Aspects Of Reproductive Biology Research Articles

TGFβ signalling: a nexus between inflammation, placental health and preeclampsia throughout pregnancy.

The placenta is a unique and pivotal organ in reproduction, controlling crucial growth and cell differentiation processes that ensure a successful pregnancy. Placental development is a tightly regulated and dynamic process, in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily plays a central role. This family of pleiotropic growth factors is heavily involved in regulating various aspects of reproductive biology, particularly in trophoblast differentiation during the first trimester of pregnancy. TGFβ signalling precisely regulates trophoblast invasion and the cell transition from cytotrophoblasts to extravillous trophoblasts, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process. Later in pregnancy, TGFβ signalling ensures proper vascularization and angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells. Beyond its role in trophoblasts and endothelial cells, TGFβ signalling contributes to the polarization and function of placental and decidual macrophages by promoting maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Disturbances in early placental development have been associated with several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) which is one of the severe complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TGFβ is involved in the pathogenesis of PE, thereby offering a potential target for intervention in the human placenta. This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the roles of the major members of the TGFβ superfamily, including TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, inhibins, nodals, and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), in the context of placental development and function. The review focusses on their interactions within the major cell types of the placenta, namely trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by PE throughout pregnancy. A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, searching terms: 'TGF signalling preeclampsia', 'pregnancy TGF signalling', 'preeclampsia tgfβ', 'preeclampsia bmp', 'preeclampsia gdf', 'preeclampsia activin', 'endoglin preeclampsia', 'endoglin pregnancy', 'tgfβ signalling pregnancy', 'bmp signalling pregnancy', 'gdf signalling pregnancy', 'activin signalling pregnancy', 'Hofbauer cell tgfβ signalling', 'placental macrophages tgfβ', 'endothelial cells tgfβ', 'endothelium tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion Smad', 'trophoblast invasion bmp', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ', 'tgfβ preeclampsia', 'tgfβ placental development', 'TGFβ placental function', 'endothelial dysfunction preeclampsia tgfβ signalling', 'vascular remodelling placenta TGFβ', 'inflammation pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune response pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune tolerance pregnancy tgfβ', 'TGFβ pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy tregs', 'tgfβ pregnancy tregs', 'TGFβ placenta NK cells', 'TGFβ placenta tregs', 'NK cells preeclampsia', 'Tregs preeclampsia'. Only articles published in English until 2023 were used. A comprehensive understanding of TGFβ signalling and its role in regulating interconnected cell functions of the main placental cell types provides valuable insights into the processes essential for successful placental development and growth of the foetus during pregnancy. By orchestrating trophoblast invasion, vascularization, immune tolerance, and tissue remodelling, TGFβ ligands contribute to the proper functioning of a healthy maternal-foetal interface. However, dysregulation of TGFβ signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, where the shallow trophoblast invasion, defective vascular remodelling, decreased uteroplacental perfusion, and endothelial cell and immune dysfunction observed in PE, are all affected by an altered TGFβ signalling. The dysregulation of TGFβ signalling in PE has important implications for research and clinical practice. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms, including the role of different ligands and their regulation under pathophysiological conditions, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. Distinguishing between clinically manifested subtypes of PE and studying TGFβ signalling in different placental cell types holistically is an important first step. To put this knowledge into practice, pre-clinical animal models combined with new technologies are needed. This may also lead to improved human research models and identify potential therapeutic targets, ultimately improving outcomes for affected pregnancies and reducing the burden of PE.

Population structure and reproductive indicators of the surubim Pseudoplatystoma punctifer (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) in the São Miguel River, Amazon basin, Brazil.

Fish is an important source of food and income for a significant portion of the Amazonian population, especially those who live along the rivers and lakes in the region. Pseudoplatystoma punctifer (Castelnau, 1855), known as surubim, is a species of Neotropical catfish widely exploited by fisheries and commercially valuable in the Guaporé River basin, Brazil. However, population dynamics are poorly known in the region. To understand the population structure and reproductive biology aspects of the surubim, monthly experimental fisheries were carried out in the São Miguel River, state of Rondônia, Brazil, between August 2020 and July 2021. The captured fish were weighed, and its gonads were removed and weighed for histological analyses (microscopic description) and classification of the maturation stages (macroscopic description). The collected gonads were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, dehydrated, cut into 4-μm-thick sections, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A total of 34 individuals were collected (20 females and 14 males), showing positive allometric growth and condition factor from 0.81 to 1.79 for females and males, respectively. Females were larger in size and weight than males. P. punctifer reaches its first maturation at an average length of 68.30 cm, indicating the importance of respecting the minimum capture size as an alternative to ensure the natural stocks of this fishery resource in the region. The results provide support for the establishment of public policies and actions for conservation, management, and regulation of fishing.

