Eicosanoids are products of arachidonic acid metabolism and have numerous biological roles. The present study aimed to ivnestigate the fole of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)- and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)- dependent enzymatic pathways in the pathogenesis of porcine parasitic bronchopneumonia caused by Metastrongylus spp. Pulmonary tissue samples from healthy control and parasitized pigs were proessed for histophathological, immunohistochemical and bichemical investigations. In control animals, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that 5-LOX and COX-2 expression was almost exclusively limited to the bronchiolar epithelial cells. Paratsitized pigs had greated 5-LOX- and COX-2- specific immunoreactivity, involging a wide range or cell types within foci of granulamatous and eosinophilic bronchopneumonia. Biochemical investigations demonstrated the presence of 5-LOX (and the realted product Leukotriene B(4)) and COX-2 (and the related product prostaglandin E(2); PGE(2)) in all tissues under study. COX-2 activity and PGE(2) concentration were significantly higher in diseased lungs compared with normal healthy controls. These findings demonstrate that 5-LOX and COX-2 are differentially expressed in normal versus lungworm-infected lungs and therefore suggest that both biochemical pathways are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of parcine parasitic bronchopneumonia

Hydroxytyrosol (2-(3,4dihydroxyphenyl)ethanol, (DPE), a phenolic compound present in olive oil, is known to have antioxidant properties the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DPE on oxidative stress induced by cadmium injections (CdCl2 2.5mg/kg body weight) in spleen and testes of adult male rats. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in cytosol and mitochondria. We found that in spleen no TBARS formation was detected following CdCl2 injections; however, DPE induces decrease in TBARS level in treated and untreated rats. On the contrary, we observed that DPE showed no effect on cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation in testes. Cytosolic activities of SOD and CAT decreased significantly only in spleen, where DPE restores the values to the control levels. Noteworthy, mitochondrial activities of SOD and CAT were strongly reduced by cadmium treatment both in spleen and testes, and DPE was not be able to restore their activity. Overall, the results from this study indicated that the DPE has different antioxidant efficiency in spleen and testis of cadmium intoxicated rats

Mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) were quantified in fish, cephalopods and crustaceans from Italian supermarkets. Sample compliance with European dietary standards as well as human health risks according to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and the methodology of target hazard quotient (THQ) were evaluated. Both element levels were under European legal limits, except for some fish having Hg and Cd contents exceeding or equal to critical values. Estimated weekly intakes (Hg: fish = 0.07–1.44 μg kg−1 bw week–1; cephalopods = 0.05–0.15 μg kg−1 bw week–1; crustaceans = 0.04–0.08 μg kg−1 bw week–1; and Cd: fish = 0.04–0.32 μg kg−1 bw week–1; cephalopods = 0.07–0.27 μg kg−1 bw week–1; crustaceans = 0.05–0.11 μg kg−1 bw week–1) as well as THQ < 1 were within safe limits. Although there seems to be no important risks associated with seafood consumption, Hg exposure was in some cases close to safety margins and thus levels of this metal should be under frequent surveillance.

Metal concentrations (Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni) were measured in the liver of two fish, Torpedo nobiliana (electric ray) and Torpedo marmorata (marbled electric ray), from the Mediterranean Sea in order to comparatively investigate their current pollution status. Maximum mean levels of Hg were detected in electric ray (mean: 2.16μgg-1 ww), while marbled electric ray accumulated especially Cd (mean: 0.06μgg-1 ww), Cu (mean: 3.83μgg-1 ww) and As (mean: 32.64μgg-1 ww). The metal concentrations are similar to those reported in literature, except for Cd, As and Ni. Hg concentrations increased with increasing fish body length in both species, whilst no significant concentration-size relationship was found for other metals. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report providing information on trace metal levels and relationship between concentration and size of these cartilaginous fishes. Future studies on the concentrations and effects of environmental contaminants in various torpedinid species are surely needed.

