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Zheng L, Cui X, Jiang Z, Li H, Zhu Z, Dai X, Liu X, Zhang L, Huang X, Ren Q. Differential expression of sNPF in male and female eyestalk leading to sex dimorphism of AMP expression in Procambarus clarkii intestine. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 151:109735. [PMID: 38945414 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) is an important component of crustaceans' innate immune system. In this study, a short neuropeptide F (sNPF) gene (Pc-sNPF) and a Forkhead box O (FOXO) gene (PcFOXO) from Procambarus clarkii were identified. Analysis findings showed that the expression level of AMP genes differed between male and female P. clarkii. Furthermore, Pc-sNPF and PcFOXO were related to the sex dimorphism of AMP. Knockdown of Pc-sNPF in the eyestalk significantly upregulated the expression of PcFOXO and two anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (PcALF4 and PcALFL) in the intestine of P. clarkii. The expression of PcFOXO in the intestine of female P. clarkii was higher than in that of males. Results from RNA interference revealed that PcFOXO positively regulated the expression of PcALF4 and PcALFL in the intestine of male and female P. clarkii. In summary, our study showed that differences in Pc-sNPF expression in eyestalk of male and female P. clarkii leading to sex dimorphism of AMP expression in the intestine are mediated by the sNPF-FOXO-AMP signal pathway called the eyestalk-intestine axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangmin Zheng
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xinyi Cui
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zilin Jiang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao Li
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ziyue Zhu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoling Dai
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Qian Ren
- School of Marine Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, Jiangsu Province, China.
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2
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Leonard EM, Porteus CS, Brink D, Milsom WK. Fish gill chemosensing: knowledge gaps and inconsistencies. J Comp Physiol B 2024:10.1007/s00360-024-01553-5. [PMID: 38758303 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-024-01553-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
In this review, we explore the inconsistencies in the data and gaps in our knowledge that exist in what is currently known regarding gill chemosensors which drive the cardiorespiratory reflexes in fish. Although putative serotonergic neuroepithelial cells (NEC) dominate the literature, it is clear that other neurotransmitters are involved (adrenaline, noradrenaline, acetylcholine, purines, and dopamine). And although we assume that these agents act on neurons synapsing with the NECs or in the afferent or efferent limbs of the paths between chemosensors and central integration sites, this process remains elusive and may explain current discrepancies or species differences in the literature. To date it has been impossible to link the distribution of NECs to species sensitivity to different stimuli or fish lifestyles and while the gills have been shown to be the primary sensing site for respiratory gases, the location (gills, oro-branchial cavity or elsewhere) and orientation (external/water or internal/blood sensing) of the NECs are highly variable between species of water and air breathing fish. Much of what has been described so far comes from studies of hypoxic responses in fish, however, changes in CO2, ammonia and lactate have all been shown to elicit cardio-respiratory responses and all have been suggested to arise from stimulation of gill NECs. Our view of the role of NECs is broadening as we begin to understand the polymodal nature of these cells. We begin by presenting the fundamental picture of gill chemosensing that has developed, followed by some key unanswered questions about gill chemosensing in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Leonard
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Cosima S Porteus
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Deidre Brink
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William K Milsom
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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3
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Falfushynska H, Rychter P, Boshtova A, Faidiuk Y, Kasianchuk N, Rzymski P. Illicit Drugs in Surface Waters: How to Get Fish off the Addictive Hook. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:537. [PMID: 38675497 PMCID: PMC11054822 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The United Nations World Drug Report published in 2022 alarmed that the global market of illicit drugs is steadily expanding in space and scale. Substances of abuse are usually perceived in the light of threats to human health and public security, while the environmental aspects of their use and subsequent emissions usually remain less explored. However, as with other human activities, drug production, trade, and consumption of drugs may leave their environmental mark. Therefore, this paper aims to review the occurrence of illicit drugs in surface waters and their bioaccumulation and toxicity in fish. Illicit drugs of different groups, i.e., psychostimulants (methamphetamines/amphetamines, cocaine, and its metabolite benzoylecgonine) and depressants (opioids: morphine, heroin, methadone, fentanyl), can reach the aquatic environment through wastewater discharge as they are often not entirely removed during wastewater treatment processes, resulting in their subsequent circulation in nanomolar concentrations, potentially affecting aquatic biota, including fish. Exposure to such xenobiotics can induce oxidative stress and dysfunction to mitochondrial and lysosomal function, distort locomotion activity by regulating the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems, increase the predation risk, instigate neurological disorders, disbalance neurotransmission, and produce histopathological alterations in the brain and liver tissues, similar to those described in mammals. Hence, this drugs-related multidimensional harm to fish should be thoroughly investigated in line with environmental protection policies before it is too late. At the same time, selected fish species (e.g., Danio rerio, zebrafish) can be employed as models to study toxic and binge-like effects of psychoactive, illicit compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Falfushynska
