The potential use of papaya and banana peels as substrate to enhance the pigment production of Gram-positive bacterial strain isolated from Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis

Aims@#The microbial pigment can be the best promising alternative to replace synthetic colorant. However, due to the high cost of synthetic medium for microbial pigment production, there is a need to develop a new low-cost medium of bacterial pigment production. This study aims to investigate the potential of banana and papaya peels as alternative lowcost substrates for a carotenoid-producing bacterium, B12 strain (bacteria strain isolated from Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis).@*Methodology and results@#B12 strain identified as an aerobic bacterium with non-motile, diplobacilli shaped and Grampositive bacteria. The fermentation was optimized with different parameters included the effect of temperature, time, concentrations, pHs, carbon and nitrogen sources to find the optimum relative pigment concentration produced by B12. The results showed that the B12 strain produced the highest relative pigment concentration measured at 450 nm when the strain was cultivated at 37 °C and pH 7 in the culture medium incorporated with the combination of dried papaya peels and banana peels (100% v/v with ratio 1:1) at 72 h of incubation. Lactose, peptone and yeast were observed as the best carbon and nitrogen sources to increase the pigment concentration of B12 strain. Stability of the pigment was studied at different physiochemical stress, and it showed the pigment obtained from dried papaya and banana substrates can tolerate and stable under stress condition.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This can be concluded that the combination of dried papaya and banana peels worked well as substrate and can be utilized as a fermentation medium to replace the synthetic medium which is more expensive and uneconomical for industry application. Besides, it also helps in managing waste and solving the pollution problem due to the increasing of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD).

Feeding habits of Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) in a Mexican Pacific reef / Hábitos alimenticios de Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) en un arrecife del Pacífico Mexicano

Introduction: The importance of holothuroids in marine ecosystems is related to their feeding activities, which have been little studied in the eastern Pacific. Objective: To describe the feeding habits of the sea cucumber Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea and their bioturbation potential in La Entrega reef, México. Methods: The population size of H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea was determined by means of four 20 x 4 m (320 m2) band transects, while the available sediment for the sea cucumbers and their feces were characterized in three stations (A-C) via granulometry and quantification of organic carbon and organic matter. Excretion rate was determined every 4 hr over a 24 hr period and the relationship between sea cucumber length and biomass and the excretion rate evaluated. Results: According to non-parametric permutation, ordination and percentage similarity analyses, sea cucumber feces mostly comprised a large proportion of small grains compared to the available sediment, indicating that H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea is selective on grain size. Preliminary bioturbation potential of the species may reach up to 8.71 ± 0.17 kg day of sediment in the study area. Conclusion: The spatial distribution of H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea in the study area is a product of its selective feeding activity, evidencing the preliminary importance of the species in the trophic dynamics of La Entrega reef.

Introducción: La relevancia de los holoturoideos en los ecosistemas marinos está relacionada con sus actividades alimenticias, las cuales han sido escasamente estudiadas en el Pacífico oriental. Objetivo: Describir los hábitos alimenticios del pepino de mar Holothuria (Stauropora) fuscocinerea y su potencial de bioturbación en el arrecife La Entrega, México. Métodos: Se determinó el tamaño poblacional de H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea mediante cuatro transectos de banda de 20 x 4 m (320 m2), mientras que la caracterización de los sedimentos disponibles y las heces de los pepinos se realizó en tres estaciones (A-C) mediante granulometría y cuantificación de carbono orgánico y materia orgánica. Se determinó la tasa de excreción cada 4 hr durante un periodo de 24 hr y se evaluó la relación entre la talla y la biomasa con la tasa de excreción. Resultados: De acuerdo con un análisis no paramétrico mediante permutaciones, ordenación y similitud, las heces de los pepinos estuvieron compuestas en su mayoría por una gran cantidad de granos pequeños en comparación con el sedimento disponible, lo que sugiere que H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea es una especie selectiva respecto al tamaño de grano. El potencial de bioturbación preliminar de la especie puede alcanzar 8.71 ± 0.17 kg día en el área de estudio. Conclusiones: La distribución espacial de H. (Stauropora) fuscocinerea en el área de estudio es producto de su selectividad alimenticia, evidenciando la importancia de la especie en la dinámica trófica del arrecife La Entrega.

