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In this study, the effect of oral administration of chaste tree fruit (CTF) extract was evaluated on growth performance, hematological indices, serum biochemical parameters, and the expression of growth and appetite-related genes in goldfish (Carassius auratus). The fry (N = 300; 2.40 ± 0.12 g) were randomly dispersed into 12 aquaria and fed with different levels of CTF extract (0 (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) for 56 days. At the end of the trial, the highest body weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio were observed in the fish fed with 1.5% CTF extract (P 0.05). The levels of aspartate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase were decreased by increasing the supplementation levels of CTF extract and the lowest values were obtained in 1.5% CTF extract diet (P

The objective of the present work was to survey the effects of different sources of zinc supplements on serum enzymatic activities, the expression of genes related to antioxidant and immunity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Male rainbow trout were fed for 16 weeks on a diet supplemented with 40 mg kg−1 of mineral zinc supplement (MZ; ZnSO4·7H2O), 40 mg kg−1 of organic zinc (OZ), 40 mg kg−1 of zinc nanoparticles (NZ), and control diet (CD). After 16 weeks, fish fed different diet revealed significant serum enzymatic activities compared to the control treatment (P 0.05). The results also indicated that cytokine gene expression, especially TNF-α and Lyz II, may affect fish reproduction. The results revealed that fish fed diet containing mineral zinc and organic zinc supplement showed significantly higher antioxidant and immune response as compared to the control groups (P

In this study, effects of nettle (Urtica dioica) on growth, immunity, and gene expressions were examined in rainbow trout after an 8-week feeding period. A total of 264 juvenile rainbow trout (10.72 ± 0.55 g) were selected and stocked randomly in 12 aquaria. Nettle powder was added to the fish feed at three doses, 0.5,1 and 1.5% served as treatments. At the end of 8-week feeding period, the fish were exposed to Saprolegnia parasitica for 3 weeks. Results showed that all treatments fed with nettle diets exhibited significant increases in weight gain and SGR, and decreased FCR compared to the control. Feeding the fish with dietary nettle resulted in significant rises in blood indices and non-specific immunity in comparison with the control. Furthermore, fish fed 0.5% of dietary nettle showed significantly increased expressions of TNF-α, IL-1b, IL-6 and IL-8 genes following 8 weeks of feeding. A significant reduction in mortality rate was observed in the fish treated with 0.5% of nettle compared to the control following challenging with S. parasitica. Our observations indicate that the use of 0.5% nettle powder in rainbow trout diet can improve growth and immunity parameters as well as fish resistance against S. parasitica contamination.

This study was performed to determine the effects of pectin derived from orange peel (PDOP) on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity and serum and skin mucus immune response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Common Carp (16.94 ± 0.03 g) were distributed into 12 tanks representing four treatments repeated in triplicates. Four diets were prepared to contain four levels of PDOP as follows: 0 (control), 0.5, 1, and 2% PDOP. Growth and immunological parameters as skin mucus lysozyme activity (SMLA) and total immunoglobulin (SMTIg), serum total immunoglobulin (STIg), serum peroxidase activities (SPA), Catalyse activity (CAT), DPPH radical scavenging activity, specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), final weight (FW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were assessed. Fish fed diets supplemented with PDOP showed an improvement of SGR, WG, FW, and FCR (P 0.05). In terms of skin mucus immunological parameters, dietary inclusion of pectin significantly (P 0.05) increased SMTIg. Likewise, carps fed either 1 or 2% PDOP showed notable enhancement of SMLA. In the case of serum immune parameters and antioxidant defence, carps in 1% PDOP treatment showed significantly (P 0.05) higher SPA and CAT compared to fish fed either control diet or 0.5% OPDP. Additionally, no significant change (P 0.05) was found in SPA and CAT of fish fed either 1% PDOP or 2% PDOP. Also, no significant (P 0.05) difference was noticed between treated groups and control in the case of STIg. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in DPPH radical activity among treatments (P 0.05). Overall, these results suggested that inclusion of PDOP in common carp diet can beneficially affect growth and immune response.

