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Isa V, Seveso D, Diamante L, Montalbetti E, Montano S, Gobbato J, Lavorano S, Galli P, Louis YD. Physical and cellular impact of environmentally relevant microplastic exposure on thermally challenged Pocillopora damicornis (Cnidaria, Scleractinia). Sci Total Environ 2024; 918:170651. [PMID: 38320710 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is an increasing threat to coral reefs, which are already strongly challenged by climate change-related heat stress. Although it is known that scleractinian corals can ingest microplastic, little is known about their egestion and how microplastic exposure may impair corals at physiological and cellular levels. In addition, the effects of microplastic pollution at current environmental concentration have been little investigated to date, particularly in corals already impacted by heat stress. In this study, the combined effects of these environmental threats on Pocillopora damicornis were investigated from a physical and cellular perspective. Colonies were exposed to three concentrations of polyethylene microplastic beads (no microplastic beads: [No MP], 1 mg/L: [Low MP]; 10 mg/L: [High MP]), and two different temperatures (25 °C and 30 °C) for 72 h. No visual signs of stress in corals, such as abnormal mucus production and polyp extroflection, were recorded. At [Low MP], beads adhered to colonies were ingested but were also egested. Moreover, thermally stressed colonies showed a lower adhesion and higher egestion of microplastic beads. Coral bleaching was observed with an increase in temperature and microplastic bead concentration, as indicated by a general decrease in chlorophyll concentration and Symbiodiniaceae density. An increase in lipid peroxidation was measured in colonies exposed to [Low MP] and [High MP] and an up-regulation of stress response gene hsp70 was observed due to the synergistic interaction of both stressors. Overall, our findings showed that heat stress still represents the main threat to P. damicornis, while the effect of microplastics on coral health and physiology may be minor, especially at control temperature. However, microplastics could exacerbate the effect of thermal stress on cellular homeostasis, even at [Low MP]. While reducing ocean warming is critical for preserving coral reefs, effective management of emerging threats like microplastic pollution is equally essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Isa
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives; Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genoa, Italy
| | - Davide Seveso
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Luca Diamante
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Montalbetti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives.
| | - Simone Montano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Jacopo Gobbato
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives; University of Dubai, Dubai, P.O. Box 14143, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yohan Didier Louis
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
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Contardi M, Fadda M, Isa V, Louis YD, Madaschi A, Vencato S, Montalbetti E, Bertolacci L, Ceseracciu L, Seveso D, Lavorano S, Galli P, Athanassiou A, Montano S. Biodegradable Zein-Based Biocomposite Films for Underwater Delivery of Curcumin Reduce Thermal Stress Effects in Corals. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 37376819 PMCID: PMC10360034 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Massive coral bleaching episodes induced by thermal stress are one of the first causes of coral death worldwide. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been identified as one of the potential causes of symbiosis breakdown between polyps and algae in corals during extreme heat wave events. Here, we propose a new strategy for mitigating heat effects by delivering underwater an antioxidant to the corals. We fabricated zein/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based biocomposite films laden with the strong and natural antioxidant curcumin as an advanced coral bleaching remediation tool. Biocomposites' mechanical, water contact angle (WCA), swelling, and release properties can be tuned thanks to different supramolecular rearrangements that occur by varying the zein/PVP weight ratio. Following immersion in seawater, the biocomposites became soft hydrogels that did not affect the coral's health in the short (24 h) and long periods (15 days). Laboratory bleaching experiments at 29 and 33 °C showed that coral colonies of Stylophora pistillata coated with the biocomposites had ameliorated conditions in terms of morphological aspects, chlorophyll content, and enzymatic activity compared to untreated colonies and did not bleach. Finally, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) confirmed the full biodegradability of the biocomposites, showing a low potential environmental impact in the case of open-field application. These insights may pave the way for new frontiers in mitigating extreme coral bleaching events by combining natural antioxidants and biocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Contardi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Marta Fadda
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Valerio Isa
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Yohan D Louis
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Andrea Madaschi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Sara Vencato
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Enrico Montalbetti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Laura Bertolacci
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Luca Ceseracciu
- Materials Characterization Facility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Davide Seveso
