Chitosan nanogel aqueous treatment improved blood biochemicals, antioxidant capacity, immune response, immune-related gene expression and infection resistance of Nile tilapia

Ameliorative potential of Populus alba leaf powder against hexaflumuron exposure in Nile tilapia: immune-antioxidant, biochemical, histological, and transcriptomic analysis

Contamination of the aquatic bodies with pesticides is a serious issue that hinders the aquaculture industry worldwide. Preventing aquatic pollution is a challenge, and finding eco-friendly strategies could help to overcome such a problem. Herein, we studied the antagonistic potential of dietary fortification of white poplar (Populus alba; PA) leaf powder against chronic hexaflumuron (HX) toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (n = 200; 36.20 ± 1.55 g) were eventually grouped into four groups with five replicates and kept for 60 days. The C (control) and PA groups were fed basal diets fortified with 0 and 6 g PA/kg diet, respectively, without toxicant exposure. Additionally, the HX and PA + HX groups were exposed to 1/10 of 96-h lethal concentration 50 (96-h LC50) of HX (0.72 mg/L) and given the same diets as those of the C and PA groups, respectively. The biochemical, immune-antioxidant, survival, splenic gene expression, and tissue microstructure were assessed at the end of the exposure time. The outcomes of this research showed that exposure to HX resulted in biochemical disorders (elevated blood glucose, cortisol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine) in Nile tilapia. Immune suppression (lowered complement 3 and immunoglobulin M) and oxidative stress (lowered superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and higher malondialdehyde) were consequences of HX toxicity. The splenic expression of nuclear factor-kappa β65, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, and heme oxygenase-1 was down-regulated by HX exposure. Various pathological changes were noted as consequences of HX exposure in the liver, kidney, and spleen tissues. By feeding on the PA diet, the fish survivability was increased (90%) compared to the non-fed group (76%). Additionally, the biochemical disorders were modulated, and immune responses were enhanced due to PA feeding. Amelioration of the oxidative stress condition (by improving the antioxidant enzyme activity and lowering malondialdehyde) and the immune gene expression were noticed when the HX-exposed Nile tilapia were fed on the PA diet. A noticeable soothing effect was noticed by feeding on the PA diet against the pathological changes in the Nile tilapia tissues. Overall, feeding on a 6 g PA/kg diet ameliorates the detrimental consequences of HX toxicity in Nile tilapia.

Effects of Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. extracts on growth indices, body composition, and gene expression profiles in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study assessed the impact of dietary Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. extracts on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, and gene expression related to growth, digestion, antioxidant defense, and immune response in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A total of 180 fish (average weight 8.92 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into 12 fiberglass tanks (400 L, 15 fish per tank, three replicates per treatment). Fish were divided into four dietary groups for 60 days: 0 % (Control), 0.5 % Chlorella sp. extract (CH), 0.5 % Schizochytrium sp. extract (SC), and a combined 0.25 % Chlorella sp. and 0.25 % Schizochytrium sp. (CH + SC). At trial end, fish in the CH + SC group had a final weight (FW) of 27.06 ± 0.28 g, significantly higher than other groups (P < 0.05), with improved growth parameters (P < 0.05). While body composition showed no differences in moisture, lipid, or ash content, crude protein was significantly higher in CH + SC (P < 0.05). Gene expression analysis showed upregulation of the growth hormone GH-I gene in the CH + SC group (P < 0.05). Genes related to digestive enzymes (trypsin, lipase, amylase) were also upregulated in all microalgae groups, with the highest levels in CH + SC (P < 0.05). Additionally, antioxidant genes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and immune-related genes (LYZII, TNF-α, IL-1β) showed elevated expression in CH + SC (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that a diet containing Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. extracts supports growth, enhances nutrient utilization, and upregulates genes related to antioxidant and immune function in rainbow trout. Further research is recommended to assess functional immune responses and enzyme activities to confirm these physiological effects.

