Amanita phalloides poisoning: Mechanisms of toxicity and treatment

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Garcia, J (Author) Other; Costa, VM (Author) Other; Carvalho, A (Author) Other; Baptista, P (Author) Other; de Pinho, PG (Author) FFUP; Maria de Lourdes Bastos (Author) FFUP; Felix Carvalho (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Food and Chemical Toxicology

Vol. 86

Pages: 41-55

ISSN: 0278-6915

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 104 Citations

Scopus - 127 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-PR0

DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2015.09.008

Abstract (EN): Amanita phalloides, also known as 'death cap', is one of the most poisonous mushrooms, being involved in the majority of human fatal cases of mushroom poisoning worldwide. This species contains three main groups of toxins: amatoxins, phallotoxins, and virotoxins. From these, amatoxins, especially alpha-amanitin, are the main responsible for the toxic effects in humans. It is recognized that alpha-amanitin inhibits RNA polymerase II, causing protein deficit and ultimately cell death, although other mechanisms are thought to be involved. The liver is the main target organ of toxicity, but other organs are also affected, especially the kidneys. Intoxication symptoms usually appear after a latent period and may include gastrointestinal disorders followed by jaundice, seizures, and coma, culminating in death. Therapy consists in supportive measures, gastric decontamination, drug therapy and, ultimately, liver transplantation if clinical condition worsens. The discovery of an effective antidote is still a major unsolved issue. The present paper examines the clinical toxicology of A. phalloides, providing the currently available information on the mechanisms of toxicityinvolved and on the current knowledge on the treatment prescribed against this type of mushrooms. Antidotal perspectives will be raised as to set the pace to new and improved therapy against these mushrooms.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15