Length Gain Rate Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Levels on Growth Performance, Fatty Acid Profile, and NF‐κB/Nrf2 Pathway‐Related Gene Expression of Razor Clam Sinonovacula constricta

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is crucial for the optimal (Opt) growth of bivalves, but the precise dietary DHA requirement remains undetermined in bivalves. Our study identifies the optimal dietary DHA requirement for razor clam Sinonovacula constricta and demonstrates its effects on fatty acid profiles and gene expression related to inflammation and detoxification. Microencapsulated feeds with different DHA levels (DHA1–6 groups: 1.68, 4.85, 9.49, 12.6, 15.59, and 16.95 mg g−1 dry matter) were prepared using spray drying. Razor clams (initial wet weight: 3.8 ± 0.6 mg) were fed these microcapsules for a period of 20 days. The present study showed that the clams in the DHA1 group exhibited significantly lower weight and shell length gain rates compared to those in the DHA3, DHA4, DHA5, and DHA6 groups. Based on the shell length gain rate, the Opt dietary requirement of DHA for clam is approximately 6.42 mg g−1 dry matter. The clams in the DHA2 group had significantly higher crude lipid content compared to those in the DHA1 and DHA6 groups, while the clams in the DHA1 group had the highest ash content, significantly higher than that in the DHA4 and DHA6 groups. The DHA levels in the clams increased with the increase in DHA content in the microcapsules, while the levels of total n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), linoleic acid (LA), and alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) decreased. The mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (cox2) and 5-lipoxygenase type 2 (5-lox-2) were higher in the DHA1 and DHA6 groups compared to other microcapsule groups. As dietary DHA levels increased, the mRNA levels of nuclear factor kappa B (nfκb) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (nrf2) decreased. Additionally, the mRNA levels of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (gclc) and glutathione S-transferase (gst) were highest in the DHA1 group. This is the first study to determine the Opt DHA requirement for juvenile razor clams using microcapsules with different DHA levels, and this study further reveals that dietary DHA can help reduce inflammation and oxidative status in clams.

Effects of β-1,3-glucan on growth, immune responses, and intestinal microflora of the river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) and its resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

In this study, we investigated the impact of β-1,3-glucan on the immune responses and gut microbiota of the river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) in the presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus stress. Shrimps were fed one of the following diets: control (G1), 0.2% curdlan (G2), 0.1% β-1,3-glucan (G3), 0.2% β-1,3-glucan (G4), or 1.0% β-1,3-glucan (G5) for 6 weeks and then challenged with V. parahaemolyticus for 96 h. Under Vibrio stress, shrimps in G4 exhibited the highest length gain rate, weight gain rate, and survival rate. They also showed increased intestinal muscle thickness and villus thickness compared to the control and 0.2% curdlan groups. The apoptosis rate was lower in G4 than in the control group, and the digestive enzyme activities (pepsin, trypsin, amylase, and lipase), immune enzyme activities (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, and phenoxidase), and energy metabolism (triglyceride, cholesterol, glycogen, and lactate dehydrogenase) were enhanced. Expression levels of growth-related genes (ecdysone receptor, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I, chitin synthase, and retinoid X receptor) and immune-related genes (toll-like receptor 3, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, mitogen-activated protein kinase 7, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14) were higher in G4 than in the control. Microbiota analysis indicated higher bacterial abundance in shrimps fed β-1,3-glucan, as evidenced by Sob, Chao1, and ACE indices. Moreover, 0.2% β-1,3-glucan increased the relative abundances of Bacteroidota and Firmicutes while reducing those of Corynebacteriales and Lactobacillales. In summary, β-1,3-glucan enhances immune enzyme activities, alters immune-related gene expression, and impacts gut microbial diversity in shrimp. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying β-1,3 glucan's immune-enhancing effects.

