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The life history of marine invertebrates is intrinsically related to the environmental conditions of their habitats. However, the effect of environmental factors on life history traits, e.g. reproduction, is poorly understood due to difficulties in cultivating these animals in controlled conditions. Natural experiments, using latitudinal gradients, provide an alternative to better understand this relationship. We investigated the effect of environmental factors on some aspects of the reproduction of Tedania ignis (Porifera, Demospongiae) along a latitudinal gradient in the Western Atlantic Ocean (WAO). We assessed the predicted trade-off between size and fecundity and biogeographical patterns in some of the life history traits of this sponge species. Except for the southernmost population, all populations of T. ignis reproduced aperiodically, but their reproductive dynamics were modulated by different sets of environmental factors. Therefore, this trait seems to be a physiological adaptation to local conditions. Nonetheless, the species reproduced mainly when the temperature was above 21°C, which could be a factor limiting its distribution along the tropical WAO. We did not detect any trade-off between size and quantity of oocytes and larvae in this species. A possible explanation is that the species invests low energy in offspring in a given period, resulting in a low but continuous reproductive effort, independently of the environmental conditions. These findings will be important to support management plans, as this species is a potential target for obtaining biotechnological natural products.

The Parcel de Manuel Luis (PML) is located at the southern end of the Amazon Reef System, which comprises the northernmost reef formations of the Brazilian biogeographical province. Its unique position and singular seascape make the PML an important stepping-stone for marine organisms between the Brazilian and Caribbean provinces. Yet, due to its distance from the shore, high tidal amplitude, and strong currents associated with a series of pinnacles exposed during low spring tides, the PML is one of the least studied reefs in the Western South Atlantic. Here, we integrated sessile benthic community data, fish assemblage surveys, and remote filming of fish interactions to establish the most complete community assessment of the PML reefs to date. In our surveys, we documented 78 sessile benthic taxa, with a taxonomic dominance of macroalgae (54 taxa), including two new occurrences of sponges for the North Brazilian Shelf, as well as four endemic species, such as the fire coral Millepora laboreli. The fish assemblage comprised 59 reef fish species, with biomass dominated mainly by large carnivorous species (e.g., groupers and snappers). Intra- and interspecific interactions were dominated by herbivorous fishes, particularly underpinned by grazing behavior and chasing by territorial species. The considerably high biomass and large-bodied species found in our surveys is rarely seen elsewhere in the Western South Atlantic, suggesting a low level of fishing compared to most other places, and only a few changes were observed in the fish assemblages since the first assessment made in 1998. We also highlight the usefulness of an integrated approach for continued assessment of Western South Atlantic reefs, particularly given emerging threats from mining and oil exploration, and the heavy traffic of commercial vessels in the region. Our findings support the PML as an area of critical conservation interest for reef systems, emphasizing the need for continued enforcement of this marine protected area and its integration in long-term plans of offshore oil and gas development projects.

The marine sponge Raspailia bouryesnaultae, collected in South Brazil, was selected for detailed investigation considering the results of a screening that pointed to an in vitro antiproliferative effect against non-small cells of human lung cancer (A549) and anti-herpes activity against Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (KOS and 29R strains) of ethanolic extracts. The fractionation and chemical investigation of the sponge&rsquo, s hexanic fraction led to the isolation and structural elucidation of six clerodane diterpenes. The main component was identified as the already-reported raspailol (1), isolated from a sponge of the same genus collected in New Zealand. The structure of a new diterpene (2) with a rearranged skeleton was established by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and 1D and 2D Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) experiments, and named here as raspadiene. Furthermore, four diterpenes were elucidated as isomers of clerodane diterpenes previously obtained from plants, namely kerlinic acid (3), kerlinic acid methyl ester (4), annonene (5), and 6-hydroxyannonene (6). They differ in their stereochemistry, since these diterpenes are characterized by a trans ring fusion at the decalin moiety and the relative configuration of the two methyl groups at C-8 and C-9 in a cis relationship (type trans/cis). The Raspailia diterpenes have a cis ring fusion at the decalin moiety, and the two methyl groups at C-8 and C-9 are in a trans relationship (type cis/trans). The isolated compounds were evaluated for their potential antiproliferative effects on human cancer cell line A549, and it was observed that the diterpenes bearing a hydroxyl group at C-6 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity, with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values lower than 25 &mu, M. The evaluation of the potential anti-herpes activity against Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1, KOS and 29R strains) showed that the more promising results were observed for the new compound 2, since it inhibited HSV-1 (KOS and 29R strains) replication by 83% and 74%, respectively.

