Botox is a naturally occurring neurotoxin originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical uses in 1989. Although this potentially deadly poison could be a weapon of choice for bioterrorism, when used in diluted forms it can provide relief for a variety of conditions. Botox treatments were considered safe with few side effects, but new studies show that those using Botox might have reason for concern.
What is Botox?
Botox is a diluted solution of the protein botulinum toxin type A. This is one of the seven deadly toxins that cause botulism, a deadly form of food poisoning. The botulinum toxins are synthesized by the gram-positive bacterium Clostridium botulinum. These seven neurotoxins are the most toxic substances known to man, which compounded with the fact that there is no cure, makes them a perfect bioterrorism agent.
Mode of Action
Botulinum neurotoxin, when introduced in the body, blocks the release of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that sends signals to other nerves, such as the brain and muscles. With no acetylcholine to prompt the contraction of the muscles, they become paralyzed, which is the symptom that inspired scientists to research how the toxins could be beneficial to treat conditions.
History
Before FDA approval in 1989, scientists researched the effects, both therapeutic and side effects, of botulinum. These preclinical tests use laboratory animals to assess how the toxin will react within the body and can provide vital information on the safety of the product. These early tests showed that the Botox did not travel along the nerve cells to the brain or spinal cord. It was documented that the toxin could get into the bloodstream, but at such minute levels that it would be inactivated before getting far from the injection site.
Because the studies showed the Botox was safe to use, it was approved first for use in treating strabismus, which is an abnormal alignment of the eyes. Doctors noted that patients receiving these treatments showed an unexpected side effect of the smoothing of wrinkles. In 2002, the FDA approved Botox to be used for cosmetic purposes.
Since then, Botox has been used to treat many conditions, including headaches, cerebral palsy, muscle spasms of Parkinson's disease, back pain and bladder dysfunction.
Side Effects
The use of Botox has some minor side effects, including headaches, difficulty swallowing, flu-like symptoms and upset stomach. More research and an investigation launched by the FDA revealed that at least 16 people have died from botulism that can be attributed to Botox. This has led scientists to wonder whether, contrary to the original studies, the Botox can travel through the nerves to the brain.
New Concerns
A study conducted by Matteo Caleo at Italy's Institute of Neuroscience suggests that the botulinum toxin can travel along the nerves to the brain in laboratory animals. The research team noted that there were traces of the toxin present in the brain stem for up to six months after injection.
Although Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox, discounts these studies saying they used a laboratory formulation of Botulinum instead of Botox, and even speculate that they injected it directly into the brain, it still raises questions and concerns to the safety of Botox, especially when injected into facial muscles, so close in proximity to the brain.