Nano-Curcumin/Chitosan Modulates Growth, Biochemical, Immune, and Antioxidative Profiles, and the Expression of Related Genes in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with nano-curcumin (NCur) and a nano-curcumin/chitosan blend (NCur/Ch) on growth performance, digestibility, immune response, antioxidant status, intestinal morphometric characters, and gene regulation in Nile tilapia. Fish (n = 180, initial body weight = 12.0 ± 0.53 g) received supplementary NCur at rates of 0 (control), 0.00625, and 0.0125, and NCur/Ch at rates of 0.00625 + 0.5 g/kg diet for 4 weeks. Growth performance parameters (final weight and length, body mass gain, specific growth, and length gain rates) were markedly increased, and the feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased in the NCur- and NCur/Ch-supplemented groups. Digestive enzyme (amylase), immune response markers (immunoglobulin M, nitrous oxide, and lysozyme activity), plasma albumin, and total protein were increased significantly, mainly with a diet supplemented with 0.00625 g NCur/kg. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, and cortisol levels decreased in the supplemented groups compared to the control. Significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed in the NCur/Ch group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was improved in the 0.0125 NCur group. Intestinal morphometric characters, including villus length, width, interspace, and goblet cell abundance, were increased to cope with improved growth performance and were associated with upregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (igf-1) and complement C-5 (cc5) compared to the control group. Therefore, NCur and an NCur/Ch blend could be supplemented in the Nile tilapia diets as a natural alternative to promote growth, digestion, immune status, liver function, antioxidant status, and related gene expression in O. niloticus.

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-β (IL-1β) 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.

Mucuna pruriens seeds extract boosts growth, immunity, testicular histology, and expression of immune-related genes of mono-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus)

Nutraceuticals have received increased attention in sustainable aquaculture. Consequently, the present study aimed to evaluate the dietary effects of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seed extract on growth performance, immune status, hepatic function, biochemical profiles, gonadal histology, and expression of immune-related genes in mono-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were allocated into four groups and received MP at rates of 0 (control), 2, 4, and 6 g/kg diet, respectively, for 90 days. The results revealed that MP significantly (P<0.05) modulated growth performance (specific growth rate, final length, and length gain rate, body mass gain, and feed conversion ratio), lysozyme activity, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT). However, a non-significant effect on nitric oxide (NO) or immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels was detected, whereas the dietary inclusion of MP had a hypoglycemic effect. In terms of plasma globulin, albumin, globulin/albumin ratio, and cortisol, the MP receiving groups showed insignificant difference (P<0.05) when compared to controls, except for the 2 g MP-supplemented group. The lower inclusion concentration of MP (2 g/kg diet) demonstrated the best result (P < 0.05) for gonadosomatic index (GSI) and plasma testosterone level that was consistent with the histological findings reflecting an improvement in the testicular development compared with the control group. Expressions of complement component (C5) and interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) genes were significantly up-regulated in MP receiving groups. In conclusion, M. pruriens can be used as a safe natural economic feed additive and a low inclusion level of 2 g/kg diet is recommended to improve growth, enhance immunity, maintain liver functioning, improve testicular development, and to modulate immune-related genes in the mono-sex O. niloticus.

Comparison of lipid metabolism between broodstock and hybrid offspring in the hepatopancreas of juvenile shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponense): Response to chronic ammonia stress.

Ammonia nitrogen is a major pollutant that causes great physiological harm to crustaceans in culture. In this study, we conducted a 28 day chronic ammonia nitrogen stress experiment with broodstock populations (Dianshan, DS) and hybrid offspring populations (DS ♀ × CD (Changjiang ♂ × Dongting ♀), SCD) exposed to 0, 1 and 10mg/L of ammonia concentrations. A 28 day feeding trial and chronic ammonia nitrogen stress were used to investigate the effects on the growth performance, histological structure and lipid metabolism of juvenile shrimp, Macrobrachium nipponense. Our results indicated that survival rates in the SCD groups were significantly higher than those in the DS groups, whereas weight and length gain rates were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). Histological structure results showed that the number of vacuoles in the DS group was significantly higher than that in the SCD group and hepatopancreas cell structures were disrupted in the ammonia treatment groups. The results of oil red staining showed that the number of lipid droplets increased significantly with the increase in ammonia concentration. As the ammonia concentration increased, fatty acid contents, lipid enzyme activities and lipid metabolism-related gene expression all tended to rise. In conclusion, ammonia nitrogen exposure caused damage to the hepatopancreas structure of juvenile shrimp and disturbed the lipid metabolism of the hepatopancreas. In addition, the SCD population had stronger stress resistance than the DS population when subjected to the same concentration of ammonia nitrogen stress.