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, Genova 16128, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
- Dubai Business School, University of Dubai, Dubai 14143, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Simone Montano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan - Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Republic of Maldives
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Costa E, Gambardella C, Miroglio R, Di Giannantonio M, Lavorano S, Minetti R, Sbrana F, Piazza V, Faimali M, Garaventa F. Nanoplastic uptake temporarily affects the pulsing behavior in ephyrae of the moon jellyfish Aurelia sp. Ecotoxicology 2023:10.1007/s10646-023-02669-0. [PMID: 37269410 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02669-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate for the first time the uptake and ecotoxicological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) in a marine cnidarian. Ephyrae of the moon jellyfish Aurelia sp. of different ages (0 and 7 days old) were exposed to negatively charged polystyrene NPs for 24 h; then, the uptake was assessed through traditional and novel techniques, namely microscopy and three-dimensional (3D) holotomography. Immobility and behavioral responses (frequency of pulsations) of ephyrae were also investigated to clarify if NP toxicity differed along the first life stages. NP uptake was observed in ephyrae thanks to the 3D technique. Such internalization did not affect survival, but it temporarily impaired the pulsation mode only in 0 day old ephyrae. This may be ascribed to the negative charged NPs, contributing to jellyfish behavioral alteration. These findings promote 3D holotomography as a suitable tool to detect NPs in marine organisms. Moreover, this study recommends the use of cnidarians of different ages to better assess NP ecotoxicological effects in these organisms, key components of the marine food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Costa
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Gambardella
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy.
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) S.c.a.r.l., Piazza Marina 61 (c/o palazzo Steri), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Roberta Miroglio
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Michela Di Giannantonio
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
- Early PostDoc Mobility Grant - Swiss National Science Foundation, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, 16128, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Minetti
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Sbrana
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute of Biophysics (IBF), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
- Schaefer SEE srl, Via delle Genziane 96, 16148, Genova, Italy
| | - Veronica Piazza
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Faimali
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) S.c.a.r.l., Piazza Marina 61 (c/o palazzo Steri), Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Garaventa
- National Research Council (CNR) - Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (IAS), Via De Marini 16, 16149, Genova, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) S.c.a.r.l., Piazza Marina 61 (c/o palazzo Steri), Palermo, Italy
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Isa V, Becchi A, Napper IE, Ubaldi PG, Saliu F, Lavorano S, Galli P. Effects of polypropylene nanofibers on soft corals. Chemosphere 2023; 327:138509. [PMID: 36996920 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Current information regarding the effects of both micro- and nano-plastic debris on coral reefs is limited; especially the toxicity onto corals from nano-plastics originating from secondary sources such as fibers from synthetic fabrics. Within this study, we exposed the alcyonacean coral Pinnigorgia flava to different concentrations of polypropylene secondary nanofibers (0.001, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg/L) and then assayed mortality, mucus production, polyps retraction, coral tissue bleaching, and swelling. The assay materials were obtained by artificially weathering non-woven fabrics retrieved from commercially available personal protective equipment. Specifically, polypropylene (PP) nanofibers displaying a hydrodynamic size of 114.7 ± 8.1 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.431 were obtained after 180 h exposition in a UV light aging chamber (340 nm at 0.76 Wˑm-2ˑnm-1). After 72 h of PP exposure no mortality was observed but there were evident stress responses from the corals tested. Specifically, the application of nanofibers at different concentrations caused significant differences in mucus production, polyps retraction and coral tissue swelling (ANOVA, p < 0.001, p = 0.015 and p = 0.015, respectively). NOEC (No Observed Effect Concentration) and LOEC (Lowest Observed Effect concentration) at 72 h resulted 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively. Overall, the study indicates that PP secondary nanofibers can cause adverse effects on corals and could potentially act as a stress factor in coral reefs. The generality of the method of producing and assaying the toxicity of secondary nanofibers from synthetic textiles is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Isa
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives; Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, GE, 16128, Italy
| | - Alessandro Becchi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy
| | - Imogen Ellen Napper
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake's Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Paolo Giuseppe Ubaldi
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy.
