Botulinum toxin 40172 226055092 2008-07-16T17:01:14Z 87.173.153.251 /* History */ {{drugbox |IUPAC_name= |image=Botox-structure.png |image_width = |CAS_number=93384-43-1 |ATC_prefix=M03 |ATC_suffix=AX01 |ATC_supplemental= |PubChem= |DrugBank=BTD00092 |chemical_formula= |C=6760|H=10447|N=1743|O=2010|S=32 |molecular_weight=149320.83328 g/mol |bioavailability= |protein_bound= |metabolism= |elimination_half-life= |excretion= |pregnancy_AU=<!-- A / B1 / B2 / B3 / C / D / X --> |pregnancy_US=<!-- A / B / C / D / X --> |pregnancy_category= |legal_AU=<!-- Unscheduled / S2 / S4 / S8 --> |legal_UK=<!-- GSL / P / POM / CD --> |legal_US=<!-- OTC / Rx-only --> Rx-Only |routes_of_administration= IM (approved),SC, intradermal, into glands }} '''Botulinum toxin''' is a [[neurotoxin]] [[protein]] produced by the [[bacterium]] ''[[Clostridium botulinum]]''. It is one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances in the world, and it is the most toxic protein.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Montecucco C, Molgó J |title=Botulinal neurotoxins: revival of an old killer |journal=Current opinion in pharmacology |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=274–9 |year=2005 |pmid=15907915 |doi=10.1016/j.coph.2004.12.006}}</ref> Though it is highly toxic, it is used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment in some parts of the world. It is sold commercially under the brand names '''Botox''', '''Dysport''', and '''Myobloc''' for this purpose. The terms Botox, Dysport, and Myobloc are trade names and are not used generically to describe the neurotoxins produced by ''[[C. botulinum]]''. ==History== Between 1817 and 1822 the German physician and poet [[Justinus Kerner]] described botulinium toxin, using the terms "sausage poison" and "fatty poison"<ref>{{cite journal | author = Frank J. Erbguth | title = Historical notes on botulism, ''Clostridium botulinum'', botulinum toxin, and the idea of the therapeutic use of the toxin | journal =Movement Disorders | volume =19 | issue =S8 | pages =S2–S6 | publisher =Movement Disorder Society (Wiley) |date=2004 | doi =10.1002/mds.20003 }}</ref>, as this bacterium often causes poisoning by growing in badly handled or prepared meat products. He first conceived a possible therapeutic use of botulinium toxin. In 1870, Müller (another German physician) coined the name [[botulism]], from [[Latin]] ''botulus'' = "sausage". In 1895, [[Emile van Ermengem]] first isolated the bacterium ''Clostridium botulinum''. In 1944, [[Edward Schantz]] cultured ''Clostridium botulinum'' and isolated the toxin, and, in 1949, Burgen's group discovered that botulinum toxin blocks neuromuscular transmission. By 1973, Alan B Scott, MD, of [[Smith-Kettlewell Institute]] used botulinium toxin type A (BTX-A) in monkey experiments, and, in 1980, he officially used BTX-A for the first time in humans to treat [[strabismus]]. In December 1989, BTX-A (BOTOX) was approved by the US [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) for the treatment of strabismus, [[blepharospasm]], and hemifacial spasm in patients over 12 years old. The cosmetic effect of BTX-A was initially described by ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers and dermatologist Alastair Carruthers, a husband-and-wife team working in [[Vancouver, Canada]], although the effect had been observed by a number of independent groups. On April 15, 2002, the FDA announced the approval of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX Cosmetic) to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). BTX-A has also been approved for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating. The acceptance of BTX-A use for the treatment of [[spasticity]] and muscle pain disorders is growing, with approvals pending in many European countries and studies on headaches (including [[migraine]]), [[prostatic]] symptoms, [[asthma]], obesity and many other possible indications are ongoing. Botox is manufactured by [[Allergan]] Inc (U.S.) for both therapeutic as well as cosmetic use. The formulation is best stored at cold temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius. Dysport is a therapeutic formulation of the type A toxin developed and manufactured in Ireland and which is licenced for the treatment of focal dystonias and certain cosmetic uses in many territories world wide. Neuronox is a new type A toxin manufactured by Medy-Tox Inc (South Korea). Botulinium Toxin Type B (BTX-B) received FDA approval for treatment of cervical [[dystonia]] on December 21, 2000. Trade names for BTX-B are Myobloc in the United States, and Neurobloc in the European Union. ==Chemical overview & lethality== There are seven serologically distinct toxin types, designated A through G; 3 subtypes of A have been described. The toxin is a two-chain [[polypeptide]] with a 100-[[dalton (unit)|kDa]] heavy chain joined by a [[disulfide bond]] to a 50-kDa light chain. This light chain is an enzyme (a [[protease]]) that attacks one of the fusion proteins (SNAP-25, syntaxin or synaptobrevin) at a [[neuromuscular junction]], preventing [[vesicle (biology)|vesicle]]s from anchoring to the [[cell membrane|membrane]] to release [[acetylcholine]]. By inhibiting acetylcholine release, the toxin interferes with nerve impulses and causes flaccid (sagging) paralysis of muscles in [[botulism]] as opposite to the spastic paralysis seen in [[tetanus]]. It is possibly the most acutely toxic substance known, with a [[LD50|median lethal dose]] of about 1 [[nanogram|ng]]/[[kg]]<ref> Ar non, Stephen. "Botulinum Toxin as a Biological Weapon." JAMA. vol 285. pp.1059-1070. 2001.</ref>, meaning that a few hundred grams could theoretically kill every human on earth (for perspective, the rat poison [[strychnine]], often described as highly toxic, has an [[LD50|LD<sub>50</sub>]] of 1,000,000 [[nanogram|ng]]/[[kg]], and would thus take about six metric tons to kill every human). It is also remarkably easy to come by: ''Clostridium'' spores are found in soil practically all over the earth. Food-borne botulism usually results from ingestion of food that has become contaminated with spores (such as a perforated can) in an [[anaerobic environment]], allowing the spores to germinate and grow. The growing (vegetative) bacteria produce toxin. It is the ingestion of preformed toxin that causes [[botulism]], not ingestion of the spores or vegetative organism. Infant (intestinal) and wound botulism both result from infection with spores which subsequently germinate, resulting in production of toxin and the symptoms of botulism. The toxin itself is rapidly destroyed by heat, such as in thorough cooking.<ref>[http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/pagerender.fcgi?artid=546888&pageindex=3 Thermal inactivation of Botulinum toxin]</ref> However, the spores which produce the toxin are heat-tolerant and will survive boiling at 100 degrees Celsius for an extended period of time. <ref>{{cite journal | last = Setlowa | first = Peter | title = I will survive: DNA protection in bacterial spores | journal = Trends in Microbiology | volume = 15 | issue = 4 | pages = 172–180 | publisher = Elsevier Ltd. | date = April 2007 | doi = 10.1016/j.tim.2007.02.004 }}</ref> ==Medical uses== Researchers discovered in the 1950s that injecting overactive muscles with minute quantities of botulinum toxin type A decreased muscle activity by blocking the release of [[acetylcholine]] at the [[neuromuscular junction]], thereby rendering the muscle unable to contract for a period 3 to 4 months.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} Alan Scott, a [[San Francisco]] [[ophthalmologist]], first applied tiny doses of the toxin in a medicinal sense to treat 'crossed eyes' ([[strabismus]]) and 'uncontrollable blinking' ([[blepharospasm]]), but needed a partner to gain regulatory approval to market his discovery as a drug. [[Allergan, Inc.]], a pharmaceutical company that focused on prescription eye therapies and contact lens products, bought the rights to the drug in 1988 and received FDA approval in 1989.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} Allergan renamed the drug Botox. Cosmetically desirable effects of Botox were first discovered by [[Vancouver]]-based [[Plastic surgery|cosmetic surgeons]] Drs. Alastair and Jean Carruthers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carruthers.net |title=Carruthers.net |accessdate=2008-01-22 |format= |work=}}</ref> The serendipitous discovery occurred when the husband-and-wife team observed the softening of patients' frown lines following treatment for eye muscle disorders, leading to clinical trials and subsequent FDA approval for cosmetic use in April 2002.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} As of 2007, Botox injection is the most common cosmetic operation, with 4.6 million procedures in the United States, according to the [[American Society of Plastic Surgeons]]. <!-- per "Pots of Promise --> Besides its cosmetic application, Botox is used in the treatment of *[[migraine]] headaches *cervical [[dystonia]] (spasmodic [[torticollis]]) (a neuromuscular disorder involving the head and neck)<ref>{{cite journal | author=Brin MF, Lew MF, Adler CH, Comella CL, Factor SA, Jankovic J, O'Brien C, Murray JJ, Wallace JD, Willmer-Hulme A, Koller M | title=Safety and efficacy of NeuroBloc (botulinum toxin type B) in type A-resistant cervical dystonia | journal=Neurology | year=1999 | pages=1431–8 | volume=53 | issue=7 | pmid=10534247}}</ref> *[[blepharospasm]] (involuntary blinking)<ref> {{cite journal |author=Shukla HD, Sharma SK |title=Clostridium botulinum: a bug with beauty and weapon |journal=Crit. Rev. Microbiol. |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=11–8 |year=2005 |pmid=15839401| doi = 10.1080/10408410590912952 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref> *severe primary axillary [[hyperhidrosis]] (excessive sweating)<ref>{{cite journal |author=Eisenach JH, Atkinson JL, Fealey RD |title=Hyperhidrosis: evolving therapies for a well-established phenomenon |journal=Mayo Clin. Proc. |volume=80 |issue=5 |pages=657–66 |year=2005 |pmid=15887434 |doi=}}</ref> *[[Achalasia]] (failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax) Other uses of botulinum toxin type A that are widely known but not specifically approved by FDA include treatment of: *pediatric incontinence<ref>{{cite journal |author=Schurch B, Corcos J |title=Botulinum toxin injections for paediatric incontinence |journal=Current opinion in urology |volume=15 |issue=4 |pages=264–7 |year=2005 |pmid=15928517| doi = 10.1097/01.mou.0000172401.92761.86 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref>, incontinence due to overactive bladder,<ref name="pmid17636801">{{cite journal | author = Duthie J, Wilson D, Herbison G, Wilson D | title = Botulinum toxin injections for adults with overactive bladder syndrome. | journal = | volume = 3 | issue = | pages = CD005493 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17636801 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD005493.pub2 }}</ref> and incontinence due to [[neurogenic bladder]].<ref name="pmid17532858">{{cite journal | author = Akbar M, Abel R, Seyler TM, Gerner HJ, Möhring K | title = Repeated botulinum-A toxin injections in the treatment of myelodysplastic children and patients with spinal cord injuries with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. | journal = BJU Int. | volume = 100 | issue = 3 | pages = 639–45 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17532858 | doi = 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2007.06977.x }}</ref> *[[anal fissure]]<ref>{{cite journal |author=Trzciński R, Dziki A, Tchórzewski M |title=Injections of botulinum A toxin for the treatment of anal fissures |journal=The European journal of surgery &#61; Acta chirurgica |volume=168 |issue=12 |pages=720–3 |year=2002 |pmid=15362583 |doi=}}</ref> *spastic disorders associated with injury or disease of the [[central nervous system]] including trauma, [[stroke]], [[multiple sclerosis]], [[Parkinson's disease]], or [[cerebral palsy]] *focal [[dystonia]]s affecting the limbs, face, jaw, or [[vocal cords]] *[[Temporomandibular joint|TMJ]] pain disorders *diabetic neuropathy *wound healing *excessive salivation *VCD [[Vocal cord dysfunction]] a spasming of the vocal cords *[[Jaw reduction|Reduction of the Masseter muscle for decreasing the size of the lower jaw]] Treatment and prevention of chronic headache<ref>{{cite journal |author=Panicker JN, Muthane UB |title=Botulinum toxins: pharmacology and its current therapeutic evidence for use |journal=Neurology India |volume=51 |issue=4 |pages=455–60 |year=2003 |pmid=14742921 |doi= |url=http://www.neurologyindia.com/article.asp?issn=0028-3886;year=2003;volume=51;issue=4;spage=455;epage=460;aulast=Muthane }}</ref> and chronic musculoskeletal pain<ref>{{cite journal |author=Charles PD |title=Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A: a clinical update on non-cosmetic uses |journal=American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists |volume=61 |issue=22 Suppl 6 |pages=S11–23 |year=2004 |pmid=15598005 |doi=}}</ref> are emerging uses for botulinum toxin type A. In addition, there is evidence that Botox may aid in weight loss by increasing the gastric emptying time.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Coskun H, Duran Y, Dilege E, Mihmanli M, Seymen H, Demirkol MO |title=Effect on gastric emptying and weight reduction of botulinum toxin-A injection into the gastric antral layer: an experimental study in the obese rat model |journal=Obesity surgery : the official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and of the Obesity Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand |volume=15 |issue=8 |pages=1137–43 |year=2005 |pmid=16197786 |doi=10.1381/0960892055002275}}</ref> ===Links to deaths=== On September 2005, a paper published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology reported from the FDA saying that use of Botox has resulted in 28 deaths between 1989 and 2003, though none were attributed to cosmetic use.<ref>http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WM8-4GX157V-F&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=cf848f941c5b6baa959fced0a96af842</ref> On February 8, 2008, the FDA announced that Botox has "been linked in some cases to adverse reactions, including respiratory failure and death, following treatment of a variety of conditions using a wide range of doses," due to its ability to spread to areas distant to the site of the injection.