Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “FISHES”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 973 records · Page 54Linked to original sources

Growth of regenerating goldfish axons is inhibited by rat oligodendrocytes and CNS myelin but not but not by goldfish optic nerve tract oligodendrocytelike cells and fish CNS myelin.

Encounters of regenerating goldfish retinal axons with oligodendrocytes and CNS myelin of mammals and fish were monitored in in vitro assays. Upon contact with highly branched rat oligodendrocytes, goldfish axons collapsed or grew around but never crossed these cells. However, in the presence of the antibody IN-1 against the oligodendrocyte-associated growth-inhibitory proteins, axons did grow over highly branched oligodencrocytes. In contrast to the mammalian oligodendrocytes, goldfish optic nerve/tract-derived oligodendrocytelike cells allowed the growth of axons across their surface and even along their processes. The fish growth cones avoided entering the region of rat CNS myelin applied to polylysine/laminin-coated coverslips or failed to elongate on this substrate. They were, however, able to pass over CNS myelin of fish. When exposed to rat CNS myelin as the sole substrate, axonal outgrowth from fish retinal explants was inhibited almost entirely. However, outgrowth on fish CNS myelin was substantial, but many more axons extended on fish or rat brain membranes that were depleted of myelin. Thus, goldfish retinal axons are sensitive to the axon-growth-inhibiting cell-surface molecules of mammalian oligodendrocytes as well as CNS myelin. Fish optic nerve oligodendrocytelike cells and fish CNS myelin lack these inhibitory properties and are growth permissive. These in vitro experiments suggest that the success of axonal regeneration in the fish optic nerve is causally related to the presence of growth-permissive properties and to the absence of growth inhibitors on fish optic nerve/tract oligodendrocytelike cells.

Animals↗

Stress factors that can affect studies of drug metabolism in fish.

The effects of environmental stress conditions on the defense response of rainbow trout following a four week exposure to subacute levels of un-ionized ammonia or temperatures 5 C above and 5 C below the temperature optimum (15 C) were investigated. These experimental studies can serve as a model to evaluate the metabolic response of fish to external agents (e.g., drugs, vaccines) under environmental conditions seen in the culture of fish. Blood and tissue immune parameters measured include hematocrits, antibody levels and differentiation of white blood cell populations in tissue imprints of the anterior kidney. These analyses were compared to the growth parameter, average percent weight gain. Fish given primary and secondary immunization with a bacterial vaccine (Aeromonas hydrophila) were exposed to sublethal concentrations of un-ionized ammonia of 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 mg/ml. Fish exposed to the higher concentrations of ammonia showed a decrease in growth compared to control fish. Several significant changes were observed in the leukocytes of the anterior kidney at the various concentrations of ammonia tested. A decrease in antibody titers to A hydrophila was seen at the two higher concentrations of ammonia. In a second study, the effects of non-optimum temperature conditions (10 C and 20 C) were compared with an optimum temperature (15 C). Fish held at sub-optimum temperatures had significantly lower hematocrits than the control fish maintained at 15 C. Several significant changes were also seen in the anterior kidney leukocytes. Antibody titers to A hydrophila were significantly lower at the end of the stressing period in the trout maintained at 10 C compared to the immunized controls at 15 C. In contrast, fish held at 20 C had significantly higher antibody titers than did the immunized controls. Compared to controls, fish growth was increased at 10 C and decreased at 20 C. These studies confirm that environmental factors can induce stress and affect the metabolism and health of the fish.

Ammonia↗

[Extending the capabilities of human chromosome analysis: from high-resolution banding to chromatin fiber-FISH].

