Hepatosomatic Index Research Articles

Tryptophan ameliorates soybean meal-induced enteritis via remission of oxidative stress, mitophagy hyperactivation, and apoptosis inhibition in hybrid yellow catfish gut (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco ♀ × Pelteobagrus vachelli ♂)

In this study, the effects of Trp on the growth performance and intestinal health of hybrid yellow catfish suffering from soybean meal-induced enteritis (SBMIE) were investigated. A total of 600 individuals (initial body weight: 6.47 ± 0.01 g) were randomly divided into 12 cages, each with a water volume of 0.9 m3 and containing 50 individuals. Four different diets were used to feed hybrid yellow catfish: a fish meal-based diet (containing 40 % fishmeal, FM diet), a soybean meal-based diet (dietary replacement of 75 % FM with soybean meal, SBM diet), and two tryptophan-supplemented diets (soybean meal-based diet containing 0.5 % or 1.0 % of tryptophan, respectively, Trp1 diet and Trp2 diet), were used to feed hybrid yellow catfish. After 42 days of feeding, growth performance, oxidation and antioxidant indices, intestinal histomorphology, mitophagy and apoptosis were analyzed. The results revealed that the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion rate (FCR), viscerosomatic index (VSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and condition factor (CF) were unaffected by Trp (P > 0.05) compared with those of fish fed the SBM diet. The fish fed the SBM diet exhibited typical SBMIE, with significantly decreased T-AOC, T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX, and increased MDA, ROS, DAO and D-lactate (P < 0.05). The intestinal and mitochondrial morphologies were disrupted. Conversely, the decreased antioxidant capacity, increased oxidant stress and intestinal permeability were significantly reversed by dietary Trp, and the intestinal and mitochondrial structures were repaired (P < 0.05). Moreover, the protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1, as well as the mRNA expression levels of tgf-β, il-10, caspase 3, caspase 9, fis1, mff, drp1, mfn1, opa1, and nrf1, were significantly higher in the dietary Trp groups compared to the SBM group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the apoptotic signals in the hindgut were significantly greater in the dietary Trp groups than in the SBM group. (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of tnf-α, il-1β, beclin1, lc3a, lc3b, parkin, pink1, bnip3, and fundc1, as well as the protein level of LC3B, were significantly decreased by dietary Trp (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that Trp can be used as a feed additive to alleviate oxidative stress, ameliorate intestinal epithelial injury, and reduce hyperactivated mitophagy and apoptosis resistance in the intestinal epithelium of hybrid yellow catfish subjected to SBMIE.

Physiology, leptin gene expression, and intestinal morphology of pinhead and starved milkfish (Chanos chanos).

"Pinhead" is an abnormal condition of farmed fish which is rarely studied, albeit well known among fish culturists, and is characterized by extreme emaciation and anorexia. In this study, the potential impacts of pinhead condition in milkfish were analyzed and compared to fed, healthy, and a group starved for four weeks. The condition factor and hepatosomatic index of pinhead milkfish were significantly lower compared with fed, healthy individuals. Abnormal plasma osmolality and muscle water content in pinhead milkfish indicated an imbalance in their internal water content. The anorexigenic hormone, leptin A was highly expressed in liver of pinhead milkfish, which could be related to their lack of appetite. Meanwhile, the hepatosomatic index, intestinal somatic index, enterocyte height, number of villi and goblet cells, Na+/K+- ATPase activity, and intestinal protein content of the pinhead milkfish were similar to those of the 4-week starved individuals. Taken together, our results characterized key physiological parameters of pinhead milkfish for the first time. Further investigation is required to understand how environmental or artificial stress can lead to the occurrence of pinhead milkfish, and to develop methods for alleviating this condition.

