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[Mercury concentration in fish taken from the second Songhua River and mercury intake by fish-consumers].

Dynamic changes of standardized mercury concentration in fish taken from the Second Songhua River were evaluated from 1973 to 1991. It decreased 82.6% during this period. And, mercury intake of fish-consuming population and its source were studied. The results proved mercury concentration accumulated in some of the high risk population in 70's came up to and exceeded the threshold for chronic methylmercury poisoning. But, since 1983 mercury level in human body has been dropping greatly, and now falls down below the safety limit. The above facts showed mercury contamination in the Second Songhua River has been under control. But, fish intake should be still limited to appropriate amount to prevent from risk of poisoning.

Animals↗

Organization of the Mitochondrial Genome of a Deep-Sea Fish, Gonostoma gracile (Teleostei: Stomiiformes): First Example of Transfer RNA Gene Rearrangements in Bony Fishes.

: We determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome (except for a portion of the putative control region) for a deep-sea fish, Gonostoma gracile. The entire mitochondrial genome was purified by gene amplification using long polymerase chain reaction (long PCR), and the products were subsequently used as templates for PCR with 30 sets of newly designed, fish-universal primers that amplify contiguous, overlapping segments of the entire genome. Direct sequencing of the PCR products showed that the genome contained the same 37 mitochondrial structural genes as found in other vertebrates (two ribosomal RNA, 22 transfer RNA, and 13 protein-coding genes), with the order of all rRNA and protein-coding genes, and 19 tRNA genes being identical to that in typical vertebrates. The gene order of the three tRNAs (tRNA(Glu), tRNA(Thr), and tRNA(Pro)) relative to cytochrome b, however, differed from that determined in other vertebrates. Two steps of tandem duplication of gene regions, each followed by deletions of genes, can be invoked as mechanisms generating such rearrangements of tRNAs. This is the first example of tRNA gene rearrangements in a bony fish mitochondrial genome.

Journal Article↗

Impacts of quicklime (CaO) on the toxicity of copper (CuSO4, 5H2O) to fish and fish food organisms.

Static bioassays of 96 h duration were conducted in the laboratory using fry of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), adult tubificid worm (Branchiura sowerbyi) and adult copepod plankton (Cyclops viridis) to determine LC50 values of Cu and CaO to these organisms and effects of interaction between Cu and CaO. Ninety-six hour LC(50) values of Cu to fry of common carp, worm and copepod were found to be 1.40 mgl(-1), 0.08 mgl(-1) and 0.03 mgl(-1) respectively. CaO up to 500 mgl(-1) did not produce any mortality of the fry of common carp up to 96 h. But 96 h LC50 values of CaO to worm and copepod were 83.00 mgl(-1) and 27.80 mgl(-1) respectively. When common carp fry, worm and the copepod were exposed to respective LC50 dose of Cu in presence of varying concentration of CaO, mortality of the organisms significantly reduced and was found inversely correlated with the doses of CaO [y = 48.36-0.807x, r = -0.99 (n = 7) for fish; y = 44.46-0.146x, r = -0.97 (n = 7) for worm; y = 49.46-0.66x, r = -0.99 (n = 7) for the copepod]. The present results indicate that CaO is non-toxic to fish and is capable of reducing the toxicity of Cu to fish while CaO and Cu are antagonistic to each other for the worm and the copepod. Potential of using CaO as antitoxic agent for Cu in water is discussed.

Animals↗

Cloning of the bone Gla protein gene from the teleost fish Sparus aurata. Evidence for overall conservation in gene organization and bone-specific expression from fish to man.