- Faculty of Economics, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, 06406 Bernburg, Germany
| | - Piotr Rychter
- Faculty of Science & Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Częstochowa, Armii Krajowej 13/15, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland;
| | | | - Yuliia Faidiuk
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53114 Wrocław, Poland;
- Educational and Scientific Centre “Institute of Biology and Medicine”, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 2 Prospekt Hlushkov, 03022 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 154 Zabolotny Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Nadiia Kasianchuk
- Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61712 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60806 Poznań, Poland;
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4
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Dymek J, Dymek AM, Kuciel M, Żuwała K. Macro- and micro morphology of the olfactory organ of African bonytongue, Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier 1829), compared with other species of the family Osteoglossidae (Teleostei). ZOOLOGY 2024; 163:126156. [PMID: 38422714 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2024.126156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Osteoglossiformes (bonytongue fishes) possess many morphological specializations associated with functions such as airbreathing, feeding, and electroreception. The olfactory organ also varies among species, notably in the family Osteoglossidae. Herein, we describe the olfactory organ of an osteoglossid, Heterotis niloticus, to compare it with the olfactory organs of other osteoglossiforms. We demonstrate the presence of an olfactory rosette within the olfactory chamber. This structure consists of a short median raphe surrounded by olfactory lamellae, which possess dorsal lamellar processes. On the surface of the olfactory lamellae, there are secondary lamellae formed by the olfactory epithelium. Within the olfactory epithelium, two zones can be distinguished: parallel brands of sensory cells located in the cavities between the secondary lamellae and a nonsensory area covering the remaining part of the olfactory lamellae. The olfactory epithelium is formed by ciliated and microvillus olfactory sensory neurons, supporting cells, goblet cells, basal cells and ciliated nonsensory cells. Additionally, rodlet cells were observed. The results confirm large variability in terms of the olfactory organ of Osteoglossiformes, particularly of Osteoglossidae, and support the secondary lamellae evolution hypothesis within this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Dymek
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland.
| | - Anna M Dymek
- Department of Small Livestock Breeding, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice n., Cracow, Poland
| | - Michał Kuciel
- Poison Information Centre, Department of Toxicology and Environmental Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Krystyna Żuwała
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
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5
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Garvey M. Antimicrobial Peptides Demonstrate Activity against Resistant Bacterial Pathogens. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:454-469. [PMID: 37623050 PMCID: PMC10454446 DOI: 10.3390/idr15040046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance crisis is an ongoing major threat to public health safety. Low- and middle-income countries are particularly susceptible to higher fatality rates and the economic impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As an increasing number of pathogens emerge with multi- and pan-drug resistance to last-resort antibiotics, there is an urgent need to provide alternative antibacterial options to mitigate disease transmission, morbidity, and mortality. As identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), critically important pathogens such as Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species are becoming resistant to last-resort antibiotics including colistin while being frequently isolated from clinical cases of infection. Antimicrobial peptides are potent amino acid sequences produced by many life forms from prokaryotic, fungal, plant, to animal species. These peptides have many advantages, including their multi-hit mode of action, potency, and rapid onset of action with low levels of resistance being evident. These innate defense mechanisms also have an immune-stimulating action among other activities in vivo, thus making them ideal therapeutic options. Large-scale production and formulation issues (pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics), high cost, and protease instability hinder their mass production and limit their clinical application. This review outlines the potential of these peptides to act as therapeutic agents in the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections considering the mode of action, resistance, and formulation aspects. Clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens are highlighted according to the WHO priority pathogen list.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, F91YW50 Sligo, Ireland
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6
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Rubira RJG, Batista VRG, Correia RR, Pazin WM, Maximino MD, Ruiz GCM, Teixeira GR, Job AE. Biological responses to imazapic and methyl parathion pesticides in bioinspired lipid membranes and Tilapia fish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131943. [PMID: 37390683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide misuse has well-documented detrimental effects on ecosystems, with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) being particularly vulnerable. The current study focuses on the impact of widely used sugarcane crop pesticides, Imazapic (IMZ) and Methyl Parathion (MP), on tilapia gill tissues and their lipid membranes. This investigation was motivated by the specific role of the lipid membrane in transport regulation. Bioinspired cell membrane models, including Langmuir monolayers and liposomes (LUVs and GUVs), were utilized to explore the interaction of IMZ and MP. The results revealed electrostatic interactions between IMZ and MP and the polar head groups of lipids, inducing morphological alterations in the lipid bilayer. Tilapia gill tissue exposed to the pesticides exhibited hypertrophic increases in primary and secondary lamellae, total lamellar fusion, vasodilation, and lifting of the secondary lamellar epithelium. These alterations can lead to compromised oxygen absorption by fish and subsequent mortality. This study not only highlights the harmful effects of the pesticides IMZ and MP, but also emphasizes the crucial role of water quality in ecosystem well-being, even at minimal pesticide concentrations. Understanding these impacts can better inform management practices to safeguard aquatic organisms and preserve ecosystem health in pesticide-affected environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael J G Rubira
