Effects of dietary p-coumaric acid on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, humoral immunity and immune-related gene expression in common carp, Cyprinus carpio

The efficacy of p-coumaric acid (CA) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, humoral immunity and immune gene expressions of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was tested in the present study. Fish were fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg CA for 56 days. According to regression analysis, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and weight gain (WG%) were polynomially related to dietary CA levels. The optimum p-coumaric acid supplementation level, based upon these parameters, was 1.35%–1.44%. Furthermore, dietary CA supplementation at levels of 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg significantly improved the serum immune parameters (total Ig, lysozyme and ACH50). Dietary CA especially at 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg increased the intestinal IL-8 and TNF-α, while not affecting the expression of IL-1β and lysozyme gene. The highest and lowest mortality rates 14 days postchallenge with A. hydrophila were recorded in fish fed control and 1.5 g/kg CA, respectively. In conclusion, the oral administration of CA especially at 1 and 1.5 g/kg inclusion levels has the potential to improve growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune responses of common carp. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Lt

The blood and mRNA levels of antioxidant-related factors in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed p-Coumaric acid

The natural antioxidants are well known for their antioxidative activity without side effects when compared to antibiotics. Hence, the present study aimed at evaluating p-Coumaric acid as an antioxidant additive on the blood and mRNA levels of antioxidant-related factors in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish fed the basal diet supplemented with p-Coumaric at 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/kg for 56 days, then the serum, intestine, and liver samples were collected. The growth performance of fish fed with CA showed significantly (P 0.05). Serum GPX and TAC were enhanced considerably by p-Coumaric acid regarding the control with the highest being in fish fed 1.5 g/kg diet (P 0.05). The measured SOD in the liver and intestine samples revealed no changes in common carp fed p-Coumaric acid (P > 0.05). GPX was significantly upregulated in the intestine by p-Coumaric acid at 1 or 1.5 g/kg (P < 0.05), whereas the liver GPX was upregulated by p-Coumaric acid at 1.5 g/kg. The mRNA level of the GST gene in the intestine of common carp was upregulated by p-Coumaric acid at 1.5 g/kg, whereas the liver displayed upregulated GST in fish fed 1 g/kg diet. The present study approved the application of p-Coumaric acid as a natural antioxidant for friendly, sustainable aquaculture. © 2020, Springer Nature B.V

Dietary sodium propionate enhanced the growth performance, immune-related genes expression, and resistance against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Sodium propionate (SP) is a short-chain fatty acid that has long been used to improve the growth, physiological and immunological properties of aquatic animals. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of SP intake on growth, immune-related genes, and resistance against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in goldfish (Carassius auratus). The juvenile goldfish (initial weight = 8.61 ± 0.01 g) fed on diets supplemented with different levels of 0, 1.2, 2.5, and 5 g/kg diet) of SP for 50 days. At the end of the experiment, the treated fish were exposed to theronts stage of I. multifiliis at 5000 theronts per fish. Results showed that higher final weight, red blood cells (RBC), and white blood cells were seen in fish fed 5 g SP/kg than other treatments (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were seen in Na+ and Cl−1 electrolytes levels. With an increase in the level of SP in the diet, a significant up-regulation was observed in the expression of g-type lysozyme (gLys), interleukin-1β (IL-1ß), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and tumor necrosis factor ɑ2 (TNF-ɑ2) genes (P < 0.05). Total numbers of parasite trophonts were also significantly decreased in fish treated with SP (P < 0.05). In addition, values of RBC and Cl−1 increased in the treated fish compared to control one, and lower glucose level was obtained in the treatment groups post-challenge with the parasite infection. These data revealed a positive effect of dietary SP on growth, immune response, and pro-inflammatory related genes and increased disease resistance towards I. multifiliis challenge in goldfish

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract improves growth performance, disease resistance, and serum immune-and antioxidant-related gene expression of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This study evaluated the use of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract on the growth performance, immune responses, and disease resistance in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 192 fish (initial body weight of 18.34 ± 1.8 g) were randomly distributed in 12 tanks with 16 fish per tank (4 treatments with 3 replications) and fed with diets containing cornelian cherry extract (CCE) at the rate of 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%. The final weight of common carp fed CCE at 0.5% was significantly higher than fish fed 0 and 0.25% doses (p < 0.05). In addition, weight gain and specific growth rate were increased, and feed conversion ratio decreased in fish-fed diets containing 0.5 and 1% CCE compared to other groups. The challenge test with A. hydrophila revealed that common carp-fed CCE had a lower mortality rate than the control. The lysozyme activity was markedly higher in common carp fed 0.5% of cornelian cherry extract than in control. The total immunoglobulin and total protein showed higher values in fish fed 0.5 and 1% than the control. The catalase gene showed higher mRNA levels in fish fed 0.5 and 1% than the control. Glutathione reductase gene expression was markedly upregulated in common carp fed 1% of CCE than the control and 0.25% groups. The glutathione S-transferase gene showed higher mRNA levels in fish fed 0.5 and 1% than the control and 0.25% groups. The superoxide dismutase gene expression was markedly higher in common carp fed 0.5% of CCE than in control. The CC-chemokine and interleukin-10 showed higher mRNA levels in fish fed 0.5% than the remaining groups. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha gene expression was markedly upregulated in common carp fed 1% of CCE than the control and 0.25% groups. The heat shock 70 kDa protein and interleukin-1 beta genes showed higher mRNA levels in fish fed 0.25, 0.5, and 1% than the control. In conclusion, the supplementation of CCE at 0.5–1% is recommended to enhance the growth performance and relieve the impacts of A. hydrophila infection in common carp. © 202

