Bee venom enhances performance and immune function in thinlip mullet: A promising approach for sustainable aquaculture.

As an environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics, bee venom holds promise for aquaculture due to its diverse health advantages, including immune-amplifying and anti-inflammatory features. This study investigated the effects of dietary bee venom (BV) on the growth and physiological performance of Thinlip mullet (Liza ramada) with an initial body weight of 40.04 ± 0.11 g for 60 days. Fish were distributed to five dietary treatments (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg BV/kg diet) with three replicates. Growth traits, gut enzyme ability (lipase, protease, amylase), intestinal and liver histology, blood biochemistry, immune responses [lysozyme activity (LYZ), bactericidal activity (BA), nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT%)], and antioxidant status [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA)] were evaluated. BV supplementation significantly improved growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, histological integrity of organs, immune responses (LYZ, BA), and antioxidant status (SOD, CAT, GPx), while declining MDA levels. Optimal BV levels were identified between 4.2 and 5.8 mg/kg diet for different parameters. Overall, the findings suggest that BV supplementation can enhance growth and physiological performance in Thinlip mullet, highlighting its potential as a beneficial dietary supplement for fish health and aquaculture management.

Stevioside mitigates lead toxicity in thinlip mullet juveniles: Impacts on growth, metabolism, and immune function.

This study investigates the impact of varying concentrations of stevioside in the presence of lead (Pb) exposure on multiple aspects of thinlip mullet (Liza ramada) juveniles. Over 60 days, a total of 540 juvenile L. ramada with an initial weight of 3.5 ± 0.13 g were evenly distributed into six groups, each consisting of three replicates. The experimental diet consisted of varying levels of stevioside (150, 250, 350, and 450 mg/kg diet), with a consistent concentration of lead (Pb) set at 100 µg/kg diet. Stevioside demonstrated a positive influence on growth parameters, with the 450 mg/kg +Pb treatment showing the highest values. Biochemical parameters remained stable, but lead-exposed fish without stevioside displayed signs of potential liver damage and metabolic issues. Stevioside supplementation, especially at higher doses (≥250 mg/kg), reversed these negative effects, restoring biochemical markers to healthy control levels. Lead exposure significantly suppressed antioxidant enzyme activities, but co-administration of stevioside exhibited a dose-dependent protective effect, with 250, 350, and 450 mg/kg groups showing activities comparable to the healthy control. Lead-exposed fish without stevioside demonstrated attenuation of the immune response, but stevioside supplementation reversed these effects, particularly at ≥250 mg/kg. Stev (≥250 mg/kg) reduced IL-1ß and hepcidin expression, contrasting dose-dependent upregulation in lower dosages and lead-only group. Histological examinations of the intestine and liver supported these findings. In conclusion, stevioside, especially at 450 mg, positively impacted growth, biochemical parameters, antioxidant activity, immune response, and gene expression in L. ramada exposed to lead, suggesting its potential to mitigate lead toxicity in aquaculture. Additional research is warranted to investigate the long-term impacts of stevioside supplementation and its prospective implementation in aquaculture.

Evaluation of different probiotics on growth, body composition, antioxidant capacity, and histoarchitecture of Mugil capito.

We investigated the dietary effects of the single application of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and their combination on growth, proximate composition of whole fish body, antioxidant defense, and histoarchitecture of hapa-reared Mugil capito. Healthy fish (Fish weighed = 10.30 ± 0.10 g at first) were randomly allocated into 4 equal groups, each with three replicates. These groups were designed as follows: (1) a group fed a basal diet without probiotics (control), (2) a group fed a diet containing S. cerevisiae (4 g/kg diet), (3) a group fed a diet containing L. bulgaricus (2 g/kg diet), and (4) the last group fed a diet containing a combination of both, all for a duration of 60 days. Probiotic-treated groups showed significantly better growth and nutrition utilization than the control group. Significant differences were observed in the crude fat and crude protein contents among the groups, with the combination group exhibiting the highest levels. However, there were no significant variations in ash content across all groups. The highest hepatic antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activities) was observed in the combination group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations were decreased significantly in all probiotic groups, suggesting improved oxidative stress resilience in these groups. The histomorphological analysis of the hepatopancreatic tissues revealed well-arranged parenchyma, increased glycogen storage, and melanomacrophage centers in probiotic-treated groups, particularly the combined probiotics group. Furthermore, the probiotic supplementation improved the histoarchitecture of the intestinal villi compared to the control group. To put it briefly, combined dietary administration of these probiotics improved growth, body composition, antioxidant defenses, and hepatic and intestinal health in hapa-reared M. capito, highlighting their promising role in promoting welfare and productivity.

