Samir Banerjee

Effect of smoking on semen quality, FSH, testosterone level, and CAG repeat length in androgen receptor gene of infertile men in an Indian city.

This study was conducted as part of an epidemiological survey of 126 nonsmokers and 178 smokers, showing primary infertility residing around Kolkata region of Eastern India. Their lifestyle history including smoking habits along with semen and blood were collected. The study examined the association of cigarette smoking with the risk of infertility, by determining the semen quality, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone levels, and androgen receptor (AR)-CAG repeat length in a group of smokers compared with a control group (non smokers). Based on conventional WHO criteria, lower sperm motility (P < 0.001) and increased sperm morphological defects (P < 0.0001) were associated with smoking habits. Binary logistic regression analysis for the effect of smoking status on sperm DNA integrity demonstrated significant positive correlation (p = 0.006). Serum FSH and LH levels were higher for smokers compared with non-smokers while the testosterone level decreased significantly with the increasing smoking habit. The mean length of CAG repeats in AR gene was significantly higher for smokers with low testosterone compared to non-smokers. The study suggested that smoking is associated with altered semen quality, endocrine hormonal status, and number of CAG repeats in the AR gene.

CASA‐based sperm kinematics of environmental risk factor‐exposed human semen samples designated as normozoospermic in conventional analysis

This study was conducted after an initial epidemiological survey of patients in and around Calcutta, India, concerning their lifestyle history, degree of risk exposure and semen analysis based on conventional WHO criteria. It was found that a large group of exposed patients were showing normozoospermic semen parameters in conventional semen analysis. Hence, a selected group of subjects, designated as normozoospermic in routine analysis, but under risk factor exposure, were selected for a repeat computer aided semen analysis (CASA) and were compared with a control group. The parameters considered among CASA results were: curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight‐line velocity, average path velocity (VAP), straightness index (STR), lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency. The results depict a significant decline in the mean values of VCL (P = 0.029) and STR (P = 0.007) in the tobacco‐exposed group when compared with the unexposed group. On the other hand, there was a significant decline in the mean values of VCL (P = 0.014) and ALH (P = 0.040) in the heavy metal‐exposed group when compared with the unexposed group. The other parameters did not show significant change in either group. Semen samples that had been designated normozoospermic in conventional analysis were seen to be influenced by risk factors at the level of sperm motion kinetics.

The in vitro effect of benzo[a]pyrene on human sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the in vitro effect of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosome status in normozoospermic semen samples of nonsmokers analyzed by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). DESIGN Experimental in vitro study. SETTING Andrology laboratory. PATIENT(S) Thirteen proven fertile, normozoospermic, and nonsmoking men. INTERVENTION(S) Spermatozoa were washed free of seminal plasma and were treated with different concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene and compared with controls treated with medium alone. The benzo[a]pyrene concentrations were: 100, 50, 25, and 12.5 microg/mL. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Effect of varying concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosomal reaction. RESULT(S) A statistically significant increase in sperm hyperactivation was observed in presence of benzo[a]pyrene at concentrations of >or=50 microg/mL. The result of the acrosome halo test showed that concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene >or=25 microg/mL statistically significantly decreased the percentage of halo formation, indicating an inappropriate (false) acrosome reaction. CONCLUSION(S) Benzo[a]pyrene statistically significantly affected sperm functional competence as evidenced by increased hyperactivation as well as premature acrosomal reaction.

A review on the ichthyofaunal diversity in mangrove based estuary of Sundarbans

The two great rivers of India the Ganga and the Brahmaputra form their estuary at the lower part of West Bengal and most of the part of this estuarine system is surrounded by Sundarban mangrove forest. This mangrove based estuarine ecosystem harbors a large number of fin fishes i.e. more or less 267 species of fishes which belong under 81 families. Estuary’s own ecological characters and mangrove’s all beneficial features support this high species diversity here. But due to continuously increasing natural and anthropogenic stresses, nowadays this entire species community faces a tremendous problem of extinction. 82 species under 24 families loss their juveniles in a significant number regularly due to wild harvest of lucrative prawn seeds. The present article aims to review the roles of estuary and mangroves in enrichment of finfish diversity and the possible threats causing harm to the same.

Determination of ideal stocking density for cage culture of monosex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in India

Stocking density is considered one of the important factors affecting fish growth. But, information related to impact of stocking density on growth performance of androgen-treated monosex tilapia population during cage culture under the ecological conditions of Gangetic plains in West Bengal, India is limited. The aim of our study was to compare the growth potential of control and hormone-treated, sex reversed tilapia at various stocking densities and to determine an ideal stocking density for cage culture of monosex fish. Control and hormone treated fish were stocked separately in mesh cages at different stocking densities (1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 75 and 100 fry / m3) and it was found that the highest growth was observed for the 50 fish / m3 groups for both the control and hormone treated categories. More over, the monosex androgen treated population showed much higher growth potential for all the density groups compared to the corresponding mixedsex population. Thus, cage culture of hormone treated monosex tilapia at a density of 50 fish / m3 can be considered ideal for augmented production of the fish under Indian context.

