Survey of parasites of two fish species (Tilapia zillii and Clarias gariepinus) in Ase River Catchment, Delta State, Nigeria

Objective: To perform a survey of parasites of two fish species [Tilapia zillii (T. zillii) and Clarias gariepinus (C. gariepinus)] to assess the prevalence and composition of parasites in Ase River catchment, Delta State, Nigeria. Methods: Fish samples were collected from three sampling stations and examined for ecto-and endoparasite. Of 180 specimens examined, 60 were from each station comprising 30 C. gariepinus and 30 T. zillii. Results: Station 1 had the highest percentage abundance followed by stations 3 and 2, each with a value of 40.86%, 33.33% and 25.81%, respectively. Ninety (90) specimens composed of 47 males (26.11%) and 43 females (23.89%) were infected. Of these, 21 (23.33%) were male in T. zillii while 25 (27.78%) were female. Male C. gariepinus were more infected than the female with a prevalence of 28.88% and 20.00%, respectively. A total of 8 parasites belonging to 4 taxonomic groups were identified. They include the protozoa represented by Trichodina acuta 29 (31.18%), Epistylis spp. 11 (11.83%), Chilodonella spp. 8 (8.60%), and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis 2 (2.15%);Nematode: Camallanus polypteri 38 (40.86%) and Procamallanus spiralis 2 (2.15%);Trematode: Euclinostomum heterostomum 1 (1.07%) and lastly the acanthocepalan represented by Acanthogyrus tilapiae 2 (2.15%). Total prevalence of infection was 50.0% for both species, with an overall prevalence of 51.11% (46) in T. zillii and 48.89% (44) in C. gariepinus. ANOVA showed that there was a statistical significant difference (P < 0.05) in the infection in the three stations. However student t-test showed no significant difference between sexes of both species. Conclusions: The prevalence of parasites recovered from the two fish species in this study is high. It is therefore recommended that the riparian communities along the river course should desist from activities likely to increase parasite load with restriction of cattle alongside egrets which are the definitive host of Euclinostomum heterostomum.

Antihyperglycemic and subchronic toxicity study of Moringa stenopetala leaves in mice

Objective:To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity and subchronic toxicity of an extract ofMoringa stenopetala(M.stenopetala)leaves in mice.Methods:Antihyperglycemic activities of various solvent subfractions and chromatographic fractions were investigated in alloxan induced diabetic mice.All fractions were administered intragastrically using oral gavage at a dose of 500 mg/kg.For the subchronic toxicity investigation of the 70%ethanol extract of M.stenopetala leaves,a daily dose of 300 or 600 mg/kg body weight was administered to mice over 96 d.Some hematological and plasma biochemical parameters were measured as indices of organ specific toxicity.Preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity investigation was done using thin layer chromatography method.Results:Among the solvent subfractions of the 70%ethanol extract tested only butanol subfraction exhibited significant reduction of blood glucose level(P<0.05)at 2 h(53.44%)and 4.5 h(46.34%)in diabetic mice and it was further fractionated chromatographically.This resulted in isolation of three chromatographic fractions(fraction 1,2,and 3)which exhibited maximal blood glucose reduction(P<0.01)at 6 h(77.2%),at 4.5 h(69.1%)and at 4.5 h(71.96%)after administration.Furthermore,these fractions exhibited comparable antioxidant activity,and preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of phenolic compounds which may be phenolic glycoside in all fractions.The subchronic toxicity study of the 70%ethanol extract of M.stenopetala leaves revealed that there were no significant differences in body weight,between controls and treated mice.Hematological analysis showed no differences in most parameters examined.Furthermore,it did not significantly affect plasma creatinine,urea,cholesterol,triglycerides and CA125 levels.It also did not significantly affect the plasma T3,T4 and THS level.It,however,caused a significant dose-dependent increases in aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.The plasma alanine aminotransferase increased in a dose dependent manner,though not significant.Conclusions:The present study revealed that the crude ethanol extract and solvent-solvent fractions as well as chromatographic fractions have antihyperglycemic effect.Furthermore,the crude ethanol extract have some effect on liver of the mice on subchronic administration.Therefore,further study should be done to identify the active principal compound responsible for antihyperglycemic effect and to rule out the safety in other animal model.

