Spatio-temporal distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Tunis Lagoon: Concentrations in sediments and Marphysa sanguinea body and excrement.

Despite international recognition as an important coastal wetland, Tunis Lagoon is still subjected to anthropogenic pressures. This article provides valuable data on the spatio-temporal distribution, toxicity, and origins of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Tunis Lagoon complex. PAHs' concentrations were measured in Marphysa sanguinea body and excrements, as well as in surface sediments.

Incorporation of ω3 fatty acids in the diets of Nile tilapia juvenile (Oreochromis niloticus L.): effects on growth performance, fatty acid composition, and tolerance to low temperature.

In order to increase the low-temperature resistance of Nile tilapia, the purpose of this study was to determine the potential effect of ω3 fatty acid incorporation in Oreochromis niloticus diet. To perform this, two experimental diets containing soybean oil (D1) and cod liver oil (D2) have been supplied to juvenile tilapia for 30 days. According to our results, similar improvements in the two diets have been recorded for growth performance of O.

Bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in Polychaeta Marphysa sanguinea in the anthropogenically impacted Tunis Lagoon: DNA damage and immune biomarkers.

This work assessed the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the polychaeta Marphysa sanguinea in Tunis Lagoon. Highest PAHs concentrations were accumulated at station E with maximum Σ PAH of 6028,87 ng/g DW. Changes in animal physiology were clearly related to bioaccumulated PAH.

Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation and Oxidative Stress Profile in Brachidontes pharaonis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) from the Tunisian Coast: Insight into Its Relevance as Bioindicator of Marine Pollution.

This study aims to verify the relevance of Brachidontes pharaonis to assess the ecotoxicological status of polluted sites. For this, the levels of some heavy metals (i.e.

Acute toxicity and teratogenicity of carbaryl (carbamates), tebufenpyrad (pyrazoles), cypermethrin and permethrin (pyrethroids) on the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L, 1758) early life stages.

The toxicity of carbaryl, tebufenpyrad, cypermethrin and permethrin was evaluated in European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax during the embryonic and larval development using six different concentrations per chemical. The order of the toxicity effectiveness was carbaryl > tebufenpyrad > cypermethrin > permethrin. The larvae were more sensitive to all tested chemicals than embryos.

Assessment of the heavy metal levels and biomarker responses in the smooth scallop Flexopecten glaber from a heavily urbanized Mediterranean lagoon (Bizerte lagoon).

Marine heavy metal pollution is a worldwide serious issue. Like almost all Mediterranean lagoons, the Bizerte lagoon is highly urbanized and suffers from intensive anthropogenic pressure. In the present study, we screened the metal contamination and biomarker responses in the smooth scallop Flexopecten glaber inhabiting this vulnerable ecosystem.

Antioxidant role of selenium against maneb-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.

The current study was conducted to assess the beneficial effect of selenium (Se) on maneb-induced cardiotoxicity and fatty acid alterations in adult mice. Swiss albino male mice were assigned into four experimental groups. The first group consisted of negative controls.

Molecular signature of phylogenetic relationships and demographic history of Tunisian Mactra stultorum: Evidence from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data.

The genetic structure of Mactra stultorum is inferred from partial sequence of a mitochondrial cox1gene and of the internal transcribed spacer region ITS1. The samples with two colors of shell (white and brown) were collected from three sites belonging to the Tunisian coasts: Kalaât El Andalous (KA) and Soliman (SM) and Gabes (GM)). The phylogenetic trees obtained from the 2 markers are similar and subdivided samples into 3 distinct clades; clade (1) regrouped GM, clade (2) regrouped KS (KS contains samples from SM and KAa) and clade (3) is formed by KAb.

Effect of storage temperature and time on the fatty acids and nutritional quality of the commercial mussel ().

The effect of storage time (5, 10 and 15 days) and temperature (- 20 °C and + 4 °C) on the biochemical composition of the Tunisian mussel () was evaluated by investigating changes in proximate composition, fatty acids, minerals and nutritional quality indices. Lipid and protein degradations were also evaluated through several markers of oxidative damage. Results showed a significant decrease in the biochemical compounds in mussel tissues after both refrigeration and freezing processes ( < 0.

Nutritional quality traits of raw and cooked Ark shell (Bivalvia: Arcidae): balancing the benefits and risks of seafood consumption.

Biochemical composition and fatty acid profile of raw Ark shells (RA) were compared to Ark shells submitted to three different cooking methods (BA: baking in the oven; PF: pan-frying in butter and MW: cooking in a microwave). Moisture (%) was significantly higher in RA (79.66) with respect to PF (65.

Potential antioxidant effects of Narcissus tazetta phenolic compounds against cadmium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Narcissus tazetta (Amaryllidaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used for cut flowers and potted ornamental plant in Tunisia flora. The current study evaluated the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of its flower extracts and investigated its potential protective activity against cadmium chloride (CdCl)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Mice were divided into six groups of six each: group 1, serving as negative controls, received by intraperitoneal way only distilled water; group 2 received by intraperitoneal way CdCl (0.

Polar and neutral lipid composition of the copepod Lernaeocera lusci and its host Merluccius merluccius in relationship with the parasite intensity.

Parasitic copepod Lernaeocera lusci is a common mesoparasite of the hake Merluccius merluccius. Although widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean, little is known about this pathogen. The current study was designed to assess the impact of different L.

Comparative biomarker responses to urban pollution in three polychaete species: Perinereis cultrifera, Diopatra neapolitana, and Marphysa sanguinea from the lagoon of Tunis.

Coastal lagoons are among the most vulnerable ecosystems as they are often exposed to different anthropogenic activities. The Polychaetes, which are dominant components in macrobenthic community, are particularly exposed to contamination. The current study was designed to assess and compare the sensitivity of different polychaetes species towards urban pollution.

