In vivo protective effect of dietary curcumin in fish Anabas testudineus (Bloch)

Investigating the impact of nanoemulsion of curcumin-loaded olive oil on growth performance, feed utilization, immunological responses, and redox status of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp with emphasis on economic efficiency of supplementation

The trail aimed to explore the effect of dietary supplementation of curcumin loaded olive oil nanoemulsion (CUR-OLNE) on growth performance, feed utilization, blood biochemical, redox status, and immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp, considering the economic efficiency of supplementation. A total of 280 healthy shrimps (3.42 ± 0.02 g) were randomly distributed into five equal groups and were fed diets containing 0 (CUR-OLNE0), 5(CUR-OLNE5), 10(CUR-OLNE10), 15(CUR-OLNE15) and 20 (CUR-OLNE20) mg CUR-OLNE/kg diet, respectively for 16 weeks. Among CUR-OLNE treated groups, CUR-OLNE20 showed the highest growth performance and feed utilization traits, including final body weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio. Notably, the photomicrographs provided further compelling evidence regarding the potential effect of CUR-OLNE supplementation on muscle structure and integrity. Compared to the control, the levels of blood protein significantly induced in CUR-OLNE15 and CUR-OLNE20 treated groups (p < 0.05). All CUR-OLNE -supplemented groups possessed lower activities of liver enzymes as well as the levels of urea and creatinine compared to the control (p < 0.05). The addition of 20 mg CUR-OLNE/kg diet decreased the concentrations of cortisol, glucose and triglycerides. The dietary treatment significantly improved the secretion of digestive enzymes, including amylase, lipase, and protease. The lowest levels of Malondialdehyde and the highest levels of total antioxidant capacity, super oxide dismutase, catalase, lysozyme and immunoglobulin M were detected in both of CUR-OLNE15, and CUR-OLNE20 treated groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). There were considerable significant effects of dietary supplementation of CUR-OLNE on economic efficiency. In conclusion, the application of nanocarriers for the delivery of dietary immune stimulants such as CUR-OLNE to Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp is a promising strategy for improving shrimp nutrition. The addition of 20 mg CUR-OLNE/kg to the diets of can be recommended as an affective intervention to improve growth performance, feed utilization, and health status of shrimp. Implementing this intervention can maximize the economic efficiency of shrimp farming while promoting sustainable practices in the industry.

Effect of dietary Lagnaria breviflora leaves extract on the growth performance, haematological, antioxidative and immune responses of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles

The effects of dietary Lagnaria breviflora leaves extract (LBLE) on the growth performance, feed utilisation and haematological parameters of juveniles African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (mean = 8.45 ± 0.6 g) raised in a flow water (mean temperature 26.7°C, mean pH 7.52, mean dissolved oxygen 6.05 mg/L) were assessed in this study. Diets (400 g/kg crude protein; 4631.5 kcal/kg gross energy) supplemented with LBLE at levels of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 g/kg diet were served to fish in triplicates (each replicate has 20 fish) until they appeared satiated for 12 weeks. Then, they were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila infection for further 2 weeks. Fish served dietary LBLE had considerable higher weight gain (64.76 g) and specific growth rate (765.5% g/day) than the fish group fed with the control diet with a reduced feed conversion ratio (1.45) (p < 0.05). Compared to fish fed with the control diet, the villi height (146.30 µm) and width (284.35 µm) of the intestines increased greatly in a dose (LBLE in diets) dependent order. Similarly, dietary LBLE increased (p < 0.05) the packed cell volume (46.11%) and haemoglobin (17.03 g/dL), whereas 1.5 g of LBLE increased the counts of white blood cells. Glutathione S-transferase (769.43 U/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (84.14 U/mg protein) and superoxide dismutase (433.15 U/mg protein) activities were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fish fed with diets supplemented with LBLE compared to the control one. Additionally, dietary LBLE increased phagocytic and lysozyme activities and protected C. gariepinus against bacterial infections where the lowest death was observed in the fish fed on the diet containing 1.5 g LBLE/kg feed. These findings showed that the fish fed with LBLE/kg diet improved their immune system, antioxidant and growth performance in addition to providing protection from A. hydrophila infection with the optimum dose of 1.80 g/kg diet.

Curcumin Mitigates Malathion-Induced Renal Injury: Suppression of Apoptosis and Modulation of NF-κβ/TNF-α and Nrf2, and HO-1 Signaling

Malathion is one of the most used organophosphorus pesticides that is used for many reasons such as agriculture and industry. Human exposure to malathion may occur through various means, such as eating food that has been treated with it. Malathion not only increases oxidative stress but also decreases the antioxidant capacity. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant with many pharmacological actions. Curcumin can act as a free radical scavenger and inhibit the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Curcumin could combat the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant depletion that trigger the apoptotic pathways. This study aims to examine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects of curcumin. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (six rats each): control, curcumin, malathion, and malathion + curcumin groups. At the assigned time, blood samples were used for the assessment of serum creatinine, and the kidneys were excised and washed; parts of them were used for the assessment of total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione (GSH) activity, other parts were fixed in formalin for further staining. Histopathological evaluation was performed for the fixed specimens after staining with H&E, sirus red, and the immunohistochemical staining for NF-κβ, TNF-α, Caspase-3, Nrf2, and HO-1. Curcumin significantly decreases the serum creatinine after malathion exposure and significantly restores the oxidant/antioxidant balance by increasing TAC and GSH and decreasing TOS, OSI, and MDA. Curcumin exerts its reno-protective effect and restores the histological architecture of the kidney by downregulating the immune expression of NF-κβ, TNF-α, and Caspase-3 and upregulating the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. This study concluded that curcumin protects against nephrotoxicity caused by malathion by exerting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic capabilities.