Anticancer activity of diterpenes and steroids from Eunicella singularis against two- and three-dimensional breast cancer cell models

Objective: To investigate the anticancer activity of two diterpenes [palmonine F (C1) and palmonine D (C2)] and three steroids [cholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol (C3), stigmasterol (C4) and 5α-cholest-5-en-3β-ol (C5)], isolated from the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis, against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Methods: This study was performed on standard monolayer two-dimensional (2D) model to evaluate apoptosis by means of AnnexinV-FITC/PI flow cytometry and on three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model using Celigo imaging cytometer for spheroids size analysis. Results: Results indicated that both diterpenes and steroids exhibited an important apoptotic activity in a concentration-dependent manner with EC50 values of 13, 49, 30, 66 and 65 μg/mL for C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5, respectively. Treatment of MCF-73D cell model with C1–C5 induced growth regression of spheroids in a concentration-dependent manner similar to the clinical anti-breast cancer drug Taxol;over ten days of incubation, growth rates were < 1.5 at Day 10 with all tested compounds at 200 μg/mL. Conclusions: The present study indicates that the two diterpenes C1 and C2 and the three steroids C3, C4 and C5, isolated from Eunicella singularis, might be used as anti-breast cancer candidate drugs for further development.

Prevalence of copepod parasite(Lernaeenicus polynemi)infestation on Eleutheronema tetradactylum from Pazhayar coastal waters,southeast coast of India

Objective:To study the prevalence and mean intensity of copepod parasite Lernaeenicus polynemi infestation on Eleutheronema tetradactylum from Pazayar,Tamil Nadu,southeast coast of India.Methods:The fish was collected from Pazhayar landing centre from January to December 2012 and their biometric measurements were examined.Toal number of infected fish and total number of parasites were recorded.Results:Higher prevalence and mean intensity of infestation of 35.23%and 3.1 were respectively reported during monsoon season of 2012.The parasitic infestations were scattered over the entire body of the host and targeted the different internal organs such as liver and the dorsal aorta.The highest intensity was reported to be 66 parasites in a single host.Conclusions:Due to the heavy parasitic attack the fish will suffer and its economical value or the marketability may reduce.

A comparison study of the nutritional, mineral and volatile compositions of three dry forms of ginger rhizomes, and antioxidant properties of their ethanolic and aqueous extracts

Objective:To compare the most accessible dry forms of ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale) used as a spice and as a remedy in order to choose the best ginger for medicinal purpose. Methods:Freshly air dried ginger, commercially dry rhizomes and ginger available in powder form are investigated in terms of nutritional values (proximate and mineral compositions) and volatiles profile. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts (decoctions and infusions) were prepared for total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents determination. Also, three standard tests were established in order to estimate the best extract with the better antioxidant potential. Results:The results showed unlike proximate composition revealing different nutritional values. In fact, freshly dried ginger contained much ash, while already dry samples contained much protein. In addition, mineral contents of studied samples indicated their dissimilar richness especially in Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Fe, and Mn. Solid phase micro-extraction gave volatile profiles with many interesting compounds, only 26 from the 51 identified components were common to studied samples with bioactive compounds predominance in freshly dried sample. Also, the antioxidant potential established by three different tests was higher in already dry samples and was positively correlated with their higher contents in the determined phytochemicals. The ethanolic extracts showed higher antioxidant activities than aqueous extracts. Decoctions and infusions were almost similar proving that long cooking time did not affect ginger antioxidant potential. Conclusions:This work highlighted the benefits of traditional preparations of ginger as sources of bioactive compounds, namely antioxidants, and proved that the available commercial samples are not identical and encouraged analyzing samples before uses depending on needs.