Dietary deacetylated chitin nanoparticles confer protection against diazinon toxicity in male African catfish: evaluation of immune-biochemical, antioxidant, and reproductive profiles

Currently, deacetylated chitin (chitosan) nanoparticles (CNPs) are successfully utilized in aquaculture practices. This trial demonstrates the efficacy of CNPs in combating diazinon (DZN) toxicity in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, via monitoring hepato-renal function, serum immune trait, hormonal function, and hepato-renal antioxidant activity. Four groups were allocated as follows: a control group, a CNPs group (0.66 ml/L CNPs), a DZN exposed group (0.598 ppm, 1/10 LC50), and a DZN + CNPs group (0.598 ppm DZN + 0.66 ml/L CNPs), all for 30 days. Exposure to 0.598 PPm DZN resulted in a severe decline in the immune parameters (albumin, globulin, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM), and total proteins), neurological indicator, acetylcholinesterase (AchE), reproductive hormones (Testosterone (T.) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)), and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) readings in both hepatic and renal samples. Moreover, a clear increment in hepatic and renal indicators (AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and some reproductive indices including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and serum 17-β estradiol (E2) was clearly increased. Interestingly, the dietary inclusion of CNPs markedly palliated the toxicity by DZN with significant improvement in the immune-reproductive indices, plus normalizing the values of hepato-renal function and augmenting the activity of antioxidant parameters. Thus, the present study demonstrates the efficacy of CNPs in mitigating low-dose DZN toxicity, resulting in significant improvements in physiological, biochemical, and reproductive parameters. This highlights the promising potential of CNPs as a viable strategy for enhancing the health of C. gariepinus, thereby promoting the sustainability of the aquaculture industry and safeguarding human health.

Effects of tea tree oil and cefepime treatments on morphological, genetic, histopathological, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical assessments in liver and kidney of Escherichia coli infected rats

The current study evaluated the influence of the treatment with tea tree oil and cefepime on morpho- genetic, histo-immunohistochemical, and biochemical assessments in rats experimentally challenged with Escherichia coli ATCC 4157™. Thirty adult male rats were divided into control, E. coli infected positive group (1×108CFU/I/P/once), E. coli with cefepime-supplemented group (45 mg/kg bw/I/M/day), E. coli with tea tree oil treated group (1.5 ml/per os/day), and the E. coli-challenged group that received a combination of tea tree oil and cefepime. E. coli infection induced morphological changes in color and texture of both liver and kidney. The transcription levels of the PHLPP2 and Nrf2 genes were noticeably lowered in all treated groups related to the E. coli group. Regarding the TLR4 expression, it was clearly up-regulated in the E. coli group in comparison to other groups, while CD14 gene decreased clearly in all treated groups compared to the positive group. The findings revealed that RBC, HGB, and PCV were clearly higher in the positive group compared to all treated groups. AST, ALT, and ALP, total bilirubin and its fractions, urea, and creatinine maximized in the positive group and decreased by the treatment, especially in the E+CF+oil treated group. Regarding the redox balance, MDA levels of MDA were notably reduced in the E+CF+oil treated group compared to the positive and the other treated groups. GSH, SOD, and GPX were significantly induced in the E. coil-treated group and decreased significantly with treatment. Overall, cefepime is highly safe especially when dually supplied with tea tree oil for mitigating E. coli adverse impact.

Antagonistic Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Dietary Supplementation Against Chronic Copper Waterborne Exposure on Growth, Behavioral, Biochemical, and Gene Expression Alterations of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