Caracterización de los ácidos grasos y actividad antimicrobiana del extracto en metanol de Holothuria princeps (Holothuriida: Holothuriidae) / Characterization of fatty acids and antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract of Holothuria princeps (Holothuriida: Holothuriidae)

Introduction: In recent decades, studies related to the search and characterization of bioactive molecules in marine organisms have increased exponentially, demonstrating the enormous wealth of secondary metabolites of diverse structural composition that cannot be found in organisms present in the terrestrial environment. A significant number of the new marine natural compounds discovered have contributed to solving some of the problems of humanity, mainly those related to human health. Objective: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the bactericidal and fungicidal activities of the methanolic extract of sea cucumber Holothuria princeps collect from the bay of Cispatá in the Colombian Caribbean, in addition to chemically identifying its fatty acids. Methods: A methanolic extraction was performed from the collected biological material, by the cold maceration method. The extract obtained was fractionated using chromatographic techniques and the fatty acids were obtained, which were derivatized and identified by means of gas chromatography in coupling with mass spectrometry. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the methanolic extract of Holothuria princeps was performed through the microdilution method against reference strains and clinical isolates. Results: We found 16 fatty acids present in Holothuria princeps according to the analysis of their mass spectra. Antibacterial activity showed that Enterococcus faecalis was the most susceptible to the extract at low concentrations, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the highest at the higher concentrations. In antifungal treatment, the fungus with the highest inhibition was the clinical isolate of Candida albicans (blood sample). Conclusions: Taking into account previous studies in the genus Holothuria, it is considered that the environment plays a fundamental role in the presence and diversity of fatty acids. The evaluation of the antibacterial activity against reference strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis demonstrated the existence of a considerable effect in the reduction of bacterial growth by the extracts applied, mainly at low concentrations (less than 1 000 ppm). On the other hand, the antifungal activity against the reference strain of Candida albicans and the clinical isolates of Candida albicans (blood sample) and Candida krusei (catheter sample), the extract showed that the best results were presented at higher concentrations (above 1 500 ppm).

Introducción: En las últimas décadas los estudios relacionados con la búsqueda y caracterización de moléculas bioactivas en organismos marinos han aumentado de una manera exponencial, lo que demuestra la enorme riqueza de metabolitos secundarios de diversa composición estructural que no pueden ser encontrados en organismos presentes en el medio terrestre. Estas nuevas moléculas halladas poseen numerosas actividades biológicas que ayudan a resolver muchos problemas que ha tenido el hombre a lo largo de su existencia, lo que las convierte en productos de gran importancia para la humanidad. Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es la identificación de los ácidos grasos presentes en el pepino de mar Holothuria princeps recolectado en costas del Caribe colombiano, además del análisis de las actividades antibacterianas y antifúngicas de su extracto metanólico frente a cepas de referencia y aislados clínicos. Métodos: Del material biológico recolectado se realizó una extracción metanólica usando el método de maceración en frío. El extracto obtenido se fraccionó usando cromatografía en columna y se lograron obtener los ácidos grasos, los cuales fueron derivatizados e identificados por medio de cromatografía de gases en acople con espectrometría de masas. La actividad antibacteriana y antifúngica del extracto metanólico de Holothuria princeps se realizó a través del método de microdilución. Resultados: Los resultados arrojaron la identificación de 16 ácidos grasos presentes en Holothuria princeps de acuerdo con el análisis de sus espectros de masas. La actividad antibacteriana mostró que Enterococcus faecalis fue la bacteria más susceptible al efecto del extracto a bajas concentraciones, mientras que a las más altas lo fue Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A nivel general en el tratamiento antifúngico, el hongo que presentó una mayor inhibición fue el aislado clínico de Candida albicans (muestra de sangre). Conclusiones: Teniendo en cuenta estudios previos en organismos del mismo género, se puede considerar en cuanto a los ácidos grasos identificados, que el entorno juega un papel fundamental en la presencia y composición de estos compuestos. La evaluación de la actividad antibacteriana contra cepas de referencia de Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae y Enterococcus faecalis, demostró la existencia de un efecto considerable en la reducción del crecimiento bacteriano por parte de los extractos utilizados, principalmente a bajas concentraciones (menos de 1 000 ppm). En cuanto

Valor nutricional de espécies marinhas comercializadas no mercado informal / Nutritional value of marine species comercialized in the informal market