Interactive effects of stocking density and dietary supplementation with Nano selenium and garlic extract on growth, feed utilization, digestive enzymes, stress responses, and antioxidant capacity of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella

The effects of dietary Nano selenium (Se) and garlic extract on the performance of grass carp under different stocking densities were examined. Fish (2.10 ± 0.09 g) were stocked into 18 tanks: fish were fed a diet supplemented with 1 mg Nano Se and 1 g garlic kg−1 diet (Diet1) or a diet supplemented with 2 mg Nano Se and 2 g garlic kg−1 diet (Diet2) and reared at low (LD, 24 fish per tank), medium (MD, 48 fish per tank), and high (HD, 96 fish per tank) stocking densities. After 60 days, growth was highest in Diet2-LD and Diet2-MD groups and lowest in Diet1-HD group. Results showed an extreme low or high density induced stress responses. At all densities, serum cortisol and glucose levels were significantly lower and amylase and lipase activities were higher in fish fed diet 2. The protease, catalase, and GPx activities were highest in the Diet2-MD group. The highest SOD activity was observed in medium-density groups. The serum malondialdehyde level was lowest in Diet2-LD and Diet2-MD groups. Thus, higher dietary levels of Nano Se and garlic are recommended to suppress stress and improve growth, digestive activity, and antioxidant capacity in grass carp. In addition, farming fish at medium density is the most optimal aquaculture practice. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of World Aquaculture Society

Effect of a diet enriched with sodium propionate on growth performance, antioxidant property, innate-adaptive immune response, and growth-related genes expression in critically endangered beluga sturgeon (Huso huso)

Organic acids are active substances required for improving the productivity and wellbeing of aquatic animals. Herein, the study investigated the effects of sodium propionate on growth performance, antioxidative and immune responses, and growth-related genes expression in beluga sturgeon (Huso huso). For eight weeks, fish fed sodium propionate at 0, 1.2, 2.5, and 5 g kg−1. The final weight, weight gain, and SGR were substantially increased while FCR decreased by dietary sodium propionate at 2.5 and 5 g kg−1 (P &lt; 0.05). The expression of Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was markedly upregulated (P &lt; 0.05) by dietary sodium propionate in the gills and livers of beluga. The highest mRNA level of GH and IGF-1 has been observed in fish fed a 2.5 g sodium propionate/kg diet. The red blood cells count, and hemoglobin level were meaningfully increased (P &lt; 0.05) by 2.5 and 5 g sodium propionate/kg diet compared with 0 and 1.2 g kg−1 levels. Further, the hematocrit level was increased (P &lt; 0.05) by a dietary 5 g sodium propionate/kg diet. The total protein level and lysozyme activity were meaningfully increased (P &lt; 0.05) by 2.5 and 5 g sodium propionate/kg diet compared with 0 and 1.2 g kg−1 levels. The highest superoxide dismutase was observed in fish fed 2.5 g sodium propionate/kg diet. Catalase activity was significantly higher in fish fed 5 g kg−1 than 1.2 g kg−1. The glutathione peroxidase activity was markedly higher in fish fed 2.5, and 5 g kg−1 than fish fed control diet. The lowest malondialdehyde levels were observed in fish fed 1.2, and 2.5 g sodium propionate/kg diets. Moreover, the highest mucosal total protein, total immunoglobulin and lysozyme were recorded in fish fed 2.5, and 5 g sodium propionate/kg diets. The obtained results indicate that dietary sodium propionate is recommended at 2.5–5 g kg−1 to improve beluga sturgeon's growth performance, feed utilization, and wellbeing. © 2022 Elsevier Lt

Dietary licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) improves growth, lipid metabolism, antioxidant and immune responses, and resistance to crowding stress in common carp, Cyprinus carpio