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) including dioxin-like PCBs (non-ortho, PCB 77, PCB 126, and PCB 169 and mono-ortho, PCB 105, PCB 118, and PCB 156) were measured in different organs and tissues (melon, blubber, liver, kidney, lung, heart, and muscle tissue) of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea). The mean highest levels were in blubber and melon, followed by liver, kidney, lung, heart, and muscle tissue. PCB profiles were similar in all tissues and organs being dominated by the higher chlorinated homologues (hexa-CBs, 55.8-62.1%; penta-CBs, 15.4-20.0%; and hepta-CB PCB 180, 12.7-16.5%). Major PCBs in all tissues were congeners 138 and 153 collectively accounting for 50.6-58.3% of the total PCB concentrations, followed by PCB 101, 105, 118, and 180 constituting from 27.0% to 31.0%. PCB levels were higher in adult males than in adult females. The estimated 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents of non- and mono-ortho PCBs were much higher than the threshold level above which adverse effects have been observed in other marine mammals species, suggesting that striped dolphins in this region are at risk for toxic effects.

BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) concentrations were determined in the liver of two deep sea fish species, Mediterranean slimehead and blackfin sorcerer, from the Adriatic Sea (southeastern Mediterranean Sea). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The examination of congener profiles showed that hexachlorinated molecules were dominant (hexa-CBs, 55.3-56.2%), followed by penta-CBs (21.5-21.8%) and hepta-PCB 180 (14.9-16.0%). PCB 138, 153 and 180 were the prominent congeners accounting for 69.3% of the total PCBs. Among the compounds of DDT, p,p'-DDE was the most dominant molecule (Mediterranean slimehead, 86.6%; blackfin sorcerer, 92.8%), demonstrating the old age of these compounds in the environment. In both species, PCB contents were higher than those of DDTs. Contaminant load was higher in Mediterranean slimehead (PCBs, 1,086 ng g(-1) lipid weight; DDTs, 799 ng g(-1) lipid weight) than in blackfin sorcerer (PCBs, 561 ng g(-1) lipid weight; DDTs, 224 ng g(-1) lipid weight). CONCLUSION: The high ratios SPCBs/SDDTs indicated predominantly industrial versus agrarian activities in the area. Dioxins toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations (8.1-18.7 pg TEQ per gram wet weight) reached those encountered in marine organisms at higher levels in the trophic chain, revealing the onerous status of contamination by PCBs in Mediterranean deep sea biota.

Trace element concentrations (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn) were determined in the muscle, gonads, skin, and brain of smooth hound Mustelus mustelus in order to define the metal distribution patterns. The data indicated that metal accumulation depended on the tissues probably as a consequence of metabolic needs, physiochemical properties, and detoxification processes specific for each element. Metal concentrations were higher in gonads (Hg 0.10–0.70 μg g − 1; Cd 0.02–0.10 μg g − 1; Pb 0.08–0.39 μg g − 1; Cr 0.06–0.36 μg g − 1; Ni 1.37–3.00 μg g − 1; Zn 9.15–16.30 μg g − 1; Cu 1.95–21.62 μg g − 1) and skin (Hg 0.16–0.66 μg g − 1; Cd 0.01–0.04 μg g − 1; Pb 0.10–0.62 μg g − 1; Cr 0.15–0.68 μg g − 1; Ni 1.60–7.20 μg g − 1; Zn 9.00–16.00 μg g − 1; Cu 0.78–6.80 μg g − 1) than brain (Hg 0.04–0.34 μg g − 1; Cd 0.01–0.05 μg g − 1; Pb 0.03–0.59 μg g − 1; Cr 0.08–0.48 μg g − 1; Ni 5.59–9.69 μg g − 1; Zn 5.90–7.35 μg g − 1; Cu 0.90–4.02 μg g − 1), while muscle always exhibited the lowest levels (Hg 1.03–2.58 μg g − 1; Cd 0.01–0.06 μg g − 1; Pb 0.02–0.16 μg g − 1; Cr 0.05–0.28 μg g − 1; Ni 1.13–2.48 μg g − 1; Zn 2.64–5.06 μg g − 1; Cu 0.33–2.23 μg g − 1). Ni and Hg took exception having the highest concentrations in brain and muscle, respectively. An assessment of the risk for human due to the consumption of these marine organisms was also undertaken. Regarding Cd and Pb intakes, consumption did not guide to any concerns, while it should be extremely moderate when considering Hg intake. The comparative analyses revealed that Mediterranean sharks were exposed to higher Hg levels than biota inhabiting open ocean.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the trace element (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, Cr and Se) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) content of several commercially available brands of green and black tea marketed in Italy. The concentrations these chemicals were found to be variable and largely dependent upon the type and brand of analysed tea. The most abundant element among the essential elements was Fe, followed by Zn, Cu, Se, Ni and Cr, whereas Pb was the predominant among the tested nonessential elements followed by Hg and Cd. Assessment based on several available guidelines showed that element content were low, except for Hg and Ni. The PCBs concentrations were generally low, with a homologue profile dominated by low-chlorinated congeners, namely three- and tetra-PCBs accounting for more than 60% of the total residue. Apart from trace elements, this is the first study documenting in detail the concentrations and congener distribution of PCBs in tea samples of different origin.

