Effect of γ-hexachloran and sevin on the survival of the Black Sea mussel,Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam

Some observations on the effect of -hexachloran and sevin on the survival of two size groups of the Black Sea mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam. were made. The results of the present study are compared with those made earlier on the same species and on fishes.     

Trace metals in the common mussel,Mytilus edulis (L.), and in the alga Fucus vesiculosus (L.) from the region of the sound (Öresund)

Concentrations of zinc, cadmium, lead and iron were determined in whole soft parts of mussels, Mytilus edulis (L.), and in growing tips of the alga Fucus vesiculosus (L.) from a total of 20 locations in the area of the Sound between Sweden and Denmark. Pollution profiles produced for each metal were similar in any one of the species studied but the profiles for metals in M. edulis were distinct from those for metals in F. vesiculosus. Results for mussels agreed broadly with those reported previously for this region, indicating a northward decrease in available metal concentrations. By contrast, results for algae showed few differences in metal availability throughout the study area, although some local effects were evident.The differences in the pollution profiles exhibited by these two organisms depend on their response to different portions of the total trace metal load of ambient waters. Results from the alga agree well with available data on the concentrations of trace metals in solution in waters of the Sound. The alga thus appears to be responding only to metals in solution, as suggested by previous authors. By contrast, the major proportion of the total body load of metals in mussels is derived from ingested phytoplankton. The pollution profiles exhibited by mussels may be explained if phytoplankton from the Baltic Sea contain higher concentrations of trace metals than do those from Kattegat. Possible mechanisms for the production of such differences in the metal contents of the two phytoplankton populations, and the ecological implications of these differences, are briefly discussed.     

Regulation of the oxidative stress protective enzymes,catalase and superoxide dismutase in Xanthomonas — a review

Xanthomonas showed atypical regulation of catalase (Kat) and superoxide dismutase with respect to growth phase and response to various inducers. The highest levels of both enzymes were detected during early log phase of growth and declined as growth continued. This was in contrast to resistance levels to superoxides, H₂O₂ and organic peroxides, which reached maximum levels during stationary phase. Xanthomonas catalase was induced over six fold by superoxide generators and methyl methane sulfonate but weakly by H₂O₂. The regulation pattern of these enzymes could be important during plant/microbe interactions. To facilitate elucidation of Xanthomonas kat gene regulation, highly conserved regions of monofuctional Kat amino acid sequences were used to synthesize oligodeoxyribonucleotide primers for use in PCR reactions with Xanthomonas genomic DNA as templates. The Xanthomonas-specific PCR kat probe was used to isolate a functional kat from Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli.     

β-Glucuronidase and hexosaminidase are marker enzymes for different compartments of the endo-lysosomal system in mussel digestive cells

In environmental toxicology, the most commonly used techniques used to visualise lysosomes in order to determine their responses to pollutants (LSC test: lysosomal structural changes test; LMS test: lysosomal membrane stability test) are based on the histochemical application of lysosomal marker enzymes. In mussel digestive cells, the marker enzymes used are β-glucuronidase (β-Gus) and hexosaminidase (Hex). The present work has been aimed at determining the distribution of these lysosomal marker enzymes in the various compartments of the endo-lysosomal system (ELS) of mussel digestive cells and at exploring whether intercellular transfer of lysosomal enzymes occurs between digestive and basophilic cells. Immunogold cytochemistry has allowed us to conclude that β-Gus is present in every compartment of the digestive cell ELS, whereas Hex is not so widely distributed. Moreover, Hex is intimately linked to the lysosomal membrane, whereas β-Gus appears to be not necessarily membrane-bound. Therefore, two populations of heterolysosomes with different enzyme load and membrane stability have been distinguished in the digestive cell. In addition, heterolysosomes of different electron density have been commonly observed merging together by contact; we suggest that some might act as storage granules for lysosomal enzymes. On the other hand, β-Gus seems to be released to the digestive alveolar lumen in secretory lysosomes produced by basophilic cells and endocytosed by digestive cells. Regarding the implications of the present study on the interpretation of lysosomal biomarkers, we conclude that β-Gus, but not Hex, histochemistry provides an appropriate marker for the LSC test and that, although both lysosomal marker enzymes can be employed in the LMS test, different values would be obtained depending on the marker enzyme employed. This study was funded by the University of the Basque Country through a grant to Consolidated Research Groups. U.I. is a recipient of a pre-doctoral fellowship from the Basque Government.     