Bone Gla protein (BGP, Osteocalcin) is a bone-specific vitamin K-dependent protein which has been intensively studied in mammals. Although BGP is the most abundant non-collagenous protein of bone, its mode of action at the molecular level remains unclear. From an evolutionary point of view, the appearance of BGP seems to parallel the appearance of hydroxyapatite-containing bone structures since it has never been found in elasmobranchs, whose skeleton is composed of calcified cartilage. Accordingly, recent work indicates that, in mammalian bone, BGP is required for adequate maturation of the hydroxyapatite crystal. Taken together, these data suggest that teleost fishes, presumably the first vertebrates to develop a BGP-containing skeleton, may be a useful model to further investigate BGP function. In addition, fish offer several advantages over mammalian models, due to a large progeny, external embryonic development and transparency of larvae. In the present work, the BGP cDNA and gene were cloned from a teleost fish, Sparus aurata, and its tissue distribution, pattern of developmental expression and evolutionary pathways analyzed. The molecular organization of the Sparus BGP (spBGP) gene is similar to mammalian BGP genes, and its expression throughout development follows the onset of calcification. The spBGP gene encodes a pre-propeptide of 97 amino acid residues, expressed only in bone and showing extensive homology to its mammalian homologs. Phylogenetic analysis of the available BGP sequences supports the hypothesis that all BGPs have a single origin and share a common ancestor with a related vitamin K-dependent protein (Matrix Gla protein).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Small marker chromosome identification in metaphase and interphase using centromeric multiplex fish (CM-FISH).

Multicolor karyotyping procedures, such as multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (M-FISH), spectral karyotyping, or color-changing karyotyping, can be used to detect chromosomal rearrangements and marker chromosomes in prenatal diagnosis, peripheral blood cultures, leukemia, and solid tumors, especially in cases where G-banding is not sufficient. A regular M-FISH analysis requires relatively large amounts of labeled DNA (microgram quantities), is not informative in interphase nuclei, hybridization can take up to 2 to 3 days, and unlabeled human chromosome-painting probes are not available commercially. Unique probes (plasmids, PAC), specific for centromeric or subtelomeric chromosomal regions, can replace the painting probes in M-FISH to address specific issues, such as the identification of marker chromosomes and aneuploidies. A set of plasmid probes carrying repetitive sequences specific for the alpha-satellite region of all human chromosomes were combined in a metaphase assay and an interphase assay, allowing identification of aneuploidies in one hybridization step, on a single cytogenetic slide. The fluorophore-dUTP and the labeled antibodies required to label and detect the DNA probes can be prepared in any laboratory. All DNA probes can be easily isolated and labeled using common molecular cytogenetic procedures. Because of the repetitive nature of the probes, hybridization time is short, usually less than 1 hour, and the analysis can be performed with nonspecialized image-processing software.

Aneuploidy↗

Fish host-cestode parasite stable isotope enrichment patterns in marine, estuarine and freshwater fishes from Northern Canada.

Cestode parasites from freshwater (threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus), estuarine (brook charr, Salvelinus fontinalis) and marine (Greenland cod, Gadus ogac) fish from northern Quebec, Canada, were used to investigate the hypotheses that cestode parasites are (13)C and (15)N enriched relative to host food sources, but (15)N depleted with respect to host muscle tissue as a result of differential enrichment during the assimilation of common nutrient sources. Cestode parasites and fish were generally similarly enriched in (13)C with respect to common food sources and, in the case of Greenland cod, cestode parasites were (13)C enriched relative to host tissue. Cestode parasites were also generally (15)N enriched with respect to mean host dietary signatures, but depleted with respect to host muscle tissue. In the case of Greenland cod cestode parasites, no significant (15)N enrichment relative to host dietary signature was observed. Cestode parasites appear generally to experience smaller (15)N enrichment than hosts as a result of trophic transfer of common dietary sources. Differential (15)N enrichment patterns in parasites and fish may be attributed to differences in parasite and host metabolism, particularly the anaerobic and aerobic natures of their respective metabolisms. Results imply that isotope enrichment paradigms developed for the study of aquatic foodwebs cannot be routinely applied to quantitatively assess the role of parasites in aquatic foodwebs and that reference to host muscle tissue measures will not allow accurate characterization of parasite foodweb position. Appropriate reference to assimilated food sources is required to accurately estimate parasite isotopic enrichment patterns and to determine parasite trophic position relative to the host.

Animals↗

Effect of photoperiod on the fish innate immune system: a link between fish pineal gland and the immune system.

