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The hidden danger of Botulinum toxin: Do you know its lethal dose?
Botulinum toxin, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and its related species. The toxin causes muscle weakness and paralysis by inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Botulinum toxin is widely used in medicine for a variety of therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, but its lethal potential is little known.
Botulinum toxin is one of the most powerful toxins known and can be lethal in surprisingly high doses.
According to statistics, the median lethal dose of botulinum toxin type A is estimated to be 1.3 to 2.1 nanograms per kilogram of body weight (ng/kg), which means that for a 70-kilogram adult, the lethal dose is only about 0.1 mg. Therefore, the risks of this toxin if used improperly are fraught with dangers.
Medical Uses
Despite its potential dangers, botulinum toxin is used medically to treat a variety of conditions, including symptoms such as muscle spasms and excessive sweating.
Muscle cramps
Botulinum toxin is effective in treating excessive muscle movement caused by diseases such as cerebral palsy and post-stroke spasticity. Additionally, it can help improve facial spasms and other muscle problems controlled by nerves.
Excessive sweating
Botulinum toxin can effectively control abnormal underarm sweating, especially when conventional drugs cannot manage it, and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Beauty Uses
In cosmetic terms, botulinum toxin is considered safe and effective for reducing facial wrinkles, particularly in the forehead and eye areas.
The effects of botulinum toxin injections can last from 2 to 4 months, and even longer in some patients.
Side Effects
Although botulinum toxin is considered relatively safe clinically, some serious side effects may still occur. Common adverse reactions include accidental injection into the wrong muscle group, resulting in unexpected muscle paralysis.
Particularly in cosmetic procedures, possible side effects, including facial drooping or temporary vision impairment, have led to concerns about the use of botulinum toxin.
Regarding the potential dangers of botulinum toxin, the FDA alerted the public in 2008 to the safety risks of this toxin, especially when used to treat spasms in children.
Role in Disease
Botulinum toxin is the cause of botulism. Humans are usually exposed to the toxins by eating improperly canned foods, but the toxins can also be introduced through infected wounds.
Once the toxin enters the blood, it may affect the respiratory system or heart, causing life-threatening consequences. The disease is difficult to diagnose and can be easily confused with other diseases, but early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the mortality rate.
Mechanism of action
Botulinum toxin inhibits nerve activity by cleaving several proteins that are critical in the process of nerve activation. The toxin first enters the cell by binding to specific receptors on the nerve endings, and then is ejected into the cytoplasm, temporarily blocking the SNARE proteins that regulate the release of acetylcholine.
The active ingredient of botulinum toxin is a protein composed of two chains, which can effectively delay the transmission of nerve signals, causing muscles to be unable to move normally.
History and Research Progress
The history of botulinum toxin can be traced back to 1793, when the first food poisoning incident occurred in Germany. As research continues to deepen, experts are gradually understanding the properties of botulinum toxin and its potential medical uses. However, research on it as a biological weapon also received attention in the mid-20th century.
From the initial food poisoning to today's medical applications, the development of botulinum toxin is thought-provoking. It is both a dangerous substance hidden in life and a potential therapeutic weapon.
After you understand these characteristics and uses of botulinum toxin, do you still think its cosmetic uses are worth promoting, or should you be more careful about its lethality?