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, SP 19060-900, Brazil.
| | - Victor R G Batista
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, SP 19060-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael R Correia
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, SP 19060-900, Brazil
| | - Wallance M Pazin
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Sciences, Bauru, SP CEP 17033-360, Brazil
| | - Mateus D Maximino
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, SP 19060-900, Brazil
| | - Gilia C M Ruiz
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, SP 19060-900, Brazil
| | - Giovana R Teixeira
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, SP 19060-900, Brazil
| | - Aldo E Job
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, SP 19060-900, Brazil
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7
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Asensio-Calavia P, González-Acosta S, Otazo-Pérez A, López MR, Morales-delaNuez A, Pérez de la Lastra JM. Teleost Piscidins-In Silico Perspective of Natural Peptide Antibiotics from Marine Sources. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050855. [PMID: 37237758 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish, like all other animals, are exposed to constant contact with microbes, both on their skin and on the surfaces of their respiratory and digestive systems. Fish have a system of non-specific immune responses that provides them with initial protection against infection and allows them to survive under normal conditions despite the presence of these potential invaders. However, fish are less protected against invading diseases than other marine vertebrates because their epidermal surface, composed primarily of living cells, lacks the keratinized skin that serves as an efficient natural barrier in other marine vertebrates. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one type of innate immune protection present in all life forms. AMPs have been shown to have a broader range of biological effects than conventional antibiotics, including antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and antifungal effects. Although other AMPs, such as defensins and hepcidins, are found in all vertebrates and are relatively well conserved, piscidins are found exclusively in Teleost fish and are not found in any other animal. Therefore, there is less information on the expression and bioactivity of piscidins than on other AMPs. Piscidins are highly effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that cause disease in fish and humans and have the potential to be used as pharmacological anti-infectives in biomedicine and aquaculture. To better understand the potential benefits and limitations of using these peptides as therapeutic agents, we are conducting a comprehensive study of the Teleost piscidins included in the "reviewed" category of the UniProt database using bioinformatics tools. They all have amphipathic alpha-helical structures. The amphipathic architecture of piscidin peptides and positively charged residues influence their antibacterial activity. These alpha-helices are intriguing antimicrobial drugs due to their stability in high-salt and metal environments. New treatments for multidrug-resistant bacteria, cancer, and inflammation may be inspired by piscidin peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Asensio-Calavia
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, 3, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- School of Doctoral and Graduate Studies, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, SN. Edificio Calabaza-Apdo. 456, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Sergio González-Acosta
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, 3, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- School of Doctoral and Graduate Studies, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, SN. Edificio Calabaza-Apdo. 456, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Andrea Otazo-Pérez
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, 3, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- School of Doctoral and Graduate Studies, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, SN. Edificio Calabaza-Apdo. 456, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Manuel R López
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, 3, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Antonio Morales-delaNuez
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, 3, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - José Manuel Pérez de la Lastra
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, 3, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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8
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Wu YX, Hu SY, Lu XJ, Hu JR. Identification and characterization of two novel antimicrobial peptides from Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) with antimicrobial activity and MO/MФ activation capability. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 145:104726. [PMID: 37149238 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Piscidins participate in the innate immune response of fish, which aims to eliminate recognized foreign microbes and restore the homeostasis of immune system. We characterized two piscidin-like antimicrobial peptides (LjPL-3 and LjPL-2) isolated from Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus). LjPL-3 and LjPL-2 showed different expression patterns in tissues. After Vibrio harveyi infection, the mRNA expression of LjPL-3 and LjPL-2 was upregulated in the liver, spleen, head kidney, and trunk kidney. The synthetic mature peptides LjPL-3 and LjPL-2 exhibited different antimicrobial spectra. Furthermore, LjPL-3 and LjPL-2 treatments decreased inflammatory cytokine production while promoting chemotaxis and phagocytosis in monocytes/macrophages (MO/MФ). LjPL-2, but not LjPL-3, displayed bacterial killing capability in MO/MФ. LjPL-3 and LjPL-2 administration increased Japanese sea bass survival after V. harveyi challenge, which was accompanied by a decline in bacterial burden. These data suggested that LjPL-3 and LjPL-2 participate in immune response through direct bacterial killing and MO/MФ activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xin Wu
