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

Comparative effects of curcumin, nano curcumin and their combination on reproductive traits and spawning performance of red tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus X O. Mossambicus)

Curcumin, the main polyphenol component of turmeric powder, has garnered increasing attention as an effective supplement in fish diets. A comparative trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of dietary supplementation with different forms of curcumin (free, in combination, or nanoparticles) on hemato-biochemical parameters, reproductive capacity, and related gene expressions of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus) broodstock. Fish (n = 168) were fed an isonitrogenous (30% CP), isocaloric (18.72 MJ kg - 1) diet containing basal diet (Control), 60 mg kg-1 of either free curcumin (Cur), curcumin/nano-curcumin blend (Cur/NCur), or nano-curcumin (NCur) for 56 days. Red tilapia broodstock (155 ± 5.65 g) were stocked at a male: female ratio of 1:3. Blood samples and gonads were collected to assess hemato-biochemical parameters, reproductive capacity, and related gene expression at the end of the feeding trial. The results indicated that the values of hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, hemoglobin), total protein, albumin values, and reproductive hormones (T, LH, and FSH) were significantly increased, while liver function enzymes were decreased in the NCur group (P < 0.05). Reproductive performances (GSI, gonad maturation, total number of fry per female) were significantly improved in the NCur group compared with those in other groups (p < 0.05). The expression of reproductive genes (CYP19A1A, FSHR, LHR, FOXL2A, ESR1, ESR2A, and PGR) were significantly up-regulated in the gonads of fish fed NCur. Collectively, feeding red tilapia diets containing NCur led to noticeably better results followed by Cur/NCur blend, then free Cur compared to the control diet. These results indicate the superiority of NCur over its free or blended form, suggesting that a diet containing about 60 mg/kg of NCur is beneficial for enhancing hemato-biochemical parameters, improving reproductive performance, and enhancing the gonadal architecture of red tilapia.

Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles via neem extract and their anticancer and antibacterial activities

In the present study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized using neem leaf aqueous extracts and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Then compare its efficacy as anticancer and antibacterial agents with chemically synthesized ZnO-NPs and the neem leaf extract used for the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs. The TEM, UV-vis, and particle size confirmed that the developed ZnO-NPs are nanoscale. The chemically and greenly synthesized ZnO-NPs showed their optical absorbance at 328 nm and 380 nm, respectively, and were observed as spherical particles with a size of about 85 nm and 62.5 nm, respectively. HPLC and GC-MS were utilized to identify the bioactive components in the neem leaf aqueous extract employed for the eco-friendly production of ZnO-NPs. The HPLC analysis revealed that the aqueous extract of neem leaf contains 19 phenolic component fractions. The GC-MS analysis revealed the existence of 21 bioactive compounds. The antiproliferative effect of green ZnO-NPs was observed at different concentrations (31.25 µg/mL-1000 µg/mL) on Hct 116 and A 549 cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 111 µg/mL for A 549 and 118 µg/mL for Hct 116. On the other hand, the antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was estimated. The antibacterial result showed that the MIC of green synthesized ZnO-NPs against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were 5, and 1 µg/mL. Hence, they could be utilized as effective antibacterial and antiproliferative agents.

Anthocyanins from pomegranate peel (Punica granatum), chili pepper fruit (Capsicum annuum), and bougainvillea flowers (Bougainvillea spectabilis) with multiple biofunctions: Antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer

Background

Natural colorants, including natural pigments, e.g., anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophylls, in novel and attractive food matrixes have become a popular trend. They impart favorite colors to food products and provide significant therapeutic effects. This study is aimed at extracting and identifying some natural pigments from different plant sources and evaluating their ability as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

Methods

The anthocyanin-rich extract (ARE) is derived from three natural plant sources: pomegranate peel (Punica granatum), chili pepper fruit (Capsicum annuum), and Bougainvillea flowers. Bougainvillea spectabilis are analyzed for biochemical composition, as well as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activity, HPLC, DPPH, FRAP, disc diffusion assay, MIC, MTT, VEGFR-2, and caspase-9 assays.

Results

All three extracts had varying total phenolic contents, ranging from 14 to 466 mg GAE/g extract, where Punica granatum was the highest (466 mg GAE/g extract), followed by Bougainvillea spectabilis (180 mg GAE/g extract), and then Capsicum annuum (14 mg GAE/g extract). The antioxidant activity rose steadily with raising concentration. The ARE of pomegranate peels recorded highest value, followed by Bougainvillea flowers and chili pepper fruit. The MTT assay revealed an inhibitory action of the tested extracts on the proliferation of HCT-116, MCF-7, and HepG2 in a concentration-based manner. Gene expression of caspase-9 transcripts was considerably multiplied by the application of ARE of pomegranate peels. All the tested extracts inhibited VEGFR-2, and the inhibition (%) expanded gradually with increasing concentrations, achieving the highest value (80 %) at 10 μg/mL. The ARE of pomegranate peels scored highest antibacterial activity, followed by ARE of chili pepper fruit and Bougainvillea flowers. The inhibition zone diameter escalated gradually with rising concentrations of the tested samples.