This study provides, for the first time, data regarding levels of toxic metals (Hg, Cd, and Pb) and organochlorine compounds (PCBs and DDTs) in various aromatic herbs as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), laurel (Laurus nobilis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and spearmint (Mentha viridis) collected in some towns of the Southern Italy with different anthropogenic and population pressure. Metal and organochlorine compound concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and gas-chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS), respectively. Pb emerged as the most abundant element, followed by Cd and Hg, while between organochlorine compounds, PCB concentrations were higher than those of DDTs. The pollutant concentrations were found to vary depending on the different herbs. The highest Pb levels were observed in rosemary (1.66 μg g-1 dry weight) and sage (1.41 μg g-1 dry weight), this latter showing also the highest Cd concentrations (0.75 μg g-1 dry weight). For PCBs, the major concentrations were found in rosemary (2.75 ng g-1 dry weight) and oregano (2.39 ng g-1 dry weight). The principal component analysis applied in order to evaluate possible similarities and/or differences in the contamination levels among sampling sites indicated differences area-specific contamination.

Total concentrations of essential (Cu, Zn, Se and Cr) and non-essential (Hg, Cd, Pb and As) trace elements were measured in the flesh and hepatopancreas of Octopodidae (Eledone moschata, Eledone cirrhosa, Octopus salutii), Sepiidae (Sepia elegans, Sepia orbignyana) and Loliginidae (Illex coindeti, Loligo vulgaris) from the Mediterranean Sea. As expected, the hepatopancreas showed higher metal concentrations than flesh; the only exceptions were Hg and As, which were equally distributed in the two tissues. Regarding the edible portion, the highest toxic metal concentrations were in Octopodidae (Hg: 0.44, Cd: 0.49, Pb: 0.10 mu g g(-1) wet weight) and Sepiidae (Hg: 0.27, Cd: 0.50, Pb: 0.12 mu g g(-1) wet weight), while Loliginidae tended to accumulate less metal, especially Hg (Hg: 0.11, Cd: 0.30, Pb: 0.05 mu g g(-1) wet weight). The other elements showed a heterogeneous distribution among the different cephalopod families. Loliginidae showed the highest Se concentrations (1.18 mu g g(-1) wet weight), Octopodidae of Cu (37.37 mu g g(-1) wet weight) and Zn (42.00 mu g g(-1) wet weight) and Sepiidae of As (61.43 mu g g(-1) wet weight), while Cr was uniformly distributed among the various families (0.38-0.43 mu g g(-1) wet weight). In these seafoods, the concentrations of essential and non-essential elements were within the prescribed limits set by various authorities, except for Cu and As. Health risks posed by toxic elements to humans via dietary intake of these mollusks were assessed on the basis on Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI), while the estimated intakes of essential elements were compared to Dietary Reference Intakes (RDIs). A 70-g serving of these mollusks was shown to provide a large contribution to Cd intake (0.89 mu g g(-1) body weight), corresponding to 35.6% of PTWI. Concerning the essential elements, the consumption of these mollusks made an important contribution to daily dietary intake of Se, Cu and Zn.