The rapid development in human chromosome studies during the past 2 decades has opened up a variety of new avenues in both basic and clinical human genetics. This has been due to the extended resolution of chromosome analysis especially by the introduction of high-resolution banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. High-resolution banding methods using elongated chromosomes from cells at early mitotic stage can be divided into two main categories: one involves S-phase synchronization using methotrexate or thymidine with subsequent release from the block, and the other involves the application of DNA-binding agents, such as ethidium bromide, which inhibit mitotic chromosome condensation. High-resolution band analysis facilitates refined determination of the breakpoints on rearranged chromosomes, and thus minute deletions, small translocations and other subtle chromosome mutations can readily be detected and identified. It has also proved to be valuable for accurate gene mapping and comparative cytogenetics. Each of the high-resolution bands consists of DNA molecules as long as approximately 3Mb on the average, and this resolution limitation has been overcome by the introduction of the FISH method, which enables chromosome and genomic analyses to be carried out at the DNA molecule level. For FISH analysis, appropriate DNA probes of various insert sizes can be chosen for different purposes, and FISH with specific probes permits high-resolution analysis of chromosome DNA constitution at particular loci. For instance, it is possible to detect and map unique sequences more than 1 kb in size on mitotic chromosomes, and to identify cryptic chromosome rearrangements not recognizable even by high-resolution band analysis. Better resolution of breakpoint determination can also be expected by FISH using an adequate series of DNA clones arrayed on the physical map within the relevant chromosome region. An even better genomic resolution by FISH can be obtained by utilizing free chromatin DNA fibers released from interphase nuclei as a hybrization target. The FISH signals on the chromatin fiber preparations are shown to be "linear", unlike the standard FISH signals that have a "dot" appearance, and the resolution attainable should be comparable to analysis of a straight DNA double helix itself. The degree of resolution in the so-called fiber-FISH method ranges from a few to 300 kb, and thus the method can readily be applied to the high-resolution assessment of ordering and overlapping of isolated DNA clones from a specific chromosome region, as well as sizing of gaps between the clones. Fiber-FISH may prove most valuable for the precise determination of breakpoints at the kilobase level, and also for identifying minute deletions and duplications. By presenting some examples of our own recent works, this review attempts to summarize the current contribution of the above strategies in mediating the two separate ranges of resolution achieved by the classical chromosome and molecular DNA analyses.

Chromatin↗

Assessment of injury to fish and wildlife resources in the Grand Calumet River and Indiana Harbor Area of Concern, USA.

This article is the second in a series of three that describes the results of a Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) conducted in the Grand Calumet River and Indiana Harbor Area of Concern (IHAOC). The assessment area is located in northwest Indiana and was divided into nine reaches to facilitate the assessment. This component of the NRDA was undertaken to determine if fish and wildlife resources have been injured due to exposure to contaminants that are associated with discharges of oil or releases of other hazardous substances. To support this assessment, information was compiled on the chemical composition of sediment and tissues; on the toxicity of whole sediments, pore water, and elutriates to fish; on the status of fish communities; and on fish health. The data on each of these indicators were compared to regionally relevant benchmarks to assess the presence and extent of injury to fish and wildlife resources. The results of this assessment indicate that injury to fish and wildlife resources has occurred throughout the assessment area, with up to five distinct lines of evidence demonstrating injury within the various reaches. Based on the frequency of exceedance of the benchmarks for assessing sediment and tissue chemistry data, total polychlorinated biphenyls is the primary bioaccumulative contaminant of concern in the assessment area. It is important to note, however, that this assessment was restricted by the availability of published bioaccumulation-based sediment quality guidelines, tissue residue guidelines, and other benchmarks of sediment quality conditions. The availability of chemistry data for tissues also restricted this assessment in certain reaches of the assessment area. Furthermore, insufficient information was located to facilitate identification of the substances that are causing or substantially contributing to effects on fish (i.e., sediment toxicity, impaired fish health, or impaired fish community structure). Therefore, substances not included on the list of COCs cannot necessarily be considered to be of low priority with respect to sediment injury (e.g., metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, alkenes, organochlorine pesticides, phthalates, dioxins, and furans, etc.).

Animals↗

Dose responses in platelet fatty acid composition, aggregation and prostanoid metabolism during moderate freshwater fish diet.