Morphological relationships, growth patterns and some aspects of reproductive biology of Sind Danio Devario devario (Hamilton 1822)

This study examined the morphological relationships, growth population factors and reproductive biology of Devario devario collected from the Atrai River of Dinajpur, Bangladesh, for sustainable management and conservation aspects. The length-weight relationships (LWRs) commonly indicated the isometric growth. The Fulton’s condition factor (CFf) and relative body weight (BWr) varied across sexes. A positive correlation was found in length-length relationships (LLRs); among total length (TL), standard length, head length and fork length. The asymptotic lengths were 7.5, 7.2 and 7.5 cm, with growth rates of 0.78‒1.8, 0.6‒3.4 and 1.8‒3.6 year–1 while total mortality was 1.22‒3.06, 0.97‒7.07 and 3.70‒6.09 year–1; fishing mortality was –0.87 to –1.04, –0.97 to 1.09 and –0.05 to –0.23 year–1; natural mortality was 2.26–3.93, 1.94–5.98 and 3.93–6.14 year–1 for female, male and combined sexes respectively. The highest probability of capture (L50) was 5.74‒6.15 cm. The gonado-somatic index ranged from 32.75±1.82 to 44.12±2.73, with a peak in April to May. Fecundity was recorded from 3253±289 to 4831±342, with a significant correlation among TL, BW, gonad length (GL) and gonad weight (GW). These initial findings on D. devario will serve as the basis for future research and management.

Reproductive biology aspects with a specific focus on histological analysis of oogenesis in Heterocarpus woodmasoni Alcock, 1901 from Southeastern Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean

The expansion of deep-sea fisheries in India has underscored the necessity for comprehensive data on the reproductive characteristics of targeted species to facilitate effective resource management. Heterocarpus woodmasoni Alcock, 1901 plays a pivotal role in supporting India’s deep-sea shrimp fishery sector. In this pioneering study, we provide novel insights into the reproductive dynamics of H. woodmasoni, utilizing specimens collected from 2019 to 2022 at the primary deep-sea shrimp landings site of Sakthikulangara fisheries harbour, Kerala, India. The research revealed that H. woodmasoni exhibits a continuous breeding pattern characterized by three prominent spawning peaks: two occurring in January and April with an additional extended peak observed in September. Moreover, the study observed a consistently high proportion of ovigerous females throughout all seasons, suggesting year-round reproductive activity in H. woodmasoni. Size (CL) at the onset of sexual maturity (SOM) for males and females measured 16 mm and 17 mm, respectively. In terms of brood size, the mean absolute brood size estimated in H. woodmasoni was 5438 ± 2687. Interestingly, while brood size increased as a power function of carapace length, the correlation between reproductive output and carapace length was found to be statistically not significant. Embryo volume varied significantly between the three developmental stages (Stage I: 0.03 ± 0.02 mm3, stage II: 0.05 ± 0.04 mm3 and stage III: 0.11 ± 0.03 mm3). The gonadosomatic index showed increasing trend corresponding ovary maturation. However, the index declined in the final maturity stage characterized by a black coloured ovary. The vivid colour changes observed in mature ovaries, spanning early vitellogenesis, late vitellogenesis and maturation phases offer valuable insights into the dynamic cellular transformations occurring during ovarian development. The present study regarding the various reproductive traits of H. woodmasoni with histological examination of oogenesis will help to facilitate sustainable exploitation and adequate conservation management of this species.