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, GE, 16128, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, MI, 20126, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives; University of Dubai, Dubai, P.O. Box 14143, United Arab Emirates
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Isa V, Saliu F, Bises C, Vencato S, Raguso C, Montano S, Lasagni M, Lavorano S, Clemenza M, Galli P. Phthalates bioconcentration in the soft corals: Inter- and intra- species differences and ecological aspects. Chemosphere 2022; 297:134247. [PMID: 35259364 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The bioconcentration of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) diethyl phthalate (DEP) dibutyl phthalate (DBP) butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-(2-ethy hexyl) phthalates (DEHP), mono-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-(2-ethy hexyl) phthalate (MEHP) in the soft corals Coelogorgia palmosa, Sinularia sp., Sarcophyton glaucum, and Lobophytum sp. was investigated. Specimens were cultured in a microcosm environment built-up at the Genova Aquarium and analyses were carried out by in vivo SPME-LC-MS/MS. The distributions of the phthalates among the four surveyed species resulted significantly different. Calculated bioconcentration factors (BCFs) showed values spanning over two orders of magnitude, from a minimum of log10 BCFDEP = 1.0 in Sarcophyton glaucum to a maximum of log10 BCFDBP = 3,9 calculated for Coelogorgia palmosa. Moreover, the calculated BCFs of the long chain phthalates resulted up to three orders of magnitude lower than theoretically predicted (from logKow), whereas BCF of short chain phthalates resulted higher. This, together with the detection of phthalic acid monoesters, suggests the presence of species-specific different metabolic transformation among the surveyed soft coral species that involve DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Isa
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bises
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Vencato
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Clarissa Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Montano
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of, Maldives
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, 16128, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126, Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Republic of, Maldives
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Cerri F, Saliu F, Maggioni D, Montano S, Seveso D, Lavorano S, Zoia L, Gosetti F, Lasagni M, Orlandi M, Taglialatela-Scafati O, Galli P. Cytotoxic Compounds from Alcyoniidae. An Overview of the Last 30 Years. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20020134. [PMID: 35200663 PMCID: PMC8874409 DOI: 10.3390/md20020134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The octocoral family Alcyoniidae represents a rich source of bioactive substances with intriguing and unique structural features. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the compounds isolated from Alcyoniidae and displaying potential cytotoxic activity. In order to allow a better comparison among the bioactive compounds, we focused on molecules evaluated in vitro by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, by far the most widely used method to analyze cell proliferation and viability. Specifically, we surveyed the last thirty years of research, finding 153 papers reporting on 344 compounds with proven cytotoxicity. The data were organized in tables to provide a ranking of the most active compounds, to be exploited for the selection of the most promising candidates for further screening and pre-clinical evaluation as anti-cancer agents. Specifically, we found that (22S,24S)-24-methyl-22,25-epoxyfurost-5-ene-3β,20β-diol (16), 3β,11-dihydroxy-24-methylene-9,11-secocholestan-5-en-9-one (23), (24S)-ergostane-3β,5α,6β,25 tetraol (146), sinulerectadione (227), sinulerectol C (229), and cladieunicellin I (277) exhibited stronger cytotoxicity than their respective positive control and that their mechanism of action has not yet been further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Cerri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy;
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences DISAT, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (D.M.); (S.M.); (D.S.); (L.Z.); (F.G.); (M.L.); (M.O.); (P.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0264482813
| | - Davide Maggioni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences DISAT, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (D.M.); (S.M.); (D.S.); (L.Z.); (F.G.); (M.L.); (M.O.); (P.G.)
- MaRHE Centre (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives
| | - Simone Montano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences DISAT, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (D.M.); (S.M.); (D.S.); (L.Z.); (F.G.); (M.L.); (M.O.); (P.G.)