Dietary effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Allium sativum on growth, antioxidant status, hepatic and intestinal histoarchitecture, expression of growth- and immune-related genes, and resistance of Oreochromis niloticus to Aeromonas sobria.

This study investigated the benefits of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or garlic, Allium sativum supplementation in diets of Nile tilapia with regard to growth, antioxidant status, hepatic and intestinal histoarchitecture, expression of growth- and immune-related genes, and resistance to Aeromonas sobria infection. Fish (with an initial weight of 9.43 ± 0.08 g) were allocated to twelve hapas, organized into four triplicate treatment groups defined as control (no supplementation), yeast (4 g/kg diet), garlic (30 g/kg diet), and a mixture of both. This trial continued over a 60-day feeding period. Results revealed that combined treatment (yeast + garlic) demonstrated the most promising outcomes regarding growth, with significantly higher final body weights, weight gains, and specific growth rates compared to other groups. Moreover, this combination enhanced hepatic antioxidant status, as evidenced by elevated levels of reduced glutathione and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, reflecting improved defense against oxidative stress. Histological assessments of the livers and intestines demonstrated structural enhancements in yeast and garlic treatments, suggesting improvements in organ health. In comparison to the control, the gene expression analyses unveiled increased expression of growth-related (igf-1 and ghr1) and immune-related (il-10, lyz, and hep) genes in the test groups, indicating a possible reinforcement of the growth and immune responses. The combined treatment also showed the highest resistance to A. sobria infection, as evidenced by improved survival rates and lower mortality compared with the other groups. These findings highlight the benefits of a combination of both yeast and garlic as a dietary supplementation regimen. In conclusion, this study suggests that the combined treatment regimen could be considered an effective strategy to promote the health and productivity of Nile tilapia under production conditions.

Comparative light and scanning electron microscopic studies of the lenses in the insectivorous bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii) and Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

Bats have the ability to fly without eye application in the darkness. In this study, we aimed to characterize the functional and structural acclimations of the lenses of two common bats with a various lifestyle in the Egyptian environment: the insectivorous bat (IB) (Pipistrellus kuhlii) and Egyptian fruit bat (FB) (Rousettus aegyptiacus). From each species, seven lenses were extracted from adult eyes. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and light microscopic examination of the lens were carried out. FB lenses were made up primarily of fiber cells and sheets, which were encapsulated by a thin collagenous capsule and covered by single epithelial layer anteriorly. On the other hand, the IB lens had two poles and was visibly oval shaped. Both lenses had epithelial cells of the same cuboidal form that were subjected to continuous division and differentiation into new fiber cells at the center. SEM revealed that the normal FB lens had regularly organized shells of fiber cells of intact lens fibers which were connected by membrane interdigitations with different shapes mainly ball-and-socket junctions through the superficial cortical fiber cells. The IB lens was composed of parallel, evenly spaced fibers with various types of interdigitations between fibers that can be seen and increased close to the middle region revealing tiny bumps along the scrubby portions and sockets and balls in the center of the wide portions. Near the center of both lenses, there were large interlocking paddles with little and lengthy protrusions along their short sides. In conclusion, our study discovered several ultrastructural and structural variations among the investigated species. The detection of specialized membrane interdigitations with different shapes protruding from the lens fiber sheets is considered the most characteristic of the FB lens. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: FB lens has more organized sheets of fibers parallel to each other than IB lens. Different shapes of interdigitations protruded from the FB lens have been detected. Interlocking paddles, balls, and sockets with tongue-like fiber flabs are characteristic to FB lens.

Combined Effects of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the Growth Performance, Feed Utilization Intestinal Health, and Blood Biomarkers of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed Fish Meal-Free Diets.

