Reproductive characteristics of a brachyuran crab, Grapsus tenuicrustatus (Herbst, 1783) (Decapoda: Grapsidae) found in Talim Bay, Batangas, Philippines

The study determined some reproductive characteristics of a brachyuran crab, Grapsus tenuicrustatus (Herbst, 1783), one among the most widespread and diverse groups of invertebrates. Results revealed that there were more males (52.94%) than females (47.06%) collected at the study sites with a sex ratio of 1:1.13. Thirty percent (30%) of the samples were ovigerous females. Ovigerous females have the largest caraface length, CL, (31.25 +- 1.43) compared with the males (22.14 +- 0.726) and non-ovigerous females (26.63 +- 1.12). Based on one-way ANOVA, the differences were significant. Difference between non-ovigerous and ovigerous females was also found significant based on t-test for independent samples. There was a non-conspicuous bi-modal size distribution for all the crabs, with non-normal distributions for all crabs and for males, but not when all females or ovigerous females only were grouped together. The size-frequency distributions of males and females are significantly different from each other similar with that observed between the size-frequency of ovigerous and non-ovigerous females. There were more ovigerous crabs belonging to the first year age class (CL = 16 - 33) (53.13 %) than those that belong to the older class (CL = 34 - 43) (46.88 %). Fecundity ranged from 4400 (CL = 16 mm) to 26400 (CL = 43 mm) eggs. Egg volume ranged from 0.40 ml to 2.40 ml, egg diameter from 1.1 um to 5.0 um with an average diameter of 3.170 um and egg count from 4400 to 26400 with a mean of 12684 eggs. Egg number was positively correlated with female size

Assessment of Copper Total Bioaccumulation and Genotoxicity in Boac River, Marinduque Island, Philippines Two Decades Post-Mining Disaster: Pseudodon sp. as Aquatic Fauna Indicator

In 1996, a mining drainage tunnel burst and released copper wastes into the Boac River—rendering it dead. Two decades after the disaster, the river is now used for aquaculture farming. This study assessed the total bioaccumulation of copper and its genotoxicity in the mussel Pseudodon sp. farmed in the river. A total of 30 Pseudodon sp. were collected randomly from the downstream tributaries of the river in September 2015. Total bioaccumulation in terms of total copper concentrations was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and the genotoxicity by micronucleus cytome assay. The total copper concentrations were present in the soft tissues (Mean + Standard Error of the Mean [SEM] of 0.0550 + 0.0003 ppm). Genotoxic indicators of nuclear alterations showed the formation of micronuclei yielding the highest frequency (Mean + SEM of 10.257 + 0.793 per 1000 cells). Binucleated, nuclear buds, agranular, apoptotic, and necrotic nuclear anomalies were likewise evident. Total copper concentrations and the frequency of the hemocyte micronuclei occurrences showed a significant relationship (r=0.366; p = 0.047) while the other nuclear abnormalities were not significantly related to the total copper concentrations. Continuous biomonitoring of mining-affected areas is necessary to safeguard people’s health from the effects of mining wastes. Keywords: bioaccumulation · copper · energy use · genotoxicity · heavy metal · mining · nuclear abnormalitie

Some aspects on the reproductive biology of an endemic catfish, Arius manillensis Valenciennes, 1840 (Siluriformes: Ariidae), of Laguna de Bay, Philippines

Arius manillensis is an endemic and economically important catfish of Laguna de Bay, Philippines. This study generated data on some aspects of its reproductive biology that are vital for the enhancement of propagation efforts for inland fisheries in the Southeast Asian region. Monthly assessments were conducted for one whole year to establish the distinct spawning season(s) through determinations of gonadosomatic index (GSI), fecundity through counting the number of two stages of follicles, and size at sexual maturity. Sex ratio was taken into account. Peaks in GSI occurred in March to April and July to August. These peaks correspond with months of peaks in fecundity. The parallel patterns of these reproductive aspects strengthen the occurrence of two distinct spawning seasons. GSI did not show significant correlation with body parameters while fecundity was significantly correlated with body weight (BW) and length (BL) and gonad weight (GW). Size and weight of apparent sexual maturity or peak reproductive capacity is about 20 cm and 200 g, respectively. Sex ratio was female-biased (2.11: 1). Female dominance indicates a unique reproductive behavior of A. manilensis where males could have evolved survival mechanism(s) to elude capture during breeding seasons and evidently during spawning on the cold months. © 2019 Malaysian Abstracting and Indexing System. All rights reserved

Maternal selenium-supplementation at various stages of periconception period: influence on murine blastocyst morphology and implantation status