No Brasil, além das espécies marinhas tradicionais de consumo há captura não reportada e comércio informal de espécies não convencionais, com crescente demanda gastronômica. Este estudo analisou o valor nutricional e rendimento do saquaritá Stramonita haemastomae e do pepino-do-mar Holothuria grisea coletados na Baía de Santos, SP, de fevereiro/2018 a junho/2018. Foram coletados indivíduos das duas espécies e a composição centesimal determinada com metodologias oficiais ou reconhecidas. Os resultados indicaram importante aporte nutricional e o rendimento de 29,72% e 22,57% para o pepino-do-mar e saquaritá, respectivamente. Sendo recomendados estudos e ações de gestão ambiental e sanitária, de forma a assegurar a oferta de um produto seguro para consumo humano, em especial dos equinodermas que não são contemplados na regulação para alimentos.

Densidad poblacional y estructura de talla del pepino de mar Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) en aguas someras del sur del golfo de Morrosquillo, Caribe Colombiano / Density population and size structure of the sea cucumber Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) in shallow waters south of the gulf of Morrosquillo, Colombian Caribbean

Resumen Holothuria grisea, a pesar de no ser considerado un recurso comercial, ha sido objeto de extracciones ilegales en Colombia, hecho que se vuelve más grave debido al vació de información biológica de estos organismos. Por esta razón, se estimó la densidad poblacional y estructura de talla de H. grisea en tres sectores del sur del golfo de Morrosquillo de abril a noviembre 2015. Para ello, se ubicaron mensualmente tres transectos circulares en cada sector de muestreo abarcando un área de 300 m2, donde se contabilizaron y midieron in situ los individuos encontrados. La densidad media de H. grisea en el área estudiada fue 0.4 ind m-2, presentándose los mayores valores en el sector La Ahumadera (1.09 ± 0.11 ind m-2) y los menores valores en el Banco de Arena (0.02 ± 0.004 ind m-2). El análisis de varianza señalo una diferencia significativa en los valores de densidad y talla de H. grisea en los sectores estudiados. La especie presentó una distribución de tallas unimodal, registrándose una talla promedio de 13.5 ± 0.91 cm con una talla mínima de 2.5 y una máxima de 30 cm, en general las tallas intermedias presentaron una mayor representatividad a lo largo de este estudio (77.2 %). Los aspectos biológicos presentados en este documento son de gran importancia para la conservación de esta especie y corresponde a un avance en el conocimiento de la clase Holothuroidea en el Caribe Colombiano.

Abstract Holothuria grisea, despite not being considered a commercial resource has been the subject of illegal extractions in Colombia, a fact that becomes more serious due to the empty of biological information of these organisms. For this reason the density population and size structure of H. grisea were evaluated in three sectors south of the gulf of Morrosquillo from April to November 2015. To this end, three circular transects were located each month in each sampling site covering an area of 300 m2, where individuals were counted and measured in situ. The average density of H. grisea in the study area was 0.4 ind m-2, with the highest values in the La Ahumadera (1.09 ± 0.11 ind m-2) and the lowest values in Banco de Arena (0.02 ± 0.004 ind m-2). The analysis of variance showed a significance in the values of density and size of H. grisea in the studied sectors. The species presented a unimodal distribution of sizes with an average size of 13.5 ± 0.9 cm with a minimum size of 2.5 and a maximum of 30 cm, intermediate sizes generally showed a higher representativeness throughout this study (77.2 %). The biological aspects presented in this paper are of great importance for the conservation of this species and corresponds to an advance in the knowledge of the Holothuroidea class in the Colombian Caribbean. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 776-787. Epub 2018 June 01.

Estado poblacional del pepino de mar (Clase Holothuroidea) en el Caribe de Guatemala / Population status of Sea Cucumber (Class Holothuroidea) in the Caribbean of Guatemala