Stress-preventing effects of the anaesthetic agents 2-phenoxyethanol, MS-222, clove oil and metomidate in the Senegalese sole Solea senegalensis

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the anaesthetic agents 2-phenoxyethanol, MS-222, clove oil and metomidate in attenuating acute handling stress in juvenile specimens of Solea senegalensis subjected to two routine stressful events specific to aquaculture and/or fish research. Methods: The stress-preventing effects of four anaesthetic agents (2-phenoxyethanol, 600 mg/L;metomidate, 5 mg/L;clove oil, 30 mg/L and MS-222, 75 mg/L) were evaluated in juvenile specimens of Senegalase sole (Solea senegalensis) subjected to two different types of acute (handling-related) stress: air exposure and net handling (chasing). To assess the stress-preventing effects of the four anaesthetic agents, diverse blood and plasma parameters (haematocrit, haemoglobin, glucose, lactate and cortisol levels) were determined as stress indicators. Fish were treated with the anaesthetic agents before being subjected to the different types of acute stress, and they were sacrificed 30 min, 2 and 24 h later. Control fish were processed in the same way without pretreatment with the anaesthetic agents. Results: The net handling stress was of sufficient intensity to cause a significant increase in the levels of most of the stress indicators considered. By contrast, air exposure stress only induced significant increases in cortisol and haemoglobin levels. Conclusions: The stress-preventing effects of the anaesthetic agents tested were ranked on the basis of their capacity to prevent increases in the haematocrit, haemoglobin, glucose, lactate and cortisol levels, as follows: metomidate (5 mg/L) > clove oil (30 mg/L) > MS-222 (75 mg/L)> 2-phenoxyethanol (600 mg/L).

Phytochemical screening, antibacterial and anthelmintic activities of leaf and seed extracts of Coix lacryma-jobi L.

Objective: To evaluate the possible phytochemical constituents, antibacterial and anthelmintic activity of Coix lacryma-jobi L. (Job's tears) using the chloroform leaves and seed extracts. Methods: The test for antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration was conducted by the disc diffusion and two-fold dilution method, respectively. In anthelmintic activity test, using Pheretima posthuma model, vermifuge and vermicidal activity were determined by using the chloroform extract at various concentrations. Results: The preliminary phytochemical screening of chloroform extracts of Job's tears leaves indicated the presence of alkaloid, carbohydrate, saponin, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, tannins and steroids whereas the seeds extract contained glycosides, flavonoids, phenols and steroids, which revealed highest antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (12.5–50 mg/mL) was observed against all selected bacteria. On the other hand, it has been observed that chloroform leaves extracts showed shortest time of paralysis (P = 8.17 min) and death (D = 18.23 min) at 100 mg/mL concentration, in comparison with seed extracts (P = 36.83 min and D = 62.33 min) at 100 mg/mL concentration and albendazole (10 mg/mL) used as reference drug (P = 20.17 min and D = 43.67 min), which indicated the plant possessed mild anthelmintic activity. Conclusions: The chloroform extracts (leaves and seeds) showed efficacy for both bacterial infections and parasitic diseases, which ensure the traditional uses of Coix lacryma-jobi L.

Bioaccumulation of cadmium in gills and muscles of shellifsh from Pulicat lake, Tamil Nadu, India

Objective:To evaluate the presence of heavy metal cadmium in six species of shellfish at Pulicat Lake, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: Six species of shellfish,Fenneropenaeus indicus,Fenneropenaeus monodon, Fenneropenaeus semisulcatus,Scylla serrata,Clibanarius longitarsus and Meretrix casta (M. casta) in Pulicat lake, Tamil Nadu, India were analysed for the presence of cadmium in the gills and muscles from January 2011 to December 2012. Results:The results showed seasonal variations in the uptake of cadmium. Very high accumulation of cadmium was found in the gills and muscles ofM. casta during post monsoon, summer, premonsoon and monsoon. The corresponding values of cadmium present in the gills of M. casta were 1.59, 1.56, 1.48 and 1.46μg/g in 2011 and 1.16, 1.25, 1.15 and 1.14μg/g in 2012. Whereas for muscles, they were 1.14, 0.11, 0.96 and 0.80μg/g in 2011 and 0.49, 0.34, 1.05 and 1.20μg/g in 2012. Conclusion:The results of the present study has shown that the accumulation of cadmium found in the gills and muscles were high in M. casta when compared to other species of shellfish. Thus, the consumption of the shellfish is safe, but does not exclude bioaccumulation risk in their meat. This present study has highlighted the need for estuarine biomonitoring to avoid possible contamination of shellfish and its consumers. The overall scenario of the shellfish accumulating high levels of cadmium indicates that the Pulicat lake is polluted with undesirable elements and the risk of consuming the meat of shellfish by man and other carnivores may lead to their toxicity. Stringent control measures are necessary to control the pollution of this precious lake to reduce the bioaccumulation of toxic metals in organisms.

In vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity and in vivo hypoglycemic effect of ethyl acetate extract of Mallotus repandus (Willd.) Muell. stem in rat model

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of ethyl acetate extract of Mallotus repandus stem in α-amylase inhibitory activity(in vitro)and hypoglycemic activity in normal and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats(in vivo).Methods:Ethyl acetate extract of Mallotus repandus stem was tested for the presence of phytochemical constituents,α-amylase inhibitory activity and hypoglycemic effect in normal rats and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats.Results:Presence of different types of phytochemicals was identified in the extract.The extract has moderate α-amylase inhibitory activity[IC_(50)=(2.038±0.033)mg/mL]as compared to acarbose.The does 1000 mg/kg significantly reduced(P<0.0100)fasting blood glucose level in normal rats.In oral glucose tolerance test,both 1000 and 2000 mg/kg doses showed good hypoglycemic activity(P<0.0001)like glibenclamide in each specific hour after administration.Overall time effect in oral glucose tolerance test was found extremely significant(P<0.0001)with F(3,48)value=202.4.Conclusions:These findings suggest that this plant may be a potential source for the development of new oral hypoglycemic agent.

Antibiotic susceptibility of body surface and gut micro flora of two aquatic leech species(Hirudinaria manillensis and Hirudinaria javanica)in Malaysia

Objective:To elucidate the antibiotic susceptibility of body surface and gut associated microflora of two local aquatic leech species Hirudinaria manillensis and Hirudinaria javanica.Methods:Four commercially available antibiotics(doxycycline,chloramphenicol,tetracycline and ciprofloxacin)were used in this study.A total of 13 isolated gut and two surface micro flora from Hirudinaria manillensis and two gut and two surface micro flora from Hirudinaria javanica were tested for their antibiotic susceptibility.Results:Based on the susceptibility,it was observed that all the isolated bacteria were found to be susceptible to at least three of the antibiotics except Microbacterium resistens,Serratiamarcescens and Morganella morganii.This study also found that the bacterial species Bacillus fusiformis has displayed resistance against tetracycline and Tsukamurella inchonensis against chloramphenicol.Conclusions:Among all the antibiotics tested,ciprofloxacin was found to be the best bactericidal agent.The immersion of leeches in ciprofloxacin before the application to the patient may be beneficial to prevent invasive infection of the patient.Further study is needed to sterilize the live leech by immersion/oral mode of administration for the tested antibiotics.

Pharmacology and biochemistry of Polygonatum verticillatum:A review

Polygonatum verticillatum(Linn.)All.syn.Convallaria verticillata Linn.is a valuable medicinal plant,distributed in the temperate Himalaya at the elevations 2400 to 2800 m.It is a perennial rhizomatous herb and contains various pharmacologically important secondary metabolites among which the most important areα-bulnesene,linalyl acetate,eicosadienoic,pentacosane,piperitone,docasane,diosgenin,santonin and calarene.It also possesses antimalarial,antipyretic,anti-inflammatory,anticonvulsant,lipoxygenase,urease inhibition,diuretic,tracheorelaxant,antidiarrheal,antispasmodic,antinociceptive,antifungal,antibacterial and bronchodilator activities.The plant also got importance in traditional systems of medicine due to its broad therapeutic potential especially of its rhizome.But in the past few years,over exploitation of plant parts caused the decline in the frequency of this species due to which it became threatened,endangered and vulnerable in different parts of the world.So efforts are being made in certain regions of the world for both ex-situ and in-situ conservation.This paper briefly reviewed the botanical,traditional,phytochemical,pharmacological and conservation related aspects of this plant.