Effects of wild-type and α-tocopherol-enriched transgenic Brassica juncea on the components of xenobiotic metabolism, antioxidant status, and oxidative stress in the liver of mice

Alpha (α)-tocopherol is the most biologically active and preferentially retained form of vitamin E in the human body and is known for its antioxidant and gene regulatory functions. Its increased intake is implicated in protection against diseases that involve an oxidative stress component. We have evaluated the chemopreventive potential of a diet supplemented with natural α-tocopherol-enriched transgenic (TR) Brassica juncea seeds. The modulation of phase I and phase II xenobiotic metabolism and of antioxidative enzymes was compared in the livers of mice fed on a control diet or on a diet supplemented with 2, 4, and 6 % (w/w) of wild-type (WT) or TR seeds. A dose-dependent increase in the specific activities of these enzymes was observed in those animals fed on diet supplemented with TR seeds. In comparison, an increase in the specific activities of antioxidative enzymes was substantial only at higher doses of WT seeds. Consequently, oxidative stress measured in terms of lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase activity was found to be lower in the case of mice fed with the supplemented diet. However, the chemopreventive potential of TR seeds was more pronounced than that of WT seeds. This study demonstrates the feasibility of fortifying diets with natural α-tocopherol for chemopreventive benefits by means of transgenic manipulation of a commonly used oilseed crop.     

Effects of photoperiod and of ultraviolet radiation on the incidence of diapause in the Horn Fly, “Haematobia Irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae)”

The horn fly, HAEMATOBIA IRRITANS (L.), is a bloodsucking pest of cattle found in almost all cattle-raising areas of the northern hemisphere.Predisposition to diapause in the pupal stage was determined in the adult parent. The predisposition was influenced by photoperiod which may have its effect either directly on the insect or indirectly by influencing the host blood. The percentage of the pupae that entered diapause varied inversely with the length of the photoperiod between 12 and 20 hours. Light in the visible range (7,800 to 4,000 A.U.) was provided byCool-whitefluorescent tubes. The addition of ultraviolet radiation (3,900 to 2,800 A.U.) in the 16- and 20-hour photoperiods further decreased the percentage of diapause.

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Zusammenfassung Die Hornfliege, HAEMATOBIA IRRITANS (L.), ist ein blutsaugender Parasit in fast allen Rinderzuchtgebieten der nördlichen Hemisphäre.Die Prädisposition zur Diapause im Puppenstadium wurde in den erwachsenen Eltern determiniert.Sie wurde durch Belichtung beeinflusst, die entweder direkt auf das Insekt oder indirekt über das Blut des Wirtes wirkte. Die Prozentzahl an Puppen in Diapause fiel ab, wenn die periodischen Belichtungszeiten von 12 bis 20 Stunden verlängert wurden. Das sichtbare Licht (7800–4000 Å) stammte von cool-white fluoreszierenden Röhren. Durch die periodische Zugabe einer Ultraviolett- (3900 – 2800 Å) Bestrahlung fiel der Anteil an Diapausen noch weiter.