Effects of Pueraria Extract and Curcumin on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status and Intestinal Integrity of Broiler Chickens

The current study was carried out to examine the effects of pueraria extract (PE) and curcumin (CUR) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal integrity in broiler chickens. A complete randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed to assign 200 one-day-old Ross-308 broilers to four groups, each including five replicates of ten birds. Chickens in the control group (CON) were fed the basal diet, while the PE, CUR and PE+CUR groups were supplemented with 200 mg/kg PE or 200 mg/kg CUR or 200 mg/kg PE+ 200 mg/kg CUR. This trial lasted for 28 days. The PE supplementation decreased the average daily gain during the whole period (p < 0.05). The PE+CUR group had a higher feed conversion ratio than that of the PE and CUR groups during days 14-28 and 1-28 (p < 0.05). Dietary CUR supplementation increased duodenal T-SOD activity (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the other three groups increased the duodenal GSH-Px activity, the PE+CUR group reduced the duodenal H₂O₂ level, and the CUR and PE groups elevated the ileal GSH-Px activity and the ratio of jejunal villus height to crypt depth, respectively (p < 0.05). The addition of PE decreased crypt depth and increased villus area and mucin-2 mRNA level in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Overall, dietary supplementation with PE, CUR, or a combination of these, enhanced the antioxidant status and intestinal integrity of broilers.

Effects of dietary Euphorbia heterophylla extract on the growth performance, physiological, antioxidative and immune responses of Clarias gariepinus juveniles

Effects of dietary Euphorbia heterophylla extract (EH) on growth performance, feed utilization and haemato-biochemical parameters in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, juveniles were evaluated in this study. Diets fortified with EH at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 g/kg were fed to the fish to apparent satiation for 84 days before challenging it with Aeromonas hydrophila. The weight gain, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio of fish fed EH-supplemented diets were significantly higher but lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) than the control group. The villi height and width at the proximal, mid and the distal of the guts rose significantly with the increasing levels of EH from 0.5 to 1.5 g than the fish fed basal diet. Dietary EH enhanced (p < 0.05) the packed cell volume and haemoglobin, whereas 1.5 g EH boosted white blood cell, in relation to their counterpart in the control group. There were significant increase in the activities of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05) in the fish that were fed diets supplemented with EH than the control. Dietary EH also enhanced phagocytic activities, lysozyme activities and relative survival (RS) of C. gariepinus than the control group, with the highest RS obtained in fish that were fed diet containing EH at 1.5 g/kg level. These results revealed that the fish fed 1.5 g/kg dietary EH promoted growth performance, antioxidant and immune profiles, as well as protection against A. hydrophila infection.

Juvenile growth, thermotolerance and gut histomorphology of broiler chickens fed Curcuma longa under hot-humid environments

Background

This study was conducted to assess the juvenile development, thermotolerance, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed Curcuma longa in a hot-humid environment.

Methods

In a Completely Randomized Design, 240 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four nutritional treatments of baseline diets supplemented with 0 (CN), 4 (FG), 8 (EG), and 12 g (TT) of turmeric powder/Kg of feed, with four replicates of fifteen birds each. Data on feed consumption and body weights were evaluated weekly during the juvenile growth phase. The physiological indicators of the birds were assessed on day 56 of their lives. The birds were subjected to thermal challenge and data were collected on their physiological traits. Eight birds were randomly selected, euthanized and dissected in each treatment, and 2 cm segments of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled for villi width, villi height, crypt depth, and the villi height: crypt depth ratio measurements.

Results

It was revealed that the weight gain of the birds in EG was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that of CN birds. The birds in TT, FG, and CN had comparable but smaller duodenal villi than those in EG. The ileal crypt depth in EG chickens was smaller than in CN but comparable to the other treatment groups. In the duodenum, the villi to crypt depth ratio was in the order EG > TT > FG > CN.

Conclusions

To conclude, dietary supplementation of Curcuma longa powder, notably the 8 g/kg diet improved the antioxidant status, thermotolerance, and nutrient absorption by improving intestinal morphology in broiler chickens in a hot-humid environment.

Impacts of turmeric and its principal bioactive curcumin on human health: Pharmaceutical, medicinal, and food applications: A comprehensive review

The yellow polyphenolic pigment known as curcumin, originating from the rhizome of the turmeric plant Curcuma longa L., has been utilized for ages in ancient medicine, as well as in cooking and food coloring. Recently, the biological activities of turmeric and curcumin have been thoroughly investigated. The studies mainly focused on their antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective impacts. This review seeks to provide an in-depth, detailed discussion of curcumin usage within the food processing industries and its effect on health support and disease prevention. Curcumin's bioavailability, bio-efficacy, and bio-safety characteristics, as well as its side effects and quality standards, are also discussed. Finally, curcumin's multifaceted uses, food appeal enhancement, agro-industrial techniques counteracting its instability and low bioavailability, nanotechnology and focused drug delivery systems to increase its bioavailability, and prospective clinical use tactics are all discussed.

Dietary Strategies to Modulate the Health Condition and Immune Responses in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Juveniles Following Intestinal Inflammation

Simple Summary

Feed additives are known to have biological proprieties that can improve fish health. This work assessed the effect of two feed additives (Phaeodactylum tricornutum extracts rich in β-glucans and curcumin) on the gilthead seabream health condition, and its modulatory effects following dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) administration as a chemical inducer of intestinal inflammation. While minor immune-enhancing changes were observed among fish fed dietary treatments at the end of the feeding trial, after the inflammatory stimulus, the feed additives were able to alleviate, to some extent, the DSS-induced effects at both the intestinal and systemic levels.

