Growth, hemato-biochemical, immune-antioxidant response, and gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) received nano iron oxide-incorporated diets.

Nanotechnology has recently played a key role in tackling many aquacultures issues. Hence, the present study targets the evaluation of dietary inclusion of nano iron oxide (nFe2O3) on growth performance, hematology, immune-antioxidant responses, ionic regulation and expression of related genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were fed supplementary nFe2O3 at rates of zero (control), 0.5, and 1 g/kg diet for 30 days. Obtained data demonstrated that nFe2O3 significantly (P < 0.05) augmented growth performance (final weight and length, body mass gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and length gain rate). Hematological picture {RBCs, Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC, and leukocytes interpretations (WBCs and monocytes)}; and biochemical indexes including (AST and ALT; total protein; and glucose, and cortisol) were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in nFe2O3 supplemented groups. Plasma ionic concentration was also altered with nFe2O3 supplementation, and 1g nFe2O3 revealed the most marked increase in plasma (Na+) potassium (K+) levels. Similarly, IgM, nitrous oxide (NO), and lysozyme activity, plus superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities showed a remarkable improvement in 1g nFe2O3 group compared to the control. Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and interleukin 1-ß (IL-1ß) genes were significantly up-regulated in nFe2O3 supplemented groups. Briefly, dietary nFe2O3 inclusion had enhanced properties on growth; hemato-biochemical; immune, antioxidative profiles; and related genes expression of O. niloticus, with a recommended concentration of 1g nFe2O3.

Silica nanoparticles are novel aqueous additive mitigating heavy metals toxicity and improving the health of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus.

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are among the non-toxic nanoparticles (NPs) that have magnetic capabilities. It is hypothesized that SiNPs may be able to reduce toxic effects exerted by a mixture of lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in African catfish Clarias gariepinus. The in vitro magnetic potential of SiNPs to absorb Pb and Hg was tested. Fish (N = 240) were divided into four groups in triplicates for 30 days. The first group served as control and the second group (SiNPs) was exposed to 1/10 of 96 h LC50 of SiNPs (14.45 mg/L). The third group (HMM) was exposed to 1/10 of 96-h LC50 of a mixture of mercury chloride (HgCl2) and lead chloride (PbCl2) equal to 0.04 mg/ L and 23.1 mg/L. The fourth group (SiNPs+ HMM) was exposed to a suspension composed of SiNPs, HgCl2, and PbCl2 at the same concentrations as the third group. Results showed that fish exposed to heavy metals revealed the following consequences; a significant decrease in hematological, immunological (complement-3 and nitric oxide), and antioxidants (total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) indices, down-regulation of IL-1ß, IL-8, TGF-ß, NF-κß, HSP70, and Hepcidin genes, the highest mortality rate (48.33%), higher values of alkaline phosphatase, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferases, urea, creatinine, and branchial malondialdehyde, marked up-regulation of CC chemokine and CXC chemokines, and high HMs residues levels in muscles. Extensive pathology showed degeneration with diffuse vacuolation of hepatopancreatic cells and hemorrhage in the HMM group. Interestingly, the exposed group to SiNPs and HMM demonstrated a decline of HMs concentration in fish muscles and modulated the abovementioned parameters with the regeneration of histological alterations of liver and gills. Based on the study outcomes, we highlight the importance and the safety of SiNPs as a novel aqueous additive to alleviate HMs toxicity and recommend using SiNPs for enhancing fish performance for sustaining aquaculture without adverting safety of human health by their little accumulation in muscular tissue.

Silver Nanoparticles as Modulators of Myogenesis-Related Gene Expression in Chicken Embryos.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of colloidal nanoparticles of silver (Nano-Ag) on the expression of myogenesis-related genes in chicken embryos. The investigated genes included the members of the myogenic regulatory factors family (MRFs) and myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) genes. A total of 200 fertilized broiler eggs (Indian River) were randomly distributed into four groups; non-injected control, injected control with placebo, treatment I in ovo injected with 20 ppm Nano-Ag, and treatment II in ovo injected with 40 ppm Nano-Ag. The eggs were then incubated for 21 days at the optimum temperature and humidity conditions. Breast muscle tissues were collected at the 5th, 8th, and 18th days of the incubation period. The mRNA expression of myogenic determination factor 1 (MYOD1), myogenic factor 5 (MYF5), myogenic factor 6 (MYF6), myogenin (MYOG), and MEF2A was measured at the three sampling points using real-time quantitative PCR, while MYOD1 protein expression was evaluated on day 18 using western blot. Breast muscle tissues were histologically examined on day 18 to detect the changes at the cellular level. Our results indicate that myogenesis was enhanced with the low concentration (20 ppm) of Nano-Ag due to the higher expression of MYOD1, MYF5, and MYF6 at the transcriptional level and MYOD1 at the translational level. Moreover, histological analysis revealed the presence of hyperplasia (31.4% more muscle fibers) in treatment I (injected with 20 ppm). Our findings indicate that in ovo injection of 20 ppm Nano-Ag enhances the development of muscles in chicken embryos compared with the 40-ppm dosage and provide crucial information for the use of silver nanoparticles in poultry production.