The dose responses in platelet fatty acid composition, aggregation and thromboxane production and in plasma prostacyclin level during moderate freshwater fish diet was studied in healthy male students (n = 100). There were four fish diet groups eating 0.9, 1.5, 2.3 or 3.8 fish-containing meals per week for 12 weeks. The meals provided about 0.25, 0.5, 0.6 or 1.1 g n-3 fatty acids per day, respectively. The increase of n-3 at the expense of n-6 fatty acids in total platelet lipids took place already with 1.5 weekly fish meals (0.5 g n-3 fatty acids/d). Most of the observed changes in platelet fatty acids were seen already after 5 weeks. ADP-and collagen-induced platelet aggregation was measured from controls and 1.5 and 3.8 fish meals per week groups. The maximum platelet aggregation values of the group with the highest fish intake were significantly lower than in the controls at the end of dietary period. A tendency towards reduced platelet aggregability was observed also in the group eating 1.5 fish meals per weeks. Thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were determined from controls and two groups with highest fish intake. The highest intake was needed to decrease the thromboxane B2 production of clotted blood and the plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha concentration. A positive correlation between ADP-induced aggregation and thromboxane B2 production was found. These results show that platelet characteristics can already be modified with a very moderate freshwater fish intake.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Host responses against the fish parasitizing ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.

Recent studies have shown that fish are able to mount protective immune responses against various parasites. One of the best characterized parasite-host system in this context is the ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) parasitizing a range of freshwater fishes. Both specific and non-specific host defence mechanisms are responsible for the protection of fish against challenge infections with this ciliate. The specific humoral components comprise at least specific antibodies. The non-specific humoral elements included are the alternative complement pathway and probably lectins. Cellular factors involved in the specific response are B-cells and putative T-cells. The non-specific effector cells recognized are various leukocytes. In addition, goblet-cells and mast cells (EGC-cells) may have a function. The NCC-cell (suggested analogue to NK-cells in mammals) seems to play a role in the non-specific response. This well documented protective response in freshwater fishes against Ich has urged the development of anti-parasitic vaccines. Indeed, such products based on formalin killed parasites have been developed and found to offer the vaccinated host a satisfactory protection. However, the collection of parasites for vaccine production is extremely laborious. It involves keeping infected fish due to the fact that in vitro propagation of the parasite is still insufficiently developed. Gaining knowledge of amino acid sequences and its encoding DNA-sequences for the protective antigens (i-antigens) in the parasite was a major breakthrough. That achievement made it possible to produce a recombinant protein in E. coli and preliminary results indicated a certain protection of fish vaccinated with this product. Recent work has shown that the free-living and easily cultivated ciliate Tetrahymena can be transformed and express the i-antigen. This path seems to be promising for future development of vaccines against Ich. A novel approach in fish is the development of DNA-vaccines. Successful DNA-vaccination trials have been conducted in fish against viral infections and the technology also makes it possible to develop a DNA-vaccine against Ich. Other approaches to immuno-protection against Ich have been the use of heterologous vaccines. Thus, both bath and injection vaccination using live or killed (un-transformed) Tetrahymena has been reported to offer treated fish a certain level of protection. Such protection could be explained by non-specific reactions and the efficacy and duration of this vaccination type should be further evaluated.

Animals↗

The structure of parasite component communities in brackish water fishes of the northeastern Baltic Sea.

We used nestedness analysis to seek non-random patterns in the structure of component communities of metazoan parasites collected from 31 sympatric fish species from the northeastern Bothnian Bay, the most oligohaline area of the Baltic Sea. Only 8 marine parasite species were found among the 63 species recorded, although some marine fish species reproduce in the bay and others occasionally visit the area. Marine parasite species can utilize both freshwater and marine fish species as intermediate or final hosts, and marine fish can harbour freshwater parasite species. This exchange of parasite species between marine and freshwater fish has probably resulted from ecological factors acting over short time scales rather than from evolutionary processes acting over longer time; the key factor probably being the immediate presence of suitable intermediate and definitive hosts. Marine fish were expected to harbour species-poor parasite communities consisting mainly of generalists acquired from the sympatric freshwater fish species, which would result in a nested pattern among the different component communities. However, an anti-nested pattern was found in the component communities of metazoan parasites of fishes from the Bothnian Bay. A likely explanation for the observed pattern is that there are specialist parasite species, the majority of which are cestodes, in some of the freshwater fish species which otherwise have depauperate parasite communities.

Animals↗

[Anisakids and human anisakiasis. 2. Investigation of the anisakids of commercial fish in the district of Paris].

