First record and range extension of Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) (Bivalvia, Cyrenidae) in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Goiás, Brazil

Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) is an Asian freshwater clam that is widely distributed throughout the world through multiple introductions. Its invasion can cause environmental and economic damage. In Brazil, C. fluminea is recorded in all major hydrographic basins. Here, we report the first record of C. fluminea in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region of Goiás, Brazil. This new record extends the known distribution of this species to a conserved area in the Cerrado biome, towards areas of interest for conservation and integral protection units of the biodiversity.

The Effects of Freshwater Clam (Corbicula fluminea) Extract on Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells

Background. The extract of freshwater clams has been used to protect the body against liver diseases in traditional folk medicine. This study aims at investigating the effects of freshwater clam extract on activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), which are critical contributors to liver fibrosis. Methods. The aHSCs used in this study were derived from hepatic stellate cells that were isolated and purified from the livers of male Wistar rats and then transformed into the activated phenotype by culturing on uncoated plastic dishes. Freshwater clam extract (CE) was collected after the outflow from the live freshwater clams in a water bath at 100°C for 60 min. The effects of CE on aHSCs were analyzed by MTT assay, flow cytometry, Oil Red O (ORO) staining, western blot, and real-time RT-PCR. Results. The results indicated that CE suppressed the proliferation of aHSCs through G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclin D1 and upregulating p27. The expression levels of a-SMA, collagen I, TGF-β, and TNF-α were inhibited in the CE-treated aHSCs. In addition, the CE treatment increased the lipid contents in aHSCs by promoting PPARγ expression. Furthermore, CE modulated the expression of ECM-related genes, i.e., by upregulating MMP-9 and downregulating TIMP-II. Conclusions. These data revealed that CE could induce the deactivation of aHSCs. We therefore suggest that CE has potential as an adjuvant therapeutic agent against hepatic fibrosis.

Curcumin and Freshwater Clam Extracts Alleviate the Progression of Osteoarthritis by Reducing Synovial Inflammation and Allowing Cartilage Regeneration

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disorder and is accompanied by numerous pain symptoms. With increased age, individuals develop a chronic inflammatory status, and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as mediators contribute to the progression of OA. However, no desirable remedies have been completely able to inhibit OA progression or safely provide effective symptomatic relief. Natural component extracts or dietary-derived compounds are widely used for anti-inflammatory diseases. Curcumin and freshwater clam extract (FCE) have been proven as functional foods that are able to regulate immune systems. This study demonstrated that curcumin and FCE had synergistic effects on alleviating the progression of OA by assuaging inflammation and repairing the cartilage within the joints. After consumption of curcumin and FCE, the severity of synovitis was quantified by the infrapatellar fat pad inflammation scoring system and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system. Significant improvement and articular cartilage regeneration were noted. Moreover, once the inflammation within the joints was reduced, the animals redistributed their body weight on the OA-induced hindlimb. In summary, curcumin and FCE possess desirable anti-inflammatory and repair functions, suggesting their potential as alternative remedies in the management of OA or other inflammatory diseases.

Characterization and Lipolytic Activity of Bacteria Isolates from Freshwater Clam (Mercenaria Mercenaria) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Lipases form an important group of relevant enzymes which have applications in various fields including; food, pharmaceutical, detergent, textile and cosmetic industries. Lipases can be produced from diverse sources including microorganisms. This study evaluated the potential of bacteria isolates from fresh-water clam Mercenaria Mercenaria to produce lipolytic enzymes. Ten samples of Clam (Mercenaria Mercenaria) were screened for the presence of lipase producing bacteria using classical culture methods. Eleven bacteria species were obtained, of which six (Actinomyces sp., E. coli, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Clostridium sp. and Klebsiella sp.) produced lipases that had lipolytic activity in breaking down olive oil used in media supplementation. The best culture media and conditions for optimal production of lipases was studied and it was shown that supplementation of growth media with 2% dextrose at neutral pH gave the greatest yield of lipases when lipase producing isolates were grown in shake flasks. Measurement of biomass by culture and turbidimetric methods indicates that the highest cell mass was recorded by Pseudomonas sp at 7.8 x 105 CFU/ml, closely followed by Actinomyces sp. and Bacillus sp., at 6.2 x 105 CFU/ml and 5.3 x 105 respectively. The produced lipases were partially purified by precipitating with ammonium sulphate followed by dialysis. The total protein content of produced lipases was evaluated by the Lowry’s method, showing that estimated protein content followed the same trend as cell biomass with the highest recorded by Pseudomonas sp. at 1.53mg/ml, followed by Actinomyces sp. and Bacillus sp. at 1.47mg/ml and 1.32mg/ml respectively. The results obtained in this study shows that isolates obtained from freshwater clam can produce potent lipases which can be employed for industrial, food and other diverse uses