Abstract

Several feed additives have proved to be beneficial in eliciting fish health. Β-glucans and curcumin are compounds with immunomodulatory capacities known to increase growth performance, stimulate immunity, improve general health, and enhance disease resistance in fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Phaeodactylum tricornutum extracts rich in β-glucans and curcumin on gilthead seabream health status prior to and following an intestinal inflammatory stimulus. Three experimental diets were formulated: a practical commercial-type diet (CTRL), a CTRL diet supplemented with 1% microalgae-derived β-glucans extract (BG), and a CTRL diet supplemented with 0.2% of curcumin (CUR). After 30 days of the feeding trial, fish were sampled and subjected to an oral administration of 1% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) to induce intestinal inflammation. Four groups were considered: a group of fish continued to be fed on the CTRL diet while the remaining groups were exposed to DSS, including CTRL-D (CTRL + DSS), BG-D (BG + DSS), and CUR-D (CUR + DSS), for 6 days. Growth, plasma and gut humoral immunity, liver and gut oxidative stress biomarkers, and intestinal gene expression were evaluated. No significant differences were found in growth after 30 days of feeding; however, seabream fed BG had decreased anti-protease activity and nitric oxide concentration in plasma while those fed CUR had increased mRNA levels of the tnfα, csf1r, and hep genes compared to those fed CTRL. After the inflammatory stimulus, hematocrit was enhanced in fish fed BG-D and CUR-D while red blood cell counts increased in those fed CTRL-D. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased in the intestine of all DSS groups while lipid peroxidation increased in the gut of fish fed CTRL-D and BG-D compared to CTRL. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of csfr1 and sod decreased in fish fed CTRL-D and BG-D compared to CTRL, respectively. Despite the mild intestinal inflammatory condition induced by DSS, CUR was able to partially ameliorate its effects, improving the hematological profile and assisting against the oxidative stress.

Rhizoma curcumae Longae ameliorates high dietary carbohydrate-induced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation in golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus

In general, starch, as a complex carbohydrate, is the most economical energy source in aquaculture for its relatively low cost. However, excessive dietary levels of carbohydrate result in pathological conditions. An 8-week feeding trial with CT (control diet, containing 21% carbohydrate), HC (a high-carbohydrate diet, containing 50% carbohydrate) and HCR (a HC diet supplemented with 0.015% Rhizoma curcumae Longae) was performed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin on high-carbohydrate-induced hepatic oxidative stress and intestine lesion in juvenile Trachinotus ovatus. In the current study, HC group significantly decreased WGR, SGR, plasma CAT activity, intestinal C4 levels, hepatic Nrf2, Keap1, Bach1, HO1, CAT, and GPX mRNA expression as well as ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-3, TGF-β mRNA transcription levels, while the opposite was true for plasma AST activity, hepatic MDA contents, intestinal Claudin-15, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expression. In contrast with the HC group, the HCR group significantly increased the activities of hepatic CAT, SOD, intestinal C3, C4, IgG and LZM levels, hepatic Nrf2, Bach1, CAT, and GPX mRNA expression as well as intestinal ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-3, TGF-β and IL-10 mRNA expression levels, but the opposite trend was found in plasma triglyceride content, hepatic lipid deposition, hepatic Keap1 mRNA level as well as intestinal NF-κB, IL-6. In conclusion, high-carbohydrate diet can cause detrimental effect on physiological health status in Trachinotus ovatus, while adding Rhizoma curcumae Longae can improve hepatic and intestinal health status via attenuating the oxidative stress, inflammation, and reducing lipid deposition.

Comparative Toxicity of Vegan Red, E124, and E120 Food Dyes on Three Rapidly Proliferating Model Systems

The abuse of artificial food dyes and the evidence that they harm human health recently prompted a significant effort to introduce vegan substitutes prepared from fruits and vegetables. Not much information, however, has been collected on their possible effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems once released as waste in surface waters. For this purpose, we analyzed the effects of a vegan red (VEG) preparation (concentration 1.2 g/L) on three rapidly proliferating models for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem contamination. In particular, in vitro cells cultures (exposure for 24 h), Artemia salina nauplii and Cucumis sativus seedlings (exposure 5 days). A comparison was made with the effects exerted by the two dyes that vegan red is intended to replace: an animal dye, cochineal E120 and an artificial dye E124. The analyses of conventional endpoints, indicative of cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth rate, demonstrate that the three dyes affect development and that the vegan substitute is as unsafe as the E124 and E120. Vegan red in fact impairs cell growth in in vitro cells, delays naupliar hatching and early growth in Artemia, and reduces shoot/root biomass in Cucumis. Marked hyperplasia and hypertrophy of mesophyll are also observed in Cucumis leaves. Substitution in food and beverages, therefore, should be carefully reconsidered to avoid unnecessary environmental contamination.

