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In Madeira Archipelago there are four endemic Helichyrsum species and three of them are used in the traditional medicine. Helichrysum monizii is a rare endemism with very scarce information available concerning its uses in the local traditional medicine.The aim of this work was to study for the first time Helichrysum monizii in terms of its antioxidant capacity and the identification of the phenolic compounds to which that activity is due.Three different methods of extraction were performed and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of extracts were correlated to radical scavenging and antioxidant capacity by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and β-carotene assays. An HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS(n) method was employed for the separation and identification of the phenolic and flavonoid components.The results revealed a high antioxidant potential mainly related to the phenolic profile of the plant. Polar components of methanol extracts of Helichrsyum monizii were detected by a high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS(n) ) method. Thirty-three compounds were identified and 19 of them were identified as quinic acid derivatives.The high antioxidant potential Helichrysum monizii was for the first time established. Dicaffeoylquinic acids are the main responsible for that activity.

The formation of adducts with 1 :2 and 1:3 stoichiometry by methoxide addition to nitro-activated anisoles has been examined spectrophotometrically. For these equilibria the ‘basicity’ of sodium methoxide solutions in methanol is appreciably greater than that of corresponding potassium methoxide solutions. This is in contrast with other measures of basicity and is attributed to the association of the multi-charged adducts with cations which is stronger with sodium than with potassium ions.

Helicrysum melaleucum is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the islands of the Macaronesia region for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In this work, the phenolic compounds of Helicrysum melaleucum plants collected in different geographical locations of Madeira Island and their morphological parts (total aerial parts, leaves, flowers and stems) were extracted and analyzed separately by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS(n)). A total of 68 compounds were characterized based mainly on their UV and mass spectra. These included derivatives of O-glycosylated flavonoids (flavonol and flavones type), quinic acid, caffeic acid, lignans and polyphenols. The flowers were found to be the morphological part with higher variety of phenolic compounds. The large differences in the phenolic composition of plants collected from different geographical locations allowed the identification of a few components, such as pinoresinol and methoxylated flavone derivatives, likely to be useful as geographical markers. Also, these results promote further comparison of the bioactivities of the different samples analyzed. This paper marks the first report on the chemical analysis of Helichrysum melaleucum species.

A simple and rapid method has been used for the screening and identification of the main phenolic compounds from Helichrysum devium using high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line UV and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (LC-DAD/ESI-MS(n)). The total aerial parts and different morphological parts of the plant, namely leaves, flowers and stems, were analyzed separately. A total of 34 compounds present in the methanolic extract from Helichrysum devium were identified or tentatively characterized based on their UV and mass spectra and retention times. Three of these compounds were positively identified by comparison with reference standards. The phenolic compounds included derivatives of quinic acid, O-glycosylated flavonoids, a caffeic acid derivative and a protocatechuic acid derivative. The characteristic loss of 206 Da from malonylcaffeoyl quinic acid was used to confirm the malonyl linkage to the caffeoyl group. This contribution presents one of the first reports on the analysis of phenolic compounds from Helichrysum devium using LC-DAD/ESI-MS(n) and highlights the prominence of quinic acid derivatives as the main group of phenolic compounds present in these extracts. We also provide evidence that the methanolic extract from the flowers was significantly more complex when compared to that of other morphological parts.

The temperature stress that pelagic fishes experience can induce physiological and behavioural changes that leave a signature in gene expression profiles. We used a functional genomics approach to identify genes that were up- or down-regulated following thermal stress in the Pacific bluefin tuna. Following the acclimation period, 113, 81 and 196 genes were found to be differentially expressed between the control (20 degrees C) and cold (15 degrees) treatment groups, in ventricle, red muscle and white muscle, respectively. The genes whose expression levels were responsive to thermal acclimation varied according to muscle fibre type, perhaps reflecting the tissue-specific degrees of endothermy characteristic of this species.

