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Mucosal immunity is the main defense line against respiratory disease pathogens. Newcastle disease and avian infectious bronchitis are common respiratory diseases in poultry. However, the mucosal immune response is not sufficiently activated and thus fails to achieve the ideal immune protection. Therefore, it is important to develop a suitable mucosal immune adjuvant to enhance the immune response of live vaccines. Here, the bursal-derived peptide BP7, β-glucan, and hyaluronic acid were selected as the adjuvant to be assembled into the composite nanopolypeptide adjuvant (CNPB7) with ultrasonic dispersion technology. The results showed that after optimizing assembly conditions, the optimal average particle size of nanoparticle CNPB7 was 514.9 nm and PDI was 0.298. To evaluate the non-specific immune responses of nanoparticle CNPB7, the chickens were immunized only with nanoparticle CNPB7. It was confirmed that nanoparticle CNPB7 enhanced the expression of CD3, CD4, CD80, and CD86 factors in the spleen lymphocyte from the chicken immunized with nanoparticle CNPB7. To investigate the mucosal immune response of nanoparticle CNPB7, the chickens were orally immunized with Newcastle disease virus (NDV)–infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) dual vaccines and CNPB7. The results proved that the levels of immunoglobulin SIgA, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-13 in the mucus samples from the respiratory and digestive tract in chicken immunized with nanoparticle CNPB7 and vaccines were significantly increased, compared to that of vaccine control. Finally, it was observed that nanoparticle CNPB7 promoted specific increased antibody productions against NDV and IBV in the immunized chicken. These results proved that the assembled nanoparticle CNPB7 could enhance the vaccination efficacy in chicken, which provided the experimental basis for the development of new adjuvants, and offered technical support for preventing virus transmission of avian diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety and effectiveness of oxytetracycline can potentially manage bacterial infections in fish. This, in turn, might reduce the concerns related to its use in aquaculture and human consumption, such as toxicity, antimicrobial resistance, and other associated risks. The primary objective of this study was to assess how adding oxytetracycline dihydrate to the diet affects its effectiveness, safety, and the presence of residues in T. putitora. T. putitora fingerlings, subjected to experimental infection with Aeromonas hydrophila at a concentration of 108 CFU mL− 1, received an oral administration of oxytetracycline dihydrate. The oxytetracycline dihydrate was added to the feed (corresponding to 2% of the fish body weight) at concentrations of 44.1, 88.2, 132.3 and 176.4 mg Kg− 1 fish body weight per day. This treatment was carried out for 10 consecutive days. The biochemical and physiological responses of T. putitora and efficacy of oxytetracycline dihydrate were determined through estimation of microbial load (CFU mL− 1), haematogram, serum biomarkers, behavioral characteristics, non-specific immunity and residue depletion. Experimentally infected fish showed disease progression and induced histopathological conditions with highest microbial load (CFU mL− 1) in the muscle of both control and treated fish. The fish haematogram showed increased leucocyte and haemoglobin content, influenced by dietary oxytetracycline dihydrate. The fish demonstrated adaptive physiological response to oxytetracycline dihydrate at 44.1 to 88.2 mg and resulted in increased albumin and globulin content. The serum-enzyme assay showed significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in the test fish (< 0.05). Oxytetracycline dihydrate at 88.2 to 132.3 mg Kg− 1 fish body weight per day recorded higher feed intake (75%), significant survivability (66–68%) and histopathological recovery. The suppressed immune response was manifested with decreased respiratory burst and lysozyme activity. The palatability, treatment of bacterial infection, histopathological changes and survivability by fingerlings of golden mahseer determined the safety and optimized the therapeutic potential of the oxytetracycline dihydrate at 88.2 mg Kg− 1 fish body weight per day for 10 days to contain the infection by A. hydrophila. A withdrawal period of 8-d was recommended as oxytetracycline dihydrate concentration depleted below the legal maximum residue limit (MRL 2.0 mg g− 1) in the edible muscle of the golden mahseer reared at an average water temperature of 20 °C. This is considered safe for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: High temperature and oil pollution are typical examples of environmental stress to sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) in northern China. Aims: Evaluate the combined effects of high temperature and oil pollution on the immune responses of sea cucumbers. Methods: In this study, we investigated the immune responses in the respiratory tree of sea cucumber subjected to the optimal temperature (16°C), high temperature (26°C), Oman crude oil (OCO) water-accommodated fractions (WAF) at 16°C (WAF + 16°C) and OCO WAF at 26°C (WAF + 26°C) for 48 h. Key results: All three treatments significantly up-regulated total antioxidant capacity and disturbed active oxygen species homeostasis in sea cucumbers. Moreover, all three treatments caused immune-enzyme activity disorders, manifested by a significant increase in acid–alkaline phosphatase and nitric oxide synthase activities and a noticeable decline in lysozyme activity. Conclusions: Combining the integrated biomarker-response index (WAF + 26°C > 26°C > WAF + 16°C), the combined stress could result in a more adverse effect on the immune responses of sea cucumbers than do high temperature or oil pollution alone, which might further exacerbate the health challenges for sea cucumbers in response to environmental stress. Implications: This study has provided an insight into the immune impacts in benthic organisms caused by high temperature and oil pollution. We investigated the immune responses in the respiratory tree of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) to high temperature, oil pollution, and the combined stress of high temperature and oil pollution. We found that acute exposure to oil pollution may have affect the immune function of sea cucumbers, whereas high temperature may exacerbate the health challenges of sea cucumbers subjected to environmental stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucosal immunity is the main defense line against respiratory disease pathogens. Newcastle disease and avian infectious bronchitis are common respiratory diseases in poultry. However, the mucosal immune response is not sufficiently activated and thus fails to achieve the ideal immune protection. Therefore, it is important to develop a suitable mucosal immune adjuvant to enhance the immune response of live vaccines. Here, the bursal-derived peptide BP7, β-glucan, and hyaluronic acid were selected as the adjuvant to be assembled into the composite nanopolypeptide adjuvant (CNPB7) with ultrasonic dispersion technology. The results showed that after optimizing assembly conditions, the optimal average particle size of nanoparticle CNPB7 was 514.9 nm and PDI was 0.298. To evaluate the non-specific immune responses of nanoparticle CNPB7, the chickens were immunized only with nanoparticle CNPB7. It was confirmed that nanoparticle CNPB7 enhanced the expression of CD3, CD4, CD80, and CD86 factors in the spleen lymphocyte from the chicken immunized with nanoparticle CNPB7. To investigate the mucosal immune response of nanoparticle CNPB7, the chickens were orally immunized with Newcastle disease virus (NDV)–infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) dual vaccines and CNPB7. The results proved that the levels of immunoglobulin SIgA, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-13 in the mucus samples from the respiratory and digestive tract in chicken immunized with nanoparticle CNPB7 and vaccines were significantly increased, compared to that of vaccine control. Finally, it was observed that nanoparticle CNPB7 promoted specific increased antibody productions against NDV and IBV in the immunized chicken. These results proved that the assembled nanoparticle CNPB7 could enhance the vaccination efficacy in chicken, which provided the experimental basis for the development of new adjuvants, and offered technical support for preventing virus transmission of avian diseases.