Los holoturoideos o pepinos de mar pertenecen al filo Echinodermata, e incluyen animales con cuerpo vermiforme alargado y blando que viven en los fondos de los mares de todo el mundo. Ecológicamente estos organismos son recicladores eficientes de sedimentos en el ambiente. En los últimos años han cobrado alto valor comercial en el mercado asiático, por lo que su pesquería se ha expandido hacia muchos países. En Guatemala se decretó una veda precautoria en el 2010 por cinco años, al terminar esta se extendió por dos años más, pero con el compromise de obtener información científica durante dicho período. Con este fin, se realizó una evaluación poblacional del pepino de mar a través de transectos lineales de 60 m2, en siete puntos de la bahía de Amatique y la zona expuesta del mar Caribe de Guatemala, durante abril, junio y septiembre del 2016. Se evaluaron 6,300 m2, encontrando un total de 64 individuos de pepinos de mar. La riqueza de holotúridos está representada por siete especies, siendo las más abundantes Isostichopus badionotus (Selenka, 1867) y Holothuria mexicana (Ludwig, 1875). Los sitios con mayor abundancia fueron Faro Rojo y King Fish (p = .004). En base a los resultados de esta evaluación se puede determinar que la explotación comercial de los pepinos de mar en el Caribe guatemalteco no es viable, y que para aprovechar el valor comercial de estas especies se podría impulsar la acuicultura y comercializarlo a través de un sistema eficiente de trazabilidad.

Holothurians or sea cucumbers belong to the filum Equinodermata, which includes animals with long soft vermiform bodies that live on the ocean bottom of the entire world. Ecologically these organisms are efficient recyclers of sediments in the environment. In recent years, they have gained high commercial value in the Asian market, so their fishery has expanded to many countries. In Guatemala, a precautionary ban was decreed in 2010 for five years, when it ended it was extended for two more years, but with the commitment to obtain scientific information during that period. For this purpose, a population assessment of sea cucumber was carried out through linear transects of 60 m2, in seven points of Amatique Bay and the exposed zone of the Caribbean Sea of Guatemala, during April, June and September of 2016. 6300 m2 were evaluated, founding 64 organisms. The holothurians richness is represented by seven species, being the most abundant Isostichopus badionotus (Selenka, 1867) and Holothuria mexicana (Ludwig, 1875). The most abundant sites were Faro Rojo and King Fish (p = .004). Based on the results of this evaluation, it can be determined that the commercial exploitation of sea cucumbers in the guatemalan Caribbean is not viable, and that to take advantage of the commercial value of these species, aquaculture could be promoted and marketed through an efficient traceability system.

Gametogenesis and weight change of body organs of the sea cucumber Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) in Southern Brazil / Aspectos reproductivos y la relación entre los órganos y la gametogénesis en Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea)

Abstract The sea cucumber Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea is a widely distributed and economically important species that has been harvested in Brazil for several years, where there are no studies on its reproduction. We studied a population near Guaratuba Bay in Southern Brazil. Four sampling campaigns were made, in February, April, June and October 2008. We examined the macroscopic and microscopic features of the gonads to describe the gametogenesis. In addition, we analyzed the weight change of body organs. A total of 94 individuals were examined and no evidence of external sexual dimorphism was found. In April there were more males than females. Biometrically the body wall and gonads are the most important organs. The body wall increases in the June and the gonads during October and February; there might be an exchange of energy between these organs. Mature gonads are elongated and thick (red in females, cream in males). There were mature individuals year round, with an increase of sexual activity in February when oocyte mature diameter ranges from 70 to 160 µm. Spawning was in winter (June). Maturation period and body component variations were similar between sexes. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 285-296. Epub 2015 June 01.

Resumen El pepino de mar Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea es una especie ampliamente distribuida y económicamente importante que se ha recolectado en Brasil desde hace varios años. No hay estudios previos realizados sobre la reproducción de esta especie en Brasil. Además, son aún poco conocidos los aspectos bio-ecológicos de esta especie. En este estudio, se investigaron algunos aspectos de la reproducción del pepino de mar Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea en una población cerca de la bahía de Guaratuba en el sur de Brasil. Se hicieron cuatro salidas de muestreo, en febrero, abril, junio y octubre de 2008, abarcando las cuatro estaciones. Examinamos las características macroscópicas y microscópicas de las gónadas para describir la gametogénesis, adicionalmente, se analizó el cambio de peso de cada componente de los órganos del cuerpo (pared corporal, gónadas, sistema haemal, tracto digestivo y árbol respiratorio). Se examinó un total de 94 individuos y no se encontraron evidencias de dimorfismo sexual externo. Los resultados del análisis estadístico de la prueba x² rechazan la hipótesis nula (H0) con una relación de sexos igual a 1, sin embargo, el análisis de cada mes, esta diferencia de género se observó sólo en el mes de abril, cuando el número de los males es mucho mayor que la de las hembras. Las medidas biométricas mostraron que la pared del cuerpo y las gónadas son los órganos más importantes, con aumentos de la pared corporal en el junio y de las gónadas durante octubre y febrero, que pueden indicar que hay un intercambio de energía entre estos órganos. Macroscópicamente, las gónadas maduras muestran túbulos largos, gruesos y ramificados siendo que las hembras presentan coloración rojiza e los machos tonos de crema. Sin embargo, durante el crecimiento y agotado, no se observaron diferencias morfológicas macroscópicas entre los sexos. Microscópicamente, se observó la presencia constante de individuos maduros entre meses, con un aumento de la actividad sexual en febrero, cuando los ovocitos maduros tuvieron un diámetro oscila entre 70 a 160 μ. El período de desove ocurrió en los meses de invierno (junio). El periodo de maduración y la variación del cuerpo de los componentes fueron similares entre los sexos. La similitud en las demandas metabólicas de la población podría estar confirmando una estrategia para maximizar la sincronía reproductiva.

