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Nowadays, nanomaterials enter high numbers of daily used products and drug manufacture. A nanocomposite of vitamins C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) with chitosan as a vehicle and protector was used in a comparative eight-week feeding study, Nile tilapia weighing 31.2 ± 0.36 g distributed in seven groups and fed (G1) basal diet, (G2) bulk VC, (G3) VC- nanoparticles (NPs), (G4) bulk VE, (G5) VE-NPs, bulk VCE (G6), and (G7) VC plus VE (VCE)-NPs, respectively. The Nile tilapia-fed nanocomposite vitamins had significantly higher growth performance compared to the control; VCE-NPs had the superiority among tested supplementations where total weight gain (63.6 g), daily weight gain (1.13 g), relative growth rate (206.1%) with lower feed conversion rate (1.6) and insignificant feed intake (101.5 g). Overall, the level of liver enzymes was significantly decreased in fish serum after eight-week nanocomposite supplementation, and dietary VCE-NPs caused a significant reduction of serum AST (18.45 IU/L) and ALT (14.77 IU/L) compared to the control 25.5 IU/L and 17.6 IU/L, respectively. Fish fed dietary VCE-NPs, VC-NPs, and VE-NPs had significant enhancement of RBCs 4.2 × 10 6 /μL, 3.8 × 10 6 /μL, and 3.55 × 10 6 /μL; WBCs 46.15 × 10 3 , 42.9 × 10 3 , and 44 × 10 3 /μL, respectively, Also TP was significantly higher 6.38 g/dL in VCE-NPs group compared to the control and the other treatments. Over all, the dietary nanocomposite vitamins boost the innate immunity of the experimental Nile tilapia, the oxidative burst activity (OBA), phagocytic activity (PA), phagocytic index (PI), and serum antibacterial (SAA) were significantly increased compared to those received bulk vitamins and the control. The activity of antioxidant biomarkers in fish serum including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione reductase (GR), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) showed a rise in the serum of Nile tilapia received nano- and bulk-form of VC and VCE compared to the control and both forms of VE. Furthermore, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were significantly increased in the fish serum following the trend of antioxidants enzymes. In conclusion, a dietary nanocomposite of vitamin C and vitamin E enhanced Nile tilapia's growth performance and feed utilization. It could also improve health status and immune response. The values of antioxidant biomarkers indicated that the nanocomposite could help the fish body scavenge the generated reactive oxidative species (ROS).

In aquaculture, fish are exposed to many stressors, such as climate changes and infectious diseases that affect their performance, immunity, and welfare. Freshwater fish subjected to salt bath become exhausted and stressed. In this experiment, Nile tilapia were exposed to a salt bath at a dose of 30 ppt for 30 min a day. Vitamin C and vitamin E are well-known antioxidants that are used in aquaculture. Fish received dietary nanoparticles of chitosan-vitamin C and chitosan-vitamin E (CCE-NPs) for different periods (7 and 14 days) pre- (G2) and post-salt treatment (G3). In the control fish (G1), cortisol 5.44 µg/dL and glucose 91.67 mg/dL were significantly up-regulated post-salt treatment by 1 h and 24 h, respectively, whereas those (G2) fed CCE-NPs diet had significantly lower values of 4.72 and 3.25 µg/dL; 86.3 and 84.3 mg/dL, respectively. A rapid decrease of glucose 68.3 and 66.3 mg/dL was noticed in those (G2) fed CCE-NPs diet compared to the control 84.67 mg/dL at 48 h post-stress. Regardless of the supplementation period, fish (G2) could partially restore normal food reflex at 48 h (post-salt bath) and fully restored at 72 h compared to 7 days in the control (G1). After 48 h, fish that received dietary CCE-NPs (G2 and G3) restored normal mucus lysozyme levels, whereas the control did not restore pre-treatment values till the seventh day. Mucus antibacterial activity, fish received rapid dietary CCE-NPs (G2) and partially restored average values (pre-salt bath) at 96 h. The salt treatment could provoke gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis (TNF)-α in the head kidney of fish at 24 h post-salt bath to 5.9–8.35 fold-change, respectively, with a rapid decline in fish (G2) the gene expression. Post-salt bath (24 h), the gene expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) , superoxide dismutase (SOD) , and catalase (CAT) was higher in fish (G2) than in the control group (G1) regardless of the supplementation period (7 and 14 days). Bacterial infection S. agalactiae (OL471408), a significantly lower MR was recorded in G2 at 40% and 33.3% compared to the control G1 MR (53.3%), with an RPL of 24.95% and 37.5%. In conclusion, Nile tilapia treated with a 30 ppt salt became more vulnerable to S. agalactiae. Adding CCE-NPs to the Nile tilapia diet for 7- and 14-day pre-salt bath could increase immune and antioxidant-related gene expression to counteract S. agalactiae infection.

