study, we investigated whether tetrodotoxin poisoning prolong the PR, QRS and QTc intervals, which might be used as prognostic indices of respiratory failure after tetrodotoxin poisoning. Additionally, we evaluated whether these changes correlate with tetrodotoxin concentration in the body.</div><div>Eighty-four patients were divided into two groups according to the development of tetrodotoxin poisoning-related respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation after pufferfish ingestion. The incidence of respiratory failure was 17.9%. There was no difference in the delay between pufferfish ingestion and the onset of symptoms between the two groups. The most common electrocardiogram abnormality was QTc prolongation (23.8%), followed by PR prolongation and QRS widening. Patients with QTc prolongation had higher urinary tetrodotoxin concentrations than patients without QTc prolongation, but no differences in the plasma tetrodotoxin concentrations were observed. Two multivariate regression models indicated that the QTc interval and QTc prolongation at presentation were independent factors for the development of respiratory failure after tetrodotoxin poisoning.</div><div>Tetrodotoxin poisoning can cause electrocardiogram changes indicative of changes in the cardiac conduction system. In particular, QTc prolongation was associated with the development of respiratory failure and was correlated with the urinary tetrodotoxin concentration. It is recommended that patients poisoned with tetrodotoxin who exhibit QTc prolongation undergo regular and frequent assessments of their respiration status to prevent sudden respiratory arrest.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23289,"journal":{"name":"Toxicon","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 108269"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143123603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}