Theromyzon maculosum (Rathke, 1862) as a vector of potentially pathogenic fungi in aquatic ecosystems.

The aim of the study was to check the integument and alimentary tract of Theromyzon for the occurrence of fungi. Moreover, the mycological purity of water sources from which leeches were collected was analyzed. The potential role of the duck leech Theromyzon maculosum in transmitting pathogenic fungi has not been studied until now. Mycological analyses were performed according to the procedure approved in mycological diagnostic laboratories, using classical diagnostic methods (macro- and microcultures, microscopic observations). In total, 22 species of yeasts were detected. The specimens belong to eight genera: Candida, Citeromyces, Debaryomyces, Kluyveromyces, Lodderomyces, Pichia, Saccharomyces and Saccharomycodes. Overall, 18 species of fungi were isolated from leeches Theromyzon maculosum, including seven species from the integument and 11 species from the gastrointestinal system. Among fungi isolated from body integument, fungi of the genus Candida were dominant, whereas in the gastrointestinal system, the genus Saccharomyces dominated. From the river waters, nine fungi species were isolated, and yeasts of the genera Candida and Kluyveromyces dominated. Isolation of the same species of microfungi from the integument of leeches and the river water suggests that Theromyzon maculosum may be a potential vector of pathogenic yeasts for vertebrates living in the same ecosystems and for humans.

Cystidicola farionis, a Swim Bladder Parasite of European Smelt: Characterization of the Nematode Trehalose Strategy.

The molecular identification of Cystidicola farionis (a swim bladder nematode of European smelt from the Vistula Lagoon in Poland) was performed. Their prevalence level was determined, and changes in the trehalose synthesis pathway in larvae and adult nematodes were demonstrated. The trehalose level was almost four times higher in adult nematodes than in larvae. In contrast, the activity of both enzymes (trehalose 6-phosphate synthase, TPS and trehalose 6-phosphate phosphatase, TPP) involved in the synthesis of trehalose was higher in larvae than in adults under optimal conditions. The optimum pH for TPS isolated from larvae and adults was pH 7.0. The optimum pH for TPP from larvae and adults was pH 7.0 and pH 8.0, respectively. The optimal temperature was 20 °C, and Mg2+ ions were an activator for trehalose-synthetizing enzymes from both sources. Enzymes isolated from adult nematodes were less susceptible to divalent ion chelator and inorganic phosphate than larval enzymes. The dynamic transformation of trehalose in the nematode developing inside the swim bladder of the smelt appears to be an important metabolic pathway in the nematode survival strategy. These studies are aimed at a better understanding of the issue of the metabolic adaptation of parasites, which, in the future, may indirectly contribute to the elimination of the parasite from aquacultures, which will impact public health.

Sucking of human blood by Placobdella costata (O. F. Müller, 1846) (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae): Case study with notes on body form.

Four events of Placobdella costata sucking human blood are described.Human blood was sucked by both adult and juvenile specimens of P. costata.The feeding strategies of juveniles under parental care are presented.New data on juvenile specimens' body form are presented.Information on the potential role of mammals in dispersion and habitat preferences of leeches P. costata is considered.

New record of the fish leech Piscicola pojmanskae (Annelida: Hirudinida: Piscicolidae) - DNA barcoding and phylogeny.

The aim of this study was to confirm the taxonomic status of Piscicola pojmanskae Bielecki, 1994 found on Salmonidae fish. The fish leech was identified based on a diligent morphological analysis as well as COI gene sequence (DNA barcoding). The phylogenetic relationship with other piscicolid leeches was analyzed as well. Piscicola pojmanskae was found on various fins of both graylings and the resident form of trouts. The prevalence of infection was 1.63%. In this paper, probable causes of the lack of relation between the number of leeches on the fins and the fish body length as well as the host-searching strategy used by P. pojmanskae are discussed.

A new leech species (Hirudinida: Erpobdellidae: Erpobdella) from a cave in the West Azerbaijan province of Iran.

Erpobdella borisi n. sp. is a predatory leech inhabiting cave waters in Iran. Probably, it is either a troglobiont or troglophile. The leech has no eyes, and the complete mid-body somite is divided unequally into five annuli. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters and COI gene sequence indicate the species to be closely related to Erpobdella japonica, E. octoculata and E. testacea.

New data about the functional morphology of the chaetiferous leech-like annelids Acanthobdella peledina (Grube, 1851) and Paracanthobdella livanowi (Epshtein, 1966) (Clitellata, Acanthobdellida).

