Antitrypanosomal activity of isololiolide isolated from the marine hydroid Macrorhynchia philippina (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa).

Marine invertebrates are a rich source of small antiparasitic compounds. Among them, Macrorhynchia philippina is a chemically underexplored marine cnidarian. In the search for candidates against the neglected protozoan Chagas disease, we performed a bio-guided fractionation to obtain active compounds. The structural characterization of the active compound was determined using NMR analysis and MS and resulted in the isololiolide, a compound described for the first time in this species. It showed in vitro activity against both trypomastigote and intracellular amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, with IC50 values of 32 µM and 40 µM, respectively, with no mammalian cytotoxicity (>200 µM). The lethal action was investigated in T. cruzi using different fluorophores to study: (i) mitochondrial membrane potential; (ii) plasma membrane potential and (iii) plasma membrane permeability. Our results demonstrated that isololiolide caused disruption of the plasma membrane integrity and a strong depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, rapidly leading the parasite to death. Despite being considered a possible covalent inhibitor, safety in silico studies of isololiolide also considered neither mutagenic nor genotoxic potential. Additionally, isololiolide showed no resemblance to interference compounds (PAINS), and it succeeded in most filters for drug-likeness. Isololiolide is a promising candidate for future optimization against Chagas disease.

Exoskeletons of Bougainvilliidae and other Hydroidolina (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa): structure and composition.

The exoskeleton is an important source of characters for the taxonomy of Hydroidolina. It originates as epidermal secretions and, among other functions, protects the coenosarc of the polypoid stage. However, comparative studies on the exoskeletal tissue origin, development, chemical, and structural characteristics, as well as its evolution and homology, are few and fragmented. This study compares the structure and composition of the exoskeleton and underlying coenosarc in members of "Anthoathecata" and some Leptothecata, but does so mainly in bougainvilliid polyps histological analyses. We also studied the development of the exoskeleton under experimental conditions. We identified three types of glandular epidermal cells related to the origin of the exoskeleton and the secretion of its polysaccharides component. The exoskeleton of the species studied is either bilayered (perisarc and exosarc, especially in bougainvilliids) or corneous (perisarc). The exoskeleton varies in chemical composition, structural rigidity, thickness, extension, and coverage in the different regions of the colony. In bilayered exoskeletons, the exosarc is produced first and appears to be a key step in the formation of the rigid exoskeleton. The exoskeleton contains anchoring structures such as desmocytes and "perisarc extensions."

Redescription of Licnophora chattoni Villeneuve-Brachon, 1939 (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea), associated with Zyzzyzus warreni Calder, 1988 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa).

Licnophora chattoni, found in association with Zyzzyzus warreni, a tubulariid hydroid epizoic in sponges from São Sebastião (SP, Brazil), is redescribed and illustrated using light and electron microscopy. The ciliate has a flexible, transparent body formed by an oval anterior region linked to the posterior basal disc via a flexible neck region. Numerous cortical granules are observed scattered throughout the body and densely packed along the neck. The adoral zone is formed by about 81 external and 24 infundibular paramembranelles. The paroral membrane, formed by a row of long cilia arranged in monokinetids, extends through a groove in the body to the adhesive disc. Two dorsal kinetids are present along the right body margin and around the neck. The adhesive disc (18µm in diameter) lacks cilia in the area above the velum. The velum covers a row of dikinetids bearing long cilia and four dikineties, two or three of which are interrupted on the ventral surface. Nine to twelve macronuclear nodules connected by isthmuses are distributed in the cytoplasm, plus two nodules located in the adhesive disc and between those there is an ovate micronucleus.

