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Cyanide and the human brain: perspectives from a model of food (cassava) poisoning
Author(s) -
TshalaKatumbay Desire D.,
Ngombe Nadege N.,
Okitundu Daniel,
David Larry,
Westaway Shawn K.,
Boivin Michael J.,
Mumba Ngoyi D.,
Banea JeanPierre
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.13159
Subject(s) - cyanide , toxicity , toxicant , cyanide poisoning , metabolite , toxicology , acute toxicity , pharmacology , chemistry , biochemistry , biology , organic chemistry
Threats by fundamentalist leaders to use chemical weapons have resulted in renewed interest in cyanide toxicity. Relevant insights may be gained from studies on cyanide mass intoxication in populations relying on cyanogenic cassava as the main source of food. In these populations, sublethal concentrations (up to 80 μmol/l) of cyanide in the blood are commonplace and lead to signs of acute toxicity. Long‐term toxicity signs include a distinct and irreversible spastic paralysis, known as konzo, and cognition deficits, mainly in sequential processing (visual–spatial analysis) domains. Toxic culprits include cyanide (mitochondrial toxicant), thiocyanate (AMPA‐receptor chaotropic cyanide metabolite), cyanate (protein‐carbamoylating cyanide metabolite), and 2‐iminothiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (seizure inducer). Factors of susceptibility include younger age, female gender, protein‐deficient diet, and, possibly, the gut functional metagenome. The existence of uniquely exposed and neurologically affected populations offers invaluable research opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of cyanide toxicity and test or validate point‐of‐care diagnostic tools and treatment options to be included in preparedness kits in response to cyanide‐related threats.