1. Comparative studies on membrane-bound enzyme activities
involved in ionic and osmotic regulation (Na-dependent ATPase
activities) and in cellular respiration in aquatic animals.
This study aims at widening and deepening the biochemical
mechanisms in poorly studied organisms which could constitute
useful experimental animal models.
2. Effect of dietary and environmental factors on
membrane-bound enzyme activities and on lipid components in aquatic
organisms. Effects and possible molecular mechanisms of
natural (ammonia, salinity) and anthropogenic (tributyltin and Cu)
factors are evaluated on enzymatic activities both in vivo and in
vitro. The effects are considered in relation to particular
characteristics and/or experiment-driven changes of membrane
lipids. These studies aim also at the identification of new stress
and environmental biochemical markers.
3. Effects of oxidative stress induced by environmental
contaminants in aquatic organisms. The oxidative stress is
evaluated by analysis of lipid peroxidation products and specific
enzymatic activities.
4. Shelf-life of meat in rabbits supplemented with dietary
antioxidants.
