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The bioaccumulation of trace elements and heavy metals in aquatic organisms is a critical environmental concern due to its potential impact on ecosystem health and human safety. This study investigated the level of trace elements and heavy metals bioaccumulation in Labeo rohita and Mystus seenghala from the River Jhelum in the district Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan. The concentration of calcium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, chromium, manganese, cobalt, and lead in the gills, liver, and muscle tissues of these fish was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Then, the extent of contamination and its possible health risks were assayed. Our findings indicate significant variations in the elemental and metal concentrations among different organs and between species, reflecting their diverse feeding habits and habitats. The health risk assessment based on the estimated daily intake, estimated weekly intake, maximum permissible intake, target hazard quotient, hazard index or total target hazard quotient, health risk index, and target cancer risk revealed potential risks to human consumers of these fish. This study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, as new data and insights are crucial for understanding and mitigating these risks. Strict regulatory measures are also necessary to safeguard public health and preserve the ecosystem of Jhelum River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture, as a strategic and developmental industry, plays an important role in ensuring food security and economic stability within countries. This crucial sector faces various influences, including infectious and nutritional diseases. Certain minerals function as essential nutrients, playing a main role in processes across all aquatic animals when present in appropriate dietary proportions. Studies showed that some heavy metals serve as a catalyst for various biological functions, including the maintenance of colloidal systems, acid-base balance, bone formation, and the regulation of fundamental natural elements such as vitamins, hormones, and minerals. Fish acquire essential elements crucial for their well-being through both diet and water sources. Adequate levels of essential elements, such as iron, zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese, and selenium, in the diet contribute to enhanced growth, increased survival rates, improved disease resistance, and heightened specific immunity in fish. When incorporated in appropriate quantities, these elements play a pivotal role in disease prevention, fostering the production of high-quality fish, minimizing economic losses, and solidifying aquaculture as a robust and profitable industry. This article aims to delve into the immunological effects induced by metal elements, specifically copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se), in diverse fish species. The objective is to underscore the significance of this exploration, paving the way for the development of more potent immune supplements in the future. These supplements have the potential to improve growth, fortify immune responses, and enhance resilience against diseases in various fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) stands as a valuable model organism for delving into molecular mechanisms, notably detoxification. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules, serve as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, potentially shaping the complex network of genes engaged in detoxification pathways. This study employs bioinformatic analysis, utilizing Target Scan and DIANA databases, to explore the potential of miRNAs in modulating the expression of detoxification-associated genes in zebrafish. By meticulously scrutinizing miRNA and mRNA datasets in zebrafish, we pinpoint candidate miRNAs predicted to target established detoxification genes. Leveraging bioinformatic algorithms, we dissect the plausible interactions between these miRNAs and their target detoxification genes, which include pgp, gpx1a, gpx3, aldh3b1, gstm3, cyp3c1, gstp1, gpx1b, cyp17a1, sod1, sod2, gsto2, gstz1, akr7a3, gsr, ahr1b, cat, ahr2, and abcb4. Moreover, we assess the conservation of miRNA-target interactions across species and scrutinize potential miRNA binding sites within the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs. Our findings unveil the intricate regulatory interplay between miRNAs and genes involved in detoxification in zebrafish, providing a cornerstone for future experimental validations. This study significantly contributes to our evolving understanding of miRNAmediated gene regulation within the context of detoxification pathways in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational toxicology is a rapidly growing field that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to predict the toxicity of chemical compounds. Computational toxicology is an important tool for assessing the risks associated with the exposure of finfish and shellfish to environmental contaminants. By providing insights into the behavior and effects of these compounds, computational models can help to inform management decisions and protect the health of aquatic ecosystems and the humans who depend on them for food and recreation. In aqua-toxicology research, Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models are commonly used to establish the relationship between chemical structures and their aquatic toxicity. Various ML algorithms have been developed to construct QSAR models, including Random Forest (RF), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Bayesian networks (BNs), k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN), Probabilistic Neural Networks (PNNs), Naïve Bayes, and Decision Trees. Deep learning techniques, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), have also been applied in computational toxicology to improve the accuracy of QSAR predictions. Moreover, data mining graphs, networks and graph kernels have been utilized to extract relevant features from chemical structures and improve predictive capabilities. In conclusion, the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the field of computational toxicology has immense potential to revolutionize aquatic toxicology research. Through the utilization of advanced algorithms and data analysis techniques, scientists can now better understand and predict the effects of various toxicants on aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of antioxidants, including vitamin C, chitosan or a combination of both, on oxidative stress markers in muscles, as edible tissues of fish, exposed to paraquat. Fish exposed to 0.02 mg/L paraquat for 21 days were fed different diets: a normal diet, a diet containing chitosan (1000 mg/kg diet), a diet with vitamin C (1000 mg/kg diet) or both vitamin C and chitosan. Oxidative stress markers, including the activity of catalase, total antioxidant and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as biochemical parameters including the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), were measured in muscles. Fish exposure to paraquat increased LDH, CPK, catalase and MDA activity significantly, while it significantly decreased AST, ALT and AChE activity and total antioxidant capacity in muscles. Administration of vitamin C, combined with chitosan, to fish exposed to paraquat was effective in regulating AChE, AST, ALT, LDH, CPK and catalase activity. A significant increase in the total antioxidant status and a significant decrease in MDA levels were observed in fish fed chitosan-vitamin C complex. In conclusion, it is suggested that combined supplementation with vitamin C and chitosan may improve the detoxification system in the muscles of fish and protect common carp from paraquat toxicity.

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is one of the most commercially sought-after freshwater fish species and one of the most farmed in the world. On the other hand, aquaculture breeding frequently results in outbreaks of infectious diseases and pests, and compromises the production and welfare of fish. Arthrospira platensis (known as "Spirulina") has been used as a supplement in diets to enhance fish welfare in recent years because of its beneficial properties. This study aimed to assess the possible protective effects of Arthrospira platensis on rainbow trout specimens exposed to three different doses of the toxicant CdCl2. The experiment was carried out using five experimental treatments of 40 individuals each: control group; group II (0.2 mg CdCl2 per kg of commercial fish feed); group III (0.2 mg Kg−1 of CdCl2 plus 2.5 g per kg of A. platensis); group IV (0.2 mg Kg−1 of CdCl2 plus 5 g per kg of A. platensis); group V (0.2 mg Kg−1 of CdCl2 plus 10 g per kg of A. platensis). During the experiment, dietary supplementation of A. platensis normalized all serum and blood parameters altered by the presence of CdCl2. A. platensis also had a protective effect on markers of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]