<ref>[http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01796.html FDA Notifies Public of Adverse Reactions Linked to Botox Use<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Several cases of death have been linked to the use of fake Botox.<ref>[http://newsblaze.com/story/2006031711042400003.mwir/topstory.html Woman Dies From Fake Botox Injections<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ===Side effects=== Side effects can be predicted from the mode of action (muscle paralysis) and chemical structure (protein) of the molecule, resulting broadly speaking in two major areas of side effects: paralysis of the wrong muscle group and allergic reaction. Bruising at the site of injection is a side effect not of the toxin, but rather the mode of administration. In cosmetic use, this means that the client will complain of inappropriate facial expression such as drooping eyelid, uneven smile, loss of ability to close the eye. This will wear off in around 6 weeks. Bruising is prevented by the clinician applying pressure to the injection site, but may still occur, and will last around 7 - 10 days. When injecting the masseter muscle of the jaw, loss of muscle function will result in a loss or reduction of power to chew solid foods. All cosmetic treatments are of limited duration, and can be as short a period as six weeks, but usually one reckons with an effective period of between 3 and 8 months. At the extremely low doses used medicinally, botulinum toxin has a very low degree of toxicity. Reported adverse events from cosmetic use includes headaches, focal facial paralysis, muscle weakness, [[dysphagia]], flu-like syndromes, and allergic reactions<ref>http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WM8-4GX157V-F&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=cf848f941c5b6baa959fced0a96af842</ref>. There has been a petition by Public Citizen to the FDA requesting regulatory action concerning the possible spread of botulinum toxin (Botox, Myobloc) from the site of injection to other parts of the body (HRG Publication #1834): [http://www.citizen.org/publications/release.cfm?ID=7559&secID=1680&catID=126 Public Citizen] ==Biochemical mechanism of toxicity== [[Image:Presynaptic CNTs targets.svg|thumb|right|300px|Target molecules of botulinum (BoNT) and tetanus (TeNT) toxins inside the axon terminal.[http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol11no10/04-1279.htm]]] The heavy chain of the toxin is particularly important for targeting the toxin to specific types of [[axon]] terminals. The toxin must get inside the axon terminals in order to cause paralysis. Following the attachment of the toxin heavy chain to proteins on the surface of axon terminals, the toxin can be taken into neurons by [[endocytosis]]. The light chain is able to leave endocytotic vesicles and reach the [[cytoplasm]]. The light chain of the toxin has protease activity. The type A toxin proteolytically degrades the [[SNAP-25|SNAP-25 protein]], a type of [[SNARE protein]]. The SNAP-25 protein is required for the release of [[neurotransmitter]]s from the axon endings.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Foran PG, Mohammed N, Lisk GO, ''et al'' |title=Evaluation of the therapeutic usefulness of botulinum neurotoxin B, C1, E, and F compared with the long lasting type A. Basis for distinct durations of inhibition of exocytosis in central neurons |journal=J. Biol. Chem. |volume=278 |issue=2 |pages=1363–71 |year=2003 |pmid=12381720 |doi=10.1074/jbc.M209821200 |url=http://www.jbc.org/cgi/content/full/278/2/1363}}</ref> Botulinum toxin specifically cleaves these SNAREs, and so prevents neuro-secretory vesicles from docking/fusing with the nerve synapse plasma membrane and releasing their neurotransmitters. Though it affects the nervous system, common nerve agent treatments (namely the injection of [[atropine]] and [[2-pam-chloride]]) will ''increase'' mortality by enhancing botulin toxin's mechanism of toxicity. Attacks involving botulinum toxin are distinguishable from those involving nerve agent in that [[NBC (weapon)|NBC]] detection equipment (such as M-8 paper or the ICAM) will not indicate a "positive" when a sample of the agent is tested. Furthermore, botulism symptoms develop relatively slowly, over several days compared to nerve agent effects, which can be instantaneous. ==Documented outbreaks== {{Expand|date=March 2008}} '''Bon Vivant incident''' On [[July 2]], [[1971]] the [[FDA]] released a public warning after learning that a New York man had died and his wife had become seriously ill due to botulism after eating a can of [[Bon Vivant]] [[vichyssoise]] soup. The company began a recall of the 6,444 cans of vichyssoise soup made in the same batch as the can known to be contaminated. The FDA discovered that the company’s processing