- MaRHE Centre (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives
| | - Davide Seveso
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences DISAT, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (D.M.); (S.M.); (D.S.); (L.Z.); (F.G.); (M.L.); (M.O.); (P.G.)
- MaRHE Centre (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA—Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Luca Zoia
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences DISAT, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (D.M.); (S.M.); (D.S.); (L.Z.); (F.G.); (M.L.); (M.O.); (P.G.)
| | - Fabio Gosetti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences DISAT, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (D.M.); (S.M.); (D.S.); (L.Z.); (F.G.); (M.L.); (M.O.); (P.G.)
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences DISAT, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (D.M.); (S.M.); (D.S.); (L.Z.); (F.G.); (M.L.); (M.O.); (P.G.)
| | - Marco Orlandi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences DISAT, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (D.M.); (S.M.); (D.S.); (L.Z.); (F.G.); (M.L.); (M.O.); (P.G.)
| | | | - Paolo Galli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences DISAT, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; (D.M.); (S.M.); (D.S.); (L.Z.); (F.G.); (M.L.); (M.O.); (P.G.)
- MaRHE Centre (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives
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Mammone M, Ferrier-Pagés C, Lavorano S, Rizzo L, Piraino S, Rossi S. High photosynthetic plasticity may reinforce invasiveness of upside-down zooxanthellate jellyfish in Mediterranean coastal waters. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248814. [PMID: 33739995 PMCID: PMC7978352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological profiling of non-native species is essential to predict their dispersal and invasiveness potential across different areas of the world. Cassiopea is a monophyletic taxonomic group of scyphozoan mixotrophic jellyfish including C. andromeda, a recent colonizer of sheltered, shallow-water habitats of the Mediterranean Sea, such as harbors and other light-limited, eutrophic coastal habitats. To assess the ecophysiological plasticity of Cassiopea jellyfish and their potential to spread across the Mare Nostrum by secondary introductions, we investigated rapid photosynthetic responses of jellyfish to irradiance transitions—from reduced to increased irradiance conditions (as paradigm of transition from harbors to coastal, meso/oligotrophic habitats). Laboratory incubation experiments were carried out to compare oxygen fluxes and photobiological variables in Cassiopea sp. immature specimens pre-acclimated to low irradiance (PAR = 200 μmol photons m−2 s−1) and specimens rapidly exposed to higher irradiance levels (PAR = 500 μmol photons m−2 s−1). Comparable photosynthetic potential and high photosynthetic rates were measured at both irradiance values, as also shown by the rapid light curves. No significant differences were observed in terms of symbiont abundance between control and treated specimens. However, jellyfish kept at the low irradiance showed a higher content in chlorophyll a and c (0.76±0.51SD vs 0.46±0.13SD mg g-1 AFDW) and a higher Ci (amount of chlorophyll per cell) compared to jellyfish exposed to higher irradiance levels. The ratio between gross photosynthesis and respiration (P:R) was >1, indicating a significant input from the autotrophic metabolism. Cassiopea sp. specimens showed high photosynthetic performances, at both low and high irradiance, demonstrating high potential to adapt to sudden changes in light exposure. Such photosynthetic plasticity, combined with Cassiopea eurythermal tolerance and mixotrophic behavior, jointly suggest the upside-down jellyfish as a potentially successful invader in the scenario of a warming Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mammone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- * E-mail: (MM); (SP); (SR)
| | | | | | - Lucia Rizzo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano Piraino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (MM); (SP); (SR)
| | - Sergio Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy
- Labomar, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- * E-mail: (MM); (SP); (SR)
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8