Conclusion

The AREs of the three studied plant sources can be used as multifunctional products with antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities that are natural, safe, and cheap.

The effects of dietary Spirulina platensis or curcumin nanoparticles on performance, body chemical composition, blood biochemical, digestive enzyme, antioxidant and immune activities of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings

CONTEXT

Recently, prioritize has been given to using natural phytogenic or nano compounds as growth promoters and immunostimulants in fish diets as an alternative to antibiotics.

AIMS

The main propose of this trial was to determine the impact of supplementing diets with spirulina or curcumin nanoparticles on the performance and health indicators of Nile tilapia fingerlings.

METHODS

In a 56-day feeding trial, 180 tilapia fingerlings were assigned into three main groups, as follows: 1st, control group, 2nd, Spirulina platensis (SP; 5 g kg-1 diet) and 3rd, curcumin nanoparticles (CUR-NPs; 30 mg kg-1 diet).

KEY RESULTS

Incorporating tilapia diets with SP or CUR-NPs significantly improved performance, body chemical analysis, blood biochemical and hematological indices, digestive enzyme activities, and antioxidant and immunostimulant features compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

Fortified tilapia diets with CUR-NPs or SP efficiently boost the productivity and health of Nile tilapia fingerlings.

IMPLICATIONS

The research introduces new practical solutions for applying safe feed additives as alternatives to antibiotics in tilapia farming.

Membrane-stabilizing and protective effects of curcumin in a rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson disease

Parkinson disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by both motor and non-motor features. Numerous risk factors (oxidative stress, free radical formation, and several environmental toxins) have been associated with PD. The experimental studies were carried out under in vivo conditions. Biochemical data analysis indicated that compared with the parameters of control (C) rats, rotenone-induced PD rats showed a significant decrease in the specific content of the total fraction of isoforms of O2--producing, heat-stable, NADPH-containing associates (NLP-Nox) from membrane formations of tissues (brain, liver, lung, and small intestine). Compared with the C group indices, in the PD and PD + curcumin (PD + CU) groups there is some change in the shape of the optical absorption spectra of isoforms associated with a change in the amount of Nox in the isoform composition of the total fraction of the NLP-Nox associate. Thus, daily administration of CU (200 mg/kg, i.p.) to PD rats for 63 days had a regulatory effect, bringing the specific content and O2--producing activity of the total fraction of NLP-Nox isoforms closer to the norm. CU has membrane-stabilizing effects in rotenone-induced PD.

Curcumin Alleviates Singapore Grouper Iridovirus-Induced Intestine Injury in Orange-Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is a new ranavirus species in the Iridoviridae family, whose high lethality and rapid spread have resulted in enormous economic losses for the aquaculture industry. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, has been proven to possess multiple biological activities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. This study was conducted to determine whether curcumin protected orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) from SGIV-induced intestinal damage by affecting the inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and intestinal microbiota. Random distribution of healthy orange-spotted groupers (8.0 ± 1.0 cm and 9.0 ± 1.0 g) into six experimental groups (each group with 90 groupers): Control, DMSO, curcumin, SGIV, DMSO + SGIV, and curcumin + SGIV. The fish administered gavage received DMSO dilution solution or 640 mg/L curcumin every day for 15 days and then were injected intraperitoneally with SGIV 24 h after the last gavage. When more than half of the groupers in the SGIV group perished, samples from each group were collected for intestinal health evaluation. Our results showed that curcumin significantly alleviated intestine damage and repaired intestinal barrier dysfunction, which was identified by decreased intestine permeability and serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity and increased expressions of tight junction proteins during SGIV infection. Moreover, curcumin treatment suppressed intestinal cells apoptosis and inflammatory response caused by SGIV and protected intestinal cells from oxidative injury by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which was related to the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Moreover, we found that curcumin treatment restored the disruption of the intestinal microbiota caused by SGIV infection. Our study provided a theoretical basis for the functional development of curcumin in aquaculture by highlighting the protective effect of curcumin against SGIV-induced intestinal injury.