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China; Department of Physiology, and Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuai-Yue Hu
- Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Jiang Lu
- Department of Physiology, and Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
| | - Jian-Rao Hu
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China.
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9
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Revealing Natural Intracellular Peptides in Gills of Seahorse Hippocampus reidi. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030433. [PMID: 36979368 PMCID: PMC10046794 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The seahorse is a marine teleost fish member of the Syngnathidae family that displays a complex variety of morphological and reproductive behavior innovations and has been recognized for its medicinal importance. In the Brazilian ichthyofauna, the seahorse Hippocampus reidi is among the three fish species most used by the population in traditional medicine. In this study, a protocol was performed based on fast heat inactivation of proteases plus liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to identify native peptides in gills of seahorse H. reidi. The MS/MS spectra obtained from gills allowed the identification of 1080 peptides, of which 1013 peptides were present in all samples and 67 peptide sequences were identified in an additional LC-MS/MS run from an alkylated and reduced pool of samples. The majority of peptides were fragments of the internal region of the amino acid sequence of the precursor proteins (67%), and N- and C-terminal represented 18% and 15%, respectively. Many peptide sequences presented ribosomal proteins, histones and hemoglobin as precursor proteins. In addition, peptide fragments from moronecidin-like protein, described with antimicrobial activity, were found in all gill samples of H. reidi. The identified sequences may reveal new bioactive peptides.
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10
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Chen X, Wu X, Wang S. An optimized antimicrobial peptide analog acts as an antibiotic adjuvant to reverse methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. NPJ Sci Food 2022; 6:57. [PMID: 36509755 PMCID: PMC9744894 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-022-00171-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The misuse of antibiotics in animal protein production has driven the emergence of a range of drug-resistant pathogens, which threaten existing public health security. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobials and new infection treatment options to address the challenges posed by the dramatic spread of antibiotic resistance. Piscidins, a class of fish-specific antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), are regarded as promising therapies for biomedical applications. Progress towards potential analogs from the piscidin family has been hampered by unenforceable structural optimization strategies. Here, we leverage a strategy of bioinformatics analysis combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to identify specific functional hotspots in piscidins and rationally design related analogues. As expected, this approach yields a potent and non-toxic PIS-A-1 that can be used as an antibiotic adjuvant to reverse methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pathogens. Remarkably, the structural optimization scheme and application strategy proposed here will contribute richer therapeutic options for the safe production of animal protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Chen
- grid.411604.60000 0001 0130 6528College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108 China ,grid.411604.60000 0001 0130 6528College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108 China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- grid.411604.60000 0001 0130 6528College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108 China ,grid.411604.60000 0001 0130 6528College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108 China
| | - Shaoyun Wang
- grid.411604.60000 0001 0130 6528College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108 China
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11
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Expression of Antimicrobic Peptide Piscidin1 in Gills Mast Cells of Giant Mudskipper Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Pallas, 1770). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213707. [PMID: 36430187 PMCID: PMC9692400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The amphibious teleost Giant mudskipper (Periophthalmodon schlosseri, Pallas 1770) inhabit muddy plains and Asian mangrove forests. It spends more than 90% of its life outside of the water, using its skin, gills, and buccal-pharyngeal cavity mucosa to breathe in oxygen from the surrounding air. All vertebrates have been found to have mast cells (MCs), which are part of the innate immune system. These cells are mostly found in the mucous membranes of the organs that come in contact with the outside environment. According to their morphology, MCs have distinctive cytoplasmic granules that are released during the degranulation process. Additionally, these cells have antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that fight a variety of infections. Piscidins, hepcidins, defensins, cathelicidins, and histonic peptides are examples of fish AMPs. Confocal microscopy was used in this study to assess Piscidin1 expression in Giant Mudskipper branchial MCs. Our results demonstrated the presence of MCs in the gills is highly positive for Piscidin1. Additionally, colocalized MCs labeled with TLR2/5-HT and Piscidin1/5-HT supported our data. The expression of Piscidin1 in giant mudskipper MCs highlights the involvement of this peptide in the orchestration of teleost immunity, advancing the knowledge of the defense system of this fish.