This experiment was conducted to explore the effects of dietary vitamin C supplementation on non-specific immune defense, antioxidant capacity and resistance to low-temperature stress of juvenile mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). Mud crabs with an initial weight of 14.67 ± 0.13 g were randomly divided into 6 treatments and fed diets with 0.86 (control), 44.79, 98.45, 133.94, 186.36 and 364.28 mg/kg vitamin C, respectively. The experiment consisted of 6 treatments, each treatment was designed with 4 replicates and each replicate was stocked with 8 crabs. After 42 days of feeding experiment, 2 crabs were randomly selected from each replicate, and a total of 8 crabs in each treatment were carried out 72 h low-temperature challenge experiment. The results showed that crabs fed diets with 186.36 and 364.28 mg/kg vitamin C significantly improved the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in hemolymph and hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). Crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C significantly decreased the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in hemolymph (P < 0.05). Diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C was improved the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and the concentration of albumin (ALB) in hemolymph. Crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C showed lower concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in hemolymph and hepatopancreas than those fed the other diets. Meanwhile, crabs fed diet with 98.45 mg/kg vitamin C showed higher activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in hemolymph, and crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C showed higher activity of T-SOD in hepatopancreas. Crabs fed diet with 186.36 mg/kg vitamin C significantly decreased the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). In normal temperature, crabs fed diets with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C significantly up-regulated the expression levels of gpx (glutathione peroxidase) and trx (thioredoxin) in hepatopancreas compared with the control treatment (P < 0.05). The highest expression levels of relish , il16 (interleukin 16), caspase 2 (caspase 2), p38 mapk (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases) and bax (bcl-2 associated x protein) in hepatopancreas were found at crabs fed control diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C showed higher expression levels of alf-3 (anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 3) and bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) in hepatopancreas than those fed the other diets (P < 0.05). Under low-temperature stress, crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C significantly improved the expression levels of hsp90 (heat shock protein 90), cat (catalase), gpx , prx (thioredoxin peroxidase) and trx in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary with 133.94 vitamin C significantly up-regulated the expression levels of alf-3 and bcl-2 (P < 0.05). Based on two slope broken-line regression analysis of activity of PPO against the dietary vitamin C level, the optimal dietary vitamin C requirement was estimated to be 144.81 mg/kg for juvenile mud crab. In conclusion, dietary 133.94–144.81 mg/kg vitamin C significantly improved the non-specific immune defense, antioxidant capacity and resistance to low-temperature stress of juvenile mud crab. [Display omitted] • Dietary 133.94–144.81 mg/kg vitamin C enhanced the non-specific immune defense of juvenile mud crab. • Dietary 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C improved the antioxidant capacity of juvenile mud crab. • Dietary 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C promoted the resistance to low-temperature stress of juvenile mud crab. • The optimal dietary vitamin C requirement is estimated to be 133.94–144.81 mg/kg for juvenile mud crab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, oil spill pollution is one of the major environmental concerns for sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) aquaculture. During oil spills, spraying chemical dispersants is generally considered an efficient oil spill response. However, the impact of chemical dispersant deployment during oil spills on sea cucumbers is still less known. In this study, we treated sea cucumbers with physically and chemically (by GM-2 chemical dispersant) dispersed Oman crude oil for 24 h. For antioxidant defense capacities, our results showed that physically dispersed crude oil caused a significant elevation on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and glutathione (GSH) content, while chemically dispersed crude oil caused a significant decrease in SOD activity and GSH content with no apparent change in CAT activity. As for non-specific immune responses, our results indicated that physically dispersed crude oil up-regulated acid phosphatase (ACP) and lysozyme (LZM) activities but had no obvious impact on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Differently, chemically dispersed crude oil down-regulated ACP and LZM activities while up-regulating ALP activity. Based on the integrated biomarker response analysis, the overall impact of chemically dispersed crude oil on antioxidant defense capacities and non-specific immune responses of sea cucumbers was more severe than physically dispersed crude oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture research has focused on polysaccharides as they are among the most promising new-generation immunostimulant used to control aquatic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of fermented wheat bran polysaccharides (FWBPs) on juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Carps were fed different FWBP amounts (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%) for 8 weeks and then their skin mucus and serum immune parameters, hepatopancreas antioxidant indicators, and immune-related gene expression in the intestines, kidneys, and spleen were measured. The skin mucus IgM levels significantly increased in 0.1% FWBP group, but decreased in 0.4% FWBP group. The skin mucus protease and the serum alkaline phosphatase activities increased significantly in the 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.4% FWBP groups, respectively. The serum total Ig levels increased noticeably in the 0.1% and 0.2% FWBP groups. The highest and lowest serum lysozyme activities were observed in the 0.1% and 0.4% FWBP groups, respectively. The hepatopancreatic total superoxide dismutase activity was higher in the 0.1% FWBP group than in the control. The malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly in the 0.2% and 0.4% groups. The intestinal mRNA levels of the LZM-C and IL-10 genes were significantly higher in the 0.2% than in the 0.4% FWBP group; TNF-α was significantly upregulated in the 0.1% group. The gene expression in the kidneys did not differ significantly among the treatments, except for a significant increase in the IL-10 expression in the 0.1% treatment. Significantly elevated expression of LZM-C in 0.2% group and IL-10 in 0.1% group was observed in the spleens. TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly downregulated in the 0.4% group. These results suggest that FWBPs could be used as immunostimulant feed additives in common carp cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rainbow trout is a visual predator and sensitive to a specific light spectrum, but which light spectrum is best for the welfare of this species has not been determined. Effects of light spectrum on growth and stress response of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss reared under recirculating system conditions. Growth, oxidative stress and the non-specific immune response of Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed to different light spectra Keywords: growth performance; light spectra; non-specific immune response; oxidative stress; rainbow trout EN growth performance light spectra non-specific immune response oxidative stress rainbow trout 4210 4216 7 07/01/22 20220801 NES 220801 The development and expansion of marine aquaculture in Chinese coastal waters are constrained by space and environmental problems (Hu et al., 2021). [Extracted from the article]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary natural feed supplement on the growth performance, non-specific responses, and disease resistance in Lates calcarifer. Three commercial products (A, B, and C) containing a basal probiotic mixture were tested. Product A contained a basal mixture of Paenibacillus sp., Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (107 cfu/g for each probiotic); product B contained additional Lactobacillus plantarum (1010 cfu/g); and product C contained additional soybean peptides (500 g/kg) and garlic powder (1 g/kg). Each product was supplemented into subject diets at dosages of 1 or 2 g/kg (designated as the A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 groups, respectively). Following an eight-week trial, growth parameters (specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio), non-specific immune responses (O2− production, phagocytic rate, and phagocytic index), and the results of a challenge test against Vibrio alginolyticus were evaluated. The results show that all probiotic supplement groups exhibited an improvement in growth performance compared to the control group (non-probiotic diet). In terms of non-specific immunity parameters, a significant improvement in O2− production was found in the C2 group, whereas significant improvements in phagocytic activity were found in all the B and C groups. The C2 group displayed optimal O2− production, phagocytic rate, and phagocytic index results. For the challenge test, the C groups showed higher Vibrio resistance than the other experimental groups and the control group. These results suggest that product C, given at dosages of 2 g/kg, may serve as a growth-promoting and immunostimulatory additive for the cultivation of Asian seabass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) plays a role in the antioxidant capacity and immunity of aquatic animals. A twelve-week feeding experiment was performed to estimate the impact of dietary zinc on antioxidant enzyme-related gene expression, antioxidant enzyme activity and non-specific immune functions of soft-shelled turtles, Pelodiscus sinensis. Six fishmeal-based experimental diets with 32.45% protein were formulated, which contained 35.43, 46.23, 55.38, 66.74, 75.06 and 85.24 mg/kg Zn, respectively. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels improved with an elevation in dietary Zn from 35.43 to 55.38 mg/kg and then reduced when dietary Zn was further elevated. The expression levels of Nrf2 and antioxidant-related genes CuZnSOD, MnSOD, CAT, GPX1, GPX2, GPX3 and GPX4 escalated with elevating Zn concentration up to 55.38 mg/kg in diets and then reduced as dietary Zn elevated. The expression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (keap1) showed a reverse trend with that of Nrf2. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the 55.38 and 66.74 mg/kg Zn diet-fed groups were the lowest. Alkaline phosphatase activity (AKP), superoxide anion (O 2 −), lysozyme activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) improved with an escalation in dietary Zn concentration up to 66.74 mg/kg. Optimal dietary Zn improved antioxidant capability, immunity, and antioxidant enzyme-related gene expression. The dietary Zn demand for soft-shelled turtles were 60.93 and 61.63 mg/kg, based on second regression analysis of SOD and T-AOC activity, respectively. • Optimal inclusions of zinc escalated antioxidant enzyme activity. • Zn deficiency or excess reduced non-specific immunity. • Zn deficiency or excess altered antioxidant enzyme expression via Nrf2 signaling. • Dietary Zn demand for soft-shelled turtles is 60.93 and 61.63 mg/kg, using SOD and T-AOC activity as indicators, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A seven-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of vegetable and fruit juice processing by-product feed additives on juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) growth, feed utilization, non-specific immune responses, and resistance to Vibrio harveyi. Juvenile rockfish (n = 1050) were randomly distributed into 300 L circular tanks (50 fish per tank). Seven experimental diets were prepared in triplicate. The experimental diets were supplemented with 1% garlic, ginger, blueberry, tomato, onion, or yacon juice processing by-product powders, referred to as GLJB, GGJB, BBJB, TTJB, ONJB, and YCJB diets, respectively. No additives were included in the control (Con) diet. Three groups of fish were randomly assigned to each diet and fed to apparent satiation twice daily. After the feeding trial, fish were challenged by V. harveyi infection, and cumulative survival was observed for 10 d. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed consumption, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio were significantly higher in fish fed the YCJB, GLJB, and GGJB diets than in fish fed the Con diet. Lysozyme activity was significantly higher in fish fed the GLJB, YCJB, and BBJB diets than those fed the Con diet. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and glutathione concentration were significantly higher in fish fed the YCJB, GGJB, and GLJB diets than fish fed the Con diet. No differences in the whole-body composition and plasma hematological parameters were observed among fish fed different diets. All the diets supplemented with plant juice processing by-products improved fish survival rate after the V. harveyi challenge compared to that of fish fed the Con diet. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of YCJB, GGJB, and GLJB contributed to improving growth performance, feed utilization, non-specific immune response, and resistance against V. harveyi in rockfish. Thus, yacon, ginger, and garlic juice processing by-products can serve as useful feed additives in formulated diets for aquaculture fish production.