Resveratrol attenuated fatty acid synthesis through MAPK-PPAR pathway in red tilapia

High-fat (HF) diets have been shown to cause hepatic impairment in fish species, but the mode of action, especially the pathways involved, has not yet been determined. In this study, the effects of resveratrol (RES) supplementation on the hepatic structure and fat metabolism of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were determined. Based on transcriptome and proteomics results, RES was found to promote fatty acid β-oxidation in the blood, liver, and liver cells associated with apoptosis and the MAPK/PPAR signaling pathway. RES supplementation was found to alter the expression of genes related to apoptosis and fatty acid pathways like blood itga6a and armc5 which were upregulated and downregulated respectively by high-fat feeding while ggh and ensonig00000008711 increased and decreased, respectively, with RES addition. Relative to the PPAR signaling pathway, fabp10a and acbd7 showed a reverse U-shaped tendency, both in different treatments and at different times. Proteomics results demonstrated that MAPK/PPAR, carbon/glyoxylate, dicarboxylate/glycine serine, and threonine/drug-other enzymes/beta-alanine metabolism pathways in the RES group were significantly affected, and Fasn and Acox1 decreased and increased, respectively, with RES addition. Seven subgroups were obtained using scRNA-seq, and enrichment analysis showed that the PPAR signaling pathway was upregulated with RES supplementation. RES significantly increased the expression of the marked genes (pck1) ensonig00000037711, fbp10a, granulin, hbe1, and zgc:136461, which are liver cell-specific genes. In conclusion, RES resulted in significantly enriched DGEs associated with fat metabolism and synthesis via the MAPK-PPAR signaling pathway.

Comparative Study on Ginger Powder and Ginger Extract Nanoparticles: Effects on Growth, Immune–Antioxidant Status, Tissue Histoarchitecture, and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas putida Infection in Oreochromis niloticus

A 10 week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of ginger powder (GP) and ginger extract nanoparticles (GNPs) on the growth parameters, digestive enzymes (lipase and amylase) activities, blood hematology, blood biochemical indices, immune indices (interleukin 10, immunoglobulin M, nitric oxide, and lysozymes), antioxidant activity, histological characteristics of kidney, spleen, liver, and intestine, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila or Pseudomonas putida infection in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish (n = 225, 27.01 ± 0.15 g) were stocked in 15 glass tanks (50 × 40 × 60 cm) and randomly allocated to five experimental treatments (TRTs) in triplicate (15 fish/replicate, 45 fish/TRT), consisting of five isocaloric–isonitrogenous diets. The treatments comprised the basal diet (1) without any additives (control group, CON), (2) with 0.5% GP (GP0.5), (3) with 1% GP (GP1), (4) with 0.5% GNPs (GNPs0.5), and (5) with 1% GNPs (GNPs1). Fish were manually fed to satiety three times a day (at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.). Fish were weighed at the start of the experiment, then the body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were determined at the end of the experiment. At the end of the feeding period, 15 fish/TRT were intraperitoneally inoculated with two pathogenic bacterial strains (A. hydrophila or P. putida) in two separate challenge tests. Blood samples were collected from each TRT at two aliquots for hematological and biochemical analysis at the end of the feeding period. A significant improvement in fish growth was observed in GP and GNPs TRTs compared to the control group. There were no significant changes in the total amount of feed intake/fish in response to the experimental diets. Diets enriched with GNPs, particularly the GNPs1 TRT, resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in digestive enzyme activity (lipase and amylase), serum growth hormone level, proteinogram, and immune indices (lysozyme, immunoglobulin M, interleukin 10, and nitric oxide). In addition, a significant increase in hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and catalase) was observed in fish fed with GNPs-enriched diets. Survival percentages following bacterial challenge were higher in GNPs1, followed by GP1 and GNPs0.5 TRTs. Normal histomorphology was found in liver, kidney, and spleen tissues in all experimental TRTs. We conclude that GP and GNPs could be included in Nile tilapia diets for promoting fish growth, immunity, antioxidant status, and disease resistance without harming organ functions. In particular, the most effective treatment was GNPs1.

Curcumin loaded liposome formulation: Enhanced efficacy on performance, flesh quality, immune response with defense against Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus)