This study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Sargassumpolycystum and nucleotides- supplemented diets to improve immune response and cold-tolerance of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. Four treatments were evaluated: T1, the control, shrimp received only a basal diet; T2, a basal diet with 500 ppm nucleotides; T3, a basal diet with 500 ppm S.polycystum powdered; T4, a basal diet with 500 ppm nucleotides and 500 ppm S.polycystum powdered. Shrimp were fed experimental diets for 56 days. Results revealed shrimp fed T4 diet exhibited the best significant improvement in water quality, survival, growth, and feed utilization indices followed by T2, and T3, while T1 showed the worst values. Additionally, nonspecific immune responses (phagocytosis (%), lysozyme, phenoloxidase, super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total nitric oxide) were improved with 1.7–3.2-fold in T4 higher than T1. Histomorphology of hepatopancreas in T4 showed the most increased activation of the hepatic glandular duct system compared with the other treatments. Moreover, nucleotides/seaweed-supplemented diets upregulated relative expression of cMnSOD, Penaeidin4, and heat shock protein70 (HSP70) genes, while translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) was downregulated. In conclusion, the synergistic effects of both S. polycystum and nucleotides have many advantages as a growth promoter, immunostimulant, antimicrobial, and cold-tolerant stimulant to L. vannamei.

Background Cadmium is a highly toxicant heavy metal that poses serious risks to aquatic organisms, animals, and humans. Recent studies have investigated using biological chitosan nanoparticles (Bio-CHNPs) as a potential solution to alleviate the harmful effects of Cd exposure, particularly in aquaculture. Bio-CHNPs have gained attention for their applications in drug delivery and biomedical research, indicating their potential utility in addressing environmental toxicity. Objective This research aims to explore the effectiveness of Bio-CHNPs in mitigating cadmium chloride (CdCL 2 ) toxicity in African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus). Methods One hundred and twenty (n = 120) catfish were divided into 4 groups; G1 (control); G2, intoxicated with 10% LC 50 of CdCL 2 ; G3 received 3 g/kg of Bio-CNPs; G4, treated with 10% LC 50 of CdCL 2 and Bio-CNPs 3 g/kg feed. Results CdCl 2 exposure resulted in severe liver, intestine, and kidney damage, which was evidenced by alterations in biochemical parameters, hormonal imbalance, DNA damage, and micronucleus formation. Antioxidant defense mechanisms were compromised, as the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and Catalase (CAT) were reduced. mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-8, and LBP were also significantly elevated following CdCl 2 exposure. Conversely, Bio-CHNPs treatment showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, greatly lowering the biochemical, genotoxic, and histopathological effects induced by CdCl 2 . Conclusion The outcomes of this study are indicative of the potential of Bio-CHNPs as a promising aquaculture feed supplement, with a dual advantage of antagonizing the toxicity of environmental pollutants like Cd and imparting antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Bio-CHNP supplementation can be a viable strategy for remedying aquatic environmental heavy metal pollution, with the ultimate safeguarding of human health and ecosystem balance.

A total of 250 whiteleg shrimp juveniles, Litopenaeus vannamei, clinically infected with black gill melanization were subjected to mycological examination to isolate the main causative agents. The results showed the dominance of Fusarium solani at a 66% incidence rate compared to 34% of F. oxysporum in the examined shrimp. The in vitro antifungal activity of Origanum vulgare and orange peel essential oils (EOs) against F. solani was determined in comparison with Biotronic® Top3 (commercial antimicrobial). In addition, four groups in triplicates of L. vannamei (20.01 ± 3.02 g) were used to investigate the in vivo immunostimulant, antioxidant, gill histopathological changes, and antifungal effects of dietary O. vulgare and orange peel EOs for 28 day against the F. solani infection. The first group was a negative control that fed a basal diet, and the second group was a positive control that fed a basal diet and was artificially infected with 0.1 mL of 5.0 × 106 conidia/mL of F. solani. The third and fourth groups were fed diets supplemented with O. vulgare and orange peel EOs (1 mL/kg diet), respectively, and infected with F. solani (0.1 mL of 5.0 × 106 conidia/mL). The in vitro antifungal activity revealed a very strong inhibition effect of O. vulgare and orange peel EOs on F. solani (˃50%) compared to 31–50% inhibition induced by Biotronic® Top3. In addition, the in vivo feeding experiment showed that the positive control had lower cellular (hemocyte count, phagocytosis activity, and index) and humoral)phenoloxidase and lysozyme activities) immune responses than other treatments. Also, superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased in F. solani-infected shrimp. The histopathological investigation of infected shrimp showed dense aggregation of black melanin pigment in gill filaments and variable lesions of necrosis, edema, and congestion. Dietary both EOs significantly alleviated the immune suppression and histopathological effects of F. solani, especially O. vulgare EOs. The mortality rate was decreased to 16.66 and 30.00% with O. vulgare and orange peel EOs, respectively, compared to 70% in the positive control. In conclusion, O. vulgare and orange peel EOs can be used as antifungal and immunostimulant supplementation in L. vannamei diets against F. solani infection.