A potential host-derived probiotic, Bacillus subtilis 6-3-1, was successfully screened from 768 isolates from the intestines of healthy hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) based on multiple probiotic characteristics in vitro assays, such as, non-hemolytic activity, extracellular enzyme activity, inhibitory activity against pathogens, tolerance to gastrointestinal stress, cell surface hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, and antibiotic susceptibility. Eight weeks of feeding trial revealed that dietary supplementation of B. subtilis 6-3-1 at all three concentrations (1 × 106 CFU g−1 as BS6; 1 × 107 CFU g−1 as BS7; 1 × 108 CFU g−1 as BS8) could promote the growth performance of hybrid groupers to a certain extent at different time points. At the end of 8th week, BS6 and BS8 significantly promoted the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR) of hybrid groupers. The digestive enzyme activities were also increased in BS6 and BS8 groups comparing with those in control group, except that the increase of amylase activities in BS6 was not significant (P > 0.05). However, BS7 showed the best non-specific immunity stimulating effects among the three concentration groups. While BS7 significantly boosted serum total protein contents, lysozyme (LZM), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and acid phosphatase (ACP) levels, BS6 significantly enhanced serum total protein, LZM activity, and BS8 significantly improved LZM, respiratory bursts activity. B. subtilis 6-3-1 up-regulated the expression of MyD88 in head kidney and intestine and increased villi length (VL) in intestine of BS7 group. It also up-regulated the expression of IgM in head kidney in BS6 group and IgM and TLR1 in intestine of BS8 group. Though all B. subtilis 6-3-1 supplemented groups reduced the cumulative mortality rate post-Vibro harveyi-challenge, BS7 showed the best protection effects among the three concentration groups. In conclusion, with its immune promoting, intestine health enhancing, and V. harveyi resisting effects, BS7 show great potential to be used as a probiotic in hybrid grouper culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, oil spill pollution is one of the major environmental concerns for sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) aquaculture. During oil spills, spraying chemical dispersants is generally considered an efficient oil spill response. However, the impact of chemical dispersant deployment during oil spills on sea cucumbers is still less known. In this study, we treated sea cucumbers with physically and chemically (by GM-2 chemical dispersant) dispersed Oman crude oil for 24 h. For antioxidant defense capacities, our results showed that physically dispersed crude oil caused a significant elevation on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and glutathione (GSH) content, while chemically dispersed crude oil caused a significant decrease in SOD activity and GSH content with no apparent change in CAT activity. As for non-specific immune responses, our results indicated that physically dispersed crude oil up-regulated acid phosphatase (ACP) and lysozyme (LZM) activities but had no obvious impact on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Differently, chemically dispersed crude oil down-regulated ACP and LZM activities while up-regulating ALP activity. Based on the integrated biomarker response analysis, the overall impact of chemically dispersed crude oil on antioxidant defense capacities and non-specific immune responses of sea cucumbers was more severe than physically dispersed crude oil.

Lectins are hemagglutinating glycoproteins which act as pathogen recognition receptors that can bind to the pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Shrimp lectin (Md-Lec) is a lectin that is reported to have antimicrobial property. In this study, the CuS nanoparticles (CuS NPs) which were previously reported to have wide range of antimicrobial activity were conjugated with Md-Lec. Thus, their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against aquatic pathogens was reduced four times than that of their individual activity. Moreover, antibacterial and antibiofilm assay was performed with Md-Lec, pCuS NPs, and Md-Lec conjugated with pCuS NPs (Md-Lec-pCuS NPs) against Aeromonas hydrophila at 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL. The hydrophobicity index and EPS (extracellular polysaccharide) production of A. hydrophila were decreased after treating with Md-Lec-pCuS NPs. The non-specific immune parameters—lysozyme assay, peroxidase assay, and respiratory burst activity—were elevated considerably in the infected fishes that are treated with Md-Lec-pCuS NPs at their MIC. Further, immune gene (COX2, MyD88, and LEC) expression analysis at different time intervals was also done in the infected Etroplus suratensis that are treated with Md-Lec-pCuS NPs at 3.13 μM concentration. The results reveal that the immune gene expression was upregulated at the 6th hour of infection in the infected fish that are treated with Md-Lec-pCuS NPs (3.13 μM) and thus it can be used as a therapeutic agent which can act as an immunostimulant for the production of disease-free fishes in aquaculture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suitability of various animal by‐product meals was evaluated as an alternative source for fish meal (FM) in olive flounder feed when 30% FM was substituted. Juvenile fish (n = 480) was distributed into 24 flow‐through tanks. Seven experimental diets were prepared. 65% FM and 12% soybean meal were included as the protein source in the control (Con) diet. Thirty per cent of FM was substituted with tuna by‐product, chicken by‐product, hydrolysed chicken offal, meat, meat and bone, and blood meals, referred to as the TBM, CBM, HCOM, MM, MBM and BM diets respectively. Each diet was hand‐fed to satiation for 8 weeks. Weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of fish fed the TBM diet were greater than those of fish fed all other diets. Weight gain, SGR and FER of fish fed the Con diet was also greater than those of fish fed the MM and BM diets. The proximate composition of the whole body fish was unaffected by the experimental diets. Lysozyme activity of fish fed the Con, TBM and CBM diets was higher than that of fish fed the MM and BM diets. Amino acid profiles of fish were not affected by the experimental diets except for tryptophan. All fatty acid profiles of fish except for eicosadienoic acid were affected by the experimental diets. In conclusion, tuna by‐product and chicken by‐product meals are the good substitutes for FM in olive flounder feed when 30% of FM at 65% in diet was replaced with animal by‐product meals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is becoming increasingly important due to significant reductions in fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO), the primary sources of ARA, in aquafeeds. ARA is an essential omega-6 fatty acid in some fish species and plays a wide range of physiological roles. However, studies reported to date have demonstrated contrasting findings concerning the effects of ARA in fish growth and health, regardless of the fish's trophic level. Additionally, limited research has addressed energy allocation during reproduction and growth in sub-adult rainbow trout as they approach reproductive maturity. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of ARA on growth performance, the fatty acid composition of whole-body and ovary, intestinal inflammatory gene expression, gut histology, antioxidant activity, and non-specific immunity in sub-adult rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four isonitrogenous (51% crude protein), isolipidic (15% crude lipid), and isocaloric (23 MJ/kg) diets were formulated and supplemented with ARA-enriched oil (40%), resulting in analyzed ARA levels of 0.10 (ARA 0.10), 3.95 (ARA 3.95), 7.67 ARA(7.67), and 14.8% (ARA 14.8) of total fatty acid, respectively. Rainbow trout (307 ± 3.64 g) were fed to apparent satiation three times a day for 12 weeks to assess growth performance, feed utilization, and intestinal inflammatory response. The fish were then exposed to acute stress to evaluate circulating cortisol, prostaglandin E 2 , antioxidant activity, and non-specific immune response. The 12-week growth trial demonstrated that dietary ARA did not affect rainbow trout growth performance and feed utilization during the final grow-out. Whole-body fatty acid profiles reflected those of the diets except for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content being significantly lower in the ARA 14.8 group than in the ARA 0.10 and ARA 3.95 groups. EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents in the ovary were less affected by dietary ARA supplementation, likely reflecting the selective deposition of those fatty acids in embryonic development. The expression of tnf-α was significantly downregulated in ARA 7.67 and ARA 14.8 groups relative to other treatment groups, and only distal intestinal villus height was significantly increased in the ARA 3.95 group, suggesting that dietary ARA supported intestinal health. Plasma superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lysozyme activity significantly increased in both pre- and post-stress groups due to incremental increases in dietary ARA. These results suggest that a moderate level of dietary ARA in low FM and FO-free enhances innate immune function and antioxidant responses while supporting intestinal health in sub-adult rainbow trout. • Dietary ARA did not affect sub-adult trout growth, feed utilization and survival. • Dietary ARA increased antioxidant activities and non-specific immune parameters. • A moderate level of ARA in a low FM/FO-free diet improved intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoidan, a water-soluble heteropolysaccharide that contains fucose and sulfate groups which found in the cellular wall of brown algae which in this study, the effects of its various levels on the non-specific immune response, blood biochemical factors and antibacterial activity of serum in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), with mean weight of 74.8 ± 70 g for 8 weeks were investigated. The treatments consisted of 0 (control), 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2% of fucoidan per kg of diet in the form of five treatments, three replications were performed in 100 liters tanks. Based on the findings of this study, there were no significant different among different groups of RBC indices such as RBC, HB, HCT, MCV, MCHC and MCH (p> 0.05), while the number of WBC was significantly different among different groups (p0.05). The serum lysozyme (LZM) activities, Complement system, C3 and C4 had a significant effect on different treatments (p

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary natural feed supplement on the growth performance, non-specific responses, and disease resistance in Lates calcarifer. Three commercial products (A, B, and C) containing a basal probiotic mixture were tested. Product A contained a basal mixture of Paenibacillus sp., Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (107 cfu/g for each probiotic); product B contained additional Lactobacillus plantarum (1010 cfu/g); and product C contained additional soybean peptides (500 g/kg) and garlic powder (1 g/kg). Each product was supplemented into subject diets at dosages of 1 or 2 g/kg (designated as the A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 groups, respectively). Following an eight-week trial, growth parameters (specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio), non-specific immune responses (O2− production, phagocytic rate, and phagocytic index), and the results of a challenge test against Vibrio alginolyticus were evaluated. The results show that all probiotic supplement groups exhibited an improvement in growth performance compared to the control group (non-probiotic diet). In terms of non-specific immunity parameters, a significant improvement in O2− production was found in the C2 group, whereas significant improvements in phagocytic activity were found in all the B and C groups. The C2 group displayed optimal O2− production, phagocytic rate, and phagocytic index results. For the challenge test, the C groups showed higher Vibrio resistance than the other experimental groups and the control group. These results suggest that product C, given at dosages of 2 g/kg, may serve as a growth-promoting and immunostimulatory additive for the cultivation of Asian seabass.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the growth performance, digestive enzymes, body composition, and non-specific immune response of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The shrimp was fed with four different diets supplemented with 0, 350, 700, and 1050 mg/kg of GML for 60 days. The study results indicated that 700 and 1050 mg/kg of GML, significantly improved the growth performance, lipase and protease activity in the intestine, while inclusion of 1050 mg/kg of GML in the diet increased the serum lipid and whole-body crude lipid contents. Furthermore, when GML used at concentrations of 350 and 700 mg/kg, boosted the immunity of shrimp by improving the antioxidant and antimicrobial status. This study showed the potential of low GML as a feed additive to improve the growth, digestive enzyme activities, and the non-specific immunity of white shrimp. Based on the study’s findings, the optimal dietary supplementation dose of GML in the shrimp diet was 700 mg/kg.

Taiwanofungus camphoratus is a precious medicinal fungus endemic to Taiwan and has been used as traditional medicine for a long time. Many pharmacological studies have revealed that T. camphoratus possessed various biological activities, such as immunomodulatory effects, anticancer activity and liver protective function. The aim of this study is to investigate the non-specific and antigen (ovalbumin [OVA])-specific immunomodulation effects of solid-state cultivated powder of T. camphoratus (Leader Antrodia cinnamomea [LAC]) in BABL/c male mice. In non-specific and antigen-specific immune function studies, 8-week-old mice were orally administered with LAC for 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. The results have shown that the proliferation of splenic immune cells, phagocytic activity of macrophages and cytolytic activity of natural killer cells were enhanced by LAC. Additionally, LAC increased the levels of IL-2, TNF-α, INF-γ, GM-CSF and serum OVA-IgG and OVA-IgM. These findings provided evidences that LAC had the immunomodulation effects on both antigen-specific and non-specific immune responses in mice.

