title: Azaspiracid shellfish poisoning: a review on the chemistry, ecology, and toxicology with an emphasis on human health impacts.
abstract: Azaspiracids (AZA) are polyether marine toxins that accumulate in various shellfish species and have been associated with severe gastrointestinal human intoxications since 1995. This toxin class has since been reported from several countries, including Morocco and much of western Europe. A regulatory limit of 160 microg AZA/kg whole shellfish flesh was established by the EU in order to protect human health; however, in some cases, AZA concentrations far exceed the action level. Herein we discuss recent advances on the chemistry of various AZA analogs, review the ecology of AZAs, including the putative progenitor algal species, collectively interpret the in vitro and in vivo data on the toxicology of AZAs relating to human health issues, and outline the European legislature associated with AZAs.
authors: Marine Biotoxins Program, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, NOAA/National Ocean Service, 219 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston SC 29412, USA. Mike.Twiner@noaa.gov
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Twiner
authors: Nils
authors: N
authors: Rehmann
authors: Philipp
authors: P
authors: Hess
authors: Gregory J
authors: GJ
authors: Doucette
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D054750:Ecotoxicology; D005060:Europe; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007881:Legislation, Food; D008387:Marine Toxins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning*; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D011634:Public Health; D057096:Shellfish Poisoning; D013141:Spiro Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning*; D000095702:Polyether Toxins
chemical_list: D008387:Marine Toxins; D013141:Spiro Compounds; C406592:azaspiracid; D000095702:Polyether Toxins