Skin mucosal immune-parameters and expression of the immune-relevant genes in Danio rerio treated by white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

Abstract

This study evaluates using different levels of the white button mushroom powder (WBMP) on some mucosal innate immune parameters (lysozyme, protease, esterase, alkaline phosphatase activities, and total immunoglobulin levels), and the relative expression of some principal immune-relevant genes (lysozyme, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in the zebra danio intestine. Zebrafish specimens (1.75 ± 0.25 g) were divided into experimental units based on the additives to a diet including 5, 10, and 20 g of WBMP per kg of food weight, alone or in conjunction with the antibiotic (10 mg/kg BW), and the AGRIMOS (1 g/kg food weight). Following the 11-day experimental duration, the skin mucus and intestine were sampled. To assess the immune gene expression, the real-time PCR detection system was conducted according to the ΔΔCt method using the IQ5 software (Bio-RAD). Results showed that all groups had a significant increase in terms of mucosal lysozyme activity compared to the control group. Examination of total immunoglobulin, protease, esterase, and ALP activity in fish under experimental treatment showed that there was no significant difference between the trial groups and the control groups. The most expression of the lysozyme gene was related to the group that was separately taken the lower concentration (5 g per kg of FW) of WBMP. In conclusion, the amount of 1% mushroom powder in the diet can improve its immune function. Our recommendation is that given the positive effects that mushroom powder added on the diet alone, avoid taking antibiotics for this purpose.