The harmful impact of waterborne copper (Cu) as a common abiotic stressor in aquatic environments has gained much more interest. The present study aimed to investigate the utilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) dietary supplementation to mitigate the chronic toxicity of Cu in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Two hundred and forty fish (92.94 ± 0.13 g) were assigned into six groups for 60 days. Control (C), ZnONPs20, and ZnONPs30 groups were fed on basal diets fortified with 0, 20, and 30 mg kg-1 ZnONPs without Cu exposure. Cu, Cu + ZnONPs20, and Cu + ZnONPs30 groups were exposed to Cu at a dose of 10 mg L-1 and fed on basal diets fortified with 0, 20, and 30 mg kg-1 ZnONPs, respectively. The results revealed that the Cu-exposed fish experienced abnormal clinical signs and behavioral changes. The growth indices and acetylcholine esterase activity were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the Cu group. Meanwhile, hepatorenal and serum stress indices (P < 0.05) were significantly elevated with chronic Cu exposure. In addition, a higher expression of stress (P < 0.05) (heat shock protein 60 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha) and apoptotic-related genes (C/EBP homologous protein, caspase-3, and Bcl-2 Associated X-protein) with down-regulation (P < 0.05) of the anti-apoptotic-related genes (B-cell lymphoma 2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen) was noticed in the Cu-exposed fish. Histopathological alterations in the gills, liver, kidney, and spleen were markedly reported in the Cu-exposed group. The dietary supplementation with ZnONPs significantly alleviated the negative impacts of chronic waterborne-Cu exposure on growth performance, physiological changes, gene expression, and tissue architecture, especially at 30 mg kg-1 diet level. In particular, the inclusion of ZnONPs at the 30 mg kg-1 diet level produced better outcomes than the 20 mg kg-1 diet. Overall, ZnONPs could be added as a feed supplement in the C. gariepinus diet to boost the fish's health and productivity and alleviate the stress condition brought on by Cu exposure.

Effects of α-sitosterol on growth, hematobiochemical profiles, immune-antioxidant resilience, histopathological features and expression of immune apoptotic genes of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, challenged with Candida albicans

In this study, the effect of the Streptomyces misakiensis metabolite (α- sitosterol, 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg) dietary supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant-immune stability and Candida albicans resistance of Nile tilapia was evaluated. The results revealed that the incorporation of α-sitosterol at doses of 60 and 80 mg/kg into the diet significantly improved the growth rate of Nile tilapia. The fish receiving 80 mg/kg showed an increased level of high-density lipoprotein, total protein, globulin, and albumin, and significantly reduced levels of indicators of hepato-renal damage, glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. Dietary α-sitosterol induced a considerable increase in hepatopancreas glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and a significant drop in malondialdehyde levels. Supplementing the diet with 80 mg/kg of α-sitosterol increased nitric oxide, complement-3, nitro blue tetrazolium levels, lysozyme, and phagocytic activities. In particular, supplementing with α-sitosterol at 60-80 mg/kg of diet significantly enhanced the expression of pro/anti-inflammatory markers (il1b, il10, tgfb, ifng, tnfa and il8) after the C. albicans challenge. Also, there was a decrease in cumulative mortality percent, pro-apoptotic markers (casp3, bax and hsp70) and an increase in anti-apoptotic indicators (bcl2). Interestingly, following the C. albicans challenge, fish that received 0 and 20 mg α-sitosterol/kg exhibited significant inflammation in the hepatopancreas, spleen, and intestine. On the other hand, inflammation could be alleviated by feeding 60-80 mg α-sitosterol/kg. Due to these findings, α-sitosterol could be an innovative option to enhance growth, general physiological status, immune service, and antifungal resistance of Nile tilapia against C. albicans.

Pseudomonas putida infection induces immune-antioxidant, hepato-renal, ethological, and histopathological/immunohistochemical disruptions in Oreochromis niloticus: the palliative role of titanium dioxide nanogel

BACKGROUND

Pseudomonas putida is a pathogenic bacterium that induces great losses in fishes, including Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Currently, the application of nanomaterials in aquaculture practices has gained more success as it endows promising results in therapies compared to traditional protocols.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, the current perspective is considered the first report to assess the anti-bacterial efficacy of titanium dioxide nanogel (TDNG) against Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) in Nile tilapia.