1,173 fish belonging to 13 species were examined during 1986-1987, during a survey conducted among commercial marine fish in the Paris area (France). Anisakis simplex L3 were found in 10 different species, and most frequently in herring (Clupea harengus) 82.55% of 682 fish, red fish (Sebastes marinus) 86.11% of 36 fish, and hake (Merluccius merluccius) 88.57% of 35 fish, and in high number (average 8.8, 18.4 and 31 L3 per fish). Pseudoterranova decipiens L3 were recovered from 7 different species of fish but always in small amounts. Hysterothylacium spp. larvae were found in very high number out of 11 species of fish. They were inoculated to adult rats, but failed to develop. A 30 degree C temperature killed these larvae, avoiding any risk of human infestation. Few Contracaecum larvae were found in whiting (Merlangus merlangus).

Animals↗

Environmental exposure characterization of fish processing workers.

BACKGROUND: Aerosolization of seafood and subsequent inhalation, during processing is a potential high-risk activity for allergic respiratory disease. OBJECTIVES: To quantify total thoracic particulate, protein concentration and specific fish (pilchard, anchovy) antigen concentrations in fish processing plants; to determine the correlation between these exposure metrics; and to identify the major determinants of variability and the optimal grouping strategies for establishing dose-response relationships for fish antigen exposures. METHODS: Exposure assessments were conducted on randomly selected individuals within each of the identified 'exposure groups' (EGs) in two fish processing factories. Personal time-integrated sampling was conducted with a thoracic fraction sampler and analysed for particulate mass, total protein and specific fish antigens. Exposure metrics were developed on the basis of individually measured exposures and average levels of these personal samples within EGs. The main components of the exposure variability were determined using ANOVA techniques. RESULTS: A total of 198 full-shift personal aerosol samples were collected and analysed. Twenty-two percent of the samples were below the limit of detection (LOD) for pilchard and 23% for anchovy assays. Personal sampling revealed wide variations across EGs in arithmetic mean concentrations of thoracic particulate 0.61 mg m(-3) (range: LOD-11.3), total protein 0.89 microg m(-3) (LOD-11.5), pilchard antigen 150 ng m(-3) (LOD-15 973) and anchovy antigen 552 ng m(-3) (LOD-75 748) levels. The fishmeal loading and bagging sections of both plants showed consistently high thoracic particulate mass (0.811-2.714 mg m(-3)), total protein (0.185-1.855 microg m(-3)), pilchard antigen (538-3288 ng m(-3)) and anchovy antigen (1708-15 431 ng m(-3)). The a priori strategy that grouped workers according to EGs produced reasonably satisfactory summary exposure metric statistics. An alternative grouping strategy based on department revealed comparable elasticity (exposure contrast). While the correlation between the log-transformed thoracic particulate mass and fish antigen concentrations were generally modest (Pearson's r = 0.32-0.35, P < 0.001), a high correlation was found between pilchard and anchovy antigen concentrations (Pearson's r = 0.71, P < 0.001). Models using factory and department grouping strategies accounted for a significant portion of the variability (adjusted r(2) = 0.18, P = 0.043) in pilchard antigen levels. Grouping strategies using a combination of factory and department yielded the highest degree of elasticity for thoracic particulate (0.38) and pilchard antigen (0.42) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Workers involved in bony fish processing are at risk of inhaling aerosols containing pilchard and anchovy fish antigens. Antigen exposures are highest during fishmeal production and bagging. Grouping strategies based on department and factory may provide a more efficient approach than a priori classification of EGs for evaluating fish antigen exposures.

Aerosols↗

Fish, n-3 fatty acids and human colorectal and breast cancer mortality.

Although there is a strong positive association between total fat consumption and colorectal and breast cancer risk, there is evidence that n-3 fatty acids, mainly found in fish oil, are protective. If this is so, we would expect to be able to detect an inverse correlation between fish consumption and colorectal cancer and breast cancer mortality. Mortality data for breast and colorectal cancer in 24 European countries were correlated with current fish and fish oil consumption and with consumption 10 and 23 years previously. In males there was an inverse correlation between colorectal cancer mortality and current intake of fish (P = 0.036), a weaker correlation with fish consumption 10 years earlier (P = 0.042) and none with consumption 23 years earlier (P = 0.12). The data were not statistically significant in females. There was no correlation at all between breast cancer mortality and fish or fish oil consumption at any time. It is concluded that fish consumption is associated with protection against the later promotional stages of colorectal carcinogenesis, but not with the early initiation stages. The results are discussed in terms of the role of prostaglandins in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Animals↗

PCR-based detection of betanodaviruses from cultured and wild marine fish with no clinical signs.