Comparison of immune defense and antioxidant capacity between broodstock and hybrid offspring of juvenile shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponense): Response to acute ammonia stress

Ammonia is a major environmental pollutant in the aquatic system that poses a great threat to the health of shrimp. Macrobrachium nipponense, as one of the large-yield farmed shrimp, is facing germplasm degradation. Genetic improvement through hybridization is one of the effective methods to solve this problem. However, there are few studies on the effects of ammonia nitrogen on the germplasm resources of M.nipponense. In this study, the broodstock populations (Dianshan, DS) and hybrid offspring (DS ♀×CD [Changjiang, CJ ♂×Dongting, DT ♀], SCD) were exposed to 0, 5, or 20mg/L of ammonia for 96h. The survival rate of the SCD group was greater than the DS group, although there were no significant differences in weight gain rate and length gain rate (p>0.05). The number of positive cells and apoptosis rates in the DS group were significantly greater than in the SCD group after ammonia exposure (p<0.05). As the ammonia concentration increased, the antioxidant enzyme activities in the SCD group were significantly higher than DS group, while the hepatotoxicity enzyme activities in the SCD group were significantly lower than DS group (p<0.05). The trends in the expression of antioxidant- and immune-related genes were generally consistent with the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Our study found that the hybrid population had stronger stress resistance than their parent populations at the same ammonia concentration. This study confirms our speculation that hybrid population has a greater advantage in antioxidant immunity, which also provides reference for the follow-up study of chronic ammonia toxicity.

Pectin from dry cacao pod husk mediates growth performance, immune resistance responses and carbohydrate metabolism of Litopenaeus vannamei through dietary administration

The sustainable uses of cacao, Theobroma cacao L, pod husk (CPH) produced from cacao bean industry bring environment great benefits. Botanical polysaccharides possessing a variety of physiological functions are therefore referred to as biological response modifiers, and those are also found in CPH. In this study, the weight gain rate (WGR), length gain rate (LGR), feeding efficiency (FE), and survival rate (SR) of shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, fed diets containing CPH pectin at 0 (CON), 1.0 (CPH1), 3.0 (CPH3) and 6.0 (CPH6) g/kg were calculated every 7 days within 56 days of feeding. The non-specific immune parameters, disease resistance, tolerance to hypothermal stress and stress indicators were also evaluated after the shrimp fed with CPH pectin containing diets. Shrimp that were fed with CPH3 after 56 days had higher WGR, LGR, and FE than those in CPH0. The SR significantly increased for shrimp challenged with Vibrio alginolyticus, and subjected to hypothermal (14 °C) stress when they were fed diets containing CPH3 and CPH6, and CPH6 after 14 or 28 days of feeding, respectively. Dietary CPH3 and/or CPH6 showed a significant increase of total hemocyte count (THC), differential hemocyte count (DHC), phenoloxidase (PO) activity, respiratory bursts (RBs), and phagocytic activity and clearance efficiency to V. alginolyticus at 14 and/or 28 days. Furthermore, shrimp fed with CPH pectin-contained diets after 14 and 28 days retarded secretion of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE), and decreased the level of glucose and lactate in plasma under cold stress. We therefore recommend that CPH pectin can be used as a physiomodulator for shrimp by dietary administration at 3.0 g/kg for 56 days to promote growth; and at 3.0–6.0 g/kg within an appropriate time frame (28 days) to regulate neuroendocrine and immune responses, and carbohydrate metabolism lead to enhance resistance against pathogen and hypothermal stress.

Effects of Bacillus velezensis Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Immune Responses, and Intestine Microbiota of Litopenaeus vannamei