Dietary curcumin nanoparticles promoted the performance, antioxidant activity, and humoral immunity, and modulated the hepatic and intestinal histology of Nile tilapia fingerlings

The current study investigated the effects of dietary curcumin nanoparticles (C-NPs) on the performance, hemato-biochemical profile, digestive enzymes activities, antioxidant status, humoral immunity, and liver and intestinal histology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish (4.3 ± 0.5 g) were fed with diets enriched with 0.0 (control), 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg C-NPs/kg diet up to apparent satiety thrice a day for 60 days. The growth-stimulating effects of dietary C-NPs were significantly observed in terms of final weight, weight gain %, specific growth rate, and feed intake. Compared with the control group, serum amylase, lipase, and proteases activities of Nile tilapia significantly (P < 0.05) increased alongside the increase in dietary levels of C-NPs in a dose-dependent manner. The counts of red blood cells and white blood cells as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit levels of Nile tilapia fed with 30-60 mg C-NPs/kg diet were statistically (P < 0.05) higher than fish in the control group with no significant differences among them (P > 0.05). Moreover, lymphocytes and monocytes significantly (P > 0.05) increased; meanwhile neutrophils significantly (P > 0.05) decreased as C-NPs levels in diets increased. In a similar trend, antioxidant (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and humoral immunity (lysozyme and total immunoglobulin) biomarkers were significantly higher in C-NPs-fed fish. Liver histology showed improvements in the cell architecture of fish fed with C-NPs containing diets up to 45 mg/kg diet. Compared with the control diet, feeding Nile tilapia with C-NPs diets resulted in a higher villi length/width and absorption area. According to the regression curves, the current study recommends using the dietary C-NP with optimum values of 45-55 mg/kg diet to improve the performance, digestive enzymes, antioxidant activities, and immunity response of Nile tilapia.

Long-Term Feeding with Curcumin Affects the Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Status, Tissue Histoarchitecture, Immune Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines, and Apoptosis Indicators in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

The impact of dietary curcumin (CUR) on the growth, antioxidant activity, histomorphology of certain organs, proinflammatory cytokine production, and immune status of Oreochromis niloticus was evaluated. The fingerlings (n = 225, 41.60 ± 0.09 g/fish) were randomly allotted into five experimental groups in triplicate. Fish were fed basal diets complemented with 0, 200, 400, 600, or 800 mg curcumin/kg diet (CUR0, CUR200, CUR400, CUR600, and CUR800, respectively) for 10 weeks. An increase in fish growth was reported in the CUR200 and CUR400 groups. The feed conversion ratio was enhanced by 15% in the CUR400 group. Fish body protein content was increased in the CUR600 group (p ≤ 0.01). Body fat was decreased, and ash content was increased by CUR supplementation in a level-related way (p < 0.05). The villus height was increased in the CUR400 and CUR600 groups. The villus width was increased by CUR supplementation, with the best result found in the CUR600 group. The liver of CUR-fed fish displayed comparatively normal hepatocytes. TNF-α and caspase-3 were significantly upregulated by dietary CUR in a level-related way. The serum catalase activity and GSH level were increased in CUR200 and CUR400 groups. Curcumin supplementation boosted the serum SOD activity and reduced the MDA level. IL10 and IgM levels were increased in the CUR200 and CUR400 groups. Lysozyme activity was increased in the CUR200−400 groups. Serum complement 3 level was increased in the CUR400 group. The percentage survival of O. niloticus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila was highest in the CUR200-CUR600 groups (100%) and decreased in the CUR800 group (80%). This study concluded that CUR could be added to Nile tilapia diets up to 400 mg·kg−1 to achieve better growth, antioxidant capacity, immune response, and intestinal histology. Long feeding periods on high levels of CUR (600 and 800 mg·kg−1) stimulate inflammatory reactions in fish tissues.

Comparison of physicochemical properties of different tissues from China climbing perch Anabas testudineus and crucian carp Carassius auratus

This study aimed to investigate nutrition in climbing perch Anabas testudineus which is an important nutritious economic freshwater fish in Asia and compare with Carassius auratus (crucian carp). Three kinds of tissues, including muscle, livers, and eggs, were isolated, respectively. Physicochemical properties including moisture, ash, protein, amino acids, fat, vitamins, and calcium contents in those tissues were determined. The results showed climbing perch muscle and liver contained less moisture, but more protein, amino acids, and vitamins than crucian carp muscle and liver. While moisture, ash, protein, and total amino acids contents of climbing perch egg were lower than those of crucian carp egg. Climbing perch egg had more fat, vitamins, and calcium than crucian carp egg. The amino acid profile was also performed, and 16 amino acids were identified and quantified in muscle, liver, and egg. Among tissues, the highest and lowest concentration of total amino acid content was found in crucian carp eggs and livers, respectively. Glutamic acid (Glu) and histidine (His) were the most and least amino acids in climbing perch and crucian carp tissues, respectively. Sixteen amino acids in climbing perch egg were less than those in crucian carp egg while it is an opposite case in muscle and liver, which amino acids of climbing perch tissues were more than those of crucian carp muscle and liver. Vitamin A of climbing perch was more than crucian carp in all three tissues, but vitamin E content in climbing perch liver was lower than that of crucian carp liver. Calcium content of muscle had no difference between two species. The abovementioned comparison of physicochemical properties of different tissues from China climbing perch and crucian carp will provide a necessary supplementary of freshwater muscle nutrition research, also was helpful for application of climbing perch.