Food And Feeding Habit Of Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton- Buchanan, 1822) In West Bengal, India

To get success in culture of any fish species, detail knowledge on food and feeding habit of that particular fish species is really essential. Except the work of Piska et al. (1991) no such detail work till date has been performed on food and feeding habit of Amblypharyngodon mola in agro-climatic context of India. So the present study has been performed to get the information on the food and feeding habit of this fish species. Gastro-Somatic-Index, Relative Length of Gut, Gut Fullness & Feeding Intensity and Gut Content Analysis have been studied. Results have revealed Amblypharyngodon mola as herbivorous fish and phytoplankton as the basic food group for this fish species; chlorophyceae has been observed as the most preferable food class. Feeding activity has been observed to vary according to the breeding season; lowest and highest feeding activity has been observed during intense breeding season and pre-spawning months respectively. Food And Feeding Habit Of Amblypharyngodon mola (HamiltonBuchanan, 1822) In West Bengal, India Samir Banerjee Aquaculture Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata700019, West Bengal, India Introduction Amblypharyngodon mola, commonly known as Mola Carplet or Pale Carplet is a freshwater species; a natural inhabitant of ponds, streams, ditches, beels, baors, reservoirs and inundated fields. The species is distributed in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar (Talwar and Jhingran, 1991). In West Bengal it is locally known as mourala, mowa or mowka. It is a popular food fish here in West Bengal due to its good taste as well as high nutrient value with presence of good amount of vitamin A, protein and mineral contents (Zafri and Ahmed, 1981; Saha et al., 2009). In recent times, it has also got its entry in ornamental fish trade and has been reported to be available in ornamental fish markets with moderate demand and availability (Gupta and Banerjee, 2012). Feeding is the dominant activity of the entire life cycle of fish (Royce, 1972) and food is the main source of energy which plays an important role in determining the population levels, rate of growth and condition of fishes (Begum et al., 2008). The success on good scientific planning and management of fish species largely depends on the knowledge of their biological aspects, in which food and feeding habits include a valuable portion (Sarkar and Deepak, 2009). Study of food and feeding habits of fishes have manifold importance in fishery biology and in fisheries management programme (Khan and Fatima, 1994; Sarkar and Deepak, 2009). Like all organisms, fishes require energy to fuel their body machinery and processes, including growth, metabolism and reproduction. For successful fish farming a thorough knowledge about the food and feeding habit is necessary (Bhuiyan et al., 2006; Begum et al., 2008). As the nature of food depends to a great extent upon the nature of environment, the problem is interesting from specific, as well as ecological point of view. The food and feeding habit of fishes vary from season to season; seasonal change in temperature not only influence food consumption and rate of digestion but also quality and quantity of available food organisms. Earlier detail work on food and feeding habit of Amblypharyngodon mola have been carried out in Bangladesh (Mustafa, 1991; Miah and Siddique, 1992; Mamun et al., 2004) but the same is lacking here in India except the work of Piska et al. (1991). So, the present work has been conducted to study the food and feeding habit of Amblypharyngodon mola. Materials and Methods Monthly samples of Amblypharyngodon mola have been collected from September, 2009 to August, 2010 from an undisturbed wetland near Baruipur, South-24-Paraganas, West Bengal, India (Latitude N 22°34’, Longitude E 88°43’). In total, 240 specimens have been collected during the entire study period for studying the feeding biology. After collection, fish specimens have been transferred to ice box and morphometric study has then been performed after reaching laboratory. Total Length (TL) in cm has been measured for each of the individual fish from tip of the mouth to tip of the caudal fin using a measuring scale to the nearest of 0.1 cm and the Total Body Weight (TBW) in grams has been measured for each individual fish species to the nearest of 0.01 gm using an electronic balance (Sartorius, Model No. BT 223S). Before weighing, each of the specimens has been washed with water and left exposed to air and the excess of moisture has been dried off with the help of a blotting paper for taking accurate weight. After that fish specimens have been dissected and then gut has been removed carefully. Then Total Weight of Gut (TWG) and Total Length of Gut (TLG) have been measured to the nearest of 0.01 gm and 0.1 cm respectively. Gastro Somatic Index (GaSI), Relative Length of Gut (RLG), Gut Fullness & Feeding Intensity and Gut Content Analysis have been done to study the food and feeding habit of Amblypharyngodon mola. Gastro Somatic Index (GaSI) has been measured using the following equation: Total Weight of Gut (gm) x 100 GaSI = ----------------------------------------Total Body Weight (gm) Relative Length of Gut (RLG) value has been measured following the formula (Al-Hussaini, 1949): Total Length of Gut (cm) RLG = ---------------------------------------Total Body Length (cm) The RLG values calculated have then been grouped in response to different size classes (length interval of 1.0 cm) to know any change of RLG value in respect to size. After that gut fullness has been assessed according to the subjective scale described by Lebedev (1946) as empty, 1⁄4 full, 1⁄2 full, 3⁄4 full and full. The data have then been used to calculate the monthly Fullness Index (FI) to determine the percentage of feeding intensity: Number of gut with same degree of fullness x 100 FI = ---------------------------------------------Total number of gut examined Gut Content Analysis has been performed following two methods; namely Percentage of Occurrence (Hynes, 1950) and Points