INSIGHTS INTO THE REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND AGE AT MATURITY OF CLIMBING PERCH, Anabas testudineus (BLOCH, 1792) IN MALAYSIA

Understanding the reproductive biology and age at maturity of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) is essential for effective aquaculture management and broodstock development. This study examined the species’ reproductive traits under laboratory conditions, focusing on fecundity, Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), Hepatosomatic Index (HSI), and age at maturity. Fecundity was assessed in 30 mature females (total length: 11.0 to 15.0 cm; weight: 32.72 to 68.92 g), which exhibited a fecundity range of 23,316 to 71,862 eggs, with a mean of 49,498 eggs. Positive linear relationships were observed between fecundity and parameters such as total length, body weight, and gonad weight. GSI values ranged from 14.26% to 28.32% and HSI ranged from 0.80% to 1.58%. Gonadal development and age at maturity were studied in juveniles with histological analysis revealing that males reached maturity at 4.5 months (12.66 ± 1.73 cm, 34.54 ± 10.56 g, n = 30), while females matured at 5 months (12.4 ± 0.96 cm, 48.06 ± 14.59 g, n = 30). The gonads of both sexes progressed through distinct stages of development with maturity being reached during the latter stages. These findings indicate that climbing perch achieve sexual maturity within five months under controlled conditions and these insights provide critical information in optimising broodstockmanagement and seed production strategies. The study offers significant implications for aquaculture practices aimed at enhancing sustainability and productivity.

Metabolic and Intestinal Morphometric Responses of Nile Tilapia Fed Diets Containing Soybean and Protease

Proteases facilitate the breakdown of components associated with antinutritional factors. This study evaluated the effects of protease supplementation in Nile tilapia diets on metabolic and intestinal responses. Three diets were tested: soybean meal SM1 (fish meal FM:SM = 1:1), SM2 (1:2), and SM3 (1:3), based on the protein content. All the diets were without or with protease (0.44 g/kg). The fish were randomly allocated to 18 tanks/49 days. In SM3 without protease, an increase in the villus height and width, as well as the number of goblet cells, was observed. Protease supplementation increased the villus height compared to diets without the enzyme. The SM1 with protease resulted in a reduction in the digestive somatic index, but significantly increased the hepatosomatic and intestinal quotient indices. In SM2 with protease, reductions in the amino acid (AA) content and aspartate aminotransferase activity in the liver were observed. In the muscles, supplementation increased the AA concentrations. Higher plasma AA and albumin concentrations were detected in the SM2 and SM3 groups with protease. A significant interaction was found, with SM3 without protease showing lower plasma protein and AA concentrations. In SM2 with protease, higher levels of albumin and globulin were recorded. Protease in soybean meal diets improved the intestinal health and metabolism in tilapia.

Characterization of probiotic Bacillus sp. NP5 metabolites and its effect on female catfish broodstock rematuration

Probiotics are believed to contain active components that affect fish reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolite compounds contained in the probiotic Bacillus sp. NP5 and its effect on female catfish broodstock rematuration. The first step was to analyze the metabolite content of probiotic using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry LCMS/MS. Furthermore, feed supplementation was implemented with probiotic at concentrations of 106 CFU g-1 (P6), 108 CFU g-1 (P8), and control (C). Parameters observed included metabolite content of Bacillus sp. NP5, gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonad histology, gonad maturity rate, fecundity, number of matured eggs, distribution of egg diameter, fertilization rate (FR), hatching rate (HR), larval survival (SR), rematuration period, and percentage of matured broodstock. The results showed that metabolites such as resveratrol (22.45%) and indoline (7.11%) are probably directly affecting reproduction. Other metabolites such as oxyresveratrol (22.95%) and vestitol (4.14%) are also thought to play an indirect role. Supplementation results showed the best reproductive performance in 108 CFU g-1 feed treatment with an increase in GSI (14.74%), HSI (1.65%), gonad maturity rate, percentage of mature eggs (86.00%), rematuration period (4 weeks), percentage of matured broodstock (100%), fecundity (243605.02 eggs/broodstock), FR (98.74%), HR (80.62%), and SR (87.31%). Application of probiotic Bacillus sp. NP5 can accelerate rematuration and improve reproductive performance of female catfish broodstock. Probiotics contain metabolites that have a positive effect on reproduction and can be an alternative in improving reproductive performance in female catfish broodstock. Keywords: Bacillus sp. NP5, female catfish, metabolites, probiotics, rematuration

Population dynamics and seasonal variation in biological characteristics of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) in Zhanjiang coastal waters, China

