Histological biomarkers and microbiological parameters of an estuarine fish from the Brazilian Amazon coast as potential indicators of risk to human health.

This study aimed to isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract, skin, and muscles of Sciades herzbergii; detect histopathological changes in the gill and liver; and use these biomarkers for the assessment of potential risks to human health. Fish were sampled during the rainy and dry seasons at two points in São Marcos Bay, Maranhão, Brazil: Ilha dos Caranguejos (IC) and Porto Grande (PG). Isolation and quantification were carried out using COLItest®. Colonies were subjected to identification and phenotypic investigation of antimicrobial resistance using Vitek®. Gill and liver samples were subjected to routine histological examination. The results indicated the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, the latter of which showed phenotypic resistance to norfloxacin and gentamicin. Fish caught at PG exhibited more extensive gill and liver damage than fish caught at IC. The findings suggest that histological changes in target organs of S. herzbergii may be influenced by infection with pathogenic bacteria.

Evaluation of the Genotoxic and Histological Effects in Neotropical Fish Prochilodus Lacustris (Pisces, Prochilodontidae) in Conservation Area of the Brazilian Northeast.

Human activities significantly impact the aquatic biota in lacustrine environments, leading to negative environmental consequences. Due to this, this study was carried out to evaluate the genotoxic and histological biomarkers in the gills and kidneys of Prochilodus lacustris. The collection of fish and water was conducted in three distinct stations (S1, S2, S3) in an international protected area in northeast Brazil. The histological alterations index was used to assess changes in the gills and kidneys at a histological level. In addition, micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities tests were employed to examine damage to the genetic material. According to the frequency of Micronucleus, nuclear injuries, and the histopathology of gills and kidneys, it can be inferred that station S1 had the highest impact on the fish, causing significant harm. Based on our findings, the organisms residing in Lake Açu are adversely affected by the poor environmental conditions. This raises doubts about the effectiveness of the Protection Area by Humid Zone of International Interest in Northeast Brazil.

Fisheries monitoring in Brazil: How can the 2030 agenda be met without fisheries statistics? / Monitoramento da pesca no Brasil: como cumprir a agenda 2030 sem estatísticas da pesca?

Every activity that involves exploitation of natural resources, such as fishing, needs to be organized and conducted based on information from monitoring programs to allow continuous evaluation. With the increasing fishing pressure in Brazil, the understanding of the importance of fisheries monitoring programs and how they can inform and assist in conservation decision-making remains limited. Based on the literature on fisheries and participatory conservation, we call attention to the need to generate information on the national fisheries sector in order to improve fisheries in the country. Given the context of the need to generate information on fishing stocks under exploitation, as well as to identify potential alternative fisheries and carry out various sectoral analyses in compliance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we present and discuss in the present paper the lack of a system of continuous fishing monitoring in Brazil and its effects on the fisheries sustainability in the country.

Toda atividade que atua envolvendo a exploração de recursos naturais, como a pesca, precisa ser organizada e conduzida com base nas informações dos programas de monitoramento para permitir uma avaliação contínua. Com o aumento da pressão pesqueira no Brasil, o entendimento da importância dos programas de monitoramento da pesca e como eles podem informar e auxiliar na tomada de decisões de conservação permanece limitado. Com base na literatura sobre pesca e conservação participativa, chamamos a atenção para a necessidade de gerar informações sobre o setor pesqueiro nacional para melhorar a pesca no país. Dado o contexto da necessidade de gerar informações sobre os estoques pesqueiros em exploração, bem como identificar potenciais alternativas de pesca e realizar diversas análises setoriais em conformidade com a Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável, é apresentada e discutida no presente trabalho a falta de um sistema de monitoramento contínuo da pesca no Brasil e seus efeitos na sustentabilidade da pesca no país.