Concentrations of 7 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), 10 polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and 22 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including 12 dioxin like-PCBs (non- and mono-ortho PCBs) were measured in 80 sheep milk samples from farms located in an industrialized area of Sardinia, Italy. PCDDs and PCDFs mean concentrations were 2.45 and 3.69 pg g−1 fat basis, respectively. The mean dl-PCB concentration was 2.01 ng g−1 fat basis, while cumulative ndl-PCB levels ranged from 1.02 to 20.42, with a mean of 4.92 ng g−1 fat. The results expressed in pg WHO-TEQ/g fat showed that contamination level of milk was below the limit values for human consumption established by EC legislation. In the same way, all the investigated milk exhibited PCDD/Fs concentrations below EU action levels, while dl-PCBs concentrations exceeded the action level of 2.0 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat. These findings point to the need to continue to conduct general monitoring programmes, including also milk samples from areas not close to the contaminant-emitting industries, in order to better evaluate the impact of industrial activities on surrounding environment. ⺠PCDD/Fs and PCBs were determined in sheep milk samples. ⺠Milk samples were collected from an industrialized area of Sardinia, Italy. ⺠Overall milk contamination level was below the limit values for human consumption. ⺠Samples the nearest to pollution sources had concentrations above the action level. ⺠On the whole the results revealed a situation of moderate contamination.

Liver of blue shark (Prionace glauca) specimens from the South-Eastern Mediterranean Sea were analyzed for the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including coplanar congeners, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). PCBs were the dominant chemicals, followed by PCDFs and PCDDs. The pattern of PCB congener concentrations in the hepatic tissue was dominated by higher chlorinated compounds. The specific profile of toxic PCDD/F congeners was characterized mainly by 2,3,7,8-TCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDD, followed by 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD and 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) was 149pgg -1 lipid wt. The profile of TEQ shows that PCDDs present the greatest risk to this species contributing to total toxicity with a percentage approximately of 60%, while the contribution of PCDFs and DL-PCBs is almost the same being 22.4% and 21.6%, respectively. Further investigations are urgently needed to characterize the PCDD/Fs contamination levels not only in elasmobranch fish but in all Mediterranean marine biota.

PCBs including “indicator” and “dioxin-like” congeners were measured in a marine gastropod, Hexaplex trunculus, from Mediterranean areas exposed to anthropogenic pressure, to evaluate their compliance with European Union (EU) legislation. Total PCB concentrations showed location-dependent variation, and were higher in samples from Ionian Sea-Taranto (1001 ng g−1 lipid weight) compared with those from Adriatic Sea-Bari (519 ng g−1 lipid weight) and Adriatic-Sea-Brindisi (253 ng g−1 lipid weight). All sample concentrations were compliant with EU regulation limits for the sum of six “indicator” PCBs (Ionian Sea-Taranto: 40.7 ng g−1 wet weight; Adriatic Sea-Bari: 24.0 ng g−1 wet weight; Adriatic Sea-Brindisi: 11.0 ng g−1 wet weight). Also “dioxin-like” PCBs content expressed as toxic equivalent (TEQ) values, in samples from Adriatic Sea (Adriatic Sea-Bari: 2.48 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight; Adriatic Sea-Brindisi: 2.14 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight), were below the limit, while the specimens from the Ionian Sea (Ionian Sea-Taranto: 3.53 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight) showed levels exceeding the maximum threshold.

Levels of contaminants in fish are of particular interest because of the potential risks for consumers. Among the metals analyzed, mercury (average: 0.21 g g-1 weight wet) and cadmium (average: 0.19 g g-1 weight wet) were the most abundant, while Pb (average: 0.09 g g-1 weight wet) was present in relatively low levels. PCB levels in fillets were. Metal concentrations found in these fish species, are below the proposed limit values for human consumption.