practices raised questions not only about these lots of the vichyssoise, but also about all other products packed by the company. The effectiveness check of the recall had revealed a number of swollen or otherwise suspect cans among Bon Vivant’s other products, so FDA extended the recall to include ''all'' Bon Vivant products. The FDA shut down the company’s [[Newark, New Jersey]] plant on [[July 7]], [[1971]]. Only five cans of Bon Vivant soup were found to be contaminated with the [[botulin toxin]], all in the initial batch of vichyssoise recalled and part of the first 324 cans tested. The ordeal destroyed public confidence in the company’s products and the Bon Vivant name. Bon Vivant filed for bankruptcy within a month of the announcement of the recall. <ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=An Examination of FDA’s Recall Authority |url=http://leda.law.harvard.edu/leda/data/729/Curatolo05.html |quote=The incident did not take a toll only on the company, however. Bon Vivant did not have adequate records and controls of production lots and distribution in order to trace the products quickly. The company also did not have the finances or manpower necessary to run a successful recall program. As a result, the FDA had to seize all the Bon Vivant soup throughout the country, more than a million cans in all. FDA said the seizure occupied 125 man years of FDA time, enough for 2,000 ordinary factory inspections for preventive purposes. |publisher=[[Harvard Law School]] |date= |accessdate=2007-09-25 }}</ref> ==Treatment of botulinum poisoning== The case fatality rate for botulinum poisoning between 1950 and 1996 was 15.5%, down from approximately 60% over the previous 50 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/files/botulism_manual.htm |title=Disease Listing, Botulism Manual, Additional Information | CDC Bacterial, Mycotic Diseases |accessdate=2007-08-14 |format= |work=}}</ref> Death is generally secondary to respiratory failure due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles, so treatment consists of antitoxin administration and artificial ventilation. If initiated on time, these are quite effective. Occasionally, functional recovery may take several weeks to months. There are two primary Botulinum Antitoxins available for treatment of botulism. * [[valence (chemistry)|Trivalent]] (A,B,E) Botulinum [[Antitoxin]] is derived from equine sources utilizing whole [[antibodies]] (Fab & Fc portions). This [[antitoxin]] is available from the local health department via the [[Centers for Disease Control|CDC]]. * The second [[antitoxin]] is [[Heptavalent]] (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) Botulinum [[Antitoxin]] which is derived from "despeciated" equine IgG [[antibodies]] which have had the Fc portion cleaved off leaving the F(ab')2 portions. This is a less immunogenic [[antitoxin]] that is effective against all known strains of botulism where not contraindicated. This is available from the US Army. On June 1, 2006 the US [[Department of Health and Human Services]] awarded a $363 million contract with Cangene Corporation for 200,000 doses of Heptavalent Botulinum [[Antitoxin]] over five years for delivery into the Strategic National Stockpile beginning in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmrs.fema.gov/news/publichealth/2006/aug/nph2006-08-03a.aspx |title=FEMA |accessdate=2007-08-14 |format= |work=}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==See also== *[[Bon Vivant Soup Company]] *[[Argireline]] Botox Alternative ==External links== * [http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/095_bot.html A Poison that can Heal] from the [[FDA]] * [http://health.howstuffworks.com/botox.htm How Stuff Works - Botox] * [http://www.vaginismus-awareness-network.org/botox.html Pros and Cons of using Botox for Vagininsmus] *[http://www.newsweek.com/id/131749 Does Botox get into the brain? Troubling research contradicts earlier findings about the treatment] *[http://www.carruthers.net/pdf/125Discussion.pdf Patient Reported Benefit and Satisfaction with Botulinum Toxin Type A Treatment of moderate to severe Glabellar] * [http://botdb.abcc.ncifcrf.gov '''BotDB''': extensive resources on BoNT structures, inhibitors, kinetics, and literature] {{Muscle relaxants}} [[Category:Chemical weapons]] [[Category:Biological weapons]] [[Category:Muscle relaxants]] [[Category:Neurotoxins]] [[ar:بوتوكس]] [[cs:Botulotoxin]] [[da:Botulinumtoksin]] [[de:Botulinumtoxin]] [[et:Botuliin]] [[es:Toxina botulínica]] [[eo:Botokso]] [[fr:Toxine botulique]] [[gl:Botox]] [[it:Tossina botulinica]] [[he:בוטוקס]] [[hu:Botulinum toxin]] [[nl:Botulinetoxine]] [[ja:ボツリヌストキシン]] [[no:Botulinumtoksin]] [[pl:Jad kiełbasiany]] [[pt:Botox]] [[ro:Toxina botulinică]] [[ru:Ботокс]] [[sl:Botulin]] [[fi:Botuliini]] [[sv:Botulinumtoxin]] [[tr:Botoks]] [[zh:肉毒杆菌]]