Urchin Gonads Research Articles

Effects of Vitamin C on the Gonad Growth, Texture Traits, Collagen Content and Synthesis Related Gene Expression of Sea Urchin (Mesocentrotus nudus).

The market value of sea urchin gonads is determined by the specific characteristics associated with gonad size and texture. Formulated feeds can effectively promote the gonad growth of sea urchins but cannot assure essential gonad texture traits. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of vitamin C (VC) on the gonad growth, texture, collagen content, and the expression of genes involved in the collagen synthesis of sea urchins (Mesocentrotus nudus). Graded amounts of VC (0, 3000 and 6000 mg/kg) were supplemented to make three formulated feeds. Fresh kelp (Saccharina japonica) was used as the control diet. Each diet was randomly distributed to three tanks of M. nudus. The results indicated that the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and texture traits of M. nudus fed C3000 were significantly greater than those fed C0 and C6000. Collagen type I (Col I) in the gonads of M. nudus fed C3000 showed significantly greater areas than those fed C0 and C6000. Consistently, the expression levels of collagen alpha-1 (colp1α) of M. nudus fed C3000 were significantly higher than those fed C0 and C6000. As for the transforming growth factor beta (tgf-β)/Smads pathway, the expression levels of collagen synthesis genes (tgf-β receptor 1 and 2, smad nuclear-interacting protein 1 (snip1) and prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit beta (p4hβ)) in the C3000 group were significantly greater than those in the C0, C6000 and kelp groups. On the contrary, the expression levels of collagen degradation genes (lysyl oxidase-like 2 (loxl2) and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (mmp14)) in the C3000 group were significantly lower than those in the C0, C6000 and kelp groups. In conclusion, VC at an addition level of 3000 mg/kg significantly increased the gonad texture and collagen contents of M. nudus, which could be accomplished by increasing collagen synthesis and inhibiting collagen degradation through the tgf-β/Smads pathway. These results could contribute to better understanding the beneficial effects of VC addition on the gonad texture quality of M. nudus.

Utilization of gonad sea urchin for cookies product as a potential local resources in preventing stuting in Linsowu Village North Buton Regency

Stunting is a child's growth and development disorder caused by a lack of nutritional intake, infection, or inadequate stimulation. The impact of stunting includes decreased intelligence, vulnerability to disease, hampered economic growth and work productivity, and exacerbated inequality. The aim of this service is to provide information, knowledge, and education about the processing of sea urchins into cookies as a local resource with the potential to prevent stunting. This community service aims to educate through outreach and counseling using a food diversification approach for participants. The service was carried out in one of the houses of Linsowu Village residents, involving 47 participants in the socialization session and 27 participants in the counseling session. The target children, who were given cookies, included 11 children suffering from stunting. The PKM activities were conducted over 2 days, starting with the socialization stage on the first day and counseling on the following day, which focused on live demonstration activities related to the procedures for making sea urchin gonad-based cookies. The result of this activity is a cookie product made from sea urchin gonads, ready to be consumed by children suffering from stunting, made from Soroaki and Taeo gonads. Based on taste and preferences, cookies with a mixture of pineapple jam and Soroaki gonads were the most popular with both participants and stunted children.

Metabolomics of Strongylocentrotus intermedius fatty acid metabolism under high-temperature stress conditions

