Isn’t it strange how, in some cases, toxic compounds that we refer to as poisons are employed in the treatment of diseases? This is seen in the way many diseases are treated. Yet, one of them is regarded as the world’s most toxic material, called botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is gr (+), rod-shaped, and obligately anaerobic.
C. botulinum releases eight exotoxins with unique antigens (A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, and G). All serotypes inhibit acetylcholine, the key neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction, disrupting neuronal communication and paralyzing muscles. Botulinum poisoning The typical duration of an injection-induced weakness is three months [1].
Usage of Botulinum Toxin in Treatments
Humans respond well to botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotype A (BoNT/A), while other BoNT serotypes may also be essential functions on whether or not immunological resistance to BoNT/A has been shown. BoNT serotype F (BoNT/F) was given into human muscles but had shorter effects than BoNT/A. BoNT serotype B (BoNT/B) is only efficient in humans if injected at very big dosages. BoNT serotype C’s (BoNT/C) overall mode of action is comparable to BoNT/ A’s. A comparison of these various BoNTs in people hasn’t yet been documented [2].
A few of the numerous medical conditions that can now be controlled with the aid of botulinum toxins include vision problems, focal dystonias, neuropathies spasm, various spastic movement disorders, headaches, hypersalivation, hyperhidrosis, and some chronic conditions that only partially respond to surgical therapy. Applications of cosmetology extend from treating dermatological conditions like hyperhidrosis to eradicating wrinkles and lines on the face, chin, neck, and chest [1].
For example; botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) has been used for more than 25 years to treat pediatric lower and upper limb hypertonia, mostly in cerebral palsy. Since younger children appear to have more dynamic spasticity and fewer fixed contractures than older people, they may respond better to BTXA therapy. In the lower limb, BTXA is used to “allow time” until the child is old enough for more definitive surgeries while also accelerating developmental milestones, improving posture and function, and reducing pain. BTXA is expected to be effective for treating spastic equinus in children between the ages of two and six, although most children older than six require muscle-tendon lengthening. Later treatment may still be beneficial in terms of reducing pain, making care easier, and posture (such as standing, sitting, and reaching). Children with spastic upper limb anomalies, moderate muscular tone, the capacity for voluntary motions in the wrist or fingers, and good motivation and aptitude for motor learning benefit from BTXA treatment the most. It has been found that sufficient pre-injection grip strength is connected with a positive functional response. Giving BTXA as a single or multilayer therapy is possible. It is hoped that by injecting the spastic muscles, the excessively inflexible movement pattern will be “broken,” allowing for training and muscle development of both the treated and antagonistic muscles, as well as promoting overall flexibility and better alignment. The use of BTXA helped preoperative decision-making for procedures on the upper and lower limbs [3]. This is just one example of the usage of botulinum toxin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ability to use compounds that we can characterize as poisons as pharmaceuticals in the treatment of various disorders is one of the biggest advantages of modern medicine. In this approach, numerous diseases have either been treated more easily or completely healed.
The toxin we discussed also has usage in cosmetics, which is weird. Even though it is the most dangerous material on earth. This risk that people incur to pursue their vision of beauty is real, despite the fact that it may sound very unsettling and hazardous.
Although we discussed the applications of botulinum toxin in the treatment of diseases in this post, I indicated in my essay that the most well-known application is aesthetic. We can infer from history that people see beauty differently and take a variety of health risks.
References:
- G. C. Rodgers, “Ellenhorn’s Medical Toxicology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Poisoning,” JAMA, vol. 278, no. 14, pp. 1201–1201, Oct. 1997, doi: 10.1001/JAMA.1997.03550140095052.
- H. Bigalke, D. Dressler, and J. Jankovic, “Basic and therapeutic aspects of neurotonins,” Movement Disorders, vol. 19, no. SUPPL. 8, 2004, doi: 10.1002/MDS.20002.
- W. Strobl et al., “Best Clinical Practice in Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Children with Cerebral Palsy,” Toxins (Basel), vol. 7, pp. 1629–1648, 2015, doi: 10.3390/toxins7051629.
Figure References:
- ScienceSource (2023), Clostridium Botulinum, receipt date: 22/02/2023
- MDPI (1196-2023), Structure of Botulinum Neurotoxins, receipt date: 22/02/203
Inspector: Beril GÜREL