Checklist dos Entoprocta do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Entoprocta Checklist of the State of São Paulo

O Filo Entoprocta compreende cerca de 180 espécies de metazoários aquáticos e sésseis, na grande maioria marinho. Esses animais são encontrados em substratos diversos, incluindo seixos, algas, conchas e outros animais. Apesar da semelhança com outros organismos coloniais, como hidrozoários e briozoários, os entoproctos são distintos pelo corpo constituído por um cálice distal com tentáculos ciliados, sustentado por um pedúnculo fixo no substrato através do pé ou estolão. A relação do grupo é bastante obscura, e estudos taxonômicos e morfológicos são escassos em todo mundo. Devido sobretudo ao trabalho de Ernest Marcus e Eveline Du Bois-Reymond-Marcus, realizado entre as décadas de 1930 e 1970, são conhecidas 18 espécies na costa brasileira, 16 das quais relatadas para o estado de São Paulo. Infelizmente, grande parte do material tipo descrito por eles está provavelmente perdido, sendo localizados apenas alguns nas coleções do Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP) e Natural History Museum em Londres (NHMUK). Assim, o conhecimento sobre a taxonomia, biologia e ecologia é restrito a algumas espécies e localidades. A ausência de levantamentos faunísticos e monitoramentos dificulta uma avaliação detalhada da composição e alteração da fauna em regiões impactadas. Atualmente, não existem especialistas em Entoprocta em São Paulo ou no Brasil, e devido à baixa diversidade do filo, só se justifica a capacitação de especialistas que se dediquem também a outros grupos, como Ectoprocta (Bryozoa). A formação de coleções científicas, como a do MZUSP, pode atrair o interesse de pesquisadores para estudo taxonômicos e de outros aspectos dos espécimes brasileiros, até agora pouco conhecidos.

The phylum Entoprocta comprises about 180 species of aquatic, sessile metazoans, the vast majority marine. These animals are found on many substrata, such as stones, algae, shells and other animals. Despite the similarity with other colonial organism, such as hydrozoans and bryozoans, the entoprocts are distinct by having a body that comprises a cuplike calyx with ciliated tentacles, supported by a stalk attached on substrata by a foot or stolon. The evolutionary history of the group is still obscure, and taxonomic and morphological studies are scarce. Due to the work of Ernest Marcus and Eveline Du Bois-Reymond-Marcus, published between the 1930's and 1970's, 18 species are so far known for the Brazilian coast, 16 of those reported from São Paulo state. Unfortunately, most of type material of species described by them is probably lost, only a few being preserved in the Museum of Zoology, University of São Paulo (MZUSP), and at the Natural History Museum, London (NHMUK). Thus, the knowledge on taxonomy, biology and ecology is restricted to some species and localities. The absence of biological surveys and monitoring makes it difficult to evaluate changes in the composition of fauna in impacted regions. Today, there are no experts on Entoprocta neither in São Paulo nor in Brazil, and due the low diversity of this phylum, it is only justified the capacitation of experts who also embrace other taxa, such as Ectoprocta (Bryozoa). The formation of scientific collections like the one of MZUSP, can be an attractive for researches to investigate taxonomy and other aspects of the Brazilian specimens, hitherto little known.

Araçá: biodiversidade, impactos e ameaças / Araçá: biodiversity, impacts and threats

Inserida em uma das mais belas e turísticas regiões litorâneas do país - o Litoral Norte do Estado de São Paulo -, a Baía do Araçá (São Sebastião, SP), além de conter remanescentes de manguezal e de abrigar alta diversidade biológica, é também um verdadeiro laboratório a céu aberto e um importante reduto de catadores de moluscos e pescadores artesanais. Com o objetivo de compilar preliminarmente a biodiversidade da baía, este estudo reúne a extensa bibliografia dedicada à região e apresenta a lista das espécies da fauna e da flora formalmente reportadas para o local. O texto sumaria ainda o histórico das alterações antrópicas sofridas nas últimas décadas e destaca certos representantes da fauna (espécies novas, ameaçadas de extinção, bioindicadoras e como recursos naturais), como exemplos da peculiaridade e riqueza biológica dessa pequena baía. Pretende-se, assim, fornecer subsídios para tomadas de decisão e planos de manejo, e despertar a atenção para a preservação desse frágil patrimônio ambiental, uma área que pode ser revitalizada e integrada ao ambiente urbanizado.