Changes in sperm motility of amazonian fish Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier 1816) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) exposed to two pesticides / Alterações na motilidade espermática do peixe amazônico Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier 1816) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) exposto a dois pesticidas

Abstract The great biodiversity of neotropical fish species that have external fertilization as a reproductive strategy, like the tambaqui, requires more careful analyzes in toxicological tests of the various pesticides implemented in Brazilian agriculture over the last few years. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate possible sperm alterations in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) semen exposed to two different pesticide residues. Seminal samples of sexually mature tambaqui males from a local fish farm were used. Semen was collected eight hours after hormone induction into graduated glass tubes. After initial assessment of the lack of prior activation, the experiment was carried out in a factorial scheme, testing two pesticides widely used in agricultural systems (glyphosate and fenitrothion). For each pesticide, five concentrations were tested (6, 12, 24, 120 and 240 mg/L), with motility analysis at times 0, 30 and 60 seconds after activation. As a control, activation with 0.9% NaCl solution and motility analysis at the same times described for pesticides were used. Results indicate that in natura samples exhibited initial motility of 89.2 ± 4.9% and mean duration of 100 seconds (up to 10% sperm motility). The reduction in sperm motility occurred significantly (p < 0.05) after 30 seconds in all concentrations tested, except for the concentration of 240 mg/L because no activation was observed. The tests described here demonstrate that tambaqui semen was sensitive to the process of exposure to pesticide residues, and can be used in biomonitoring analyzes of the aforementioned agricultural pesticides.

Resumo A grande biodiversidade das espécies de peixes neotropicais que possuem a fertilização externa como estratégia reprodutiva, a exemplo do tambaqui, exige análises mais criteriosas em testes toxicológicos dos diversos defensivos agrícolas implementados na agricultura brasileira ao longo dos últimos anos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar possíveis alterações espermáticas no sêmen de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) exposto a resíduos de dois diferentes pesticidas. Foram utilizadas amostras seminais de machos de tambaqui sexualmente maduros provenientes de uma piscicultura local. O sêmen foi coletado oito horas pós indução hormonal em tubos de vidro graduados. Após avaliação inicial de inexistência de ativação prévia, foi realizado o experimento em esquema fatorial, sendo testados dois pesticidas muito utilizados em sistemas agrícolas (glifosato e fenitrotiona). Para cada pesticida foram testadas cinco concentrações (6, 12, 24, 120 e 240 mg/L), com análise da motilidade nos tempos 0, 30 e 60 segundos pós ativação. Como controle, foi utilizada a ativação com solução de NaCl a 0,9% e análise da motilidade nos mesmos tempos descritos para os pesticidas. Resultados indicam que as amostras in natura exibiram motilidade inicial de 89,2 ± 4,9% e tempo de duração médio de 100 segundos (até 10% de motilidade espermática). A redução da motilidade espermática ocorreu de forma significativa (p < 0,05) após 30 segundos em todas as concentrações testadas, exceto na concentração de 240 mg/L por não ter sido observada ativação. Os testes aqui descritos demonstram que o sêmen de tambaqui se mostrou sensível ao processo de exposição aos resíduos de pesticidas, podendo ser utilizado em análises de biomonitoramento dos referidos defensivos agrícolas.

Biomarkers and occurrences of heavy metals in sediment and the bioaccumulation of metals in crabs (Ucides cordatus) in impacted mangroves on the Amazon coast, Brazil.

In this study, we analyzed biomarkers and heavy metals in Ucides cordatus specimens caught in mangrove areas [A1 = reference (low impact area); A2, A3 and A4 = port complex (potentially impacted area)] of the Amazonian northern coast of Brazil. Sediments and crab muscles sampled from the potentially impacted mangroves showed high levels of metals. Additionally, catalase and glutathione S-transferase enzymes in the gills and hepatopancreas of the collected crabs were elevated in crabs from A2, A3 and A4 relative to those from A1. The histological characteristics of the gills and hepatopancreas differed in crabs collected from A2, A3 and A4 compared with those collected from A1. The crabs were larger and heavier in the rainy season in A1 and A3 and heavier in the dry season in A4. Heavy metal analyses of sediments, crab muscles and biological responses indicated that the animals are subjected to stress levels differentiated in the mangroves due to a gradient (A4>A3>A2>A1) of anthropogenic pressure in São Marcos Bay. In conclusion, the analyses of metals in the sediment and in the muscles of crabs, as well as the biochemical biomarker and histological analyses, suggest that crabs from mangroves in the port complex region are subject to pollutants that compromise their health.

