Marine Gastropod Molluscs Research Articles

Moisturizing Effects of Alcalase Hydrolysate Fractions from Haliotis discus Viscera, a Marine Organism, on Human Dermal Fibroblasts, HaCaT Keratinocytes, and Reconstructed Human Skin Tissues

Haliotis discus, an abalone, is a marine gastropod mollusk that has been cultivated globally owing to its nutritional value and high market demand. However, the visceral parts of H. discus are typically discarded as by-products, highlighting the need to explore their potential value in developing cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This study investigated the potential moisturizing effects of H. discus visceral tissues. Various hydrolysates from H. discus viscera tissue were evaluated for proximate composition, radical scavenging, and hyaluronidase inhibition activities. Alcalase hydrolysate was isolated using gel filtration chromatography (GFC), and its moisturizing effects were tested on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), HaCaT keratinocytes, and reconstructed human skin tissue. The Alcalase hydrolysate showed the highest extraction yield, radical scavenging, and hyaluronidase inhibition activities. The Alcalase hydrolysate GFC fraction 1 increased collagen synthesis-related molecules, including procollagen type 1 in HDF and hyaluronic acid-related molecules in HaCaT cells. These moisturizing effects were confirmed in reconstructed human skin tissues by increased levels of aquaporin 3 and filaggrin. Fraction 1 consisted of two main peptides: DNPLLPGPPF and SADNPLLPGPPF. In conclusion, H. discus Alcalase hydrolysate and its fractions have potential moisturizing properties and can be used as cosmeceuticals.

Marine Gastropod Planaxis sulcatus (Born, 1778) of Uvari Coastal Waters: A Comprehensive Study on Its Antibacterial Activity, Biochemical Composition and FTIR Spectroscopy

Diverse nutritional profiles and potent antimicrobial properties distinguish marine gastropods from other members of the phylum Mollusca. This study targets the investigation of the antibacterial activity, biochemical and FTIR analysis of ethanol extracts of marine gastropod mollusc Planaxis sulcatus. The well diffusion method was used to carry out the antibacterial assay. The extract showed the maximum inhibition (21±2 mm inhibitory zone) against the human bacterial pathogen S. aureus, whereas K. pneumonia showed the lowest susceptibility (12 mm). The extracts had MIC values between 0.21 and 1.04 mg/ml. The biochemical assay's findings revealed that the majority of the snail's flesh (51%) is made up of protein, with only 5% of the mass coming from carbohydrates and very trace amounts of fat (0.2%). The FTIR analysis represents the presence of alkyl halides, nitro compounds, aromatic compounds, alkynes, nitriles, carboxylic acid, aldehyde, alkanes and alcohol in the gastropod extracts. The aforementioned observational result demonstrates the abundance of antibacterial substances in the gastropod extracts. Further research is necessary to fully understand the structural composition of the antibacterial substances found in this marine snail.

Structure and function of vasa gene in gonadal gametogenesis of Pacific abalone

Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) is a marine gastropod mollusc with significant economic importance in both global fisheries and aquaculture. However, studies exploring the gonadal development and regulatory mechanisms of Haliotis discus hannai are limited. This study aimed to explore whether the vasa gene acted as a molecular marker for germ cells. Initially, the vasa gene was successfully cloned using the cDNA-end rapid amplification technique. The cloned gene had a 2478-bp-long open reading frame and encoded 825 amino acids. Then, a recombinant expression vector was constructed based on the Vasa protein, and an 87-kDa recombinant protein was prepared. Subsequently, a polyclonal antibody was prepared using the purified recombinant protein. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed the titer of the antibody to be ≥512 K. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Vasa was widely expressed in oogonia, Stage I oocytes, spermatogonia, and primary spermatocytes. The specific expression of Vasa in the hermaphroditic gonads of abalone was assessed using western blotting to investigate the effects of different photoperiods (12 L:12D, 24 L:0D, 18 L:6D, and 6 L:18D) on the gonadal development of abalone (P < 0.05), with higher expression levels observed in the ovarian proliferative and spermary maturing stages compared with other developmental stages (P < 0.05). Additionally, Vasa exhibited the highest expression in the spermary and ovary under a photoperiod of 18 L:6D (P < 0.05). These data demonstrated the key role of Vasa in developing germ cells in abalone. They shed light upon the molecular mechanism through which the photoperiod influenced Vasa expression and regulated gonadal development in abalone. The findings might provide theoretical references for analyzing the differentiation pattern of abalone germ cells and the genetic improvement and conservation of germplasm resources.