The gonads of sea urchins are the primary source of nutritional value; these gonads are rich in nutrients, particularly PUFAs, which are essential for the gonads' growth and development as well as their nutritional worth. Strongylocentrotus intermedius grows best at a temperature of 15 °C. However, the contemporary climate is unstable, and abrupt fluctuations in water temperature are frequently brought on by extreme weather. Therefore, S. intermedius were exposed to several temperature gradients (15 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C) and varied stress periods (7 days, 30 days) in order to investigate the impact of temperature on the concentration of fatty acids in the gonads of S. intermedius. The following are the study's primary findings: The fatty acid (FA) content of the S. intermedius is investigated at three temperatures (15 °C (control), 20 °C, and 25 °C) after exposure for 7 and 30 days. Urchin gonads were metabolized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Relative to the control, after 7 d temperature stress at 20 °C, 33 FA metabolites were differentially expressed, of which mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and most long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) were downregulated, and saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (ω-3 PUFA and ω-6 PUFA) were upregulated (P < 0.05); at 25 °C, 16 FA metabolites were differentially expressed, of which MCFA, ω-3 PUFA, and ω-6 PUFA were upregulated (P < 0.05), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), MCFA, MUFA, and some LCFA were downregulated. KEGG metabolic pathway analysis annotated FA metabolites to 62 metabolic pathways. Biosynthetic metabolic pathways that are significantly enriched in unsaturated FAs. Relative to the control, after 30 d temperature stress at 20 °C, four FA metabolites were differentially expressed, of which ω-6 PUFA was downregulated (P < 0.05), and other PUFAs were upregulated (P < 0.05); at 25 °C, 10 FA metabolites were differentially expressed, of which mid-chain SFA, ω-3 PUFA, ω-6 PUFA, and ω-6 MUFA were downgraded (P < 0.05), and short-chain MUFA and long-chain SFA were upregulated (P < 0.05). After 30 d exposure to elevated temperatures, differentially expressed metabolites of FAs are annotated to five KEGG metabolic pathways. S. intermedius may reduce energy consumption by regulating FA metabolism, where ω-3 and ω-6 PUFA may be prioritized for oxidative energy supply. As exposure to temperature stress increases, urchins are unable to synthesize more ω-3 PUFA to deal with inflammation. Changes in FA composition can be used as a sensitive early warning biometric indicator.

Insights into the quality changes of edible sea urchin (Echinus esculentus) gonads during ice storage

The study aimed to assess the quality changes of E. esculentus gonads during 14-days of ice storage. Microbial quality and community composition succession were examined using both culture-dependent and independent methods. Additionally, the chemical profile, including spoilage metabolite production, proximate composition, fatty acids and amino acids distribution, was investigated. Colorimetric and texture parameters were also assessed. Microbial counts were relatively stable until day 4, followed by rapid growth, reaching 7.3 ± 0.1 log CFU/g on day 8 for psychrotrophic counts. Pseudomonas emerged as the primary specific spoilage organism, followed by Photobacterium and Psychrobacter. Concurrently, inosine, hypoxanthine and biogenic amines formation correlated with the rapid microbial proliferation. The fresh gonads' lipid consisted of 29.4 ± 1.0% SFA, 18.7 ± 1.0% MUFA and 46.5 ± 2.7% PUFA, with no significant changes up to day 8 of ice storage. The initial ratio of essential to non-essential amino acids was 62.3 ± 1.8% and declined during storage, while the concentration of free amino acids significantly increased after 4 days of ice storage. Notable shifts in the lightness and texture parameters coincided with the water content reduction. Overall, the results indicated satisfactory gonad quality for up to 4 days of ice storage, beyond which significant degradation and spoilage processes were initiated. This study could offer insights to enhance comprehension and prolong the quality stability of gonads.

Valorisation of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) gonads through canning

Fresh sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) gonads are a delicacy with short seasonal availability, very often heterogeneous in size and intrinsic characteristics. This study aimed to valorise this resource through the preparation of canned products (with/without Porphyra spp.) and evaluate their physicochemical and sensory quality (3–12 months). Canning contributed to a decrease in protein, K and most carotenoids contents; and a concentration of lipids, ash, Na and Se levels. A simulated 12-month ageing led to decrease the protein and β-carotene contents; and the Na and lutein levels concentration. The macroalgae addition resulted in an orange, darker and less soft product, with higher carbohydrates, Na, Se and carotenoids contents. A 25 g-dose contributes to significant daily intakes of protein (8–9%), EPA+DHA (47–53%), I (35–62%) and Se (30–47%). The products were commercially stable/sterile and had good sensory acceptance. Overall, canning constitutes a strategy to provide a nutritionally balanced product available all year-round.

Bacteriological study of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) gonads associated with seawater physico-chemistry and environmental factors in the Mediterranean Sea of Morocco

The preservation of marine ecosystems and the safety of harvested seafood have elicited global concern. In this study, we evaluated bacterial contamination levels in sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus gonads with relation to environmental factors and the physicochemical parameters of seawater. This investigation aimed to assess bacterial contamination levels of Total Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria (TAMB), Enterobacteriaceae (ETB), Fecal Coliforms (FC), Staphylococcus aureus(STAPH), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella spp. (SALM) in sea urchin gonads collected from the Tangier coast between December 2020 and November 2021, per Moroccan regulations (NM 08.7.040). Twenty-one physicochemical, environmental, and biological parameters were assessed in 360 samples of P. lividus from four seasons. The results of these parameters were processed using multivariate statistical approaches. It was found that almost all biological parameters had concentrations below Moroccan regulatory limits, except for FC in July (173 CFU/g). Furthermore, E. coli and SALM were absent. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the F1 component was associated with a combination of environmental, microbiological, and anthropogenic factors. These associations contributed to 59.02% of all data variations and were strongly influenced by seasonality. The F2 component contributed to 26.33% of all data variations. These findings may aid decision-makers in the protection of public health in sensitive locations such as the Tangier coast in northern Morocco.