Lactate dehydrogenase as an indicator of liver,muscular and cancer diseases

Objective:To determine lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)level as an indicator of liver,muscular or cancer diseases in patients of more than 40 years of age.Methods:Ninety-one patients(43 females and 48 males)had been tested for LDH and liver function tests(LFTs).Creatine kinase(CK)levels were measurement only in patients who had high levels of LDH.Results:As an indicator for liver diseases,high levels of LDH and one or more of LFTs,especially alkaline phosphatase,had been observed in 12 patients(8 females and 4 males).For muscular damage,measurement of CK in patients with elevated levels of LDH and normal levels of LFT revealed that CK values elevated in three males and one female.Whereas high LDH levels,as an indicator for cancer diseases,were found in three males and one female who had normal values of LFTs and CK.Conclusions:LDH can be regarded as a good biomarker for diagnosis of liver,muscular and cancer diseases.There is little variable between males and females in the elevated value of LDH.Patients who had high values of LDH,although they had normal levels of LFTs and CK are proposed to have unidentified cancer disease.

Chemical composition, antibacterial and antifungal activities of Saudi Arabian Mentha longifolia L. essential oil

Objective: To investigate the chemical composition, in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of Mentha longifolia L. essential oils using aqueous extract. Methods: Mentha longifolia L. essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation with Clevenger apparatus for 3 h and the yield of the essential oil was calculated. Essential oils were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed with gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. For these essential oils, antibacterial and antifungal activity against human pathogens were evaluated. Results: Nineteen chemical constituents representing 99.72% of the essential oil were found, comprising menthone (39.55%), isopulegone (30.49%), eucalyptol (10.38%), and α-terpineol (3.15%);these were major components, and others were minor components. The essential oil showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus [(35.24 ± 0.13) mm], Enterococcus faecalis [(32.12 ± 0.12) mm] and Bacillus cereus [(30.06 ± 0.04) mm], as well as antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus [(38.02 ± 0.06) mm], Alternaria alternaria [(35.26 ± 0.12) mm], and Penicillum spp ((34.14 ± 0.02) mm)Conclusions: It seems that the essential oils derived from the Mentha longifolia L. species could be used as a natural source of antimicrobial agents.

Hypoglycemic efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina compared with insulin and glibenclamide in type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ diabetic rat models

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) and Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina) with those of insulin and glibenclamide.Methods: Type Ⅰ and Ⅱ diabetes mellitus (DM) were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg of streptozotocin and intraperitoneal administration of nicotinamide (100 mg/kg) along with streptozotocin, respectively. The state of diabetes was confirmed weekly by testing blood glucose level using a glucometer.Results: The weekly blood glucose levels were higher in type I DM than in type Ⅱ DM. Type Ⅰ DM plus O. gratissimum showed a weekly progressive significant reduction in blood glucose compared to type Ⅰ DM control. Type Ⅰ DM control showed a duration dependent significant higher blood glucose concentration compared to normal control. Type I DM plus V. amygdalina also showed a time dependent significant lower glucose level compared to normal control and type Ⅰ DM control. Combination treatment of type Ⅰ DM (O. gratissimum plus V. amygdalina) showed a significantly elevated glucose concentration compared to normal control which was similar to type I DM control. Insulin treatment in type I DM showed a weekly progressive significant reduction of glucose concentration compared to normal control and type I DM control. Type Ⅱ DM control showed a fairly constant blood glucose concentration throughout the duration of treatment that was significantly higher than that of the normal control. Type Ⅱ DM plus O. gratissimum showed a fairly steady significant reduction of glucose concentration compared to type Ⅱ DM control and normal control. Type Ⅱ DM plus V. amygdalina also showed a fairly constant significant reduction of glucose concentration compared to type Ⅱ DM control and normal control. Type II DM (O. gratissimum plus V. amygdalina) showed a slightly progressive significant reduction of glucose concentration compared to normal control and type Ⅱ DM control. Type Ⅱ DM with glibenclamide showed almost steady significant reduction in glucose concentration compared to normal control and type Ⅱ DM control. Conclusions: From the result, it is evident that O. gratissimum and V. amygdalina administration produces more potent hypoglycemic activity than insulin and glibenclamide in type I and Ⅱ DM models, respectively.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of African medicinal plants