Artemisinin is a polycyclic sesquiterpene lactone that is highly effective against multidrug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the etiological agent of the most severe form of malaria. Determination of artemisinin in the source plant, Artemisia annua, is a challenging problem since the compound is present in very low concentrations, is thermolabile and unstable, and lacks chromophoric or fluorophoric groups. The ain of this study was to develop a simple protocol for the quantification of artemisinin in a plant extract using an (1)H-NMR method. Samples were prepared by extraction of leaf material with acetone, treatment with activated charcoal to remove chlorophylls and removal of solvent. (1)H-NMR spectra were measured on samples dissolved in deuterochloroform with tert-butanol as internal standard. Quantification was carried out using the using the delta 5.864 signal of artemisinin and the delta 1.276 signal of tert-butanol. The method was optimised and fully validated against a reference standard of artemisinin. The results were compared with those obtained from the same samples quantified using an HPLC-refractive index (RI) method. The (1)H-NMR method gave a linear response for artemisinin within the range 9.85-97.99 mm (r(2) = 0.9968). Using the described method, yields of artemisinin in the range 0.77-1.06% were obtained from leaves of the A. annua hybrid CPQBA x POP, and these values were in agreement with those obtained using an HPLC-RI.

Three xanthones, polyanxanthone A (1), B (2) and C (3) have been isolated from the methanol extract of the wood trunk of Garcinia polyantha, along with five known xanthones: 1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthone (4); 1,5-dihydroxyxanthone (5); 1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone (6); 1,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxyxanthone (7) and 1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone (8). Their structures were determined by means of 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques. Some of the above compounds were screened for their anticholinesterase activity on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the antimycobacterial potential of laurel oil, its fractions and its two sesquiterpene lactones against several mycobacterial strains and clinical isolates, and to establish the possibility of occurrence of some synergistic effects between those lactones using a modification of the fluorometric Alamar Blue microassay (FMABA). Methods :T hein vitro antimycobacterial activity of whole oil and its fractions and pure active compounds were determined by FMABA. A bioassay-guided fractionation of the traditional preparation of laurel oil from Madeira Islands was performed, yielding pure compounds chemically identified by standard procedures. Synergism of pure compounds was established by X/Y quotient analysis adapted to FMABA. Results: Sesquiterpene lactones, costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone, were the compounds responsible for the antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv with MICs of 6.25 and 12.5 mg/L, respectively. Antimycobacterial activity against drug-resistant M. tuberculosis clinical isolates was better for the mixture than for pure compounds. Conclusions: Both lactones presented synergistic activity, i.e. analysis of relative fluorescence units presented an X/Y value

A series of acid-activated clay catalysts were prepared from a purified bentonite, rich in structural iron, collected at Serra de Dentro on the island of Porto Santo. The purified bentonite exhibited a surface area of 130 m2 g−1 which increased to values as high as 500 m2 g−1 following activation with 4M HCl at 95 °C for 30 min (SD-4M-95-30). The ability of the activated samples to convert limonene to p-cymene was evaluated using a reaction time of 15 min at 80 °C. The sample prepared using 3M HCl at 95 °C for 30 min (SD-3M-95-30) offered the optimum combination of surface area (470 m2 g−1) and acidity (0.26 mmol g−1) and 95% of the limonene was converted to product. About 15% of the product mixture was p-cymene whilst non-volatile products and polymeric species made up 54% of the product mixture. The presence of iron in the octahedral sheet of the SD bentonite appears responsible for the dehydrogenation activity. TG–MS analysis of acid activated samples, saturated with cyclohexylamine, reflected the dehydrogenation capabilities of the catalysts in that SD-3M-95-30 produced the most benzene and aniline as decomposition/transformation products.

Rykellus anibali n. sp. and Rykellus mineiroi n. sp. are described from adult females and males collected from litter and soil in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. A key for the identification of females of the eight recognisable world species of Rykellus is provided.