Aquafeed quality is the most critical factor for aquaculture sustainability. However, limitations of traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal (FM) need alternative strategies to ensure the nutritional requirements for aquatic animals. In this trial, four test diets were formulated (2 × 2 factorial design), where FM was incorporated in two diets at 10% with or without Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) at 1 g/kg. At the same time, FM was replaced with yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal (TM) with or without SC at 1 g/kg. The growth performance indices (final weight, weight gain, and SGR), and the feed utilization indices (FCR and PER) were markedly affected by the protein source (FM or TM) and dietary SC (P < 0.05). The protein source (FM or TM) significantly (P < 0.05) affected the whole-body protein and lipid contents, while the moisture and ash contents were unaffected (P > 0.05) by TM or SC. The growth of the intestinal villi showed a marked increase in both height and branching in the treated groups with SC along the whole length of the intestine. Furthermore, the immune cell infiltration was prominent near the intestinal crypts of the middle intestinal segments in the supplemented groups by SC. Dietary TM and SC revealed improved hepatic parenchyma in the liver tissue better than other groups. The hematological indices, including hemoglobulin, hematocrit, red blood cells, and white blood cells, were markedly affected by dietary SC (P < 0.05). The lysozyme activity and phagocytic index were markedly affected by dietary SC, while phagocytic activity was affected by dietary TM (P < 0.05). The catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde were markedly affected by the interaction between dietary protein source and SC, while superoxide dismutase was affected by dietary SC (P < 0.05). In conclusion, adding SC could enhance the utilization of TM by Nile tilapia with positive effects on the intestinal and liver histological features and the immune and antioxidative responses.

Differential cellular localization of lectins in the testes of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) during active and inactive breeding seasons.

The reproductive activity of the male dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) as a seasonal breeder is affected by various seasonal changes that reflect on the reproductive performance. In the current study, we explored a differential cellular localization of lectins in eight dromedary camel testes utilizing lectin histochemistry (LHC). The glycoconjugates' localizations were detected within the testicular tissue utilizing 13 biotin-labeled lectins (PNA, ConA, LCA, RCA120, GS IB4, WGA, BPL, DBA, ECA, PHA-E4, UEA-1, PTL-II, and SBA) distributed into six sets. The cellular structures revealed diverse lectins distribution that may reflect various glycoproteins' structures and their compositional modifications during spermatogenesis. Some of the investigated lectins were restricted to acrosomes of spermatids that will help study different stages during the spermatogenic cycle of dromedary camel, particularly PNA, and ECA. The statistical analysis showed a marked positive correlation between the response intensity of various lectins and the breeding season (P < 0.05). We can conclude that lectins have a fundamental role during camel spermatogenesis and are associated with the reproductive activity of dromedary camel.

Combined effects of water salinity and ammonia exposure on the antioxidative status, serum biochemistry, and immunity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Growing Nile tilapia in brackish water showed promising results, but the possibility of ammonia exposure can interrupt health status and productivity. Herein, the study tested the combined effects of water salinity and ammonia exposure on the antioxidative status, serum biochemistry, and immunity of Nile tilapia. Fish were assigned to eight groups where fish were reared in saline water (5, 10, and 15 ppt) with continuous or intermittent (every 3 days) total ammonia (TAN) exposure (5 mg TAN/L) (2 × 4 factorial design). After 30 days, the water salinity, TAN, and their interaction were markedly (P < 0.05), affecting the growth performance (final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) and survival rate of Nile tilapia. The growth performance and survival rate were markedly lower in tilapia grown in 15 ppt with continuous TAN exposure than in the remaining groups. The results showed that fish exposed to higher salinity levels (10 and 15 ppt) and continuous TAN exposure had a more robust antioxidative response, as evidenced by higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the homogenates of the gills, intestines, and livers. The gills were notably affected, with congestion of primary filaments blood vessels and degeneration or shedding of secondary filaments epithelium, especially at salinity levels of 10 and 15 ppt. Additionally, the intestines displayed hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration of intestinal mucosa at 5-10 ppt salinity, degeneration and sloughing of the intestinal epithelium at 15 ppt saline water, and increased goblet cell number at salinity of 10 ppt. The study found that continuous TAN exposure had a more significant impact on the fish, especially at higher salinity levels. Water salinity, TAN, and their interaction significantly affected all measured blood bio-indicators (total, albumin, globulin, ALT, AST, creatinine, urea, glucose, and cortisol levels). The phagocytic activity and index were markedly lowered in fish reared in 15 ppt with continuous TAN exposure, while the lysozyme activity was decreased in fish grown in 5, 10, and 15 ppt with continuous TAN exposure. In conclusion, Nile tilapia showed the possibility of growth with normal health status in brackish water (5-10 ppt); however, continuous TAN exposure can impair the productivity of tilapia, especially with high salinity (15 ppt).