Sediment contaminant levels and multibiomarker approach to assess the health of catfish Sciades herzbergii in a harbor from the northern Brazilian Amazon.

The current study combined chemical data on trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from sediment and used a multibiomarker approach in the catfish Sciades herzbergii to evaluate two different sites in São Marcos Bay, Brazil. Higher diffuse contaminations by trace elements and PAH were detected in the sediment of Porto Grande (PG) harbor than in the Ilha dos Caranguejos (IC) reference area. A multibiomarker was used in catfish to evaluate the bioavailability of PAH in bile and the effects of pollutants in target tissues. The parameters considered were oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GSH, GST and LPO) and histopathological alterations and were compared between two seasons. The biological responses revealed adverse effects on the population, as indicated by the presence of trace elements and PAH as stressors. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the biomarkers corroborated these results and indicated that fish from the PG site during the rainy season in 2019 exhibited many biological effects compared to 2018. Overall, the present study showed that environmental contamination increased over the years and provides information on the contamination of sediments in the São Marcos Bay, Brazil. The results showed that the presence of contaminants was correlated with the health status of the catfish S. herzbergii.

Reproductive biology of seven fish species of commercial interest at the Ramsar site in the Baixada Maranhense, Legal Amazon, Brazil

The purpose of this study is to determine the parameters of the reproductive biology of seven commercial species at the Ramsar Site of the Baixada Maranhense to support fisheries management measures. The collections were carried out between 2012 and 2016. The reproductive period, sex ratio, weight-length relationship and first sexual maturity were evaluated for seven species of commercial importance. The sex ratio showed that females are predominant for all species, except for Plagioscion squamossissimus. The weight-length relationship indicated a greater investment in weight for Cichla monoculus and Hassar affinis, and a greater investment in length for Hoplias malabaricus, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Prochilodus lacustris, Pygocentrus nattereri, and Schizodon dissimilis. The reproductive activity of the species was predominant in the rainy season, but C. monoculus, H. malabaricus and P. lacustris showed the ability to reproduce in both seasons. As management measures for the region, it is suggested a change in the closed fishing season established by IBAMA, from December 1 to April 30, to ensure the protection of all commercial species in this study.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar os parâmetros da biologia reprodutiva de sete espécies comerciais no Sítio Ramsar da Baixada Maranhense, para apoiar medidas de manejo pesqueiro. As coletas foram realizadas entre 2012 e 2016, com um ano de coleta para cada espécie. Foram avaliados o período reprodutivo, a razão sexual, a relação peso-comprimento e a primeira maturidade sexual para sete espécies de importância comercial. A razão sexual mostrou que as fêmeas são predominantes para todas as espécies, exceto para Plagioscion squamossissimus. A relação peso-comprimento indicou um maior investimento em peso para Cichla monoculus e Hassar affinis, e um maior investimento em comprimento para Hoplias malabaricus, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Prochilodus lacustris, Pygocentrus nattereri e Schizodon dissimilis. A atividade reprodutiva das espécies foi predominante na estação chuvosa, mas C. monoculus, H. malabaricus e P. lacustris mostraram capacidade de se reproduzir nas duas estações. Como medidas de manejo para a região, sugere-se uma mudança do período de defeso, estabelecida pelo IBAMA, de 1 de dezembro a 30 de abril, para garantir a proteção de todas as espécies comerciais.(AU)

Community Perceptions on Schistosomiasis in Northeast Brazil.