This study examined the population dynamics and seasonal variation (winter-summer) in the biological characteristics of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) in Zhanjiang coastal waters, China. Key growth parameters were estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth model, revealing an asymptotic length (L∞) of 505.05 mm and a growth coefficient (K) of 0.26 year-¹, with an estimated longevity of 11.24 years. Mortality analysis showed a total mortality rate (Z) of 0.35 year-¹, primarily driven by natural causes (M = 0.33 year-¹) with minimal fishing impact (F = 0.02 year-¹), resulting in a low exploitation rate (E) of 0.05. Length-weight relationship (LWR) analysis indicated positive allometric growth in females and nearly isometric growth in males, with significant seasonal variations in condition factors (K). Yield Per Recruit (YPR) analysis identified a maximum sustainable exploitation rate (Emax) of 0.421, with a conservative management approach suggested at E0.1 = 0.355. Seasonal variations in reproductive indices, with higher Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) in winter, highlight the species’ reproductive cycle. The findings suggest that Acanthopagrus schlegelii is stable, with low fishing pressure. Seasonal GSI and HSI variations suggest fisheries management should time fishing to reduce impacts on reproductive success. Maintaining exploitation rates below Emax is essential for sustainable management, contributing valuable insights for fisheries conservation in coastal China.

A New Strain of Preponderant Amphitriploid Carassius Clone Juvenile With Integrated Genomes Partly From White Crucian Carp (C. auratus cuvieri) Requires Low Dietary Protein

This study was carried out to search for the protein requirement of a new strain of preponderant amphitriploid Carassius clone, which integrated genomes partly from white crucian carp (C. auratus cuvieri). Seven groups of fish (body weight: 9.73 ± 0.03 g) were fed with seven isolipidic and isocarbohydrate diets containing 21.38%, 25.82%, 27.94%, 31.36%, 34.23%, 37.87%, and 40.70% crude protein (P21, P24, P27, P30, P33, P36, and P39), respectively. After 8‐week feeding, weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were lower in the P30 group than those in the P39 group, but no difference was found in final body weight (FBW), survival, condition factor (CF), or hepatosomatic index (HSI) between different groups. Increased dietary protein decreased feeding rate (FR) and viscerosomatic index (VSI) while improved feed efficiency (FE). Decreased protein retention efficiency (PRE) and improved activity of liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and content of plasma ammonia suggested intensified fish amino acid catabolism in high dietary protein groups. The dietary protein requirement of the new Carassius clone was as low as 21.38% for growth. The optimal dietary protein for high FE was 39.62% and should be less than 30.56% to maintain the maximum protein retention. High dietary protein might be harmful to the fish due to the increased contents of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma cortisol. Dietary protein level altered fish body and muscle flavor substance composition. Low dietary protein could obtain high muscle fatty acid, free amino acid, and lipid accumulation, including whole body and muscle crude lipid, plasma total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c). Therefore, the recommended dietary protein for this new Carassius clone juvenile should be 21.38%–30.56%.

The Potential of Spirulina Powder as Feed Additive on Hepatic Histomorphometry in Peking Ducks (&lt;i&gt;Anas platyrhynchos&lt;/i&gt;)

Providing standard feed to support and improve the growth, productivity, health, and digestibility of livestock still requires feed additives, one of which is the natural feed additive spirulina flour. Spirulina flour was one of the natural feed additives chosen because it contained bioactive compounds, had no side effects on livestock, and substitute for antibiotics for livestock, so it could increase the growth, productivity, health, and digestibility of Peking ducks. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of spirulina flour feed additive on Peking duck liver histomorphometry. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 types of spirulina flour concentration treatments (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) and 5 replications including 5 ducks in each replication. The treatment groups included P0, P1, P2, P3, and P4. Measurement variables included liver weight, hepatosomatic index, hepatocyte and central vein diameter, and sinusoid width. The data obtained were analyzed by the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that the addition of spirulina flour as a feed additive had no effect on liver weight, hepatosomatic index, hepatocyte diameter, central vein diameter, and sinusoid width. The conclusion of this research was that added spirulina flour (Spirulina sp.) feed additive potentially maintained the histomorphometry of the Peking duck liver organ.

Toxic Effects of Lead Exposure on Freshwater Climbing Perch, Anabas testudineus, and Bioremediation Using Ocimum sanctum Leaf Powder.

The acute and chronic toxicity of lead to Anabas testudineus was determined in this study using static replacement bioassay testing. During the chronic toxicity studies, an experiment on the bioremediation of lead toxicity using Ocimum sanctum leaf powder was conducted. The 96 h LC50 values of lead for Anabas testudineus was 1.08 mg/L. Different biomarkers, such as the hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, and fecundity, were significantly lower in fish subjected to 10% and 20% of the 96 h LC50 values of lead, compared to controls. The 45-day chronic exposure of fish to lead concentrations of 0.2 mg/L and above significantly lowered the number of total RBC, hemoglobin content, HCT (%), plasma protein, and cholesterol while decreasing the level of total WBC, plasma glucose, creatinine, serum AST and serum ALT. The leaf powder of Ocimum sanctum plays a significant role in ameliorating lead toxicity.

