Immunity and growth improvement of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed dietary nettle (Urtica dioica) against experimental challenge with Saprolegnia parasitica

Effects of dietary powdered Ficus deltoidea on the growth and health performance of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus production

Intensive aquaculture causes a decline in the health status of fish, resulting in an increased disease incidence. To counteract this, feed additives have been utilized to improve the growth performance and health of aquaculture species. This work specifically investigates the impact of powdered Ficus deltoidea (FD) on various parameters related to growth, blood parameters, liver and intestine morphology, body proximate analysis, digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, and disease resistance to motile Aeromonad Septicemia (MAS) caused by Aeromonas hydrophila infection in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Four formulated diets were prepared: T1 (0% FD), T2 (0.5% FD), T3 (0.75% FD), and T4 (1% FD). After 8 weeks, the African catfish's growth performance fed with the T2 diet exhibited a substantial improvement (p < 0.05), along with a remarkably lower (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) when compared to the other treatment groups. Blood parameter analysis revealed notably higher (p < 0.05) levels of white blood cell (WBC), lymphocytosis (LYM), hemoglobin (HGB), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB), as well as total protein (TP) in the T2 diet group. While all treatment groups displayed normal intestinal morphology, liver deterioration was observed in groups supplemented with higher FD. The T2 diet group recorded the highest villus length, width, and crypt depth. Protease and lipase levels were also notably improved in the T2 diet group compared to other treatment groups. Additionally, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were remarkably elevated in all FD diet groups than in the control group. The expression of immune-related genes, including transforming growth factor beta 1, heat shock protein 90, nuclear factor kappa-B gene, and lysozyme G, was upregulated in all treatments. Overall, the results of this study indicate that incorporating dietary FD at 0.5% concentration in the diet of African catfish may enhance their productivity in intensive farming.

G. A, Dong W. Anti-inflammatory effects and beneficial effects of the feed additive Urtica cannabina L. in zebrafish

Urtica cannabina L. (UL) has been used clinically for centuries because of its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms and anti-inflammatory effects of different UL concentrations in zebrafish. To elucidate UL's anti-inflammatory properties, two inflammation zebrafish models were designed 1) by severing the zebrafish's caudal fin to assess the repairing effect of UL on the tail inflammation, and 2) by inducing lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-mediated intestinal inflammation to assess the protective and reparative effects of UL on intestinal inflammation at the histological and genetic levels. Furthermore, the effect of UL on the LPS-induced intestinal flora changes was also assessed. After caudal fin resection, a scar formed on the tail of the zebrafish, and the area of the caudal fin increased by 1.30 times as much as that of the control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, this tail scar was alleviated after 10 mg/g UL supplementation but not after 30 mg/g UL dose. LPS decreased the feed intake and body weight of the zebrafish; however, these effects were reversed after 10 and 30 mg/g doses of UL. In addition, the LPS treatment also reduced the intestinal goblet cells by 49% in the zebrafish when compared with the control, which was significantly restored after 10 and 30 mg/g UL treatments. At the genetics level, the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (TNF-α, IL6, and IL8) showed that 10 and 30 mg/g UL doses could rescue LPS-induced expression. The gut microbiota analysis revealed changes in the abundance of four major bacterial phyla in the 10 and 30 mg/g UL-treated groups, with an increased probiotic Bacteroidota and decreased pathogenic bacteria. These results indicate that UL strongly inhibits inflammation caused by caudal fin removal and LPS-induced inflammatory changes in the zebrafish intensity, suggesting that UL is a feed additive that could be developed to improve resistance to inflammation in livestock.

Potentials of Aloe barbadensis inclusion in fish feeds on resilience to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in freshwater fish Labeo rohita

Aquatic bacterial pathogens can cause severe economic loss in aquaculture industry. An opportunistic pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila is responsible for Motile Aeromonas Septicemia, leading to high mortality rates in fish. The present study was focused on the efficacy of Aloe barbadensis replacing fishmeal diets on hematological, serum biochemical, antioxidant, histopathological parameters, and disease resistance against A. hydrophila infection in Labeo rohita. Isonitrogenous fishmeal replaced diets (FMR) were prepared with varying levels of A. barbadensis at D1 (0%) (control), D2 (25%), D3 (50%), D4 (75%) and D5 (100%) then fed to L. rohita. After 60 days of post-feeding, the experimental fish were challenged with A. hydrophila. Blood and organs were collected and examined at 1- and 15-days post infection (dpi). The results demonstrated that on 1 dpi, white blood cells (WBC), total protein, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly increased in D3 diet fed groups. The D2 and D3 diet fed group showed decreasing trends of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and antioxidant enzymes activity on 15 dpi. The histopathological architecture results clearly illustrated that the D3 diet fed group had given a higher protective effect by reducing the pathological changes associated with A. hydrophila infection in liver, intestine and muscle. Higher percentage of survival rate was also observed in D3 diet fed group. Therefore, the present study suggested that the dietary administration of A. barbadensis up to 50% fishmeal replacement (D3 diet) can elicit earlier antioxidant activity, innate immune response and improve survival rate in L. rohita against A. hydrophila infection.

