Obesity is transgenerational epigenetic metabolic disturbance. Although the diet-induced obese (DIO) zebrafish model is well established, reproductive parameters and changes in offspring have not yet been evaluated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in reproductive parameters, embryos and offspring (F1) generated by the reproduction of diet-induced obese males and females. The adult zebrafish were divided into two groups receiving a balanced diet (Control group) or overfed (DIO group) were investigated. The dietary protocol was maintained for eight weeks. During this period, males and females in the same group were stimulated through a weekly reproduction protocol. To verify parental obesity, body weight, blood glucose, triglyceride, the hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic index and adipose tissue morphometry evaluations were carried out. Reproductive parameters were evaluated through ovarian and oocyte maturation stage, total spawning, fertility and fertilization index. To verify possible changes caused by parenteral obesity, all offspring were kept in separate groups in correspondence with their parents and were fed a control diet. Plasma glucose, triglycerides, mortality rate, hatching, and deformities were determined. After eight weeks under the diet protocol, the DIO group exhibited characteristic obesity alterations, displaying significant increases in body mass and hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indices, hyperglycemia and visceral and subcutaneous adipocyte hypertrophy. In addition, high mortality rates, morphologic deformities and high plasmatic glucose and triglyceride levels, with 100% mortality at 60 dpf, were observed for the offspring. Therefore, obesity induction in adults led to negative effects on their offspring, with high occurrence of deformities and mortality.
Background Limnoperna fortunei is a freshwater bivalve mollusc originally from southern Asia that invaded South America in the 1990’s. Due to its highly efficient water pumping and filtering, and its capacity to form strong adhesions to a variety of substrates by byssus thread, this invasive species has been able to adapt to several environments across South America, causing significant ecological and economic damages. By gaining a deeper understanding of the biological and ecological aspects of L. fortunei we will be able to establish more effective strategies to manage its invasion. The gills of the mollusc are key structures responsible for several biological functions, including respiration and feeding. In this work, we characterized the ultrastructure of L. fortunei gills and its ciliary epithelium using light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopies. This is the first report of the morphology of the epithelial cells and cilia of the gill of L. fortunei visualized in high resolution. Results The analysis showed highly organized and abundant ciliary structures (lateral cilia, laterofrontal cirri and frontal cilia) on the entire length of the branchial epithelium. Mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum and glycogen granules were abundantly found in the epithelial cells of the gills, demonstrating the energy-demanding function of these structures. Neutral mucopolysaccharides (low viscosity mucus) were observed on the frontal surface of the gill filaments and acid mucopolysaccharides (high viscosity mucus) were observed to be spread out, mainly on the lateral tract. Spherical vesicles, possibly containing mucus, could also be observed in these cells. These findings demonstrate the importance of the mucociliary processes in particle capture and selection. Conclusions Our data suggest that the mechanism used by this mollusc for particle capture and selection could contribute to a better understanding of key aspects of invasion and also in the establishment of more efficient and economically viable strategies of population control.
Background Limnoperna fortunei is a bivalve mollusk originally from southern Asia that invaded South America in the 1990's. Its high efficiency in pumping and filtering water and the capacity to promote strong adhesion to different substrates allowed the adaptation of this invasive species, associated with several environmental and economic damages. A deep understanding of the biology and ecology aspects of L. fortunei is necessary to outline effective strategies to manage its invasion. Mollusk gills are important structures responsible for several biological functions including breathing and feeding. In this work, we characterized the ultrastructure of L. fortunei gills and its ciliary epithelium using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. This is the first report of the L. fortunei gills ciliary epithelial cells visualized with high resolution and detailed morphology. Results The analysis showed a highly organized and large amount of ciliary structures (frontal cilia, laterofrontal cilia, and lateral cilia) on the entire length of the branchial epithelium. Mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum and glycogen granules were abundantly found in the epithelial cells of the gills, suggesting that all this energetic apparatus could be related to the morpho-functional structure of the cilia. Vesicles possibly containing mucus could also be observed in these cells, suggesting that they might be related to L. fortunei mechanism of selection and/or rejection of captured particles suspended in water. Conclusions Our data suggest the mechanism used by this mollusk for particles capture and selection, which could contribute to a better understanding of important aspects of invasion and decide on more efficient and economic strategies of population control.
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