The pineal gland via its secretory product, melatonin, influences the light-dark rhythm in most vertebrates including fish. Apart from the information concerning this circadian rhythm, the interrelation of the melatonin with other physiological processes has not been considered in fish. Thus, we evaluated the changes in the humoral innate immune system of seabream (Sparus aurata L.) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) specimens exposed to a constant light-dark photoperiod (12 hr L:12 hr D). Serum was obtained from blood samples collected at 02:00, 08:00 hr (light-on), 14:00, 20:00 hr (light-off) and at 08:00 hr again. Among the humoral innate immune responses, complement, lysozyme and peroxidase activities were determined. Complement activity was higher during the day than during the night in both fish species. Seabream lysozyme activity reached its maximum at 20:00 and 02:00 hr but was hardly affected in sea bass. Finally, the peroxidase activity of seabream was significantly higher at 08:00 hr than during the rest of the cycle while, in sea bass, it showed little variation. The present results demonstrate that the humoral innate immune system has a circadian rhythm based on the light-dark cycle and that this cycle might be affected by the pineal gland.

Animals↗

FISH-microdissection (FISH-MD) analysis of complex chromosome rearrangements.

We combined the techniques of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosomal microdissection in one experiment (FISH-MD). This novel method permits rapid identification of the composition, origin, and breakpoints of rearranged chromosomes. Rearranged chromosomes are first identified by multicolor-FISH, then the fluorophore-labeled derivative chromosomes are directly isolated by microdissection and reverse painted to identify the breakpoints.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

Nitrate toxicity on visceral organs of Medaka fish, Oryzias latipes: aiming to raise fish from egg to egg in space.

Histological survey was made to determine nitrate toxicity on the Medaka fish, Oryzias latipes. In order to investigate the effects of short-term exposure to nitrate, one-month-old Medaka fish was exposed to NaNO3 at concentrations of 100 and 125 mg NO3-N l-1 for 96 hours. At the end of the exposure period, survival rate was found to be 30% and 10%, for the 100 and 125 mg NO3-N l-1 exposure concentrations, respectively. Histological examination of the organs showed that disruption of cell alignment was a common feature in the gills, intestinal ampulla, liver and kidney. A long-term exposure experiment was also carried out, whereby Medaka fish was exposed to NaNO3 (100 and 125 mg NO3-N l-1) for three months from its egg stage. Eggs treated with NaNO3 hatched within 10 days after fertilization. At the end of the exposure period, survival rate in the 100 and 125 mg NO3-N l-1 treatments were 40% and 30%, respectively. Fibrosis of the hepatic cells and curved spinal column were observed in the juveniles subjected to long-term nitrate exposure. The results of our experiments suggest that the high mortality resulting from short-term acute exposure to nitrate is caused by general dysfunction throughout the whole body. The chronic toxic effects attributed to nitrate, following long-term exposure, were likely to have resulted from nutrient deficiency caused by hepatic dysfunction.

Animals↗

Cytogenetic characterization of seven human cancer cell lines by combining G- and R-banding, M-FISH, CGH and chromosome- and locus-specific FISH.

Leukemia cell lines K562, KG1a, U937, HL60, Jurkat and solid tumor cell lines A549 and M4Beu are widely used in studies of cell cycle, apoptosis and adhesion mechanisms in cancer cells. Although the K562 and U937 cell lines were previously subjected to a detailed cytogenetic characterization, only a few molecular cytogenetic investigations have been performed on the other five cell lines. We combined several molecular cytogenetic techniques, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), multicolor FISH (M-FISH), and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to demonstrate the precise genetic aberrations in tumor genomes of these seven cell lines. This information may be useful for multiple studies on these cell lines, providing a genetic basis for the interpretations of experimental findings.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Biochemical studies on marine fish oil part-I: effects of fish oil and lipid lowering drugs on HDL/LDL cholesterol levels.

Omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil are potent cholesterol lowering agents. This fact has drawn our attention to investigate their effects alone and in combination with competitive inhibitors, (hydrooxymethylglutaryl coenzume-A reductase). The naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids i.e., polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil have been proved as anticholesterolemic agents. In order to observe their actions as lipid lowering agents, the present study has been carried out which deals with the synergistic effect of fish oil with that of Lovastatin and Gemfibrozil.