In the present study, Bacillus velezensis (BV007, CGMCC No. 20039) was isolated from the gut of Litopenaeus vannamei, and the effects of BV007 on the growth performance, immune responses, and intestine microbiota of the shrimp were investigated. A total of 1,200 healthy shrimp (3.0 ± 0.3 cm, 0.32 ± 0.8 g) were randomly divided into four groups, and fed diets supplemented with different levels of BV007 (C: 0; BV1: 1 × 105 CFU/g; BV2: 1 × 107 CFU/g; and BV3: 1 × 109 CFU/g) for 8 weeks. The results showed a significantly increased final body length (FBL), length gain rate (LGR), final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), plumpness index (PI), and specific growth rate (SGR) in shrimp fed with BV007 for 42 days compared with shrimp fed with control diet. The activity of α-amylase in hepatopancreas was also significantly increased in the BV007-administered groups. After 42 days of growth trial, the challenge test with Vibrio parahaemolyticus was conducted for 2 weeks. The enhanced immune responses were exhibited by shrimp fed with BV007 after V. parahaemolyticus challenge, particularly in respiratory bursts and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. Moreover, the administration of BV007 could considerably increase the abundance of potential probiotics (Bacillus) and reduced the abundances of potential pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio) in shrimp intestines. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation with B. velezensis BV007 could promote the growth performance, enhance the immune responses, and modulate the intestine microbiota of shrimp, and 107 CFU/g feed was recommended to be used as a feed additive to enhance the growth and health status of shrimp.

The Effect of Ploidy on Growth and Feeding Pattern of Diploid and Triploid Turbot Scophthalmus maximus Under Communal Rearing Condition

Triploidy induction is a useful tool to produce sterile fish that prevents interbreeding of farmed fish with wild counterparts. In this study, growth performance and feed conversion rates of 12-months old diploid and triploid turbot that reared both communally and separately for 16 months at constant water temperature determined. At the end of the experiment, diploid, triploid, and communally reared groups reached an average weight of 672.4±21.0 g, 659.2±25.3 g and 660.5±12.0 g, respectively. Any significant differences were not observed in the weight of separately reared diploid and triploid turbot groups. In contrast, triploid fish in the communal group were significantly heavier than diploids at the end of the rearing period. The feed conversion rate of the ploidy group did not show any significant difference between groups. The highest mean specific growth rate was observed in the triploids in communal groups, whereas the diploids in communal groups had the lowest mean specific growth rate. The weight and length gain rates of the groups were similar. Diploid turbot growth appeared to be negatively affected by communal ploidy rearing. The results of the present study indicate that triploid turbot farm escapees may be advantageous in terms of growth in nature.

An Optimized Dose of Therapeutic Feeding Results in Noninferior Growth in Midupper Arm Circumference Compared with a Standard Dose in Children in Sierra Leone Recovering from Acute Malnutrition.

ABSTRACTBackgroundReady-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) given at 175 kcal/kg per day throughout severe acute malnutrition (SAM) treatment is recommended. Some treatment programs have diverged from this paradigm in 2 ways: reducing the supplemental food dose to 75 kcal/kg per day when midupper arm circumference (MUAC) is >11.4 cm or simplifying to a fixed-dose regimen.ObjectiveThe objective was to determine if transitioning to an optimized, fixed-dose supplementary feeding regimen during SAM treatment when MUAC is >11.4 cm would result in noninferior gain in MUAC compared with standard treatment.MethodsUsing data from 2 clinical trials conducted in Sierra Leone, a retrospective dual-cohort study was performed. The 2 cohorts included children with SAM who had improved to meet criteria for moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). The standard dose cohort continued to receive weight-based RUTF at 175 kcal/kg per day, while the optimized dose cohort received fixed-dose, 500 kcal/d of supplementary feeding. The primary outcome was a noninferiority margin of 1 mm of MUAC after 4 wk of treatment, while secondary outcomes included rate of anthropometric changes as well as time-to-relapse to SAM or death.ResultsMUAC after 4 wk was noninferior (Δ: −0.1 mm; 95% CI: −0.05, 0.03; inferiority rejected P = 0.008). Rates of weight gain and MUAC gain were the same in the optimized-dose and standard-dose groups, whereas the rate of length gain was slower in the optimized-dose cohort. Time-to-relapse to SAM or death was not different (HR: 1.05; P = 0.71).ConclusionsThis study supports the practice of treating children with SAM who have recovered to meet criteria for MAM with a reduced and fixed-dose regimen of RUTF. The results also raise the question of whether this strategy might adversely impact linear growth during SAM treatment.

Nano spirulina dietary supplementation augments growth, antioxidative and immunological reactions, digestion, and protection of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, against Aeromonas veronii and some physical stressors.

