Feeding Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) and Astragalus membranaceus (AM) alters innate immune and physiological responses in yellow perch (Perca flavescens).

The current work assessed the potential immunomodulatory and growth-promoting effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) in Yellow perch (Perca flavescens). In this regard, fish with an average weight of 31 ± 1.0 g were divided into five groups, and fed daily with an additive-free basal diet (control); 1, 2, and 3% (w/w) Glycyrrhiza glabra, and the fifth diet was incorporated with a combination of 1% G. glabra-AM for a four-week period. Immunological, biochemical and growth parameters were measured; and sub-groups of fish were exposed to 1-week starvation. The results showed that incorporating AM and liquorice in the diet significantly improved Immunological [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), Lipid peroxidase (LPx) and lysozyme activities], biochemical [Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Transaminase (ALT) activities; and glucose and cortisol concentrations] and growth performance parameters [body mass gain (BMG), specific growth rate (SGR), length, condition factor (K) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)]. In addition, markedly up-regulated the expression of related genes [Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), Serum amyloid A (SAA), Complement Component C3 (CCC3), Alpha 2 Macroglobulin (A2M), SOD and GPx] in treated fish groups compared to the control. Conclusively, feeding AM and liquorice diets significantly increased (P < 0.05) growth performance, antioxidant and immune response profiles throughout the entire experiment, suggesting their beneficial rule as natural anti-stress agents.

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) enhances growth performance and antioxidant stress profiles in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus).

This study was designed to assess the potential effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on the growth performance and antioxidative stress response in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) exposed to challenging cold water temperature conditions. In this regard, fish with an average weight of 43 ± 1 g were divided into four groups and fed daily with an AM-free diet (control), and 1.5, 3, and 4.5 % (w/w) AM-incorporated diets for an 8-week period. Oxidative stress response, biochemical, and growth parameters were measured, and subgroups of fish were exposed to the outside challenging cold pond water temperature (1.6-9.9 °C) with an average of 7.0 ± 0.1 °C beyond the optimal temperature. The results showed that incorporating AM in the diet significantly improved growth performance parameters (body mass gain, specific growth rate, length, condition factor, and feed conversion ratio) and biochemicals (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase activities, and glucose and cortisol concentrations). In addition, markedly up-regulated superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities were observed in AM-treated fish groups over the control. Conclusively, feeding AM diets significantly increased (P < 0.05) growth performance and antioxidative stress profiles throughout the entire experiment, and this increase was much more pronounced at 8 weeks after the water temperature began to rise, which can be related to the nature of Bluegill fish as it is known to be a warm water fish. These findings are considered to be of great importance for sustainable aquaculture.

Honey bee pollen improves growth, immunity and protection of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against infection with Aeromonas hydrophila.

The mode of action of honey bee pollen (HBP) was investigated in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Thus, fish with an average weight of 29 ± 3 g were divided into four groups, and fed with HBP-free diet (control), and 1%, 2.5% and 4% (w/v) HBP incorporated into basal diet for 10, 20 and 30 days. Immunological, hematological, biochemical and growth parameters were measured, and sub-groups of fish were challenged with A. hydrophila via intraperitoneal injection. HBP significantly increased the growth performance parameters [body weight, length, average daily gain (ADG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency ratio (FER)] and immunological (phagocytic activity, serum bactericidal activity and nitroblue tetrazolium assay (NBT)), hematological (hematocrit (Hct), leucocrit (Lct), the numbers of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes) and biochemical parameters (serum total protein, albumin and globulin ratios). Furthermore, all treated fish exhibited significant protection against challenge with A. hydrophila, with the highest protection (93%) observed in the group fed with 2.5% (w/v) HBP for 20 and 30 days.

Evaluation of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Levels in Children With Febrile Seizures: A Case-Control Study.