Histo-architectural and histochemical changes in the liver and intestine of Labeo rohita: integrative effect of water temperature and dietary protein level

This study aimed to study the histo-architectural and histochemical changes in the liver and intestine of Labeo rohita fingerlings due to the integrative effect of short-term exposure to higher temperature and dietary protein levels. Six hundred Labeo rohita fingerlings (average weight 6.78 ± 0.05 g) were distributed into 24 tanks, with 25 fingerlings in each tank. The tanks were divided into eight experimental groups, with three replicates for each tank. Half of the experimental groups were maintained at an ambient water temperature of 260C, while the other half were kept at 320C for one week and then shifted back to 260C for four weeks. The fingerlings were fed with either of four diets, each containing different protein levels of 20%, 30%, 40% or 45% protein. At the end of the experiment, the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and visceral index (VI) of the juveniles were increased with the increase in dietary protein level, however significantly lower HSI was recorded at 320C compared to 260C. Juveniles exposed to elevated temperature (320C) for one week registered significantly higher (p < 0.05) liver glycogen content compared to 260C. Amylase, protease, and alkaline phosphatase activity in the intestine of juveniles were significantly (p < 0.05) higher at elevated temperature (320C) and decreased after 4 weeks of decrease in temperature from elevated temperature (320C) to ambient temperature (260C). The 45% CP fed group at 260C showed mildly desquamated mucosa in the liver whereas mucosa was found absent at 320C. Marked loss of mucosa was found in the intestine of L. rohita fed with 45% dietary protein after five weeks either at 260C or 320C. Overall it concludes that the dietary protein level and water temperature interactions are more effective in maintaining the histo-architectural structure of the liver and intestine, which responds to increased digestive enzyme activity.

Effect of vegetable oil on ovarian steroidogenesis- A transcriptome approach to understand molecular mechanisms of hypothalamus pituitary and gonad axis (HPG) in Ompok bimaculatus.

Ompok bimaculatus is a commercially important food fish of Northeast India. For higher production of this species, the molecular mechanisms underlying its reproductive physiology is an important aspect to study. Vegetable oils are rich in ω3 and ω6 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, that enhance reproductive performances. In the present study, O. bimaculatus were first fed with vegetable oil at 3, 5, 7 and 9% in the diet. The best treatment was determined by the analysis of relative fecundity, fertilisation rate, Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Hepatosomatic Index (HIS). Comparative transcriptomics analysis of gonadal tissues between control and best treatment was done using Illumina NextSeq500. The bioinformatics analysis by Trinity v2.11.0 and edgeR v3.32.1 identified 36 DEGs related to reproduction, those were later validated by qPCR analysis. The Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) revealed, regulation of Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) axis through retinoid signalling pathway, IGF pathway and folliculogenesis pathway, including inhibitory effects of dietary vegetable oil on fish gonadal maturation.

Antioxidant, metabolic and digestive biomarker responses of farmed Sparus aurata supplemented with Laminaria digitata

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of supplemented diets with the brown macroalga Laminaria digitata in improving the antioxidant, metabolic and digestive performance in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), using a multi-biomarker approach. Three experimental diets supplemented with 1.5 %, 3 % and 6 % of dried powdered L. digitata were tested against a control diet. After 30 and 60 days, S. aurata juveniles were sampled and muscle, gut and liver tissues were collected. Results showed that fish fed with 1.5 % L. digitata exhibited higher specific growth rate (SGR) after 30 days. Additionally, at this supplementation level, there was a significant reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, CAT; glutathione S-transferase, GST; superoxide dismutase, SOD) and in lipid peroxidation (LPO) in muscle and liver tissues. In contrast, gut antioxidant enzyme activity increased with higher macroalga concentrations (3 % and 6 %). Fish fed with 6 % L. digitata revealed a significant decrease in muscle aerobic potential (citrate synthase (CS) activity) but increased anaerobic capacity (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity). Moreover, the 1.5 % L. digitata supplemented diets led to a significant increase in amylase activity after 30 days. After 60 days, fed with 6 % L. digitata showed lower hepatosomatic index (HSI) compared to animals fed on control diet. Additionally, trypsin activity was higher in fish fed the supplemented diets, especially at 3 % L. digitata. Pepsin activity was significantly supressed in fish fed diets with higher macroalga concentrations (3 % and 6 %). Overall, the current findings highlight the beneficial effects with lower doses of L. digitata on farmed marine fish performance and welfare. However, additional research is needed to establish the most cost-effective seaweed supplementation dose and validate this strategy at an industrial scale.