O crescimento do oócito dentro do folículo ovariano é determinado por vários fatores que influenciam sua viabilidade e competência para o desenvolvimento in vitro. Estes fatores incluem tamanho folicular, dia do ciclo estral, nível de atresia e influência de outros folículos, tal como o folículo dominante (FD). A fase de seleção do FD é visualizada por ultrasonografia como um rápido aumento no diâmetro do FD, enquanto os outros folículos da mesma onda cessam seu crescimento e/ou regridem. Estas mudanças que ocorrem no diâmetro refletem as importantes alterações endócrinas, parácrinas e autócrinas que acompanham ou antecedem este momento crítico do desenvolvimento folicular e, por sua vez, podem influenciar a qualidade do oócito e a competência para o desenvolvimento in vitro. A aspiração folicular conduzida por ultra-sonografia e posterior fecundação in vitro dos oócitos obtidos de doadoras vivas e de alto valor genético tem sido uma técnica em franca ascensão no mundo, sobretudo devido ao importante incremento no melhoramento genético do rebanho. Porém, existe variabilidade nos resultados do desenvolvimento in vitro de embriões bovino e, em média, apenas 30% a 40% dos oócitos maturados se desenvolvem até o estádio de blastocisto.

A queen of Creightonidris scambognatha Brown is recorded for the fist time for the State of Mato Grosso, Pantanal area, and a worker for the State of Bahia, also for the first time for Brazil. Both specimens were obtained with Winkler extractors.

The fixed oil extracted from Laurus spp. fruit from Madeira Island, Portugal, is used in local traditional medicine for a wide variety of health complaints. Physical properties, density and refractive index, as well as the TAG FA composition, sterols, and waxes were determined. The oil was found to have an unusually high content of volatiles (ca. 10%), with trans-ocimene and germacrene D predominating. Oleic (30%) and linoleic (20%) acids were the main unsaturated FA, whereas lauric (18%) and palmitic (up to 22.5%) acids were the main saturated FA in the neutral lipid fraction. The oil had a sterol content on the same order as olive oil, with β-sitosterol (84%) predominating. Two sesquiterpene lactones, dehydrocostuslactone and costunolide, accounted for 5% of the overall composition. Madeira laurel oil is not currently used as an edible oil because of its very strong flavor. Its claimed medicinal properties have not yet been validated, and this is the first report on the characterization of the commercial product.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a obtenção de suco clarificado de maracujá, utilizando a técnica de microfiltração. Introduziu-se a etapa de tratamento enzimático antes da microfiltração, visando aumentar a eficiência do processo pela redução da viscosidade e do teor de polpa do suco. Foram testadas três diferentes enzimas hidrolíticas em três níveis de concentração. Os resultados não mostraram diferenças significativas quanto ao Brix, pH e acidez das amostras de suco hidrolisado em relação ao suco integral. Observou-se efeito positivo da ação das enzimas na redução da viscosidade e do teor de polpa. A microfiltração foi realizada em sistema de membrana tubular com tamanho médio de poro equivalente a 0,3 µm e pressão transmembrana de 1,5 bar. O suco permeado apresentou-se límpido, isento de polpa e com qualidade e sanidade microbiológica. Tais resultados comprovaram a eficiência da microfiltração para clarificação e estabilização de sucos de frutas. IMPROVEMENT IN THE EFFICIENCY OF PASSION FRUIT JUICE CLARIFICATION BY THE COMBINATION OF MICROFILTRATION AND ENZYMATIC PROCESSES Abstract This work had as objective the obtention of clarified passion fruit juice by using the microfiltration technique. A step of enzymatic treatment was introduced before microfiltration, aiming to enhance process efficiency by reduction of viscosity and pulp content of the juice. Three different hidrolytic enzymes were tested in three concentration levels. The results didn’t demonstrate significant differences in Brix, pH and acidity of the hidrolyzed juice samples in relation to the concentrated juice. Positive effect was observed in the action of the enzymes in the reduction of viscosity and pulp content. The microfiltration was realized in a tubular membrane system with average size of the pore equivalent to 0.3 m and transmembrane pressure of 1.5 bar. The permeate juice was clear, free from pulp and with good micribiological quality. Such results proved the efficiency of microfiltration for clarification and stabilization of fruit juices.