Araçá Bay (São Sebastião, State of São Paulo), within one of Brazil's most beautiful coastlines, has small relict mangrove stands and a very diverse marine ecosystem. As such, the bay is a natural laboratory as well as important for local small scale fishing. In this study we summarize the large literature base to comprehensibly list the flora and fauna as a preliminary biodiversity inventory of Araçá Bay. We place this in the historical context of human impact on the environment of the bay and we emphasize new, introduced and threatened species as bioindicators and natural resources. With this information, we provide a basis to inform conservation decisions as well as data for conservation management plans and call attention to the urgent need to protect this fragile environment and biota. We also emphasize that this small and uniquely biologically rich bay should be preserved, revitalized and integrated into the growing urban environment.

Skin lesions in envenoming by cnidarians (Portuguese man-of-war and jellyfish): etiology and severity of accidents on the Brazilian coast.

This work attempts to establish dermatological identification patterns for Brazilian cnidarian species and a probable correlation with envenoming severity. In an observational prospective study, one hundred and twenty-eight patients from the North Coast region of São Paulo State, Brazil were seen between 2002 and 2008. About 80% of these showed only local effects (erythema, edema, and pain) with small, less than 20 cm, oval or round skin marks and impressions from small tentacles. Approximately 20% of the victims had long, more than 20 cm, linear and crossed marks with frequent systemic phenomena, such as malaise, vomiting, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The former is compatible with the common hydromedusa from Southeast and Southern Brazil (Olindias sambaquiensis). The long linear marks with intense pain and systemic phenomena are compatible with envenoming by the box jellyfish Tamoya haplonema and Chiropsalmus quadrumanus and the hydrozoan Portuguese man-of-war (Physalis physalis). There was an association between skin marks and probable accident etiology. This simple observation rule can be indicative of severity, as the Cubozoa Class (box jellyfish) and Portuguese man-of-war cause the most severe accidents. In such cases, medical attention, including intensive care, is important, as the systemic manifestations can be associated with death.

Skin lesions in envenoming by cnidarians (Portuguese man-of-war and jellyfish): etiology and severity of accidents on the Brazilian coast / Lesões dermatológicas observadas nos acidentes por cnidários (águas-vivas e caravelas): etiologia e gravidade dos envenenamentos no litoral do Brazil

This work attempts to establish dermatological identification patterns for Brazilian cnidarian species and a probable correlation with envenoming severity. In an observational prospective study, one hundred and twenty-eight patients from the North Coast region of São Paulo State, Brazil were seen between 2002 and 2008. About 80 percent of these showed only local effects (erythema, edema, and pain) with small, less than 20 cm, oval or round skin marks and impressions from small tentacles. Approximately 20 percent of the victims had long, more than 20 cm, linear and crossed marks with frequent systemic phenomena, such as malaise, vomiting, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The former is compatible with the common hydromedusa from Southeast and Southern Brazil (Olindias sambaquiensis). The long linear marks with intense pain and systemic phenomena are compatible with envenoming by the box jellyfish Tamoya haplonema and Chiropsalmus quadrumanus and the hydrozoan Portuguese man-of-war (Physalis physalis). There was an association between skin marks and probable accident etiology. This simple observation rule can be indicative of severity, as the Cubozoa Class (box jellyfish) and Portuguese man-of-war cause the most severe accidents. In such cases, medical attention, including intensive care, is important, as the systemic manifestations can be associated with death.