Betanodaviruses are the causative agents of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) or viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) in cultured marine fish. A total of 131 apparently healthy fish from 30 species were collected in two geographically remote aquaculture areas, Yashima Bay (Kagawa Prefecture) and Tamanoura Bay (Nagasaki Prefecture), in Japan. The brains of fish were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested PCR to detect the coat protein gene of betanodavirus. In Yashima Bay, two and 13 of 20 cultured fish were positive for nodavirus in RT-PCR and nested PCR, respectively, and four of five wild fish were positive only in nested PCR. In Tamanoura Bay, 28 and 99 of 106 wild fish were positive for the virus in RT-PCR and nested PCR, respectively. All the sequences of the nested PCR products (177 nt) from 27 fish species (10 cultured and 17 wild) were highly homologous to each other (99-100%) and were closely related to that of the known betanodavirus, redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV). These results illustrate that large populations of cultured and wild marine fish in aquaculture areas are subclinically infected with genetically closely related betanodaviruses, suggesting an importance of such infected fish as a carrier or reservoir of betanodaviruses.

Animals↗

The stress response in fish.

The stress response in teleost fish shows many similarities to that of the terrestrial vertebrates. These concern the principal messengers of the brain-sympathetic-chromaffin cell axis (equivalent of the brain-sympathetic-adrenal medulla axis) and the brain-pituitary-interrenal axis (equivalent of the brain-pituitary-adrenal axis), as well as their functions, involving stimulation of oxygen uptake and transfer, mobilization of energy substrates, reallocation of energy away from growth and reproduction, and mainly suppressive effects on immune functions. There is also growing evidence for intensive interaction between the neuroendocrine system and the immune system in fish. Conspicuous differences, however, are present, and these are primarily related to the aquatic environment of fishes. For example, stressors increase the permeability of the surface epithelia, including the gills, to water and ions, and thus induce systemic hydromineral disturbances. High circulating catecholamine levels as well as structural damage to the gills and perhaps the skin are prime causal factors. This is associated with increased cellular turnover in these organs. In fish, cortisol combines glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid actions, with the latter being essential for the restoration of hydromineral homeostasis, in concert with hormones such as prolactin (in freshwater) and growth hormone (in seawater). Toxic stressors are part of the stress literature in fish more so than in mammals. This is mainly related to the fact that fish are exposed to aquatic pollutants via the extensive and delicate respiratory surface of the gills and, in seawater, also via drinking. The high bioavailability of many chemicals in water is an additional factor. Together with the variety of highly sensitive perceptive mechanisms in the integument, this may explain why so many pollutants evoke an integrated stress response in fish in addition to their toxic effects at the cell and tissue levels. Exposure to chemicals may also directly compromise the stress response by interfering with specific neuroendocrine control mechanisms. Because hydromineral disturbance is inherent to stress in fish, external factors such as water pH, mineral composition, and ionic calcium levels have a significant impact on stressor intensity. Although the species studied comprise a small and nonrepresentative sample of the almost 20,000 known teleost species, there are many indications that the stress response is variable and flexible in fish, in line with the great diversity of adaptations that enable these animals to live in a large variety of aquatic habitats.

Animals↗

Formation of heterocyclic amines in fried fish fiber during processing and storage.

The formation of heterocyclic amines (HAs) in fried fish fiber during processing and storage was studied. Fried fish fiber was prepared by boiling of raw fish, followed by eviscerating, pressing, chopping, and then the fish meat was subjected to frying, during which the various additives such as sugar, soybean sauce, and edible oil were added. The various HAs in fried fish fiber were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection. Only four HAs, Norharman, Harman, 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole, and 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole were detected in fried fish fiber. The amount of HAs increased with increasing frying temperature. Amino acids might play a more important role for HA formation than reducing sugar during processing of fried fish fiber. During storage, the HAs increased with increasing storage temperature when the fried fish fiber was packed in an aluminum foil bag. However, the relationship between storage temperature and HAs formation was not consistent when the fried fish fiber was packed in a plastic bag.