Dietary supplementation with curcumin nanomicelles, curcumin, and turmeric affects growth performance and silver nanoparticle toxicity in Cyprinus carpio

An 8-week feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of curcumin nanomicelle, curcumin, and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on growth performances, body composition, fatty acid profile, and biochemical parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and their ameliorative effects against toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). A total of 120 healthy carps were randomly distributed into four equal treatments. Curcumin nanomicelle, curcumin, and turmeric were each added separately to the basal diet. After the feeding trials, all treatments were exposed to a non-lethal concentration of AgNPs (0.5 mg L^-1) for 96 h. Fish fed dietary turmeric showed a significantly higher weight gain. The body protein content was significantly increased in all feeding groups, while the lipid content showed a significant decrease in the turmeric-treated group. Dietary turmeric improved the concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). AgNP exposure led to increases in liver catalase (CAT) activity of carps fed with turmeric and curcumin. The lowest amount of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was obtained in fish fed with nanomicelle curcumin and curcumin diets. The lowest amount of silver accumulation in the liver of carps was found in fish fed with dietary curcumin nanomicelle. This experiment suggests that supplementation of turmeric (50 g kg^-1) or curcumin (1000 mg kg^-1) may play an important role in enhancing growth performances and fatty acid composition of the common carp. Moreover, administration of curcumin nanomicelle in the diet may have a potential ameliorative effect against toxicity of AgNPs.

In Vitro Testing of Alternative Synthetic and Natural Antiparasitic Compounds against the Monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii

Gill monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii is considered the most detrimental fish parasite to the Mediterranean aquaculture. Treatment of sparicotylosis relies on frequent gill inspections correlated with the seasonal increase in seawater temperature, application of functional feeds, and treatments with formalin baths where permitted. While the latter is bound to be banned in Europe, other synthetic anthelminthics, such as praziquantel and ivermectin, are prone to induce resistance in the parasites. Therefore, we investigated, in vitro, 14 synthetic and natural compounds against adult S. chrysophrii, developing dose-response modelsm and estimated toxicity levels at 20%, 50%, and 80% parasite mortality. Bactericidal activity of target compounds was also tested in two important aquaculture bacteria; Vibrio harveyi and V. anguillarum, while their potential host toxicity was evaluated in gilthead seabream SAF-1 cell line. Synthetic compound bithionate sodium exerted the most potent toxicity against the monogenean, no host cytotoxicity, and a medium and high potency against two bacterial pathogens. In comparison, target natural compounds were approximately 20 (cedrol) or up to 154 times (camphor) less toxic for the monogenean. Rather than completely dismissing natural compounds, we suggest that their application in combination with synthetic drugs, especially if administered in the feed, might be useful in sparicotylosis treatment.

Dietary Natural Plant Extracts Can Promote Growth and Modulate Oxidative Status of Senegalese Sole Postlarvae under Standard/Challenge Conditions

Simple Summary

Oxidative stress has a direct impact on the welfare of fish, affecting growth performance and health status. Natural plant extracts present a high antioxidant capacity, due to a diversity and abundant content of polyphenols. Thus, the aim of this work was to identify if plant extracts, such as curcumin, green tea, and grape seeds, can promote oxidative status, and ultimately, enhance the growth and physiological stress response of postlarvae. Our results showed that plant extracts can improve the growth and oxidative status of the fish. Moreover, they may help fish to cope under stressful conditions. Dietary formulations with natural supplements may be a viable strategy to improve fish robustness during early life stages, and can therefore contribute to the development of aquafeeds and promote the sustainability of aquaculture production.

Abstract

Plant extracts are known for their high content and diversity of polyphenols, which can improve fish oxidative status. A growth trial with Senegalese sole postlarvae (45 days after hatching) fed with one of four experimental diets—control (CTRL), and supplemented with curcumin (CC), green tea (GT), and grape seed (GS) extracts—was performed to assess if supplementation could improve growth performance and oxidative status. At the end of the growth trial, postlarvae were submitted to a thermal stress to assess their robustness. Sole growth was improved by CC and GS diets when compared to those fed the CTRL. CC and CTRL postlarvae presented the lowest oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation values). Stress-related biomarkers (heat shock protein 70 and glutathione-S-transferase) decreased in CC fish compared to those fed the CTRL diet, which might be due to a direct antioxidant capacity. In contrast, oxidative damage increased in GT and GS sole reared in standard conditions. However, after a thermal stress, GT and GS diets prevented the increase of protein carbonylation content and the decrease of antioxidant glutathione, depending on exposure time. Overall, dietary supplementation with natural extracts modulated oxidative status and stress response after a short/long-term exposure to temperature.

Effects of dietary curcumin on growth, antioxidant capacity, fatty acid composition and expression of lipid metabolism-related genes of large yellow croaker fed a high-fat diet

A 10-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary curcumin (CC) on growth antioxidant responses, fatty acid composition, and expression of lipid metabolism-related genes of large yellow croaker fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Four diets (lipid level at 18 %) were formulated with different levels of curcumin (0, 0·02, 0·04 and 0·06 %). The best growth performance was found in the 0·04 % curcumin group, with the body and hepatic lipid levels lower than the control group (0 % CC). The content of TAG, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol was the least in the 0·06 % curcumin group. The lowest malondialdehyde and the highest superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidant capacity were observed in the 0·04 % curcumin group. The 0·04 % curcumin group had higher expression of Δ6fad, elovl5 and elovl4 and showed higher hepatic n-6 and n-3 PUFA. Expression of ppara, cpt1, and aco was significantly increased, while expression of srebp1 and fas was dramatically decreased in curcumin groups compared with the control group. Overall, 0·04 % curcumin supplementation could mitigate the negative effects caused by HFD and promote growth via reducing hepatic lipid deposition, improving antioxidant activity and increasing PUFA of large yellow croaker. To conclude, abnormal hepatic lipid deposition was probably due to increased fatty acid oxidation and reduced de novo synthesis of fatty acids.