Objective:To study antioxidant and antimicrobial properties ofTerminalia catappa,Psidium guajava,Alstonia boonei,Morinda lucida (M. lucida) andSpondias mombin leave extracts using ethanol, petroleum-ether and aqueous media. <br> Methods: The free radical 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydroazyl was used to measure scavenging activities of extracts, while phenolic and flavonoid content were estimated by spectrophotometry. Antibacterial screening of extracts was done by determining zone of inhibition using disc diffusion method. Plant extracts were tested against five strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. After sterilization, the discs were loaded with concentrations of broad spectrum ciprofloxacin, and prepared extract solutions of different concentrations were refrigerated for 24 h. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of extracts in the screening assay was according to micro-broth dilution, while determination of minimum bactericidal concentration was carried out by agar diffusion. <br> Results: The highest radical scavenging effect was found in petroleum ether extracts of all the plants withM. lucida andPsidium guajava having the highest and lowest values respectively. Aqueous solvent recorded highest phenolic content in all extracts with the exception ofM. lucida. Flavonoid content was extracted better fromAlstonia boonei andM. lucida with ethanol, while aqueous solvent extracted more from the other plants. With exception of extracts from petroleum ether, all others exhibited varying levels of antibacterial activities againstE. coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Salmonella typhi,Vibrio cholera andStaphylococcus aureus. <br> Conclusions:This study proved that all crude extracts showed strong antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials, which qualified them as nutraceuticals in fish feed production.

Biodegradation of high density polyethylene using Streptomyces species

Objective: To investigate the biodegradation of high density polyethylene (HDPE) by Streptomyces species isolated from the soil of East Azerbaijan, Iran. Methods: Powders of HDPE samples were prepared by grinding in different particle sizes of 212, 300, 420, and 500 microns. Each time 50 mg of a sample was poured to a liquid medium containing species. Samples were incubated for 18 days at 28 °C in a shaker-incubator and their degradation percentage was measured by weighting method. Produced metabolite at 18th day was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Also a film of HDPE was subjected to biodegradation and after one month was analyzed by scanning electron microscope which showed degradation on the surface of the film. Results: The results showed that Streptomyces species degraded 50 mg of HDPE sample with the size of 212 μm about 18.26%, 300 and 420 μm about 14.4%, and 500 μm about 13%. Kinetic modeling of biodegradation process showed that the reaction rate was first order with respect to concentration of HDPE. Based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results, no high toxic material was produced during biodegradation of HDPE. Conclusions: The research showed that isolated Streptomyces sp. are capable of degradation of HDPE polymer with high degradation efficiency.

Assessment of heavy metals concentration in holothurians, sediments and water samples from coastal areas of Pakistan (Northern Arabian Sea)

Objective: To determine heavy metal concentrations in holothurians (Holothuria arenicola, Holothuria pardalis, Holothuria verrucosa, Holothuria atra, Ohshimella ehrenbergii, Holothuria cinerascens, Stolus buccalis and Holothuria leucospilota), sediments and sea water samples from both Buleji and Sunehri coasts bordering Northern Arabian Sea during January to December 2014 and to assess the level of bioaccumulation using bioaccumulation factors. Methods: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb levels were determined by Perkin Elmer AAnalyst 700 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Biota concentration factor (BCF) and biota sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) were also calculated. Results: The mean concentrations of heavy metals in body wall of sea cucumber ranged from 0.11 to 2.67, 0.43 to 8.93, 14 to 73, 0.76 to 7.12, 0.52 to 3.02 and 11 to 46 μg/g dry wright for Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn, respectively. The greatest biota-sediment bioaccumulation factor (BSAF) value for Zn (3.29) was observed in H. leucospilota at Buleji during pre-monsoon, indicating the species as microconcentrator. The BSAF values for Cd in sea cucumber ranged from 0.042 to 1.492. Conclusions: The results suggested that the studied sea cucumber species ranged from being microconcentrators to deconcentrators. The BSAF values of Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb were low, indicating the species as deconcentrators. Zn in all species from Sunehri coast is 'very bioaccumulative' (BCF > 5000) during all sampling periods. Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb can be considered 'bioaccumulative' (BCF < 5000).