The current study evaluated the effects of nano delivery of Spirulina platensis on growth performance, digestive enzymes, and biochemical, immunological, and antioxidative status, as well as resistance to Aeromonas veronii and some physical stressor challenges in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Three experimental fish groups (n = 270) with mean weights of 26 ± 0.30 g and mean lengths of 10 ± 0.5 cm were used; the first additive-free basal diet served as the control group, whereas the following two groups were supplemented with spirulina nanoparticles (SPNP) at 0 (control), 0.25, and 0.5%/kg diet for 4 weeks. Following the feeding trial, fish were challenged with hypoxia, cold stresses, and pathogenic bacteria (A. veronii) infection (9 × 108 CFU/ml). SPNP supplementation, especially 0.5%, (p < 0.05) significantly increased growth performance (specific growth rate % day-1, feed conversion ratio, and length gain rate %), immunological (plasma lysozyme and liver nitrous oxide) antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in liver), biochemical (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, glucose, and cortisol concentrations in plasma) assays, and digestive enzymes (lipase and amylase in plasma). The expression of liver's heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and interleukin 1, beta (IL-1β) genes showed a significant upregulation outline of 0.5% SPNP > 0.25% SPNP > 0% SPNP compared with the control. Protection in the incorporated fish groups exposed to A. veronii was 100% compared with the control group, which showed 50% cumulative mortalities. In conclusion, dietary SPNP supplementation improved growth performance, antioxidant activity, immune response, digestive enzymes, related gene expression, and resistance of Nile Tilapia to hypoxia, cold, and A. veronii infection. Thus, SPNP could be used as a natural therapy for controlling those stressors.

Assessment of aeration plug-flow devices used with recirculating aquaculture systems on the growth of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Aeration plug-flow devices (APFDs) have been used with recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) to simultaneously improve water circulation and oxygenation. However, it is still unclear how aeration flow rates affect fish growth for better extension and application. Thus, a series of experiments were conducted to explore the water quality and growth performance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, average body length 8.93 ± 0.34 cm, average body weight 23.61 ± 3.50 g) using three self-designed RASs with APFDs with three aeration flow rates for 56 days. Aeration flow rates were applied in triplicate with the values of 0 L/min (control treatment, C), 30 L/min (moderate treatment, M) and 50 L/min (large treatment, L). The results showed that the water velocity and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration increased with the increase in aeration flow rates, and the non-aerated condition resulted in a low DO and low pH but higher values of NH4+ (3.22 ± 0.17 mg/L) and PO43− (5.78 ± 0.13 mg/L) for treatment C on the 56th day. The tilapia’s length gain rate, weight gain rate and specific growth rate for treatment M on the 56th day were 49.90 ± 4.07 %, 235.70 ± 19.80 % and 2.81 ± 0.54 %/d, respectively, which were 11.07 %, 20.2 %, and 41.4 % higher than that for treatment C, and increased compared to treatment L by 2.04 %, 19.5 %, and 8.49 %. Additionally, more nutrients (i.e., total protein, total cholesterol, glucose) accumulated in tilapia serum for treatment M compared to those in other treatments. Multiple regression analysis showed that growth rates are correlated with DO, NO3− and PO43−. This study gave a new try by combining water circulation and oxygenation into RASs with APFDs, and it is worth popularizing and applying to reduce the operational costs.

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in human breast milk and their associations with postnatal infant growth

Perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates are widespread in human breast milk. However, the occurrence of chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonates (Cl-PFESAs) and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) in breast milk and their effects on postnatal growth of infants through breast milk consumption are still not well known. This study characterized the occurrence of 16 poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in breast milk from 174 women in Hangzhou, China and investigated the association between lactation exposure to these PFASs through breast milk consumption and the postnatal growth of infants. Our results showed that perfluorooctanoate (mean 87 pg/mL) was the predominant PFAS in breast milk, followed by perfluorohexanoate (41 pg/mL), 6:2 Cl-PFESA (28 pg/mL), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (25 pg/mL). The occurrence and levels of Cl-PFESAs in Chinese breast milk were firstly reported in the current study. The 8:2 and 10:2 FTOH were detected in half of breast milk samples, with the mean concentration of 9.0 pg/mL and 10 pg/mL, respectively. Breast milk concentrations of C8-C10 PFCAs and 6:2 Cl-PFESA were negatively correlated with infant's length gain rate. Exposed to higher levels of 8:2 FTOH were correlated with decreased infant's weight gain rate. Daily intakes of PFASs via the consumption of breast milk were calculated for infants. Overall, this study firstly demonstrated that lactation exposure to C8-C10 PFCAs, 8:2 FTOH, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA through breast milk consumption may affect the postnatal growth of infants.