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Alesci A, Pergolizzi S, Savoca S, Fumia A, Mangano A, Albano M, Messina E, Aragona M, Lo Cascio P, Capillo G, Lauriano ER. Detecting Intestinal Goblet Cells of the Broadgilled Hagfish Eptatretus cirrhatus (Forster, 1801): A Confocal Microscopy Evaluation. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091366. [PMID: 36138844 PMCID: PMC9496011 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The intestinal epithelium of fish, similar to mammals, consists mainly of enterocytes and goblet cells. Goblet cells play a key role in the secretion of mucus, which, in addition to promoting the digestion of nutrients, is the first protective barrier against bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Our study aims to evaluate the presence, localization, and co-localization of 5-HT, TLR2, iNOS, and Piscidin1 in goblet cells of the intestine of Eptatretus cirrhatus. The results obtained by confocal microscopy show, for the first time, the positivity of goblet cells to the antibodies tested, suggesting the involvement of these cells in the intestinal immunity of broadgilled hagfish. Abstract The fish intestine operates as a complicated interface between the organism and the environment, providing biological and mechanical protections as a result of a viscous layer of mucus released by goblet cells, which serves as a barrier against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, and contributes to the functions of the immune system. Therefore, goblet cells have a role in preserving the health of the body by secreting mucus and acting as sentinels. The ancient jawless fish broadgilled hagfish (Eptatretus cirrhatus, Forster, 1801) has a very basic digestive system because it lacks a stomach. By examining the presence, localization, and co-localization of 5-HT, TLR2, iNOS, and Piscidin1, this study intends to provide insight into the potential immune system contributions arranged by the gut goblet cells of broadgilled hagfish. Our results characterize intestinal goblet cells of broadgilled hagfish, for the first time, with the former antibodies, suggesting the hypothesis of conservation of the roles played by these cells also in primitive vertebrates. Moreover, this study deepens the knowledge about the still little-known immune system of hagfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Alesci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (S.P.)
| | - Simona Pergolizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (S.P.)
| | - Serena Savoca
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology, National Research Council (IRBIM, CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Fumia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Padiglione C, A. O. U. Policlinico “G. Martino”, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelica Mangano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Albano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Emmanuele Messina
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Lo Cascio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Gioele Capillo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology, National Research Council (IRBIM, CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy
| | - Eugenia Rita Lauriano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Falco A, Adamek M, Pereiro P, Hoole D, Encinar JA, Novoa B, Mallavia R. The Immune System of Marine Organisms as Source for Drugs against Infectious Diseases. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20060363. [PMID: 35736166 PMCID: PMC9230875 DOI: 10.3390/md20060363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The high proliferation of microorganisms in aquatic environments has allowed their coevolution for billions of years with other living beings that also inhabit these niches. Among the different existing types of interaction, the eternal competition for supremacy between the susceptible species and their pathogens has selected, as part of the effector division of the immune system of the former ones, a vast and varied arsenal of efficient antimicrobial molecules, which is highly amplified by the broad biodiversity radiated, above any others, at the marine habitats. At present, the great recent scientific and technological advances already allow the massive discovery and exploitation of these defense compounds for therapeutic purposes against infectious diseases of our interest. Among them, antimicrobial peptides and antimicrobial metabolites stand out because of the wide dimensions of their structural diversities, mechanisms of action, and target pathogen ranges. This revision work contextualizes the research in this field and serves as a presentation and scope identification of the Special Issue from Marine Drugs journal “The Immune System of Marine Organisms as Source for Drugs against Infectious Diseases”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Falco
- Institute of Research, Development, and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology in Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), 03202 Elche, Spain; (J.A.E.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (M.A.)
