This study aimed to investigate the ability of aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum seeds (LSE) to improve the wound healing process in rat models. The gelatin, extracted from the skin of smooth-hound shark using citric acid, was used as a support material for ointment. Animals were divided into four groups of six rats each: an untreated control group, a control group treated with Moist Exposed Burn Ointment (MEBO), a treated group with gelatin gel, and a treated group with gelatin gel fortified with 20 mg/mL LSE. Phenolics profile analysis showed that the major compounds in LSE were catechin (125 μg/g) and quinic acid (105 μg/g). In vitro antioxidant tests showed that LSE has interesting activities to scavenge ABTS•+ radicals (IC50 = 0.22 mg/mL) and inhibit the oxidation of linoleic acid. A significant decline in the antioxidant enzymes activities and an increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and inflammatory markers was observed within the injured tissues of the untreated rats compared to rats treated with MEBO. Interestingly, when the wounded tissue was treated with gelatin gel a remarkable reversal of this trend occurred. Further, by enrichment of gelatin gel with LSE, the levels of CAT, GPx and SOD activities significantly increased by 35, 126, and 212 %, respectively, whereas the TBARS level was reduced by 31 %. These results were consistent with the wound contraction percentage and histological analysis, which suggest the potential effect of LSE-enriched gelatin gels to regenerate damaged tissues.

Elasmobranchs have an ancestral reproductive system, which offers insights into vertebrate reproductive evolution. Despite their unchanged design over 400 million years, they evolved complex mechanisms ensuring reproductive success. However, human activities induced a significant decline in elasmobranch populations worldwide. In the Mediterranean basin, the smooth-hound shark (Mustelus mustelus) is one of the species that are considered vulnerable to human activities. Conservation efforts necessitate a thorough understanding of its reproductive strategy. This study focused on mature male specimens of smooth-hound sharks that were captured in the Adriatic area and successively analyzed to provide, for the first time, a histologically detailed description of testicular development in the species. Seven phases of the spermatogenesis process were identified, along with the macromolecular characterization of cells obtained using Fourier-transform infrared imaging. Histological analysis showed structural and cellular features similar to those documented in the spermatocysts of other elasmobranchs. The examination of the evolution and migration of both germinative and Sertoli cells at each phase revealed their close connection. Furthermore, different expression levels of lipids, proteins, and phosphates (DNA) at each spermatogenesis stage were observed. This research provided new information on spermatogenesis in the common smooth-hound shark, which is crucial for conservation efforts against population decline and anthropogenic pressures.

Human activity has led to increased concentrations of mercury (Hg) in the world\'s oceans. Mercury can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in animal tissues via trophic transfer, thus, becoming most pronounced in larger and older predators. Here, we measured Hg concentrations and their relationship with stable isotopes-based proxies of trophic level (δ13C and δ15N values) in multiple tissues of Mustelus spp. from the Mediterranean Sea. We found higher Hg concentrations in muscle than in liver and fin tissues. The relationship between Hg concentrations and δ15N values in muscle suggested repeated foraging for low trophic level and Hg-poor prey, and biomagnification of Hg at higher trophic levels. Seasonal variations in δ13C values could indicate shifts in primary production sources and/or in local prey availability. The HBVSe index suggested no risk to human health, however the safe meal limit recommendations are 4.5 and 2.2 portions per month for adults and children, respectively.