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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.

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.

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.

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.

Marine-derived substances are known for their beneficial influences on aquatic animals’ performances and are recommended to improve intestinal health, immunity, and anti-oxidative status. The present study investigates the role of chitosan nanoparticles on the intestinal histo-morphometrical features in association with the health and immune response of Grey Mullet (Liza ramada). Chitosan nanoparticles are included in the diets at 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg and introduced to fish in a successive feeding trial for eight weeks. The final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) parameters are significantly increased while feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreases by chitosan nanoparticles compared to the control (p < 0.05). The morphometric analysis of the intestines reveals a significant improvement in villus height, villus width, and the number of goblet cells in chitosan-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between the thickness of the enterocyte brush border and the chitosan dose, referring to an increasing absorptive activity. Histologically, the intestinal wall of Grey Mullet consists of four layers; mucosa, sub-mucosa, tunica muscularis (muscular layers), and serosa. The histological examination of the L. ramada intestine shows a normal histo-morphology. The epithelial layer of intestinal mucosa is thrown into elongated finger-like projections, the intestinal villi. The values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells (RBCs), total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin are significantly increased in fish fed 1, and 2 g/kg of chitosan nanoparticles compared to fish fed 0 and 0.5 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest levels of TP and albumin are observed in fish fed 1 g/kg diet (p < 0.05). The lysozyme activity and phagocytic index are significantly enhanced by feeding chitosan nanoparticles at 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg, whereas the phagocytic activity is improved in fish fed 1 and 2 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest lysozyme activity and phagocytic index are observed in fish fed 1 g/kg. SOD is significantly activated by feeding chitosan nanoparticles at 1 g/kg. Simultaneously, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities also are enhanced by feeding chitosan at 1 and 2 g/kg, compared to fish fed 0 and 0.5 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest GPx and CAT activities are observed in fish fed 1 g/kg (p < 0.05). Conversely, the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels are decreased by feeding chitosan at 1 and 2 g/kg, with the lowest being in fish fed 1 g/kg (p < 0.05). To summarize, the results elucidate that L. ramada fed dietary chitosan nanoparticles have a marked growth rate, immune response, and anti-oxidative response. These improvements are attributed to the potential role of chitosan nanoparticles in enhancing intestinal histo-morphometry and intestinal health. These results soundly support the possibility of using chitosan nanoparticles at 1–2 g/kg as a feasible functional supplement for aquatic animals.

This study evaluated the effects of ammonia exposure on the physiological responses, vitality, and histopathology of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus at two temperatures. A 2 × 2 factorial design was applied using two total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) levels (0 and 10 mg/L) and two temperature regimes (28 °C and 32 °C) over a 4-week period. At the end of the experiment, clinical signs, histopathology, hematology, stress indicators (glucose and cortisol), liver function enzymes, and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde levels and antioxidant enzymes) were assessed. Fish exposed to 10 mg/L TAN at 32 °C exhibited severe clinical signs, including dermal erosion, muscle necrosis, and respiratory distress. Ammonia exposure at 32 °C significantly reduced red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Furthermore, elevated temperatures exacerbated ammonia-induced stress, evidenced by significant increases in cortisol, blood glucose, and malondialdehyde levels, alongside altered liver and antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathological analysis confirmed significant damage to the gill filaments, hepatopancreas, and renal tissues, with severity increasing alongside water temperature. These results indicate a synergistic effect between ammonia exposure and water temperatures, where higher temperatures reduce the threshold for ammonia tolerance, triggering respiratory distress, systemic oxidative stress, and metabolic failure. These findings underscore the critical need for strict water quality management in tropical aquaculture, particularly in regions like Egypt, as rising global temperatures due to climate change may transform currently sub-lethal ammonia levels into potent lethal stressor for P. hypophthalmus . However, the study is limited by controlled laboratory conditions and relatively short experimental duration, suggesting the need for long-term investigations.

While soybean meal (SBM) is a cost-effective protein source for Nile tilapia, its anti-nutritional factors require dietary interventions such as the supplementation of organic acid salts to maintain health and gut functions. Therefore, this study evaluated the dietary effects of organic acid salts as sodium propionate (PR), sodium butyrate (BT), and their mixture (PR + BT) on the growth, digestive enzymes, hepatic antioxidant responses and intestinal histomorphology of Nile tilapia fed a high SBM diet. Fingerlings (average initial weight ~ 19.65 ± 0.1 g) were assigned to five triplicate diets for 12 weeks: a negative control (CNT, contains 350 g/kg SBM), a high SBM diet (SB, contains 550 g/kg SBM), SB + PR (2.0 g/kg), SB + BT (6.25 g/kg), and their mixture (SB + PR + BT). Results revealed that fish fed solely on SB diet had significantly reduced growth, feed efficiency, and digestive enzyme activities, alongside higher levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA malondialdehyde levels) and intestinal inflammatory lesions (enteritis). Supplementation with PR, BT, or their mixture improved final body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Digestive enzyme activities (lipase, amylase, protease) and antioxidant defenses (T-AOC, SOD, CAT, and GPx) were improved, while lipid peroxidation (MDA) was reduced in the treated groups. The histological examination confirmed that organic acid salts supplementation, especially PR + BT, alleviated SB-induced enteritis. Gene expression analysis revealed enhanced growth ( IGF-2 , GHR1 , IGF-1 , and GHR2 ) and immune-related markers ( TLR2 , and IFN-γ ) and suppression of inflammatory ( IL-1β , TNF-α , and caspase-3 ) related genes in the treated groups. In conclusion, PR and BT supplementation, especially in combination, effectively counteracted the negative impacts of high SB diets, supporting growth, alleviating inflammation, mitigating oxidative stress, and improving intestinal health of fish. These effects underscore the fascinating roles of organic acid salts in the improvement of aquafeed for tilapia culture.

