Marine Protein Research Articles

Sulphur-isotope compositions of pig tissues from a controlled feeding study

ABSTRACTSulphur-isotope determinations are becoming increasingly useful for palaeodietary reconstruction, but knowledge of isotopic discrimination between diet and various tissues remains inadequate. In this study, we explore the sensitivity of δ34Stissue values to changes in δ34Sdiet values, sulphur isotopic discrimination between diet and consumer, and the potential impact of terrestrial vs. marine protein consumption on these discrimination offsets. We present new δ34S values of bone collagen, muscle, liver, hair, milk and faeces from ten mature sows, ten piglets and fifteen adolescent pigs from a controlled feeding study. The δ34Stissue values were found to co-vary with the δ34Sdiet values, the δ34Stissue – δ34Sdiet isotopic offsets (Δ34Stissue-diet) are small but consistent, and dietary protein source does not systematically alter the Δ34Stissue-diet isotopic discrimination. The outcomes of this study are of particular relevance to questions that are difficult to resolve using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes alone, and will also be useful in regions where terrestrial, freshwater, and marine resources could have all potentially contributed to human diet.

Strontium concentration, radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr) and stable (δ88Sr) strontium isotope systematics in a controlled feeding study

ABSTRACTTranshumance and palaeodiet are two central themes in archaeology and using chemical analysis of bones and teeth to reconstruct trends and patterns in diet and mobility has become a cornerstone of bioarchaeology. This study has investigated strontium concentration ([Sr]), radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr) and stable strontium (δ88Sr) isotope systematics in a controlled feeding experiment on domestic pigs designed to simulate terrestrial versus marine protein consumption. The results of the radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr) analysis offer a validation of the strontium isotope methodology. The study confirms that the radiogenic strontium isotope composition of dental enamel does represent the radiogenic strontium isotope composition of the diet. The results of the δ88Sr analysis have revealed a distinct shift of 0.322 ± 0.060 ‰ towards isotopically light Sr with trophic level. The magnitude of this shift is consistent with the predictions from the analogous shift observed in calcium isotopes. This is the first time that trophic level fractionation in δ88Sr has been identified in a controlled setting. Although still in its infancy, δ88Sr analysis has great potential to inform on trophic level systematics, to investigate dietary trends in early life and is potentially useful in examining diagenetic alteration.

Effects of enzymatic hydrolysate from seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis on testosterone secretion from TM3 Leydig cells and in male mice

Protein hydrolysates, the so-called bioactive peptides, are specific protein fragments that have positive effects on several body functions and may improve human health. Marine organism-derived protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides have shown to possess many physiological functions. Seahorses, used in traditional medicine, are generally ground to powder form either for direct application or for application following dissolution in warm water. In this present study, we purified, hydrolyzed, and characterized two bioactive peptides (ALC and PEP) obtained from seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis). The hydrolysates derived from seahorse significantly upregulated the expression of cyclin D and cyclin E and increased cell proliferation and testosterone level in the TM3 mouse Leydig cell line. These findings suggest that the hydrolysates stimulate the proliferation of TM3 cells via the AKT, ERK, and JNK pathways. The decline in the circulating testosterone levels in older men is associated with various adverse health effects. Following daily intake of hydrolysates for 12 weeks, the circulating level of testosterone and the sperm count in mice were measured. We found increased sperm motility (sperm count) as well as an increase in the testosterone level in male mice following a 12-week intake of hydrolysates derived from H. abdominalis. Hence, it can be suggested that seahorse-derived hydrolysates play an important role in improving male health by improving the serum testosterone level.

Preclinical and Clinical Studies on Antioxidative, Antihypertensive and Cardioprotective Effect of Marine Proteins and Peptides-A Review.

High seafood consumption has traditionally been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, mainly due to the lipid lowering effects of the long chained omega 3 fatty acids. However, fish and seafood are also excellent sources of good quality proteins and emerging documentation show that, upon digestion, these proteins are sources for bioactive peptides with documented favorable physiological effects such as antioxidative, antihypertensive and other cardioprotective effects. This documentation is mainly from in vitro studies, but also animal studies are arising. Evidence from human studies evaluating the positive health effects of marine proteins and peptides are scarce. In one study, a reduction in oxidative stress after intake of cod has been documented and a few human clinical trials have been performed evaluating the effect on blood pressure. The results are, however, inconclusive. The majority of the human clinical trials performed to investigate positive health effects of marine protein and lean fish intake, has focused on blood lipids. While some studies have documented a reduction in triglycerides after intake of lean fish, others have documented no effects.

