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First report of Calceostoma glandulosum (Monogenea) in Argyromus regius: morphogical and molecular characterization and temperature effects on lifecycle

Publication . Ribeiro, Maria Carolina; Lourenço-Marques, Cátia; Pousão-Ferreira, Pedro; Soares, Florbela

The increase in fish production in aquaculture reflects the growth of the world population. However, this expansion is accompa nied by challenges, such as the intensification of production systems through increased stocking density, which induces stress in fish, weakening their immune system and making them more susceptible to disease outbreaks, particularly those caused by parasites. Monogeneans are ectoparasites that attach to the external surfaces of fish and are characterised by their host-specificity. One of the emerging species in aquaculture, much appreciated in the Mediterranean region, is the meagre (Argyrosomus regius), whose production has been increasing due to its high-quality meat and excellent growth rates. However, the information available on the parasites that affect this species is limited, which makes it difficult to prevent and control disease outbreaks in aquaculture systems effectively. This study presents the first morphological and molecular characterisation of Calceostoma glandulosum, an ectoparasite of the Monopisthocotylea subclass, characterised by its lapel (L) in the cephalic area and an anchor-shaped haptor (Hp). The parasite’s life cycle, including eggs, larvae (oncomiracidium), and adults, has also been described. It was demonstrated that water temperature could influence the development of the eggs; at more favourable temperatures for the parasite, there was a higher percentage of developed and hatched eggs. The occurrence of the parasite in the farming tanks was higher when the temperature reached 20°C, and in vitro experiments have shown a hatching rate of 100% at 23°C. C. glandulosum reaches sexual maturity between 11 and 14 days and has a fertility period of 10 days. To assess the host-specificity of C. glandulosum for A. regius, eggs were investigated in other species (Sparus aurata, Diplodus sargus, and Seriola rivoliana). This work provides valuable insights into the behavior of monogeneans concerning environmental conditions and host interactions, offering critical information for implementing preventive measures in aquaculture.

2025-01-09Journal article

Open access

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Effects of Chloro-Cathinones: Toxicity and Potential Neurological Impact

Publication . Gomes, Ana Patrícia; Ferro, Raquel; Pinto, Daniela; Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Pacheco, Rita; Gaspar, Helena

Cathinones, a class of synthetic new psychoactive substances (NPSs), continue to emerge and pose public threats. Government control efforts often lead to the emergence of new isomers, which have adverse repercussions on NPSs identification and risk prediction. This work reports on the synthesis and structural characterization of twenty chloro-cathinones, including different isomers, to create analytical data to facilitate their identification in forensic and clinical contexts. Additionally, the potential of these cathinones to cause neuronal damage was evaluated. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using a differentiated human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) as a dopaminergic neuronal model. The tested cathinones showed LC50 values from 0.6 to 2.5 mM, with 4-CBC being the most cytotoxic. The most toxic cathinones increase reactive oxygen species levels and/or cause mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization. Furthermore, this study explored, for the first time, the effect of cathinones on the cholinergic system through acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. All tested cathinones inhibited AChE with IC50 values between 0.1 and 2 mM. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the most inhibitory cathinones interacted with the CASs and PASs in AChE’s active gorge. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of cathinones, highlighting potential health risks and structural features that may influence their toxicity towards the cholinergic system and neuronal damage.

2025-04-09Journal article

Open access

Marine Natural Products as Anticancer Agents 3.0

Publication . Alves, Celso; Diederich, Marc

Cancer represents a major global health challenge[...]

2025-06-05Journal article

Open access

Potential of Marine Biomolecules: Advances in Extraction and Applications of Proteins, Polysaccharides, and Antioxidant Compounds

Publication . Sousa, Gabriela; Ferreira-Dias, Suzana; Tecelão, Carla; Alves, Vítor D.

Oceans are increasingly viewed as a new frontier for economic development, contributing to the bridge between food industry, sea bioeconomy, and health. Nowadays, oceans are under attention as a strategy for creating opportunities and driving innovation, and their vital importance will become even more evident in the years to come. Therefore, it is crucial to study oceans under a holistic approach, taking the maximum value of their abundant resources in a sustainable way. As such, blue bioeconomy is the path forward, since it is a development strategy that meets the economic potential without compromising the environmental health. A special look needs to be taken at the underutilized resources and by-products, which hold unexploited value. For instance, green macroalgae are widespread marine macroalgae that lack industry applications, despite being rich in biopolymers (polysaccharides) and antioxidants. Moreover, fish by-products are also rich sources of biopolymers, mostly proteins. Thus, among other potential uses, raw materials could be explored to produce functional edible coatings under a blue bioeconomy approach. A detailed characterization of raw materials is the first step for the development of value-added products. These topics will be addressed in this review.

2025-07-22Journal article

Open access

Non-lethal heat shock induces cross-tolerance to different stressors in two strains of Brachionus koreanus (Rotifera: Monogononta): Mechanisms of increased tolerance to hydrogen peroxide

Publication . Granada, Luana; Morão, Inês F.C.; Lemos, Marco F. L.; Bossier, Peter; Novais, Sara C.

The rotifer Brachionus sp. is of great importance for aquaculture, as the reproduction cycle under rearing conditions of many economically important species larvae depends on the use of rotifers as first live feed. Establishing a protocol that results in an improved tolerance of rotifers to environmental stressors will allow for a more stable rotifer production. The exposure to non-lethal heat shocks (NLHS) already proved to enhance the tolerance, not only to heat stress, but also to other stressors in several aquatic species, by activating the heat shock response and epigenetic mechanisms. This study aimed to determine the potential of a single NLHS to induce tolerance to different abiotic stressors in two strains of B. koreanus (MRS10 and IBA3) and to evaluate possible molecular mechanisms involved in the achievement of increased tolerance to hydrogen peroxide induced by NLHS. Cross-tolerance was achieved for both strains, namely to high salinity, cadmium chloride, and hydrogen peroxide. Scale-up tests resulted in increased tolerance to hydrogen peroxide only for MRS10. During the exposure to this substance, heat-shocked MRS10 rotifers showed an up-regulation of genes related to oxidative stress response and histone modifications, increased production of HSP70, and higher levels of total acetylation of histone H3. A single NLHS proved to induce epigenetic effects when rotifers were exposed to other stressor later in life. However, further studies should elucidate if the NLHS conditions used in this study can yield a persistent outcome, allowing the establishment of tolerant rotifer strain lines and, consequently, a more stable production.

2026-02Journal article

Open access