Amines↗

Fish monogeneans from a shallow, eutrophic Oświn Lake in Poland.

BACKGROUND: A study was carried out in a shallow, eutrophic Oświn Lake, within Seven Islands Reserve (north-eastern Poland), in order to determine the infection of fish with monogeneans as sensitive indicators of water quality. This paper presents comparative analysis of the occurrence of Monogenea in fishes from two, distinctly separated pools of the lake, differing in environmental conditions. The impact of fish size and sampling season on the infection parameters was also analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 1998 and 1999, a total of 1091 fish representing 8 dominant species were examined. Samples were collected four times a year (in May, July, August, and October) simultaneously from the eastern and western parts of the lake. RESULTS: 16 species of Monogenea (and some unidentified specimeus) occurred in the fish examined, most of them from the Dactylogyridae family: Dactylogyrus sphyrna, D. auriculatus, D. intermedius, D. anchoratus, D. falcatus, D. tincae, D. wunderi, D. zandti, D. difformis, D. nanus, D. distinguendus, D. crucifer, D. caballeroi. Furthermore, Tetraonchus monenteron (Tetraonchidae), Gyrodactylus elegans (Gyrodactylidae), and Paradiplozoon megan (Diplozoidae) were detected. Monogenea occurred abundantly on the gills of pike, roach, rudd, white bream, carp bream and crucian carp, but rather sporadically in tench and perch. The highest species variety and diversity of monogenean guilds were detected in carp bream and roach. It was proved that D. crucifer and D. difformis were significantly more abundant in the western pool compared to the eastern one. Infection of fish with Dactylogyridae was season-dependent, contrary to the infection of pike with T. monenteron. Intensity of infection of white bream with D. sphyrna and roach with D. crucifer increased with fish body length; such a relationship did not appear for the other monogeneans and their hosts. CONCLUSION: Presence of common Monogenea in the fish examined, lack of rare species, poor diversity of monogenean guilds and relatively low infection rate could be connected with the low stability of the lake environment. Location-dependent occurrence of D. crucifer and D. difformis indicated that the exchange between fish groups from the eastern and western parts of the lake is limited.

Animals↗

[Effect of the addition of tropical fruits--pineapple (Ananas comosus) and papaya (Carica papaya)--on the production of biological silage from fish].

Microbial Fish Silage was produced from under-utilized fish mixed with juice and waste fruits (pineapple and papaya) at 35 degrees C. Six different products were elaborated as following: A: fish muscle with pineapple juice; B: fish muscle with fruit wastes; C: gutted fish with pineapple juice; D: gutted fish with fruit wastes; E: whole fish with pineapple juice; F: whole fish with fruit wastes. Process development was evaluated by measuring: pH, acidity, non-protein nitrogen, consistency and exudate liquid. Results indicated a slow decrease in pH value and production of acidity during 20 storage days. The addition of fruits to silage did not have any effect on these values. Silage liquefaction or hydrolysis was related to the following parameters: consistency, non-protein nitrogen and exudate liquid. The addition of fruits was related to silage liquefaction or hydrolysis, and it was measured by the consistency. Exudate liquid and non-protein nitrogen increased during storage time. However silage made from whole fish showed highest values in those parameters than other processing conditions. This results suggested that hydrolysis involve first enzymes from guts and second enzymes from muscle and head. Pineapple juice did not contribute to hydrolysis process. Mainly sensory changes in the silage occurs during first 24 hours and they were related to chemical changes. Proximal analysis did not change during silage process and microbial counts indicated the freshness of raw material used i this study.

Animals↗

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in cartilaginous and bony fish tissues.