Channa are the freshwater and important food fish species in Pakistan belonging to family Channidae. However, identification and phylogenetic analysis based on molecular tools of these species in Pakistan was not well known. Herein, the current investigation was conceptualized, which dealt with mitochondrial DNA sequences from three geographically distinct populations of this species from Pakistan’s water system. DNA from fin tissues was extracted. COI region of mtDNA was amplified using universal primers for fish. PCR products were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis conducted in the present study, i.e. neighbor-joining (NJ) cladogram, maximum likelihood, K2P genetic divergence and histogram suggests that the studied species of family Channidae are genetically different. The K2P intraspecific divergences were lower than interspecific divergences. The clades in the evolutionary tree for three species were clearly separated.Channa are the freshwater and important food fish species in Pakistan belonging to family Channidae. However, identification and phylogenetic analysis based on molecular tools of these species in Pakistan was not well known. Herein, the current investigation was conceptualized, which dealt with mitochondrial DNA sequences from three geographically distinct populations of this species from Pakistan’s water system. DNA from fin tissues was extracted. COI region of mtDNA was amplified using universal primers for fish. PCR products were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis conducted in the present study, i.e. neighbor-joining (NJ) cladogram, maximum likelihood, K2P genetic divergence and histogram suggests that the studied species of family Channidae are genetically different. The K2P intraspecific divergences were lower than interspecific divergences. The clades in the evolutionary tree for three species were clearly separated.

In the current study, we investigated the effect of a probiotic bacterium (Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469) microencapsulated with alginate and hi-maize starch and coated with chitosan on improving growth factors, body composition, blood chemistry, and the immune response of rainbow trout (initial weight: 18.41 ± 0.32 g). Four experimental diets were formulated to feed fish for 60 days. They were control diet without any additive (C), diet added with beads without probiotic (E), a probiotic sprayed to the diet (L.r), and encapsulated probiotic supplemented diet (E-L.r). The results indicated that feeding with E-Lr significantly improved weight gain (84.98 g) and feed conversion ratio (0.95) compared to the other groups (P

This study evaluated the epidermis mucosal capacity of goldfish (Carassius auratus) during different stages of reproductive development in both females and males. In this regard, the activity of mucolytic immune enzymes, i.e., lysozyme, complement and peroxidase, as well as the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. There were five stages for females i.e., immature (f1), cortical alveoli (f2), early and late-vitellogenesis (vtg) (f3 and f4) and ripe (f5); as well as two stages for males spermatogenesis (m1) and spermiation (m2). Some stages were also examined for the mucosal antimicrobial activity against specific pathogens. The results showed that the mucosal lysozyme activity increased significantly during vitellogenesis (P < 0.05), but no lysozyme activity was detected in plasma. On the contrary, the complement activity was only observed in female plasma, and it was significantly higher at f3 compared to the other developmental stages. Both the plasma and mucosal ALP and peroxidase activities showed a significant increase by female reproductive development with the highest amounts at f4. Contrary to the female, no significant changes were observed in plasma and mucosal immune agents and biochemistry of the male. The f5-staged goldfish showed the highest antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria, i.e., Streptococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus (P < 0.05). Our results also represented the up-regulation of lysozyme (c-lys) gene expression by effects of female maturational development in ovary, liver and skin, while male goldfish showed no significant changes in c-lys expression. Moreover, there were positive correlations between c-lys expression, mucosal lysozyme activity and calcium levels in females (P < 0.01). Overall, our findings revealed that vtg process improves mucosal innate immunity that leads to activate antimicrobial components at spawning season.

Providing a non-invasive procedure to track fish maturity remains a priority in broodstocks' management. In the present study, the main goal was to assess reproduction status by measuring sex steroids and vitellogenin (VTG) in the skin mucosa, as a non-invasive method. For this purpose, the present study compared the levels of estradiol-17β (E2), testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), VTG and calcium (Ca) in skin mucosa and blood plasma of goldfish (Carassius auratus). Skin mucosal and blood samples were collected, as well as gonad tissues, from goldfish, as a seasonal spawner. Histological analysis confirmed the gender and maturity status from females' ovaries (as primary-growth, cortical-alveoli, initial and late-vitellogenesis) and males' testes (as spermatogenesis and spermiation). Furthermore, vitellogenin (vtg) expression was observed in skin, liver and gonads. The results indicate that mucosal E2 concentrations were significantly higher during initial and late vitellogenesis than the other stages. Mucosal 11-KT concentrations significantly increased at spermiation (P < 0.05). E2/T and 11-KT/E2 ratios significantly increased at early vitellogenesis and spermatogenesis, respectively (P < 0.05). Females' mucosal VTG levels were significantly fluctuated according to the maturity stage. Ca showed a similar trend, but Ca was more accurate for sex identification than the VTG. Although mucus showed high levels of VTG, ovarian vtg expression was strongest while liver and skin had the similar results. These results show that measuring the mucosal androgens could be considered as an accurate, non-invasive method to monitor fish maturity.