Gonadosomatic-hepatosomatic index and sex ratio of beardless barb (Cyclocheilichthys apogon) from Lebak Kalong Floodplain, Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra, Indonesia

The beardless barb (Cyclocheilichthys apogon) is one of the freshwater fish species native to Indonesia. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and sex ratio are parameters in the study of fish reproductive biology. The aim of this study was to calculate the gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index and sex ratio of C. apogon from the Lebak Kalong Floodplain, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency. A total of 30 C. apogon samples were used in this study. C. apogon samples were dissected to remove gonadal organs and liver organs from the abdominal cavity. The gonads and liver were weighed for the calculation of GSI and HSI, respectively. The results showed that the gonadosomatic index of female C. apogon ranged from 3.33% to 15.83%, and that of males ranged from 1.04% to 7.27%. The hepatosomatic index of female C. apogon ranged from 0.20% to 2.86%, and that of male fish ranged from 0.34% to 1.92%. The gonadosomatic index and hepatosomatic index of female C. apogon were heavier than those of males. The sex ratio was 1:1 (♂:♀). Knowledge of the gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and sex ratio can be used to determine the reproductive biology aspects of C. apogon. Further studies should be conducted to obtain more information on the reproductive aspects of C. apogon.

Some aspects of reproductive biology of gangetic ailia, \(\textit{Ailia coila}\) (Hamilton, 1822) in Bangladesh

The present study was conducted by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Floodplain Sub-station to investigate the reproductive biology of Ailia coila in the northern region of Bangladesh. A total number of 100 fish samples were collected on a monthly basis from the Atrai River and Jamuna River during the period from January 2022 to December 2022. The highest mean value of the gonado-somatic index (GSI) was recorded in July (8.78 ± 1.95%), whereas the lowest was found in December (0.15 ± 0.09%). The highest individual fecundity (2,450 ± 570) and ova diameter (0.38 ± 0.07 mm) was also observed in July. From the histological observation of the ovary, the highest percentages (75%) of mature oocytes were observed during the month of July. Based on the GSI, fecundity and gonadal histology, the breeding season of A. coila was observed from June to August with a remarkable peak in July. In the case of length weight relationship (LWR), the coefficient of determination value (r2) was found 0.96 and the slope was found b = 1.50 which indicated the pattern of negative allometric growth of this species as b < 3. In contrast, an increase was recorded in the fecundity associated with the rise of total length, body weight and gonad weight showed a significant linear relationship. This study would assist in the development of induced breeding techniques and provide valuable information for the sustainable management of this population in the inland open ecosystem.

Year-Round Spawning, Filial Cannibalism, and Embryonic and Larval Development of the Coral Reef Fish Orchid Dottyback, Pseudochromis fridmani

Aquaculture of marine ornamental fish could potentially reduce the fishing pressure on wild stocks by the global aquarium trade, but its expansion is often constrained by the limited understanding on the biology and early life history of candidate species. The orchid dottyback Pseudochromis fridmani is a valuable and popular marine ornamental fish, but scientific reports on its baseline biology, especially the egg filial cannibalistic behaviour, are scarce. The present study documented key aspects of reproductive biology and early ontogeny of P. fridmani in captivity, including reproductive behaviour, patterns of spawning and filial cannibalism throughout a 12-month period by seven pairs of brood fish, as well as the embryonic and larval development. The results showed that the captive spawning of the broodstock pairs generally occurred every 5–11 days, most commonly every 6–8 days, throughout a year. Despite feeding the brood fish to satiation throughout the data collection period, the average monthly rate of egg filial cannibalism reached 55 ± 37%, but the cannibalism frequency appeared to be pair-specific. The egg incubation duration was approximately 96 h at 27 ± 1 °C, and the development of embryos from cleavage, blastula, gastrula, and segmentation to the pharyngula stage is herein described in detail. The newly hatched P. fridmani larvae possessed important structures and organs for first feeding, including pigmented eyes, developed jaws, and a straight-tube gut. The 0 to 14 days post-hatching (DPH) period appeared to be an important larval stage, as P. fridmani larvae were observed to complete major changes in morphology, gut development, and phototactic behaviour by 14 DPH. Under the culture conditions of this study, the earliest transition to the juvenile stage was observed on 31 DPH, and the majority of fish became juveniles by 56 DPH. The results of this study inform baseline aquaculture production protocols and direct future research, particularly to reduce filial cannibalism through broodstock management and to improve larval culture through supporting the early ontogenetic development of P. fridmani. Additionally, these findings form a foundation for further studying the biology and ecology of P. fridmani in the wild.