Tissues from a range of fish were examined for the presence of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) to investigate PTHrP protein distribution and PTHrP gene expression in jawless fish, cartilaginous fish, and bony fish. Immunoreactive PTHrP was localized using antisera to N-terminal and mid-molecule regions of human PTHrP and PTHrP gene expression examined using a digoxigenin labeled riboprobe to a conserved region of the mammalian PTHrP gene. In all of the fish studied, PTHrP protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) were localized to the skin, kidney, and skeletal muscle, following the pattern seen in higher vertebrates. Additional sites of localization for both protein and mRNA included gill, nerve cord, and pituitary, as well as developing dermal denticles and rectal gland in the elasmobranch species. The sites of PTHrP distribution indicate that PTHrP may have roles in ionoregulation as well as growth and differentiation in fish, as has been suggested in higher vertebrates. The results imply that the distribution of PTHrP is widespread in fish and that there is homology between the PTHrP molecules found in humans and fish. The conservation of localization and possible similarity of the PTHrP molecules between tetrapods and fish suggests that PTHrP has a number of fundamental roles in vertebrates. J. Exp. Zool. 284:541-548, 1999.

Animals↗

Screening for peptides from fish and cheese inhibitory to prolyl endopeptidase.

Peptides from hydrolysates of fish proteins and from cheeses were analysed for inhibition of prolyl endopeptidase (PE) isolated from porcine muscle. Muscles of cod, salmon, and trout were homogenised and incubated at pH 4.0 with pepsin and then at pH 7.5 with trypsin to obtain fish protein hydrolysates. Homogenates were incubated without exogenous enzymes at pH 4.0 and 7.5 to obtain fish protein autolysates. Water-soluble extracts from "rakfisk" (a Norwegian fermented/autolysed trout muscle dish) and water-soluble extracts from Cheddar, Norvegia, Jarlsberg, and Blue cheese were also prepared. Peptides in the supernatants obtained after heat-treatment of fish hydrolysates, autolysates and water-soluble extracts of rakfisk and cheeses at 95 degrees C for 15 min were analysed for inhibition of PE. Inhibition was also measured in peptide fractions separated by reversed-phase high-performance chromatography and by gel permeation chromatography. The peptide fractions from fish hydrolysates, fish autolysates, and water-soluble extracts of cheeses inhibited PE in hydrolysing Z-Gly-Pro-amidomethylcoumarin. Inhibition by peptides from rakfisk was negligible. Pepsin + trypsin hydrolysates from the three fish species contained PE inhibitory peptides with a broad range of apparent hydrophobicity and apparent molecular mass. Autolysates from muscles of the 3 fish species contained narrow peptide peaks of different molecular mass and different apparent hydrophobicity with strong PE inhibitory activity. The content of hydrophilic inhibitory peptides was lower in cheeses than in pepsin + trypsin hydrolysates of fish muscle.

Animals↗

Novel epidemiologic evidence for the association between fermented fish sauce and esophageal cancer in South China.

Previous studies have suggested that fermented fish sauce is related to an increased risk for nasopharyngeal, thyroid and gastric cancers and has suspicious carcinogenic and promoting effects in the laboratory, but these reports have not investigated the association between this agent and esophageal cancer in population. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between esophageal cancer and consumption of fermented fish sauce, alcohol and tobacco after adjusting other risk factors using data from a large hospital-based case-control study in Chaoshan area of China. The subjects for analysis included 1,248 cases (median age 58.5 [range 29-82] years, 936 males, 312 females, some 50% with the habit of fermented fish sauce eating) with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and the same amount of controls matched by sex and age. A significant increase in risk (OR 3.21; 95% CI 2.45-4.19) for eating fermented fish sauce compared to not eating and a significant dose-response relationship was found with the consumption of fermented fish sauce (p for trend < 0.001). In comparison based on the binary variables, the OR for the subjects with fermented fish sauce eating and current smoking was 15.5 with a 95% CI of 8.14-29.3, relative to those exposed to neither habit. The joint effect of fermented fish sauce (F) and smoking (S) was more than additive (F * S > F + S: 15.5 > 1 + (5.6 - 1) + (6.6 - 1)), but the effect for fermented fish sauce and alcohol was not found. It is concluded that risks of esophageal cancer in the population were substantially associated with fermented fish sauce. Further epidemiologic and experimental study are required to find a biologic causal relationship between them.

Adult↗