Currently, the Histomorphology, Physiopathology and Applied Toxicology (PATH) team is devoted to research on fundamental biology aspects (from gene to organism levels) of the morphology and physiology of fish and aquatic invertebrate species, with confirmed or with potential interest for aquaculture production and fisheries. The research data has been serving as pillars for the species sustainable exploitation as food, as ornamental species, and as novel resources for the bioeconomy. The PATH also investigates the effects and mechanisms of metabolic (lipidic), reproductive and endocrine disorders of diverse species of fish and invertebrates, which may impact on their growth, fitness, and population sustainability. In such studies, we are currently taking into account interactions of environmental factors (particularly climate change scenarios), to know how they interact with the disorders pathogenesis and impact on disease outcomes. In parallel, the PATH investigates water quality in coastal ecosystems, namely looking for the presence of substances that cause the above mentioned disorders in wild biota or cultures species, and therefore impact on production efficiency, and environmental and human health. Our know-how on the physiopathology of cancer (from past projects) and cytotoxicity is being extended to mechanistic studies to identify marine-derived compounds worth exploring in biotechnological usages, namely as anticancer and anti-larvicidal agents.

HISTOMORPHOLOGY, PHYSIOPATHOLOGY AND APPLIED TOXICOLOGY

Principal Investigator:
Eduardo Rocha
TEAM
Publications Highlights
Cardoso P.G., Rodrigues D., Madureira T.V., Oliveira N., Rocha M.J., Rocha E. 2017. Warming modulates the effects of the endocrine disruptor progestin levonorgestrel on the zebrafish fitness, ovary maturation kinetics and reproduction success. Environmental Pollution, 229: 300-311.
Cruzeiro C., Amaral S., Rocha E., Rocha M.J. 2017. Determination of 54 pesticides in waters of the Iberian Douro River estuary and risk assessment of environmentally relevant mixtures using theoretical approaches and Artemia salina and Daphnia magna bioassays. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 145: 126-134.
Lobo-da-Cunha A., Alves A., Oliveira E., Cunha I. 2017. The cement apparatus of the stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes. Marine Biology, 164: 11.
Lopes-Costa E., Abreu M., Gargiulo D., Rocha E., Ramos A.A. 2017. Anticancer effects of the seaweed compounds fucoxanthin and phloroglucinol, alone and in combination with 5-fluorouracil in colon cells. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 80(13-15): 776-787.
Madureira T.V., Pinheiro I., Malhão F., Lopes C., Urbatzka R., Castro L.F.C., Rocha E. 2017. Cross-interference of two model peroxisome proliferators in peroxisomal and estrogenic pathways in brown trout hepatocytes. Aquatic Toxicology, 187: 153-162.