Turmeric as a carotenoid source on pigmentation and growth of fantail guppy, Poecilia reticulata

Coloration is one essential sales factor deciding the market value of ornamental fish. In ornamental fish trading of faded fish fails to create interest of the buyers. In the present study, we noted that turmeric mixed fish feeds can promote carotenoid pigment deposition on the fantail of guppy Poecilia reticulata. Carotenoid content of the caudal fin and muscle of the fish and specific growth rate (SGR) were also analyzed. Results showed that there is a significant difference in the increment (P<0.01) of the carotene content of fin and muscle. Our results in the fresh fish further showed that the turmeric powder at a concentration of 45mg/50gm of fish feed shows highest pigment concentration in caudal fin and muscle of the fish and better SGR.

Effect of mahua oil cake on the blood cells and blood values of an air-breathing catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis and a carp,Cyprinus carpio

Mahua oil cake, a derivative from the plantBassia latifolia, is extensively used as fish toxicant cum pond manure in inland aquaculture systems of India. Saponin, one of the haemolytic components of mahua oil cake, has a lethal effect on fishes and other organisms. In the present investigation,Heteropneustes fossilis—an air-breathing catfish andCyprinus carpio—a carp, were treated with mahua oil cake and their haematological indices were evaluated. The effect was fatally critical with gradual and complete shrinkage of erythrocytes, followed by ultimate haemolysis of cells, and significant reduction of the values of haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and red cell count.

Transferable drug-resistant coliforms in fish exposed to sewage

Abstract . In this study, the thermotolerent fecal coliform (Th FC) bacterial population (n = 81) in a waste-fed aquaculture system was examined for multiple antibiotic resistance and the possession of transferable drug resistance factors (R factors). Multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) coliforms were found to be common in the sewage-fed pond environment, with 83% of the screened MAR isolates harboring plasmids of > 10 kilo base pair (kb). The transfer of resistance was confirmed by mating experiments in 92% of plasmid-positive MAR coliforms with a nalidixic acid (NA) resistant strain, Escherichia coli ATCC (American Tissue Type Cell Culture) 14948 recipient in the presence of DNase (Deoxyribonuclease). Antibiotic resistance profiles of some mated progenies (70.83%) indicated that transfer was unidirectional. DNase-treated cell-free supernatants did not transform, which excluded transduction. A DNase-resistant conjugation-like mechanism probably plays a major role in the transfer of resistance factors. Physical evidence of transmissible resistance factors in fish suggests a potential health risk to humans and animals, including farmed fish.

Formalin in fish trading: an inefficient practice for sustaining fish quality

Abstract The illegal use of formalin for quality control purposes is a widespread practice in today’s fish industry. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the quality characteristics of formalin treated (5% formalin for 30 min) mrigel carp, Cirrhinus mrigala, Hamilton, stored on ice. The formalin detected was 12.19 ±0.814 μg g-1 for freshly treated samples and 8.10 ± 0.068 μg g-1 for treated samples stored on ice. In the control fish, the formalin concentration was almost negligible. The assessment of the organoleptic characteristics of the treated fish revealed that the gills had blackened, the eyes had become whitish and opaque, the muscles had lost tenderness, and the fish had stiffened. The quality assessment score of the control batch was significantly higher than that of the treated batch. The microbes in the fish were still lower than the amount specified for fish spoilage. Lipid hydrolysis in the treated fish was much higher than that of control, especially when storage time increased. High levels of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble protein in the treated fish, as compared to that of the control fish, were observed throughout the storage period. Considering the low organoleptic status and poor nutritional quality, formalin treatment in the fish industry is not recommended even though the formalin content and the microbiological counts were still below permissible limits.