Schistosomiasis is a serious public health issue in the world infecting more than 200 million people. In Maranhão state, Brazil, the disease has a high prevalence in the Baixada Maranhense microregion, where the socioeconomic conditions, high prevalence of freshwater snails, elevated incidence of human infection, and large rodent populations make the area highly conducive to the life cycle and persistence of schistosomiasis. The objective of this study was to record the perception of residents and health/public education professionals regarding this parasitosis and also understand their knowledge of the relationship between schistosomiasis and the environment. We conducted 53 interviews addressing the socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental issues surrounding schistosomiasis. It was recorded that the population believed the environment is the main cause of the disease and the fisherman may be stigmatized by their chance of having the disease. Health/public educational professionals in the region indicated that there were no regular educational campaigns, which contributed to the high rates of reinfection and the difficulties in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease. These data clearly demonstrate the need for interdisciplinary work that engages the community in gathering and disseminating knowledge and developing solutions to minimize the occurrence of this major health issue in the region.

Histological Changes in the Kidney of Sciades Herzbergii (Siluriformes, Ariidae) for Environmental Monitoring of a Neotropical Estuarine Area (São Marcos Bay, Northeastern Brazil).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental quality of a port in Brazil using the renal alterations in Sciades herzbergii as biomarkers of aquatic contamination. Samples of S. herzbergii were collected in two areas in São Marcos Bay, Brazil: (A1) Itaqui Port (potentially impacted area); and (A2) Puca Creek (control area). At the same time, the abiotic data was obtained, in addition to the sampling of water for metals analysis. The fish kidney of each specimen was submitted to the usual histological technique. It was possible to identify alterations such as melanomacrotic centers, dilation of the glomeruli, capillary endothelium gap, occlusion of the tubular lumen, immature nephron and dilated vessels. Samples of S. herzbergii collected in the port region showed a higher frequency of renal alterations, indicating that the organisms present in that region are probably suffering due to the impacts caused by the port activities.

Biochemical and morphological responses in Ucides cordatus (Crustacea, Decapoda) as indicators of contamination status in mangroves and port areas from northern Brazil.

The aims of this study were to analyze biochemical and morphological responses (glutathione S-transferase activity and branchial lesions) in Ucides cordatus (crabs) and to verify how the species is responding to environmental contamination in a port (potentially contaminated area) and mangrove (reference area; Amazon Coast, Maranhão, Brazil). Adult males were captured bimonthly for a period of 1 year. Higher GST activity (1.03 ± 0.07 µmol min-1 mg protein-1) was observed in crabs in the port when compared with those in the reference area (p < 0.05). The greatest number of branchial lesions (serious alterations) was recorded in crabs only in the port area. The GST activity increased until serious lesions appeared; after this limit, GST activity decreased dramatically to very low levels, thus resulting in irreversible lesions (lamella collapse). The mathematical model based on the two parameters evaluated in U. cordatus showed that the port area experienced substantial contamination impact, while the mangroves (reference area) presented moderate environmental quality.

Enzymatic and Histological Biomarkers in Ucides cordatus (Crustacea, Decapoda) in an Industrial Port on the North Coast of Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate enzymatic (glutathione-S-transferase and catalase) and histological (branchial lesions) biomarkers in Ucides cordatus (Crustacea, Decapoda) from an industrial port region on the north coast of Brazil. The crabs were collected in two distinct locations of the Brazilian coast: A1 = region under influence of port activities; and A2 = low-impacted area. We performed histological examination in the gills and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase activity in the hepatopancreas. The most frequent and severe histological lesions were found in A1, especially rupture of pilaster cells and lamellar collapse. Catalase activity did not show a pattern capable of differentiating the two analyzed areas. On the other hand, GST activity presented a more pronounced response in the crabs of the port area (p < 0.05), coinciding with the most frequent branchial lesions in these same organisms. These results suggest that the species is susceptible to environmental stress, once alterations at different organizational levels were verified.

Histological and Genotoxic Biomarkers in Prochilodus lacustris (Pisces, Prochilodontidae) for Environmental Assessment in a Protected Area in the Northeast of Brazil.

The quality of aquatic environments all around the world is being altered by different human activities that represent direct threat to the ecological system and the aquatic biota. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of histological and genotoxic alterations in Prochilodus lacustris as indicators of anthropic impacts in a lacustrine environment in northeast Brazil. The histological alterations were evaluated using the histological alteration index, and the genotoxic alterations were detected using the micronuclei test, at three sampling stations (S1, S2 and S3). The gills presented lesions with three stages of severity, with mild lesions more frequent in the specimens collected at station S1. Mild hepatic tissue lesions were the most frequent type in both areas. Micronucleus analysis showed that station S3 was the most affected. The biological responses observed indicated that the fish are under influence of environmental changes. It is important to highlight that the organisms collected at station S3 had a more compromised health status.

