Description of new myxozoan parasite Myxobolus awadhii sp. nov from the gills of freshwater catfish Clarias batrachus Linn

Parasitic infestations are one of the major problems in freshwater fish production. Clarias batrachus Linnaeus, 1758 (Clariidae) is a commercially important native catfish mainly used for food as it has very high iron content and other minerals. Unfortunately, it is difficult to breed in captivity and is highly prone to parasitic infections particularly the Myxobolus sp. The present article discusses a new species of Myxobolus identified as Myxobolus awadhii from the gills of C. batrachus. Plasmodia were found on the gill filaments with the intensity of infection to be moderate as indicated by gill plasmodial index (GPI = 6). The mature myxospores were oval to ellipsoidal in shape measuring 8.82-11.68 (10.57 ± 0.50) × 5.76-7.37 (6.70 ± 0.36) μm in size. The present species was compared with species found from the same host and other resembling species as M. acanthorhodi, M. bhadurius, M. bilineatum, M. chrysichthyi. Present article deals with morphological and morphometric description of M. awadhii sp. nov. Morphological comparisons of the mature myxospores were done with the similar myxospores and species reported earlier from C. batrachus.

Authentication of five Barilius species from Indian waters using DNA barcoding

Authentic identification of fish species is essential for conserving them as a valuable genetic resource in our environment. DNA barcoding of living beings has become an important and ultimate tool for establishing their molecular identity. Among cyprinids, Barilius is an important genus having nearly 23 species in Indian region whose morphological identification is often difficult due to minute differences in their features. Five species collected from Indian waters and primarily identified as Opsarius bakeri (syn. Barilius bakeri), B. gatensis, B. vagra, B. bendelisis and B. ngawa were authenticated by their DNA barcoding based on mitochondrial COI gene sequences. Five individuals of each species were taken for barcode preparation by COI gene sequencing which yielded one barcode for B. ngawa, two barcodes each for O. bakeri, B. gatensis, B. bendelisis and three barcodes for B. vagra. The order of inter and intra-specific variation was estimated to know a preliminary status of variation prevailing in these cold stream fish species significant for evolution and conservation of these valued species of our ichthyofauna. Average variation within genera was found to be 13.6% with intra-specific variation ranging from 0.0% (B. ngawa) to 0.6% (B. gatensis). These distance data are in the same order found by various researchers globally using COI barcode sequences in different fish species. Phylogenetic relatedness among Barilius species and some other cyprinids validate their status of individual species as established by conventional taxonomy.

Effect of lead exposure on serum immunoglobulins and reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediate

Metal toxicants may affect immune regulation with an increased incidence of infectious diseases, cancer or autoimmune diseases. Lead is the leading environmental toxin among heavy metals and has aroused concern, as continuous low-level exposure leads to a variety of health problems. We compared serum immunoglobulins (Ig) and reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates (super oxide and nitric oxide (NO)) in culture supernatant of lead-exposed (blood lead; Pb-B > 10 μg/dL) individuals with that of unexposed healthy controls (blood lead <10 μg/dL). The serum IgA level was significantly increased in lead-exposed individuals in comparison to controls (1829±53 versus 1389±52 μg/dL; ( P <0.05). Furthermore, lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production by mouse macrophage cells, RAW 264.7, showed significant suppression (P<0.05) after treatment with lead acetate (100 ppm). This study suggested that lead could modulate the immune system by targeting the humoral as well as innate immune cells.

Isolation and characterization of Pseudomonas stutzeri and its potential application in biological nitrification

Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were isolated from sediment samples of fishponds with an aim to use them for application in biological nitrification of water. Isolation of AOB was done in an inorganic medium and nitrite-producing bacterial isolates were selected. These isolates were further screened by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers forAOB. Out of 119 nitrate positive isolates, only 12 showed positive amplification and yielded a PCR product of ~465 bp. Treatment of aquaculture pond and riverwaterwith one of the bacterial isolate (HC-5) resulted in lowering of soluble ammonia level from 3.50 to 0.05 mgl(-1) and 7.5 to 0.01 mgl(-1), respectively. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing of isolate HC-5 identified the microorganism as Pseudomonasstutzeri.