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Cornara L, Mariottini GL, Giordani P, Smeriglio A, Trombetta D, Guida L, Lavorano S, Burlando B. Modulatory Activities of Plant Extracts on Jellyfish Cytotoxicity. Wilderness Environ Med 2020; 31:266-272. [PMID: 32682706 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The potential efficacy of selected plant extracts to counteract the dermal toxicity of jellyfish envenomation was investigated using an in vitro cell culture model. METHODS We studied plant extracts from Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, and Bouvardia ternifolia, known for their antivenom properties, in pairwise combinations with tissue homogenates of the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca, Phyllorhiza punctata, and Cassiopea andromeda, to evaluate modulations of jellyfish cytotoxic effects. L929 mouse fibroblasts were incubated with pairwise jellyfish/plant extract combinations and examined by MTT assay (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). RESULTS C papaya and A comosus significantly lowered the cytotoxicity of P noctiluca and P punctata but induced a slight worsening of C andromeda cytotoxicity. Conversely, B ternifolia was protective against P punctata, ineffective against P noctiluca, and worsened C andromeda cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Data showed species-specific and contrasting effects of plant extracts, suggesting that those containing protease activities, namely A comosus and C papaya, are more effective in lowering the cytotoxicity of jellyfish venom containing toxic peptidic factors such as phospholipase A. However, all examined plants require further investigation in vivo to evaluate their ability to counteract jellyfish injury to the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cornara
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Mariottini
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Paolo Giordani
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Burlando
- Biophysics Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Genova, Italy; Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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9
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Costa E, Gambardella C, Piazza V, Vassalli M, Sbrana F, Lavorano S, Garaventa F, Faimali M. Microplastics ingestion in the ephyra stage of Aurelia sp. triggers acute and behavioral responses. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 189:109983. [PMID: 31785944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, we report a correspondence between microplastics (MP) ingestion and ecotoxicological effects in gelatinous zooplankton (Cnidarian jellyfish). The ephyra stage of the jellyfish Aurelia sp. was exposed to both environmental and high concentrations of fluorescent 1-4 μm polyethylene MP (0.01-10 mg/L). After 24 and 48 h, MP accumulation, acute (Immobility) and behavioral (Frequency pulsation) endpoints were investigated. MP were detected by confocal and tomographic investigations on gelatinous body and mouth, either attached on the surface or ingested. This interaction was responsible for impairing ephyrae survival and behavior at all tested concentrations after 24 h. Acute and behavioral effects were also related to mechanical disturbance, caused by MP, triggering a loss of radial symmetry. Contaminated ephyrae exposed to clean seawater showed full recovery after 72 h highlighting the organisms without the microspheres, attached on body jellyfish surface around the mouth and lappets. In conclusion, short-term exposure to MP affects ephyrae jellyfish health, impairing both their survival and behavior. Polyethylene MP temporarily affect both Immobility and Frequency of pulsation of Aurelia sp. jellyfish. This study provides a first step towards understanding and clarifying the potential impacts of MP contamination in gelatinous zooplankton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Costa
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy.
| | - Chiara Gambardella
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy.
| | - Veronica Piazza
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy.
| | - Massimo Vassalli
- National Research Council, Institute of Biophysics (CNR-IBF), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy.
| | | | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment SpA - Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, 16128, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Francesca Garaventa
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy.
| | - Marco Faimali
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy.