Host-pathogen interaction unveiled by immune, oxidative stress, and cytokine expression analysis to experimental Saprolegnia parasitica infection in Nile tilapia

The present study evaluated the pathogenicity, immunological, and oxidant/antioxidant responses against Saprolegnia parasitica (S. parasitica) infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Three groups of Nile tilapia were assigned as the control group (no zoospores exposure). The other two groups were challenged by Saprolegnia zoospores; one was used for sampling, and the other for mortality monitoring. The study lasted 3 weeks and was sampled at three point times at 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Results showed that S. parasitica zoospores were pathogenic to Nile tilapia, causing a cumulative mortality rate of 86.6%. Immunoglobulin M and C- reactive protein (IgM and CRP) levels showed a similar trend being significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.001) higher in the infected group at weeks 1, 2, and 3, respectively, compared to the control group. Oxidant and antioxidant parameters in gills revealed that Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly higher in the infected group compared to the control group. While catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (CAT, GSH, and SOD) levels were significantly decreased in the infected group compared to the control group. Compared to the control, the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene was firmly upregulated in gill tissue at all-time points, particularly at day 14 post-infection. Meanwhile, Interleukin 1-β (IL-1 β) gene was significantly upregulated only at days 7 and 14 post-infection compared to control. Histopathological examination revealed destructive and degenerative changes in both skin and gills of experimentally infected Nile tilapia. Our findings suggest that Nile tilapia-S. parasitica infection model was successful in better understanding of pathogenicity and host (fish)-pathogen (oomycete) interactions, where the induced oxidative stress and upregulation of particular immune biomarkers in response to S. parasitica infection may play a crucial role in fish defense against oomycetes in fish.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) Additive as a Growth Promoter and Immune Stimulator in Fish

Aquaculture will become an important food production sector for humans in the coming decades. However, disease outbreaks can be considered a significant obstacle to continually developing aquaculture. Plant powders and extracts are natural feed additives that, due to their bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, have antistress, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects on fish. One of these herbs is nettle (Urtica dioica), which has a long history of being used in traditional medicine. While it has been widely investigated in mammalian medicine, few studies have been done on aquaculture species. The positive effect of this herb on the growth performance, hematology, blood biochemistry, and immune system of fish species has been observed. When fish were exposed to pathogens, nettle-fed fish showed a higher survival rate and less stress than controls. Therefore, this literature review is aimed at reviewing the use of this herb in fish diets and its impacts on growth performance, hematology, blood biochemistry, liver enzymes, immune system stimulation, and challenges with pathogens.

Effect of dietary celery (Apium graveolens) on the growth performance, immune responses, and bacterial resistance against Vibrio anguillarum of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

In this study, we evaluated to reveal the effects of aqueous methanolic extract of celery (Apium graveolens) on the growth performance, immune responses, and resistance against Vibrio anguillarum in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). For this purpose, twenty fish (initial mean weight of 4.80 ± 0.06 g) were placed into twelve tanks (400 L) in triplicate and fish were fed with control (C) and three different levels (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 g/kg) of A. graveolens (AG) extract-containing diets (AG0.01, AG0.05, and AG0.1) for 30 days. Blood and tissue (kidney, spleen, and intestine) samples were taken from the fish every 10 days during the study to determine the immune responses of the fish. Respiratory burst activity (RBA) was significantly decreased in the AG0.1 group compared to all other groups on the 10th day of the study (P < 0.05). Significance was noticed in the RBA of fish in all AG groups compared to the C group (P < 0.05) on the 30th day of the experiment Lysozyme activity (LYS) was raised on the 10th day of the study in all celery groups compared to the C group (P < 0.05). No differences in the myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) were observed among the experimental groups (P > 0.05). The final mean weight (FMW) was not affected in any experimental groups (P > 0.05). However, in the AG0.05 group, the specific growth rate (SGR) increased, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased compared to other groups (P < 0.05). IL-1β in the kidney was highly elevated in the AG0.01 group on the 20th day of the study (P < 0.05). Similar results were observed on IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α expression in the kidney (P < 0.05). Anti-inflammatory responses (IL-10 and TGF-β) also increased in all experimental groups and tissues compared to the C group (P < 0.05). COX-2 was upregulated on the 20th day of the study in all tissues (P < 0.05). At the end of the feeding trial, the survival rate of the AG0.1 group in fish infected with Vibrio anguillarum infection was higher than the C group. Dietary celery extract did not affect growth performance directly but increased innate immune responses and a high survival rate. Overall, compared to the control group, the growth, immunity, and resistance of European seabass fed with a diet containing 0.05 g/kg celery aqueous methanolic extract has been improved, and this could be used as an immunostimulant feed additive.