Investigating the diets and condition of Centrostephanus rodgersii (long-spined urchin) in barrens and macroalgae habitats in south-eastern Australia

Sea urchins are important herbivores that can graze macroalgae, creating ‘barren’ areas. These barrens are believed to offer little food for urchins due to the absence of attached macroalgae, leading to malnourishment as indicated by a low urchin gonad index. To investigate the diet and resultant gonad index of the long-spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii in New South Wales, Australia, we dissected 100 C. rodgersii individuals collected in macroalgae and barrens habitats along &gt;470 km of SE NSW coastline. Diverse items were present in the digestive tracts of urchins from all habitats. These items included brown (42% barrens, 46% macroalgae), green (28% barrens, 42% macroalgae) and red algae (15% barrens, 12% macroalgae) and corallines (29% barrens, 37% macroalgae), molluscs (28% barrens, 29% macroalgae) and crustaceans (26% barrens, 22% macroalgae). There was no difference in urchin gut fullness between habitats (85% barrens, 90% macroalgae). Importantly, the gonad index only differed in macroalgae compared to barrens habitats at one location, with no differences detected at the other 4 locations. These results suggest that C. rodgersii has a diverse diet that is similar in both habitats, which could explain the similarities in gut fullness and gonad index. Our results suggest that C. rodgersii eat a broad diet including invertebrates and drift algae, and hence may not be malnourished in barrens. The finding of comparable gonad index between barrens and macroalgal areas further supports this conclusion. These findings challenge the prevailing perspective, indicating that sea urchins have sufficient food to survive and reproduce in different habitats.

Osmoregulation pattern, condition factor, and gonadal maturity level of sea urchins in the various ecosystems of Panjang Island, Jepara, Indonesia

Abstract. Suryanti S, Anggoro S, A’in C, Widyorini N. 2024. Osmoregulation pattern, condition factor, and gonadal maturity level of sea urchins in the various ecosystems of Panjang Island, Jepara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 502-509. Panjang Island has a diversity of ecosystems. It is also famous for its abundance of echinoids, especially sea urchins. Currently, research on sea urchins in Panjang Island is mostly limited to studies on the abundance and maturity of gonads. This study investigates the osmoregulation patterns, condition factors, and maturity indices of sea urchin gonads in different ecosystems that are sea urchin habitats on Panjang Island, Jepara, Indonesia. Sampling is done randomly, while the research method is a case study. The results showed that there are 2 species of sea urchins found on Panjang Island, namely Diadema setosum Leske, 1778 and Echinothrix calamaris Pallas, 1774. Analysis of osmoregulation patterns showed that sea urchins at station 1 were hyperconformers, while sea urchins at stations 2 and 3 were hypo-conformers. Sea urchins at 3 stations had a positive allometric growth pattern (b&gt;3) and a high condition factor (K&gt;1). The average Gonadosomatic Index (GI) calculation result was 8.72%, while the type of ecosystem of the research stations influenced the color and texture of different gonads. Sea urchins are in immature, mature, and spawning stages, so the sea urchins on Panjang Island were partially spawned.

Advances in Aquaculture Hatchery Techniques of Sea Urchin Sphaerechinus granularis (Lamarck, 1816) (Echinoidea: Toxopneustidae): Broodstock Conditioning and Spawning Induction.

In response to the growing demand for sea urchin gonads (roe or uni) in Asian and European markets and the concerns regarding the overexploitation of wild populations, this preliminary study addresses the need for cost-effective protocols in echinoculture. The primary focus of this research was to evaluate the gonadosomatic index (GI) in captive-conditioned Sphaerechinus granularis over a five-month period and compare it with that of their wild-caught conspecifics. Additionally, two different spawning induction methods were assessed: potassium chloride (KCl) injection and agitation. Results indicate that captive-conditioned sea urchins exhibit significantly higher GI values when compared to their wild-caught counterparts. Furthermore, it was observed that the agitation method is equally effective as the KCl injection in triggering a positive response, i.e., gamete ejection, while maintaining lower mortality rates among the subjected S. granularis. In conclusion, this preliminary study underscores the pivotal role of broodstock conditioning in supporting the sustainability of sea urchin aquaculture. Moreover, the spawning induction method through agitation emerges as a viable alternative to the traditional intracelomic KCl injection, offering comparable efficacy without compromising the survival of the broodstock. These findings have significant implications for the development of sustainable sea urchin farming practices.