Purification and Characterization of Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Peptides from Actinopyga lecanora Through Enzymatic Hydrolysis

ABSTRACTActinopyga lecanora, commonly known as sea cucumber, is a rich protein source. This marine protein source was hydrolyzed using six proteases to generate anti-inflammatory hydrolysates and bioactive peptides. Bromelain hydrolysates after 1 h hydrolysis exhibited the highest nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity reflecting anti-inflammatory activity. A sequence of two fractionation methods was employed to fractionate the peptides based on their hydrophobicity using a semi-preparative RP-HPLC and isoelectric points using isoelectric focusing technique. Based on these fractionation methods, basic peptides with relatively higher hydrophobicity provided higher NO-inhibitory activity than did acidic peptides. Furthermore, using Q-TOF mass spectrometry; 12 peptide sequences were successfully identified. The inhibitory effect of the purified peptides from A. lecanora on NO production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. The three identified bioactive peptides, namely LREMLSTMCTARGA, AVGPAGPRG and VAPAWGPWPKG, exhibited the highest NO-inhibitory activity with values of 76.3, 66.6 and 69.9%, respectively. These results revealed that A. lecanora could be used as an economical protein source for the production of high-value bioactive peptides with potent anti-inflammatory activity using RAW 264.7 cell lines as model. These peptides may be useful ingredients in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Geochemistry and mercury contamination in receiving environments of artisanal mining wastes and identified concerns for food safety

Geochemistry and mercury contamination in receiving environments of artisanal mining wastes and identified concerns for food safety

Huerequeque: An inland outpost of the Initial Period Sechín Alto Polity in the Casma Valley of Peru

The Sechín Alto Polity effectively controlled the Casma Valley zone on the Peruvian north coast during the Initial Period (2100–1000 cal b.c.) through an inclusive administrative strategy whereby large inland centers and their component monumental architecture served specific, complementary functions within the polity. Smaller satellite sites established on the coast insured a supply of marine protein to the inland agricultural centers. The political strategy of the Sechín Alto Polity also included expansion inland to colonize the mid-sized site of Huerequeque at a key location in order to annex abundant agricultural land, to access a trade route to the highlands, and to extend and define the eastern Sechín Alto Polity boundary farther. Huerequeque is unique, however, because of its distinct cultural heritage, and excavations there have made it possible to examine the process through which the expanding polity established an administrative presence, imposed Sechín Alto Polity practices, and eventually abandoned the site. More broadly, elucidating this process is critical to a better understanding of the development and expansion of complex societies.

Effects of marine protein‐, marine oil‐ and marine‐free diets on the growth performance and innate immune responses of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar , L.) post‐smolts

Atlantic salmon post-smolts of an average of 940 g were fed six diets including two marine-based commercial diets one with partial inclusion of vegetable proteins (VPs) and oils (VOs) (2011/12 EU standards) (MB) and a second with partial inclusion of VPs, land animal-by-product (ABP) proteins and VOs (non-EU standards) (MBABP), a fully vegetable protein (VP) diet; a fully algal and VOs (VO) diet; a fishery-free vegetable-based (VP/VO) diet; and a fishery-free diet with a mix of VPs and ABP proteins and a mix of algal and vegetable oils (MFABP). Growth was assessed at Days 104 and 175, whereas fillet proximate composition, haematology and innate immune responses were assessed upon termination. Overall, MB salmon was the best performing group for the full period in terms of feed intake and overall weight gain. MB and VP salmon exhibited the highest FCRs compared to the other groups, while VP salmon exhibited the highest condition factor (K) and VO salmon the lowest K compared to the other groups. Fillet proximate composition did not present differences among the six groups. MB salmon demonstrated the highest plasma lysozyme activity compared to the other groups while MFABP, VP and VP/VO salmon demonstrated higher plasma anti-protease activity in contrast to MB salmon. The dietary groups did not present differences in plasma protein, total IgM or natural haemolytic activity while unaltered head kidney macrophage respiratory burst activity was also observed. Overall, diets free from marine proteins or oils and/or both were satisfactorily utilized by salmon without compromising their immune capacity, although longer adaptation periods are required.