Heavy metals are one of the most persistent pollutants in waters, and molecular biomarkers as bioindicators could uncover early warning signals of stress suffered by organisms exposed to these pollutants. This research was conducted to explore the impact of lead contaminant on expression levels of hsp70 gene as well as protein pattern and innate immune indicators of skin mucus in Common carp as a biological model. The fish were exposed to different concentrations of Pb(NO3)2 as a source of lead (0, 7.875, 15.75, and 31.5 mg/L of lead) for 14 days. After the completion of the experiment, the liver and gill tissue plus mucus samples were collected from the fish. Next, the effects of exposure to sublethal doses of lead were investigated on expression levels of hsp70 gene, protein pattern, and innate immune indicators of skin mucus. The results indicated that the expression level of hsp70 gene significantly increased (at 7.5% & 30% LC50) in the liver tissue compared to the control group (P0.05). The results suggested that these physiological indicators in Cyprinus carpio could be used as molecular and mucosal biomarkers for ecotoxicological studies.

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). There were no significant difference among treatments regarding skin mucus lysozyme activity (P0.05). It should be noted that, feeding on 0.5 and 1% ZJFE significantly increased skin mucus protease activity (P0.05). Likewise, gene expression studies in skin showed significant increase of il1b expression in fish fed 0.5% ZJFE compared other treatments (P0.05). Also, il8 gene was noticeably up-regulated in 0.5 and 1% treatments compared to the control group (P0.05). While there were no significant difference between 0.25% JFE treatment and control in case of relative il10 gene expression (P0.05), feeding on diets containing 0.5% or 1% ZJFE significantly down-regulated il10 gene (P0.05). Our study indicated that relative expression of tnf-alpha gene significantly increased in treated groups (P0.05). 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.

Intestine in fish is a complex multifunctional organ, not only plays roles in digestion and absorption of nutrient, but also has critical role in immunity. The present study evaluated the effects of different levels of dietary sodium butyrate [Butirex® C4 (Butirex)] on intestinal immune-,antioxidant-and tight junction-related gene expression injuvenile rainbow trout(Oncorhynchusmykiss). 240 healthy rainbow trout were dispensed in 12 fiberglass tanks appointed to four treatments [0 (control), 1.5 (B1.5), 2.5 (B2.5) and 5 (B5)g Butirex per kg diet]. After a 45-day feeding trial, the fish fed with the Butirex-supplemented diets showed higher intestinal lysozyme (LYZ), complement(ACH50) and bactericidal activities; the elevations in ACH50 and bactericidal activities depended on Butirex levels (P

Zebra fish is an important species in genetics and considering the proximity of its genome to the human genome, investigating the expression of some of the growth and appetite genes during its larvae development is essential. Genes coding growth and appetite (GH and ghrelin) hormones are involved in the synthesis and release of growth hormone, which can be considered to be economic genes in pisciculture. Given the importance of these genes during the early larvae development stages, this study was performed to assess their activity. Samples were collected at 4, 7, 10, 15, 30 and 45 post-hatching days. Samples were immediately placed in liquid nitrogen (-196 degree centigrade) and then stored in a freezer at -80 degree centigrade until RNA extraction (using RNX-Plus kit). To analyze normal expression of target genes, reference gene β-actin was used by 2-∆∆Ct method. The expression of genes associated with the growth and appetite was significantly different at various stages of the development of zebra fish, as the gene expression of GH on day 4 and ghrelin gene on day 10 after hatching were significantly higher compared with other samples (P

