Comparative analysis of monosaccharides and trace elements in four sea urchin species from China

Monosaccharides and trace elements, as essential components of enzymes, hormones, and vitamins, play indispensable roles in biological systems. Sea urchins, being ecologically and nutritionally significant marine invertebrates, offer a valuable model for studying the distribution and functions of these compounds. However, systematic investigations into interspecies variations in sea urchins remain limited. To address this, we conducted a comparative analysis of four commercially important sea urchin species from China— Strongylocentrotus intermedius, Mesocentrotus nudus, Glyptocidaris crenularis , and Anthocidaris crassispina . Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we profiled eight monosaccharide components in sea urchin gonads, identifying glucose and mannose as the predominant components. Our analysis revealed significant interspecies differences in composition. Furthermore, we determined complete profiles of 20 trace elements in both gonads and intestines, distinguishing biologically essential elements from potentially toxic ones. Importantly, species-specific patterns were identified, including elevated Ca in the gonads of M. nudus , high Fe in the intestines of G. crenularis , and relatively high concentrations of Cd and As across intestinal tissues. In summary, this study systematically characterized the compositional differences of monosaccharides and trace elements in four commercial sea urchin species, providing baseline data for understanding physiological adaptation mechanisms and serving as a reference for assessing the nutritional quality of sea urchin products.