Research Outputs
Host-parasite dialogue: Fecundity compensation mechanisms of Fissurella crassa
Parasites can alter the reproductive performance of their hosts, and to avoid or mitigate the resulting fitness loss, hosts may increase their current reproductive output to compensate for the future loss due to the parasitic infection. Fecundity compensation can be exploited by parasites for their own transmission (exploitation of host compensatory responses by parasites). However, this phenomenon has rarely been reported in second intermediate hosts of trematodes and its mechanisms and consequences largely unexplored. Along the east coast of the South Pacific, the second intermediate host, the mollusk Fissurella crassa, has been observed to display higher muscular foot, greater shell length and weight, and a higher gonadosomatic index when parasitized by metacercariaes of Proctoeces humboldti compared to non-parasitized hosts. In this study, we examined the histology, biochemistry (glucose, lipids, and proteins), and levels of sex hormones (estradiol and progesterone) in both parasitized and non-parasitized female individuals of F. crassa. Our findings revealed that the gonad of parasitized limpets had a higher density of oocytes, but these had a smaller individual area. Additionally, the gonadal tissue of parasitized limpets exhibited lower glucose content but higher lipid content. Notably, the levels of progesterone increased with parasite intensity. These results suggest that F. crassa possesses the ability to compensate for the negative effects of parasites by increasing the number of oocytes through biochemical and hormonal mechanisms. Our study contributes to the limited research on the impact of metacercariae on the reproduction of second intermediate hosts. Furthermore, we discuss how these changes in parasitized limpets could benefit parasite transmission.
Upwelling enhances seaweed nutrient quality, altering feeding behavior and growth rates in an intertidal sea urchin, Loxechinus albus
Upwelling systems deliver nutrient-rich water into coastal ecosystems, influencing primary productivity and potentially altering seaweed-herbivore interactions. Upwelling bottom-up effects on distinct trophic levels are wellknown. However, their influence on seaweed biomolecules and on algae-herbivore interactions and growth are less known. The aim of this study was threefold: i) to compare physical-chemical characteristics and nutrient levels in the water of upwelling (U) and downwelling (DU) zones, ii) to quantify their influence on the content of protein and carbohydrates in seaweed tissues of representative U and DU locations, and iii) to experimentally assess their effect on the feeding behavior and growth of a prominent intertidal herbivore, the sea urchin Loxechinus albus. Waters from U zones showed lower temperatures and pH, and higher phosphate concentrations than those from downwelling zones. Similarly, the tissue of seaweeds from a U location had significantly more proteins and carbohydrates than those from a DU location. The origin location of the sea urchins had a significant influence on consumption and growth rates: in general, those coming from a site with U conditions consumed and grew more than those coming from DU conditions. The quality of the algae was a significant factor on consumption rates, although in the case of preference trials, this factor interacted with sea urchin origin location. Our results show that the availability and quality of the food in upwelling zones has an influence on herbivore-seaweed direct interactions. However, these interactions and the growth of the sea urchins were also related to the coastal site and conditions from which the sea urchins came from. These results are relevant considering the expected impact of climate change on the world's oceans, and the importance of U zones as thermal (cold water) refuges for marine ectotherms.
Revealing coastal upwelling impact on the muscle growth of an intertidal fish
Upwelling oceanographic phenomenon is associated with increased food availability, low seawater temperature and pH. These conditions could significantly affect food quality and, in consequence, the growth of marine species. One of the most important organismal traits is somatic growth, which is highly related to skeletal muscle. In fish, skeletal muscle growth is highly influenced by environmental factors (i.e. temperature and nutrient availability) that showed differences between upwelling and downwelling zones. Nevertheless, there are no available field studies regarding the impact of those conditions on fish muscle physiology. This work aimed to evaluate the muscle fibers size, protein content, gene expression of growth and atrophy-related genes in fish sampled from upwelling and downwelling zones. Seawater and fish food items (seaweeds) samples were collected from upwelling and downwelling zones to determine the habitat's physical-chemical variations and the abundance of biomolecules in seaweed tissue. In addition, white skeletal muscle samples were collected from an intertidal fish to analyze muscular histology, the growth pathways of protein kinase B and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase; and the gene expression of growth- (insulin-like growth factor 1 and myosin heavy-chain) and atrophy-related genes (F-box only protein 32 and muscle RING-finger protein-1). Upwelling zones revealed higher nutrients in seawater and higher protein content in seaweed than samples from downwelling zones. Moreover, fish from upwelling zones presented a greater size of muscle fibers and protein content compared to downwelling fish, associated with lower protein ubiquitination and gene expression of F-box only protein 32. Our data indicate an attenuated use of proteins as energy source in upwelling conditions favoring protein synthesis and muscle growth. This report shed lights of how oceanographic conditions may modulate food quality and fish muscle physiology in an integrated way, with high implications for marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
Temporal variations in the bioenergetic reserves of Concholepas concholepas (Gastropoda: Muricidae) in contrasting coastal environments from the Humboldt current system
Changes in environmental conditions play an important role in essential biological processes such as reproduction, which is partially driven by an organism’s diet. Here, we evaluate spatio-temporal variations in the bioenergetic reserves (lipids and fatty acids) of the fishery resource Concholepas concholepas (Loco), a prominent benthic carnivorous gastropod. We used data from summer (January) and winter (July) from two coastal localities that shown contrasting environmental conditions in central Chile (Quintay and Las Cruces). The results indicate that there is a correlation between the fatty acid profiles and the interactions between seasonality and locality. This was particularly evident among the fatty acid concentrations of docosahexaenoic (DHA, C22:6n-3), eicosapentaenoic (EPA, C20:5n-3) and arachidonic (ARA, C20:4n-6) acids, which were high in winter, in both localities. Contrastingly, palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids were present among all comparisons at stable concentrations. These findings suggest an influence of environmental conditions on the availability and quality of the prey of C. concholepas, in both localities. Moreover, the high concentration of essential fatty acids during winter, could suggest an adaptive physiological response, to ensure reproductive success. This knowledge is indispensable to improve regulatory measures for the extraction periods of marine resources, towards a more sustainable fishery, in the Humboldt Current System.
Spatio-temporal changes in the biochemical parameters of the fishery resource Concholepas concholepas (Gastropoda: Muricidae) in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean
The fishery resource Concholepas concholepas is a key species in the benthic marine ecosystems of the Southeastern Pacific Ocean. In the present study, the spatio-temporal changes in the biochemical parameters were evaluated for adult individuals of C. concholepas. They were sampled in summer and winter under upwelling and Non-upwelling conditions in two Management and Exploitation Areas for Benthic Resources of ValparaÃso, Chile. The results indicated that the variation in the biochemical parameters is explained to a greater extent by the season. For example, in both upwelling and Nonupwelling conditions, we found a higher content of total lipids, proteins, glucose, and energy in winter than summer. Temporal variations can be explained by the reproductive process after summer season, in which the egg spawning require a greater energy reserves to be perform. Nonetheless, differences in the nutritional status of preys along seasons of the year, can also influence on these results. In fact, these variations in the biochemical parameters of C. concholepas may be indicative of an adaptive seasonal physiological response to the environment for maintaining an optimal energy budget year-round. Altogether, this knowledge will contribute to the Management and Exploitation Areas for Benthic Resources, improving regulatory measures during the annual period of captures and landings of C. concholepas, favoring a more sustainable fishery in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean within an ecosystem approach.