Global warming is a challenge facing the aquaculture industry, and mitigating its effects on aquatic animals’ productivity is mandatory. Hence, the present study investigated the alleviation of heat stress impacts on the performances of striped catfish by dietary allicin. For 60 days, striped catfish were fed dietary allicin at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4%, and then the fish were exposed to 35°C. The results indicated that dietary allicin remarkably enhanced the growth performance (FBW, WG, and SGR) and feed utilization (FCR and PER) in striped catfish in a dose-dependent manner. Further, striped catfish fed allicin at 1 and 2% before heat stress, and those fed on 1% after heat stress had the highest lipase, amylase, and protease activities. The intestinal villi of allicin-treated fish showed increased length and branching. Before heat stress, the AST value was not affected by dietary allicin, but after heat stress, the AST was markedly reduced in fish fed on allicin at 1, 2, and 4%. Significantly, T-CHO and triglycerides were higher after heat stress than before with or without allicin. The blood proteins, albumin, and globulin were markedly lower after heat stress than before heat stress. The glucose and cortisol levels were increased after heat stress, either with or without dietary allicin. Heat stress reduced lysozyme activity, and the best activity was seen in fish fed 2% allicin. In addition, the phagocytic activity before and after heat stress was increased by dietary 1, 2, and 4% allicin. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were increased by dietary allicin before and after heat stress. The regression analysis illustrated that the best performances of striped catfish could be achieved by using 1.89–2.28% dietary allicin, leading to high resistance to heat stress.

The use of feed additives in aquatic animals improves health conditions and well-being under pesticide toxicity. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the effect of an immunobiotic mixture (IM) on the growth performance, hemato-biochemistry, and immunity of Nile tilapia exposed to subacute deltamethrin (DMT). Fish were distributed into four groups: groups 1 and 2 were fed a control diet, while groups 3 and 4 were fed IM. Groups 2 and 4 were exposed to DMT (15 μg/L) in rearing water. The results revealed that DMT-exposed fish exhibited significantly lower final body weights, weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate ( P  < 0.05), while IM feeding resulted in improved growth performance and survival rate in fish with or without DMT toxicity. After 15 and 30 days, DMT-treated fish showed a significant increase in blood urea and bilirubin as well as hepatic enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) ( P  < 0.05), while supplementation of the IM mixture significantly lowered these levels in Nile tilapia. Blood total protein, globulin, albumin, white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, phagocytic index, and phagocytic and lysozyme activities were significantly decreased in tilapia subjected to DMT ( P  < 0.05), while supplementation of the IM mixture significantly increased these levels. Fish fed IM without DMT exposure showed the lowest cortisol and glucose levels, while fish exposed to DMT without IM showed the highest levels ( P  < 0.05) after 15 and 30 days. To conclude, IM supplementation exhibited defensive effects against DMT toxicity in Nile tilapia by improving growth performance, hematology, blood biochemistry, and immunity.

Introduction: Isoproterenol (ISO) is regarded as an adrenergic non-selective β agonist. It regulates myocardial contractility and may cause damage to cardiac tissues. Alchemilla vulgaris (AV) is an herbal plant that has garnered considerable attention due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactive components. The present investigation assessed the cardioprotective potential of AV towards ISO-induced myocardial damage. Methods: Four groups of mice were utilized: control that received saline, an ISO group (85 mg/kg, S.C.), ISO + AV100, and ISO + AV200 groups (mice received 100 or 200 mg/kg AV orally along with ISO). Results and discussion: ISO induced notable cardiac damage demonstrated by clear histopathological disruption and alterations in biochemical parameters. Intriguingly, AV treatment mitigates ISO provoked oxidative stress elucidated by a substantial enhancement in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, as well as a considerable reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. In addition, notable downregulation of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, TNF-α, and RAGE) and the NF-κB/p65 pathway was observed in ISO-exposed animals following AV treatment. Furthermore, the pro-apoptotic marker Bax was downregulated together with autophagy markers Beclin1 and LC3 with in ISO-exposed animals when treated with AV. Pre-treatment with AV significantly alleviated ISO-induced cardiac damage in a dose related manner, possibly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, when AV was given at higher doses, a remarkable restoration of ISO-induced cardiac injury was revealed.