Sulphated galactopyran derived fromGracilaria opuntia, a marine macroalgae restores the antioxidant metabolic enzymes during STZ induced diabetic rats

Objective:To screen the effect of sulphated galactopyran fraction isolated from Gracilaria opuntia (G. opuntia) (FM4) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods:In vitro antioxidant assays of FM4 were estimated byDPPH,ABTS, hydroxyl free radical and Nitric oxide free radical activities.FM4 was purified and characterized by1H-NMR spectra andFTIR as sulphated galactopyran. Diabetes was induced intraperitonially by single dose ofSTZ (55 mg/kg body weight).FM4 was administrated orally (80, 100, 125 mg/kgBW) to diabetic rats for 60 days. The enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), lipid peroxidase (LPx), glutathione reduced (GSH), vitamin-C (VIT-C) and vitamin-E (VIT-E) levels were estimated. Glibenclamide was used as standard drug. Results:Our results demonstrated that the aqueous extract ofG. opuntia possess free radical scavenging activity. During FM4 fraction treatment (100 mg/kgBW), theSOD,GPx,CAT,GST, GSH,VIT-C and VIT-E levels were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, and theLPx levels were decreased in different organs such as liver, kidney, brain and pancreas of diabetic rats. Conclusions: The sulphated galactopyran fraction of the marine macroalgae (G. opuntia) possesses the antioxidant activity which might help in the prevention of oxidative damage that occurs during diabetes.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Padina pavonica and Enteromorpha sp. from the Tunisian Mediterranean coast

Objective: To examine the antioxidant and the antimicrobial activities of the marine seaweeds Padina pavonica (P. pavonica) and Enteromorpha sp. from the Tunisian Mediterranean coast. Methods: The acetone and water were used for algae extraction to envisage the antimicrobial activity versus Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and against four Candida. The microdilution method was used to evaluate this activity. In vitro, total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) were also studied. Results: The highest amount of phenolic compound was found in the P. pavonica acetonic extract ((90.61 ± 0.11) mg catechin equivalent/g extract)This brown algae sample demonstrated greater DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability potential in comparison to other green seaweed, Enteromorpha sp. The maximum antimicrobial activity was shown by the P. pavonica acetonic extract against all the pathogenic strains tested (minimum inhibitory concentrations = minimum inhibitory bactericidal = minimum inhibitory fungicidal concentrations = 0.04 mg/mL). Those activities might be due to phenolic substances present in this fraction. Conclusions: The present results highlight the possible use of P. pavonica as source of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds.

Litopenaeus vannamei immunestimulated with Macrocystis pyrifera extract:improving the immune response against Vibrio campbellii

Objective:To examine the immune responses of Litopenaeus vannamei after different treatments with a hot water extract of Macrocystis pyrifera(M.pyrifera)and a subsequent challenge with Vibrio campbellii(V.campbellii).Methods:A total of 184 adult white shrimp that were infected with V.campbellii(1×10^(6) CFU/shrimp)were immunostimulate by the hot-water extract from M.pyrifera via either injection(10μg)or immersion(350 mg/L),the experimental controls were injected with either saline solution or V.campbellii(1×10^(6) CFU/shrimp).The bacterial DNA depuration rate,antimicrobial activity and total hemocyte count were evaluated in hemolymph samples at 2,6,12,24,48 and 72 h post-infection.Results:Injected shrimp(10μg M.pyrifera extract)demonstrated the best clearance of bacterial infection,with 82%survival at 72 h post-infection(cellular response).Hemolymph from the immersed organisms had the best antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli growth;specifically,the most efficient antimicrobial activity was observed at 24 h post-infection.Both types of immunostimulated shrimp had similar total hemocyte counts at 24 h post-infection(1.63-1.59 million/mL);however,after 72 h,injected shrimp had higher total hemocyte counts than immersed animals(2.59 v.s.0.56 million/mL).Conclusions:The injection of the M.pyrifera hot-water extract facilitated a more efficient response to V.campbellii infection due to the stimulation of the hemocytes of the shrimp.In other words,the cellular immune response was more efficient to eliminate bacterial infection than the humoral response in shrimp.