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10
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Giussani V, Costa E, Pecorino D, Berdalet E, De Giampaulis G, Gentile M, Fuentes V, Vila M, Penna A, Chiantore M, Garaventa F, Lavorano S, Faimali M. Effects of the harmful dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata on different life cycle stages of the common moon jellyfish Aurelia sp. Harmful Algae 2016; 57:49-58. [PMID: 30170721 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The frequency and geographic extension of microalgae and gelatinous zooplankton blooms seem to have been increasing worldwide over recent decades. In particular, the harmful dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata and the Schyphozoan jellyfish Aurelia sp. are two of the most frequent and long lasting species forming blooms in the Mediterranean Sea. A kind of interaction among any of their life cycle stages (i.e. planula-polyp-ephyrae vs Ostreopsis cells) can likely occur, although in this area there are no data available on the co-occurrence of these species. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the potential noxious effect of O. cf. ovata on different life stages of Aurelia sp. (polyps and ephyrae), testing several concentrations of whole algal culture. Rsults of toxicity bioassay highlighted that ephyrae, but not polyps, are affected by this harmful dinoflagellate and comparisons among other model organisms show that Aurelia sp. ephyrae are the most sensitive model organism tested so far (EC50-24h=10.5cells/mL). These findings suggest an interesting scenario on the interaction of these two bloom forming species in the natural marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisa Costa
- CNR - Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Arsenale-Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122 Venezia, Italy
| | - Danilo Pecorino
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Berdalet
- ICM-CSIC - Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Giulio De Giampaulis
- Department of Science and Biological and Environmental Technologies, University of Salento, S.P.6., Lecce - Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Miriam Gentile
- ICM-CSIC - Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Veronica Fuentes
- ICM-CSIC - Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Magda Vila
- ICM-CSIC - Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Antonella Penna
- DISB - University of Urbino, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, Italy; CoNISMa - Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, P. le Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, Italy; CNR - Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR), Largo Fiera della Pesca, 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Chiantore
- DISTAV - University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy; CoNISMa - Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, P. le Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Garaventa
- CNR - Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR), Via De Marini, 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Lavorano
- Costa Edutainment S.p.A., Acquario di Genova, Area, Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genoa, Italy; CoNISMa - Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, P. le Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Faimali
- CNR - Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR), Via De Marini, 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
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11
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Faimali M, Garaventa F, Piazza V, Costa E, Greco G, Mazzola V, Beltrandi M, Bongiovanni E, Lavorano S, Gnone G. Ephyra jellyfish as a new model for ecotoxicological bioassays. Mar Environ Res 2014; 93:93-101. [PMID: 23916371 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was a preliminary investigation on the possibility of using the ephyra of Scyphozoan jellyfish Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus, 1758), the common moon jellyfish, as an innovative model organism in marine ecotoxicology. A series of sequential experiments have been carried out in laboratory in order to investigate the influence of different culturing and methodological parameters (temperature, photoperiod, ephyrae density and age) on behavioural end-points (% of Frequency of Pulsations) and standardize a testing protocol. After that, the organisms have been exposed to two well known reference toxic compounds (Cadmium Nitrate and SDS) in order to analyse the acute and behavioural responses during static exposure. Results of this work indicate that the proposed behavioural end-point, frequency of pulsations (Fp), is an easily measurable one and can be used coupled with an acute one (immobilization) and that ephyrae of jellyfish are very promising model organisms for ecotoxicological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Faimali
- CNR - Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Genoa, Italy
| | - F Garaventa
- CNR - Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Genoa, Italy
| | - V Piazza
- CNR - Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Genoa, Italy.
| | - E Costa
- CNR - Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Genoa, Italy; Acquario di Genova - Costa Edutainment S.p.A, Genova, Italy
| | - G Greco
- CNR - Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Genoa, Italy
| | - V Mazzola
- CNR - Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), Genoa, Italy; Acquario di Genova - Costa Edutainment S.p.A, Genova, Italy
| | - M Beltrandi
- Acquario di Genova - Costa Edutainment S.p.A, Genova, Italy
| | - E Bongiovanni
- Acquario di Genova - Costa Edutainment S.p.A, Genova, Italy
| | - S Lavorano
- Acquario di Genova - Costa Edutainment S.p.A, Genova, Italy
| | - G Gnone
- Acquario di Genova - Costa Edutainment S.p.A, Genova, Italy
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12
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Osinga R, Schutter M, Griffioen B, Wijffels RH, Verreth JAJ, Shafir S, Henard S, Taruffi M, Gili C, Lavorano S. The biology and economics of coral growth. Mar Biotechnol (NY) 2011; 13:658-71. [PMID: 21584662 PMCID: PMC3159950 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-011-9382-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
To protect natural coral reefs, it is of utmost importance to understand how the growth of the main reef-building organisms-the zooxanthellate scleractinian corals-is controlled. Understanding coral growth is also relevant for coral aquaculture, which is a rapidly developing business. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of factors that can influence the growth of zooxanthellate scleractinian corals, with particular emphasis on interactions between these factors. Furthermore, the kinetic principles underlying coral growth are discussed. The reviewed information is put into an economic perspective by making an estimation of the costs of coral aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Osinga
- Aquaculture and Fisheries, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700, AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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