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Résumé La mouche, HAEMATOBIA IRRITANS (L.), est un parasite hématophage du bétail répandu dans presque toutes les zones d'élevagê de l'hémisphère nord. La prédisposition à la diapause au stade de pupe a été déterminée chez les parents adultes. La prédisposition est influencée par une période d'éclairage qui peut agir soit directement sur l'insecte soit indirectement par l'intermédiaire du sang de l'hôte. Le pourcentage des pupes entrant en diapause varie inversement à la durée d'un éclairage de 12 à 20 heures. La lumière blanche (7800 – 4000 Å) est produite par des tubes fluorescents froids. L'addition de rayonnement ultra-violet (3900 à 2800 Å) dans les périodes d'éclairage de 16 et de 20 heures réduit encore le pourcentage de diapauses.

     

Effects of 17β-estradiol and antioxidant administration on oxidative stress and insulin resistance in ovariectomized rats

The prevalence of insulin resistance syndrome increases during menopause with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and impairment of the free radical scavenger function. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 17β-estradiol (E(2)) and vitamin E, as an antioxidant, on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels in the brain cortex and liver of ovariectomized rats as well as on insulin resistance in those rats. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats, 3?months of age and weighing 231.5?± 9.4 g, were divided into 4 groups: sham, ovariectomized (OVX), OVX treated with E(2) (40 μg/kg subcutaneously), and OVX treated with E(2) and vitamin E (100?mg/kg intraperitoneally). The 4 groups received the appropriate treatment every day for 8?weeks. Levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase , catalase, and malondialdehyde in the brain cortex and liver of ovariectomized rats were measured. Also, fasting plasma insulin, glucose, and homeostatis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were determined. Malondialdehyde increased and antioxidants (glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase) decreased in the brain cortex and liver of OVX rats. Also, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR increased in OVX rats. E(2) and E(2) plus vitamin E decreased malondialdehyde and increased antioxidants in the brain cortex and liver of OVX rats. Moreover, they decreased fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR in ovariectomized rats. This study demonstrates that E(2) and E(2) plus vitamin E supplementation to OVX rats may improve insulin resistance, strengthen the antioxidant system, and reduce lipid peroxidation.     

Effects of aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea L. on oxidative stress and liver, spleen leptin, PARα and FAS mRNA expression in high-fat diet induced mice

We reported that an aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea L. inhibited high-fat-diet-induced oxidative injury in a dose-dependent manner. Male kunming mice (5-weeks-old, 24 g) were used in this experiment. After a 4-day adaptation period, animals were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 in each group); Group 1: animals received normal powdered rodent diet; Group 2: animals received high fat diet; Groups 3 and 4: animals received high fat diet and were fed by gavage to mice once a day with aqueous extract at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively. In mice fed with high-fat diet, blood and liver lipid peroxidation level was significantly increased, whereas antioxidant enzymes activities were markedly decreased compared to normal control mice. Administration of an aqueous extract of P. oleracea L. significantly dose-dependently reduced levels of blood and liver lipid peroxidation and increased the activities of blood and liver antioxidant enzymes activities in high fat mice. Moreover, administration of an aqueous extract of P. oleracea L. significantly dose-dependently increase liver Leptin/β-actin (B), and Liver PPARα/β-actin, decrease liver, spleen FAS mRNA, p-PERK and p-PERK/PERK protein expression levels. Taken together, these data demonstrate that aqueous extract of P. oleracea L. can markedly alleviate high fat diet-induced oxidative injury by enhancing blood and liver antioxidant enzyme activities, modulating Leptin/β-actin (B), and Liver PPARα/β-actin, decrease liver, spleen FAS mRNA, p-PERK and p-PERK/PERK protein expression levels in mice.     