Effects of reproductive hormones on reproductive biology of commonly consumed fish in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Nutritionally proteinous food and feed are required for a balance healthy living. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of some reproductive hormones: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), Ovaprim (OVA), extract of carp pituitary (CPE) and deoxy- corticosterone acetate (DOCA) on some aspects of reproductive biology of gravid Heterobranchus longifilis and Clarias gariepinus. A 25 number each of gravid males and females H. longifilis and C. gariepinus were employed in this study. Five experimental set up were designed for the study. Each treatment group was dosed with the required amount of the four reproductive hormones while in the fifth treatment breeders were treated with normal saline. This served as the control experimental. All protocol followed standard procedure. Results showed the highest mean value of relative fecundity (148.177) recorded in H. longifilis treated with ovaprim. This was followed by HCG treated C. gariepinus (145.668). Egg fertility rate had the highest mean value of 61.4803 in C. gariepinus treated with ovaprim, followed by 55.583 mean value in H. longifilis with HCG treatment. Egg hatchability mean value of 70.9280 was the highest observed in H. longifilis with ovaprim treatment. The mean values of survival rate were high in both species with OVA and HCG treatment showing values of 61.86% and 61.00% respectively. Treatment of the species with these reproductive hormones yielded good outcomes, except in the case of DOCA. Thus, CPE, OVA and HCG are recommended for breeding of C. gariepinus and H. longifilis.

Biological reproduction of mackerel scad, Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833) caught by purse-seine net in Majene Waters, West Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Tenriware, Nur M, Nasyrah AFA. 2023. Biological reproduction of mackerel scad, Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833) caught by purse-seine net in Majene Waters, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3012-3018. Mackerel scad, Decapterus macarellus Cuvier, 1833 is an economically important fish resource as an income source for fishermen in Majene waters, West Sulawesi. This study aims to determine some aspects of reproductive biology, including sex ratio, gonadal somatic index (GSI), gonad maturity stage (GMS), and the size at the first maturity. The sampling was carried out at the Fish Landing Sites in the Coastal Waters of Pangali-Ali Village, East Banggae District, Majene District, West Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Each specimen was measured to the total length with digital calipers and body weight using a digital weighing scale. Initial sex assessment was noticed at the time of dissection, and gonadal maturity was also assessed. A total of 275 specimens consisting of 177 males and 98 females were obtained from April to July 2017. The result indicates that the sex ratio between males and females deviated from an expected 1:1: and was not balanced. This species spawns in April at the size of 173.4 mm and 168.6-178.3 mm for males and 189.1 mm or the range of 182.6-195.8 mm for females.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), androgen modulation, folic acid, and high-grade prostate cancer: An intriguing nexus needing attention

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, excluding skin cancer, diagnosed among men in the US. Autopsy studies confirm the high prevalence of indolent prostate cancers starting in the third decade of life. There are lifestyle and therapeutic factors that might be facilitating the transformation of indolent to high-grade cancers throughout life. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane protein that is highly expressed on prostate cancer cells and has diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications. Emerging evidence has elucidated many of its biologic functions, including folate acquisition from the gut, transporting unmetabolized circulating folic acid into prostate cancer cells, involvement in physiologic and neoplastic angiogenesis and redirecting cell survival signaling pathways. Folates are utilized by the prostate for various aspects of reproductive biology. Synthetic oxidized folic acid has been used in grain and cereal fortification in the US since 1998; as a result, folate levels have more than doubled, and most individuals exhibit unmetabolized folic acid in the circulation. In fact, folic acid from fortified foods and supplements is the main driver of folate levels in the population. However, folic acid is a double-edged sword and can support nucleotide synthesis and prostate cancer cell proliferation. As such, the promotion of high-grade prostate cancer by folic acid, but not natural folates, has been evidenced in prospective trials. Ironically, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), used in the treatment of prostate cancer, leads to increases in both PSMA expression and folate levels. Therefore, we hypothesize that avoiding folic acid intake from fortified foods and supplements will decrease the risk of high-grade prostate cancer and decrease prostate cancer progression, particularly among men undergoing treatment with ADT. Moreover, the nexus of PSMA, folic acid, androgen modulation and high-grade prostate cancer is discussed, along with practical and therapeutic implications. Finally, questions are raised which should spur interest in research that might translate into a reduction in high-grade prostate cancer.

Genome-wide analysis identifies genetic effects on reproductive success and ongoing natural selection at the FADS locus.