Environmental perception of fishermen: use and conservation of fisheries resources / Percepção ambiental de pescadores: uso e conservação dos recursos pesqueiros

Abstract: The principal aim was to assess the environmental perception of the fishermen, and implement educational activities, on an island in Brazil. Twelve people between the ages of 23 and 63 were interviewed, of whom 75% were male, and 58.33% did not complete their elementary education. Regarding social benefits, 33.33% receive a family allowance and 16.66% receive the so-called 'green allowance' (financial assistance to extremely poor families who live in areas of environmental preservation). Fishing remains the main economic activity (58.73%). The most common types of fishing gear are the 'zangarias' (41.66%) and 'muruadas' (41.66%), used to catch white shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti), the main resource traded on the island (83.33%). All those interviewed reported a change in the size and weight of the catch in recent years (100%), and 75% attribute this to the types of trap used. Talks, films and booklets, as environmental education activities, contributed to community awareness. The population is familiar with the effects of fishing traps, and shows an interest in changing the situation.

Resumo: O objetivo principal foi avaliar a percepção ambiental dos pescadores e implementar atividades educacionais, em uma ilha no Brasil. Doze pessoas entre as idades de 23 e 63 anos foram entrevistadas, das quais 75% eram do sexo masculino, e 58,33% não completou seu ensino fundamental. Em relação aos benefícios sociais, 33,33% recebem o Bolsa Família e 16,66% recebem o chamado "Bolsa Verde" (assistência financeira a famílias extremamente pobres que vivem em áreas de preservação ambiental). A pesca continua a ser a principal atividade econômica (58,73%). Os tipos mais comuns de artes de pesca são as 'zangarias' (41,66%) e 'muruadas' (41,66%), utilizadas para capturar camarão branco (Litopenaeus schmitti), o principal recurso comercializado na ilha (83,33%). Todos os entrevistados relataram uma mudança no tamanho e peso da captura nos últimos anos (100%) e 75% atribuem isso aos tipos de armadilhas utilizadas. Conversas, filmes e cartilhas, como atividades de educação ambiental, contribuíram para a conscientização da comunidade. A população está familiarizada com os efeitos das armadilhas de pesca e mostra interesse em mudar a situação.

Perfil socioeconômico dos marisqueiros e condições higiênicas adotadas na cadeia produtiva de ostra (mollusca, bivalvia) / Socio economic profile of shellfish collector and hygienic conditions in the production chain of oysters (mollusca, bivalvia) / Perfil socioeconómico de marisqueros y condiciones higiénicas adoptadas en la cadena productiva de ostra (mollusca, bivalvia)

O consumo de ostras na forma in natura exige muito cuidado e práticas higiênicas e sanitárias corretas pelos marisqueiros e demais manipuladores desse alimento durante o processo de beneficiamento à comercialização, para que não haja contaminação por microrganismos patogênicos e deteriorantes. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil socioeconômico de marisqueiros e as condições higiênicas e sanitárias praticadas na cadeia produtiva de ostras do gênero Crassostrea desde a extração até a comercialização. No período de janeiro a abril de 2014, por meio da técnica de amostragem "Bola de Neve" foram selecionados 40 marisqueiros na Ilha de São Luís - MA, os quais foram entrevistados utilizando-se questionário semiestruturado. De acordo com os resultados, a maioria dos marisqueiros, possui ensino fundamental incompleto, faixa etária entre 21 e 30 anos e encontram-se em união estável ou casados. Parte das ostras são extraídas em bancos naturais na área de estudo, enquanto outra parte é proveniente de atravessadores oriundos de outros municípios maranhenses.Após a aquisição, pode demorar até três dias para serem comercializadas. Concluiu-se que as condições higiênicos sanitárias adotadas na atividade de extração de ostras até a comercialização são insatisfatórias, indicando falta de boas práticas em todas as etapas ao longo do processo de produção, o que pode representar riscos à saúde da população apreciadora do consumo in natura desse bivalve. Além disso, indica a necessidade de fiscalização dessa atividade, já que os organismos são transportados de forma inadequada e passam muito tempo até chegar ao consumidor final.