Reversible sterilization by supplementing turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder to diets of female Pseudotropheus socolofi

This study was conducted to determine if diets supplemented with turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) affected the reversible sterilization of Pseudotropheus socolofi. Three experimental diets were formulated to contain 0%, 10%, and 14% turmeric powder. The fish (mean weight 13 g) were randomly divided into groups consisting of 1 male and 4 females for each aquarium and were kept together for 137 days. The control group was fed a diet without turmeric, while the others were fed diets with turmeric for the first 75 days. All groups were then fed the control diet from day 75 to 137. The results showed that turmeric powder supplementation did not affect growth performance (p ˃ 0.05). A histopathological examination of the ovaries, performed on two samples on days 75 and 137, revealed that high doses of turmeric decreased number of ovulated vitellogenic follicles and ovarian activity. Moreover, immature follicle density was excessive in groups fed turmeric powder. However, the number of ovulated vitellogenic follicles increased in groups fed diets containing 10% and 14% turmeric after feeding them with the turmeric-free control diet from day 75 to 137. In conclusion, the study revealed that supplementing diets with high ratios of turmeric can influence ovarian activity; however, these effects can be reversed by ceasing supplementation.

Curcumin in formulations against Aedes aegypti: Mode of action, photolarvicidal and ovicidal activity

Combating the Aedes aegypti vector is still the key to control the transmission of many arboviruses, such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. As few products are efficient for Aedes aegypti control, the search for new strategies have become pivotal., t Substances with photodynamic activity, such as curcumin and their formulations, are strongly encouraged, due to their multi-target mechanism of action. In this study, we evaluated the photolarvicidal and ovicidal activity of curcumin in the presence of sucrose (named SC) and d-mannitol (named DMC). To support the understanding of the larvicidal action of these formulations, Raman micro-spectroscopy was employed. We also studied the morphological changes in Danio rerio (Zebrafish) gills, a non-target organism, and demonstrate that this is an environmentally friendly approach. Both SC and DMC presented a high photo-larvicidal potential. DMC showed the highest larval mortality, with LC_50-24h values between 0.01 and 0.02 mg.L^-1. DMC also significantly decreased egg hatchability, reaching a hatching rate of 10 % at 100 mg.L^-1. The analysis of molecular mechanisms via Raman micro-spectroscopy showed that DMC is highly permeable to the peritrophic membrane of the larva, causing irreversible damage to the simple columnar epithelium of the digestive tube. Histological changes found in the D. rerio gills were of minimal or moderate pathological importance, indicating an adaptive trait rather than detrimental characteristics. These findings indicate that curcumin in sugar formulations is highly efficient, especially DMC, proving it to be a promising and safe alternative to control Aedes mosquitoes. Moreover, Raman micro-spectroscopy demonstrated high potential as an analytical technique to understand the mechanism of action of larvicides.

Curcumin, Curcumin Nanoparticles and Curcumin Nanospheres: A Review on Their Pharmacodynamics Based on Monogastric Farm Animal, Poultry and Fish Nutrition

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that is widely used in medical sciences. However, it has limited uses in monogastric farm animal as well as fish and poultry nutrition. There are some works that have been done on curcumin and curcumin nanoparticles as pharmaceutics in animal nutrition. However, studies have shown that ingestion of curcumin or curcumin nanoparticles does not benefit the animal health much due to their lower bioavailability, which may result because of low absorption, quick metabolism and speedy elimination of curcumin from the animal body. For these reasons, advanced formulations of curcumin are needed. Curcumin nanospheres is a newly evolved field of nanobiotechnology which may have beneficial effects in terms of growth increment, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects on animal and fish health by means of nanosphere forms that are biodegradable and biocompatible. Thus, this review aims to highlight the potential application of curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles and curcumin nanospheres in the field of monogastric farm animal, poultry and fish nutrition. We do believe that the review provides the perceptual vision for the future development of curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles and curcumin nanospheres and their applications in monogastric farm animal, poultry and fish nutrition.

Effect of curcumin on laying performance, egg quality, endocrine hormones, and immune activity in heat-stressed hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of curcumin on laying performance, egg quality, biochemical indicators, hormone levels, and immune activity in hens under heat stress. Hy-Line brown hens (280-day-old) were fed with 0, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of curcumin during a 42-D experiment. Compared with the control treatment, supplementation with 150 mg/kg of curcumin improved laying performance and egg quality by significantly increasing egg production, eggshell thickness, eggshell strength (P < 0.01), and albumen height (P < 0.05) while decreasing the feed-to-egg ratio. Antioxidant activity was improved by significantly increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase but decreasing malondialdehyde levels in serum (P < 0.05) and significantly increasing the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, IgG, IgA, and complement C₃ activity in serum (P < 0.05). These results indicated that supplemental 150 mg/kg curcumin can improve productive performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, and immune function in laying hens under the heat stress conditions applied in the present study.