Livers of 12 loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea) were analyzed for the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Pathological and microbiological studies were also carried out in order to provide a contribution to the knowledge of causes of Mediterranean turtle death. Boat-strike injuries, entanglement in derelict fishing nets and ingestion of hooks and monofilament lines are the causes of death most frequently observed. PCBs (average: 1399ngg-1 fat basis) were the dominant chemicals, followed by PCDFs (average: 61pgg-1 fat basic) and PCDDs (average: 16pgg-1 fat basis). Hexachlorobiphenyl 153 accounted for the greatest proportion of the total PCBs, followed in order by PCB 138 and PCB 180 (14.1%). Mid-chlorinated, penta-through hepta-PCBs were among the top contributors to the sum of total PCBs, while the homolog pattern of PCCD/Fs was dominated by the tetra- to hexa-substituted congeners. In general the contamination level observed here was comparable with that reported in literature for specimens from different marine areas. Average TEQPCDD/Fs+Dl-PCBs concentration was 27.02pgg-1 wet weight (305.1pgg-1 lipid weight), with dioxin like-PCBs (93.4%) contributing much more to the total than PCDFs (3.9%) and PCDDs (2.7%). The appreciable concentration of TEQ would at first suggest that there are signs of potential threats to the health of these marine reptiles. Apart from PCBs, this is the first study documenting concentrations of PCDD/Fs in marine turtles from the Mediterranean Sea. Further investigations are urgently needed to characterize their contamination level for a better future protection and conservation of this endangered animal.

Hg, Pb and Cd levels in fresh and canned tuna were determined and assessed by comparing element levels in these samples with maximum permissible limits set by European legislation. The estimated weekly intakes by human consuming both fresh and canned tuna were also evaluated for possible consumer health risks. Among tested metals, Hg had the highest concentrations, followed by Pb and Cd either in fresh tuna or canned tuna. None of the tested samples surpassed the European regulatory limits fixed for Cd and Pb, whereas 8.9% of the tuna cans and 20% of fresh tuna samples exceeded standard for Hg. The size of tuna was a determining factor of Hg burden. A high intake of Hg surpassing the toxicological reference value established by WHO, was associated with consumption of larger size tuna specimens. Also canned tuna consumption with Hg concentrations higher than 1 lg kg1, strongly increased the consumer exposure. In contrast, Cd and Pb weekly intakes through consumption either of fresh tuna or canned tuna did not exceed the toxicological reference values established by WHO, and consequently there was no human health risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in these fishery products is crucial for consumer protection.

PCB and DDT concentrations were determined in the liver of two torpedinid species, electric ray and marbled electric ray from the Adriatic Sea (South-Eastern Mediterranean Sea). In both species PCB contents were higher than those of DDTs. Contaminant load was higher in electric ray (PCBs: 1040 ng g-1 lipid weight; DDTs: 234 ng g-1 lipid weight) than in marbled electric ray (PCBs: 434 ng g-1 lipid weight; DDTs: 78 ng g-1 lipid weight). The examination of congener profiles showed that hexachlorinated molecules were dominant (hexa-CBs: 63.7-64.5%), followed by hepta-PCB 180 (20.9-22.3%) and penta-CBs (13.1-15.4%). PCB 138, 153 and 180 were the prominent congeners constituting from 84.6 to 86.8% of the total PCBs. Among the compounds of DDT, p,p’-DDE was the most dominant molecule (electric ray: 92.9%; marbled electric ray: 85.4%), demonstrating the old age of these compounds in the environment. The high ratios PCBs/DDTs indicated predominantly industrial versus agrarian activities in the area. TEQs concentrations (marbled electric ray: 15.4 pg-TEQ g-1 lipid weight, electric ray: 28.5 pg-TEQ g-1 lipid weight) were comparable with those encountered in other elasmobranch and teleost fish. Further studies are needed to better evaluate the toxicological significance of the organochlorine levels measured in these organisms.