Haliclona tubifera, marine sponge species abundant in Brazilian coastline, presents only a few papers published in the literature. Recently, we have reported the isolation of two modified C18 sphingoid bases: (2R,3R,6R,7Z)-2-aminooctadec-7-ene-1,3, 6-triol and and (2R,3R,6R)-2-aminooctadec-1,3,6-triol. In order to continue our research, in this work aimed at the biological investigation of fractions that led to the isolation of these compounds. We evaluated the cytotoxic effect of marine sponge H. tubifera fractions in glioma (U87) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) human cell lines. In addition, considering the link between cancer, imbalance of reactive oxygen species and coagulation disorders, we also investigated the in vitro effects on blood coagulation and their redox properties. We showed that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction, rich in sphingoid bases, had important cytotoxic effects in both cancer cell lines with an IC50 &lt, 15 μg/mL and also can inhibit the production of peroxyl radicals. Interestingly, this fraction increased the recalcification time of human blood, showing anticoagulant properties. The present study indicates the sphingosines fraction as a promising source of chemical prototypes, especially multifunctional drugs in cancer therapy.

Objectives Marine sponges are among the most promising sources of chemically diversified fatty acids (FAs). In addition, several studies have shown the effect of polyunsaturated FAs on cancer therapy. This research carried out a biological and chemical evaluation of the sponge Scopalina ruetzleri collected on the South Brazilian coastline. Methods Bioassay-guided fractionation of S. ruetzleri was performed in human glioma (U87) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell lines, and the in-vitro effects on free radicals were evaluated. Key findings The ethyl acetate fraction of S. ruetzleri showed promising cytotoxic effects in cancer cell lines, with IC50 < 20 μg/ml. Fingerprint 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis showed that this fraction is mainly constituted of FAs. Through FA methyl ester analysis, it was possible to identify 32 FAs. In addition, some minor unusual FAs for the marine biosphere were identified. The results of conjugated dienes method showed that FAs fraction, at concentrations above 50 μg/ml, has a pro-oxidant effect, indicating that lipid peroxidation may be partially responsible for the mechanism of cytotoxicity on cancer cells. Conclusion This work also contributes to studies that focus on the application of FAs on cancer therapy as a new adjuvant to radio or chemotherapy, or as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Five new polyoxygenated marine steroids—punicinols A–E (1–5)—were isolated from the gorgonian Leptogorgia punicea and characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, MS, 1H, 13C and 2-D NMR). The five compounds induced in vitro cytotoxic effects against lung cancer A549 cells, while punicinols A and B were the most active, with IC50 values of 9.7 μM and 9.6 μM, respectively. The synergistic effects of these compounds with paclitaxel, as well as their effects on cell cycle distribution and their performance in the clonogenic assay, were also evaluated. Both compounds demonstrated significant synergistic effects with paclitaxel. Fil: Moritz, Maria Izabel G.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Marostica, Lucas Lourenço. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Bianco, Éverson M.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Rojo de Almeida, Maria Tereza. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Carraro, João L.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Cabrera, Gabriela Myriam. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica; Argentina Fil: Palermo, Jorge Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica; Argentina Fil: Simoes, Cláudia M. O.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Schenkel, Eloir P.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil

This manuscript describes the evaluation of anti-infective potential in vitro of organic extracts from nine sponges, one ascidian, two octocorals, one bryozoan, and 27 seaweed species collected along the Brazilian coast. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) by the disk diffusion method. Antiprotozoal activity was evaluated against Leishmania braziliensis (MHOM/BR/96/LSC96-H3) promastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi (MHOM/BR/00/Y) epimastigotes by MTT assay. Activity against intracellular amastigotes of T. cruzi and L. brasiliensis in murine macrophages was also evaluated. Antiviral activity was tested against Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1, KOS strain) by the plaque number reduction assay (IC50). Cytotoxicity on VERO cells was evaluated by the MTT assay (CC50). The results were expressed as SI = CC50/IC50. The most promising antimicrobial results were obtained against S. aureus and C. albicans with Dragmacidon reticulatum. Among the seaweeds, only Osmundaria obtusiloba showed moderate activity against P. aeruginosa. Concerning antiprotozoal activity, Bugula neritina, Carijoa riseii, Dragmaxia anomala and Haliclona (Halichoclona) sp. showed the most interesting results, mainly against extracellular promastigote forms of L. braziliensis (66, 35.9, 97.2, and 43.6% inhibition, respectively). Moreover, six species of seaweeds Anadyomene saldanhae, Caulerpa cupressoides, Canistrocarpus cervicornis, Dictyota sp., Ochtodes secundiramea, and Padina sp. showed promising results against L. braziliensis (87.9, 51.7, 85.9, 93.3, 99.7, and 80.9% inhibition, respectively), and only Dictyota sp. was effective against T. cruzi (60.4% inhibition). Finally, the antiherpes activity was also evaluated, with Haliclona (Halichoclona) sp. and Petromica citrina showing the best results (SI = 11.9 and SI > 5, respectively). All the active extracts deserve special attention in further studies to chemically characterize the bioactive compounds, and to perform more refined biological assays.

