Gene Expression Patterns in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes in Patients with Recurrent Ciguatera Fish Poisoning: Preliminary Studies.
Ciguatera fish poisoning (ciguatera) is a common clinical syndrome in areas where there is dependence on tropical reef fish for food. A subset of patients develops recurrent and, in some instances, chronic symptoms, which may result in substantial disability. To identify possible biomarkers for recurrent/chronic disease, and to explore correlations with immune gene expression, peripheral blood leukocyte gene expression in 10 ciguatera patients (7 recurrent, 3 acute) from the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 5 unexposed Florida controls were evaluated. Significant differences in gene expression were noted when comparing ciguatera patients and controls; however, it was not possible to differentiate between patients with acute and recurrent disease, possibly due to the small sample sizes involved.
Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610.
Maria-Cecilia
MC
Lopez
Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.
Ricardo F
RF
Ungaro
Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610; Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610; Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.
Henry V
HV
Baker
Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.
Lyle L
LL
Moldawer
Marine Ecotoxicology Lab, Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama & Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Alison
A
Robertson
Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.
Margaret
M
Abbott
Department of Neurology: Division of Neuropsychology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St. 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Sparkle M
SM
Roberts
Department of Neurology: Division of Neuropsychology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 S. Paca St. 3 Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Lynn M
LM
Grattan
Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road; Box 100009, Gainesville, FL 32610.
J Glenn
JG
Morris
Ciguatera; Fish poisoning; Gene expression; U.S. virgin islands