PCB and PCDD/F concentrations and congener specific profiles were determined in seafood (fish, cepha- lopods, crustaceans) purchased in supermarkets in Southern Italy. The results intended to assess and compare the levels and congener profiles among the various organisms and evaluate whether the pol- lutant concentrations exceed the maximum permitted levels according to European Union guidelines. Contaminant accumulation followed the order PCBs > PCDFs > PCDDs in all samples. Species-specific bioaccumulation of contaminants and differences in PCB and PCDD/F profiles among the three different groups of seafood were noted. Pollutant concentrations, given as sum of WHO-TEQ, in all samples (fish: 0.28 pg g−1 wet wt; cephalopods: 0.01 pg g−1 wet wt; crustaceans: 0.03 pg g−1 wet wt) did not exceed the maximum limits for human consumption. Also the sum of six indicator PCBs (fish: 0.07–16.7 ng g−1 wet weight; cephalopods: 0.05–0.21 ng g−1 wet weight; crustaceans: 0.07–0.57 ng g−1 wet weight) was below the level prescribed by the legislation in all the species tested. The estimated dietary intakes (fish: 0.52 TEQs/kg bw/week; cephalopods: 0.01 TEQs/kg bw/week; crustaceans: 0.02 TEQs/kg bw/week) were below the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) proposed by the European Commission. Therefore, the samples ana- lyzed can be considered safe considering the levels obtained and the in-force legislation.

The present study provides novel data regarding levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs) in muscle tissue of European conger eel (Conger conger) from Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). The mean concentration of PCBs (891 ng g(-1) lipid weight) was higher than those of DDTs (543 ng g(-1) lipid weight). PCB pattern was dominated by higher chlorinated congeners (hexa-CBs: 69.3 %, penta-CBs: 17.2 %, hepta-CBs: 13.3 %). Regarding DDT pattern, p,p'-DDE was prevalent in all samples (85.5 %), suggesting no recent DDT input. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs, including mono-and non-ortho congeners was 0.41 pg g(-1) wet weight (29.92 pg g(-1) lipid weight). The PCB and DDT levels, as well as TEQ concentrations were lower than most of the corresponding published data for fish from Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean regions, probably reflecting a moderately contaminated area.

Concentrations and congener specific profiles of PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs were determined in various edible fish from the Adriatic Sea. PCBs were the dominant chemicals (116-1980 ng g-1 lipid wt), followed by PCDFs (ND-58.3 pg g-1 lipid wt) and PCDDs (ND-20 pg g-1 lipid wt). The levels of these contaminants varied among species. Benthic organisms possessed the highest concentrations, followed by demersal and pelagic species. PCB and PCDD/F accumulation pattern in the samples analysed showed a distribution typically reported for marine samples. The mean weekly intake of toxic equivalency (TEQ) was estimated to be 0.84 pg TEQs/kg bw/week. The dioxin-like PCBs accounted for more than 77% of this intake, followed by PCDDs (15.5%) and PCDFs (13.1%). In general, the samples analyzed in this survey can be considered safe with regard to the levels obtained and the in-force legislation, nevertheless the consumption of some species may be of significance importance for consumer health.

Mercury, lead and cadmium were determined in muscle tissue of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Thyrrenian Sea in order to evaluate the risk for consumer resulting from the consumption of this species. The metal contents, (μg g-1 w.w.), varied from 0.07 to 1.76 (average: 0.61) for mercury, from 0.01 to 0.28 (average: 0.07) for lead and from 0.001 to 0.034 (average: 0.005) for cadmium. The results obtained for lead and cadmium were lower than those recommended by specific legislation, while mercury concentrations exceeded the established limits in 20% of the sample examined. The estimated weekly intake for lead and cadmium do not pose a risk for consumers because was below the limits imposed by WHO. On the contrary the dietary exposure for mercury may be of concern for human health.

