Toxins classification

Extensions to the earlier chemometric approaches include a toxicological assessment approach based on neural network software to ascertain whether the methods provide a robust approach, which could lead to automatic toxin classification. The neural network approach to sample classification, based on NMR spectra of urine, was in general predictive of the sample class. It appears to be reasonably robust and once the network is trained, the prediction of new samples is rapid and automatic. However, the principal disadvantage is common to all neural network studies in that it is difficult to ascertain from the network which of the original sample descriptors are responsible for the classification. Although recently it has been suggested that probabilistic... 

Vanholder R, De Smet R, Glorieux G, Arghes A, Baurmeister U, Brunet P, et al. Review on uremic toxins classification, concentration, and interindividual variability. Kidney Int 2003 63 1934-43. 

Vanholder, R., De Smet, R., Glorieux, G., Argiles, A., Baurmeister, U., Brunet, P., Clark, W., Cohen, G., De Deyn, P. P., Deppisch, R., Descamps-Latscha, B., Henle, T., Jorres, A., Lemke, H. D., Massy, Z. A., Passlick-Deetjen, J., Rodriguez, M., Stegmayr, B., Stenvinkel, P, Tetta, C., Wanner, C., Zidek, W., and European Uremic Toxin Work (2003). Review on uremic toxins Classification, concentration, and interindividual variability. Kidney Int. 63, 1934. 

The number of clear human epidemiologic studies is small. A total of approximately 50 compounds (c.g., benzene, vinyl chloride) and complex e.xposures (e.g., aluminum production, tobacco smoke) have sufficient data available to permit their classification as human carcinogens. The most potent human carcinogens known, the aflatoxins. are of natural origin. Their presence in food products through infestation by toxin-producing fungi constitute a serious problem in several tropical and subtropical countries. 

Highly variable depending on the specific toxin, route of exposure, and dose. Even symptoms presented by toxins with the same general classification (i.e., neurotoxin or cytotoxin) may vary depending on the specific mechanism of action within the body. 

Sheath RG (2003) Red Algae. In Wehr JD, Sheath RG (eds) Freshwater algae of North America ecology and classification. Academic, San Diego, CA, pp 197-224 Sivonen K, Jones G (1999) Cyanobacterial toxins. In Chorus I, Bartram J (eds) Toxic cyanobacteria in water a guide to their public health consequences, monitoring and management. WHO, E FN Spon, London, pp 41-111... 

The catch-all classification for other toxins falls in this group. Generally, these compounds are diverse and often chemically unrelated. As diverse as their chemical natures are, so are the diversity of their effects in mammals when ingested or when physical contact is made. Phenolics are one major component of this group, and are themselves very diverse. The definition of a phenolic is an alcohol or hydroxy group coupled to an aromatic ring. 

The creatures of the world, both animals and plants, produce a wide range of biologically active substances. Biologically active substances produced by animals or plants that cause an adverse effect are called toxins. Toxins refers only to toxic agents produced by animals and plants, not toxic substances such a lead or pesticides. The classification of a substance as a toxin tends to be in the eye of the beholder. Is caffeine, a naturally occurring agent in many plants, a toxin or just a pharmacologically active compound or both ... 

This volume of the series Medicinal Plants of the World Chemical Constituents, Modern and Traditional Medicinal Uses contains information on 16 plant species and follows the same format as volumes 1 and 2. Some of the plants discussed in volume 3 may be considered controversial in their classification as medicinal. However, the Paracelsian dictum that sola dosis fecit venenum has been appreciated since ancient times, and throughout the ages many highly toxic materials used for lethal purposes have also found applications in modern medicine. It has been recognized that plants contain substances that are either harmful or toxic. However, it is wrong to think that there are plant toxins that are known or that are likely to have adverse effects on any and every form of life. A common feature of most toxic plants is that they are also known for their curative properties, and although they may provide the cure for an individual s disease at one dose, they may cause the death of the same individual at another. 

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