The purpose of this work was to study the cytotoxic effects of marine sponge Polymastia janeirensis, which has been observed in the field to release an orange substance that is toxic to fish. The result showed that aqueous extract (pH 7.0) was highly cytotoxic to glioma (U87) and neuroblastoma (SHSY5Y) cancer cell lines (IC50

The culture of marine molluscs became, in the last ten years, an important source of income for communities living along the coast of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The scallop Nodipecten nodosus is a species with high potential for aquaculture, and cultivation at pilot/experimental scale has been carried out in the state with excellent prospects. The present study aimed to identify and characterize the fouling organisms on N. nodosus and also assess scallop growth and survival. Samples were collected from N. nodosus shells cultured at Canto Grande Beach, Santa Catarina State, from June 2006 to July 2007. Thirty-one taxa of eight groups were collected from scallop valves, but only 10 taxa represented more than 98% of the total abundance. Despite increased richness of species and differences in abundance and diversity, no evidence of ecological succession was found. Even after 467 days of study without cleaning the valves, scallops presented high growth (5.58 mm month–1) and survival rates (~90%).

This work provides new information on agelasid sponges found on the continental shelf off northern Brazil. Agelas sceptrum (Lamarck, 1815) and Agelas wiedenmayeri Alcolado, 1984 have their first record for the Brazilian coast. Agelas dispar Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864 and Agelas schmidti Wilson, 1902, previously recorded from Brazil, are cited for the first time off the mouth of the Amazon River. Este trabalho fornece novas informações sobre esponjas agelasidas encontradas na costa norte da plataforma continental brasileira. Agelas sceptrum (Lamarck, 1815) e Agelas wiedenmayeri Alcolado, 1984 têm seu primeiro registro para a costa brasileira. Agelas dispar Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864 e Agelas schmidti Wilson, 1902, registradas anteriormente na costa brasileira, são citadas pela primeira vez ao largo da desembocadura do Rio Amazonas.

The n-butanol fraction (BF) obtained from the crude extract of the marine sponge Petromica citrina, the halistanol-enriched fraction (TSH fraction), and the isolated compounds halistanol sulfate (1) and halistanol sulfate C (2), were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the replication of the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1, KOS strain) by the viral plaque number reduction assay. The TSH fraction was the most effective against HSV-1 replication (SI = 15.33), whereas compounds 1 (SI = 2.46) and 2 (SI = 1.95) were less active. The most active fraction and these compounds were also assayed to determine the viral multiplication step(s) upon which they act as well as their potential synergistic effects. The anti-HSV-1 activity detected was mediated by the inhibition of virus attachment and by the penetration into Vero cells, the virucidal effect on virus particles, and by the impairment in levels of ICP27 and gD proteins of HSV-1. In summary, these results suggest that the anti-HSV-1 activity of TSH fraction detected is possibly related to the synergic effects of compounds 1 and 2. Fil: Guimarães, Tatiana Da Rosa. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Quiroz, Carlos Guillermo. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Rigotto, Caroline. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: De Oliveira, Simone Quintana. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Rojo de Almeida, Maria Tereza. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Bianco, Éverson Miguel. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Moritz, Maria Izabel Goulart. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Carraro, João Luís. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Palermo, Jorge Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentina Fil: Cabrera, Gabriela Myriam. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentina Fil: Schenkel, Eloir Paulo. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Reginatto, Flávio Henrique. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Oliveira Simões, Cláudia Maria. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil

Uma nova espécie, Spongia (Heterofibria) catarinensis, é descrita para a Ilha das Aranhas (27º29'077''S, 48º21'380''W), Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Difere das outras espécies do gênero do Atlântico sudoeste pela morfologia externa e arquitetura. A nova espécie é caracterizada por apresentar forma massiva, incrustante com projeções lobulares; fibras primárias medindo 60-100 µm; fibras secundárias 11,5-69 µm; fibras pseudoterciárias 2,3-23 µm e distância entre fibras primárias 391-920 µm; distância entre fibras secundárias/pseudoterciárias 92-575 µm; fibras secundárias/pseudoterciárias constituindo malhas poligonais com 30-700 µm de diâmetro. A espécie pertence ao subgênero Heterofibria Cook & Bergquist, 2001 por apresentar uma clara dicotomia de suas fibras. A new species, Spongia (Heterofibria) catarinensis, is described from Ilha das Aranhas (27º29'077''S, 48º21'380''W), State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. It differs from the other southwestern Atlantic species of this genus by external morphology and architecture. The new species is characterized for presenting massive form, incrusting with lobate projections; primary fibres measuring 60-100 µm; secondary fibres 11,5-69 µm; pseudotertiary fibres 2,3-23 µm and distance between primary fibres 391-920 µm; distance between secondary/pseudotertiary fibres 92-575 µm; secondary/pseudotertiary fibres constituting polygonal meshes 30-700 µm diameter. This species belongs to subgenus Heterofibria Cook & Bergquist, 2001 for displaying a clear dichotomy of its fibres.

Ampliam-se os limites meridionais de sete espécies de poríferos para costa brasileira. Duas espécies representam novos registros: Chalinula zeae de Weerdt, 2000 e Terpios manglaris Rützler & Smith, 1993 e cinco são novas ocorrências para o estado de Santa Catarina: Callyspongia (Toxochalina) pseudotoxa Muricy & Ribeiro, 1999; Mycale (Carmia) magnirhaphidifera van Soest, 1984; Hymeniacidon heliophila Parker, 1910; Monanchora arbuscula (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864) e Scopalina ruetzleri (Wiedenmayer, 1977). Apresenta-se também a descrição taxonômica das espécies em questão e as três últimas são descritas pela primeira vez para a costa brasileira, uma vez que foram apenas citadas por outros autores. The southern boundaries of seven species of Brazilian coast sponges were enlarged. Two of them represent new records: Chalinula zeae de Weerdt, 2000 e Terpios manglaris Rützler & Smith, 1993 and five were registered for the first time from the state of Santa Catarina: Callyspongia (Toxochalina) pseudotoxa Muricy & Ribeiro, 1999; Mycale (Carmia) magnirhaphidifera van Soest, 1984; Hymeniacidon heliophila Parker, 1910; Monanchora arbuscula (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864) and Scopalina ruetzleri (Wiedenmayer, 1977). The taxonomic description of species is also provided and the three latter were described for the first time from the Brazilian coast, since other authors only cited it.

Biemna spinomicroxea sp. nov. is described from the coast of Amapá State, Brazil. It differs from all other Biemna species in lacking smooth sigmas. The spiculation consist of oxea megascleres, spined small sigmas and microxeas. A key to the tropical West Atlantic species of Biemna is provided. Copyright © 2005 Magnolia Press

A new species of Ciocalypta Bowerbank, 1862 is described from the coasts of Santa Catarina and São Paulo (Brazil), collected at depths of 12–25 m. The fistules have a glassy, translucent appearance, through which the central spicular axis is clearly visible. The megascleres are only oxeas. Colour of the fistules is white-yelowish alive, and whitish in alcohol. Its nearest relative in the Atlantic is C. penicillus from which it differs by a series of traits: smaller, less cavernous fistules, thinner secondary tracts of megascleres in the fistules, and possession of oxeas exclusively.

The combination Raspailia (Raspaxilla) elegans sensu Boury-Esnault, 1973 is precoccupied by Raspailia elegans Lendenfeld,1887 (Porifera, Poecilosclerida, Raspailiidae). A new name for this Brazilian shallow-water species is proposed, Raspailia (Raspaxilla) bouryesnaultae n.n., and the species is redescribed based on a skeleton slide from the holotype and additional material freshly collected from the coast of Santa Catarina state. The distribution is now expanded to encompass the area from 22º to 27°S, in southeastern Brazil. © 2006 Magnolia Press