Mechanism and treatment of α-amanitin poisoning

Arch Toxicol. 2023 Jan;97(1):121-131. doi: 10.1007/s00204-022-03396-x. Epub 2022 Oct 21.

Abstract

Amanita poisoning has a high mortality rate. The α-amanitin toxin in Amanita is the main lethal toxin. There is no specific detoxification drug for α-amanitin, and the clinical treatment mainly focuses on symptomatic and supportive therapy. The pathogenesis of α-amanitin mainly includes: α-amanitin can inhibit the activity of RNA polymeraseII in the nucleus, including the inhibition of the largest subunit of RNA polymeraseII, RNApb1, bridge helix, and trigger loop. In addition, α-amanitin acts in vivo through the enterohepatic circulation and transport system. α-Amanitin can cause the cell death. The existing mechanisms of cell damage mainly focus on apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. In addition to the pathogenic mechanism, α-amanitin also has a role in cancer treatment, which is the focus of current research. The mechanism of action of α-amanitin on the body is still being explored.

Keywords: Amanita poisoning; Mechanism; Treatment; α-Amanitin.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alpha-Amanitin*
  • Amanita
  • Amanitins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mushroom Poisoning* / drug therapy
  • Mushroom Poisoning* / metabolism
  • RNA

Substances

  • Alpha-Amanitin
  • Amanitins
  • RNA