Abstract Background Selenium is one of the trace minerals whose deficiency is known to lead to complications of female reproduction. The identified gaps in researches regarding selenium and pregnancy include optimizing the dosage of selenium supplementation, timing of supplementation, finding the best form and type of selenium, and selenium administration combined with other antioxidants. Hence, this study was conceptualized to address one of the identified gaps, that is, to find out the best timing of selenium administration around the time of pregnancy. Specifically, this study aimed to assess the effects of maternal Selenium-supplementation, administered at various stages of periconception period, on murine blastocyst morphology, percent occurrence of good quality blastocysts, and implantation status. Methods ICR female mice were randomly assigned into the unsupplemented group (Group I) receiving basal diet without selenium, and treatment groups given with 3.0 μg selenium-supplement per day during pregestation only (Group II), pregestation-throughout-gestation (Group III) and gestation only (Group IV). Both blastocyst morphology and implantation status were assessed. Results The morphometric measurements of blastocysts appeared to be unaffected by selenium-supplementation at different stages of periconception. Selenium-supplementation at pregestation only (Group II) and gestation only (Group IV) produced higher percent occurrence of good quality blastocysts and lower percent pre-implantation loss than Group III. Among all the treatment groups, Group III (Selenium-supplementation during pregestation-to-gestation) yielded the lowest quality blastocysts and highest percent pre-implantation loss. Conclusion Maternal selenium-supplementation during pregestation and gestation stages of the periconception period yielded a high percent occurrence of good quality blastocysts and pre-implantation success

Pregestation and gestation exposure to an isoflavone: Impact on maternal reproductive health and postnatal development of neonatal mice

Objective: To investigate the effects of pregestational and gestational exposure to an isoflavone of sexually mature female mice on their reproductive health and on the postnatal development of their offspring. Methods: Sexually-mature ICR female mice were randomly segregated into Control group 1 that was given the normal diet consisting of food pellets, Control group 2 that was given food pellets with additional corn oil of 2 mL/kg bodyweight. The three (3) isoflavone treatment groups were given 50 mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/kg body weight and 150 mg/kg body weight for low dose (LD), medium dose (MD) and high dose (HD) respectively. Treatments were administered 2 weeks prior to mating and gestation and thereafter until parturition. The delivered pups were weaned up until 21 days. On the 21st day, postnatal development were determined, excluding the birth weight of pups which was measured one day post-parturition. The dams were sacrificed as well and the markers of maternal health were determined. Results: There were no significant differences found between the control groups and the treatment groups in terms of the markers of maternal reproductive health. For postnatal development, only HD group displayed a significantly higher mean AGD from the other groups. Conclusions: The data implies that exposure to the isoflavone genestein, with the given dosages, does not impact the maternal reproductive health while the high dose brings about masculinization of the pups which implies that isoflavone exerts its action as an endocrine disruptor affecting postnatal development. This could be attributed to the decrease in estrogen due to the inhibition of aromatase, an enzyme involved in estrogen synthesis. © 2013 Hainan Medical College

Protective potential of α-tocopherol supplementation against ethanol-induced dysmorphogenesis in postimplantation murine embryos

Objective: To assess the protective potential of α-tocopherol on ethanol-induced dysmorphogenesis in 10.5 embryonic day (ED) mouse embryos. Methods: Forty female mice were randomly assigned into control (CON), positive control (ETOH), low-, medium and high-α-tocopherol-supplemented-Ethanol groups (LTOC, MTOC, HTOC, respectively). CON received drinking water without ethanol, ETOH, LTOC, MTOC and HTOC groups received 20% ethanol in drinking water. The supplemented groups were given respective dosages of α-tocopherol, 0.410, 0.819 and 1.640 mg/g body weight, at 14 days before mating until the 9th day of gestation. The 10.5 ED embryos were assessed for embryo weight, head- and crown-rump length, and morphological scoring of brain and sensory vesicles, flexion and somites. The embryo yield was assessed by counting the number of full-term developed embryos from the bulging implantation sites while resorption was assessed by counting the bulging implantation sites but without formed embryos. Results: The weight and head- and crown-rump length of the embryos from the α-tocopherol supplemented groups were comparable to the control. These were significantly higher than that of positive control (P \u3c 0.05). Overall morphological scores of the hindbrain and sensory vesicles were significantly higher in the supplemented and control groups than that of the positive control (P \u3c 0.05). The number of full-term developed embryos was neither affected by ethanol alone nor with supplementation with α-tocopherol. Resorption was significantly lower in the supplemented groups than that of positive control (P \u3c 0.05). Conclusion: The medium and high dosages of α-tocopherol exhibited a protective effect on ethanol-induced dysmorphogenesis. © 2015 Hainan Medical College

Bioaccumulation and histopathological alteration of total lead in selected fishes from Manila Bay, Philippines

This study aims to assess the bioaccumulation of total lead and the effect of heavy metal on the muscles of fish obtained in the coastal lagoon of the Manila Bay. Fish species muscles were assessed for lead concentrations and were examined for histological alterations. Results showed that lead bioaccumulation in the muscles, and a degree of disintegration in the muscle fibers of all the fish examined were found. © 2013