Assessment of the impacts of glyphosate and its commercial formulation Roundup® on the respiratory tree of the sea cucumber Holothuria forskali using a multivariate biomarker approach.

In this study, the potential hazardous impacts of the technical grade glyphosate acid (GLY) and its commercial formulation roundup (RD®) were evaluated for the first time on holothurians. To do this, redox status, fatty acid (FA) profile, and histopathology aspects were assessed in the respiratory tree tissue of the sea cucumber Holothuria forskali following short-term exposure (96 h) to a series of concentrations (10, 100 and 1000 μg L) of GLY and RD® (glyphosate acid equivalent). Our results showed that both GLY and RD® promoted oxidative stress highlighted with an increase of hydrogen peroxide (HO), malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxides (LOOH) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels in all treated groups.

Fatty acid profile and antioxidant status in gills as λ-cyhalothrin toxic effects.

The aim of this study was to analyze the biochemical alterations in the gills of under exposure for 6 days to three doses of lambda-cyhalothrin (λ-cyh) (100, 250, and 500 µg L). Malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxide, and hydrogen peroxide levels in the gills of treated groups increased. λ-Cyh exposure significantly increased the protein carbonyl and reduced glutathione levels in the gills of all treated groups.

Metal body burden and tissue oxidative status in the bivalve Venerupis decussata from Tunisian coastal lagoons.

Coastal transitional waters are exposed to many anthropogenic threats. This study aims to assess the trace metals' pollution status of transitional waters by evaluating its biological effects in the clam Venerupis decussata. Among the studied sites along the Tunisian littoral, South Tunis and Boughrara were the most impacted, since clams from these two lagoons presented significant differences in: (i) trace metal contents, (ii) in-cell hydrogen peroxide, (iii) enzymatic and non-enzymatic defenses, (iv) damage to lipids and proteins, and (v) protein post-translational modifications.

The potential toxic effects of hexavalent chromium on oxidative stress biomarkers and fatty acids profile in soft tissues of Venus verrucosa.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium (VI)), a highly toxic heavy metal, is a common pollutant of aquatic ecosystems. The present study aimed to elucidate the potential toxic effects of chromium (VI) on oxidative stress biomarkers and fatty acids profile in the gills and digestive gland of Venus verrucosa, an ecologically and economically important bivalve species. Three doses of chromium (VI) (1, 10 and 100 μg.

Trace elements and oxidative stress in the Ark shell Arca noae from a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Bizerte lagoon, Tunisia): are there health risks associated with their consumption?

The current study examined the concentrations of ten trace elements (TE) (nickel, chromium, cadmium, iron, zinc, manganese, aluminum, copper, selenium and lead) in the edible tissue of the Ark shell Arca noae (L. 1758) from a Mediterranean coastal lagoon, the Bizerte lagoon during 2013-2014. The analysis of several redox status biomarkers, metallothioneins (MTs), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was monitored as a response to TE bioaccumulation and environmental parameters variability.

Zinc alleviates maneb-induced kidney injury in adult mice through modulation of oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and histopathological changes.

Zinc is one of the important essential trace minerals to human health due to its antioxidant properties. The present study was conducted to elucidate its potential protective role against maneb-induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each.

Assessment of the biochemical and nutritional values of Venerupis decussata from Tunisian lagoons submitted to different anthropogenic ranks.

The present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical status of Venerupis decussata collected seasonally from two Tunisian coastline lagoons (Ghar El Melh and Boughrara) submitted to different anthropogenic levels. Trace elements were significantly higher in clams from Boughrara, especially during the warm season. Fatty acids, proximate compositions, and nutritional value of both clam populations were higher, appearing to be the best for human consumption principally during the spring season.

Exposure of to acute doses of lead: effects on redox status, fatty acid composition and histomorphological aspect.

The aim of this study is to elucidate the toxicity induced by PbCl, administered in graded doses (1; 2.5; 5 mg/L), in the redox state, in the fatty acid composition and in the histological structure of digestive glands. Our findings showed a progressive accumulation of Pb in the digestive glands in all treated groups.

Effects of ochratoxin A on membrane phospholipids of the intestine of broiler chickens, practical consequences.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by various species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Ochratoxin A was classified as a group 2B carcinogen and is one of the major intestinal pathogenic mycotoxins. One of the most frequent modes of intoxication is consumption of contaminated food with mycotoxins.

Induction of Osteogenic MC3T3-E1 Cell Differentiation by Nacre and Flesh Lipids of Tunisian Pinctada radiata.

The flesh of the Pinctada radiata pearl oyster from coastal Tunisia is considered as a high source of n-3 and n-6 and its shell nacre layer is a promising osteogenic biomaterial. Fatty acid (FA) analysis showed that the major components found in total FA (TFA) were 14:0, 16:0, and 18:0 saturated FA (SFA); 16:1, 18:1, and 20:1 monoenoic FA; 20:4n-6 (ARA), 22:5n-3 (DPA). Characteristically high levels of 20:5n-3 (EPA) and 22:6n-3 (DHA) (6.

Spatio-temporal variability of biomarker responses and lipid composition of Marphysa sanguinea, Montagu (1813) in the anthropic impacted lagoon of Tunis.

In this study the Polychaeta Marphysa sanguinea, was tested to investigate the impact of metal pollution on the environmental state of a coastal Mediterranean lagoon, Tunis Lagoon (Tunisia). A multi-biomarker approach comprising glutathione-stransferase, cyclooxygenase, lysozyme activity, and lipid class composition of the Polychaeta was employed on a seasonal basis in the present investigation. The multivariate statistical approach (principal component analysis and Pearson correlation) clearly demonstrated different spatial patterns in biomarker values and lipid class concentrations.