| | - Mikolaj Adamek
- Fish Disease Research Unit, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (M.A.)
| | - Patricia Pereiro
- Institute of Marine Research, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IIM-CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain; (P.P.); (B.N.)
| | - David Hoole
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK;
| | - José Antonio Encinar
- Institute of Research, Development, and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology in Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), 03202 Elche, Spain; (J.A.E.); (R.M.)
| | - Beatriz Novoa
- Institute of Marine Research, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IIM-CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain; (P.P.); (B.N.)
| | - Ricardo Mallavia
- Institute of Research, Development, and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology in Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), 03202 Elche, Spain; (J.A.E.); (R.M.)
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Alesci A, Cicero N, Fumia A, Petrarca C, Mangifesta R, Nava V, Lo Cascio P, Gangemi S, Di Gioacchino M, Lauriano ER. Histological and Chemical Analysis of Heavy Metals in Kidney and Gills of Boops boops: Melanomacrophages Centers and Rodlet Cells as Environmental Biomarkers. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050218. [PMID: 35622632 PMCID: PMC9147125 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Industrialization has resulted in a massive increase in garbage output, which is frequently discharged or stored in waterways like rivers and seas. Due to their toxicity, durability, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification, heavy metals (such as mercury, cadmium, and lead) have been identified as strong biological poisons. Their presence in the aquatic environment has the potential to affect water quality parameters and aquatic life in general. Teleosts’ histopathology provides a sensitive indicator of pollutant-induced stress, because their organs have a central role in the transformation of different active chemical compounds in the aquatic environment. In particular, the gills, kidneys, and liver are placed at the center of toxicological studies. The purpose of this study is to examine the morphological changes caused by heavy metals in the kidney and gills of Boops boops, with a focus on melanomacrophages centers (MMCs) and rodlet cells (RCs) as environmental biomarkers, using histological and histochemical stainings (hematoxylin/eosin, Van Gieson trichrome, Periodic Acid Schiff reaction, and Alcian Blue/PAS 2.5), and immunoperoxidase methods. Our findings show an increase of MMCs and RCs linked to higher exposure to heavy metals, confirming the role of these aggregates and cells as reliable biomarkers of potential aquatic environmental changes reflected in fish fauna. The cytological study of RCs and MMCs could be important in gaining a better understanding of the complicated immune systems of teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Alesci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.L.C.); (E.R.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (N.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Nicola Cicero
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (N.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Angelo Fumia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Viale Gazzi, 98147 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (N.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Claudia Petrarca
- Center of Advanced Science and Technology (CAST), G. D’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.P.); (R.M.); (M.D.G.)
- YDA–Institute of Clinical Immunotherapy and Advanced Biological Treatments, 65121 Pescara, Italy
| | - Rocco Mangifesta
- Center of Advanced Science and Technology (CAST), G. D’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.P.); (R.M.); (M.D.G.)
| | - Vincenzo Nava
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Lo Cascio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.L.C.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Viale Gazzi, 98147 Messina, Italy;
| | - Mario Di Gioacchino
- Center of Advanced Science and Technology (CAST), G. D’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.P.); (R.M.); (M.D.G.)
- YDA–Institute of Clinical Immunotherapy and Advanced Biological Treatments, 65121 Pescara, Italy
| | - Eugenia Rita Lauriano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (P.L.C.); (E.R.L.)
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Alesci A, Pergolizzi S, Fumia A, Calabrò C, Lo Cascio P, Lauriano ER. Mast cells in goldfish (
Carassius auratus
) gut: Immunohistochemical characterization. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Alesci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Simona Pergolizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Angelo Fumia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Concetta Calabrò
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Patrizia Lo Cascio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Eugenia Rita Lauriano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Messina Italy
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