Bisphenol analogue concentrations in human breast milk and their associations with postnatal infant growth

Many studies show that bisphenol A (BPA) is widespread in human breast milk. However, the occurrence of other bisphenol analogues (BPs), including bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol AF (BPAF), in breast milk is still not well known. In this study, breast milk samples were collected from 190 women in Hangzhou, China, with the aims to characterize the occurrence of BPA, BPS, BPF, and BPAF in these samples and to investigate their effects on postnatal growth of infants through breast milk consumption. BPA (mean 2.5 ng/mL, range < LOD–15 ng/mL) was the most abundant BP in breast milk, followed by BPS (0.19 ng/mL, <LOD–1.3 ng/mL) and BPAF (0.092 ng/mL, <LOD–0.58 ng/mL). BPF was not detected in all breast milk samples. We firstly found that breast milk concentrations of BPA were negatively correlated with infant’s weight or length gain rate. Daily intakes (DIs) of BPs via the consumption of breast milk were calculated for infants, and the mean DI values were 531 ng/kg/day, 53 ng/kg/day, and 24 ng/kg/day for BPA, BPS, and BPAF, respectively. Overall, this study firstly demonstrats that the lactation exposure to BPA through breast milk consumption may affect the postnatal growth of infants.

Dietary supplementation of Moringa leaf meal for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: Effect on growth and stress indices

The current study investigated the effects of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal (MLM) on growth and stress indices of Nile tilapia (O. niloticus). Experimental fish (2.0 ± 0.5 g average body weight) were divided into two groups; one was fed with a diet not supplemented with MLM (control diet), and the other group was fed with a diet supplemented with 1.5% MLM (diet 2) for three-month period. The results showed that MLM incorporation in the diet improved growth indices (body mass gain, specific growth rate, length gain rate and feed conversion ratio) and somatic indices (spleen somatic index, hepatosomatic index and intestine somatic index). Moreover, all hematological indices were also significantly increased. Additionally, stress indices were significantly improved, including antioxidants; superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and lipid peroxidase; and biochemical indices including enzymes activities of Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Transaminase, as well as glucose and cortisol concentrations. Also, markedly up-regulated the expression of related genes; Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes; in fish group fed diet supplemented with MFM as compared with the control group. These results show that MLM effectively alleviated starvation stress through retaining the enhanced growth and stress indices. In conclusion, Moringa supplementation to Nile tilapia has a positive effect as growth promoter and natural anti-stress phyto-therapy.

A study on efficacy of oral administration of colostrum fortified lactoferrin in the weight gain of low birth weight infants

Background: Low birth weight babies is the result of being small for gestational age (i.e. under 10th percentile of the reference population) and preterm (i.e. before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm infants have higher protein, calorie requirement, which cannot be met with unfortified breast milk feeds.Methods: This study was conducted prospectively in the Department of Pediatrics, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram from October 2016 to April 2018. 20 low birth weight babies were selected by randomization technique and they were administered with 2 grams of oral colostrum fortified lactoferrin daily for 4 weeks. The rate of weight gain, length gain and head circumference gain were assessed prospectively for a period of 4 weeks. They were analysed statistically by ANOVA and tabulated. Babies weighing less than 2.5 kg and on exclusive breast feeding, were included. Babies more than 2.5kg and less than 1kg, at risk for neonatal sepsis, congenital heart disease, necrotizing enterocolitis were excluded from the study.Results: In the present study, 20 low birth weight babies were included. 11 maternal risk factors were identified. Out of which anemia stands as a single risk factor. The rate of weight gain in oral colostrum fortified lactoferrin, is 320 grams with P value of 0.703 which is not statistically significant. The rate of length gain is 3.3cm, p value is 0.093 which is statistically insignificant. The rate of head circumference gain in oral colostrum fortified lactoferrin is 2.8cm, with the p-value of 0.001 which is statistically significant.Conclusions: The rate of weight and length gain was normal, but the rate of head circumference gain is significantly increased in oral colostrum fortified lactoferrin supplementation.

