Sea Squirt (Halocynthia roretzi) Hydrolysates Induce Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer HT-29 Cells through Activation of Reactive Oxygen Species.

Recent evidence provides that seafood has a lot of health benefits due to its unique bioactive compounds. Sea squirt is widely cultured and consumed as a foodstuff in Korea; however, seldom reports with reference to bioactivities are available until now. In this study, edible part of sea squirt was hydrolyzed by pepsin and its hydrolysates was evaluated for anticancer effect on human colon cancer HT-29 cells. Sea squirt hydrolysates (SSQ) reduced HT-29 cell viability. Treatment with SSQ resulted in the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation followed by disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that SSQ induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis evidenced by Hoechst 33342 staining. Levels of mRNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that treatment with SSQ in HT-29 cells upregulated expression of p53, bax, and caspase-3 genes and downregulated expression of bcl-2 gene. Protein level of cytochrome c into cytosol and caspase-3 by Western blotting were also increased by treatment with SSQ in HT-29 cells. These results suggest that SSQ may be useful for functional food ingredients and/or nutraceuticals.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in oysters from the southern coast of Korea: assessment of potential risk to human health.

From 2009 to 2013, 80 oyster and 16 seawater samples were collected from the southern coast of Korea, including designated shellfish growing areas for export. The concentrations and bioaccumulation of heavy metals were determined, and a potential risk assessment was conducted to evaluate their hazards towards human consumption. The cadmium (Cd) concentration in oysters was the highest of three hazardous metals, including Cd, lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg), however, below the standards set by various countries. The metal bioaccumulation ratio in oysters was relatively high for zinc and Cd but low for Hg, Pb, arsenic, and chromium. The estimated dietary intakes of all heavy metals for oysters accounted for 0.02%-17.75% of provisional tolerable daily intake. The hazard index for all samples was far <1.0, which indicates that the oysters do not pose an appreciable hazard to humans for the metal pollutants of study.

Effect of activated carbon-based two-stage adsorption on biogenic amine reduction and quality of anchovy fish sauce at industrial scale.

This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of activated carbon on reduction in biogenic amines (BAs) via two-stage adsorption process at industrial scale, and the consequent effect was evaluated by the taste and aroma of anchovy fish sauce. Through reaction surface methodology, the optimal working paratmeters were determined to adsorbent composition of 2% activated carbon and 0.9% diatomite under temperature of 27 °C for 97 min. Upon optimized settings at industrial scale, there were effective reductions in tryptamine (by 100%), cadaverine (by 10%), histamine (by 61%), and tyramine (by 96%), while the changes in taste-related amino nitrogen, total nitrogen, free amino acids, and color were minimum. In addition, off-flavor-causing compounds, such as alcohols and acids, were removed by the developed method. From the obtained results, the activated carbon-based two-stage adsorption approach can provide the framework for control of BAs contents in fish-based sauces or stocks at commercial and industrial scales.

Effects of the physical structure and surface charge of activated carbon on the reduction of biogenic amines in anchovy fish sauce.

This study aimed to efficiently reduce a large number of biogenic amines in salt-fermented fish sauce while minimizing sensory reduction using various activated carbons. Aromatic amines, such as tryptamine and phenethylamine, were reduced by 86.1-100 % after treating with activated carbon. Histamine with a heterocyclic structure decreased by 13-42 %. No significant effects were observed on the levels of aliphatic amines, putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, and spermidine. The major taste component, amino acid nitrogen, was reduced to within 3 %, and brown color removal was reduced depending on the type of activated carbon used. Acid-modified AC-A and AC-B had rough surfaces, high total acidity, low point of zero charge (pHpzc), and rich surface functional groups. Owing to its smooth surface, low total acidity, high pHpzc, and few surface functional groups, AC-C exhibited a higher histamine elimination and less color reduction despite its lower surface area compared to other activated carbons.

Abundance, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence of pathogenic Vibrio strains from molluscan shellfish farms along the Korean coast.

To reduce the outbreaks caused by the major pathogenic Vibrio species, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. cholerae, the distribution, antibiotic resistance, and virulence of these Vibrio strains were monitored in shellfish and seawater along the Korean coast. Among the Vibrio strains, V. parahaemolyticus was the most abundant species; during summer, this strain showed a substantial increase that correlated with the water temperature. Although >99.0% of the Vibrio species isolates were sensitive to seven antimicrobials recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for the treatment of Vibrio infections, multiple-antibiotic resistance to at least three antimicrobials was found in 14.3% to 50.0% of each Vibrio species. Among V. parahaemolyticus isolates, 14.3% were positive for the trh gene, whereas only 1% was positive for the tdh gene. These results should aid in implementing proper precautions to avoid potential human health risks associated with exposure to pathogenic Vibrio species.

Quantitative analysis of Alaska pollock in seafood products by droplet digital PCR.

A highly accurate quantitative method, based on the new technique, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), was applied to determine the content of Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) in seafood products. Using this method, we found a linear relationship among raw sample weight, DNA concentration and DNA copy number. We also established a formula to calculate the raw sample weight, based on the number of DNA copies. To confirm the accuracy and applicability of this method, mixed samples of known composition were analyzed. Results from this study indicated that the ddPCR method described is suitable for quantifying Alaska pollock in seafood products and has the potential applied to a variety of tasks in food quality certification.

Occurrence and virulence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from seawater and bivalve shellfish of the Gyeongnam coast, Korea, in 2004-2016.