The dietary folic acid requirement of fingerling Catla catla (3.4 ± 0.17 g; 7.6 ± 0.41 cm) was evaluated by feeding casein–gelatin‐based isonitrogenous (350 g/kg crude protein) and isocaloric (16.72 kJ/g GE) diets containing different concentrations of folic acid (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg) to triplicate groups to apparent satiation at 08:00, 12:30 and 17:30 hr for 16 weeks. Absolute weight gain (AWG; 40.07 g/fish), specific growth rate (SGR; 2.25%), feed conversion ratio (FCR; 1.53), protein retention efficiency (PRE; 31.42%) and protein gain (PG; 6.74) improved significantly (p <.05) with increasing folic acid levels up to 0.4 mg/kg diet and then reached a plateau. However, maximum liver folic acid concentration increased up to 0.6 mg/kg diet. Dietary folic acid levels also significantly affected (p <.05) body composition of fish. No significant change (p >.05) in haematological parameters except in fish fed folic acid‐free diet was noted. Antioxidant and immune parameters increased with increasing concentration of dietary folic acid up to 0.4 mg/kg diet. Broken‐line regression analysis of AWG, FCR, PRE, PG, HCT and liver folic acid concentrations of fingerling C. catla against dietary folic acid levels indicated optimum growth, FCR, PRE, PG, HCT and liver folic acid saturation ranging between 0.22 and 0.56 mg/kg diet, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Vibriosis and Streptococcosis are the most important bacterial diseases that infect Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in various stages of its life cycle. Vaccination is a cost-effective strategy to prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases and increase sustainability in the aquaculture industry. This study was aimed to develop and evaluate a killed polyvalent vaccine against Vibrio harveyi , V. alginolyticus and Streptococcus iniae, delivered by intraperitoneal injection in Asian seabass. The fish were divided into three groups with 60 fish in triplicate: I) a control group injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), II) a group vaccinated by polyvalent vaccine (V. alginolyticus + V. harveyi + S. iniae) and III) a group vaccinated with the same polyvalent vaccine plus an oral booster. Immunological parameters and antibody titer were measured before and at three, five-, and eight-weeks post-vaccination. The efficacy of the killed vaccine was assessed five weeks post-vaccination by challenging with each isolate separately. The vaccinated groups had higher survival rate than control group. The highest relative percentage survival rate, 85.71 ± 3.57 % was observed in group III when challenged with V. harveyi. The vaccinated fish produced significantly higher antibody titers against V. alginolyticus , V. harveyi and S. iniae than the control group (P < 0.05). Non-specific immune parameters were significantly enhanced in the vaccinated groups, especially group III, compared to the control. The results demonstrated that the administration of a killed polyvalent vaccine can effectively protect Asian seabass against V. alginolyticus , V. harveyi and S. iniae. • Vaccination by polyvalent vaccine enhanced resistance of Asian seabass against V. alginolyticus , V. harveyi and S. iniae. • Vaccinated fish produced significantly higher antibody titers than the control group. • Vaccination by polyvalent vaccine induced humoral immune parameters in Asian seabass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Juvenile black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii, were exposed to waterborne zinc (Zn) at concentrations of 0, 200, and 400 μg/L, at temperatures of 18 or 26 °C for 4 weeks. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the liver and gill of A. schlegelii significantly increased following exposure to waterborne Zn. Significant reduction in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the liver and gill was observed following exposure to waterborne Zn. Glutathione (GSH) concentrations in the liver and gill also significantly decreased following exposure to waterborne Zn. Phagocytosis and lysozyme in the plasma and kidney were significantly increased following exposure to waterborne Zn. High water temperature increased alterations in the antioxidant and immune responses. The results of the present study suggest that waterborne Zn induced significant alterations in oxidative stress, increased immune responses and high temperature that trigger Zn toxicity.

Hot water extract of Spirulina platensis which is contain of lipopolysaccharide can be used as animmunostimulant. This study aimed to determine the effect of hot water extract of S. platensis throughinjection on the non-specific immune response of Osphronemusgouramy. The treatment was given throughintraperitoneal injection of hot water extract of S. platensis with doses of 1%, 10%, 20% and PBS, PhosphateBuffer Saline (control) 0.1 ml/fish. Fish reared in the aquarium (67 l volune) with density 12 fishes/aquarium with average weight of 7.5 – 8.5 g/fish. Blood samples of fish taken from the caudal vein on day0 (before administration of the extract), 3 and 5 days after administration of the extract for the measurementof total leucocytes, differential leucocytes and phagocytic activity. Results showed an increased in totalleucocytes, phagocytic activity, monocytes and neutrophils of fish that given hot water extract of S. platensis.The addition of hot water extract of S. platensis at 1% through injection gave total leucocytes, phagocyticactivity, monocytes and neutrophils on days 3 were 543.73 x 103sel/mm3,69.30%, 34.33% and 14%respectively higher and significantly different to control.

Highlights • We examined the effects of green light on antioxidant and non-specific immune responses in the olive flounder at various stocking densities. • Green light reduced the negative effects of high stocking density on survival. • Antioxidant enzyme was lower and immunity was higher at high stocking densities in fish reared under green-light conditions than white light. • DNA damage, which is higher at higher stocking densities, was reduced under green-light rearing conditions. • Green light has positive effects in olive flounder and thus represents a strategy for use of high stocking densities in aquaculture. Abstract In the present study, we investigated the effects of green light illumination on antioxidant systems and immunity in the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Fish at three different stocking densities (900, 1350, and 2250 fish per 8-ton tank) were compared. The effects of green light illumination were assessed by measuring survival rates, mRNA expression activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), an oxidative stress-related parameter (hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2), and immune-related parameters (lysozyme and melatonin). Overall, fish survival rates decreased over the 30-day period of the experiment, but survival rates were significantly higher among the groups of fish exposed to green light. In high stocking densities groups, mRNA levels and activities of antioxidant enzymes and H 2 O 2 concentrations had increased at 30 days; however, in fish under green light conditions, significantly lower levels of antioxidant enzyme expression were observed. By contrast, parameters indicating immune responses decreased in high stocking densities groups, although in fish under green light treatment, significantly higher levels of immune response were observed. A comet assay revealed that a high stocking density increased the rate of nuclear DNA damage; however, treatment with green wavelength light reduced the frequency of damage. These results indicate that although high density induces oxidative stress and reduces immune system responses in olive flounder, green wavelength light prevents oxidative stress and boosts the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study mainly investigated whether β -glucan or sodium alginate enhance the non-specific immune response of the spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus. In experiments, lobsters were fed a diet containing one or the other of these compounds, to determine their effect on non-specific immune parameters in the short term (14 days). The lobsters were then bled to examine variance in total haemocyte count (THC), phenoloxidase activity, superoxide anion (O2−) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, phagocytic ratio (PR), and phagocytic index (PI). The effects of treatment with various doses of β -glucan and sodium alginate were determined. The results showed that treatment with 1-2 g of β -glucan or 2-4 g of sodium alginate significantly increased THC, O2− production, SOD activity, and PR. In conclusion, the immunomodulators β -glucan and sodium alginate can increase the non-specific immune response in spiny lobsters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-week study was conducted to evaluate three different diets supplemented with bovine lactoferrin (LF) at 0 (control), 800, and 1200 mg LF kg−1 diet on somatic growth, hemato-immunological parameters, antioxidant status, and digestive enzyme activities in silvery-black porgy (Sparidentex hasta) juveniles. Fish fed the 800 mg LF kg−1 diet had higher growth performance and feed utilization parameters than the other groups. Hematological and liver antioxidant parameters were not affected by dietary LF supplementation. Fish fed the 800 mg LF kg−1 diet had higher plasma lysozyme activity values than the other groups. Total protease activity was higher in fish fed LF-supplemented diets than the control group. Results indicated that diet supplemented with 800 mg kg−1 for 8 weeks enhanced somatic growth performance, lysozyme activity, and proteolytic digestive enzyme activities in S. hasta, as well as improving feed efficiency parameters like the protein efficiency and feed conversion ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwanofungus camphoratus is a precious medicinal fungus endemic to Taiwan and has been used as traditional medicine for a long time. Many pharmacological studies have revealed