Search Results (1,175)

Background/Objectives: Despite advances in ulcer treatment research, the search for new, safe, and effective strategies for preventing and treating ulcer diseases persists. Methods: In this study, the protective effects of dietary supplementation with krill oil (KO), fish oil (FO), and astaxanthin (ASX) on an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model were compared during biochemical and histological observations. Sprague–Dawley (n = 64) rats randomly divided into four groups—normal control (vehicle), KO, FO, and ASX groups—received the supplements via the orogastric route at a rate of 2.5% (v/w) of their daily feed consumption for 4 weeks. Then, ulcer induction was performed with ethanol. Results: The ulcer group showed increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), chemiluminescence (CL), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and decreased levels of glutathione in the gastric tissues. While KO, FO, and ASX supplementation decreased chemiluminescence levels in the ulcer group, only ASX supplementation decreased MDA levels and MPO activity. Conclusions: In conclusion, supplementation with KO or FO has a similar protective effect against ethanol-induced ulcer damage, as it inhibits ROS formation and reduces lipid peroxidation. However, ASX supplementation has a higher protective effect than KO or FO supplementations against experimental ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats, as it inhibits ROS formation and reduces neutrophil infiltration and lipid peroxidation. Full article

This study examined the metabolic rate (MO₂, oxygen consumption) of goldfish (Carassius auratus) under normal management conditions in aquaculture. Using an intermittent respirometry system, we assessed daily variations and the effects of feeding, handling, temperature increase, and anesthetics. MO₂ exhibited a daily rhythm, with higher values during day. Feeding to satiety produced a 35% increase in MO₂ compared to fasted animals, with a maximum peak after 3 h and returning to baseline after 7 h. Handling stress (5 min) produced a 140% MO₂ peak (from 180 to 252 mg O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹), returning to the routine MO₂ after 2.5 h. An increase in water temperature (+0.1 °C min⁻¹) up to 30 °C caused MO₂ to peak at 200% after 2.5 h from the start of the temperature increase. The use of common anesthetics in aquaculture (MS-222, 2-phenoxyethanol and clove oil in deep anesthesia concentration) affects MO₂ during the first few minutes after anesthetic recovery, but also during the following 4 h. It can be concluded that the metabolic rate is a good indicator of the goldfish’s response to aquaculture practices involving energy expenditure and stress. Thus, intermittent respirometry is a valuable non-invasive tool for understanding and improving fish welfare in aquaculture. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to compare diet-induced obesity (DIO) models in zebrafish and investigate the complications and differences between sexes in biochemical and inflammatory parameters. Methods: Adult animals of both sexes were divided into four groups (n = 50) and fed for eight weeks: control group 1: Artemia sp. (15–30 mg/day/fish); control group 2: commercial fish food (3.5% of average weight); obesity group 1: pasteurized egg yolk powder + soybean oil (5% of average weight); obesity group 2: Artemia sp. (60–120 mg/day/fish). Dietary intake, caloric intake and efficiency, body mass index, biochemical, inflammatory, behavioral, histopathological, and stereological parameters, and inflammation-related gene expression were investigated. Results: Obesity group 1 was the most indicated to investigate changes in the anxious behavioral profile (p < 0.05), triglyceride elevation [52.67 (1.2) mg/dL], adipocyte hypertrophy [67.8 (18.1) µm²; p = 0.0004], and intestinal inflammation. Obesity group 2 was interesting to investigate in terms of weight gain [167 mg; p < 0.0001), changes in fasting glucose [48.33 (4.14) mg/dL; p = 0.003), and inflammatory parameters [IL-6: 4.24 (0.18) pg/mL; p = 0.0015]. Conclusions: Furthermore, both DIO models evaluated in the present study were effective in investigating hepatic steatosis. The data also highlighted that sex influences inflammatory changes and fasting blood glucose levels, which were higher in males (p > 0.05). The results show new metabolic routes to be explored in relation to DIO in zebrafish. Full article