Identifying genetic determinants of reproductive success may highlight mechanisms underlying fertility and identify alleles under present-day selection. Using data in 785,604 individuals of European ancestry, we identified 43 genomic loci associated with either number of children ever born (NEB) or childlessness. These loci span diverse aspects of reproductive biology, including puberty timing, age at first birth, sex hormone regulation, endometriosis and age at menopause. Missense variants in ARHGAP27 were associated with higher NEB but shorter reproductive lifespan, suggesting a trade-off at this locus between reproductive ageing and intensity. Other genes implicated by coding variants include PIK3IP1, ZFP82 and LRP4, and our results suggest a new role for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) in reproductive biology. As NEB is one component of evolutionary fitness, our identified associations indicate loci under present-day natural selection. Integration with data from historical selection scans highlighted an allele in the FADS1/2 gene locus that has been under selection for thousands of years and remains so today. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that a broad range of biological mechanisms contribute to reproductive success.

Shed female caribou antlers extend records of calving activity on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by millennia

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) have among the longest annual migrations of any terrestrial mammal as they move from winter ranges to spring calving grounds. Biomonitoring records indicate broad consistencies in calving geography across the last several decades, but how long have herds used particular calving grounds? Furthermore, how representative are modern patterns of calving geography to periods that pre-date recent climatic perturbations and increased anthropogenic stresses? While modern ecological datasets are not long enough to address these questions, bones from past generations of caribou lying on the tundra provide unique opportunities to study historical calving geography. This is possible because female caribou shed their antlers within days of giving birth, releasing a skeletal indicator of calving. Today, the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Alaska) is a key calving ground for the Porcupine Caribou Herd (PCH). To test the duration across which caribou have used this area as a calving ground, we radiocarbon dated three highly weathered female antlers collected from tundra surfaces on the Coastal Plain. Calibrated radiocarbon dates indicate that these antlers were shed between ~1,600 and more than 3,000 calendar years ago. The antiquity of these shed antlers provides the first physical evidence of calving activity on the PCH calving grounds from previous millennia, substantiating the long ecological legacy of the Coastal Plain as a caribou calving ground. Comparisons to published lake core records also reveal that dates of two of the antlers correspond to periods with average summer temperatures that were warmer than has been typical during the last several decades of biomonitoring. This finding expands the range of climatic settings in which caribou are known to use the current PCH calving grounds and suggests that the Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge may remain an important caribou calving ground during at least portions of predicted future warming. Discarded skeletal materials provide opportunities to assess the historical states of living populations, including aspects of reproductive biology and migration. Particularly in high-latitude settings, these insights can extend across millennia and offer rare glimpses into the past that can inform current and future management policies.

Reproductive biology of paradise threadfin Polynemus paradiseus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Shibsa River in Bangladesh

The paradise threadfin, Polynemus paradiseus is one of the commercially important brackishwater finfish of the family Perciformes in Bangladesh. The present study aimed to investigate the reproductive biology of paradise threadfin from Shibsa River in Bangladesh. The fish samples (66) were collected from May 2021 to April 2022. The relationship between body weight (BW) and total length (TL) of sampled fish were analyzed with a non-linear power equation where R2 = 0.915 and ‘b’ value (3.22) indicates a positive allometric growth pattern. Linear relationship indicates gonad weight (GW) increases with the BW and fecundity increases with BW, TL, GW and gonadosomatic index (GSI). The highest GSI was recorded in June (11.10±0.91), whereas, the lowest in November (0.44±0.08). The maximum fecundity was found in June (32410±7790). Ovarian histology displayed different stages of oocyte development. Late yolk granule stage (LYGS) was found in the months of September-October and May-July, respectively. Based on the GSI, fecundity and ovarian histology, it was revealed that the spawning season of P. paradiseus was from May to October with a major peak in June and minor one in September. The knowledge on different aspects of reproductive biology of paradise threadfin would be helpful for planning captive breeding and to design sustainable management policies for conservation of this species in the south-west coast of Bangladesh.