Approximately 130 individuals of Acanthobdella peledina and 100 individuals of Paracanthobdella livanowi were studied. Morphometric measurements were taken to explore the body form. The digestive and the reproductive systems of leech-like annelids were analyzed for the first time in such a high number of specimens. Observation of A. peledina and P. livanowi revealed crucial differences in the reproductive system of the analyzed taxa, mostly regarding variation in the shape of the testisacs and the length of the ovisacs. The results of a digestive system analysis suggest that blood-sucking parasites of the order Acanthobdellida may also lead a predatory lifestyle. The presented findings support the taxonomic division of the order Acanthobdellida into the families Acanthobdellidae and Paracanthobdellidae. Multiple similarities between Acanthobdellida and Hirudinida were also discussed.

Diversity of features of the female reproductive system and other morphological characters in leeches (Citellata, Hirudinida) in phylogenetic conception.

An epistemological-evolutionary conception of leeches (Hirudinida) based on features of the female reproductive system in combination with other morphological characters is presented in the spirit of the cladistic school of taxonomy. Characters relating to the structure of the ovary and the course of oogenesis in leeches were interpreted in this manner, for the first time. Each study was conducted on type species of higher taxonomic groups of true leeches. Results of analyses using features of the reproductive system only as well as in combination with other morphological characters show Piscicolidae and Glossiphoniidae as sister clades making Rhynchobdellida a monophyletic group. Also, Hirudiniformes and Erpobdelliformes appeared to be sister clades within Arhynchobdellida. The relationship between the outgroup specimens and leeches remained unresolved, because both Acanthobdella peledina and branchiobdellidans appeared to be in an equivocal relationship to hirudinidans. Characters concerning the structure of the female reproductive system and course of oogenesis thus appeared to be useful, although conservative, for reconstruction of leech phylogeny, and they well reflect phylogenetic relationships of Hirudinida at the family level.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaf extract improves memory impairment and affects acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in rat brain.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaf as part of a diet and medication can be a valuable proposal for the prevention and treatment of dementia. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of subchronic (28-fold) administration of a plant extract (RE) (200 mg/kg, p.o.) on behavioral and cognitive responses of rats linked with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity and their mRNA expression level in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. The passive avoidance test results showed that RE improved long-term memory in scopolamine-induced rats. The extract inhibited the AChE activity and showed a stimulatory effect on BuChE in both parts of rat brain. Moreover, RE produced a lower mRNA BuChE expression in the cortex and simultaneously an increase in the hippocampus. The study suggests that RE led to improved long-term memory in rats, which can be partially explained by its inhibition of AChE activity in rat brain.

A new leech species (Clitellata: Hirudinida: Piscicolidae) from the Lyna River near Olsztyn, Poland.

A new species of fish leech from Poland, Piscicola burresoni n. sp. (Piscicolidae), is described. The leech was found in 2007 on stones and on pike ( Esox lucius L.) and chub ( Leuciscus cephalus L.) in the Lyna River, Poland. The leech is small, relatively flattened, with a prominent coarctation between the trachelosome and urosome. The pigmentation is unique to the new species and it has 14 annuli with gonopores separated by 4 annuli. The receptaculum seminis consists of an elliptical aperture located at a distance of 3 annuli behind the female gonopore. The copulatory area on the clitellum is characteristic in the shape of a parallel ellipse. The vector tissue is in the form of a transverse plate below the oviduct outlet. For a complete description of the external morphology, a geometric-mathematical model of the leech body form was used.

Erpobdellid leeches (Annelida, Clitellata, Hirudinida) from Tunisia: new records with the description of a new Trocheta species.

Up to now in Tunisia, freshwater Hirudinida are represented by two mainly haematophagous families: Hirudinidae and Glossiphonidae, and a predatory one: the family Erpobdellidae. The present study provides new information on the diversity and taxonomy of erpobdellid leeches. Identification was based, in addition to morphological data, on the length of sperm ducts and the lengths of ovisacs in relation to the neurosomite (ns) and on the shape and size of the male atrium. Five taxons are found. Two subspecies are reported for the first time in the country: Dina punctata punctata Johansson, 1927 and Dina punctata maroccana Nesemann and Neubert, 1994. Tunisian populations of two species, Erpobdella testacea (Savigny, 1820) and Trocheta africana Nesemann and Neubert, 1994, are described, with records of new localities. The new Trocheta tunisiana n. sp. is discovered and described in detail. Trocheta species live in springs in elevated areas while Erpobdella seem to prefer low altitude reservoirs. A comprehensive comparison of the three genera is presented. The disparity between the actual systematics and phylogeny is discussed. This study gives also a detailed distribution of the five species in the north of Tunisia with notes on ecological preference of the genus Dina. Finally a key for the determination of freshwater erpobdellid species from Tunisia is proposed.