Journal Article↗

Studies on ecophysiology of fish parasites: effect of trypanosome infection on the serum cholesterol levels of fishes.

Serum cholesterol levels of six species of fresh water fishes were lowered due to trypanosome infection. The percentage of infection in the different species of hosts ranged from 3.27% in Clarias batrachus to 16.66% in Wallago attu. Loss in serum cholesterol level was highest (42.39%) in the spiny eel Mastocembelus armotus and lowest in the carp Cirrhina mrigala (4.56%). Thus hypocholesterolemia was evidently caused in the fishes by trypanosomes.

Animals↗

Parasite communities of the Salzhaff (Northwest Mecklenburg, Baltic Sea). I. Structure and dynamics of communities of littoral fish, especially small-sized fish.

The parasites of ten fish species, including four Gobiidae, three Gasterosteidae, two Syngnathidae, and one Zoarcidae from the Salzhaff region, Northwest Mecklenburg, Baltic Sea, were investigated in 1995 and 1996. As many as 36 parasite species, represented by diverse groups of helminths and protozoans as well as annelids and copepods, are found during 4 seasons in these hosts. By far the most abundant group is represented by digeneans, comprising 15 species, followed by 7 cestodans and 6 nematodes. With regard to component communities, 8 host-parasite combinations are core and secondary species with more than 40% prevalence in which generalists such as the digeneans Podocotyle atomon and Cryptocotyle concavum (in 3 hosts). C. lingua, Diplostomum spathaceum, and Acanthostomum balthicum, and the nematode Hysterothylacium are involved. Also, specialists such as Aphalloides timmi in Pomatoschistus microps as well as Magnibursatus caudofilamentosa and Thersitina gasterostei in Gasterosteus aculeatus attain high levels of prevalence. A comparison of different investigations reveals greater prevalence of allogenic and autogenic parasite species with 3 host cycles in the Rerik-Riff (free Baltic) and higher levels of prevalence of autogenic parasite species with 1 or 2 host cycles in the entire Salzhaff. The component communities of gobies from Dahmeshöved, Lübeck Bight, attain generally lower degrees of prevalence than those of the Salzhaff region. The infracommunities consist mostly of 1-3 parasite species per host specimen; this value is surpassed on occasion in P. microps (maximum 7 species) and in G. aculeatus (maximum 9 species, which may compete for 5 microhabitats in a host specimen). In this context the theory of empty niches propagated by some parasitologists is critically discussed and substituted by the assumption of variable niche widths. The seasonality of the more abundant parasites is either unclear--as in the case of C. concavum--or evident--as in the case of P. atomon, which prevail in early spring and summer, or A. timmi, which dominate in late summer, as do M. caudofilamentosa, which is absent in spring. The main causes of the infestation of fish hosts may be their ages and the availability of parasites due to the presence of intermediate hosts.

Animals↗

Tropical fish medicine. Biopsy and rapid postmortem techniques for diagnosing diseases of fish.

Biopsy and rapid postmortem techniques are simple to perform with commonly available instruments. Because the skin and gills are the target organs for so many infectious agents, biopsy is a very useful tool in pet fish medicine. The major requisite for successful diagnosis using biopsy materials is the ability to recognize different taxonomic groups of pathogens. Many of these pathogens may be present in clinically normal individuals, and their importance must be interpreted with other clinical findings. Rapid postmortem techniques can identify several common systemic diseases affecting pet fish. The usefulness of these procedures is highly dependent on the state of tissue preservation of the specimens presented.

Animals↗

Interference of the life cycle of fish nodavirus with fish retrovirus.