The Effect of Combined Administration of Sea Urchin Gonad and Aloe Vera Suspension on the Enhancement of Macrophage Phagocytosis Activity in Male White Rats Induced by Salmonella Typhimurium

This research determined the influence of the administration of combined gonadal sea urchin suspension and aloe vera to improve the macrophage phagocyte activities of male mice (Rattus norvergicus). This experimental laboratory research used a posttest-only control group design with white mice (Rattus norvegicus). The researcher grouped the mice into three groups: the negative control group with CMC-Na (0,5% /kg Weight); the positive group with Levamisole 0,9 mg/ 200 weight; and the intervention group with combined gonadal sea urchin suspension, Tripeneustes gratila, with a dose of 2,2700g/kg Weight, and the extracted aloe vera for 15ml. The researcher provided the treatment for 12 days, orally, twice a day with the induction of Salmonella typhimurium of 104 CFU 0,1 ml on the fifth day. The outcome of the macrophage phagocyte capability on the thirteenth day was calculated with the phagocytes index. The One-Way Anova test of gonadal sea urchin suspension, Tripneustes gratila with a dose of 2.2700 g/kg Weight with the extracted aloe vera indicated the highest phagocytes index, 2.28 (p&lt;0.05) than the control group. The combined gonadal sea urchin suspension, Tripneustes gratilla, with the extracted aloe vera could improve the macrophage phagocyte activities.

The changes of phospholipid degradation in sea urchin gonads (Glyptocidaris crenularis) during cold storage at 4°C

AbstractSea urchin gonads (SUGs) are rich in phospholipid (PL) which is easily oxidized and hydrolyzed during cold storage. PL changes were evaluated to clarify the quality changes of sea urchins during 72 h storage at 4°C. During storage at 4°C, PL content decreased, including phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol content decreased significantly and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) was detected after 36 h storage. At the same time, phospholipase C and phospholipase D remained active, and the content of free choline and free fatty acids increased, suggesting that PL was hydrolyzed. The addition of n‐butanol inhibited the activity of phospholipases C and D, decrease of total PL content, and the production of LPC and free choline, indicating that phospholipase‐mediated hydrolysis of PL in gonads occurred during refrigeration. The addition of vitamin E inhibited lipoxygenase, reduced lipid peroxidation (POV), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. It indicated that lipoxygenase in SUG mediated the oxidative degradation of PL during cold storage.

Integrated microRNA-mRNA analysis provides new insights into gonad coloration in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius

Comparative microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA transcriptome analyses were performed on Strongylocentrotus intermedius of the same sex with significant gonadal color differences. The results indicated that 1) the color of female gonads was generally superior to that of males. 2) Comparative and integrated miRNA and mRNA transcriptome analyses identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in female and male individuals with significant gonadal color differences. Common and sex-specific DEGs and “DEM-DEG” pairs involved in carotenoid absorption, accumulation, and transformation were identified as candidates correlated with gonad coloration in S. intermedius. Collectively, the results from this study have enriched our knowledge of the process of sea urchin gonad coloration and should provide additional clues for increasing the gonad quality of commercial sea urchins from molecular and metabolic aspects.