The dietary presence of feed additives is crucial for boosting fish growth and immunity. Accordingly, this feeding trial aimed to investigate the effects of the separate and concurrent dietary supplementation of Spirulina platensis (SP) and bitter lemon (Citrus limon) peel essential oil (LEO) on the growth, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four groups of male Nile tilapia were employed. The first group (control) was given the basal diet, while the second and third groups received the basal diet supplemented with LEO extract (1%) and SP (1 g/kg diet), respectively. The fourth group received the basal diet supplemented with a mix of LEO (1%) and SP at 1 g/kg. After two months of feeding, using LEO or/and SP improved the overall growth and immunological parameters, with their combination yielding the best outcomes. The supplementation of LEO or/and SP improved the Nile tilapia’s growth metrics and transcriptomic levels of growth-regulating genes such as (oligo-peptide transporter 1 (Pep1), growth hormone receptors 1 (GHR1), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF1). The improved growth performance was linked to significant increases in the expression levels of mucin and fat metabolism-related genes. Moreover, fish supplemented with LEO, SP, or their combination showed enhanced non-specific immunological measures, including phagocytic and lysozyme activities and the mRNA copies of its regulating genes. Additionally, remarkable increases in the antioxidant enzyme activities and the mRNA levels of their related genes were detected. The complement (C3) gene’s transcriptomic level was also significantly increased. Furthermore, the dietary supplementation of LEO, SP, or their combination improved the histological structures of the spleen, hepatopancreas, and intestine. The enhanced effects of LEO, SP, or their combination on fish immunity and growth are suggested to be due to their contents of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Thus, using the LOE and SP blends as feed additives is recommended for better growth and immunity of Nile tilapia. Full article

The increasing presence of Anisakis spp. in fish is having significant implications for public health due to a rise in cases of anisakiasis. Given this situation, there is a critical need to develop new strategies to fight this parasite. Satureja montana L., commonly known as savory, is a plant recognized in folk medicine for its therapeutic activity, such as being antispasmodic and digestive, among other properties. The aim of this study was to assess the nematicide activity against A. simplex larvae of the essential oil from two varieties of S. montana (subsp. montana (SMM) and variegata (SMV)). The essential oils were obtained via hydro-distillation of the flowering aerial parts. In vitro assays demonstrated the complete inactivation of anisakis larvae after 24 h when exposed to both essential oils, along with a significant reduction in their penetration capacity. Moreover, both essential oils showed an inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). No differences between the subspecies were observed in any of the assays. Hence, the nematicidal activity of essential oils could be attributed to their capacity to inhibit AChE. These findings suggest the potential of S. montana essential oil for therapeutic and food industry applications. Full article

The encapsulation of fish oil by monoaxial electrospraying using kafirin or zein proteins as hydrophobic wall materials was investigated. Kafirin resulted in spherical fish oil-loaded nanocapsules (>50% of capsules below 1 µm), whereas zein led to fish oil-loaded nanocapsules with non-spherical morphology (>80% of capsules below 1 µm). Both hydrophobic encapsulating materials interacted with fish oil, successfully entrapping the oil within the protein matrix as indicated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy results. FTIR also suggested hydrogen bonding between fish oil and the proteins. Trapped radicals in the encapsulation matrix that were detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), indicated oxidation during electrospraying and storage. Results from isothermal (140 °C) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) denoted that the encapsulation of fish oil by electrospraying using both kafirin or zein as wall materials protected fish oil from oxidation. In particular, the zein-based nanocapsules were 3.3 times more oxidatively stable than the kafirin-based nanocapsules, which correlates with the higher oil encapsulation efficiency found for zein-based capsules. Thus, this study shows that kafirin might be considered a hydrophobic wall material for the encapsulation of fish oil by electrospraying, although it prevented lipid oxidation to a lower extent when compared to zein. Full article

This study investigates the effects of the essential oil from Amomum villosum (EOA) on liver-protective effects in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates physiological assessments and transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Fish were fed diets containing 2 g/kg of EOA over a 56-day trial, with a no-EOA diet serving as the control. The results demonstrate that EOA supplementation improves liver histology, enhances antioxidant capacities, and reduces inflammation in tilapia. The transcriptomic analysis revealed significant alterations in gene expression profiles related to RNA splicing, metabolism, and disease pathways. The identification of differential genes and disease databases identified key target genes associated with the primary component of EOA for its anti-hepatobiliary disease effects. Furthermore, a molecular docking analysis of EOA major components with core differentially expressed genes in the hepatobiliary syndrome indicated that α-pinene is a potential Hsp90 inhibitor, which may prevent inflammation. A metabolomic analysis further demonstrated that EOA supplementation leads to notable changes in liver phospholipids, fatty acids, and carbohydrate metabolism. These findings underscore the potential of EOA as a natural additive for improving liver health in tilapia, offering valuable insights to the aquaculture industry for enhancing fish health and welfare in intensive farming systems. Full article