METHODS

The fish (n = 200; average body weight: 47.50±1.32 g) were allocated into four random groups (control, TDNG, P. putida, and TDNG + P. putida), where 0.9 mg/L of TDNG was applied as bath treatment for ten days.

RESULTS

Outcomes revealed that P. putida infection caused ethological alterations (surfacing, abnormal movement, and aggression) and depression of immune-antioxidant variables (complement 3, lysozyme activity, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione content). Additionally, a substantial elevation in hepatorenal biomarkers (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and creatinine) with clear histopathological changes and immuno-histochemical alterations (very weak BCL-2 and potent caspase-3 immuno-expressions) were seen. Surprisingly, treating P. putida-infected fish with TDNG improved these variables and obvious restoration of the tissue architectures.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this report encompasses the key role of TDNG as an anti-bacterial agent for controlling P. putida infection and improving the health status of Nile tilapia.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of N'-Phenylhydrazides as Potential Antifungal Agents

Fifty-two kinds of N'-phenylhydrazides were successfully designed and synthesized. Their antifungal activity in vitro against five strains of C. albicans (Candida albicans) was evaluated. All prepared compounds showed varying degrees of antifungal activity against C. albicans and their MIC80 (the concentration of tested compounds when their inhibition rate was at 80%), TAI (total activity index), and TSI (total susceptibility index) were calculated. The inhibitory activities of 27/52 compounds against fluconazole-resistant fungi C. albicans 4395 and 5272 were much better than those of fluconazole. The MIC80 values of 14/52 compounds against fluconazole-resistant fungus C. albicans 5122 were less than 4 μg/mL, so it was the most sensitive fungus (TSIB = 12.0). A11 showed the best inhibitory activity against C. albicans SC5314, 4395, and 5272 (MIC80 = 1.9, 4.0, and 3.7 μg/mL). The antifungal activities of B14 and D5 against four strains of fluconazole-resistant fungi were better than those of fluconazole. The TAI values of A11 (2.71), B14 (2.13), and D5 (2.25) are the highest. Further exploration of antifungal mechanisms revealed that the fungus treated with compound A11 produced free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and their mycelium morphology was damaged. In conclusion, the N'-phenylhydrazide scaffold showed potential in the development of antifungal lead compounds. Among them, A11, B14, and D5 demonstrated particularly promising antifungal activity and held potential as novel antifungal agents.

Anti-Obesity Effect of a Tea Mixture Nano-Formulation on Rats Occurs via the Upregulation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase/Sirtuin-1/Glucose Transporter Type 4 and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Pathways

White, green, and oolong teas are produced from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) and are reported to have anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects. The current study aims to investigate the anti-obesity effects of a tea mixture nano-formulation by targeting the AMPK/Sirt-1/GLUT-4 axis in rats. In vitro lipase and α-amylase inhibition assays were used to determine the active sample, which was then incorporated into a nanoparticle formulation subjected to in vivo anti-obesity testing in rats by measuring the expression level of different genes implicated in adipogenesis and inflammation using qRT-PCR. Moreover, metabolomic analysis was performed for each tea extract using LC/ESI MS/MS coupled to chemometrics in an attempt to find a correlation between the constituents of the extracts and their biological activity. The in vitro pancreatic lipase and α-amylase inhibition assays demonstrated more effective activity in the tea mixture than the standards, orlistat and acarbose, respectively, and each tea alone. Thus, the herbal tea mixture and its nanoparticle formulation were evaluated for their in vivo anti-obesity activity. Intriguingly, the tea mixture significantly decreased the serum levels of glucose and triglycerides and increased the mRNA expression of GLUT-4, P-AMPK, Sirt-1, and PPAR-γ, which induce lipolysis while also decreasing the mRNA expression of TNF-α and ADD1/SREBP-1c, thereby inhibiting the inflammation associated with obesity. Our study suggests that the tea mixture nano-formulation is a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of obesity and may also be beneficial in other metabolic disorders by targeting the AMPK/Sirt-1/Glut-4 pathway.