Consumption of fresh oysters requires very careful and correct hygienic and sanitary practices by shellfish collectors and other food handlers during the handling process to marketing, in order to avoid contamination by pathogenic microorganisms or deterioration. This study aimed to evaluate the socio-economic profile of shellfish collectors and the hygienic conditions applied in the production chain of Crassostrea oysters from extraction to marketing. In the period from January to April 2014, through a snowball sampling technique, a total of 40 shellfish collector were selected in Ilha de São Luís ­ MA. These collectors were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. According to the results, most shellfish collector had not completed elementary school, aged between 21 and 30 years and married or co-habiting. Part of the oysters is extracted from natural stocks in the study area, while other oysters come from middlemen who bring them from other cities in Maranhão. After acquisition, they can take up to three days to be marketed. Therefore, it was concluded that although it is an important source of income, hygienic and sanitary conditions adopted in the oyster extraction activity are unsatisfactory, indicating a lack of good practices throughout the production process, which can pose risks to the population who consume this bivalve fresh. It also shows the need for supervision of the activity, since the organisms are improperly transported, spending much time until reaching the end consumer.

El consumo de ostras en la forma fresca, in natura, requiere gran cuidado y prácticas higiénicas sanitarias correctas por los marisqueros y otros manipuladores de ese alimento durante el proceso de beneficiación a la comercialización, para que no haya contaminación por microorganismos patógenos y de deterioración. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el perfil socioeconómico de marisqueros y las condiciones higiénicas sanitarias practicadas en la cadena productiva de ostras del género Crassostrea, desde la extracción hasta la comercialización. En el período de enero a abril de 2014, a través de la técnica de muestreo "Bola de Nieve" se seleccionaron 40 marisqueros en la Isla de São Luís - MA, que fueron entrevistados mediante cuestionario semiestructurado. De acuerdo con los resultados, la mayoría de los marisqueros tiene enseñanza primaria incompleta, con edades comprendidas entre 21 y 30 años y se encuentran en unión estable o casados. Parte de las ostras son extraídas en bancos naturales en el área del estudio, mientras otra parte proviene de los intermediarios de otros municipios de Maranhão. Después de la adquisición, puede tardar hasta tres días para que sean comercializadas. Se concluye que las condiciones higiénicas sanitarias adoptadas en la actividad de extracción de ostras hasta la comercialización son insatisfactorias, indicando falta de buenas prácticas en todo el proceso de producción, lo que puede plantear riesgos a la salud de la población aficionada al consumo in natura de ese bivalvo. Además, indica la necesidad de supervisar esta actividad, ya que los organismos son transportados inadecuadamente y pasan mucho tiempo para llegar al consumidor final.

Princípios bioéticos aplicados aos estudos ecotoxicológicos aquáticos / Bioethical principles applied to aquatic ecotoxicological studies / Princípios bioéticos aplicados a los estudos ecotoxicológicos aquáticos

A ecotoxicologia aquática analisa os efeitos adversos dos poluentes químicos na biota, utilizando-se de animais nos ensaios laboratoriais. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se analisar a adequação dos ensaios laboratoriais realizados com organismos aquáticos com base nos princípios dos 3 R. Foram realizadas revisões de 20 artigos sobre ecotoxicologia aquática, publicados no período de 2010 a 2014. A análise verificou o número de animais utilizados nos ensaios ecotoxicológicos, aclimatação, aprovação da pesquisa por comitê de ética e uso de anestésicos. Os resultados indicam que os princípios de refinamento e substituição, do programa dos 3R, foram os que mais ocorreram nas pesquisas, porém a maioria delas não citou aprovação dos protocolos experimentais por um comitê de ética nem o uso de anestésicos nos organismos durante os experimentos. As pesquisas publicadas indicam a necessidade de redução do número de organismos nos bioensaios, bem como a aplicação dos princípios bioéticos na experimentação realizada com organismos aquáticos.