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) and raffinose (RF) alone or in combination on growth performance, mucosal immune factors and immune related genes expression in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) juveniles. Fish with initial weight of 10.0 ± 2.5 g were fed the following experimental diets for 60 days: control (without supplementation), prebiotic (2 g RF kg-1 diet), probiotic (6 × 108 CFU g-1PA) and synbiotic (2 g RF kg-1+ 6 × 108 CFU g-1PA). Carp fed synbiotic and probiotic diets had the highest (19.53 ± 0.16) and the lowest (18.05 ± 0.65) final body weight, respectively and the other experimental groups showed intermediate values. Singular administration of PA or in combination with 2 g RF kg-1 significantly increased skin mucus total immunoglobulin (Ig) and protein compared other groups, meanwhile, values of skin mucus protease activity enhanced by dietary immunostimulants administration in comparison with the control (P 0.05). The highest growth performance was noticed in fish fed synbiotic (P < 0.05). Overall, the combination of 2 g RF kg-1 with 6 × 108 CFU g-1PA is recommended for improving immunological responses of C. carpio juveniles.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Apple cider vinegar (ACV) and propionic acid (PA) on biochemical parameters of hemolymph, intestinal microbiota and histology of hepatopancreas in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Five experimental diets were evaluated in this study including diets supplemented with 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0% of ACV, 0.5% propionic acid, and a control diet with no supplements. Shrimps (initial weight of 10.2 ± 0.04 g) in triplicate groups with the density of 25 shrimps per tank were fed the diets for 60 days. At the end of the feeding trial, shrimps fed with ACV and PA supplemented diets had significantly higher total protein level than those fed the control diet (P 0.05). The number of Vibrio spp., R-cells (lipid storage cells) of hepatopancreas and cholesterol level in shrimps fed the diets containing ACV and PA were lower compared to the control group (P 0.05). However, there was no remarkable variations in glucose concentration, B-cell number and tubule diameter among the experimental diets (P 0.05). In addition, shrimps fed the ACV diets had significantly lower total heterotrophic marine bacteria compared to the control or PA groups, and the lowest bacterial number was observed in shrimp fed 4% ACV supplemented diet (P 0.05). Supplementation of 2 and 4% ACV as well as 0.5% PA in the diet led to a significantly higher calcium concentration than the control treatment (P 0.05). The lowest triglyceride concentration was observed in the shrimps fed diets containing 2.0 and 4.0% ACV, which resulted in 15 and 20% reduction, respectively (P 0.05). Overall, the findings indicates that ACV and PA possess antimicrobial activity and demonstrate beneficial effects on health status, so they can be potentially used as feed additive in the feeding of L. vannamei.

In this study, effects of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) on growth performance, hematology and serum biochemical properties, non-specific immune responses, gene expressions related to innate immunity, and resistance against Saprolegnia parasitica pathogenesis were studied in rainbow trout for 8 weeks. Aloe vera powder at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/kg were added to a basal diet. Fish were fed three times a day during the 8 weeks. At the end of feeding period, the fish were exposed to the oomycete S. parasitica for 3 weeks. The results showed that all treatments fed with Aloe vera-included diets showed significant increases in growth performance (weight gain, specific growth rate and low feed efficiency) compared to the control. Feeding the fish with 15 g/kg of dietary Aloe vera resulted in better hematology indices (red and white blood cell counts, and concentrations of hematocrit and hemoglobin), serum biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, and globulin), and non-specific immunity indices (respiratory burst activity, lysozyme activity and complement system) in comparison with the other treatments and control. Furthermore, fish fed 10 and 15 g/kg of dietary Aloe vera showed up-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1b, IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression compared to the control. A significant reduction in mortality was observed in the treated fish with 15 g/kg of Aloe vera compared to the control following challenging with S. parasitica. The use of Aloe vera powder, particularly at a level of 15 g/kg, in rainbow trout diet was observed to improve growth and immunity parameters as well as boost fish resistance against S. parasitica contamination.

The present study aimed at evaluation of possible effects of Psidium guajava as immunostimulant on mucosal and serum immunity, as well as related genes expression in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings. In an eight weeks feeding trial, fish were fed with experimental diets containing guava leaf powder [GLP] (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%). Then, skin mucus and serum immune parameters (total Ig, alkaline phosphatase activity, lysozyme activity), as well as immune related genes expression (TNF-alpha, IL1b, IL8) were measured. All levels of GLP inclusion in the diet brought about the increase in total Ig in the serum, while in the mucus only the highest level of GLP was effective. No significant differences were observed in mucus alkanine phosphatase activity, while fish fed 0.25% of GLP had noticeably higher serum lysozyme activity. The mucus total protein electrophoretic pattern revealed some differences between the control and the treated fish. Two high MW bands were present in the control group but not in the treated groups. Three bands with a low MW comprised between 35 and 17 mw were noticed in GLP fed carps and not in the control. Gene expression studies revealed no noticeable alterations in TNF-alpha gene between treated fish and control. However, the level of expression of IL-8 was strongly upregulated in fish fed 0.5 and 1% of GLP. Also, feeding on 0.5% of GLP significantly upregulated IL1b gene expression. Evaluation of growth performance revealed improved performance parameters in GLP treated groups. These results confirmed possible immunomodulatory and beneficial effects of GLP on common carp fingerlings.