Physiological and biochemical responses of Labeo rohita to neonicotinoids imidacloprid, clothianidin, and their mixture.

Neonicotinoids, widely used insecticides, pose severe environmental risks due to their persistence in soil and water, adversely affecting non-target organisms and ecosystem integrity. The present study examined the 56days effects of imidacloprid (66.6mg/l), clothianidin (30mg/l), and their combination (33.3mg/l and 15mg/l) on Labeo rohita, using one-third of the LC50 sub-lethal concentrations. Survival, weight gain, and the hepatosomatic index decreased insignificantly in the IMI group and significantly in the CLO and Mix groups. Haematological indicators, including erythrocyte counts, haemoglobin, and haematocrit values, were also significantly reduced. Blood glucose and serum creatinine levels increased, while serum albumin, globulin, and plasma total proteins decreased. White blood cell counts elevated, while immunoglobulin (IgM), respiratory burst, and lysozyme activities were significantly inhibited. Liver, brain and muscle lactate and malate dehydrogenases were elevated, whereas succinate and glutamate dehydrogenases were decreased. Liver aspartate aminotransferase activity was substantially higher than that of brain and muscle, which had considerably higher levels of alanine aminotransferase in muscle than in the brain and liver. Additionally, muscle alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher than in the liver and brain, whereas liver acid phosphatase showed a greater elevation than in the muscle and brain. The physiological, haematological, and biochemical indices peaked on day 28 and slight recovery was observed on day 56 (IMI > CLO > Mix). The study highlights that the mixture of insecticides poses greater hazards compared to a single active compound, and the indiscriminate use of these insecticides jeopardizes non-target organisms, ecosystems, and public health.

Interactions of a PFOS/sodium nitrite mixture in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis): Impacts on survival, growth, behavior, energy metabolism and hepatopancreas transcriptome.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and sodium nitrite may have complex adverse effects on aquatic animals. This study assessed the interactive effects of PFOS and sodium nitrite on Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). A 2 × 3 factorial experiment with 0, 0.1, and 5 mg/L PFOS and 0, 3.50 mg/L sodium nitrite evaluated impacts on growth, behavior, oxygen consumption, health, energy metabolism, and hepatopancreas transcriptome. PFOS <0.1 mg/L with 3.50 mg/L nitrite significantly decreased PFOS accumulation in the hepatopancreas and improved feeding rates and hepatopancreas structure (P < 0.05). Under 5 mg/L PFOS and nitrite, survival, weight gain, hepatosomatic index, and feeding rate significantly decreased (P < 0.05). PFOS (0.1 mg/L) with nitrite significantly prolonged righting response time and increased locomotion speed (P < 0.05). PFOS (5 mg/L) significantly decreased serum triglyceride and lactate levels, while PFOS and nitrite decreased glucose, triglyceride, and glycogen levels and increased lactate in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis indicated that PFOS affects p53 signaling, cell cycle and neurotransmission pathways, with notable changes in cell proliferation genes (pcna, ccna, cdk1, cdk2, rbx1) primarily downregulated by PFOS. Overall, PFOS disrupts neurotransmitter regulation and causes hepatopancreatic damage, while nitrite can reduce the toxicity of PFOS by decreasing its hepatopancreas accumulation. However, high levels of PFOS combined with sodium nitrite exacerbate toxicity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment of environmental pollutant interactions.

Diet, feeding, and niche overlap of west coast steenbras (Lithognathus aureti) and silver kob (Argyrosomus inodorus) in the northern Benguela.