Aquatic eco-toxicology analyzes the adverse effects of chemical pollutants in the biota. The aim of this study was to analyze the adequacy of the laboratory trials with aquatic organisms, based on the principles of the 3Rs. Twenty articles on aquatic eco-toxicology published from 2010 to 2014 were reviewed. The numbers of animals utilized in eco-toxicological trials, acclimatization, research approved by the committee on ethics and utilization of anesthetics were verified. The findings indicate that the principles of refinement and replacement, of the 3Rs program, were the most encountered in the research; while most did not cite approval of experimental protocols by an ethics committee, nor the use of anesthetics on the organisms during the experiments. The research published indicates a need to reduce the number of in the bio-trials, and to apply principles of bioethics in experimentation with aquatic organisms.

La ecotoxicología acuática analiza los efectos adversos de los contaminantes químicos en la biota, utilizando animales en las pruebas de laboratorio. En este trabajo se tuvo como objetivo analizar la adecuación de las pruebas de laboratorio realizados con organismos acuáticos basadas en los principios de las 3Rs. Se realizaron revisiones en 20 artículos sobre Ecotoxicología acuática, publicados en el periodo de 2010 a 2014. Se verificó el número de animales utilizados en las pruebas ecotoxicológicas y en la aclimatación. La investigación fue aprobada por el comité de ética y para la utilización de anestésicos. Los resultados indican que los principios Refinamiento y Sustitución, del programa de las 3Rs, fueron los más encontrados en los estudios, pero que la mayoría no citó aprobación de los protocolos experimentales por un comité de ética, ni para el uso de anestésicos en los organismos durante los experimentos. Las investigaciones publicadas indican la necesidad de reducir el número de organismos en las biopruebas, así como la aplicación de los principios de la bioética en la experimentación realizada con los organismos acuáticos.

A histopathological and biometric comparison between catfish (Pisces, Ariidae) from a harbor and a protected area, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Histopathological lesions and biometric variations in catfish species are statistically associated with chemical contaminant exposure. A histopathological and biometric database for the catfish Sciades herzbergii and Bagre bagre from São Luís Island (Port Area) and Caranguejos Island (Reference Area) is presented. Branchial and hepatic lesions were classified into three reaction patterns: 1) circulatory or inflammatory disturbances; 2) regressive changes; 3) progressive changes. This paper summarizes research efforts aimed at characterizing the biomonitoring potential of catfish from two islands in Brazil, which exhibit great habitat diversity and different levels of human intervention. RESULTS: The weights and lengths of the catfish caught at the Port Area were smaller than those from the Reference Area. No histopathological lesions were observed in S. herzbergii examined at the reference site (Caranguejos Island). In contrast, 90% of S. herzbergii from sites located in the Port Area (São Luís Island) had one or more types of branchial and hepatic lesions. One or more of the five lesions were observed on 16 B. bagre from São Luís Island and Caranguejos Island. CONCLUSION: The utility of histopathological lesions and biometric data as sensitive indicators of the health of wild catfish populations has been demonstrated. Sciades herzbergii proved to be a better species for biomonitoring because it was more sensitive to the impacted site (Port Area) compared with the region relatively free of contaminants (Reference Area).

A simple mathematical model based on biomarkers in stress-resistant catfish species, Sciades herzbergii (Pisces, Ariidae), in São Marcos Bay, Brazil.

We present a refinement of our model describing the association between enzyme activity and histopathological lesions in the catfish, Sciades herzbergii from a polluted port. The fish were sampled from a port known to be contaminated with heavy metals and organic compounds and from a natural reserve in São Marcos Bay, Brazil. Two biomarkers, hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and histopathological lesions, in gills and liver tissue were measured. The values for GST activity were modeled with the occurrence of branchial and hepatic lesions by fitting a third-order polynomial. Results from the mathematical model indicate that GST activity has a strong polynomial relationship with the occurrence of branchial and hepatic lesions in both wet and the dry seasons but only at the polluted port site. The model developed in this study indicates that branchial and hepatic lesions are initiated when GST activity reaches 2.17 µmol min(-1) mg protein(-1). Beyond this limit, GST activity decreased to very low levels and irreversible histopathological lesions occurred. This mathematical model based on two biomarkers (histopathological lesions and enzyme activity) in catfish provides a realistic approach to analyze stress induced by contaminants.

