Molecular mechanisms of microcystin-LR cytotoxicity in sub-chronic intoxicated mice.

LEZCANO, ; , I. LUCOTTI; SEDAN D; GIANNUZZI; ANDRINOLO D; MUNDIÑA C

Estambul

Congreso; VIII International Conference on Cyanobacteria; 2010

VIII International Conference on Cyanobacteria

Background and aims Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a potent cyclic hepatotoxin produced by several bloom-forming cyanobacteria of fresh water. Acute lethal cytotoxicity and tumorpromoting activity of MC-LR in animals and humans is attributed to its ability to inhibit serine/threonine phosphatases type 1 and 2 (PP1 and PP2A) which leads to excessive protein phosphorylation, alterations in cytoskeleton and subsequent cell destruction. Moreover MC-LR induced oxidative stress which can trigger apoptosis, providing another mechanism of toxicity. Chronic exposure to low concentrations of MC-LR through consumption of contaminated waters is most likely to occur and its consequences are less well studied