A checklist of leech species from Poland.

In this study 47 leech species from Poland are listed. They belong to two orders, two suborders, five families and 17 genera. The checklist also includes the information about hosts, distribution in Poland and references concerning the leech species discussed in this study.

[Influence of standardized extract of Epilobium angustifolium on estrogen receptor alpha and beta expression in in vivo model]. / Wplyw standaryzowanego wyciqgu z Epilobium angustifolium na ekspresj mRNA receptorów estrogenowych alpha i beta w modelu in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the influence of the standardized extract from the herb of Epilobium angustifolium on ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA expression in rat ventral prostate tissue and free serum estradiol level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into 6 groups with 10 animals. ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA expression in rat ventral prostate tissue level was performed using real-time PCR method in Light Cycler system. Serum-free estradiol was evaluated using immunoenzymatic technique. RESULTS: In our experimental model there was an increase of ERa mRNA level by 9% and decrease by 36% of ERbeta mRNA level in ventral prostate tissue in rats administrated with testosterone and E. angustifolium extract, in comparison with testosterone alone administrated animals. CONCLUSIONS: E. angustifolium standardized extract influenced the expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta mRNAs in differential manner which may suggest its potentially therapeutic properties or causing of adverse effects in pharmacotherapy of estrogen-related disorders. More complex studies should be undertaken to evaluate safety and to improve the efficacy of using this herbal extract.

Batracobdella algira Moquin-Tandon, 1846 (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae)--morphometric analysis and internal morphology.

There has been very few papers on leeches of Batracobdella algira. The aim of the presently reported study was to provide the measurements and, for the first time, description and characteristics of the reproductive and digestive systems of B. algira. The material used in this study was collected from frogs, Rana saharica Boulenger, 1913, in April 1987 by H. Hotz in Béja in Tunisia (11 individuals) and by R. Ben Ahmed in 2008 from the skin of Bufo mauritanicus Schlegel, 1841 in Nabeul in Tunisia (18 individuals). The relative length of the specimens ranges between 1.48 and 4.07. The digestive system of leeches has a standard structure for the species from the family Glossiphoniidae. Male and female gonopores are separated by two annuli. Ovisacs are as long as 5 neurosomits. The characteristic features of the male reproductive system of Batracobdella are sperm ducts, which are twisted in a small area and placed near to atrium. This study will hopefully contribute to a better understanding of the host-parasite relation.

Body form of leeches (Hirudinida: Piscicolidae) parasitizing fishes.

The body form of leeches, which becomes a modeling object, is a valid ectosomatic feature. It describes borders, in which, we can find internal organs of an individual. The range of realization of the body form, proposed for different groups of leeches, characterize their life spaces. These life spaces are distinct in term of position of body of leeches to the host and to the environment. Individuals originated from the Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake, and from fresh waters of Italy, Finland, Russia, Germany and Poland. Over 1200 individuals, belonging to 11 genera were measured. The measurements have been made according to the model of the leech body form.

Biological diversity of leeches (Clitellata: Hirudinida) based on characteristics of the karyotype.

The majority of studies on leeches are related to: internal and external morphology. Fewer molecular research projects focus on molecular studies and karyology. The latter are needed to explain the evolutionary and systematic issues. Karyotypes for 22 species of Hirudinida have hitherto been determined, including: 8 species belonging to the Glossiphoniidae family, 3 species of Piscicolidae, 7 of Erpobdellidae, 1 of Haemopidae and 3 of Hirudinidae. The chromosome number vary among individual groups of leeches. Within Glossiphoniidae the chromosome diploid number ranges from 14 to 32, in Piscicolidae from 20 to 32, in Erpobdelliformes from 16 to 22, and in Hirudiniformes from 24 to 28. The karyological analyses were used to show phylogenetic relations between main groups of Hirudinida, and the diploid number of 16 was suggested to be a primitive value. This number tends to increase as the evolution progresses. The phylogeny scheme of leeches proposed by Mann shows the Glossiphoniidae as primitive to the Piscicolidae, and Hirudinidae as giving rise to the Haemopidae and Erpobdellidae. Those hypotheses are herewith confronted with morphological, molecular, karyological, ecological and behavioral data.