Alterações morfológicas em brânquias de Oreochromis niloticus (Pisces, cichlidae) como biomarcadores de poluição aquática na Laguna da Jansen, São Luís-MA (Brasil) / Morphological changes in fish gills of Oreochromis niloticus (pisces, cichlidae) as biomarkers of aquatic pollution in the lagoon of Jansen, São Luís, State Of Maranhão (Brazil)

Uma investigação de biomarcadores histológicos pode ser uma ferramenta de baixo custo para determinar a saúde das populações de peixes, refletindo a saúde de um ecossistema aquático inteiro. Na presente pesquisa objetivou-se estudar as alterações histológicas nas brânquias de Oreochromis niloticus como biomarcadores em combinação com a análise microbiológica da água a partir de dois diferentes locais da "Laguna da Jansen" (São Luís, Brasil). As amostras de água e tecidos de peixes (brânquias) foram coletadas em duas estações de amostragem. Amostras de brânquias para análise histológica (arcos branquiais completos) foram dissecadas e fixadas por 24 horas. Notáveis mudanças estruturais foram detectadas nos tecidos dos peixes amostrados. As principais lesões moderadas observadas foram descolamento do epitélio lamelar, fusão de lamelas primárias e fusão das lamelas secundárias. As lesões mais graves foram infiltrado heterofilico, hemorragia, necrose e eritrofagocitose. O exame microbiológico da água indicou contaminação por coliformes totais, Escherichia coli e bactérias heteroróficas. Esses resultados indicam que as lesões branquiais são respostas adaptativas dos peixes à baixa qualidade microbiológica, da água do ambiente analisado.

A histological biomarker investigation may be a cost effective tool to determine the health of fish populations, reflecting the health of an entire aquatic ecosystem. The present research aimed to study the histological changes on the gills of the Oreochromis niloticus as biomarkers in combination with microbiological analysis of the water from two different sites of the Laguna da Jansen (São Luís, Brazil). Water and gills samples were collected from two sampling stations. Gill samples for histological analysis (complete gill arches) were dissected and fixed for 24 hours. Remarkable structural changes were detected in the tissues of the fishes sampled. The main moderate lesions observed were lamellar epithelium lifting, fusion of primary lamellae and fusion of secondary lamellae. The severe lesions were heterophilic inflammatory infiltrate, hemorrhage, necrosis and erythrophagocytosis. Microbiological water analysis indicated contamination by total coliforms, Escherichia coli and heterotrophic bacteria. These results indicate that the gill lesions are adaptive responses of fish to poor water quality of the environment analyzed.

Biomarkers in catfish Sciades herzbergii (Teleostei: Ariidae) from polluted and non-polluted areas (São Marcos' Bay, Northeastern Brazil).

Biomarkers based on specific enzyme activities and histological alterations are useful tools for evaluating toxicological effects of xenobiotics in wild fish. In this work, an experimental system of biomarkers with enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) and branchial lesions in catfish (Sciades herzbergii) was mathematically modeled. The fish were collected along known pollution gradients (S1) and from areas regarded relatively free of anthropogenic input (S2) in São Marcos' Bay, Brazil. GST was measured spectrophotometrically, and branchial lesions were examined by light microscope. The databases from this analysis were compiled, and non-linear models were used to analyze the dependence of the enzyme activity on the areas of sampling and on selected biological parameters of the fish. Fish weight, length, and somatic indices (gonadosomatic index) were significant in the model of GST activity only in A2. Brachial lesions were significant in the model of GST activity only in A1. The obtained model indicates that when the GST ceases to act, serious branchial lesions are observed in the fish of the contaminated regions.