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on growth, lipid metabolism, antioxidant and immune response, and stress resistance of common carp. The fish (12.14 ± 0.39 g) were fed diets containing 0 (control), 10 (G1), 20 (G2) and 30 (G3) g/kg licorice root powder for 60 days and then subjected to 3-hr crowding stress (40 kg/m3). The highest final weight and catalase activity and the lowest FCR and cholesterol levels were observed in fish fed diets 10-30 g/kg licorice inclusions. The highest lipase activity and the lowest LDL and triglyceride levels were recorded in G2 and G3 groups. Serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and complement (ACH50) activities and total immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were significantly higher and malondialdehyde levels were lower in G2 and G3 groups than the control. Serum lysozyme and ALP activities significantly increased in 10-30 g/kg licorice groups before and after stress. Crowding stress increased cortisol levels in all groups; however, its levels significantly reduced in G2 and G3 groups at 24 hr after stress. Furthermore, dietary licorice significantly decreased ALT activity in the G2 group at 8 hr after stress. These findings demonstrate the hepatoprotective, antioxidant, immunoregulative, anti-stress and growth-promoting effects of G. glabra in common carp. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Lt

Effects of dietary Hibiscus sabdariffa supplementation on biochemical responses and inflammatory-related genes expression of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, to ammonia toxicity

The present study aimed to assess immunostimulation and anti-inflammation effects of dietary Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa, on rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, under normal conditions as well as following ammonia exposure. For this, the fish (~ 8 g) were divided into three groups and fed diets containing 0 (R0), 0.5 (R0.5) and 1 (R1) % Roselle mill for 60 days, then exposed to 0.3 mg/L unionized ammonia nitrogen for 24 h as a factorial design. According to the results, 0.5% dietary Roselle inclusion showed significantly higher final weight, weight gain (%), feed conversion ratio, and specific growth rate. Moreover, results showed that dietary Roselle supplementation significantly increased blood WBC, plasma total immunoglobulin (Ig), alternative complement (ACH50), and bactericidal activity, and skin mucus/plasma lysozyme activity. Moreover, dietary Roselle significantly decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and hepatic expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnfa), interleukin-1 beta (il1b), interleukin-8 (il8), and heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene expression. Exposure to ammonia significantly increased plasma ammonia and blood WBC levels. Moreover, ammonia exposure significantly increased plasma ALT and AST activities, and hepatic gene expressions, and decreased plasma or mucus total Ig, lysozyme, ACH50 and bactericidal activity; Roselle administration mitigated such changes. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Roselle is capable to augment immune and to mitigate inflammation in rainbow trout, which lead to higher health following ammonia toxicity. Dietary 0.5–1% Roselle supplementation is recommended for trout feed formulation. © 2020 Elsevier B.V

Benefits of Dietary Polyphenols and Polyphenol-Rich Additives to Aquatic Animal Health: An Overview

Polyphenols are plant-derived compounds with known biological activities and potential health benefits. Over the past decade, there are an increasing number of studies have investigated the application of polyphenols and polyphenol-rich additives in aquaculture as functional feed additives. There are several types of polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes of widely known beneficial influences on the overall performances and immunity of fish, and thereby improving the health status and production of fish farms. This review discusses the beneficial applications, optimum recommended dose, and potential side effects of these natural compounds on the growth performance, proximate body composition, immune responses, disease resistance, reproductive performance, and fillet quality of different fish species. Also, it points out that the biological functions and mechanisms associated with the polyphenolic compounds involved in the pathways of antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities, as well as the modulation of gene expression and different immune parameters. The output of this review article provided overwhelming evidence to support the claim that natural polyphenols can be considered as relatively safe and viable alternatives to synthetic chemical compounds that not only to improve the fish health status but also to enhance the fish quality, productivity, and food safety while reducing the use of chemicals and antibiotics in the aquatic eco-systems. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Can dietary jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruit extract alter cutaneous mucosal immunity, immune related genes expression in skin and growth performance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)?

The present study investigates the effect of dietary Ziziphus jujube fruit extract [ZJFE] on skin mucus non-specific immune parameters as well as mRNA levels of immune related gene in the skin of common carp fingerlings. An eight-week feeding trial was performed using different levels of dietary ZJFE (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%). At the end of the trial skin mucus immune parameters (total Ig, lysozyme and protease activity), cytokines genes (il1b, il8, il10 and tnf-alpha) expression in skin and growth performance were studied. The result showed highest and lowest skin mucus total Ig were observed in fish fed diet containing 0.5% ZJFE and control group, respectively (P 0.05). It should be noted that, feeding on 0.5 and 1% ZJFE significantly increased skin mucus protease activity (P 0.05), feeding on diets containing 0.5% or 1% ZJFE significantly down-regulated il10 gene (P < 0.05). Our study indicated that relative expression of tnf-alpha gene significantly increased in treated groups (P < 0.05). Also, feeding on ZJFE supplemented diet improved growth performance parameters. Overall, this experiment demonstrated the potentially useful effects of ZJFE on skin mucosal immunity and performance of common carp fingerlings. © 2019 Elsevier Lt