Dietary effect of soybean lecithin on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, blood biomarkers, and antioxidative status of striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus.

Soybean lecithin (SBL) is usually added to aquafeed as a lipid source because aquatic animals cannot synthesize phospholipids. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the role of SBL on the growth, nutrient consumption, digestive enzyme activity, blood parameters, and antioxidant capability of striped catfish. The fish were fed on five experimental diets with five grading levels of SBL (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8%) for 60 days. The final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, and protein efficiency ratio were markedly higher in striped catfish treated with 2-4% SBL than the control level (0% SBL). However, the lowest feed conversion ratio was in the fish-fed groups of 4-6% SBL. The carcass lipid content was significantly higher in fish fed 2-4% SBL compared to the control level (0% SBL). The lipase, amylase, and protease activities were significantly increased in the fish fed 2-6% SBL compared to 0% SBL-fed group. The gradually increased levels of SBL improved the structural appearance and increased the intestinal villi length and branching appearance. The triglycerides and total cholesterol were increased in the fish fed with 4, 6, and 8% compared to the control level, with the highest being in the fish fed with 8%. The lysozyme activity was higher in the fish fed with 2, 4, and 6% of SBL compared to the control level, with higher activity in the fish fed with 2 and 4% than 6%. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities were increased in the fish fed with 2, 4, and 6% SBL. The malondialdehyde level was lower in the fish fed with 4-6% SBL compared to the control level. The regression analysis revealed that the optimum dose of SBL is required at 3.65-4.42% for better productivity and health performances in striped catfish.

Protective effect of quercetin against 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiac impairments through activating Nrf2 and inhibiting NF-κB and caspase-3 activities.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy used to treat many types of cancer. Cardiotoxicity is one of the common drawbacks of 5-FU therapy. Quercetin (Qu) is a bioflavonoid with striking biological activities. This research aimed to assess the ameliorative effect of Qu against 5-FU-mediated cardiotoxicity. Thirty-five rats were allocated into five groups: control group (normal saline), 5-FU group (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), Qu group (50 mg/kg, oral), 25 mg/kg Qu+5-FU group, and 50 mg/kg Qu+5-FU. The experimental animals were received the above-mentioned drugs for 21 days. Results showed that 5-FU significantly elevated creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum cholesterol and triglyceride, and upregulated troponin and renin mRNA expression. Additionally, cardiac oxidant/antioxidant imbalance was evident in elevated oxidants (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide) and depleted antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione). 5-FU also downregulated the gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Furthermore, 5-FU significantly increased cardiac pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta) and upregulated gene expression of nuclear factor kappa-B. 5-FU significantly enhanced cardiac apoptosis through upregulating caspase-3 expression and downregulating B-cell lymphoma 2. Immunohistochemical and histopathological examinations verified the above-mentioned findings. However, all these changes were significantly ameliorated in Qu pre-administered rats. Conclusively, Qu counteracted 5-FU-mediated cardiotoxicity through potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Cytokines, Serological, and Histopathological Assessment of Recombinant Vaccination Strategies for Combatting Infectious Bursal Disease in Broiler Chickens.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) represents a greatly transmissible viral disease found worldwide, causing significant health and production challenges in young chickens. The aim of this research was to assess the immune reaction induced by different vaccines targeting IBD. These vaccines included recombinant (Vac1; HVT-IBD vector), immune complex (Vac2; Bursa-Plex®), and intermediate plus (Vac3; Bursine plus) IBD vaccines. Our assessment relied on serological and histopathological analyses, as well as the pattern of immune-related cytokine expression in the bursal tissue. The vaccinated groups, along with a control positive (CP) group, were subjected to a vvIBDV challenge on their 28th day of life, while the control negative (CN) group received a mock vaccination with PBS. Our study revealed that Vac1 resulted in the most favorable growth performance, as well as maintained normal liver and kidney function, mitigating the impact of IBDV infection. Serological analysis using VP2 ELISA kits indicated that Vac1 induced the strongest immunological response among all vaccines. Histopathological examination demonstrated that Vac1 caused minimal lymphoid depletion observed in the lymphoid organs, followed by Vac2. Analysis of cytokine expression profiles showed significant upregulation in all vaccinated groups, particularly Vac1, during the pre-challenge period. Following IBDV infection, Vac1 resulted in a noteworthy increase in the expression of IL2 and IFN-γ, Vac2 showed a significant upregulation in TNF-α and granzyme, and both Vac1 and Vac3 exhibited increased levels of IL1ß and IL10. In conclusion, our study suggests that the various vaccines triggered immune responses against IBD through both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. However, recombinant followed by immune complex vaccines appeared to induce more robust immunity while also being safer for broiler chickens in contrast to the intermediate plus vaccine.