This work aims to determine effects of white-button mushroom powder (WBMP) on mucosal immunity, antioxidant defence, and growth of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). 192 fish were fed the following diets: 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, and 2% of WBMP for 8 weeks. The results illustrated that intestinal mRNA levels of Glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) genes in fish fed 2% WBMP diet were significantly higher compared with control group and other treated diets (P .05). The expression genes encoding Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 (IL1), and Interleukin 8 (IL8) in the skin of WBMP fed fish significantly elevated compared to the control group (P

Zayandeh Rood river is the most important river in central Iran supplying water for a variety of uses including drinking water for approximately three million inhabitants. The study aimed to investigate the quality of water concerning the presence of pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) and hormonelike compounds, which have been only poorly studied in this region. Sampling was performed at seven sites along the river (from headwater sites to downstream drinking water source, corresponding drinking water, and treated wastewater) affected by wastewater effluents, specific drought conditions, and high river-water demand. The targeted and nontargeted chemical analyses and in vitro bioassays were used to evaluate the presence of PhACs and hormonelike compounds in river water. In the samples, 57 PhACs and estrogens were detected with LC-MS/MS with the most common and abundant compounds valsartan, carbamazepine, and caffeine present in the highest concentrations in the treated wastewater in the concentrations of 8.4, 19, and 140 μg/L, respectively. A battery of in vitro bioassays detected high estrogenicity, androgenicity, and AhR-mediated activity (viz., in treated wastewater) in the concentrations 24.2 ng/L, 62.2 ng/L, and 0.98 ng/L of 17β-estradiol, dihydrotestosterone and 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents, respectively. In surface water samples, estrogenicity was detected in the range of

Chasteberry is highly recommended as an herbal medicine across the globe for treating of many gynaecological disorders. In this study, chasteberry extract (CBE) was supplemented in goldfish diet to evaluate the immunity responses at the cellular and molecular levels. Moreover, after the feeding trial, the fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. The fish (300 individuals, 2.4 ± 0.12 g initial weight) were randomly distributed in 12 tanks and were fed with 0 (control), 5, 10, and 15 g CBE per kg of feed for 8 weeks. Based on the results, lysozyme activity, alkaline phosphatase, and total immunoglobulin (Ig) in the skin mucus samples were significantly enhanced in the fish fed with 15 g/kg CBE (P 0.05). Moreover, dietary CBE positively affected lysozyme activity, complement components, and IgM content of the serum samples compared to the control group. Also, the number of monocytes and lymphocytes were increased significantly with increasing CBE in the diet (P 0.05). The highest mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factors (TNF-α, TNF-2α) and Lysozyme were observed in 15 g/kg CBE treatment. After the challenge test, the highest relative percentage survival value (60%) was observed in the fish fed with 15 g/kg CBE. We concluded that dietary CBE especially at 15 g/kg has an immunomodulatory effect in goldfish by stimulating the innate immunity and some inflammatory cytokines as well as disease resistance against A. hydrophila.

In this study, three various carbon to nitrogen ratios including 10:1 (C/N-10), 15:1 (C/N-15), and 20:1 (C/N-20) were designed in a biofloc based system with three replicates. The initial biofloc was formed by adding 200 g common carp commercial diet +1 g urea (46% N) + 50 g bottom soil of carp earthen pond. After 56 days, the highest growth indices and the lowest feed conversion ratio were obtained in C/N-20 treatment (P 0.05) was detected in the content of albumin and total protein among the treatments. The level of immunoglobulin M did not change significantly (P > 0.05) in C/N-15 and C/N-20 groups, while it was significantly higher than C/N-10 group (P

Many studies have investigated the potential negative effects of silver on aquatic organisms, but most focused on short-term exposure in few species. Moreover, there are many uncertainties about differences in potential toxicity mechanisms and adverse effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ionic form of silver (AgNO3). We investigated chronic effects of AgNPs and AgNO3 on the juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). AgNPs and AgNO3 accumulated in the liver, gill and intestine, respectively and highest was related to AgNPs. Our results indicated, silver uptake was accompanied with histological alteration in the target organs such that different tissue lesions were observed in exposed groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and also hsp70, ghrelin and IGF-1 genes expression were induced in both forms. After 7 days, highest hsp70 gene expression was observed in AgNO3 treatment and highest ghrelin and IGF-1 gene expression was observed in AgNPs treatment. The results revealed that adverse effects of AgNPs on different aspects of the health of juvenile common carp, may not be solely a result of particle dissolution. In addition, the main toxic mechanism of AgNPs was probably related to the accumulation of silver followed by the molecular and oxidative stress response.

