A comparative study of effects of curcumin and its nanoparticles on the growth, immunity and heat stress resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with free- or nano-curcumin on the growth performance, immune status and heat stress resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Seven isonitrogenous (28% protein) and isocaloric (445 kcal/100 g DM) diets were prepared. Six diets were supplemented with three levels of nano-curcumin (50 (CN50), 100 (CN100), 200 (CN200) mg kg−1 diet) or free-curcumin (50 (C50), 100 (C100), 200 (C200) mg kg−1 diet), and the control diet was left without an additive (CON). Fish (13.54 ± 0.32 g) (mean ± SD) fed the experimental diets for 65 days. Following the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to the acute heat stress by gradually raising the water temperature from 25 to 40 °C within 3 h. The fish were then exposed to 40 °C for 4 h. Results revealed the superiority of nano-curcumin over its free-form in enhancing the growth performance, with the highest results obtained at CN100, followed by CN200. Only heat stress, not the experimental diets, increased the platelets, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), leukocytes and neutrophils count, while lymphocytes decreased. The CN50 and CN100 groups showed lower activity of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)) than the other treatments, while C200 gave the highest activity of these enzymes. The highest immunoglobulin (IgM) levels were detected in CN100, CN200, C100 and C200, followed by CN50. The C200 group showed higher levels of complement 3 and complement 4 (C3 and C4, respectively) than the other treatments. The C50 and CON groups gave the lowest values of IgM, C3 and C4. Cortisol levels were significantly lower in the CN50 and CN100 groups compared to the other groups. After the heat stress, ALT, AST, IgM, C3, C4, cortisol and glucose increased. Thus, nano-curcumin is more effective than its free-form in enhancing the resistance to heat stress, inducing innate immunity, lowering the stress indicators and promoting growth performance of Nile tilapia with the best concentration at 100 mg kg−1 diet.

The effects of dietary Spirulina platensis or curcumin nanoparticles on performance, body chemical composition, blood biochemical, digestive enzyme, antioxidant and immune activities of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings

“…The current study results indicated that Nile tilapia given diets with CUR-NPs or SP for nearly two months displayed significant enhancement in growth and feed efficiency (FCR, and SGR) indices. Similar enhancements in growth variables were observed in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) [ 1 , 79 , 80 ], Red tilapia [ 6 ], European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ) [ 81 ], white-leg shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) [ 82 ] given diets containing CUR-NPs, as well as in gilthead seabream ( Sparus aurata ), rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) and grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon Idella )fed CUR-based diets [ 83 – 86 ]. The growth-promoting impact of curcumin might be attributed to its ability to enhance digestive enzyme activity in the hepatopancreas and intestine, producing an improvement in nutrient absorption and utilization [ 87 , 88 ].…”

Effect of Feeding Common Carp with Different Quantities of a Certified Commercial Feed on Haematological Parameters, Blood Indicators and Cortisol Hormone Levels

“…increased feeding rate in carp may induce stress, affecting appetite, feeding habits, and reducing the digestibility and absorption of nutrients, including impaired liver function, decreased growth rate, and immunity. stressed fish may require different dietary strategies to maintain nutrient balance and ensure water quality [19].the cortisol level in carp fish increases in response to stressful situations and environmental changes, including water temperature and quality, as well as feeding patterns. however, cortisol has a complex effect on feeding behavior, and in some cases, high cortisol levels have been associated with reduced feeding rate.…”

Effect of Aquatic Plants as a Biofilter on Water Criteria and Common Carp Growth Performance in Aquaculture Intensive System

“…In the current study, the AST values ranged139,189,231,280 respectively, where the lowest value was in the control treatment followed by the treatment of water lentil plant, as for the ALT values, they ranged from7.4,6.9,4.7,5.2 respectively, and the results of ststistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences between all transactions. AST, ALT values indicate the presence of stress on the liver, as the alt enzyme is present in large quantities in the liver and increases in plasma when destruction or deterioration of the organ occurs [28], Ahigh index of these enzymes is considered an indicator of the presence of vital damage in the liver, kidneys and blood [29], However, changes in liver and kidney function may occur when AST and ALT values rise above normal limits [30].As for the biochemical blood parameters when they [31] were not significantly affected by probiotic supplements.High levels of these enzymes in the blood of fish indicate the occurrence of stress, illness or damage caused by environmental pollutants, including poor water quality or improper breeding conditions [33].…”