In this study, we described and compared the diet, monthly feeding intensity, and condition of west coast steenbras (Lithognathus aureti) and silver kob (Argyrosomus inodorus) caught at a unique habitat in the northern Benguela. Stomach contents of 179 west coast steenbras and 114 silver kob caught from October 2020 to September 2022 were investigated. The peak in feeding intensity of west coast steenbras appeared to be opportunistic during winter and summer periods depending on food availability. The fish condition, however, peaked at the beginning (October) and at the end (April) of the austral summer spawning period, with the hepatosomatic index (HSI) at 1.5% and the condition factor (CF) at 0.022%. Seven prey taxa were found in the diet of west coast steenbras (bivalves, bony fishes, other mollusks, algae, crustaceans, cnidaria, and polychaetas) and six taxa in the diet of silver kob (bivalves, crustaceans, bony fishes, algae, starfish, and zooplankton), indicating generalist feeding behavior in both the species. The bivalves were the most important prey items in the diet of west coast steenbras (95.9% index of relative importance [IRI]). The most important prey items in the diet of silver kob were crustaceans (83.1% IRI) and bony fishes (16.0% IRI). Crustaceans were most important in the diet of small-to-medium-sized silver kob, whereas bony fishes were most important in the diet of larger silver kob(>75 cm), with significant differences of IRI% by size class. Schoener's index of niche overlap indicated a relatively low overall niche overlap (0.11) between west coast steenbras and silver kob. This allows them to coexist as their feeding habits allow them to occupy unique niches in the coastal reef and sandy habitat and reduce competition for resources.

Therapeutic Potential of Aloe vera and Aloe vera-Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles on Mice Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is a hazardous heavy metal that induces hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Thus, this study was planned to explore the ameliorating capacity of Aloe vera leaf gel extract (AV) and their conjugated silver nanoparticles (AVNP) against Cr (VI) induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity. The organ indices, level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, total protein, and creatinine in blood serum were measured. The histopathological and micrometric analysis of the hepatic and renal tissue sections were studied. The hepatosomatic index was raised significantly (0.098 ± 0.13g) in Cr treated group. The blood serum level of AST (484 ± 10.7 U/L), ALT (163 ± 5.5 U/L), ALP (336.7 ± 9.5 U/L), MDA (642.3 ± 28.3 U/L), and creatinine (4.0 ± 0.1mg/dL) were increased significantly, whereas total protein level was declined (2.8 ± 0.3g/dL) significantly in Cr exposed group. In the histopathological study, necrosis, disturbed hepatic cords, impaired glomeruli, and Bowman's capsule were noted. Micrometric data from the liver and kidney revealed a significant surge in the size of hepatocytes and their nuclei (1188.2 ± 467.7µ2 and 456.5 ± 205.6µ2) and CSA of glomeruli and Bowman's capsule (9051.8 ± 249.8µ2 and 11,835.5 ± 336.7µ2) in Cr (VI) exposed group, whereas the brush border (10.2 ± 4.0µ) size declined significantly. The administration of AV and AVNP reduced the oxidative stress induced by Cr (VI).

Assessing azithromycin's ecological toll: Unveiling multifaceted impacts on Poecilia reticulata THROUGH biomarker analysis.

This study investigates the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of azithromycin on Poecilia reticulata, through biomarkers at different levels. To this end, the somatic indexes of P. reticulata were evaluated, and liver and gill samples were collected and analyzed for biochemical and histopathological alterations. Azithromycin caused significant effects in P. reticulata, such as increased hepatosomatic index, altered redox responses, particularly in gills, indicating oxidative stress, and notable tissue damage in the liver and gills in a dose-dependent response manner. Principal Component Analysis highlighted differences between control and exposed groups, demonstrating the azithromycin's influence on organismal homeostasis. This research underscores the importance of understanding azithromycin action in nontarget organisms of aquatic environments.

Growth, fat metabolism and hepatic health in largemouth bass fed varying fat-level diets