Excess early postnatal weight gain and blood pressure in healthy young children

Blood pressure (BP) tracks from childhood to adulthood, and early BP trajectories predict cardiovascular disease risk later in life. Excess postnatal weight gain is associated with vascular changes early in life. However, to what extent it is associated with children's BP is largely unknown. In 853 healthy 5-year-old children of the Wheezing-Illnesses-Study-Leidsche-Rijn (WHISTLER) birth cohort, systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured, and z scores of individual weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates were calculated using at least two weight and length measurements from birth until 3 months of age. Linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the association between weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates and BP adjusted for sex and ethnicity. Each standard deviation increase in weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates was associated with 0.9 mmHg (95% CI 0.3, 1.5) higher sitting SBP after adjustment for confounders. Particularly in children in the lowest birth size decile, high excess weight gain was associated with higher sitting SBP values compared to children with low weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates. BMI and visceral adipose tissue partly explained the association between excess weight gain and sitting SBP (β 0.5 mmHg, 95% CI -0.3, 1.3). Weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates were not associated with supine SBP or DBP. Children with excess weight gain, properly adjusted for length gain, in the first three months of life, particularly those with a small birth size, showed higher sitting systolic BP at the age of 5 years.

Morphogenetic and population structure of two species marine bivalve (Ostreidae: Saccostrea cucullata and Crassostrea iredalei) in Aceh, Indonesia

Ramadhaniaty M, Setyobudiandi I, Madduppa HH. 2018. Morphogenetic and population structure of two species marine bivalve (Ostreidae: Saccostrea cucullata and Crassostrea iredalei) in Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 978-988. Oysters (Family Ostreidae) are mollusks, with high levels of phenotypic plasticity and wide geographic distribution. Oysters are a challenging group for morphological identification and genetic populations study. Saccostrea cucullata and Crassostrea iredalei are oysters from bivalve class that lives in the intertidal area and mangrove ecosystem. To clarify the morphology, genetic diversity and population structure of the two forms of S. cucullata and C. iredalei, we collected and studied oysters from three locations along the coastal region of Aceh by using morphometric method and 16 S mtDNA sequences analysis. We also added more oysters sequences from China, Japan, and Thailand to determine the connectivity between all populations. Morphometric characteristics of the oyster showed a negative allometric growth pattern, which means the rate of length gain is faster than that of the weight gain. The genetic distance from S. cucullata was 0.003-0.004 (Fst = 0.708) and C. iredalei was 0.000 (Fst = 0.971). The long genetic distance and high fixation index (Fst) in the oysters population are caused by the close geographical distance of the species in the three populations. The haplotype diversity value from S. cucullata and C. iredalei were 20 and 3, respectively. The haplotype showed the connectivity among the oyster populations which indicated by the gene flow pattern. The gene flow was affected by geographical distance and environmental complexity.

Effects of high fat diet and perinatal dioxin exposure on development of body size and expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β in the rat brain.

Environmental exposure to dioxins, consumption of a high fat diet, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β signaling in the brain affect feeding behavior, which is an important determinant of body growth. In the present study, we investigated the effects of prenatal exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and high fact diet after weaning on body growth and expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β in the brain in rat pups. Subjects from the control and dioxin exposure groups were assigned to 1 of 3 different diet groups: standard diet, high fat diet in the juvenile period, or high fat diet in adulthood. Body weight gain rate in the juvenile high fat diet group and the length gain rate in the adult high fat diet group were greater than the corresponding values in the standard diet group only in male offspring, although the effects of dioxin exposure on growth were not significant. Consumption of a high fat diet decreased platelet-derived growth factor receptor β levels in the amygdala and hippocampus in both sexes compared to control groups, while 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin decreased platelet-derived growth factor receptor platelet-derived growth factor receptor β levels in the amygdala and striatum only in females receiving an high fat diet. Furthermore, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β levels in the hippocampus and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β striatum were inversely correlated with increases in body length, while changes in platelet-derived growth factor receptor β in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens were significantly correlated to body weight gain or body mass index. In conclusion, these findings suggest that these 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and high fat diet-induced changes in body growth and feeding behaviors might be partially mediated by changes in brain platelet-derived growth factor receptor β levels.