The State of Amazonas in the Brazilian Amazon region is an area of high prevalence of hepatitis B and D virus (HBV and HDV) infection. The aim of this study was to identify epidemiological patterns and risk factors of HBV and HDV infections in Barcelos, in the basin of the Negro river. A random sample (798 in all) of the total population in the urban area and in 2 rural villages was surveyed. A standardized questionnaire was used and blood samples were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: 1.63% had hepatitis B surface antigen, 12.9% had anti-hepatitis B surface antibody and 21.4% had anti-hepatitis B core antigen. The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 24.6%. Anti-hepatitis D was present in 5 subjects, all of them non-natives, and hepatitis B e antigen in 2. A positive association between history of dental treatment with an unqualified dental surgeon was found (P < 0.05). These results suggest a low prevalence of HVB and HDV infection, in contrast with other parts of the Amazon area.

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A and B virus was assessed in 3,653 subjects across four regions of Brazil. The anti-HAV and anti-HBc seroprevalence were 64.7% and 7.9%, respectively. The highest anti-HAV (92.8%) and anti-HBc (21.4%) rates were seen in the Northern region. In other regions, anti-HAV seroprevalence over 90% was only reached in the more elderly, indicating an intermediate endemicity and a significantly higher anti-HAV prevalence was seen in the low socioeconomic group between 1-30 years. With respect to anti-HBc seroprevalence an increase was seen in adolescents and there was a significantly higher anti-HBc prevalence in the lower socioeconomic group between 1-20 years. A 3.1% anti-HBc prevalence was seen in one-year-old infants, suggesting a vertical transmission. The major findings of this study indicate that the pre-adolescent and adolescent population in some Brazilian cities are at greatest risk from both hepatitis A and B infection, but for different reasons.

Between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1993, bovine urine was collected for analysis of beta 2-adrenergic agonist residues. A multiresidue method was developed that was capable of detecting clenbuterol, clenpenterol, clenproperol, mabuterol, mapenterol, bromobuterol, tulobuterol, and salbutamol through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, liquid chromatography (LC) with photodiode array detection, and gas chromatography with mass detection in electron impact mode with selective-ion monitoring. Among 1031 samples, 24 contained clenbuterol and 1 contained salbutamol. The results confirm that clenbuterol is the beta 2-adrenergic agonist most used as bovine growth promoter in Portugal.

Three species of Rhodacaroidea are reported from soil in Colombia. Desectophis anthuriumsetis n. sp. (Ologamasidae) and Multidentorhodacarus colombianus n. sp. (Rhodacaridae) are described from newly-collected material. Multidentorhodacarus triramulus (Karg, 1998) is redescribed from the holotype and adult females collected in this study. A key for the separation of females of the five recognisable world species of Desectophis Karg is provided.

Ologamasus lucasi n. sp. and Ologamasus delaliberai n. sp. are described from adults collected from litter and soil in the State of Alagoas, northeastern of Brazil. A key for the separation of females of the 20 recognisable world species of Ologamasus is provided.

Two species of rhodacarid mites, Multidentorhodacarus aegypticus n. sp. and Protogamasellopsis zaheri n. sp., are de- scribed from adult females and males collected from soil and litter in Egypt. A key to identify the species of Rhodacaridae reported from the Mediterranean region is provided.

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avaliar as características morfométricas, quantidade e diâmetro dosfolículos e qualidade dos COC’s (complexos cumulus oophorus) segundo o lado do ovário e presença ou nãode corpo lúteo (CL) em ovários de vacas zebuínas. Foram utilizados 77 pares de ovários coletados de fêmeaszebuínas Os ovários foram separados segundo o lado (direito ou esquerdo) e presença ou não de CL. A seguir,os folículos ovarianos foram contados e classificados de acordo com o diâmetro folicular em Classe 1 (< 5 mm);Classe 2 (5 a 7 mm); Classe 3 (>7 mm). Os folículos foram aspirados com agulha 40 x 12 acoplada em seringa de10 mL e os oócitos recuperados foram classificados segundo a qualidade em grau I, II e III, desnudo e atrésico.As medidas obtidas não variaram de acordo com o lado do ovário; no entanto, o comprimento, a espessura e a largura foram significativamente (P < 0,05) maiores em ovários que apresentaram CL. A quantidade de folículos Classe 2 (5 - 7 mm) foi maior (P < 0,05) em ovário com CL e de Classe 3 (>7 mm) foi maior (P < 0,05) no ovário direito. A incidência de CLs inclusos ocorreu tanto no ovário direito (61,29%) quanto no esquerdo (58,33%). Não houve diferença na qualidade dos oócitos comparando-se o lado do ovário, nem tampouco a presença de CL. Concluiu-se que o lado do ovário e a presença de CL não alteram a qualidade dos oócitos de fêmeas zebuínas.