This 60-day experiment investigated the influences of growth, fat metabolism and hepatic health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed varying fat diets. 225 fish (34 ± 0.04 g) were divided into three groups and fed diets with fat levels of 10 % (Low-fat diet, LFD), 14 % (Medium-fat diet, MFD) and 18 % (High-fat diet, HFD), respectively. The results revealed that fish fed HFD exhibited significantly better protein efficiency ratio (PER) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than LFD group (P<0.05), but survival rate (SR) and weight gain rate (WGR) were unaffected (P>0.05). Dietary fat levels significantly decreased hepatosomatic index (HSI) of fish (P<0.05), but visceral somatic index (VSI) and condition factor (CF) were unaffected (P>0.05). The contents of fat and ash in whole-body, and hepatic fat contents were increased with dietary fat levels (P<0.05), the contents of moisture and crude protein in whole-body and liver exhibited no substantial variations (P>0.05). Serum biochemical indexes and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, liver glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities were increased significantly with rising dietary fat levels (P<0.05), serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities had no statistical differences (P>0.05). The expression of srebp-1 and acc in liver were down-regulated, but atgl, aco and bax were up-regulated with rising dietary fat contents (P<0.05). Caspase-3 exhibited a remarkable tendency of initially rising and then declining (P<0.05), the expression of fas, cpt-I, bcl-2 and the ratio of bcl-2/bax were unaffected (P>0.05). The histology of liver indicated the size and quantity of fat droplets increased with increment of dietary fat intake. Conclusion: the dietary fat levels of 14 %-18 % could be conducive to better growth of largemouth bass in this study.

Feeding Aspects and Reproductive Biology of Smalltooth Emperor, Lethrinus microdon (Valenciennes, 1830) in the Gulf of Mannar along the Indian Southeast Coast

Background: The Gulf of Mannar, situated on the southeast coast of India, is a unique distinctive productive marine ecosystem and is rich in biodiversity. Its significance stems from the presence of a string of 21 islands spanning 140 km between Rameswaram and Tuticorin, each adorned with a wealth of coral reefs and hosting a variety of ornamental and marine fish species despite their small and uninhabited nature. It is also first Marine Biosphere Reserve in South and South-East Asia, covers approximately an area of 19,000 sq. km. Methods: Fish samples were collected monthly from three major fishing harbours situated in the Gulf of Mannar along the southeast Coast: Thoothukudi Fishing Harbour, Pamban Fishing Harbour and Chinnamuttom Fishing Harbour from December 2022 to November 2023. These species are caught using trawl net, gill net and hook and line and collected specimens were identified using FAO sheets and standard literature. Result: In this study, a total of 405 specimens were collected. The length weight relationship was estimated for male: W = 0.0522.57, r2 = 0.94, female; W = 0.0572.51, r2 = 0.94; and pooled; W = 0.0632.54, r2 = 0.90, respectively. Fulton condition factor (KF) value for male: 1.22, female: 1.33; and pooled: 1.19, respectively. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) of L. microdon was ranged between 1.21-2.21 for male and 1.85-2.31 for female and Gastrosomatic index (GaSI) varied from 1.45-2.37 for male whereas 1.89-4.43 was found for female. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) of L. microdon was ranged between 0.45-2.54 for male while for female was ranged between 1.11-3.21. The male and female (M:F) sex ratio was estimated 1:0.67. The peak spawning season was observed in June to August. The results provide the baseline biology information required to evaluate the fisheries and sustainable management of these underexploited fishes in the Gulf of Mannar ecosystem.

Evaluating Silvering Stages in European Eels: A Study on Biological and Morphometric Variations in the Asi River, Türkiye

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) undergoes significant morphological and physiological changes during its transition from the yellow to the silver stage, which are critical for its long-distance spawning migration. This study aimed to investigate these changes in European eels from the Asi River, located in Hatay, Türkiye, during their silvering process. A total of 96 eels were sampled in February 2019, and various morphometric measurements, including total length, body weight, eye dimensions and height, and pectoral fin lengths, were taken. Liver and gonad weights were also measured to assess the hepatosomatic index (HSI). The length–weight relationship for silver eels was described by the equation, W = 0.0072 × L2.732, with silver-stage eels showing a higher growth rate compared to yellow-stage eels, which had a relationship of W = 0.0184 × L2.397. The average total length of silver eels (431.2 ± 16.7 mm) was significantly greater than that of yellow eels (382.4 ± 11.9 mm). Additionally, pectoral fin length was significantly longer in silver eels (20.8 ± 1.1 mm) compared to yellow eels (14.8 ± 0.9 mm). The hepatosomatic index (HSI) for silver eels was also found to be higher than for yellow eels, indicating increased liver size as an adaptation for energy storage during migration. Eye height, a key indicator of silvering, showed a substantial increase during the transition, with silver-stage eels having an average eye height of 5.3 ± 0.2 mm compared to 4.2 ± 0.1 mm in yellow-stage eels.