Potential of pre-gestational intake of Laportea interrupta L. (stinging nettle) leaf decoction as an aid for fetal-maternal health

© 2015 Hainan Medical College. Objective: To examine the potential of pre-gestational intake of Laportea interrupta L. (L. interrupta) leaf decoction as an aid for fetal-maternal health by determining its influence on embryonic implantation and growth, placental labyrinth vasculo-angiogenesis, and junctional zone morphology. Methods: Eight-week-old female mice were divided into groups and fed daily with 3.5 g food/mouse. The control was given drinking water, the treatment groups, low (LC), medium (MC), and high (HC) concentrations, were given 25%, 50%, and 100% v/v stock solution, respectively for 14 days, prior to mating. Pregnant mice were sacrificed at 14.5 days post-coitus. The uteri and placentae were collected and weighed; implantation sites were counted as either viable or resorbing. The estimated weight (g)/ embryo, as a function of the number of implantation sites, was evaluated. The histology of placental labyrinth angiogenesis and junctional zone morphology was examined. Results: The viable site ratios increased as leaf decoction concentration increased. This was most significant in the HC group (P\u3c0.05). The HC group exhibited increase in the estimated embryo weight and implantation sites, and placental labyrinth with very prominent blood vessels. There was lesser depletion of junctional zone in all treatment groups with large blood vessels and glycogen cells that were more apparent in MC and HC group than those of the control and LC groups. Conclusions: Pre-gestational consumption of L. interrupta leaf decoction in high concentrations demonstrated its potential to support fetal-maternal health

Maternal reproductive health: Expression patterns of antioxidant enzyme selenoproteins of post-implantation embryos conceived by ethanol-Treated murine mothers supplemented with α-Tocopherol

Objective: To investigate if the protective effect of α-Tocopherol against the impact of ethanol on brain morphogenesis involved the activity of the selenoproteins phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx; GPx4) and selenoprotein P (SelPP) that have roles against oxidative stress. Methods: Forty female mice were randomly assigned into natural control (CON), positive control (ETOH), low-, medium-, and high-α-Tocopherol-supplemented-ethanol groups (LTOC, MTOC, HTOC, respectively). CON received drinking water without ethanol while ETOH, LTOC, MTOC and HTOC groups received 20% ethanol in drinking water. The supplemented groups were given respective dosages of α-Tocopherol, 0.410, 0.819, and 1.640 mg/g body weight, at day 14 before mating onwards to the day 9 of gestation. At 10.5 ED of gestation (1 100 h), the pregnant females were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the embryos were harvested. Total RNA were extracted, cDNA synthesis and qRT-PCR analyses were carried out. Results: The level of expression of PHGPx in the positive control was significantly lower than that of the natural control. Among the three α-Tocopherol-supplemented groups, only the medium dose-group was significantly higher than the positive control. The level of expression of SelPP in the positive control was significantly lower than those of the natural control, the low-and medium-dose-Tocopherol supplemented groups. In the high dose-α-Tocopherol supplemented group, the level of expression was not significantly different from the positive control but significantly lower than the natural control. Conclusions: The activity of the selenoproteins PHGPx and SelPP are involved in the internetwork of antioxidative enzymes with vitamin E when given up to a medium dose only and is one of the possible pathways of shielding embryonic development against the impact of ethanol on brain morphogenesis. This study strengthens the impact of dietary α-Tocopherol and Selenium supplement during the critical period of pregnancy

Potential of pre–gestational intake of Laportea interrupta L. (stinging nettle) leaf decoction as an aid for fetal–maternal health

Objective: To examine the potential of pre-gestational intake of Laportea interrupta L. (L. interrupta) leaf decoction as an aid for fetal-maternal health by determining its influence on embryonic implantation and growth, placental labyrinth vasculo-angiogenesis, and junctional zone morphology. Methods: Eight-week-old female mice were divided into groups and fed daily with 3.5 g food/mouse. The control was given drinking water, the treatment groups, low (LC), medium (MC), and high (HC) concentrations, were given 25%, 50%, and 100% v/v stock solution, respectively for 14 days, prior to mating. Pregnant mice were sacrificed at 14.5 days post-coitus. The uteri and placentae were collected and weighed; implantation sites were counted as either viable or resorbing. The estimated weight (g)/ embryo, as a function of the number of implantation sites, was evaluated. The histology of placental labyrinth angiogenesis and junctional zone morphology was examined. Results: The viable site ratios increased as leaf decoction concentration increased. This was most significant in the HC group (P<0.05). The HC group exhibited increase in the estimated embryo weight and implantation sites, and placental labyrinth with very prominent blood vessels. There was lesser depletion of junctional zone in all treatment groups with large blood vessels and glycogen cells that were more apparent in MC and HC group than those of the control and LC groups. Conclusions: Pre-gestational consumption of L. interrupta leaf decoction in high concentrations demonstrated its potential to support fetal-maternal health