[Study of the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of gondal tubules in the sea cucumber [holothuria leucospilota]]

Due to the importance of sea cucumbers and the paucity of information about the status of Iranian populations, this study was necessary. Therefore, the biology of the reproduction system and macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the sexual glands of Holothuria leucospilota were carried out in this study. Data were obtained from monthly sampling of H. leucospilota during a one-year period on the Bustaneh Coast of the Persian gulf, Hormozgan, Iran. A total of 124 females and 108 males were collected. The gonads were found to be composed of many tubules. The gonad color of males of this species is creamy, while female gonads are pink to reddish-orange. Macroscopic and microscopic features of the gonads were used to assess maturity stages. The studied macroscopic features were gonad color, gonad weight, their length and diameter, and the number of tubules. Microscopic examinations included histological studies of hemotoxylin and eosin [H and E] stained texture slides. Based on these criteria, five stages of maturity were determined for both sexes: early growth [1], growth [2], advanced growth [3], mature [4], and post spawning [5]. The tubules were found to be longer and narrower in males than in females. The measured biometric factors of gonadal tubules developed from stage 1 to stage 4 of sexual maturity and declined in stage 5. The relationship between the number of tubules and the gonad weight was also calculated. The coefficient of a diagram was determined as 0.73 for male and 0.80 for female H. leucospilota

Antifungal active triterpene glycosides from sea cucumber Holothuria scabra / 药学学报

To study the new antifungal active triterpene glycosides of sea cucumber Holothuria scabra. Triterpene glycosides from Holothuria scabra were separated and purified by silica gel chromatography, reversed-phase silica gel chromatography and RP-HPLC. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data and chemical evidence. Three triterpene glycosides were identified as scabraside A (1), echinoidea A (2) and holothurin A1 (3). Scabraside A (1) is a new triterpene glycoside, and compounds 2 and 3 were isolated from Holothuria scabra for the first time. They showed antifungal activities (1 < or = MIC80 < or = 16 microg mL(-1)).

Antithrombotic mechanisms of holothurian glycosaminoglycan extracted from sea cucumber / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the antithrombotic mechanisms of holothurian glycosaminoglycan (GAG) extracted from sea cucumber.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human endothelial cell line EA. hy926 cells were treated with 10 mg/L GAG or 10U/mL unfractionated heparin (UFH) by short-term (15 min - 2 h) and longer-time incubation (6 h - 48 h). Different doses of GAG were used to stimulate EA. hy926. Released free tissue factor pathway inhibitor(TFPI) was determined by ELISA assay. TFPI expression was investigated by immunofluorescent method and TFPI mRNA level by real-time PCR. In a 96-wells microtitre plate, pooled normal plasma containing different concentrations of GAG was allowed to clot by addition of thrombin and calcium chloride, fibrinolysis was induced by addition of t-PA. TRR (TAFI-related retardation of clot lysis) was used to assess thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor(TAFI) functional activity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>GAG increased TFPI synthesis, expression and secretion in a dose- and time dependent manner. GAG at low concentrations could lengthen while at intermediate concentrations could shorten clot lysis times significantly as compared to control values. TRR was dose-dependently decreased on addition of GAG.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>GAG increases TFPI synthesis, expression and secretion of endothelial cells. GAG at intermediate concentrations significantly affects clot stability of a developing clot by means of diminishing TAFI activation.</p>