Effects of curcumin on haematological values, immunity, antioxidant status and resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various levels of dietary curcumin on growth performance, haematological values, immunity and protection against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes infection in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish were fed with diets containing different levels of curcumin; 0% (C), %1 (E1), %2 (E2) and %4 (E3), as treatment groups. After 8 weeks of feeding, the growth performance [weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)], haematological values [the red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Ht) level and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)], various immune parameters [white blood cell (WBC) count, oxidative radical production (nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay), phagocytic activity (PA) and phagocytic index (PI), total protein (TP) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, serum bactericidal (BA), lysozyme (LYZ) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities] and antioxidant capacity [tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities] were analysed. In addition, fish were challenged by Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes and survival rate was recorded for 14 days. The results indicated that the growth performance was significantly influenced by the dietary curcumin levels, the maximal WG and SGR occurred at fish fed the diet containing 2% curcumin. Fish fed the diet containing curcumin had lower FCR than those fed the control diet. The RBC count, Hb concentration, and Ht level increased in the groups fed with curcumin when compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences in the MCV, MCH and MCHC values among experimental groups. All the chosen immune parameters were enhanced in the groups fed diets containing curcumin. Also, the relative percentage survivals were higher in the groups fed with curcumin, especially in the E2 group, compared to the control. The dietary curcumin stimulated the SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities in liver, head kidney and spleen as compared to the control group; however, a reverse trend was observed in the MDA levels of tissues. The highest values for haematological, immunological (except TP level of E3 group) and antioxidant parameters were found in the E2 group. These results collectively suggest that curcumin can be used in aquaculture to improve the growth, haematological values, immune responses, antioxidant capacity and disease resistance of rainbow trout, O. mykiss.

Dietary cosupplementation with curcumin and different selenium sources (nanoparticulate, organic, and inorganic selenium): influence on growth performance, body composition, immune responses, and glutathione peroxidase activity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary selenium (nanoparticles, organic, and inorganic forms), curcumin (CUR), and their combination on survival, growth performance, body composition, innate immune responses, and glutathione peroxidase activity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). CUR at level of 400 mg/kg dry diet and each of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs), organic selenium (Sel-Plax®), and sodium selenite at level of 1 mg/kg Se dry diet were added to basal diet. A total of 240 rainbow trout with mean initial weight of 14.65 ± 0.86 g were fed eight diets including control (basal diet), CUR, Se-NPs, Se-NPs + CUR, organic Se, organic Se + CUR, sodium Se, and sodium Se + CUR for 8 weeks. No significant increase in survival rate, growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition was observed in fish-fed CUR and Se included diets compared to control (P > 0.05). The highest lysozyme and alternative hemolytic complement activity was observed in fish-fed CUR and organic Se + CUR-supplemented diets (P < 0.05). Fish-fed Se-NPs and Se-NPs + CUR-supplemented diets had the highest glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.05). The results of the present study indicated that the combination of CUR and Se in nanoparticles and organic forms was more effective in promoting innate immune responses of rainbow trout compared to the other combined or separated Se and CUR forms.

Subfertility effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on reproductive performance of Pseudotropheus acei

This study was conducted to determine the effect of turmeric powder dietary supplementation on the histology of visceral organs and reproductive performance of Pseudotropheus acei. The fish were fed dietary additions of 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% turmeric powder. Each treatment was replicated three times. There were one male and four female fish with a mean weight of 6 g in each replicate. The fish were fed ad libitum for 90 days. There were no differences in fertility rate, fecundity rate, hatching rate, egg diameter, and larvae survival rate among groups (P < 0.05). Ovulation frequency and the percent of spawning broodstock were less in the 7% and 5% turmeric-supplemented group (P < 0.05), while there were no effects of treatment in the 1%, and 3% groups compared with the control group. Observations in histopathological examinations indicated there were normal tissue structures in the control, 1% and 3% turmeric-supplemented groups, while the addition of 5% and 7% turmeric induced a degeneration of and decrease in number of observable ovarian follicles. In addition, there was a normal liver structure in the control and the 1% and 3% turmeric-supplemented groups and slight to severe lipidosis in the 5% and 7% turmeric-supplemented groups. Also, the supplementation of larger amounts of turmeric induced enteritis and the slight to severe side effects on the relevant organs. These results indicate that supplementing of diets with turmeric powder in amounts of 5% and 7% suppressed ovarian follicle development, and extended periods between times of spawning which resulted in subfertility of broodstocks.

Chlorpyrifos-induced biochemical changes in Cyprinus carpio: Ameliorative effect of curcumin

The aim of this study was to determine protective effects of curcumin on some haematological values and oxidant/antioxidant status in Cyprinus carpio exposed to chlorpyrifos. The fish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos (0.040 and 0.080mgL), and curcumin (100mg per kg of fish weight) was simultaneously administered for 14 days. Blood and tissue (liver, kidney, and gill) samples were collected at the end of the experiment and analysed to determine the haematological profile (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and haematocrit level) and oxidant/antioxidant status (malondialdehyde level and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase activities) of the fish. There was a significant decrease in the red blood cell count, the haemoglobin concentration, and the haematocrit level and a increase in the white blood cell count of CPF-treated fish. The results revealed a significant increase in the malondialdehyde levels of the groups that were exposed to CPF. Conversely, the MDA levels were significantly decreased by curcumin. Also, CPF exposure caused a significant increase in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities and a significant decrease in the catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. However, curcumin reversed the superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase activities. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that CPF had a negative effect on the haematological values and the oxidant/antioxidant status of the fish. The simultaneous administration of curcumin was neutralised CPF-induced toxicity.

Role of aloin in the modulation of certain immune parameters in skin mucus of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita

Enhancement of immune system seems to be the most promising method of preventing fish diseases. Several herbal products have immunostimulant properties, and are environmental friendly, economical and can act against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Present study was designed with an aim to evaluate the role of aloin, extracted from a herb Aloe barbadensis, in the modulation of certain immune parameters in an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita. Fishes were divided into control, vehicle control and aloin treated groups. Experiments were conducted for 7 days and fishes from the three groups were analyzed at 2d, 4d, 6d and 8d. The results demonstrated that at different intervals, L. rohita administered with aloin showed a significant increase in the activity of enzymes - lysozyme, protease, carboxylesterase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, catalase and peroxidase, and non-enzymatic factors hemagglutinin and alternate complement compared with that of the controls. Thus, it can be concluded that administration of aloin is beneficial in enhancing the immune response and hence it can be used as potent immunostimulant in aquaculture.

