Multiple toxicological effects of paralytic shellfish toxins and their producing microalgae on diverse aquatic organisms

Under the impact of global climate change and anthropogenic activities, the global distribution of toxigenic microalgae and phycotoxins is expanding, potentially affecting the growth and development of marine organisms, threatening the development of marine aquaculture and human health. Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are a group of highly potent neurotoxic phycotoxins that are widely distributed worldwide and paid attention to by scientists because of their toxicity. In this paper, the toxicological effects and mechanisms of PSTs-producing microalgae and PSTs on aquatic biota, such as shellfish, fish, and zooplankton were comprehensively reviewed. PSTs-producing microalgae and PSTs can exert multiple toxicological effects on aquatic organisms including affecting locomotion, swimming and feeding behavior, causing cellular structure and DNA damage and apoptosis, disrupting the immune system, decreasing fertilization and hatching rates, affecting embryonic development, and lead to larval developmental abnormalities. In summary, PSTs can cause neurotoxicity, developmental toxicity, cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity to organisms that are intoxicated by them. This review consolidates our understanding of the toxicological effects of PSTs on marine biota, and provides a reference for the safe risk management of toxigenic microalgae and phycotoxins, for more sustainable development of the mariculture industry and the protection of human health. • Toxicological effects of PSTs on a diverse range of aquatic biota were summarized. • PSTs and the microalgae that produce them are prevalent in the marine environment. • PSTs can affect organisms at higher trophic levels through the food chain. • PSTs affect the growth, development, feeding and reproduction of aquatic organisms. • PSTs show neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity and developmental toxicity.