Are fish in hot water? Effects of warming on oxidative stress metabolism in the commercial species Sparus aurata

Climate change is disturbing marine biological processes, and impacting goods and services provided to society. Physiological studies are a major contributor to the improvement of biological forecasting in the context of climate change. Oxidative stress biomarkers are useful tools to assess the metabolic status and health of organisms, improving management of wild and cultured populations. The aims of this study were to assess the health status and vulnerability of Sparus aurata juveniles toward ocean warming and heat wave events by (1) exposing fish to a thermal ramp from 18 °C until their Critical Thermal Maximum (≈35 °C) and (2) quantifying oxidative stress biomarkers in several organs, i.e. lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and cytochrome CYP1A. Fish showed signs of oxidative stress in every tissue tested (gills, muscle, liver, brain and intestine), the most affected being muscle and liver, which showed greater increases in LPO. In general, antioxidant enzymes increased their activity: CAT increased in every organ tested, GST increased in every organ except brain (no change) and SOD increased in every organ except intestine (no change) and brain (decrease, probably due to enzyme denaturation). Muscle showed the greatest stress response with a massive increase in GST. Hepatic CYP1A decreased upon warming suggesting that temperature influences detoxifying mechanisms and may affect fish health. These results are significant in the context of climate change and associated impacts on fisheries and aquaculture because over-induction of oxidative stress due to warming can induce health problems, mortality and shortened lifespan.     

“Stress” reactions in teleosts: Effects of temperature and activity on anaerobic energy production in roach (Rutilus rutilus L.)

• 1.1. In roach any kind of excitement due to swimming, handling, or to unfavourable environmental conditions, is reflected in an increase of lactate above 1.0 μ mol and a decrease of phosphocreatine (PCr) below 15.0 μ mol g⁻¹ in the muscles.
• 2.2. In fish acclimated to and tested at 4°C lactate accumulation and PCr hydrolysis after activity were only half those in fish tested at 12 and 20°C.
• 3.3. Fish swimming at submaximal speed for 60 min at 20°C had much less lactate in the anterior body musculature than fish swimming for the same length of time at 12°C.
• 4.4. It is suggested that the “sudden death syndrome” of severely exercised fish is due to rapid hydrolysis of PCr, rather than to acidosis, in sensitive tissues.

     

Effects of salinity on O₂ consumption, ROS generation and oxidative stress status of gill mitochondria of the mud crab Scylla serrata

Mitochondrial respiration, activities of electron transport chain enzymes and formation of oxidative stress parameters were investigated in mitochondria isolated from gill tissue of mud crabs (Scylla serrata) as a function of salinity (10 ppt, 17 ppt and 35 ppt). Mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate was higher for succinate as substrate compared with those of glutamate, malate and pyruvate. Complex I and complex II mediated respirations were higher at low salinity (10 ppt) than high salinity (17 ppt and 35 ppt). Although activities of electron transport chain enzymes particularly complexes I (EC 1.6.5.3), II (EC 1.3.99.1) and II-III (EC 1.3.2.1) were elevated linearly in response to salinity treatment, activity of complex V (ATPase, EC 3.6.1.34) was decreased at 35 ppt salinity. However, ATPase activity was higher at 17 ppt salinity in comparison to 10 ppt and 17 ppt salinity. Results of the experiment suggest that high salinity (35 ppt) causes hypoxic state in mitochondria of mud crabs. Hypoxic condition induced by high salinity was accompanied with increased hydrogen peroxide production resulting oxidative stress in mitochondria of crabs. A possible mechanism of hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species generation and OS due to salinity stress in the crabs is discussed.     

Combined Effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Arctic Oscillation on Sea Surface Temperature in the Alborán Sea

We explored the possible effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO) on interannual sea surface temperature (SST) variations in the Alborán Sea, both separately and combined. The probability of observing mean annual SST values higher than average was related to NAO and AO values of the previous year. The effect of NAO on SST was negative, while that of AO was positive. The pure effects of NAO and AO on SST are obscuring each other, due to the positive correlation between them. When decomposing SST, NAO and AO in seasonal values, we found that variation in mean annual SST and mean winter SST was significantly related to the mean autumn NAO of the previous year, while mean summer SST was related to mean autumn AO of the previous year. The one year delay in the effect of the NAO and AO on the SST could be partially related to the amount of accumulated snow, as we found a significant correlation between the total snow in the North Alborán watershed for a year with the annual average SST of the subsequent year. A positive AO implies a colder atmosphere in the Polar Regions, which could favour occasional cold waves over the Iberian Peninsula which, when coupled with precipitations favoured by a negative NAO, may result in snow precipitation. This snow may be accumulated in the high peaks and melt down in spring-summer of the following year, which consequently increases the runoff of freshwater to the sea, which in turn causes a diminution of sea surface salinity and density, and blocks the local upwelling of colder water, resulting in a higher SST.     