This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial effects of ethanolic extracts of Ulva sp. and garlic (Allium sativum) powder ethanolic extracts against Vibrio harveyi in vitro. The stimulatory effects of Ulva sp. extract (UE) and garlic powder extract (GPE) on the growth performance and innate immune responses of white‐leg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, and their challenge against V. harveyi infection were also investigated. A commercial shrimp diet (36.1% protein) was enriched with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g UE/kg diet and 2, 4 and 6 g GPE/kg diet, whereas the control group was free of any supplement. Health juveniles of L. vannamei (average weight 2–3 g) were distributed in 21 fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks (500‐L capacity) at a stocking density of 300 animals/tank to represent each treatment in triplicate. The animals were fed ad libitum on the experimental diets up to satiety four times daily for 60 days. The phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extracts of Ulva sp. and garlic powder evoked their richness of several bioactive compounds showing significant antibacterial activity against V. harveyi. The GPE exhibited a higher inhibition zone than that of the UE. The supplemented diets did not significantly affect weight gain %, final weight, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate and survival rates of white shrimp compared to those fed on the control diet. Significant increases were observed in total haemocyte count, phagocytosis and phagocytic index of all treatments compared with the control group. There were significant increases in serum total protein, acid phosphatase activity, alkaline phosphatase, lysosomal enzyme activity, phenoloxidase activity and superoxide dismutase activity with offered diets with increasing the levels of ethanolic extracts of Ulva sp. and garlic powder up to 2.0 g UE/kg diet and 6 g GPE/kg diet, respectively. The ethanolic extraction of Ulva sp. and garlic powder‐supplemented diet groups, particularly at treatments of 2.0 and 6 g GPE/kg diet, respectively, significantly reduced the shrimp mortality induced by V. harveyi infection when compared with the control group. The net results evoked that ethanolic extraction of Ulva sp. (2.0 g UE/kg) and garlic powder (6 g GPE/kg diet) enhanced the immune response and disease resistance of the white‐leg shrimp, L. vannamei. It is also noted that the GPE is more efficient than the UE in vitro and in vivo investigations. Ethanolic extracts from Ulva sp. and garlic powder were tested against Vibrio harveyi. Supplementing white‐leg shrimp diets with these compounds increased immune responses and disease resistance, suggesting potential health and disease management benefits.

During four outbreaks in 2023 and 2024, samples from pond-reared Nile tilapia were taken from different farms located in Kafr Elsheikh governorate, Egypt. Samples were submitted for laboratory examinations. Diseased fish exhibited bacterial septicemia and some cases died without showing any clinical signs. A total of 30 bacterial isolates were isolated and identified. Of these isolates, 57% were identified as Gram-positive bacteria, whereas the remaining 43% were identified as Gram-negative bacteria. PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene and genome sequencing confirmed five bacterial isolates as Aeromonas veronii (30%), Vibrio alginolyticus (13.3%), Enterococcus faecalis (23.3%), Aerococcus viridans (16.7%), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (16.7%). The NCBI GenBank accession numbers of these strains were (PV018985) for A. veronii, (PV016854) for V. alginolyticus, (PV013413) for E. faecalis, (PV032005) for A. viridans, and (PV012491) for Staph. epidermidis. The antibiogram revealed that the bacterial strains showed resistance to most of the antibiotics tested. A. viridans exhibited resistance to nearly all the antibiotics except for intermediate sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and amoxycillin/clavulanic acid. However, A. veronii showed high sensitivity to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, oxytetracycline, kanamycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and intermediate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Similarly, E. faecalis showed high susceptibility to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in addition to intermediate sensitivity to ampicillin and kanamycin. Furthermore, Staph. epidermidis strain was highly susceptible to ampicillin, amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, oxytetracycline, novobiocin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and was partially sensitive to kanamycin and ciprofloxacin. To conclude, summer mortalities recorded in farmed tilapia were closely related to a multifactorial bacterial origin with different sensitivity to antibiotic discs.