New insights into the phylogeny of Neogastropoda aided by draft genome sequencing of a volutid snail

AbstractNeogastropoda is a large order of predominantly marine gastropod molluscs, typically predatory or parasitic on other animals. It includes over 16,000 species representing a large post‐Cretaceous radiation, but the internal phylogenetic relationships of contained taxa are far from resolved, with inconsistent results from nuclear genes, mitogenomes, and morphology. One major issue in reconstructing the molecular phylogeny is the lack of high‐quality sequences for early‐diverging families and superfamilies such as Volutidae (Volutoidea). Here, we examine the superfamily‐level phylogenetic relationships in Neogastropoda, aided by newly sequenced draft genome and mitogenome of the volutid snail Fulgoraria chinoi from the deep sea off Japan. The genome of F. chinoi is relatively large at 1.54&amp;amp;#x02009;Gb but exhibits low genome heterozygosity; over 54% of this genome constitutes of repeat contents, and we find evidence for active insertion of transposable elements, particularly LINEs and SINEs. A total of 50,792 protein‐coding genes (PCGs) were predicted from the nuclear genome, and a circular mitogenome was also assembled and annotated. Our phylogenetic analyses using mitogenomes recovered each neogastropod superfamily as monophyletic, though also revealed inconsistent phylogenetic signals within superfamilies. Phylogenetic reconstructions using the PCGs resulted in a robust tree from different models and data matrices, recovering Volutoidea as the earliest diverging superfamily (among those for which comparable data is available) within a monophyletic Neogastropoda. Dated phylogenetic analysis revealed an early Cretaceous radiation of Neogastropoda, congruent with the fossil record. Our study provides a robust internal evolutionary framework for the speciose but genomically undersampled Neogastropoda, and expands the available genomic resources for this order. Genomic data for key missing lineages such as Mitroidea, Olivoidea, and Cancellariidae are much sought in the future for a full understanding of Neogastropoda evolution.

Description of the feeding rhythm of cone snails in French Polynesia

ABSTRACT The Conidae is a family of marine gastropod molluscs that includes carnivorous and venomous species. The venom they produce is remarkably diverse and has recently drawn much interest from a pharmacological perspective. To respond to this growing interest, a better understanding of the ecology and biology of the species is required. Only a few studies have examined the feeding behaviour and the trophic specialization of these species in detail. In this study, we investigated diet through hunger and satiety experiments of eight species of cones that occur in French Polynesia and that present different feeding modes (piscivorous, molluscivorous or vermivorous). Monitoring behaviour of cones during fasting periods demonstrated a correlation between increased hunger and nocturnal cone activity, mainly for piscivorous species, while the molluscivores did not show this correlation. In the study on satiety, we defined an average frequency of feeding for cone species that were fed prey ad libitum. Finally, this study provided indications that will help to define an equilibrium feeding frequency in further studies involving the cultivation of cones.

Characterization of the Mitochondrial Genome, Ecological Distribution, and Morphological Features of the Marine Gastropod Mollusc Lophocochlias parvissimus (Gastropoda, Tornidae)

The larvae of the marine gastropod Lophocochlias parvissimus are meroplankton that spend part of their lives as plankton that disperse and drift in the water column before settling on the sea floor. Two individuals of L. parvissimus larvae were sampled by the Multiple Opening/Closing Net and Environmental Sensing System (MOCNESS) from the Central Indian Ridge of the southwestern Indian Ocean in 2018 and 2019. We generated the first mitochondrial sequences for L. parvissimus, which will provide valuable genetic insight into the evolution of these organisms. In this study, we have determined that the mitogenome of L. parvissimus was 13,575 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 18 tRNAs, and two rRNAs. Our work provides a new insight into the dispersal of L. parvissimus and previously missing components to the general understanding of the evolution of Truncatelloidea (Subclass Caenogastropoda).