The cytology,histochemistry, and ultrastructure of the cell types found in the digestive gland of the slug,Agriolimax reticulatus (Müller)

Summary Four cell types have been identified in the digestive glands from light and electron microscope studies. The possible functions of each cell type are discussed.Thin cells are undifferentiated. Calcium cells contain spherules of calcium salts which have a characteristic ultrastructure. Different protein granules are found apically. Digestive cells are present as two distinct forms. One form is believed to be absorbing food material and digesting it intracellularly, and the other form is a secreting cell. Both forms contain green and yellow granules and histochemistry shows these granules to be distinct. Protein granules also occur apically.Excretory cells are distinguished by having a large central vacuole containing excretory granules. Histochemistry shows these granules, like the yellow granules of digestive cells, to be composed mainly of lipofuscin.It is suggested that digestive cells form excretory cells.     

Seasonal variations in mercury,cadmium, lead and arsenic species in Norwegian blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) – Assessing the influence of biological and environmental factors

BackgroundBlue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) can accumulate undesirable substances, including the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) cadmium (Cd), mercury, (Hg), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and As species. In this study, the levels of PTEs and As species were determined in samples of blue mussels to assess the influence of environmental and biological factors, and evaluate the potential risk associated with blue mussels in terms of food and feed safety.MethodologyBlue mussels were collected monthly from one location in Western Norway from February 2018 to December 2018, and from April 2019 to April 2020. Samples were analyzed for PTEs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ICP-MS. Temperature, salinity and fluorescence (chlorophyll a) were monitored in the seawater column by STD/CTD, to assess the potential influence of these environmental factors on the PTE levels in the mussels.ResultsThe results showed seasonal variations in the PTEs, with somewhat higher concentrations in spring and winter months. Unusually high levels of total As (101.2 mg kg^-1 dw) and inorganic As (53.6 mg kg^-1 dw) were observed for some of the time points. The organic As species arsenobetaine was generally the major As species (17–82% of total As) in the mussels, but also simple methylated As species and arsenosugars were detected. Principal components analysis (PCA) did not show a consistent relationship between the environmental factors and the PTE concentrations, showing contrary results for some elements for the periods studied. The condition index (CI) could explain variations in element concentration with significant correlations for Cd (r = −0.67, p = 0.009) and Pb (r = −0.62, p = 0.02 in 2019/20 and r = −0.52, p = 0.02 in 2018), whereas the correlation between As and CI was not significant (r = 0.12 in 2018, and r = −0.06 in 2019/20). Higher concentrations of iAs and arsenosugars coincided with increased signals of chlorophyll a, suggesting that phytoplankton blooms could be a source of As in the blue mussels.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study of As species in blue mussels collected over a time period of two years, providing an insight into the natural variations of these chemical forms in mussels. In terms of mussel as food and future feed material, concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb were below the maximum levels (MLs) established in the EU food and feed legislation. However, levels of As and iAs in mussels at some time points exceeded the MLs for As in the feed legislation, and the margin of exposure (MOE) was low if these mussels were for human consumption, highlighting the importance of determining the chemical forms of As in feed and food.     

Effects of Shading on the Synthesis of Volatile Organic Compounds in ‘Marselan’ Grape Berries (Vitis vinifera L.)

Journal of Plant Growth Regulation - Light is a vital environmental factor that can affect the synthesis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in grape berries. However, the mechanism through which...