Effects of white mustard (Sinapis alba) oil on growth performance, immune response, blood parameters, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchusmykiss)

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of white mustard (Sinapis alba) oil (WMO) on growth performance, immune responses, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). For this purpose, fish (initial weight: 25.77 ± 0.13 g) were divided into four experimental groups in triplicate and fed ad libitum twice a day with diets containing WMO at 0 (control), 0.5, 1, and 1.5% of diet for 9 weeks. Three fish from each tank (n:9 per treatment) were sampled on 21st, 42nd, and 63rd days for further analyses. At the end of the feeding period, fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila and Yersinia ruckeri in two separate experimental setups. Results showed that final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate were significantly increased in all experimental groups compared to the control. Feed conversion ratio was similar among treatments. Respiratory burst and potential killing activity decreased in all experimental groups compared to the control (P < 0.05). Lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities were elevated in all experimental groups at the end of the experiment compared to the control (P < 0.05). Cytokine gene expressions in the head kidney and intestine were elevated in all experimental groups compared to that of the control in general (P < 0.05). Hematological responses of the experimental fish groups were similar to that of the control (P > 0.05). Pepsin and trypsin levels decreased in all experimental groups (P < 0.05). In terms of antioxidant enzyme activities, significant improvement in liver superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione s-transferase activities in all treatment groups were determined (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant decline in liver lipid peroxidation levels was recorded in all treated groups at all sampling times compared to the control (P < 0.05). At the end of this feeding trial, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in survival against A. hydrophila among experimental groups compared to the control (P > 0.05). However, increased survival against Y. ruckeri was determined in experimental fish groups (P < 0.05). This study suggests that white mustard oil had a favorable effect on the overall health and growth of rainbow trout.

Enhancement of growth, antioxidative status, nonspecific immunity, and disease resistance in gibel carp (Carassius auratus) in response to dietary Flos populi extract

This study investigated the effects of dietary Flos populi extract (FPE) on the growth, antioxidation capability, innate immune response, and disease resistance in gibel carp. A total of 480 fish were fed with five different diets containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g kg^-1 FPE (designated as control, D0.5, D1.0, D1.5, or D2.0 groups) for 45 days. The fish were challenged with A. hydrophila after the feeding trial. Compared with the control, the feed efficiency (FE), weight gain (WG), final body weight (FBW), and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly improved in groups D1.0 and D1.5. Dietary FPE significantly increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) content. The contents of protein carbonyl (PCC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum decreased significantly. Additionally, FPE supplementation in diets resulted in significant improvement in serum lysozyme (LZM) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, as well as immunoglobulin M (IgM) and complement 3 (C3) concentrations. The hepatic antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) activities increased, whereas content of MDA decreased in fish treated with dietary FPE than those of control both pre- and post-challenged. After 12 h-challenge, an obvious downregulation of hepatic Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), splenic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mRNA levels was observed in fish treated with dietary FPE, whereas hepatic Nrf2 transcription level was upregulated compared to the control. Furthermore, compared to group D0.5, higher relative percent survival (RPS) was observed in gibel carp fed dietary 1.0-2.0 g/kg FPE. Our results reveal that FPE supplemented diet has a stimulatory effect on antioxidant capacity and nonspecific immune response, along with improved growth performance and enhanced resistance against A. hydrophila infection in juvenile gibel carp.

An exploratory review of Potential Adjunct Therapies for the Treatment of Coronavirus Infections

Objective

The purpose of this exploratory review c, including vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, elderberry (S nigra), garlic (A sativum), licorice (G glabra), stinging nettle (U dioica), N-acetylcysteine, quercetin and selenium as potential adjunct therapies for the treatment of coronavirus infections.