Compound-specific amino acid isotopic proxies for distinguishing between terrestrial and aquatic resource consumption

Compound-specific amino acid carbon-isotope compositions have shown particular promise for elucidating dietary behaviors in complex environmental contexts, and may also be able to mitigate the effect of many of the limitations inherent to palaeodietary reconstructions. Here, we investigate the efficacy of compound-specific amino acid isotopic proxies in characterizing the consumption of different dietary protein sources using amino acid carbon-isotope compositions for humans and fauna from Rössberga (Early to Middle Neolithic), Köpingsvik (Mesolithic and Middle Neolithic), and Visby (Medieval Period), Sweden. We also assess the explanatory capabilities of an isotopic mixing model when used with essential amino acid carbon-isotope compositions of humans and local fauna. All three isotopic proxies distinguished among humans from the three sites consistently and informatively, and were able to enhance the broad interpretations made using bulk isotopic compositions. The mixing model palaeodietary reconstruction revealed considerable diversity in relative protein source contributions among individuals at both Köpingsvik and Visby. Comparing the mixing model for bulk carbon- and nitrogen-isotope compositions to the model for essential amino acid isotopic compositions further demonstrated the likelihood of underestimation and overestimation of marine protein consumption for both aquatic-dominant and mixed marine-terrestrial diets when using bulk isotopic compositions.

Seasonal forecasting for decision support in marine fisheries and aquaculture

AbstractThe production of marine protein from fishing and aquaculture is influenced by environmental conditions. Ocean temperature, for example, can change the growth rate of cultured animals, or the distribution of wild stocks. In turn these impacts may require changes in fishing or farming practices. In addition to short‐term environmental fluctuations, long‐term climate‐related trends are also resulting in new conditions, necessitating adjustment in fishing, farming and management approaches. Longer‐term climate forecasts, however, are seen as less relevant by many in the seafood sector owing to more immediate concerns. Seasonal forecasts provide insight into upcoming environmental conditions, and thus allow improved decision making. Forecasts based on dynamic ocean models are now possible and offer improved performance relative to statistical forecasts, particularly given baseline shifts in the environment as a result of climate change. Seasonal forecasting is being used in marine farming and fishing operations in Australia, including wild tuna and farmed salmon and prawns, to reduce uncertainty and manage business risks. Forecast variables include water temperature, rainfall and air temperature, and are considered useful up to approximately 4 months into the future, depending on the region and season of interest. Species‐specific habitat forecasts can also be made by combining these environment forecasts with biological habitat preference data. Seasonal forecasts are useful when a range of options are available for implementation in response to the forecasts. The use of seasonal forecasts in supporting effective marine management may also represent a useful stepping stone to improved decision making and industry resilience at longer timescales.

A combined dietary approach using isotope and dental buccal-microwear analysis of human remains from the Neolithic, Roman and Medieval periods from the archaeological site of Tossal de les Basses (Alicante, Spain)

A combined dietary approach using isotope and dental buccal-microwear analysis of human remains from the Neolithic, Roman and Medieval periods from the archaeological site of Tossal de les Basses (Alicante, Spain)

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) protein hydrolysate – Effect on growth performance and intestinal morphometry in broiler chickens

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) protein hydrolysate – Effect on growth performance and intestinal morphometry in broiler chickens

Age effects and the influence of varying proportions of terrestrial and marine dietary protein on the stable nitrogen-isotope compositions of pig bone collagen and soft tissues from a controlled feeding experiment

In this study, femoral collagen, rib collagen, femoral muscle, loin muscle and liver samples from sows, piglets and pigs raised in a controlled feeding study are analysed for their nitrogen-isotope compositions. The objectives of this research are to investigate the relationship between tissue and dietary δ15N values across age categories under controlled feeding and housing conditions, and to assess tissue 15N-enrichment relative to diet when pigs of different ages are consuming terrestrial, marine, or mixed terrestrial-marine dietary protein. There is a strong linear relationship between all tissue δ15N values and the amount of marine protein consumed, but the δ15N values do not become consistently elevated for all individuals consuming the same diet until at least 25% of the dietary protein source is marine-derived. Adolescent pigs also had consistently lower δ15N values than either piglets or sows consuming the same diet for collagen and muscle, which is most likely caused by the differences in growth rate among the age categories. Further, for some tissues and animals, a linear relationship between the amount of marine protein consumed and the Δ15NTissue – Whole Diet offset was also observed. We suggest that this variability results from both age-associated growth rates and differential incorporation of amino acids from terrestrial and marine dietary protein into rapidly growing tissue.

STABLE CARBON AND NITROGEN ISOTOPE EVIDENCE FOR DIETARY VARIABILITY AT ANCIENT POMPEII, ITALY

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope results are presented for a sample of human and faunal bones and food remains excavated from Pompeii. The well-preserved organic remains provide a valuable resource to examine ancient lifeways associated with a Roman city during a distinct period of time associated with the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Isotopic results indicate human diets that are consistent with the archaeological and documentary evidence for diverse dietary intake for all residents of Pompeii consisting of a range of cereals, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat from domestic and wild animals. Males had similar animal protein intakes to those of females, but they ingested significantly greater amounts of seafood than females. The great range of dietary variability among and between males and females indicated by the isotopic data suggests the existence of past dietary distinctions based on social role and/or social class. In comparison to other isotopic studies in the region, human diets at Pompeii are similar to those of Danish farmers and coastal Greek colonies in southern Italy (Metaponto) but included greater amounts of marine protein. Carbon isotope values for domestic animals indicate a C3-based terrestrial diet, while nitrogen isotope values distinguish herbivores from omnivores and carnivores.