The black tea originating from the Camellia sinensis plant is considered a healthy drink because it is associated at prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. It has been also stated that its catechins have antioxidative, antibacterial, and antitumoral activity. Despite many potential benefits of black tea consumption, the catechins present in black tea can significantly inhibit proliferation, steroidogenesis, and vascular endothelial growth factor production by swine granulosa cells. Based on these statements, the aim of this work was to verify the influence of black tea in the ovulation rate and the ovary weight in superovulated rats. This study was approved by the ethics committee of the university. Wistar rats were distributed in two groups: treated group (BT): 30 rats drinking only black tea (2.5%) ad libitum; control group (CG): 30 rats drinking water ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 3 months. Ten animals of each group were superovulated monthly with 150 UI kg–1 of eCG (Folligon®, Intervet Schering-Plough) and 150 UI kg–1 of hCG (Vetecor®, Hertape Calier) and sacrificed 48 h later. Ovaries were collected and weighted, and the corpora lutea were dissected and counted. The obtained data were submitted to the unpaired t-test with Welch’s correction, and the effect of time was assessed by ANOVA (P

The Rhodacaridae Oudemans are free-living, cosmopolitan, edaphic mites, generally reported in the literature aspredators. The taxonomic concept of the family has changed considerably over time, making it very difficult for non-taxonomists and even sometimes for taxonomists to decide on the correct placement of many species. A historic reviewof the literature on the classification of the Rhodacaridae is presented. Brief differential diagnoses are given for thefamilies of Rhodacaroidea, followed by a checklist of genera and sub-genera for each family. The families included areDigamasellidae, Halolaelapidae, Laelaptonyssidae, Ologamasidae, Rhodacaridae and Teranyssidae. Revised diagnosesare given for the genera of Rhodacaridae, and a key for their identification, derived from a standardised database ofcharacter states. Finally, a list of species within each genus of this family was compiled, giving relevant taxonomicinformation about the respective types, and providing references to nomenclatural changes, synonymy, and redescriptionsof each species. In total, 151 rhodacarid species and one subspecies are listed in this work, arranged in 15 genera. Themost diverse genera are Afrodacarellus Hurlbutt and Rhodacarus Oudemans, each with about 20% of the valid species.Five of the genera are monotypic. Taxonomic confusion surrounds some groups of species, especially in the genus Rhodacarus. It appears that Rhodacarus calcarulatus Berlese, R. coronatus Berlese, R. pallidus Hull, R. reconditus Athias-Henriot and R. roseus Oudemans have often been misidentified, and these species are in need of detailed revision.A detailed taxonomic or phylogenetic revision of the family was not an objective of this paper. Future efforts to determinesynapomorphies within the group may facilitate a thorough examination of the present status of the family in relation tothe generic placement of species. Regardless, twelve new combinations are proposed in this paper: Afrogamasellus (Foliogamasellus) Karg, 1977 and Afrogamasellus (Latogamasellus) Karg, 1977 are newly synonymised under Afrodacarellus Hurlbutt, 1974 and Laelaptonyssus Womerlsey, 1956 (Laelaptonyssidae) is newly synonymised under Starkovia Lombardini, 1947.

The genera Interrhodeus Karg, Pennarhodeus Karg and Poropodalius Karg are redescribed on the basis of one species ofInterrhodeus, four species of Pennarhodeus and five species of Poropodalius, including the type species of each genus.All species are redescribed on the basis of the type specimens, and keys for the separation of the species of the latter twogenera are provided. Re-examination of these species shows that these three genera are correctly placed in the family Rhodacaridae.