Selenium-enriched yeast modulates the metal bioaccumulation, oxidant status, and inflammation in copper-stressed broiler chickens.

Copper (Cu) could be seriously hazardous when present at excessive levels, despite its vital contribution to various cellular processes. Selenium-enriched yeast (SeY) was reported to improve the health and metabolic status in broiler chicken. Hence, our study was endeavored to illustrate the mitigating efficacy of SeY on Cu-induced hepatic and renal damage. Cobb chicks aged 1 day were allocated into four experimental groups and offered a basal diet, SeY (0.5 mg/kg), CuSO4 (300 mg/kg), or SeY plus CuSO4 in their diets for 42 days. Our results revealed that SeY supplement antagonized significantly the Cu accumulation in livers and kidneys of exposed birds. Marked declines were also detected in the AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine levels, besides marked increases in total protein, glycerides, and cholesterol in the SeY-supplemented group. Moreover, enhancement of cellular antioxidant biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, CAT, GPx, and GSH) along with lowered MDA contents were achieved by SeY in hepatic and renal tissues. Further, SeY exerted a noteworthy anti-inflammatory action as indicated by decreased inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1ß and TNF-α) and NO levels in both organs. Noticeable histopathological alterations of both organs further validated the changes in the markers mentioned above. To sum up, our findings indicate that SeY can be considered a potential feed supplement for alleviating Cu-induced hepatic and renal damage in broilers, possibly via activation of antioxidant molecules and lessening the inflammatory stress.

The optimized inclusion level of Bacillus subtilis fermented Azolla pinnata in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets: immunity, antioxidative status, intestinal digestive enzymes and histomorphometry, and disease resistance.

A 95-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of feeding Bacillus subtilis fermented Azolla (BSFA) on nonspecific immunity, antioxidative status, intestinal digestive enzymes and histomorphometry, and disease resistance in the Nile tilapia. We formulated five isonitrogenous and isocaloric experimental diets to incorporate BSFA at level of (0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, 60%). The growth performance parameters (FBW, BWG, SGR, PER, and FCR) revealed a significant increase in the BSFA30 tilapia group compared to the control group followed by BSFA45 (P < 0.05). The BSFA30 group exhibited the highest nonspecific immunity parameters including (lysozyme activity, phagocytic index, and phagocytic activity) compared to other groups (P < 0.05). SOD and GPx reported the highest values in the BSFA60 group. Nile tilapia carcass composition was not influenced by BSFA inclusion level (P > 0.05). Interestingly, Nile tilapia fed with BSFA15 diet exhibited the highest protease activity level (P < 0.05), while those fed on BSFA30 documented the highest amylase activity. Intestinal histomorphology was significantly enhanced with the gradual increase of administrated BSFA. Regarding the tilapia disease resistance against Aeromonas septicemia, BSFA significantly diminished the cumulative mortality compared to the control group. To sum up, BSFA was more effective in improving the growth performance and immunity of Nile tilapia.

Dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 Relieves the Impacts of Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity on the Growth Performance, Hepatorenal Functions, and Antioxidative Capacity of Thinlip Grey Mullet (Liza ramada) (Risso 1826).

Dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 was used to relieve the impacts of aflatoxin B1 toxicity on the performances of Liza ramada. The control diet was without any additives, while the second and third diets were supplemented with aflatoxin B1 at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg. The fourth diet was supplemented with Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 at 1 × 106 CFU/mL per kg diet, while the fifth with aflatoxin B1 at 1 mg/kg and Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 at 1 × 106 CFU/mL per kg diet. The growth performance markedly increased (p < 0.05) in L. ramada fed Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356, while aflatoxin B1 at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg groups showed a severe reduction. The red blood cells, hemoglobulin, hematocrit, and white blood cells were markedly increased in L. ramada fed Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 while decreased (p < 0.05) in fish fed aflatoxin B1 at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg. The blood total protein and albumin were markedly increased (p < 0.05) in L. ramada fed Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 while reduced in aflatoxin B1 at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg groups. The levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were meaningfully increased in fish of the Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 and aflatoxin B1 at 1 mg/kg groups while decreased in aflatoxin B1 at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg groups. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and urea levels were markedly decreased (p < 0.05) in fish-fed Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 while increased in aflatoxin B1 at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg groups. The highest levels of blood glucose and cortisol were seen in fish contaminated with aflatoxin B1 at 1 mg/kg, while the lowest levels were observed in the fish fed Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 group (p < 0.05). The catalase and superoxide dismutase were markedly enhanced in the Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 group and severely declined in aflatoxin B1 at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg groups (p < 0.05). The malondialdehyde level was markedly reduced in fish fed Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 with or without aflatoxin B1 at 1 mg/kg diets while increased in fish contaminated with aflatoxin B1 at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The control group had lower malondialdehyde levels than the aflatoxin B1 at 1 mg/kg group and higher than the Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 with or without aflatoxin B1 toxicity (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed impaired intestines and livers in fish contaminated with aflatoxin B1 while Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 relieves the inflammation and protected the intestines and livers. In conclusion, dietary Lb. acidophilus ATCC 4356 is recommended to relieve the impacts of aflatoxicosis-induced hepatorenal failure and oxidative stress in L. ramada.

Isatis phytogenic relieved atrazine induced growth retardation, hepato-renal dysfunction, and oxidative stress in Nile tilapia.

The influence of herbicides causes health and economic loss, which requires innovative solutions to sustain the aquaculture industry. In this regard, dietary isatis is included in Nile tilapia diets to relieve atrazine (ATZ)-induced growth retardation, hepato-renal dysfunction, and oxidative stress. The first and second groups offered the control diet (control), while the third and fourth groups offered the isatis supplemented diet (1%). Meantime, half of the water was replaced and mixed with ATZ (1.39 mg/L) in the second and fourth groups for 30 days. The group of fish delivered isatis had significantly enhanced FBW, WG, and SGR, while fish intoxicated with ATZ had meaningfully impaired growth behavior (p < 0.05). Further, the FCR was improved by isatis, and ATZ resulted in the worst FCR among the groups. Interestingly fish fed isatis and exposed with ATZ (88.89%) had a higher survival rate than fish exposed with ATZ without isatis feeding, and both are lower than the control (97.78%) (p < 0.05). The histological structure in the isatis-treated groups showed distinguished enhancement and branching of the intestinal villi. The intestine of ATZ-treated fish revealed damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in the intestinal mucosa with separation of lining epithelium. Generally, fish fed isatis and intoxicated with ATZ had lower uric acid, urea, creatinine, ALT, and AST and higher total protein, globulin, and albumin than fish exposed with ATZ without feeding with isatis (p < 0.05). Markedly, fish-fed isatis had the highest SOD, CAT, GPx, and the lowest MDA level compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, fish exposed with ATZ had the worst SOD, CAT, GPx, and the highest MDA level compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary isatis relieved ATZ induced growth retardation, hepato-renal dysfunction, and oxidative stress in Nile tilapia.