Human dietary assessment in the Pre-colonial Lesser Antilles: New stable isotope evidence from Lavoutte, Saint Lucia

Human dietary assessment in the Pre-colonial Lesser Antilles: New stable isotope evidence from Lavoutte, Saint Lucia

Diet in Peru's pre-Hispanic central coast

Diet in Peru's pre-Hispanic central coast

Evaluation of fish meal and fish oil replacement by soybean protein and algal meal from Schizochytrium limacinum in diets for giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus

Evaluation of fish meal and fish oil replacement by soybean protein and algal meal from Schizochytrium limacinum in diets for giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus

Human and Canid Dietary Relationships: Comparative Stable Isotope Analysis From the Kodiak Archipelago, Alaska

Abstract Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes are used to address the dietary relationship between humans and two canid species at the Uyak site (KOD-145) on Kodiak Island, Alaska: dog (Canis familiaris) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). We assess the relative contribution of marine and terrestrial protein to each species’ diet as a measure of their dietary relationship to people, using zooarchaeological data, food web data, and ethnohistoric observations to interpret the results. The results suggest that dogs and foxes had different diets: the dogs are consistently enriched in both 13C and 15N, which indicates a heavy dependence on marine protein, while the fox samples produced both marine and terrestrial isotope values. Data from this project have the potential to expand our understanding of human-canid relationships in this island environment and in the greater context of island ecology, and contribute some of the first isotopic data for small terrestrial mammals in the Gulf of Alaska.

Convento di San Francesco a Folloni: the function of a Medieval Franciscan Friary seen through the burials

Abstract Background The Franciscan Friary in Montella near Avellino in Southern Italy is of special interest because according to historical sources it was founded by St. Francis himself in AD 1221–1222. Human remains of several hundred individuals interred in the cloister walk have been unearthed during two excavation campaigns conducted in 2007–2008 and 2010. The environs of the friary have remained rural since the foundation preventing much modern contamination. The state of preservation of the skeletons is fair to good making a suite of analyses worthwhile. Results The skeletons have been examined anthropologically and tissue samples have been subjected to radiocarbon dating, stable isotope measurements and trace element analyses by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Conclusions The radiocarbon dates are consistent with the historical sources and show that the cemetery in the cloister walk has been in uninterrupted use from the foundation of the friary in AD 1221–1222 and until the cemetery went out of use in AD 1524. The anthropological investigations show that the individuals interred at the friary would have been shorter than other Italians from the same time, and it seems that tuberculosis was more prevalent than leprosy. Isotopic measurements show a mixed agricultural and pastoral diet and none of the individuals were consuming marine protein. Based on the trace element analysis it seems that the people resided mainly at two distinct geographical areas, one of which was Montella. One individual stands out from the rest, because he was born and raised at some third geographical location distinct from Montella and because he sports the second oldest radiocarbon date of AD 1050–1249 (two sigma calibrated range). This date is consistent with the first generation of the founders of the friary—perhaps one of St. Francis’ fellow travellers from Assisi.

Compound-specific amino acid isotopic proxies for detecting freshwater resource consumption

Of central importance to palaeodietary reconstruction is a clear understanding of relative contributions of different terrestrial (i.e., C3 vs. C4 plants) and aquatic (i.e., freshwater vs. marine) resources to human diet. There are, however, significant limitations associated with the ability to reconstruct palaeodiet using bulk collagen stable isotope compositions in regions where diverse dietary resources are available. Recent research has determined that carbon-isotope analysis of individual amino acids has considerable potential to elucidate dietary protein source where bulk isotopic compositions cannot. Using δ13CAA values for human and faunal remains from Zvejnieki, Latvia (8th – 3rd millennia BCE), we test several isotopic proxies focused on distinguishing freshwater protein consumption from both plant-derived and marine protein consumption. We determined that the Δ13CGly-Phe and Δ13CVal-Phe proxies can effectively discriminate between terrestrial and aquatic resource consumption, and the relationship between essential δ13CAA values and the Δ13CGly-Phe and Δ13CVal-Phe proxies can differentiate among the four protein consumption groups tested here. Compound-specific amino acid carbon-isotope dietary proxies thus enable an enhanced understanding of diet and resource exploitation in the past, and can elucidate complex dietary behaviour.