Chemical Analysis of Sea urchin Diademasetosum Gonads

Sea urchins Diademasetosum can be found in shallow waters. Sea urchin gonads are nutritionally valuable and capable of accumulating heavy metals. This study aims to determine the moisture content, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, Pb, Cd metal content and determine the Maximum Tolerable Intake (MTI) of sea urchin D. setosum gonads. Gonad samples were obtained from three coasts of Huangobotu, Botubarani and Kurenai, Kabila Bone Sub-district, Bone Bolango Regency, using a purposive sampling technique. Gonads were analyzed proximate, including moisture, ash, protein, fat and carbohydrate content. Analysis of Pb and Cd levels using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results were analyzed statistically using One-Way ANOVA Test. The results showed that the average moisture, ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content of gonads on the coast of Huangobotu, Botubarani, and Kurenai were significantly different (p0.005); moisture content 71.91%, 75.04%, 78.51%; ash content 1.88%, 1.15%, 2.76%; protein content 9.90%, 12.81%, 15.53%; fat content 7.33%, 3.05%, 4.84%; carbohydrate content 2.35%, 7.92%, 4.93%. Pb levels were significantly different (p0.005) 0.063 mg/kg, 0.039 mg/kg, and 0.018 mg/kg, respectively; Cd levels were not significantly different (p0.005) 0.020 mg/kg, 0.012 mg/kg, 0.014 mg/kg respectively. MTI Pb adults 23.8kg, 38.4kg, 83.3kg, children 5.9kg, 9.6kg, 20.8kg. MTI Cd adults 21kg, 35kg, 30kg, children 5.25kg, 8.75kg, 7.5kg. D. setosumhas potential as a source of protein and can be utilized as food by considering the MTI value.

Effect of Supplementary Food Substitution of Sea Urchin Gonads (Diadema Setosum) on TSH Hormone, Height, and Weight of Stunted Toddlers in Soropia District

Stunting results in generational loss due to decreased ability to work productivity and IQ. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) plays an important role in the growth process, in chronic growth hormone deficiency conditions will spur the incidence of stunting. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of supplementary food formula substitution of sea urchin gonads (Diadema Setosum) on Thyroid hormone, height and weight of stunted toddlers in Soropia District. This experiment using RCT (Randomized Control Trial) design. The sample in this study were stunted toddlers in Soropia District. The formula uses a substitution of sea urchin gonads (Diadema Setosum) which is given in one portion of additional food. Additional food in the form of nuggets, sausages, bakwan. The formula is given for 3 months with a frequency of every day for 90 days. The Results to be achieved that the availability of supplementary food formulations substituting sea urchin gonads, nutritional content of supplementary food formulas, energy and protein consumption data, data on body height and thyroid hormone levels, body height and weight before and after supplementary food formulas

Insight into the relationship between metabolite dynamic changes and microorganisms of sea urchin (S. intermedius) gonads during storage.

Sea urchin gonads have high nutritional value and degenerate rapidly during storage. Previous assessment of the freshness of sea urchin gonads was based on experience without valid biochemical indicators. Thus, the current study is to find biochemical indicators representing the freshness of sea urchin gonads. Results showed that the dominant genera of sea urchin gonads were changed from Psychromonas, Ralstonia, and Roseimarinus to Aliivibrio, Psychrilyobacter, and Photobacterium. The differential metabolites of sea urchin gonads were mainly produced through amino acids metabolism. Among them, GC-TOF-MS based differential metabolites had the greatest enrichment in the valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis pathway, while LC-MS based differential metabolites had the greatest enrichment in the alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism pathway. The growth of dominant genus (Aliivibrio) had a great influence on the production of differential metabolites. These results will provide valuable information for accurately judging the freshness and shelf life of sea urchin gonads.

Urchin Gonad Response to Kelp Forest Restoration on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, California

Along the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern California, high densities of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (purple sea urchin) have consumed almost all macroalgae on large expanses (61 ha) of rocky reef habitat, creating “urchin barrens.” Mesocentrotus franciscanus (red sea urchin) harvesting comprises an important fishery in the region, as their gonads are sold as a high-value sushi product called “uni.” However, with a lack of macroalgal food resources, urchins in barrens are smaller and exist in a starved state, meaning little, if any, gonad product is available to the fishery. To restore local kelp forests and increase gonad biomass available to the M. franciscanus fishery, beginning in October 2013, S. purpuratus were culled in barrens to a target density of 2 per m2 across 5.2 ha of rocky reef on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Mesocentrotus franciscanus were collected from urchin barren, restoration, and kelp reference sites from April to November 2014 to compare differences in gonad production among the three site types. Culling S. purpuratus resulted in the recovery of normal seasonal M. franciscanus gonad production throughout the 8-month study. Mesocentrotus franciscanus gonad weights at a given test diameter length in restoration sites were equivalent to, and sometimes exceeded, the gonad production of those from the kelp reference sites. The urchin test length distributions of collected M. franciscanus were consistently smaller at urchin barren sites than at kelp reference sites, while those in restoration sites generally fell in between.