Population genetics of queen conch, Aliger gigas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gastropoda: Strombidae) at the Cuban island platform

Abstract The queen conch, Aliger gigas is a large marine gastropod mollusc that inhabits shallow seagrass meadows and sandplain habitats throughout the Caribbean. Owing to overfishing and degradation of the environment, it has become an endangered species in most of its habitat. Research on Cuban populations of A. gigas is scarce and mostly focused on conch exploitation. The present study assesses, for the first time, the genetic diversity and population structure of A. gigas from six locations on the Cuban platform, using five microsatellite loci. At most of the sampled locations, the observed heterozygosity was lower than expected and the FIS value was significantly positive, both of which suggest inbreeding. Also, we found evidence of bottlenecks for two of the locations with a deficit of heterozygotes. Although statistically significant, only 1.66% of the total variance was explained by genetic differentiation among populations, and discriminant analysis of principal components showed different degrees of overlapping between all locations. Accordingly, the results showed that there is an extensive and symmetrical exchange of genetic information. Sparse non-negative matrix factorization analysis determined the existence of three ancestral populations admixed across the sampled locations. Thus, our results suggest that A. gigas from the Cuban island platform could be a unique population, which is relevant for management and conservation strategies.

Antioxidant Effects of Turbo cornutus By-Products Visceral Extract against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress by Regulating MAPK and Akt Signaling Pathways in Vero Cells.

Turbo cornutus, a marine gastropod mollusk commonly called sea snail, is found along the southern coast of Korea and holds considerable importance as a marine food resource, particularly on Jeju Island, Korea. Data are scarce on the antioxidant activity of hot water extracts from T. cornutus visceral tissue. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of T. cornutus visceral tissue hot water extract (TVE) and the underlying mechanisms against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in Vero cells. The amino acid composition and antioxidant effects of TVE were evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of TVE on the expression of proteins within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is investigated. TVE showed a concentration-dependent enhancement in its scavenging activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals (IC50 = 1.07 ± 0.06 mg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide (IC50 = 0.33 ± 0.03 mg/mL). TVE reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and maintained cell viability under H2O2-induced oxidative stress by suppressing apoptosis in Vero cells. Additionally, TVE demonstrated regulatory effects on the MAPK and protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways activated by H2O2. In conclusion, the findings from our study propose that TVE holds potential as a bioactive component in the formulation of functional foods.

Shells of marine gastropod mollusks from cultural layers and the necropolis of Tauric Chersonese as tracers of trade and cultural connections in ancient times

Shells of marine gastropod mollusks from cultural layers and the necropolis of Tauric Chersonese as tracers of trade and cultural connections in ancient times

First confirmed report of Nassarius sinarum (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in Korea.

The marine gastropod mollusc Nassarius sinarum has attracted attention due to its status as a potential invasive species and the ecological impact it may have on local environments and the fishing industry. It was observed exclusively within China initially, but its distribution now seems to have expanded into Japan and Korea. Accurate identification of N. sinarum, particularly in its juvenile stage, is vital for understanding its ecological influences and distribution patterns. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of N. sinarum samples from Korea. It includes morphological examination, scanning electron microscopy images and molecular sequencing. Two live specimens were collected from the Yeongsan River estuary in Korea and their morphological features were analysed and compared to those of samples from China and Japan. The samples' species were confirmed by molecular identification, based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and histone H3 (H3) genetic markers.It was observed that juvenile N. sinarum shells lack key species-characteristic morphological traits, such as a thick outer lip and diminishing axial ribs. However, COI marker-based molecular identification affirmed that these Korean specimens were N. sinarum. The H3 region was registered with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis of the H3 region did not resolve species distinctions within the Nassarius, suggesting that the H3 marker is not suitable for species identification within this genus. In this context, multiple genetic markers, when used appropriately, can also be applied to genus-level searches, enhancing species identification accuracy and reducing misidentification.The sequences provided in this study can serve as a valuable reference for future DNA barcoding research. Additional samples and surveys should be conducted through collaborative efforts amongst national and institutional organisations to further clarify the ecological status of N. sinarum and to investigate its distribution and potential impact around East Asia. Finally, a new Korean name, (No-lan-jul-job-ssal-mu-nui-go-dung; 노란줄좁쌀무늬고둥) has been proposed for N. sinarum.

Genome Sequencing of Streptomyces griseus SCSIO PteL053, the Producer of 2,2′-Bipyridine and Actinomycin Analogs, and Associated Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Analysis

Marine symbiotic actinomycetes play a key role in drug development and their ecological niches can influence a variety of natural product biosynthesis, providing potential defensive benefits. In this study, we report the whole-genome sequence analysis of marine gastropod mollusk Planaxis sp.-associated Streptomyces griseus SCSIO PteL053, which harbors 28 putative biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Among them, two BGCs encoded by a hybrid non-ribosomal peptide (NRPS)/polyketide (PKS) synthetase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) are responsible for the synthesis of the known therapeutic metabolites 2,2′-bipyridine and actinomycin analogs, respectively. Detailed bioinformatics analysis revealed the putative BGCs and the functions of the involved genes in the biosynthesis of the known compounds SF2738D (1), SF2738F (2), actinomycin D (3), and Actinomycin Xoβ (4). In the present study, complete-genome sequencing allowed us to rediscover known, clinically useful secondary metabolites in the newly isolated Streptomyces griseus SCSIO PteL053.