that T. camphoratus possessed various biological activities, such as immunomodulatory effects, anticancer activity and liver protective function. The aim of this study is to investigate the non-specific and antigen (ovalbumin [OVA])-specific immunomodulation effects of solid-state cultivated powder of T. camphoratus (Leader Antrodia cinnamomea [LAC]) in BABL/c male mice. In non-specific and antigen-specific immune function studies, 8-week-old mice were orally administered with LAC for 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. The results have shown that the proliferation of splenic immune cells, phagocytic activity of macrophages and cytolytic activity of natural killer cells were enhanced by LAC. Additionally, LAC increased the levels of IL-2, TNF-α, INF-γ, GM-CSF and serum OVA-IgG and OVA-IgM. These findings provided evidences that LAC had the immunomodulation effects on both antigen-specific and non-specific immune responses in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, a feeding trial followed by a challenge test was performed to evaluate effects of six herbal formulae which were different combinations of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), chlorogenic acid (CGA) and allicin on growth performance, non‐specific immune response, antioxidant capacity, disease resistance and biomolecule damage of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimp were fed seven diets, control diet (basal diet with no herbal formulae) and six herbal formula diets (G1–G6, basal diet supplemented with 0.1% APS + 0.05% allicin, 0.1% APS + 0.1% allicin, 0.1% CGA + 0.05% allicin, 0.1% CGA + 0. 1% allicin, 0.1% APS + 0.1% CGA and 0.1% APS + 0.1% CGA + 0.05% allicin respectively), for 21 days. After that, shrimp were challenged with Vibrio harveyi and then the cumulative mortality of shrimp was recorded for 7 days post challenge. The results showed that there were no significant differences in growth performance among all groups, while the non‐specific immune responses and antioxidant indexes were significantly improved (p < .05) in shrimp fed herbal formula diets when compared to the control. Meanwhile, the lowest cumulative mortality was observed in shrimp fed herbal formula diets with 0.1% APS, 0.1% CGA and 0.05% allicin supplementation after V. harveyi challenge. Additionally, herbal formulae could not cause biomolecule damage to the hepatopancreas of shrimp. In conclusion, these results indicated that synergistic effect of APS, CGA and allicin helped to boost immunity, antioxidant capacity and disease resistance of shrimp without biomolecule damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioflocs are rich in various probiotics and bioactive compounds, which play an important role in improving growth and health status of aquatic organisms. A 60-day experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of biofloc on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, physiological stress, antioxidant status, expression of immune-related genes and disease resistance of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus . Juvenile sea cucumbers were fed five experimental diets containing graded levels of biofloc from 0% to 20% (referred as B0, B5, B10, B15 and B20, respectively). The results showed that the sea cucumbers at dietary supplementation levels of 10%–15% biofloc had significantly higher specific growth rate (SGR) compared to control group (diet B0). Digestive enzyme activity increased with the increasing of dietary biofloc level, while no significant difference was found between diets B15 and B20. Dietary supplementation of biofloc also had significant influences on physiological stress parameters except for lactate. There was no significant discrepancy in total coelomocytes counts (TCC) in coelomic fluid of sea cucumber between the treatments. Phagocytosis and respiratory burst of cellular immune at 15% and 20% biofloc levels were significantly higher than those of control group. Significant increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS), lysozyme (LSZ), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities of sea cucumber were found at highest dietary supplementation level of 20% biofloc. The expression patterns of immune-related genes (i.e., Hsp90, Hsp70, p105, Rel, NOS and LSZ) in tissues of sea cucumber were analyzed between the experimental diets, and a general trend of up-regulation was observed at higher biofloc levels. Furthermore, dietary 10%–20% biofloc significantly reduced cumulative mortality of sea cucumber after being challenged with Vibrio splendidus . In conclusion, dietary supplementation of biofloc could improve growth performance of A. japonicus , by increasing digestive enzyme activity, releasing physiological stress, enhancing immune response and disease resistance of sea cucumber. The suitable supplemental level of approximately 15% biofloc was recommended in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with cottonseed meal (CM) on growth and immune characteristics of juvenile Ussuri catfish Pseudobagrus ussuriensis . Seven isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain CM to replace fish meal at 0 (C0, control), 10 (C10), 20 (C20), 30 (C30), 40 (C40), 50 (C50) and 60% (C60), respectively. The replacement level up to 30% did not affect the weight gain and specific growth rate, whereas these parameters were depressed by further replacement level. The apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein and crude lipid decreased with increasing dietary CM level. Fish fed C60 diet had the lowest hepatic total antioxidant capacity but the highest malondialdehyde level. The activities of serum lysozyme, plasma myeloperoxidase and plasma alkaline phosphatase decreased as the proportion of CM increased. Conversely, the inclusion of CM increased the plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. The highest heat shock protein 70 gene expression level was observed in fish fed the C60 diet. In addition, percent mortality increased after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila . Percent mortality of fish fed the C60 diet was significantly higher than the other groups. Broken-line model analysis based on WG against dietary CM replacement level indicated that the optimum replacement level was 25.3%. However, including too high proportion of CM could depress the antioxidant capacity, non-specific immune response and resistance to A. hydrophila infection of Ussuri catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on antioxidant abilities, non-specific immune responses, and immune protective efficacy (attacked by Aeromonas hydrophila) of Eriocheir sinensis, the most important Chinese freshwater crabs. A total of 720 crabs (initial mean weight 10.27 ± 1.58 g) were fed 60 days with six kinds of experimental diets containing graded dosages of APS (0, 300, 600, 900, 1200, 1500 mg/kg diets) in 18 outdoor cement tanks. The results showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), lysozyme (LZM), and phenoloxidase (PO) activities of serum significantly increased ( P < 0.05) with increasing APS dosages (0-900 mg/kg diets), but alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities of serum did not significantly changed ( P > 0.05); SOD, CAT, T-AOC, LZM, AKP, and ACP activities of hepatopancreas significantly increased ( P < 0.05) with increasing APS dosages (0-1200 mg/kg diets); the increased maximal multiples of LZM and PO activities were higher than SOD, CAT, and T-AOC which increased. The results of A. hydrophila attack test showed that mortality rates significantly decreased ( P < 0.05) with increasing APS dosages (0-600 mg/kg diets), and the highest immune protective rate was 49.4%. In short, APS could help E. sinensis to improve immune responses and may reduce the risk of disease attacks as one kind of effective immunopotentiator in diets, and the best additive dosage was 1200 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okadaic acid (OA) is produced by dinoflagellates during harmful algal blooms and is a diarrhetic shellfish-poisoning (DSP) toxin. This toxin is particularly problematic for bivalves that are cultured for human consumption. This study aimed to reveal the effects of exposure to OA on the non-specific immune responses of bay scallop, Argopecten irradians . Various immunological parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lysozyme activities, and total protein level) were assessed in the hemolymph of bay scallops at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h post-exposure (hpe) to different concentrations (50, 100, and 500 nM) of OA. Moreover, the expression of immune system-related genes ( MnSOD , PrxV , PGRP , and BD ) was also measured. Results showed that SOD and ACP activities were decreased between 12 and 48 hpe. The ALP, lysozyme activities, and total protein levels were also modulated after exposure to different concentrations of OA. The expression of immune-system-related genes was also assessed at different time points during the exposure period. Overall, our results suggest that the exposure to OA had negative effects on the antioxidant and non-specific immune responses, and even disrupted the metabolism of bay scallops, making them more vulnerable to environmental stress-inducing agents; they provide a better understanding of the response status of bivalves against DSP toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is investigating the effect of minor bupleurum decoction (Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction) on the non-specific immune response of white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ). To determine prophenoloxidase activity (proPO), reactive oxygen species production (ROS), superoxide anion production (O 2 − ), nitric oxide production (NO), phagocytic rate (PR), phagocytic index (PI), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), total haemocyte count (THC) and differential haemocyte count (DHC). In this experiment, treating with different dosages (0, 0.25, 0.5 and, 1%) of minor bupleurum decoction to detect immune parameters on day 