New breeding information on Brazilian birds. 1: Rheidae, Tinamidae, Anhimidae, Anatidae, Cracidae and Podicipedidae

This is the first in a planned series of articles about the breeding behaviour of Brazilian birds. Field work has been carried out in various regions of Brazil since the 1980s. The descriptions cover various aspects of reproductive biology, such as seasonality, nest architecture, materials and measurements, clutch size, egg colour, size and shape, incubation period, nestling period, and parental care. Many data are presented scientifically for the first time. In this first paper, we present data for 16 species: Greater Rhea Rhea americana (two nests, including the first information from north-east Brazil), Small-billed Tinamou Crypturellus parvirostris (20 nests), Red-winged Tinamou Rhynchotus rufescens (three nests), Spotted Nothura Nothura maculosa (11 nests), Horned Screamer Anhima cornuta (four nests, possibly with the first biometrics of eggs in the wild from Brazil), Southern Screamer Chauna torquata (five nests), White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata (three nests), Black-bellied Whistling Duck D. autumnalis (eight nests), Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata (two nests), Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis (one nest), White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis (one nest), Rusty-margined Guan Penelope superciliaris (seven nests, probably with the first data on reproductive success), Chaco Chachalaca Ortalis canicollis (one nest), East Brazilian Chachalaca O. araucuan (one nest), Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus (six nests) and Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps (one nest).

Vanilla beyond Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla × tahitensis: Taxonomy and Historical Notes, Reproductive Biology, and Metabolites.

Vanilla is a worldwide cherished condiment, and its volatile market is associated with the so-called "vanilla crisis". Even though only two species (Vanilla planifolia and V. × tahitensis) are cultivated on a large scale for commercial purposes, the Vanilla genus is comprised of 140 species. The present review article discusses the facets of this crisis, and vanilla crop wild relatives (WRs) are showcased as alternatives to overcome them. Historical, taxonomic, and reproductive biology aspects of the group were covered. Emphasis was given to the metabolic characterization of the vanilla crop WRs, highlighting their main chemical classes and the potential flavor descriptors. Many of these species can produce important flavor compounds such as vanillin, vanillic acid, and acetovanillone, among others. Overall, this review compiles valuable information that can help unravel new chapters of the history of this treasured product by evidencing the biotechnological potential of vanilla crop WRs.

Testing the Toxicity, Protein Content, and Anticholesterol of the Ethanol Extract of the Sea Urchin (Diadema Setosum) Gonad as Marine Biodiversity-Based Medicinal Ingredients

Indonesia has various marine resources that can be used, one of which is a sea urchin (Diadema setosum), which can be used as pharmacology and food sources by using their gonad. This study aims to test the toxicity, protein content, and antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of the sea urchin gonad. The sample tests consisted of several stages, namely: maceration performed the extraction using 96% ethanol solvent; the toxicity test used the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test method with Artemia salina Leach as the bioindicator; the protein content test used the Lowry method; anticholesterol activity test was done with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) method. The results showed that the ethanol extract of the sea urchin gonad had no toxic activity because the IC50 value was more than 1000 ppm, which was 1318.8639 ppm. The protein content of the ethanol extract of the sea urchin gonad was 0.0257% and had no anticholesterol potential with a value of 0.0002%. This research can be performed by conducting tests to determine aspects of reproductive biology and the anti-inflammatory effects of Diadema setosum.

Assessment of the Effects of Some Reproductive Hormones on Aspects of Reproductive Biology of Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis

Protein food sources are highly recommended for a healthy living and fish is one of the most recommended protein sources. This research was aimed at enhancing fish seed propagation and the effects of four fish reproductive hormones (Ovaprim, Carp pituitary extract, human chorionic gonadotropin, and Deoxy-corticosterone acetate) on some aspects of reproductive biology of Heterobranchus longifilis and Clarias gariepinus bought from Itu head-bridge, Akwa Ibom state. Sixty mature broodstocks (both males and females) of each species weighing 2.0 kg were used in this study. The experimental procedure was made up of four experimental groups (treatments) with three replicates including control. Each group was administered with the appropriate dosage of the respective reproductive hormone. The mean relative fecundity in both species using ovaprim and human chorionic gonadotropin showed no significant difference, while carp pituitary extract showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in both species. The mean egg hatchability values in the species administered with ovaprim, human chorionic gonadotropin and carp pituitary extract were similar (p > 0.05). Mean values were significantly different (p < 0.05) from those administered with Deoxy-corticosterone acetate. The mean fry survival rates in both species were not significantly different (p > 0.05) with human chorionic gonadotropin, carp pituitary extract and ovaprim, but showed significant difference (p < 0.05), except Deoxy-corticosterone acetate. Female brooders in the control tanks showed no result throughout the study. Treatments with the hormones yielded better result, except in the case of Deoxy-corticosterone acetate. It could be concluded that reproductive hormones, especially ovaprim and carp pituitary are better for breeding H. longifilis and C. gariepinus. The results from the study are crucial in encouraging fish seed propagation through the application of artificial hormones.