Application of novel trend comprising antioxidant phytogenics is aiming to minimize the stress related factors and associated diseases in intensive fish culturing. Today, the concept of exploiting and protecting natural antioxidants represents a paradigm shift for the aqua feed industry. Therefore, our principal goal targeting liposome as a novel nanocarrier for curcumin is directed to attain superior performance, fillet antioxidant stability and bacterial resistance in Nile tilapia. A total of 500 Nile tilapia fingerlings (average body weight, 10.27 ± 0.10 g) assigned into five experimental groups in 25 glass aquaria of 120 L capacity at the density 20 fish/aquaria. The experimental groups were supplemented with varying doses of liposomal curcumin-NPs, LipoCur-NPs (0, 5, 15, 25 and 35 mg/kg diet) were reared for 12 weeks and later Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) challenged model was performed. Inclusion of LipoCur-NPs (25 and 35 mg/kg diet) had the most prominent impact on Nile tilapia growth rate and feed conversion ratio. The immune boosting outcomes post supplementing 35 mg/kg diet of LipoCur-NPs were evidenced by higher myeloperoxidase, lysozyme and total immunoglobulin levels. Even after 4 weeks frozen storage, LipoCur-NPs at the dose of 35 mg/kg diet prominently increased (P < 0.05) the fillet scavenging capability for free radicals (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) with an inverse reduction in lipid peroxidation biomarker (malondialdehyde). Notably, upregulation of GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD genes in fillet of 35 mg/kg LipoCur-NPs fed fish coordinated with higher T-AOC and lower oxidative markers (ROS and H₂O₂). Post S. agalactiae challenge, higher supplementation levels of LipoCur-NPs (35 mg/kg diet) greatly attenuated the expression of its vital virulence genes (cfb, fbsA and cpsA) with higher expression of Igm, CXC-chemokine and MHC genes. Concordantly, downregulation of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8) and upregulation of anti-inflammatory ones (IL-10 and TGF-β) were remarkably documented. Based on these findings, the innovative curcumin loaded liposome was considered a novel multitargeting alternative not only playing an imperative role in Nile tilapia growth promotion and fillet stability upon storage, but also protecting efficiently against S. agalactiae.

Dietary Effects of Nano Curcumin on Growth Performances, Body Composition, Blood Parameters and Histopathological Alternation in Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) Challenged with Aspergillus flavus

This research examined the role of nano curcumin (NC) on growth performances, body composition, and blood parameters of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) challenged with Aspergillus flavus. Fish (5.0 g ± 0.30) were randomly distributed in four equal groups (20 fish per pond in triplicates) and fed various concentrations of NC fortified with 0 (Control), 40 mg/kg (NC1), 50 mg/kg (NC2), and 60 mg/kg diet (NC3) of nano curcumin. After eight weeks of the feeding trial, the fish were challenged with A. flavus for 15 days, and the cumulative mortality was recorded. Fish fed with different concentrations of NC improved significantly (p < 0.05) the growth performances, feed utilization, and survival rate. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between NC2 and NC3 treatments. However, NC3 exhibited higher performances. Fish feed supplemented with NC decreased the mortality rate when challenged with A. flavus. Hence, dietary supplementation of NC enhanced the growth and health status of Oreochromis sp. and protected it from A. flavus infection. This study suggests the optimum inclusion level of NC is a 50–60 mg/kg diet.

Impact of Dietary Lavender Essential Oil on the Growth and Fatty Acid Profile of Breast Muscles, Antioxidant Activity, and Inflammatory Responses in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary addition of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia L.) (LEO) on the growth performance, tissue histoarchitecture, and fatty acid profile in breast muscles, as well as blood biochemistry and immune expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines of broiler chickens. A total of 200 three-day-old broiler chickens (average body weight 101.3 ± 0.24 g) were assigned to a completely randomized design consisting of four dietary treatments (n = 50 per treatment, each replicate consisting of 10 birds) that included lavender essential oil at concentrations of 0 (control group), 200, 400, and 600 mg Kg−1 diet. The experiment lasted for 35 days. The results revealed that supplementation of lavender essential oil at 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg in broiler diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on the growth performance throughout the experimental periods (3−10, 11−23, and 24−35 days of age). According to the broken line regression model, the optimal level for dietary LEO addition was the 460 mg kg−1 diet based on the total body weight gain and feed conversion ratio results. The diets supplemented with lavender essential oil had no effect (p > 0.05) on the percentages of carcass yield or internal organs. Dietary addition of LEO significantly increased the percentages of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids PUFA (n-3), omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6), and the n-3/n-6 ratio (p < 0.05) in the breast muscles of chickens in a level-dependent manner. The blood concentration of alanine aminotransferase was significantly increased in lavender essential oil at 600 mg kg−1 compared with other treatments. The dietary addition of LEO at 200, 400, and 600 mg kg−1 significantly reduced the malondialdehyde level. Still, they significantly increased the serum enzyme activities of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukine-1 beta and interferon γ) compared with the unsupplemented group. The LEO-supplemented groups showed normal liver histomorphology as in the control group. However, the immunoexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor β was significantly increased by increasing the level of LEO. It can be concluded that lavender essential oil can be included in broiler chicken diets up to 460 mg kg −1 with no positive effect on the bird’s growth. It can improve the antioxidant capacity and enrich the breast muscles with PUFA. An increased level of supplementation (600 mg kg−1) increased the inflammatory responses in broiler chickens.