The effect of a formulated feed on the body growth and gonads quality of purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) aquaculture produced

Sea urchin gonads are a prized gourmet product in many areas of the globe, and wild populations are threatened by increasing demand, making this species a very desirable product in aquaculture. Due to the unique needs of each stage of the life cycle, a viable food protocol that seeks to satisfy each stage while optimizing production profitability is required. The objective of this work was to test a formulated feed for sea urchins, through the analysis of somatic growth, gonad development and their fatty acid profile. These results were compared with sea urchins fed natural food (Ulva spp.) At the end of the trial Paracentrotus lividus juveniles fed inert diet had higher total wet weight gain, total specific growth rate, and gonadosomatic index than those fed with macroalgae. However, histological observations did not reveal differences in the maturation state of the gonads. In comparison to sea urchins fed fresh Ulva spp., inert diet showed higher total wet weight gain and higher total specific growth rate. Fatty acid contents of the gonads of each treatment were found to be similar. The DHA levels in the gonads of sea-urchins fed the formulated feed were significantly higher. It was possible to record the biosynthesis activity of some fatty acids such as 20:4 ω 6, 16:4 ω 3, and 20:3 ω 3. It was found that the presence of some essential fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, in the gonads is only dependent on the food profile. The addition of a DHA-rich ingredient in the formulated feed may have been preponderant in the constitution and development of the sea-urchins’ gonads.

Understanding the Symbiotic Relationship between the Sea Urchin Loxechinus albus (Molina, 1782) and the Pea Crab Pinnaxodes chilensis (H. Milne Edwards, 1837): a Potential Parasitism.

The echinoderm Loxechinus albus has a symbiotic relationship with the pinnotherid crustacean Pinnaxodes chilensis. Females of the crustacean develop in the terminal section of the sea urchin's digestive system, remaining there for life. This relationship has been suggested as commensalism. However, a potential negative impact on gonadal development and on the morphology of the sea urchin's digestive system suggest that it is instead parasitic. To study if there is a negative impact of the crustacean symbiont on the host, specimens of L. albus of all sizes were collected from a rocky shore in southern Chile. The gonadal and somatic tissues of sea urchins that were and were not harboring the pinnotherid were weighed and compared. Our results show that the presence of the pinnotherid was related to sea urchin gonads of lower biomass, decreased gonadosomatic index levels, and alterations in the morphology of the terminal portion of the host digestive system. The lower gonadal biomass suggests a negative impact on gamete production as well as a diversion of energy due to changes of the digestive system tissues and the potential consumption of algal food by the resident crustacean. These results suggest that the prolonged relationship between these two species is one of parasitism rather than one of commensalism.

Nutritional characteristics of sea urchin (Diadema setosum) in Bungus, West Sumatera Province

Sea urchin is a food that has high nutrition for consumption and sale. Utilization of the gonad Diadema setosum as a food ingredient because it has high nutritional value, such as food additives, fermented products, and body health. Sea urchin gonad components consist of amino acids that are beneficial in various fields of health, especially in increasing the immune system. This study aims to obtain the value of the proportion and chemical composition of sea urchins gonad. The research method consisted of two stages, namely: 1) Preparation of sea urchin gonadal flour and 2) Proximate analysis of sea urchins gonad. Parameters observed consisted of morphology, proportion of sea urchins, and proximate sea urchins. The results showed that 7 cm diameter sea urchins had a proportion value of 11.11% shell and 4.44% gonad. The chemical composition of sea urchins gonad is moisture content 74.54%, ash content 17.44% (db), protein content 58.96% (db), fat content 20.31% (db), and carbohydrates 3.30% (db).

Detection of microplastics and phthalic acid esters in sea urchins from Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea)

The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in wild purple sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) of Sardinia (Italy, Western Mediterranean Sea) was surveyed. Specifically, MPs were analyzed in the digestive tract by μFTIR and PAEs in the gonads by SPME-LC-MS/MS. 9 out of 22 specimens resulted contaminated with MPs and 20 displayed levels of PAEs over the quantification limit. A total of 23 MPs were detected with a maximum concentration of 4 microplastics/individual in the commercially undersized specimens. PAEs displayed average concentration of 32 ng/g, σ = 5.3 with maximum value of 77 ng/g. The most abundant congeners were DEHP (17 ng/g, σ = 4.3) and DBP (10 ng/g, σ = 2.5). Statistical analysis showed correlation between DEHP and fiber concentrations and among the concentration of MEP, DEP, DBP and BBzP. Due to local use of sea urchin gonads as gourmet delicacy, the potential human exposition to MPs and PAEs by consumption is also discussed.