Curcuma longa as additive in the diet for Astyanax aff. bimaculatus

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) as additive in the diet for Astyanax aff. bimaculatus. Fish (0.83 ± 0.04 g) were fed, for 60 days, with six diets containing 0.0, 20.0, 40.0, 60.0, 80.0, and 100.0 g turmeric kg^-1 feed. There was an increasing linear effect of turmeric on the thickness of the muscular layer, and height and width of the folds of the intestine. In the liver, a quadratic effect was observed of turmeric on the percentage of hepatocyte cytoplasm and a decreasing linear effect on the percentage of sinusoid capillaries. A quadratic effect was also observed of turmeric on the liver glycogen. There was no effect of turmeric on the antioxidant activity in the liver, carcass composition or productive performance of the fish. Thus, we concluded that Curcuma longa has trophic effects on the epithelium and the muscular layer of the intestine of A. aff. bimaculatus. Additionally, low levels of Curcuma longa cause increased deposition of liver glycogen and high levels cause reduction.

Combined antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects of the natural polyphenol curcumin on turbot scuticociliatosis

The histiophagous scuticociliate Philasterides dicentrarchi is the aetiological agent of scuticociliatosis, a parasitic disease of farmed turbot. Curcumin, a polyphenol from Curcuma longa (turmeric), is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the in vitro effects of curcumin on the growth of P. dicentrarchi and on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in turbot leucocytes activated by parasite cysteine proteases. At 100 μm, curcumin had a cytotoxic effect and completely inhibited the growth of the parasite. At 50 μm, curcumin inhibited the protease activity of the parasite and expression of genes encoding two virulence-associated proteases: leishmanolysin-like peptidase and cathepsin L-like. At concentrations between 25 and 50 μm, curcumin inhibited the expression of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the amino acids methionine and cysteine. At 100 μm, curcumin inhibited the expression of the cytokines tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) produced in turbot leucocytes activated by parasite proteases. Results show that curcumin has a dual effect on scuticociliatosis: an antiparasitic effect on the catabolism and anabolism of ciliate proteins, and an anti-inflammatory effect that inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the host. The present findings suggest the potential usefulness of this polyphenol in treating scuticociliatosis.

Effects of curcumin on antioxidative activities and cytokine production in Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) with CCl4-induced liver damage

We investigated the protective effects of curcumin on liver-damaged Cyprinus carpio var. Jian (Jian carp). The carp were fed 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% curcumin for 60 days, then injected intraperitoneally with 30% carbon tetrachloride solution. Liver and blood samples were collected to measure the liver index, serum- and liver-associated enzymes, liver histology, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/c-Rel, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-12 mRNA expression, and the level of NF-κB/c-Rel protein in the liver, and for a comet assay. We found that 0.5% and 1.0% curcumin significantly reduced the CCl(4)-induced increase in the liver index. The comet assay showed that the tail moment, olive tail moment, tail length, and tail DNA% improved in fish pretreated with 0.5 or 1.0% curcumin. CCl(4)-induced histological changes, including extensive hepatocyte degeneration, indistinct cell borders, nuclear condensation, and karyolysis were clearly reduced after treatment with 0.5% and 1.0% curcumin. Moreover, 0.5% and 1.0% curcumin significantly inhibited the CCl(4)-induced increase in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and promoted the restoration of superoxide dismutase in the liver; 1.0% curcumin significantly reduced serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase and hepatic malondialdehyde, but significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and glutathione levels in the liver. The CCl(4)-induced upregulation of NF-κB/c-Rel, IL-1β, and TNF-α mRNAs and NF-κB/c-Rel protein levels was inhibited by 0.5% and 1.0% curcumin, and IL-12 mRNA was reduced by all three doses of curcumin. The effects of curcumin on the liver index, enzymes, histological changes, and cytokines were dose-dependent. Our results indicate that curcumin reduces CCl(4)-induced liver damage in Jian carp by upregulating antioxidative activities and inhibiting NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-12 expression.

Protective effect of dietary curcumin in Anabas testudineus (Bloch) with a special note on DNA fragmentation assay on hepatocytes and micronucleus assay on erythrocytes in vivo

The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety of long-term dietary curcumin at doses 0.5 and 1% in Anabas testudineus employing hematological and cytological techniques. The fish were fed with curcumin-supplemented feed for 6 months. Fine blood smears were prepared and subjected to three different staining techniques. The erythrocyte micronucleus frequency (MN) and the cytometric measurements of erythrocytes were determined. Blood from the control and treated fish was subjected to the assessment of several hematological parameters. Also, DNA fragmentation assay on hepatocytes was conducted. The results showed that hemoglobin content, RBC count and hematocrit increased in the curcumin-fed fish compared to control, whereas WBC count, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were unaffected. WBC/RBC ratio was lower in the case of curcumin-treated fish. The cytometric measurements revealed no change in the erythrocytes and their nuclei after curcumin treatment. DNA fragmentation assay revealed intact DNA in curcumin-fed group, ruling out the possibility of curcumin-induced DNA damage. The positive control group showed a significant increase in MN frequency compared to negative control and curcumin-fed groups. In fact, the MN frequency decreased in 1% curcumin-fed group compared to the negative control and 0.5% curcumin groups. All these indicated a state of well-being of the curcumin-treated fish. Therefore, it is concluded that curcumin could be used as a safe feed ingredient to improve the growth of finfish in aquaculture.