High-Resolution Magic-Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Identifies Impairment of Metabolism by T-2 Toxin, in Relation to Toxicity, in Zebrafish Embryo Model

Toxins, vol. 16, pp. 424

Abstract

Among the widespread trichothecene mycotoxins, T-2 toxin is considered the most toxic congener. In the present study, we utilized high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR), coupled to the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model, as a toxicometabolomics approach to elucidate the cellular, molecular and biochemical pathways associated with T-2 toxicity. Aligned with previous studies in the zebrafish embryo model, exposure to T-2 toxin was lethal in the high parts-per-billion (ppb) range, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 105 ppb. Exposure to the toxins was, furthermore, associated with system-specific alterations in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including decreased ROS production in the liver and increased ROS in the brain region, in the exposed embryos. Moreover, metabolic profiling based on HRMAS NMR revealed the modulation of numerous, interrelated metabolites, specifically including those associated with (1) phase I and II detoxification, and antioxidant pathways; (2) disruption of the phosphocholine lipids of cell membranes; (3) mitochondrial energy metabolism, including apparent disruption of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the electron transport chain of oxidative phosphorylation, as well as “upstream” effects on carbohydrate, i.e., glucose metabolism; and (4) several compensatory catabolic pathways. Taken together, these observations enabled development of an integrated, system-level model of T-2 toxicity in relation to human and animal health.

Authors 7

1. Ariel Lawson

   Florida International University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33181, USA

2. Mark Annunziato

   Florida International University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33181, USA

   Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33181, USA

3. Narmin Bashirova

   Leipzig University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany

   Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany

4. Muhamed N. H. Eeza

   Leipzig University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany

   Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany

5. Jörg Matysik

   Leipzig University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany

6. A. Alia Aachen

   Leiden University · Leipzig University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany

   Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands

7. John P. Berry corresponding

   Florida International University

   Affiliation as printed

   Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA

   Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33181, USA

   Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33181, USA