The effects of a functional additive (Sanacore GM; SAN) on immune and antioxidant indices, and the resistance of gilthead seabream ( ) against infection were investigated. For this, four diets containing 0% (the control), 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% SAN were offered to triplicated groups of fish (20–23 g) for ten weeks. Subsequently, fish were injected intraperitoneally with and monitored for further ten days. Feeding the fish on SAN-supplemented diets showed positive effects on leukocyte counts and its differential percentages. Serum lysozyme activity and total immunoglobulin values, as well as blood phagocytic activity and indices, were linearly and quadratically higher in SAN-fed fish, especially at the 0.4% SAN diet. Similarly, linear and quadratic increases in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity were observed in SAN-fed fish, particularly at the 0.4% SAN diet. Conversely, malondialdehyde values decreased in SAN-fed fish compared with the control group, which showed its highest value. The highest expression of the gene coupled with the lowest and genes expressions was found in the fish fed with the 0.4% SAN. On the other hand, fish fed on the control diet showed the lowest gene coupled with the highest and genes expressions. After bacterial infection, most of the control fish died with a relative percent of survival of 5.0%; meanwhile feeding gilthead seabream on SAN-enriched diets significantly enhanced their protection against infection fed on the 0.4% SAN diet showed 100% survival. The SAN administration to gilthead seabream especially at the 0.4% level led to significant promotions in antioxidative and immune responses and augmented the fish resistance to infection.

The current study aimed at assessing the recuperative roles of dietary Spirulina platensis on the antioxidation capacity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to sodium sulphate for eight weeks. In brief, fish were allocated into four groups with three triplicates per group, where a group fed on a commercial basal diet served as control, a group was intoxicated with sodium sulphate (SS) 5.8 mg/L, another group was fed a diet supplemented with 1% S. platensis (SP), and the last group was fed 1% SP and concomitantly intoxicated with 5.8 mg/L sodium sulphate (SP/SS). Tissue antioxidative indices of each fish were measured as follows: glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in muscles, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in gills, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver and kidney. Moreover, the expression of hepatic SOD, GSH-Px, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genes was also determined. It was found that tissue CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px activities as well as the T-AOC levels were significantly decreased in the SS group (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant downregulation of hepatic SOD, GSH-Px, and GST genes in SS-exposed fish (p < 0.05). Interestingly, simultaneous dietary supplementation with SP provided a marked attenuation of the tissue antioxidative parameters when compared with the SS and control groups. To conclude, the present study exemplifies that dietary SP supplementation could be a beneficial abrogation of SS-induced tissue oxidative stress in the exposed fish.

The aquaculture industry is suffering from significant financial setbacks due to an increasing frequency of disease outbreaks, posing a threat to the sector’s sustainability. Various bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal pathogens have led to massive mortalities in farmed fish worldwide. Throughout the years, the management of fish diseases has predominantly centered around the utilization of conventional antibiotics and chemicals. Nevertheless, their indiscriminate use has given rise to serious implications, including an increase in resistant pathogens, disruptions in the metabolic processes of fish, degradation of the aquatic environment, the presence of drug residues in aquatic products, and a potential threat to human health. Various effective bio-based and immunoprophylaxis alternative therapies have been developed to overcome these impediments. Recent alternative therapeutic approaches to fish diseases encompass a range of strategies, including phytotherapeutics, nanotherapeutics, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, phage therapy, vaccination, quorum quenching, antimicrobial peptides, biosurfactants, bacteriocins, stem cells, and diagnostic-based therapy. Advancements in biotechnology have significantly enhanced the efficacy of these therapies. However, additional research is essential to refine the utilization of these therapeutic approaches. Critical concerns, such as efficacy, cost, risks, availability, and adverse effects on fish and the ecosystem, need to be addressed to establish guidelines for their sustainable application in aquaculture. This review will increase aquaculturists’ awareness of recent therapies used in fish farming, their mechanisms, challenges, and impacts while promoting the sustainability of commercial aquaculture.