Recurrent Duplication and Diversification of Acrosomal Fertilization Proteins in Abalone.

Reproductive proteins mediating fertilization commonly exhibit rapid sequence diversification driven by positive selection. This pattern has been observed among nearly all taxonomic groups, including mammals, invertebrates, and plants, and is remarkable given the essential nature of the molecular interactions mediating fertilization. Gene duplication is another important mechanism that facilitates the generation of molecular novelty through functional divergence. Following duplication, paralogs may partition ancestral gene function (subfunctionalization) or acquire new roles (neofunctionalization). However, the contributions of duplication followed by sequence diversification to the molecular diversity of gamete recognition genes has been understudied in many models of fertilization. The marine gastropod mollusk abalone is a classic model for fertilization. Its two acrosomal proteins (lysin and sp18) are ancient gene duplicates with unique gamete recognition functions. Through detailed genomic and bioinformatic analyses we show how duplication events followed by sequence diversification has played an ongoing role in the evolution of abalone acrosomal proteins. The common ancestor of abalone had four members of its acrosomal protein family in a tandem gene array that repeatedly experienced positive selection. We find that both sp18 paralogs contain positively selected sites located in different regions of the paralogs, suggestive of functional divergence where selection acted upon distinct binding interfaces in each paralog. Further, a more recent species-specific duplication of both lysin and sp18 in the European abalone H. tuberculata is described. Despite clade-specific acrosomal protein paralogs, there are no concomitant duplications of egg coat proteins in H. tuberculata, indicating that duplication of egg proteins per se is not responsible for retention of duplicated acrosomal proteins. We hypothesize that, in a manner analogous to host/pathogen evolution, sperm proteins are selected for increased diversity through extensive sequence divergence and recurrent duplication driven by conflict mechanisms.

Species identification in Haliotis genus from the northeastern Pacific Ocean using genome-wide RAD-SNPs

Abalone is a marine gastropod mollusk that belongs to the genus Haliotis high-priced and with commercial importance worldwide. Because of its high demand, its products are susceptible to retail fraud by substituting lower-value products or protected species instead of higher-value ones. Therefore, species identification is a crucial traceability element, and restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) is a genomic tool that permits achieving this goal in non-model species with few developments in genetic data. This study analyzed five ecological and socio-economically important abalone species that inhabit the west coast and islands of the Baja California Peninsula (BCP), Mexico: green H. fulgens, pink H. corrugata, red H. rufescens, black H. cracherodii and threaded/pinto H. kamtschatkana abalones. The number of putative bi-allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found across the five species was 150 326 loci. After filtering data, 1 127 SNPs (Total panel) were retained from 223 sequenced abalones. Subsequently, two criteria were used to identify the most informative SNPs markers: private alleles (species-specific) and FST outliers (adaptive markers). The reduced 66 Private SNPs allele panel performs similarly to the Total panel with a 100% correct assignment among the five species, whereas the 24 SNPs FST outlier panel could only correctly assign four out of five species, confusing the threaded/pinto and red abalones. Furthermore, both reduced panels successfully identify black abalone individuals, which has a commercial and conservation importance for seafood trade in Mexico. Therefore, all these markers can be used in seafood traceability and specimen identification in enforcing fishery management measures among these five abalone species.

Polyculture of Juvenile Dog Conch Laevistrombus canarium Reveals High Potentiality in Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA).

