Non-specific immune parameters, immune, antioxidant and growth-related genes expression of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fed sodium propionate

Abstract

The present study investigates the effects of different levels (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) of sodium propionate (SP) on serum and mucus non-specific immune response as well as the expression of genes related to antioxidant enzymes, mucosal immunity and growth in common carp. Compared control group, skin mucus total Ig and lysozyme activity significantly increased in SP-fed fish (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were noticed between different levels of SP (P > 0.05). There was significant difference between control and SP treatments in case of serum immune parameters (P < 0.05). The highest serum total Ig levels and lysozyme activity were observed in 2% SP treatment. Evaluation of antioxidant and mucosal immune-related genes expression revealed notable upregulation in SP-fed carps with respect to the value found in fish from control treatment (P < 0.05). However, upregulation of those genes was more pronounced in 1 and 2% SP treatments. Also, transcript levels of IGF1 and GH were significantly upregulated along with the increasing SP inclusion level (P < 0.05). The present results revealed beneficial effects of SP inclusion (1 and 2%) in carp diet on mucosal and non-specific immune responses as well as above-mentioned genes expression.