Innate immune response of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita infected with oomycete pathogen Aphanomyces invadans

The fish pathogenic oomycete Aphanomyces invadans is the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS), a fish disease of international significance and reportable to the World Organisation for Animal Health. In spite of the current and potential impact of A. invadans infection on fisheries and aquaculture sectors of the world, very little is known about the host-A. invadans interactions. In the present study, following experimental infection with A. invadans in one of the Indian major carps, Labeo rohita, sequential changes in various innate immune parameters were monitored. The results indicated that at early stages of infection, no significant changes in any of the studied innate immune parameters were observed. However, at the advanced stages of infection from 6 to 12 days post infection (dpi), the respiratory burst and alternate complement activity were significantly higher whereas lysozyme, antiproteases and α-2 macroglobulin values were significantly lower than the control group and also from the infected group at earlier stages of infection. Since, the possibility of vaccination of fish against A. invadans appears remote due to difficulties in eliciting a specific antibody response, the information generated in the present study could be useful for developing strategies for improving resistance to A. invadans infection by stimulating the innate immunity through immunomodulation.

Genealogy and phylogeography of Cyprinid fish Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) inferred from ATPase 6 and 8 mitochondrial DNA gene analysis

ATPase 6/8 gene (842 bp) of mitochondrial DNA was sequenced in Labeo rohita samples (n = 253) collected from nine rivers belonging to four river basins; Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi. Analysis revealed 44 haplotypes with high haplotype diversity (Hd) 0.694 and low nucleotide diversity (π) 0.001. The within population variation was larger (83.44%) than among population differences (16.56%). The mean FST value (0.166; P &lt; 0.05) for overall populations revealed moderate level of genetic structuring in the wild L. rohita populations. The haplotype network presented a single clade for wild L. rohita population, from different rivers. Negative values for Fu’s index (FS), mismatch distribution analysis indicated period of expansion in L. rohita population. The time after recent expansion was estimated for each population, between 0.042 to 0.167 mya. The pattern of Isolation by Distance (IBD) was not significant (r = -0.113, P &lt; 0.287), when all the sampling locations were compared (Mantel test), however, when an outlier (Indus, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi) was removed from the whole population set, a clear positive correlation between pairwise FST and geographic distance (Km) was seen. The analysis of data demonstrated that ATPase6/8 gene polymorphism is a potential marker to understand genetic population structure of wild L. rohita existing in different rivers. The study identified population substructure in wild L. rohita with common ancestral origin [Current Zoology 60 (4): 460–471, 2014].

Cross-priming of microsatellite loci in subfamily cyprininae (family Cyprinidae): their utility in finding markers for population genetic analysis in three Indian major carps

This study is aimed to identify polymorphic microsatellite markers and establish their potential for population genetics studies in three carp (family cyprinidae; subfamily cyprininae) species, Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala through use of cyprinid primers. These species have high commercial value and knowledge of genetic variation is important for management of farmed and wild populations. We tested 108 microsatellite primers from 11 species belonging to three different cyprinid subfamilies, Cyprininae, Barbinae and Leuciscinae out of which 63 primers (58.33%) successfully amplified orthologous loci in three focal species. Forty-two loci generated from 29 primers were polymorphic in these three carp species. Sequencing of amplified product confirmed the presence of SSRs in these 42 loci and orthologous nature of the loci. To validate potential of these 42 polymorphic loci in determining the genetic variation, we analyzed 486 samples of three focal species collected from Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems. Results indicated significant genetic variation, with mean number of alleles per locus ranging from 6.80 to 14.40 and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.50 to 0.74 in the three focal species. Highly significant (P < 0.00001) allelic homogeneity values revealed that the identified loci can be efficiently used in population genetics analysis of these carp species. Further, thirty-two loci from 19 primers were useful for genotyping in more than one species. The data from the present study was compiled with cross-species amplification data from previous results on eight species of subfamily cyprininae to compare cross-transferability of microsatellite loci. It was revealed that out of 226 heterologous loci amplified, 152 loci that originated from 77 loci exhibited polymorphism and 45 primers were of multispecies utility, common for 2-7 species.

Mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene-based evolutionary divergence and molecular phylogeny of Barilius spp

Barilius is an important genus of fish family Cyprinidae, which comprises 22 species from Indian region. This study aimed to characterize five commonly occurring Bariline species, for example, Barilius bakeri. Barilius gatensis. Barilius vagra. Barilius bendelisis and Barilius tileo, across the country using partial mitochondrial 16 S rRNA gene, to estimate the order of inter- and intra-species divergence among these species and to establish phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships. The average inter-specific divergence was estimated as 7.10%. Intra-specific divergence of 0.20% and 0.10% was observed in B. gatensis and B. bendelisis that exhibited three and two haplotypes with 0.70 and 0.60 haplotype diversities, respectively. The NJ and MP phylogenetic trees were constructed using 16 S rRNA sequences along with sequences of the other five Indian cyprinid species retrieved from NCBI. Phylogenetic trees revealed five discrete branches each as a distinct species of the genus and exhibited identical phylogenetic relationship with other cyprinids. The study provided adequate information to distinguish the five Barilius species and indicated the suitability of 16S rRNA gene sequences in genetic divergence and phylogenetic studies.

Seasonal variations in abundance of nitrifying bacteria in fish pond ecosystem

Seasonal changes in abundance of nitrifiers (ammonia-oxidizing and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria) in surface and bottom water of freshwater ponds were examined with respect to temperature, DO, pH as well as concentration of ammonia and nitrite. The most probable number (MPN) of ammonia-oxidizers in different ponds varied from 1297 +/- 3.6 to 1673.23 +/- 0.36 ml(-1) in bottom and 720.5 +/- 8.1 to 955.3 +/- 10.8 ml(-1) in surface water during the rainy season while the MPN ranged from 1074 +/- 1.07 to 1372.17 +/- 4.6 ml(-1) in bottom and 515 +/- 10.1 to 678 +/- 11.8 ml(-1) in surface water in winter. However, the MPN were greatly reduced in summer and ranged from 435.05 +/- 15.7 to 547.54 +/- 2.12 ml(-1) in bottom and 218.7 +/- 7.3 to 368.4 +/- 9.32 ml(-1) in surface water. Similar seasonal trends were also observed in MPN of nitrite-oxidizers. Among all the physico-chemical parameters, abundance of nitrifiers was more positively correlated with ammonia and nitrite concentration in all the seasons. The abundance of nitrifiers in surface and bottom water was highest in rainy season followed by winter and modest in summer. The potential nitrification activities and oxidation rates were shown to be linear and activity of ammonia-oxidizing and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria was highest during rainy season.

The NQO1 allelic frequency in hindu population of central India varies from that of other Asian populations

CONTEXT:

The enzymes encoded by the polymorphic genes NAD (P) H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) play an important role in the activation and inactivation of xenobiotics. This enzyme has been associated with xenobiotic related diseases, such as cancer, therapeutic failure and abnormal effects of drugs.

AIM:

The aim of the present study was to determine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of NQO Hinf I polymorphisms in a Hindu population of Central India.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

Polymorphisms of NQO1 were determined in 311 unrelated Hindu individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Polymerase chain reaction- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis in peripheral blood DNA for NQO1 Hinf I polymorphism was used in 311 unrelated Hindu individuals.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

Allele frequencies were calculated by direct counting. Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium was evaluated using a Chi-square goodness of fit test.

RESULTS:

The observed allelic frequency was 81% for C (wild) and 19% for T (mutant) in the total sample.