Methods

A search of PubMed was performed for articles published from 2005 to 2021. Key words searched were zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, Sambucus nigra, Allium sativum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Urtica dioica, N-Acetylcysteine, quercetin, selenium and coronavirus.

Results

There were 47 articles selected for this review. Findings included that vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, S nigra, A sativum, G glabra, U dioica, N-acetylcysteine, quercetin and selenium have been shown to produce anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory or antiviral effects that may enhance the actions of standard therapeutics for the treatment of CoV infections. We found only research articles related to the effects of vitamin D, zinc, G glabra, quercetin and selenium against COVID-19.

Conclusion

We identified non-pharmaceutical supplements (Vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, S nigra, A sativum, G glabra and U dioica) which may have potential to provide support for those with coronavirus infections. However, rigorous clinical studies need to be performed before any clinical recommendations can be made at this time.

The Gene Regulatory Roles of Herbal Extracts on the Growth, Immune System, and Reproduction of Fish

The crucial need for safe and healthy aquatic animals obligates researchers in aquaculture to investigate alternative and beneficial additives. Medicinal herbals and their extracts are compromised with diverse effects on the performances of aquatic animals. These compounds can affect growth performance and stimulate the immune system when used in fish diet. In addition, the use of medicinal herbs and their extracts can reduce oxidative stress induced by several stressors during fish culture. Correspondingly, aquatic animals could gain increased resistance against infectious pathogens and environmental stressors. Nevertheless, the exact mode of action where these additives can affect aquatic animals' performances is still not well documented. Understanding the mechanistic role of herbal supplements and their derivatives is a vital tool to develop further the strategies and application of these additives for feasible and sustainable aquaculture. Gene-related studies have clarified the detailed information on the herbal supplements' mode of action when administered orally in aquafeed. Several review articles have presented the potential roles of medicinal herbs on the performances of aquatic animals. However, this review article discusses the outputs of studies conducted on aquatic animals fed dietary, medicinal herbs, focusing on the gene expression related to growth and immune performances. Furthermore, a particular focus is directed to the expected influence of herbal supplements on the reproduction of aquatic animals.

Anti-oomycetes and immunostimulatory activity of natural plant extract compounds against Saprolegnia spp.: Molecular docking and in-vitro studies

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of five natural plant extract compounds Curcumin (CUR); Eugenol (EUG), Cinnamaldehyde (CIN), Stigmasterol (ST) and Morin (MOR), on two species of Saprolegnia; Saprolegnia parasitica and S. australis. Selective compounds were screened for the minimum inhibitory concentration, first for anti-oomycetes activity and then mycelium growth inhibition, spore germination inhibition and colonisation test. Nitric oxide production and myeloperoxidase activity of the compounds were tested in head kidney leukocytes of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss to assess the immunostimulatory potential. Molecular docking of effective compounds was carried out with effector proteins of S. parasitica to investigate the target binding sites. Among all, CUR could completely inhibit zoospore production and significantly (p ≤ .05) inhibit hyphal growth at 16 mg l^-1 against S. parasitica and S. australis. CIN at the concentration of 50 mg l^-1 completely inhibited hyphal growth of both Saprolegnia spp., although the zoospore production of S. parasitica and S. australis was reduced at 25 mg l^-1 and 10 mg l^-1. In the case of EUG, significant inhibition of the hyphal growth and germination of S. parasitica zoospores was observed at 50 mg l^-1. ST and MOR did not show antioomycetes activity. The molecular docking results were consistent with in vitro studies, possibly due to the binding with the vital proteins (Plasma membrane ATPase, V-type proton ATPase, TKL protein kinase, Host targeting protein 1) of S. parasitica and ultimately inhibiting their activity. CUR and CIN showed increased nitric oxide production at the highest concentration of 250 and 256 mg l^-1 but the value was not significant (p ≤ .05) with control. CUR showed significantly higher peroxidase activity (p ≤ .05) at a concentration of 256 mg l^-1 though values were significantly similar with concentration from 16 to 128 mg l^-1. The nitric oxide and total peroxidase activity of rainbow trout leukocytes in the case of CIN showed a significant difference only at 250 mg l^-1 against the control. The results conclude that CUR, CIN showed the better anti-Saprolegnia activity and could be used as phyto-additives in aquaculture. Among all, the inclusion of CUR as phyto-additives will provide additional immunostimulatory activity.