Interference of the life cycle of grouper nervous necrosis virus (GNNV), a member of the Nodaviridae, genus Betanodavirus, by snakehead retrovirus (SnRV) has been studied in vitro. SGF-1, a new fish cell line that is persistently infected with SnRV, was induced by inoculating SnRV into the grouper fin cell line GF-1. Culture supernatants and cell pellets from both GNNV-infected SGF-1 and GF-1 cells were collected and employed for virus productivity analysis. The yields of GNNV RNA and capsid protein in GNNV-infected SGF-1 cells were similar to those in GNNV-infected GF-1 cells. However, when GF-1 cells were used for titration, the titre of the culture supernatant from GNNV-infected SGF-1 cells was much higher than that from GNNV-infected GF-1 cells. The titration result suggested that SnRV enhanced the infection or cytopathic effect (CPE) of GNNV during GNNV and SnRV coinfection of the GF-1 cell titration system, although SnRV cannot induce any CPE in GF-1 cells alone, nor can it increase the yield of GNNV after GNNV superinfection of SGF-1 cells. Moreover, GNNV cDNA was detected in both the pellet and the supernatant from GNNV-infected SGF-1 cells. This result indicated that SnRV reverse-transcribed the GNNV single-stranded genomic RNA into cDNA during GNNV superinfection of SGF-1 cells and created a new cDNA stage in the life cycle of the fish nodavirus.

Animals↗

Effect of fish and fish oil-derived omega-3 fatty acids on lipid oxidation.

There is evidence that omega-3 (omega3) fatty acids derived from fish and fish oils reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease via mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis, thrombosis and inflammation. Despite these benefits, there has been concern that these fatty acids may increase lipid peroxidation. However, the in vivo data to date are inconclusive, due in part to limitations in the methodologies. In this regard, our findings using the measurement of F(2)-isoprostanes, a reliable measure of in vivo lipid peroxidation and oxidant stress, do not support adverse effects of omega3 fatty acids on lipid peroxidation.

Animals↗

[Determination of the vitamin E in fish and fish products].

To measure the tocopherols content in fish and fishery products conditions of analysis permitting the utilization of the Emmiry-Engel method were selected. Subsequent to a comparative investigation, a system of solvents was sorted out with which in column chromatography using aluminium oxide the most complete separation of tocopherols from compounds hindering colourimetric determination could be achieved. The procedures used in determinations and data on the tocopherols content in 27 species of fish, fishery products and others are given.

Animals↗

Comparative ultrastructural investigations of the pineal organ of the blind cave fish, Anoptichthys jordani, and its ancestor, the eyed river fish, Astyanax mexicanus.

A comparative ultrastructural study has been made of the pineal organ in specimens of two closely related populations of the characid fish, Astyanaz mexicanus. The specimens of one population are living in the river, under natural light conditions. The specimens of the other population, originally described as Anoptichthys jordani, are living in a completely dark cave. In specimens of both populations the pineal organ consists of a spindle shaped end-vesicle, connected to the diencephalic roof by a slender stalk. The pineal tissue is compact and consists predominantly of glia-like supporting cells and sensory cells resembling the photoreceptor cells of the lateral vertebrate eye. Phagocytotic microglia-like cells can be found in close contact with the outer segments of the sensory cells. Nerve cells are located in the neighbourhood of neuropil formations, in which synaptic contacts are established between sensory cells and nerve cells. From these nerve cells fibers are emerging, forming the pineal tract that runs down the pineal stalk towards the diencephalon. On the basis of the ultrastructure described by other authors it is concluded that the pineal organ in specimens of the river population of Astyanax mexicanus resembles the pineal organ of other fish species. In specimens of the river population, reared under normal light-dark conditions for 3, 9 or 18 months, conspicuous morphological changes have not been detected in the presumably light-sensitive outer segments of the sensory cells or in other parts of the pineal tissue. In specimens of the cave populations, reared under identical conditions, an age-dependent, gradual regression of the regular outer segment organization of the pineal sensory cells takes place. In other parts of the pineal tissue, only small morphological changes can be observed. In specimens of the cave population, reared in constant darkness, the regression of the pineal outer segment organization begins earlier and is obvious. It is postulated that the gradual age-dependent regression of the regular organization of the outer segments in the pineal organ of cave specimens of Astyanax mexicanus is genetically determined and indicates a regressive evolution of the pineal light sensitivity. The expression of the regressive traits is dependent on the environmental light conditions.

Age Factors↗