CONCLUSIONS:

The allelic frequency of “C” was higher than in other Asians (57%), but similar to Caucasians (81%). The genotype distributions for Hinf I polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Population distribution of 45S and 5S rDNA in golden mahseer, Tor putitora: population-specific FISH marker

Chromosomal locations of major 45S and minor 5S ribosomal DNAs (rDNAs) and organization of 5S rRNA genes were analysed in five different populations of golden mahseers (Tor putitora) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Southern blot hybridization. All five populations of T. putitora (2n = 100) showed a similar type of macro-karyotype composed of 12 metacentric, 22 submetacentric, 14 subtelocentric and 52 telocentric chromosomes. Analysis of active nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) by silver staining did not show any differences in number and chromosomal position in different populations. But FISH data showed significant difference between the populations, four of the five populations showed six 18S (three pairs) and two 5S (one pair) signals with positional polymorphism, while one population showed eight 18S and four 5S signals, respectively. Southern blot data confirms that 5S rDNA clusters present on two different chromosome pairs in Kosi river population contain non-transcribed spacers (NTS) of same length. In the present study, simultaneous localization of 45S and 5S rDNA by in situ hybridization helped us to develop the discrete population-specific markers in different geographically isolated populations of T. putitora.

Hepatitis E virus infection among animals in northern India: an unlikely source of human disease

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in many developing countries. Based on data from nonendemic regions, an animal reservoir of HEV has been proposed; however, data from HEV-endemic regions are limited. We tested sera from 200 pigs, 98 chickens, 86 goats, 58 sheep and 30 buffaloes for anti-HEV IgG using two different enzyme immunoassays. Specificity of the detected antibodies was confirmed using inhibition assays. Stool specimens from 210 pigs, 94 piglets and 37 sheep were tested for HEV-RNA using nested amplification methods; the polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced and compared with known human and swine HEV sequences. Of the 200 swine sera, 193 and 195, respectively, tested positive in the two assays. All goat sera showed anti-HEV reactivity in both the assays. Inhibition studies confirmed the HEV specificity of antibodies detected in swine and goat sera using both the assays. Sera from sheep, buffalo and chickens also showed high rates of apparent reactivity, but inhibition studies were unable to confirm the specificity of reactions in these species. One faecal specimen showed amplification using Indian swine HEV-specific primers. The genomic sequence of the amplicon from this isolate had only 76-79% nucleotide and 93% amino acid homology with human HEV isolates reported from India and other parts of the world, and most closely resembled swine HEV isolates from other parts of India. Infection with HEV or a related agent is widespread among animals in northern India. However, the swine HEV in India differs genetically from human HEV isolates, indicating that pigs may not play an important role in the spread of human hepatitis E in endemic regions.

Copper(II) complexes of tridentate N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine: superoxide dismutase and inhibitory activity against bacteria and fungi

A series of ternary copper(II) complexes containing same coordination sphere but difference in the counter ions, viz., [Cu(PMDT)(OAc)]PF(6)(1); [Cu(PMDT)(OAc)]ClO(4)(2); [Cu(PMDT)(OAc)]BF(4)(3) and [Cu(PMDT)(OAc)]BPh(4)(4) where PMDT=N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, OAc=Acetate ion were synthesized and characterized by means of spectroscopic, magnetic and cyclic voltammetric measurements. In frozen solution e.p.r. spectra, an interesting relation g|| >g(perpendicular) has been observed which is atypical of the axially symmetric d(9) Cu(II) (S(Cu)=1/2) having an unpaired electron in a d (x2-y2) orbital. Single crystal X-ray analysis of (1) has revealed the presence of distorted square planar geometry. The influence of the counter ion on the complexes has been examined by performing some biological experiments like superoxide dismutase and anti-microbial activity.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of ternary copper(II) complexes containing polypyridyl ligands

Ternary copper(II) complexes involving polypyridyl ligands in the coordination sphere of composition [Cu(tpy)(phen)](ClO4)2 (1), [Cu(tpy)(bipy)](ClO4)2 (2), [Cu(tptz)(phen)](ClO4)2 (3) and [Cu(tptz)(bipy)](BF4)2 (4) where tpy = 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, tptz = 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, X-band e.p.r. spectroscopy and electronic spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray of (1) has revealed the presence of a distorted square pyramidal geometry in the complex. Magnetic susceptibility measurements at room temperature were in the range of 1.77-1.81 BM. SOD and antimicrobial activities of these complexes were also measured. Crystal data of (1): P-1, a = 9.3010(7) A, b = 9.7900(6) A, c = 16.4620(6) A, Vc = 1342.73(14) A3, Z = 4. The bond distance of CuN in square base is 2+/-0.04 A.