Acute ammonia exposure combined with heat stress impaired the histological features of gills and liver tissues and the expression responses of immune and antioxidative related genes in Nile tilapia.

Ammonia exposure can be considered more stressful for aquatic animals when it coincides with high temperature. This study was conducted to detect the effects of ammonia exposure and heat stress and their interactions on the histological features of gills and liver tissues and the expression responses of immune and antioxidative related genes in Nile tilapia. Thus, 180 fish were divided into four groups (triplicates), where the first and third groups were kept in clean water without total ammonium nitrogen (TAN) exposure. At the same time, the second and fourth groups were exposed to 5 mg TAN/L. After seven days, the water temperature was raised in the third (without ammonia toxicity) and fourth (exposed with 5 mg TAN/L) groups up to 32 °C and kept under these conditions for 24 h. While the first (without ammonia toxicity) and second (exposed with 5 mg TAN/L) groups were kept under optimum water temperature (27.28 °C) then gills and liver tissues were dissected. Marked upregulation of keap1 was seen in the gills of fish exposed to ammonia/heat stress. The expression of mRNA levels for nrf2, nqo-1, cat, and gpx genes were downregulated in all stressed groups, with the lowest was recorded in the ammonia/heat stress group. The transcription of ho-1 was upregulated in the ammonia and heat stress groups while downregulated in the ammonia/heat stress group. The transcription of the complement C3 gene was downregulated in the livers of heat stress and ammonia/heat stress groups, while the lysozyme gene was downregulated in the ammonia/heat stress group. The mRNA expression levels of nf-κB, il-1ß, and tnf-α genes were higher in the ammonia group than in the heat stress group. The highest transcription level of nf-κB, il-1ß, tnf-α, il-8, and hsp70 genes and the lowest C3 and lysozyme genes were observed in fish exposed to ammonia/heat stress. The co-exposure to ammonia with heat stress triggered degeneration of primary and secondary gill filaments with telangiectasia and vascular congestion of secondary epithelium while, the liver showed hepatic vascular congestion and visible necrotic changes with nuclear pyknosis. In conclusion, the combined exposure of ammonia and heat stress induced oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and inflammation in Nile tilapia.

Growth Performance, Antioxidative Capacity, and Intestinal Histomorphology of Grey Mullet (Liza ramada)-Fed Dietary Zinc Nanoparticles.

Zinc is one of the essential microelements involved in vital physiological and biological functions in the fish body. The study evaluated the growth performance, antioxidative capacity, and intestinal histomorphology of Grey Mullet (Liza ramada)-fed dietary zinc nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) at 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg for the first time. The final weight and specific growth rate (SGR) of Grey Mullet-fed dietary ZnO-NPs at 20 and 40 mg/kg were meaningfully enhanced (p < 0.05). Further, the weight gain (WG) was significantly higher in fish treated with ZnO-NPs than the control, and fish fed 20-40 mg/kg had the highest WG (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was meaningfully reduced in fish fed 20-40 mg ZnO-NPs/kg (p < 0.05). The histomorphology of the intestines revealed a significant improvement in villus height, villus width, and goblet cells by ZnO-NPs. The lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity, and phagocytic index showed higher levels in Grey Mullet-fed dietary ZnO-NPs at 20 mg/kg than fish fed 0, 10, and 40 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were markedly improved in Grey Mullet treated with ZnO-NPs compared with the control, and the group of fish treated with 20 mg/kg had the highest SOD and CAT (p < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was significantly higher in fish fed 20-40 mg/kg ZnO-NPs than fish fed 0-10 mg/kg and fish fed 40 mg ZnO-NPs/kg showing the highest GPx value (p < 0.05). The concentration of malondialdehyde was markedly lowered in Grey Mullet fed ZnO-NPs at varying levels (p < 0.05). Based on the overall results, the regression analysis suggests that ZnO-NPs can be included at 24.61-35.5 mg/kg for the best performances of Grey Mullet.

Posthatching ultrastructural development of the oropharyngeal cavity roof in five age-stages of Coturnix coturnix (Linnaeus, 1758).

