First metal and metalloid study assessment for the Black Triggerfish Melichthys niger (Bloch, 1786): Baseline data from a pristine South Atlantic oceanic island.

Metal and metalloid concentrations in Black Triggerfish, Melichthys niger (Tetraodontiformes, Balistidae), and sediments from Trindade Island, an isolated, pristine, and understudied environment in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean were determined. Several elements were detected in sediment, including Rare Earth Elements (REE). Hg and the REE Nd were, however, not detected. Elements determined in triggerfish are indicative of systemic circulation and the presence of toxic elements indicates an exposure source. No significant associations were detected between elements in fish organs and total length, suggesting no bioaccumulation with age, nor between organs and sediment, indicating probable dietary origin. Biliary excretion indicated a local chronic source of As and Cd and non-quantifiable REE elimination. Hg concentrations were over thresholds that affect fish biochemistry processes. These baseline data are valuable concerning elemental contamination in remote oceanic islands, with the potential to be applied to future biomonitoring efforts and conservation measures for reef ecosystems worldwide.

Food safety concerns on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in fish products from estuarine bays throughout the American continent.

Estuarine environments are highly productive ecosystems exhibiting high fish biodiversity and richness. Estuarine bays yield significant fisheries catches, making them the target of extractive activities by both artisanal and industrial fisheries. These areas, however, are highly vulnerable to chemical contamination, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) associated with oil spills and other anthropogenic activities, which can jeopardize animal health and consumer welfare. In this context, this systematic review aimed to evaluate PAH levels detected in seafood from estuarine bays throughout the entire American continent and assess potential human health risks. The PICO methodology was applied, and 27 experimental papers were evaluated. The findings indicate that naphthalene and pyrene are routinely detected at high concentrations in several species, such as white mullet and catfish, and that biliary metabolites concentrations tend to be higher than tissue levels. Although the effects of PAH on animal health are well defined due to several decades of assessments, food safety evaluations are still not routine, evidencing a significant knowledge gap and the need for legislative measures based on toxicological data.

The Effect of Calendula officinalis on Oxidative Stress and Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is associated with reduced antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative damage. Oxidative stress induces inflammation and bone loss contributing to the pathological progression of periodontal disease. Calendula officinalis (CLO) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CLO on oxidative stress and bone loss in rats subjected to experimental periodontitis (EP). For this, 72 male Wistar rats were divided into groups: Naïve, Saline (SAL) and CLO. Rats received SAL or CLO (90 mg/kg) 30 min before ligature and daily until the 11th day. Naïve group experienced no manipulation. After 11 days, the animals were euthanized and left maxillae collected for macroscopic analysis of alveolar bone loss (ABL). Periodontium was analyzed by macroscopy, scanning electron microscopy; confocal and light polarized microscopy. Immunohistochemical examination of DKK1, WNT 10b and ß-catenin was performed. The gingival tissue was collected to reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses. The 11 days of ligature induced bone loss, breakdown of collagen fibers, increased the immunostaining DKK-1 while reduced WNT 10b and ß-catenin expressions. Periodontitis reduced GSH, SOD, CAT and increase MDA. All findings were reversed by 90 mg/kg of CLO. In summary our findings demonstrated that CLO reduced oxidative stress and bone loss and preserved collagen fibers in rats with EP, with participation of WNT signaling pathway.