Synthesis, spectra and biomimetic properties of copper(II)-copper(II) and copper(II)-zinc(II) binuclear complexes with CuN5 chromophores

X-band electron spin resonance (ESR) and UV-vis spectra of a homobinuclear [(Bipy)2Cu-E-Im-Cu(Bipy)2](BF4)3 and a heterobinuclear [(Bipy)2Cu-E-Im-Zn(Bipy)2](BF4)3 complexes, E-Im=2-ethylimidazolate ion have been described as possible models for superoxide dismutase (SOD). Magnetic moment and ESR spectral measurements of the homobinuclear complex have shown an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction. From pH-dependent ESR and UV-vis spectral measurements studies, these complexes have been found to be stable over 8.5-10.5 pH range. These complexes catalyze the dismutation of superoxide (O2-) at biological pH. All the observations indicate that these complexes act as good possible models for superoxide dismutase.

Synthesis, structure and biomimetic properties of Cu(II)–Cu(II) and Cu(II)–Zn(II) binuclear complexes: possible models for the chemistry of Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase

Four imidazolate-bridged binuclear copper(II)-copper(II) and copper(II)-zinc(II) complexes viz., [(Bipy)(2)Cu-Im-Cu(Bipy)(2)](ClO(4))(3).CH(3)OH, [(Phen)(2)Cu-Im-Cu(Phen)(2)](BF(4))(3).2CH(3)OH, [(Bipy)(2)Cu-Im-Zn(Bipy)(2)](BF(4))(3), and [(Phen)(2)Cu-Im-Zn(Phen)(2)](BF(4))(3), (Bipy=2,2'-Bipyridyl, Phen=1-10-Phenanthroline and Im=imidazolate ion) were synthesized as a possible models for superoxide dismutase (SOD). Complex [(Bipy)(2)Cu-Im-Cu(Bipy)(2)](ClO(4))(3).CH(3)OH has been structurally characterized. This complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, with the unit parameters a=8.88(5) A, b=13.79(17) A, c=20.18(18) A, alpha=76.424(8)(o), beta=85.888(6)(o), gamma=82.213(7). The metal-nitrogen bond length from 1.972-2.273 A and the distance Cu-Cu is 5.92 A. The five-coordinate geometry about the copper(II) ion is square pyramidal. Magnetic moment and electron paramagnetic resonance (e.p.r.) spectral measurements of the homobinuclear complexes have shown an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction. From the e.p.r. and UV-Vis spectral measurement studies, these complexes have been found to be stable (pH 8.5-10.5 for 1, 10.5 for 2,3 and 8.5 for 4). These complexes catalyse the dismutation of superoxide radical (O(2)(-)) at biological pH. All the observations indicate that these complexes act as good possible models for superoxide dismutase.

Novel copper(II)-dien-imidazole/imidazolate-bridged copper(II) complexes. Crystal structure of [Cu(dien)(Him)](ClO4)2 and of [(dien)Cu(mu-im)Cu(dien)](ClO4)3, a homobinuclear model for the copper(II) site of the CuZn-superoxide dismutase