Concentrations of 11 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and toxic metals (Hg, Cd and Pb) were measured in three fish species [(Raja miraletus (brown ray), Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis (megrim) and Lophius piscatorius (angler)] from Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea). No significant difference in PAHs and metal concentrations was encountered among the fish species examined. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 209.9ngg-1 wet weight to 227.2ngg-1 wet weight. Low-molecular weight (two and three rings) PAHs were observed dominating over the high molecular weight (from four to six rings) PAHs. With regard to metals, Hg exhibited the highest concentrations (0.68-0.98μgg-1 weight wet), followed by Pb (0.08-0.12μgg-1 weight wet) and Cd (0.05-0.10μgg-1 weight wet). The health risks by consumption of these species were assessed and did not present threat to public health concerning PAH, Pb and Cd intakes. However, the estimated exposure from Hg illustrates the importance of limiting the dietary consumption of larger-sized fish.

Leukotrienes are products of the arachidonic acid metabolism and act as potent inflammatory mediators modulating the immune response and various physiological processes. This study evaluated the expression and activity of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), the enzyme that catalyzes the first two steps in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes, in horses infected by larval cyathostomins. Tissue samples from dorsal and ventral colon, and from the cecum were collected from 16 horses slaughtered for human consumption. Samples were analyzed to estimate the burdens of encysted cyathostomin larvae and adult luminal stages, and then processed for the evaluation of biochemical parameters. No significant differences were found in the protein expression and enzymatic activity of 5-LOX between animals harbouring only adult parasites and negative horses. The protein expression and enzyme activity of 5-LOX were significantly higher in horses harbouring encysted larvae in comparison with horses free of encysted larvae. Although preliminary, these results indicate that 5-LOX is an important mediator in the course of horse cyathostominosis and further studies are warranted to unveil the possible role this enzyme plays in the pathogenesis of horse cyathostominosis, and its potential as a diagnostic marker.

Mercury, cadmium, and lead concentrations were determined in various fishery products (fishes, cephalopod molluscs, and crustaceans) imported into Italy from many European and non-European coastal countries. Considerable differences were found in the concentrations of these metals among the products tested. The highest mean Hg concentration was found in fishes (0.21 μg g -1 wet weight), whereas cephalopods had the highest mean Cd concentration (0.35 mg g21 wet weight). Swordfish (0.80 μg g -1 wet weight), longtail tuna (0.53 μg g -1 wet weight), and thornback ray (0.52 μg g -1 wet weight) had the highest concentrations of Hg, whereas maximum Cd concentrations were found in samples of common cuttlefish (0.85 μg g -1 wet weight) and common octopus (0.64 μg g -1 wet weight). The majority of the samples analyzed were in compliance with European Union legislation, except for a few cases. The calculated mean weekly intakes of Hg, Cd, and Pb through consumption of the fishery products tested were all below the legislated respective provisional tolerable weekly intakes. In general, the samples analyzed were considered safe to eat with regard to the metal concentrations found and the allowable intakes based on legislation. Nevertheless, the consumption of some species may be of significant importance for consumer health. Copyright ©, International Association for Food Protection.

Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were quantified in muscle tissue of 5 species of demersal fish (european conger eel, rosefish, brown ray, blackbellied angler, and red mullet) commonly consumed in Italy. In all species studied, Hg was the most abundant element, followed by Pb and Cd, which exhibited comparable levels. Cd and Pb concentrations did not differ either within individuals of the same species or among various species examined, whereas Hg accumulation was species-specific. Significant positive correlations between Hg concentrations and fish length for the 5 characterized species were observed. From a public health standpoint, Pb concentrations were under the legal limit for human consumption indicated by European Regulation, whereas Hg and Cd content occurred at levels exceeding the respective critical values in most of the samples examined. The estimated weekly intakes (EWIs) as well as the target hazard quotients (THQs) for Cd and Pb indicated that fish were safe for human consumption, whereas major concern was related to Hg. Fish size-related changes in Hg concentrations determined high THQ and EWI values relatively to larger size fish consumption of these species, except for red mullet, suggesting potential health human risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in fishery products, especially in certain species that for physiological reasons concentrate Hg more easily than others is crucial for consumer health protection.