In mariculture facilities, bacterial infections pose significant production challenges, with potentially catastrophic impacts on fish species. Bacterial co-infections are a widespread phenomenon in the natural marine environment, although their impact on aquatic organisms remains poorly investigated. This study aimed to detail the pathological findings associated with a natural bacterial co-infection caused by three different pathogens, namely Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida, Tenacibaculum maritimum and Vibrio sp., as the cause of mass mortality in European sea bass. The fish had been reared in open-net cages in Sicily and later transferred for experimental research purposes to a user establishment after immunization with an inactivated vaccine. Macroscopic, cytological and histopathological examinations were performed on 109 animals, and bacterial species were identified by the 16S rRNA gene. Overall, ulcerative skin lesions, necrotizing myositis and tail rot with occasional tail loss were associated with tenacibaculosis and vibriosis, while P. damselae subsp. piscicida mainly caused granulomatous inflammation in the spleen and head kidney. Finally, an injection site reaction due to the oil-adjuvanted vaccine administered intraperitoneally was observed in the abdominal fat. Understanding the impact of bacterial pathogens is essential to manage the health and welfare of farmed fish, and the importance of a good health monitoring program cannot be overstated to avoid outbreaks and the possible emergence of new pathogens due to the intensification of the production systems, antibiotic resistance and climate changes. The study would also highlight the importance of the quarantine period when animals supplied for research come from aquaculture farms and how the main goal in the near future should be to better define the procedures to provide completely pathogen-free animals. Full article

This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of a mixture of botanical compounds and essential oil (Phyto AquaMeric, PAM) on the growth, immune and antioxidant parameters and environmental benefits in Nile tilapia. Two diets including a control and a PAM-supplemented diet at 0.5 g kg⁻¹ were prepared for the trial. The diets were isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isoenergetic (17 MJ kg⁻¹) extruded diets. Nile tilapia weighing initially 74.22 ± 1.96 g fish⁻¹ were stocked in 2 m³ hapas at a density of 20 fish per m³ (40 fish per hapa). Each group was tested in triplicates over 80 days. The antioxidant potential of PAM was compared to vitamin C through KRL test, showing a higher value from 35 to 100 mg. The in vivo trial did not exhibit any significant growth performance improvement. However, the PAM group had a significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Moreover, the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Malondialdehyde (MDA), immune parameters (ACH50, lysozyme, phagocytic and phenoloxidase activities), digestive enzymes and hepatic enzymes were significantly improved in the PAM-fed group. An evaluation of eutrophication potential of PAM supplementation revealed a low input in the system. In conclusion, this mixture of botanicals and essential oil exhibited in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential, improved health and digestive parameters and contributed to a reduced eutrophication risk in the tilapia production system. Full article

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has long been associated with several health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The MedDiet is characterized by a high consumption of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, along with a moderate intake of red meat and red wine with meals. Some studies report significant differences between men and women in susceptibility to obesity, with women at a higher prevalence of obesity than men. One unexplored aspect, however, concerns the sex difference in MedDiet adherence, which could be influenced by various factors, such as health perceptions, food preferences, and cultural influences. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and impact of MedDiet adherence in men and women, with a focus on its influence on health and well-being, as well as its ability to promote sex equity in healthcare outcomes. Moreover, we aim to measure the overall health improvements in men and women participating in a MedDiet program, including changes in body composition and overall quality of life. This study highlights that the MedDiet is associated with more significant body weight loss in women, although their increase in MedDiet adherence was lower than in men. Trial registration: NCT01890070. Registered 24 June 2013. Full article

Plant extracts, derived from various natural sources, encompass primary and secondary metabolites, which include plant polysaccharides, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenes, and volatile oils. These compounds exhibit a range of biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial functions. Currently, polyphenols and other bioactive compounds are being incorporated into the diets of farm animals, fish, and pets to promote health benefits. Despite this, the application and potential of plant extracts in canine and feline nutrition have not been comprehensively explored. Many aspects of the mechanisms underlying the action of these plant metabolites remain to be analyzed and elucidated. Furthermore, leveraging natural plant extracts for the treatment of clinical conditions in dogs and cats is a crucial component of clinical nutrition. Consequently, this review aims to highlight the impact of plant extracts on overall health, gastrointestinal health, immune health, cardiovascular health, redox balance, and pathology in dogs and cats. Full article