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Result is shown that 0.25% treatment significantly enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and, 0.25 and 1% treatment significantly increased the ROS production, nitric oxide (NO) production and phagocytic rate (PR) moreover, 0.5 and 1% treatment induced the proPO activity and superoxide anion (O 2 − ) production. Evidence exactly indicated that minor bupleurum decoction is able to enhance the non-specific immunity responses of white shrimp via in vivo examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 9-week feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary biotin levels on growth performance and non-specific immune response of large yellow croaker. Fish (6.16 ± 0.09 g) were fed twice daily to apparent satiation with diets containing 0.00 (as the basal diet), 0.01, 0.05, 0.25, 1.24 and 6.22 mg biotin kg−1 diet. Results showed that fish fed the basal diet had the lowest survival rate, and fish fed 0.05 mg kg−1 dietary biotin achieved significantly higher final weight and weight gain. Dietary biotin levels had no significant influence on carcass crude lipid, moisture and ash content, but significantly influenced the carcass crude protein. Liver biotin concentration significantly increased with the supplementation of biotin, but no tissue saturation was found within the supplementation scope of biotin. Broken-line regression analysis of weight gain showed that juvenile large yellow croaker requires a minimum dietary biotin of 0.039 mg kg−1 for maximal growth. The analyses of serum parameters showed that the moderate- (0.05 mg kg−1) and high-dose (6.22 mg kg−1) dietary biotin significantly improved both lysozyme and alternative complement pathway activities, indicating dietary biotin within a certain range could improve the non-specific immune response of large yellow croaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-Oxide-Quaternary Alkaloid Fraction ( NOQAF) of a Chlorophycean macroalga, Caulerpa scalpelliformis (R.Br.) C. Ag f. denticulata (Deaisne) Weber van Bosse (Patent filed) was intraperitoneally administered at different doses (0, 2, 20 or 200 mg kg−1 body weight) in different groups of Channa striata to assess its effect on the non-specific immune responses and disease resistance against live virulent Aeromonas hydrophila. A reference positive control [ MacroGard ( Biotec Pharmacon ASA, Norway) 20 mg kg−1 body weight] was simultaneously maintained to compare its efficacy. The fraction ( NOQAF) has been found to enhance the serum lysozyme, peroxidase, antiprotease and alternate complement activities and the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production and peroxidase activity by the peripheral blood leucocytes than the control group during the study period. On experimental challenge with live virulent A. hydrophila, maximum RPS values of 88.8 and 87.4 were noted in the groups treated with single dose of 20 mg kg−1 and double dose of 2 mg kg−1 of NOQAF respectively. In conclusion, the intraperitoneal administration of the N-Oxide-Quaternary Alkaloid Fraction ( NOQAF) of C. scalpelliformis has been found to significantly enhance the non-specific immune responses and disease resistance against A. hydrophila in Channa striata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunostimulatory effect of phospholipopeptide biosurfactant from Staphylococcus hominis (GenBank Accession No: KJ564272 ) was assessed with Oreochromis mossambicus . The non-specific (serum lysozyme activity, serum antiprotease activity, serum peroxidase activity and serum bactericidal activity), specific (bacterial agglutination assay) immune responses and disease resistance activity against Aeromonas hydrophila were examined. Fish were intraperitonially injected with water soluble secondary metabolite (biosurfactant) of S. hominis at a dose of 2 mg, 20 mg and 200 mg kg −1 body weight. Commercial surfactant surfactin (sigma) at 20 mg kg −1 was used as standard and saline as negative control. All the doses of water soluble biosurfactant tested, significantly enhanced the specific, nonspecific immunity and disease resistance from the day of post administration of phospholipopeptide biosurfactant till the tail of the experimental period. These results clearly indicated that the secondary metabolite isolated from S. hominis stimulates the immunity of finfish thereby could enhance aquaculture production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a commercially available compound probiotics product containing Bacillus subtilis YB-1 (50%) and Bacillus cereus YB-2 (50%) fed to sea cucumbers, Apostichopus japonicus ( Selenka) on challenge infections and non-specific immune responses was assessed. Sea cucumbers (were randomly allocated into nine aquariums at a density of 30 sea cucumbers per tank and triplicate groups) were fed diets containing 0 (control), 107 and 1010 cfu (g diet)−1 of the probiotics mixture for 32 days. The growth factors and immunological parameters were measured. In addition, the effects on resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus infection were also evaluated. The results indicate that all the immunological parameters (phagocytic activity, superoxide anion production, lysozyme activity, catalase activity and phenoloxidase activity) measured and the growth rate of sea cucumbers fed 1010 cfu of the probiotics mixture were significantly ( P < 0.05) improved than control groups at 16 and 32 days. After challenging, the cumulative mortality for the control was 100%, whereas the cumulative mortality for sea cucumbers fed 1010 cfu of the probiotics mixture was 47% ( P < 0.05). Although the total autochthonous intestinal heterotrophic bacterial counts were not affected by dietary treatment ( P > 0.05), Bacillus sp. levels were significantly elevated in sea cucumbers fed the probiotics mixture ( P < 0.05). These results confirmed that administration of the probiotics mixture in the diet stimulated non-specific immune responses and enhanced the growth performance of sea cucumbers, and was effective in controlling infections caused by V. alginolyticus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile Pagrus major (mean length 15.8 ± 1.6 cm, and mean weight 90.4 ± 4.7 g) were exposed for 4 weeks with waterborne selenium concentration (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg L −1 ). In oxidative stress indicators, liver and gill superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were markedly elevated after 4 weeks exposure. Similarly, glutathione (GSH) level in liver and gill was also increased in response to the highest Se exposure after 4 weeks exposure. In neurotoxicity, AChE activity was inhibited in brain and muscle tissues by waterborne Se exposure. In the non-specific immune responses, lysozyme activity of plasma and kidney was significantly increased by waterborne Se exposure. Peroxidase activity and anti-protease activity were decreased at high Se concentration. The results suggest that waterborne Se exposure can induce significant oxidative stress, inhibition of AChE activity, and immunological alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with rubber seed meal (RSM) on growth, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immune response and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus ). Five experimental diets were formulated with 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40% RSM replacing graded levels of SBM, respectively. Fish were fed one of the five experimental diets for eight weeks, and then challenged by A. hydrophila via intraperitoneal injection and kept for seven days. Dietary RSM inclusion level up to 30% did not affect the weight gain and daily growth coefficient, whereas these were depressed by a further inclusion. Fish fed diet with 40% RSM showed the lowest serum total antioxidant capacity, lysozyme, alternative complement pathway, respiratory burst and phagocytic activities. Dietary RSM inclusion gradually depressed the post-challenge survival rate, and that was significantly lower in fish fed diet with 40% RSM compared to fish fed the control diet. Conversely, the inclusion of RSM generally increased the serum total cholesterol level, the plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, and these were significantly higher in fish fed diet with 40% RSM compared to fish fed the control diet. The results indicated that RSM can be included at level up to 30% in diet for tilapia without obvious adverse effects on the growth, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immune response and resistance to A. hydrophila infection, whereas these were depressed by a further inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of polysaccharide from Enteromorpha prolifera (PEP2) on the non-specific immune responses of sea cucumber. The non-specific humoral and cellular responses were determined, and sea cucumbers were challenged by Vibrio splendidus. The results indicate that PEP2 had no significant effect on the total coelomocyte counts. Both phagocytic capacity and respiratory burst activity were significantly increased by PEP2. Among the humoral responses, the activities of acid phosphatase, catalase and superoxide dismutase of sea cucumber were significantly enhanced by PEP2. However, no difference in alkaline phosphatase activity was observed between the experimental and control groups. In the challenge test, we found that PEP2 decreased the mortality rate of sea cucumbers and enhanced their resistance to V. splendidus. Thus, PEP2 could enhance the non-specific immune activity of sea cucumbers. PEP2 exhibited potent immunomodulatory properties and can be explored as a novel potential immunostimulant of sea cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the immune-enhancing activity of ophiopogon polysaccharide liposome (OPL). In non-specific immune response experiment, the phagocytosis and cytokines secretion of peritoneal macrophages in vitro and in vivo were performed. In specific immune response experiment, the activity of OPL was measured on chickens which were vaccinated with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine and then challenged with ND virus at 49-old-day. The results showed that OPL could significantly promote the phagocytosis of macrophages and induce the secretion of IL-2 and IL-6 in vitro; OPL at high and medium doses could significantly improve the phagocytosic index, promote lymphocyte proliferation, increase the proportion of T lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4 + and CD8 + ), enhance antibody titer and improve the protective rate in vivo. Moreover, its efficacy was significantly better than ophiopogon polysaccharide (OP). These results indicated that the immune-enhancing activity of OP was significantly improved after encapsulated with liposome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the subpopulations of coelomocytes of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus were identified with differential-interference microscope and flow cytometry (FCM). The immunostimulatory potential of crude lentinan (cLNT) from shiitake mushrooms ( Lentinus edodes) on A. japonicus was then investigated both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the coelomocytes of A. japonicus were incubated with different concentrations of cLNT (0, 2.5, 7.5, 22.5 mg/L) for 1 h, and immuno assays were performed. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that phagocytic activity and viability of coelomocytes increased significantly with cLNT treatment. Biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase activity in coelomocytes. In vivo, the immunostimulatory effect of cLNT on coelomocytes was investigated with FCM by feeding A. japonicus with cLNT-supplemented or control diet for 24 days. The phagocytic activity of coelomocytes in cLNT treatment group was significantly increased at 4, 8 and 12 days of feeding. The viability of coelomocytes was increased after 8 days of feeding. At 4, 8, 12 and 18 days of feeding, the number of small-sized and low granularity coelomocytes was reduced, while the number of large-sized and high granularity coelomocytes was increased compared to control diet. Collectively, our in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that cLNT derived from L. edodes clearly reveals immunostimulating effects on A. japonicus by increasing the viability and phagocytic activity of coelomocytes, and these findings suggest that dietary supplementation of cLNT might further improve the commercial production of sea cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arachidonic acid (ARA) involves in lipid metabolism, biological processes and immune response of animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of ARA on the antioxidant capacity, immune response and intestinal health of Eriocheir sinensis. A 84-day feeding experiment was conducted using six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic semi-purified diets containing 0.11% (control group, G1), 1.20% (G2), 2.37% (G3), 3.52% (G4), 4.76% (G5) and 7.39% (G6) ARA of total fatty acids. Four replicates of crabs (initial body weight, 1.01 ± 0.12 g) were fed one of the experimental diets at satiety level. Dietary ARA level did not affect the THC and phagocytic activity of crabs (P > 0.05), but RBs activity in G4 was significantly higher than that in G6 (P < 0.05). Dietary ARA significantly enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT, GST and GPx (P < 0.05). For two antibacterial genes, the highest gene expression of lysozyme was found in G5 (P < 0.05), the highest gene expression of crustin was found in G5 and G6 (P < 0.05), in contrast, the moderate dietary ARA levels (1.20%–3.52% of total fatty acids) significantly inhibited their gene expression (P < 0.05). Higher dietary ARA level significantly decreased the gene expression of IL-1β and TNF-α (P < 0.05), which indicated that ARA might be linked to reduced inflammation. Furthermore, dietary ARA significantly affected the intestinal microbiota composition (P < 0.05), and the opportunistic pathogens, including Shewanella , Vibrio , Citrobacter , Candidatus_ Bacilloplasma , Dysgonomonas , were enriched in the intestines of crabs fed with the lowest or highest ARA level. In conclusion, dietary ARA enhanced the antioxidant capacity, immune response and intestinal health of E. sinensis , indicating that moderate ARA supplementation in the diet could be a valuable measure towards establishing the commercial culture of crabs. • Non-specific immune response (RBs activity, gene expression of lysozyme and crustin) was significantly affected by dietary ARA. • Optimum dietary ARA significantly enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT, GST and GPx. • Higher ARA inhibits the inflammatory response by decreasing the gene expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. • Several opportunistic pathogens were enriched in the intestines of crabs fed with the lowest or highest ARA level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four experimental diets were fed to turbot to examine the effect of fish hydrolysate and ultra-filtered fish hydrolysate on growth performance, feed utilization and non-specific immune response. Fish hydrolysate was produced by enzymatic treatment and size fractionated using ultra-filtration ( UF). The permeate (molecular weight <1000 Da) after UF and the non-ultra-filtered fish hydrolysate ( NUF) were tested as feed ingredients. Diets UF1, UF2 contained 3.7%, 1.2% ultra-filtered fish hydrolysate to replace fish meal protein respectively. The diets UF1, NUF were identical in composition except that the molecular weight of fish hydrolysate in the diet. Fish meal was used in the control diet. All diets were made equal in protein, lipid and energy. Each experimental diet was fed to juvenile turbot (27.87 ± 0.04 g) in triplicate for 8 weeks. Results of this study indicate that the best overall growth and feed utilization of turbot juveniles were obtained with a diet containing higher dose of the small molecular weight compounds in fish hydrolysate. Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme and superoxide dismutase activity in serum were not affected by diet. Total antioxidant capacity was improved with increasing level of low molecule weight fish hydrolysate ( UF1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that Pneumocystis reaches a >90% prevalence peak at 3–5 months of age and associates with increased mucus (MUC5AC), suggesting airway epithelium stimulation in infants during this age range. Host ability to clear mucus would determine pathogenic expression.Background. Pneumocystis without obvious accompanying pathology is occasionally reported in autopsied infant lungs. Its prevalence and significance are unknown. Interestingly, this mild infection induces a strong activation of mucus secretion–related genes in young immunocompetent rodents that has not been explored in infants. Excess mucus is induced by multiple airway offenders through nonspecific pathways and would explain a cofactor role of Pneumocystis in respiratory disease. We undertook characterization of the prevalence of Pneumocystis and associated mucus in infant lungs.Methods. Samples from 128 infants (mean age, 101 days) who died suddenly and unexpectedly in Santiago during 1999–2004 were examined for Pneumocystis using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) amplification of the P. jirovecii mtLSU ribosomal RNA gene and immunofluorescence microscopy (IF). Pneumocystis-negative infants 28 days and older and their age-closest positives were studied for MUC5AC expression and Pneumocystis burden by Western blot and quantitative PCR, respectively.Results. Pneumocystis DNA was detected by nPCR in 105 of the 128 infants (82.0%) and Pneumocystis organisms were visualized by IF in 99 (94.3%) of the DNA-positive infants. The infection was commonest at 3–4 months with 40 of 41 (97.6%) infants of that age testing positive. MUC5AC was significantly increased in Pneumocystis-positive tissue specimens (P = .013). Death was unexplained in 113 (88.3%) infants; Pneumocystis was detected in 95 (84.0%) of them vs 10 of 15 (66.7%) with explained death (P = .28).Conclusions. A highly focal Pneumocystis infection associated to increased mucus expression is almost universally present in the lungs of infants dying unexpectedly in the community regardless of autopsy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of dietary cholesterol on antioxidant capacity, non-specific immune response and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed soybean meal-based diets. Fish were fed diets supplemented with graded cholesterol levels (0 [control], 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5%) for nine weeks. The fish were then challenged by A. hydrophila and their survival rate recorded for the next week. Dietary cholesterol supplementation generally increased the serum and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) activities, but decreased the serum and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Further, the hepatic CAT and serum SOD, CAT, and TAC activities were significantly higher in fish fed diets supplemented with 0.9 or 1.2% cholesterol compared to those fed the control diet, whereas the serum and hepatic MDA contents were significantly lower. The respiratory burst activity, alternative complement activity, and hepatic lysozyme activity increased steadily when the supplemental cholesterol was increased by up to 1.2% and then declined with further addition. The serum lysozyme activity and phagocytic activity increased steadily with increasing dietary supplemental cholesterol level up to 0.9% and then declined with further addition. Dietary cholesterol supplementation generally enhanced the protection against A. hydrophila infection, and fish fed diets supplemented with 0.9 or 1.2% cholesterol exhibited the highest post-challenge survival rate. The results indicated that cholesterol may be under-supplied in rainbow trout fed soybean meal-based diets, and dietary cholesterol supplementation (0.9–1.2%) contributed to improved immune response and disease resistance of rainbow trout against A. hydrophila. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]