Simple SummaryThe dog conch (Laevistrombus canarium) is a marine gastropod mollusk widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region. It is an economically crucial species; however, its population has been declining due to overfishing and overexploitation. Hence, we developed a novel polyculture and water-flow method for mass production of this species. Furthermore, the findings from this work also uncover the potentiality of L. canarium in integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) and its implication for aquaculture and resource restoration.Laevistrombus canarium, also known as dog conch, is a marine gastropod mollusk widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region. It is an economically crucial species; however, its population has been declining due to overfishing and overexploitation. In this study, the suitable salinity for juvenile L. canarium was between 20 and 35‰. Diatoms and biological detritus by using flow-water from the fish pool were the most favorable diets for newly metamorphosed and 10 mm juveniles. In the polyculture experiment, L. canarium was cultured with whiteleg shrimp, tilapia, small abalone, purple sea urchin, and collector urchin. Better growth was found in all co-culture groups except with whiteleg shrimp. We also found that the polyculture system with or without substrates significantly affected the growth of juveniles. Additionally, we observed that water temperature was the most crucial factor for growth and survival; a water temperature of less than 10 °C might cause the death of L. canarium. We have proposed a novel polyculture and water-flow method for mass production of L. canarium and evaluated the feasibility and benefits of polyculture with other species. The findings from this work reveal the potentiality of L. canarium in integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) and its implication for aquaculture and resource restoration.

Feeding habit of Strombus canarium in Tanjung Sebauk Bintan Island, Indonesia

Several species of marine gastropod mollusk used by the community as economical food commodities, including the Strombus canarium was found in the Tanjung Sebauk, Bintan Island. The S. canarium diet as a deposit feeder significantly affects the consumption of the biota food varieties. Until now, there was limited information related to the classification of food consumed by S. canarium. Environmental factors affect S. canarium habitat substantially by providing a food source that is absorbed and influences the growth of S. canarium. Resettlement and restaurant activities in coastal areas affect changes in environmental conditions and modify the habitat and food variations of the organism. The Swept Area Sampling (SAS) method was applied to sweep and collecting S. canarium at a bed-ground area of 1500 m2 in Tanjung Sebauk. The shell splitting and surgery completion of S. canarium were handled in the laboratory. S. canarium samples were immersed with 10% formalin to serve and protect the gastric sample and prevent it from rupturing, including providing the possibility to observe the various food components from S. canarium. Each species of organism found in an S. canarium stomach sample was photographed and counted and measured three times. Photographs of the gastric sample obtained from observations in a microscope were analyzed and identified comprehensively to find the composition of food varieties from the S. canarium. The varieties of food composition obtained were distinguished by class and group of biota and analyzed using the Preponderance Index. The varieties of food composition in gastric samples from S. Canarium shown eight species with the majority composition from plankton groups (phytoplankton and zooplankton), and one species was the copepod class. The following species of biota found in the stomach S. canarium based on the Preponderance Index consisted of Thalassionema sp. (42.59%) as primary food, followed by Nocticula sp. and Coscinodiscus sp. as additional food with a percentage of 37.45% and 12.35%, respectively. In comparison, the variety of complementary food from S. canarium consisted of Entomoneis sp. (2.47%), Cymbella sp. (1.23%), Cochlodinium sp. (1.23%), Calanus sp. (1.85%), and Boreadinium sp. (0.82%).

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Ficus variegata (Littorinimorpha: Ficidae) and molecular phylogeny of Caenogastropoda

Ficidae is a family of chiefly tropical marine gastropod mollusks with approximately 20 described species. Hitherto, there are no complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Ficidae available for the Ficoidea. Here, we determined the complete mitogenome of Ficus variegata Röding, 1798 representing the first species from the family Ficidae. The newly sequenced mitogenome consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. All of 13 PCGs use ATG as initiation codons and end with conventional stop codons TAA and TAG, and the genome organization is similar to those of other documented caenogastropod mitogenomes. Tonnoidea and Ficoidea were recovered as sister group in the Caenogastropoda tree.

Expression Pattern of Nitric Oxide Synthase during Development of the Marine Gastropod Mollusc, Crepidula fornicata.

Nitric Oxide (NO) plays a key role in the induction of larval metamorphosis in several invertebrate phyla. The inhibition of the NO synthase in Crepidula fornicata, a molluscan model for evolutionary, developmental, and ecological research, has been demonstrated to block the initiation of metamorphosis highlighting that endogenous NO is crucial in the control of this developmental and morphological process. Nitric Oxide Synthase contributes to the development of shell gland, digestive gland and kidney, being expressed in cells that presumably correspond to FMRF-amide, serotoninergic and catecolaminergic neurons. Here we identified a single Nos gene in embryonic and larval transcriptomes of C. fornicata and studied its localization during development, through whole-mount in situ hybridization, in order to compare its expression pattern with that of other marine invertebrate animal models.