Recent literature has demonstrated only adult avian palate, albeit there has been only limited focus on the postnatal development of the avian oropharyngeal cavity roof. Hence, the current investigation was designed to obtain the full ultrastructure postnatal description of the oropharyngeal roof during the five developmental age-stages of Coturnix coturnix by employing assessments using gross morphometric analysis and stero and scanning electron microscopy. The elongated triangular oropharyngeal roof has a spoonful rounded beak tip. The palate region is subdivided into the rostral ridged area and the choanal area. The palate has eight longitudinal palatine ridges (seven nonpapillated and one papillated median) and four transverse papillary rows (one slightly oblique row and three transverse papillary crests). The median palatine ridge continuous caudally and is then divided into three ridges: one median and two paramedian ridges (forming the lateral boundaries of the choanal field). The choanal field had three regions (rostral, middle, and caudal). The finger-like projection papillary region has five papillae. The choanal cleft has two unequal parts (rostral and caudal). The rostral nonpapillated short choanal part is subdivided by transverse papillary row into rostral narrow straight and caudal diamond portions. The caudal wide papillated choanal part is further divided by a second transverse crest into rostral long (encircled by interdigitated papillae) and caudal short wider part (not encircled by interdigitated papillae). The infundibular cleft is not bordered by any papillae, while the pharyngeal region has numerous papillae and openings of the salivary glands. Moreover, the morphometric analysis revealed a higher value with increasing age for all dimensions. Our findings indicated a higher degree of functional adaptation between the five developmental age stages of quail. Our observations suggest that adaptations such as these may increase the efficiency of food prehension with increasing age.

Comparative Cellular Localization of Sugar Residues in Bull (Bos taurus) and Donkey (Equus asinus) Testes Using Lectin Histochemistry.

Lectins are glycoproteins of a non-immune origin often used as histochemical reagents to study the distribution of glycoconjugates in different types of tissues. In this study, we performed a comparative cellular localization of sugar residues in bull and donkey testes using immunofluorescent lectin histochemistry. We inspected the cellular localization of the glycoconjugates within the testes using 11 biotin-labeled lectins (LCA, ConA, PNA, WGA, DBA, SBA, ECA, BPL, PTL-II, UEA-1, and PHA-E4) classified under six groups. Although the basic testicular structure in both species was similar, the cellular components showed different lectin localization patterns. The statistical analysis revealed no significant association between the intensity of labeling and different variables, including group and type of lectin and type of cell examined, at p < 0.05. However, a stronger response tended to occur in the donkey than in the bull testes (odds ratio: 1.3). These findings may be associated with the different cellular compositions of the glycoproteins and modification changes during spermatogenesis. Moreover, glycoconjugate profiling through lectin histochemistry can characterize some cell-type selective markers that will be helpful in studying bull and donkey spermatogenesis.

Selenium Nanoparticles as a Natural Antioxidant and Metabolic Regulator in Aquaculture: A Review.

Balanced aquafeed is the key factor for enhancing the productivity of aquatic animals. In this context, aquatic animals require optimal amounts of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The original plant and animals' ingredients in the basal diets are insufficient to provide aquafeed with suitable amounts of minerals. Concurrently, elements should be incorporated in aquafeed in optimal doses, which differ based on the basal diets' species, age, size, and composition. Selenium is one of the essential trace elements involved in various metabolic, biological, and physiological functions. Se acts as a precursor for antioxidative enzyme synthesis leading to high total antioxidative capacity. Further, Se can enhance the immune response and the tolerance of aquatic animals to infectious diseases. Several metabolic mechanisms, such as thyroid hormone production, cytokine formation, fecundity, and DNA synthesis, require sufficient Se addition. The recent progress in the nanotechnology industry is also applied in the production of Se nanoparticles. Indeed, Se nanoparticles are elaborated as more soluble and bioavailable than the organic and non-organic forms. In aquaculture, multiple investigations have elaborated the role of Se nanoparticles on the performances and wellbeing of aquatic animals. In this review, the outputs of recent studies associated with the role of Se nanoparticles on aquatic animals' performances were simplified and presented for more research and development.