We determined the abundance and virulence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in seawater and bivalves from the Gyeongnam coast in Korea, a major area for the seafood industry, during 2004-2016. V. parahaemolyticus is one of the most common pathogen causing seafood-borne illnesses in Korea, and increases during the summer. Its occurrence in seawater and bivalve samples was seasonally dependent, with high levels during the summer to early autumn. There were more strains in the area of sea continually exposed to inland wastewater. Only 5.1% and 3.5% of V. parahaemolyticus isolates from seawater and bivalves, respectively, had the trh gene, and only the bivalve isolates produced the tdh gene at levels below 2%. Continuous monitoring is clearly needed to reduce seafood-borne outbreaks of disease caused by V. parahaemolyticus, and to reveal the occurrence patterns and the presence of toxic genes of the strains in different marine environments.

Concentrations of trace metals in tissues of Chionoecetes crabs (Chionoecetes japonicus and Chionoecetes opilio) caught from the East/Japan Sea waters and potential risk assessment.

The concentrations of trace metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, and Zn) were measured in muscle and hepatopancreas of two Chionoecetes crabs (Chionoecetes japonicus and C. opilio) caught from the East/Japan Sea (EJS) in order to assess the potential health risk by the consumption of deep sea crabs. The highest metal concentrations in muscle and hepatopancreas were As and Fe, respectively, while the lowest metal concentration in two tissues was Pb. The mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, and Pb in Chionoecetes crabs were one or two orders of magnitude higher in hepatopancreas than in muscles. The mean concentrations of As, Cu, and Hg in muscle and hepatopancreas were relatively higher in C. japonicus than in C. opilio. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of all metals in muscle were below 0.1% of the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) adopted by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Similarly, the target hazard quotient (THQ) of all trace metals in muscle was less than 1.0. These results imply that Chionoecetes crabs caught from EJS do not have an adverse impact on the Korean health. Based on the mean metal concentrations, PTDI, and THQ, the daily maximum permissible intakes of C. japonicus and C. opilio were estimated to be approximately 240 and 410 g/day, respectively.

Comparison of bioaccumulation and elimination of Escherichia coli and male-specific bacteriophages by ascidians and bivalves.

Levels of Escherichia coli and male-specific bacteriophages (MSBs) were determined in the filter feeders obtained from retail markets, commercial farms, and wild beds in Korea. The accumulation and elimination of E. coli and MSBs were compared between ascidians and bivalves (oysters and mussels) during relaying and depuration. E. coli concentrations in ascidians from retail markets ranged between < 20 and 460 most probable number/100 g while MSBs were not detected. E. coli levels in bivalves from commercial farms and wild beds were not significantly different but bacterial levels in ascidians were consistently lower. Ascidians exhibited much lower ability than bivalves to accumulate E. coli and MSBs during relaying in a polluted coastal area. This study also shows that an equilibrium was developed between levels of microbes in water and ascidians and shellfish during relaying. E. coli and MSBs in ascidians decreased quickly during depuration in a clean seawater tank. However, after 1 day, E. coli in bivalves decreased by only 1.1-1.6 logs, and the elimination of MSBs was negligible. Therefore, depuration is an effective means to reduce the health risk of contaminated ascidians.

Bacteriological quality evaluation of seawater and oysters from the Hansan-Geojeman area in Korea, 2011-2013: impact of inland pollution sources.

From 2011 to 2013, we conducted a full sanitary survey of pollution sources in proximity to a shellfish growing area in the Hansan-Geojeman region in Korea, which includes a designated shellfish growing area. In the sea area, 1152 seawater and 209 oyster samples were collected and examined to evaluate their bacteriological quality. There were 758 potential pollution sources in the drainage area, including 40 sources discharging water in 2013. Fecal coliform (FC) concentrations and impact radii of discharges ranged from 1.8 to 700,000 MPN/100 mL and from 3 to 600 m, respectively; however, the pollutants did not reach the designated area. This demonstrates that the dilution of waste was sufficient such that no significant impact occurred within the designated shellfish growing area. The variation in the FC levels of seawater was closely related to season and rainfall. The FC levels of seawater and oysters from the designated area met the regulation limits set by various countries. No pathogens were found in any oysters. The results of the survey indicate that the oysters produced in this area are apparently safe for raw consumption based on their bacterial quality.

Distribution of heavy metals in muscles and internal organs of Korean cephalopods and crustaceans: risk assessment for human health.

Samples of seven species of cephalopods and crustaceans were collected from major fish markets on the Korean coast and analyzed for mercury (Hg) using a direct Hg analyzer and for the metals cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium, silver, nickel, copper, and zinc using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The distributions of heavy metals in muscles, internal organs, and whole tissues were determined, and a risk assessment was conducted to provide information concerning consumer safety. The heavy metals accumulated to higher levels (P < 0.05) in internal organs than in muscles for all species. The mean concentrations of Cd, which had the highest concentrations of the three hazardous metals (Cd, Pb, and Hg), in all internal organs (except those of blue crab) exceeded the regulatory limits set by Korea and the European Union. The Cd concentrations in all whole tissues of squid and octopus (relatively large cephalopods), red snow crab, and snow crab exceeded the European Union limits. The estimated dietary intake of Cd, Pb, and Hg for each part of all species accounted for 1.73 to 130.57%, 0.03 to 0.39%, and 0.93 to 1.67%, respectively, of the provisional tolerable daily intake adopted by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives; the highest values were found in internal organs. The hazard index (HI) is recognized as a reasonable parameter for assessing the risk of heavy metal consumption associated with contaminated food. Because of the high HI (>1.0) of the internal organs of cephalopods and the maximum HI for whole tissue of 0.424, consumers eating internal organs or whole tissues of cephalopods could be at risk of high heavy metal exposure. Therefore, the internal organs of relatively large cephalopods and crabs (except blue crab) are unfit for consumption. However, consumption of flesh after removing internal organs is a suitable approach for decreasing exposure to harmful metals.