Cnidários são animais que apresentam no corpo (especialmente nos tentáculos) organelas de defesa chamadas nematocistos, podendo causar graves envenenamentos. Este trabalho procura estabelecer padrões clínicos auxiliares na identificação das espécies de cnidários brasileiros e pesquisar provável correlação das lesões na pele com a gravidade do acidente. Cento e vinte e oito pacientes foram observados no Pronto-Socorro de Ubatuba (Litoral Norte do estado de São Paulo) em período de seis anos (2002-2008). Cerca de 80 por cento dos acidentes mostraram apenas manifestações locais (dor, eritema e edema). Nestes casos, as marcas cutâneas foram pequenas, ovais e arredondadas, algumas vezes com impressões de pequenos tentáculos. As marcas foram menores que 20 cm. Aproximadamente 20 por cento das vítimas tinham lesões longas, lineares e cruzadas, maiores que 20 cm com frequente observação de fenômenos sistêmicos, como mal estar, vômitos, dispnéia e taquicardia. O padrão das marcas arredondadas e curtas é compatível com hidromedusa muito comum nas regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil (Olindia sambaquiensis), que causa acidentes de pequena magnitude. As marcas longas e lineares, associadas à dor intensa e fenômenos sistêmicos, são compatíveis com envenenamento pelas cubomedusas Tamoya haplonema e Chiropsalmus quadrumanus e o hidrozoário Physalis physalis, a caravela. Houve associação entre as marcas cutâneas e a provável etiologia do acidente. Esta regra simples de observação clínica pode ter valor clínico, uma vez que a Classe Cubozoa (vespas-do-mar) e as caravelas causam os acidentes mais graves. Nestes casos, a atenção médica deve ser redobrada, incluindo cuidados intensivos, uma vez que fenômenos sistêmicos podem se associar a óbitos.

Antiprotozoan activity of Brazilian marine cnidarian extracts and of a modified steroid from the octocoral Carijoa riisei.

In the present investigation, we have evaluated the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity of methanolic crude extracts obtained from eight species of cnidarians and of a modified steroid isolated from the octocoral Carijoa riisei. The antileishmanial activity of cnidarians crude extracts showed 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the concentration range between 2.8 and 93.3 microg/mL. Trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi were less susceptible to the crude extracts, with IC50 values in the concentration range between 40.9 and 117.9 microg/mL. The steroid (18-acetoxipregna-1,4,20-trien-3-one) displayed a strong antileishmanial activity, with an IC50 value of 5.5 microg/mL against promastigotes and 16.88 microg/mL against intracellular amastigotes. The steroid also displayed mammalian cytotoxicity (IC50 of 10.6 microg/mL), but no hemolytic activity was observed at the highest concentration of 12.5 microg/mL. The antileishmanial effect of the steroid in macrophages suggested other mechanism than macrophage activation, as no upregulation of nitric oxide was observed. The antitrypanosomal activity of the steroid resulted in an IC50 value of 50.5 microg/mL. These results indicate the potential of cnidarian natural compounds as antileishmanial drug candidates.

Chave de identificação dos Ctenophora da costa brasileira / Identification key for the ctenophores from Brazilian coast

Embora abundantes e importantes ecologicamente no meio marinho, os ctenóforos do litoral brasileiro têm sido pouco estudados. O presente estudo tem por objetivo prover informações para auxiliar na identificação desses organismos. Para tal, são descritos métodos de fixação e documentação fotográfica dos ctenóforos. A terminologia referente ao grupo, em língua portuguesa, é apresentada na forma de um glossário. Além disso, as características que distinguem as treze espécies registradas para águas brasileiras são organizadas em uma chave de identificação. A complementação da identificação pode ser feita pela literatura indicada para cada espécie.

Although ctenophores are abundant and ecologically important in the marine environment, they are poorly known in the Brazilian coast. The present study is a taxonomic key for the ctenophores from the Brazilian coast. It aims to help students and non-specialist researchers with the identification of those organisms. Collecting, preserving and photographing methods are described. Characters that distinguish the thirteen species registered in Brazilian marine territories are presented.

Chave de identificação dos hidróides (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) epifíticos do Canal de São Sebastião (SE, Brasil) / Identification key for the epiphytic hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from the São Sebastião Channel (SE Brazil)

O presente estudo tem por objetivo auxiliar pesquisadores pouco familiarizados com a taxonomia e a identificação dos hidrozoários bentônicos, especialmente das espécies que ocorrem sobre substrato vegetal em ambiente marinho, tomando a fauna do Canal de São Sebastião como modelo. Métodos para a fixação dos hidróides e a confecção de lâminas para identificação, além de características que distinguem 36 espécies epifíticas são descritas no texto.

The present study is a taxonomic key for epiphytic hydroids from the São Sebastião channel. It aims to help students and non-specialist researchers with the identification of those hydrozoans associated with vegetal substrata. Methods for hydroid preservation and slides preparation are described. Characters that distinguish the 36 species are presented.