The major components of Laurus nobilis and L. novocanariensis leaf oils were identified and their acaricidal activity against Psoroptes cuniculi evaluated. Monoterpenes were predominant in L. nobilis oil (91.8%), while sesquiterpenes were only 1.4%. The main components of this oil were 1,8-cineole (39.2%), α-terpinyl acetate (11.3%), sabinene (10.6%) and linalool (7.4%). The acaricidal activity of L. nobilis oil, at a concentration of 10%, led to a mortality rate of 73%; at 5% the average activity was significantly reduced to 51%, while dilutions of 2.5%, 1.25% and 0.625% were ineffective. Laurus novocanariensis oil, compared to L. nobilis, was richer in sesquiterpenes; the main constituents were α-pinene (10.4%), 1,8-cineole (9.6%) and β-selinene (7.2%). After 24 h of contact, the oil of L. novocanariensis killed all the mites when used at 10% and 5% concentrations. At lower concentrations the mortality significantly decreased; a dilution of 0.625% was ineffective.

Madeira laurel oil was fractionated by liquid extraction combined with TLC, and TAGs were analyzed by HPLC coupled with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-MS (APCI-MS). Eluted molecular species compositions of the eluted TAG in the complex natural mixture were determined by GC identification of FAME and byLC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-MS analysis of the lipid. The APCI-MS spectra of most TAG exhibited [M+H]+ and [M−RCOO]+ ions, which defined the M.W. and the molecular association of fatty acyl residues, respectively. Despite the relatively high degree of saturation, with a saturated/unsaturated ratio of 0.70, no totally saturated TAG nor mixed asymmetric TAG with two saturated FA (SSM or SSU, where S is saturated, M is monounsaturated, and U is unsaturated) were found. This type of molecular structure provides a possible explanation for the relatively low m.p. (12–15°C) and also the high oxidative resistance observed.

Submitted by António Freitas (amsf@uma.pt) on 2021-04-08T13:57:51Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils and extracts from oregano from madeira Island, Portugal.pdf: 333536 bytes, checksum: b4606848a26fbde3414e26c2ef9eb935 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-04-08T13:57:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils and extracts from oregano from madeira Island, Portugal.pdf: 333536 bytes, checksum: b4606848a26fbde3414e26c2ef9eb935 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

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Funding H2020 - MSCA RISE PREMIUM n° 777567; Preserving bacteria with oligosaccharides and eco-friendly processes (Premium). 55. Annual Meeting of the Society for Cryobiology

Background Bluefin tunas are highly prized pelagic fish species representing a significant economic resource to fisheries throughout the world. Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) populations have significantly declined due to overexploitation. As a consequence of their value and population decline, T. thynnus has been the focus of considerable research effort concerning many aspects of their life history. However, in-depth understanding of T. thynnus reproductive biology is still lacking. Knowledge of reproductive physiology is a very important tool for determining effective fisheries and aquaculture management. Transcriptome techniques are proving powerful and provide novel insights into physiological processes. Construction of a microarray from T. thynnus ESTs sourced from reproductive tissues has provided an ideal platform to study the reproductive physiology of bluefin tunas. The aim of this investigation was to compare transcription profiles from the ovaries and testes of mature T. thynnus to establish sex specific variations underlying their reproductive physiology. Results Male and females T. thynnus gonad tissues were collected from the wild and histologically staged. Sub-samples of sexually mature tissues were also measured for their mRNA differential expression among the sexes using the custom microarray design BFT 4X44K. A total of 7068 ESTs were assessed for differential expression of which 1273 ESTs were significantly different (p2 fold change in expression according to sex. Differential expression for 13 of these ESTs was validated with quantitative PCR. These include genes involved in egg envelope formation, hydration, and lipid transport/accumulation more highly expressed in ovaries compared with testis, while genes involved in meiosis, sperm motility and lipid metabolism were more highly expressed in testis compared with ovaries. Conclusions This investigation has furthered our knowledge of bluefin tunas reproductive biology by using a contemporary transcriptome approach. Gene expression profiles in T. thynnus sexually mature testes and ovaries were characterized with reference to gametogenesis and potential alternative functions. This report is the first application of microarray technology for bluefin tunas and demonstrates the efficacy by which this technique may be used for further characterization of specific biological aspects for this valuable teleost fish.