The present study investigates the effect of different levels of galactooligosaccharide (GOS) on innate immune parameters, immune related genes expression as well as growth performance in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Four hundred and twenty fish (mean weight 45 ± 0.1 mg) were supplied, randomly stocked in twelve aquaria assigned to four treatments. Zebrafish were fed with either control diet or control diet enriched with different levels (0.5, 1 and 2%) of GOS for eight weeks. At the end of feeding trial innate immune parameters (total immunoglobulin, total protein and alkaline phosphatase activity), immune related genes expression (interleukin 1 beta [il1b], Lysozyme [lyz], tumor necrosis factor alpha [tnf-alpha]) as well as growth performance were measured. Evaluation of immune parameters revealed significant (P .05) increase of total protein and total Ig in zebrafish fed 1 or 2% GOS compared other treatments. However, in case of lysozyme activity no significant (P .05) differences were noticed between GOS fed fish and control group. Also, in case of ALP activity, significant increase (P .05) was observed in 2% GOS treatment. Gene expression studies revealed significant upregulation (P .05) of tnf-alpha and lyz genes in GOS fed fish. While no significant (P .05) difference was observed in case of il1b gene expression. Evaluation of growth performance at the end of feeding trial revealed no significant (P .05) improvement in GOS fed groups. The present results revealed positive effects of GOS on innate immune parameters and related gene expression in zebrafish.

Dietary zinc as an essential micronutrient plays a major role in controlling the rate of fish performance and reproduction. Given the liver is an important organ for metabolism and some receptors in the liver are critical for maintaining fertility, it has been hypothesized that it may contributes to reproductive indices. In the present work, we investigated the effects of feeding with different sources of zinc supplements on transcriptome profiling of male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) broodstocks fed for 16 weeks on a diet supplemented with 40 mg. kg−1 of mineral zinc supplement (MZ), 40 mg. kg−1 of zinc nanoparticles (ZN) and control diet containing no zinc supplement (CD). Transcriptome sequencing analysis of the liver generated 39 million high-quality reads using an Illumina HiSeq™ 4000 platform, which were de novo assembled into 77,406 unique transcript fragments (unigenes) with mean length of 985 bp across the treatment groups. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis identified 528, 416 and 327 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) in liver in response to MZ, ZN and CD diets, respectively. Furthermore, eight immune-related genes were chosen for quantitative real-time PCR analysis to validate the RNA-Seq data and the result shown that one gene was downregulated and seven genes were upregulated, consistent with the results of our RNA-Seq analysis. The results revealed that mineral zinc supplement showed a strong inhibitory effect on the genes of O. mykiss. Dietary zinc in MZ up-regulated 89.4% of DEGs compared to ZN, however, 93.7% of the DEGs in CD were depressed compared to ZN. This transcriptomic research has provided valuable information for understanding the molecular mechanism and potential physiologically pathway of dietary zinc. These findings also provide molecular support to the notion that dietary zinc is useful materials in commercial diets for broodstock rainbow trout.

Intestine in fish is a complex multifunctional organ, not only plays roles in digestion and absorption of nutrient, but also has critical role in immunity. The present study evaluated the effects of different levels of dietary sodium butyrate [Butirex

The purpose of the present work was to determine whether florfenicol (FFC) as the prominent broad-spectrum antibiotic could affect serum biochemical and immunological parameters, as well as immune-related genes expression in rainbow trout (55 ± 7.6 g) challenged with the Lactococcus garvieae and Streptococcus iniae. In the first trial, the doses of the pathogens for challenge test were determined based on LD50. The therapeutic dosage of the drug (15 mg.kg−1 BW for 10 consecutive days) was administrated as medicated feed. After anesthesia, blood and kidney samples were collected from individual fish and were kept in deep freezing mode until the beginning of the measurements. Serum biochemical and enzymatic indices were measured using commercial kits. Immune parameters including total immunoglobulin level, lysozyme, ACH50, respiratory burst (RB), and phagocytic activities (PA) and the expression of immune genes namely TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and IgM was evaluated. The levels of lysozyme and RB activities, as well as the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β genes, showed a significant increase in the FFC treated/infected fish compared to untreated diseased fish (P 0.05). These results demonstrated that FFC treatment could improve some physiological status including stress resistance and some liver function parameters, and much innate immunity was invigorated, but at the same time, the suppressive effects of FFC on acquainted immunity cannot be ignored.