Assessment of mitochondrial genomes for heterobranch gastropod phylogenetics

BackgroundHeterobranchia is a diverse clade of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial gastropod molluscs. It includes such disparate taxa as nudibranchs, sea hares, bubble snails, pulmonate land snails and slugs, and a number of (mostly small-bodied) poorly known snails and slugs collectively referred to as the “lower heterobranchs”. Evolutionary relationships within Heterobranchia have been challenging to resolve and the group has been subject to frequent and significant taxonomic revision. Mitochondrial (mt) genomes can be a useful molecular marker for phylogenetics but, to date, sequences have been available for only a relatively small subset of Heterobranchia.ResultsTo assess the utility of mitochondrial genomes for resolving evolutionary relationships within this clade, eleven new mt genomes were sequenced including representatives of several groups of “lower heterobranchs”. Maximum likelihood analyses of concatenated matrices of the thirteen protein coding genes found weak support for most higher-level relationships even after several taxa with extremely high rates of evolution were excluded. Bayesian inference with the CAT + GTR model resulted in a reconstruction that is much more consistent with the current understanding of heterobranch phylogeny. Notably, this analysis recovered Valvatoidea and Orbitestelloidea in a polytomy with a clade including all other heterobranchs, highlighting these taxa as important to understanding early heterobranch evolution. Also, dramatic gene rearrangements were detected within and between multiple clades. However, a single gene order is conserved across the majority of heterobranch clades.ConclusionsAnalysis of mitochondrial genomes in a Bayesian framework with the site heterogeneous CAT + GTR model resulted in a topology largely consistent with the current understanding of heterobranch phylogeny. However, mitochondrial genomes appear to be too variable to serve as good phylogenetic markers for robustly resolving a number of deeper splits within this clade.

Polyether macrocyclic polyketide from the muricid gastropod Chicoreus ramosus attenuates pro-inflammatory 5-lipoxygenase

Macrocyclic compounds of multifaceted structural scaffolds are being increasingly reported from the marine environment, and gaining commercial importance due to their ability to inhibit the pro-inflammatory mediators. An unreported polyether macrocyclic polyketide characterized as 6-(butoxy)-13,15,22-trihydroxy-3,18-dioxatricyclo[18.3.1.011,16]tricosa-9,20-diene-4,8-dione was isolated from the marine gastropod mollusc Chicoreus ramosus (family Muricidae). The compound displayed potential anti-inflammatory property by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase (IC50 0.42 mg mL−1), which was analogous to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent aspirin (IC50 0.38 mg mL−1) and superior to ibuprofen (IC50 0.90 mg mL−1). Free radical scavenging abilities of the purified compound against oxidative agents (IC50 0.22 mg mL−1) were comparable to the commercially available antioxidants (butylated hydroxyanisole, IC50 0.25 mg mL−1; butylated hydroxytoluene, IC50 0.27 mg mL−1), and greater than α-tocopherol (IC50 0.60 mg mL−1). Molecular docking studies of the studied polyketide analog against 5-lipoxygenase indicated that the docked ligand could potentially bind to the target site of the enzyme with a less binding energy (−9.33 kcal mol−1) and docking score (−10.23 kcal mol−1). The present study recognized the potential of macrocyclic polyketide possessing tricosa-9, 20-diene-4,8-dione framework isolated from C. ramosus as a potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory lead that could find its use in medicinal formulations.

Ecotoxicological effects assessment of brine discharge from desalination reverse osmosis plant in Algeria (South Western Mediterranean)

The aim of our study is to assess the effect of Bousfer desalination plant brine discharged on the Algerian west coast in the winter period (February, 2016), during which the production is reduced to 2500 m3/day and the temporary stoppages for maintenance operations are also observed. In this study, sublethal and chronic effects on a marine gastropod mollusc Patella rustica exposed to these brine discharges were determined. For this, biomarkers of defenses and damage have been measured in the tissues of this species. The sampling of P. rustica limpets and physico-chemical analysis of the brine and surface coastal waters were made at four sites (H, W, E and R). This ecotoxicological biomonitoring confirmed the negative impact of brine discharges of the desalination plant in this cold period. Indeed, we have recorded that the limpets collected from site H were more affected by all the environmental disturbances than ones from the other sites. The responses of the antioxidant defense and biotransformation enzymes reached the highest levels in population of site H. This oxidative stress is also accompanied by genotoxic effect revealed by ADN and lipid damages. Our ecotoxicological diagnosis demonstrated the harmful effect of Bousfer desalination plant’s discharges in winter, despite the fact that during this period the production is reduced and the plant even observes temporary stoppages for maintenance and cleaning operations.