In the era of the blue bio-economy, which promotes the sustainable utilization and exploitation of marine resources for economic growth and development, the fisheries and aquaculture industries still face huge sustainability issues. One of the major challenges of these industries is associated with the generation and management of wastes, which pose a serious threat to human health and the environment if not properly treated. In the best-case scenario, fishery and aquaculture waste is processed into low-value commodities such as fishmeal and fish oil. However, this renewable organic biomass contains a number of highly valuable bioproducts, including enzymes, bioactive peptides, as well as functional proteins and polysaccharides. Marine-derived enzymes are known to have unique physical, chemical and catalytic characteristics and are reported to be superior to those from plant and animal origins. Moreover, it has been established that enzymes from marine species possess cold-adapted properties, which makes them interesting from technological, economic and sustainability points of view. Therefore, this review centers around enzymes from fishery and aquaculture waste, with a special focus on proteases, lipases, carbohydrases, chitinases and transglutaminases. Additionally, the use of fishery and aquaculture waste as a substrate for the production of industrially relevant microbial enzymes is discussed. The application of emerging technologies (i.e., artificial intelligence and machine learning) in microbial enzyme production is also presented. Full article

The heightened inflammatory response observed in COVID-19 patients suggests that omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) may confer anti-inflammatory benefits. This randomized, double-blind, single-center clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effect of O3FA supplementation in parenteral nutrition (PN) on inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 69 patients were randomized into three groups: one received standard lipid emulsion, and two received O3FA (Omegaven^®) at doses of 0.1 g/kg/day and 0.2 g/kg/day, respectively, in addition to Smoflipid^®. The primary outcomes measured were serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on days 1, 5, and 10 of PN initiation. Secondary outcomes included additional inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1Ra, CXCL10), hepatic function, triglyceride levels, and clinical outcomes such as mortality and length of ICU and hospital stay. Results indicated a significant reduction in CRP, IL-6, and CXCL10 levels in the group receiving 0.1 g/kg/day O3FA compared to the control. Additionally, the higher O3FA dose was associated with a shorter ICU and hospital stay. These findings suggest that O3FA supplementation in PN may reduce inflammation and improve clinical outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Full article

In fish, increasing the crude lipid level of feed can save protein and improve feed utilization. Mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most widely farmed fish species in the world. In this study, mirror carp larvae were fed isonitrogenous diets with different lipid levels (3%, 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, and 13%). The rearing trial lasted for eight weeks. The results revealed that when the fat content was 9%, the AWGR, WGR, and FCR were highest, whereas FCR was lowest. The AWGR was correlated with the dietary lipid level, and the regression equation was y = −2.312x² + 45.01x + 214.49. Compared with those in the control group, the T-CHO and TG contents were significantly greater in the 13% lipid content groups and significantly lower in the 9% lipid content groups (p < 0.05). In terms of muscle quality, the contents of MUFAs, PUFAs, and DHA + EPA were significantly greater than those in the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Oil red O staining revealed a lipid content of 13% with severe fat deposition. In addition, the results of the analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity revealed that the activities of GSH, CAT and T-AOC were significantly greater at the 9% lipid content, and that the MDA content was significantly greater at the 13% lipid content (p < 0.05). Similarly, the mRNA levels of GH, IGF-I, FAS, and LPL were significantly highest at a lipid level of 9% (p < 0.05). The above results revealed that the optimal dietary lipid requirement for the fast growth of mirror carp (6.86 ± 0.95 g) was 9.74% on the basis of nonlinear regression analysis of the AWGR. The dietary lipid level (9%) improved the growth, stress resistance, and lipid utilization of mirror carp to a certain extent. Full article

There is significant demand for high-purity DHA in the pharmaceutical industry. Traditionally, this high-purity DHA is extracted from raw materials with relatively low DHA content (10–20%), such as fish oil. Recently, through electroporation-induced mutation, a high-DHA-content strain of Schizochytrium sp. GCD2032 was isolated. To further enhance its DHA production, optimizations were conducted on the culture medium and fermentation conditions (in shaking flasks), as well as different nitrogen source concentrations (in a 5 L fermenter) for biomass, fatty acid content, and DHA content (as a percentage of total fatty acids). In a 5 L fermenter, Schizochytrium sp. GCD2032 achieved a biomass of 50 g/L, with fatty acid content of 55.71% and DHA content of 61.29%. Notably, the DHA content reached an impressive 341.45 mg/g of dry weight. This strain consistently produces high levels of fatty acids and DHA, demonstrating significant potential for pharmaceutical applications. Full article