What is the role of stamen appendages in the buzz-pollinated Huberia insignis (Melastomataceae)?

In most species of Melastomataceae pollen is the only reward for pollinators. Pollen is locked within poricidal anthers and is only legitimately removed by bees that specifically buzz the anthers. Stamen appendages in many species of plants are morphological adaptations of the androecium for pollination, and are evident in several species of Melastomataceae. In an experimental study, anthers with large, coiled appendages released more pollen during artificial buzzing in flowers of the genus Huberia than anthers without appendages. Other aspects of reproductive biology and pollination ecology in Huberia are poorly known, including the relationship between size and shape of widely varying stamen appendages with pollen release. In the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, we studied the breeding system and pollinator assemblage of the endemic Huberia insignis, and we experimentally tested how stamen appendages are associated with pollination. With hand-pollination experiments, morphoanatomical analysis, observations of the pollinator assemblage, using flowers with and without stamen appendages, we tested pollinator preferences and the effect of appendage presence on pollen removal rates. Huberia insignis is self-compatible and requires pollinators, and bees that buzz-pollinate are the only pollinators, typically two species of Bombus (ca. 80% of visits). The presence of stamen appendages of H. insignis had no effects on attracting pollinators and pollen removal. Anthers and stamen appendages have neither secretory structures nor specialized biomechanical tissues. We conclude that stamen appendages play no role in the pollination of H. insignis. We suggest that these typically small and inconspicuous stamen appendages are vestigial.

Reproductive biology of the whitespotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari (Myliobatiformes) captured in the coast of Paraíba and Pernambuco, Brazil.

The present study analysed aspects of reproductive biology based on macroscopic and microscopic structures of whitespotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari captured by artisanal fishing off the coast of Paraíba and Pernambuco (7° 30'S, 34° 49'W; 7° 47'S, 34° 51'W), northeast Brazil. Of the 71 individuals in the sample, 55% were female (disc width - WD : 532-1698 mm) and 45% were male (WD : 442-1410 mm). The body size at which 50% of the individuals are mature (WD50 ) for males was 1155.8 mm; the clasper length varied between 24 and 184 mm. The WD50 for females was 1293.9 mm; the diameter of the largest vitellogenic follicle varied between 11 and 31 mm; and only the left ovary and uterus were functional. The microanatomy of the reproductive tract of males and females agrees with that of other elasmobranch species. In males, the highest hepato-somatic index (IH ) average and gonado-somatic index (IG ) average occurred in the third bimester of the year, whereas in females the highest values (average IH and IG , respectively) were in the second bimester of the year. Based on the information on reproduction of A. narinari from this study, it will be possible to contribute to the correct management and protection of this species.

Reproductive biology of Gattan females Barbus xanthopterus (Heckel, 1843) used for artificial breeding in Fish Hatchery of Marine Science Center

Some aspects of reproductive biology of Gattan Barbus xanthopterus females were studied from 15-30 March, 2009. These fishes were coughed from Huweiza Marsh, Southern Iraq and from Therthar Reservoir, Western Iraq, and used for artificial breeding in Marine Science Center Hatchery. Total lengths ranged between 550-806 mm, total weights ranged between 3100-7250 g, and their age ranged from 3-6 years. It had been found that all examined ovaries were in ripe stage that means females cached from Huweiza Marsh were ready for artificial breeding and possess suitable (3.64- 11.03) gonado somatic index (GSI), while females collected from Therthar Reservoir had low GSI (1.15-1.33). Average of eggs diameters was 1.56 mm for fish of 550 mm total length and 3400 g, while it was 2.09 mm for fish of 802 mm total length and 7005 g. However, generally there was positive relationship between total lengths and eggs diameters with no significant correlation (r = o.47, P<0.01). Absolute fecundity for Gattan was ranged between 1494191-518650 eggs, and relative fecundity was between 85.8-286.2 egg/g, while there was low positive relation between absolute fecundity and total fish weight with no significant correlation (r= 0.33, P<0.01).