The imidazolate-bridged binuclear copper(II)-copper(II) complex [(dien)Cu(mu-im)Cu(dien)](ClO(4))(3) and related mononuclear complexes [Cu(dien)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2), [Cu(dien)(Him)](ClO(4))(2) were synthesized with diethylenetriamine (dien) as capping ligand. The crystal structure of mononuclear [Cu(dien)(Him)](ClO(4))(2) and binuclear complex [(dien)Cu(mu-im)Cu(dien)](ClO(4))(3) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The mononuclear complex [Cu(dien)(Him)](ClO(4))(2) crystallizes in the orthorhombic, Pca2(1) with a = 9.3420(9) A, b = 12.3750(9) A, c = 14.0830(9) A, beta = 90.000(7)(o) and Z = 4 and binuclear complex [(dien)Cu(mu-im)Cu(dien)](ClO(4))(3) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/a, with a = 15.017(7) A, b = 11.938(6) A, c = 15.386(6) A, beta = 110.30(4)(o) and Z = 4. The molecular structures show that copper(II) ions in an asymmetrically elongated octahedral coordination (type 4 + 1 + 1) and in binuclear complex Cu(1) atom has a asymmetrically elongated octahedral coordination (type type 4 + 1 + 1) and Cu(2) atom exhibits a square base pyramidal coordination (type 4 + 1). The bridging ligand (imidazolate ion, im) lies nearly on a straight line between two Cu(2+), which are separated by 5.812 A, slightly shorter than the value in copper-copper superoxide dismutase (Cu(2)-Cu(2)SOD). Magnetic measurements and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy of the binuclear complex have shown an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction. From pH-dependent cyclic voltametry (CV) and electronic spectroscopic studies the complex has been found to be stable over a wide pH range (7.75-12.50).

X-ray, spectral and biological (antimicrobial and superoxide dismutase) studies of oxalato bridged CuII–NiII and CuII–ZnII complexes with pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as capping ligand

X-band electron spin resonance (ESR) and electronic spectra of oxalatobridged heterodinuclear Cu-Ni and Cu-Zn complexes, viz., [(PMDT)Cu-Ox-Ni(PMDT)](BPh(4))(2).2CH(3)CN and [(PMDT)Cu-Ox-Zn(PMDT)](BPh(4))(2).2CH(3)CN, where PMDT=pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, Ox=oxalate ion have been described. Complex [(PMDT)Cu-Ox-Ni(PMDT)](BPh(4))(2).2CH(3)CN has been structurally characterized. This complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group, C(2) (No. 5) with the unit parameters a=20.445(4) A, b=14.884(3) A, c=23.174(5) A, alpha=90 degrees, beta=102.693(4) degrees, gamma=90 degrees, V=6880(2) A(3) and Z=4. The structure refined to R=0.0354 and R(w)=0.0853 for 21,109 reflections with I>2 sigma(I) using 765 parameters, shows the presence of a MN(3)O(2) chromophore in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal (TBP) heterometallic complex with oxalate dianion. Taking with an equatorial Cu-O=2.137(8) A and an axial Cu-O=1.961(6) A coordination site at Cu(II) ion and equatorial Ni-O=2.178(7) A and axial Ni-O=1.994 (9) A coordination site at Ni(II) ion. The Cu-Ni distance is 5.3532(9) A and Cu-C(2)O(4)-Ni unit is planar. The [(PMDT)Cu-Ox-Ni(PMDT)](2+) shows the ESR spectrum of the antiferromagnetic spin exchange with each dinuclear delocalization of the unpaired electron over the unit and spin-doublet ground state which demonstrates the Cu-Ox-Ni core. Antimicrobial and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of these complexes have also been measured.

E.s.r., magnetic, optical and biological (SOD and antimicrobial) studies of imidazolate bridged Cu(II)-Zn(II) and Cu(II)-Ni(II) complexes with tris(2-amino ethyl)amine as capping ligand: a plausible model for superoxide dismutase

X-band e.s.r. and optical absorption spectra of the imidazolate bridged heterobimetallic complexes [(tren)Cu-E-Im-Zn-(tren)](ClO(4))(3) and [(tren)Cu-E-Im-Ni-(tren)](ClO(4))(3), where trentris(2-aminoethyl)amine, E-Im=2-ethylimidazolate ion and the related mononuclear complexes [Cu(tren)](ClO(4))(2) and [(tren)Cu-E-ImH)](ClO(4))(2) have been described. Biological activities (superoxide dismutase and antimicrobial) have also been measured and compared with reported complexes.