Febrile seizure (FS) is a common pediatric neurological disorder, which may be associated with hypoxia and kidney injury. We aimed to investigate serum levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in children with FS. This case-control study included 50 children with FS, 50 febrile controls (FCs), and 50 healthy controls (HCs). We measured serum NGAL levels using a human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum NGAL/creatinine values showed significant differences within and between study groups with the highest levels for the FS group (1382 ± 215), the middle for FCs (1133 ± 129), and the lowest for HCs (857 ± 97). None of the study participants had abnormal serum creatinine levels, and their values were comparable among the 3 study groups. In conclusion, children with FS may have increased serum NGAL levels despite normal serum creatinine, indicating that FS could contribute to subclinical renal injury without significant loss of excretory kidney function.

Expression Patterns of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and Its Gene Variants (MIF-173 G˃C) in Verruca Vulgaris.

Introduction: Verruca vulgaris is a benign hyperkeratotic proliferation of the epidermis. Few studies look at the differences in serum and tissue macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels in verruca vulgaris, as well as its gene polymorphisms that have yet to be explored. The current study provided in-depth evaluation of MIF in serum and tissues of patients with verruca vulgaris, and establishes for the first time the possible association of MIF gene polymorphisms with common warts. Methods: This case-control study included 50 patients who were diagnosed clinically as common warts in comparison with 50 age and sex-matched controls. Clinical examination was done on all included cases. Serum MIF was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while its tissue expression was analyzed using Western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques for the included participants. Analysis of MIF-173 G˃C single nucleotide polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Results: The overall results revealed significantly lower MIF tissue expression in lesional and perilesional skin biopsies from cases compared to the controls using Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. Yet, the difference in the serum MIF levels between cases and controls was not significant (p ˃ 0.05). GC genotype of the studied MIF rs755622 G>C SNP could be considered as a protective genetic factor against the occurrence of verruca vulgaris among Egyptians with OR (95% CI) equal 0.444 (0.199-0.989). Conclusion: MIF and its genetic variants are thought to play a pathogenic role in verruca vulgaris development and recurrence.

Probiotic Zado® (Ruminococcus Flavefaciens) boosts hematology, immune, serum proteins, and growth profiles in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Probiotics application in aquaculture could be a key solution to enhance the overall immune and growth indicators of cultured fish. Several bacteria have demonstrated encouraging results as probiotics for fish. The current study evaluated the possible effects of Zado® (Ruminococcus Flavefaciens 28 × 104 CFU) dietary incorporation at 1 and 2 g/kg diet for 6-weeks on growth, hematological profile, immune performance, the biochemical, and anti-oxidative profiles of Oreochromis niloticus. Sampling was performed at the end of the third and sixth week. Fish fed with Zado® enriched diets showed (P < 0.05) significantly improved hematologic (MCHC, MCH, MCV, and PCV and RBCs count) and leukocytic readings (WBCs, monocytes and lymphocytes). The immune (phagocytosis, lysozyme U/ml, and nitric oxide pmol/ml) parameters were (P < 0.05) markedly increased in Zado® incorporated groups. Biochemical parameters (globulin, albumin and total proteins; AST and ALT) levels showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement at three and six weeks in Zado® groups. Serum glucose concentration was significantly higher in Zado® groups at three weeks, while was only higher for 2 g/kg Zado® at six weeks. Also, cortisol level was lower in both Zado® groups at three weeks, while was only lower for 1 g/kg Zado® at six weeks. In addition, antioxidants Gpx, SOD, and CAT were (P < 0.05) significantly higher in Zado® treatments, while pro-oxidant MDA was (P < 0.05) significantly decreased. Moreover, growth performance was also (P < 0.05) markedly boosted in Zado® incorporated groups compared to the control. Conclusively, our results demonstrated that Zado® probiotic is a safe alternative for O. niloticus with beneficial effects on hematological parameters, immune, biochemical, antioxidants, and growth profiles.

Modulation of genotoxicity and endocrine disruptive effects of malathion by dietary honeybee pollen and propolis in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The present study aimed at verifying the usefulness of dietary 2.5% bee-pollen (BP) or propolis (PROP) to overcome the genotoxic and endocrine disruptive effects of malathion polluted water in Oreochromis niloticus (O. niloticus). The acute toxicity test was conducted in O. niloticus in various concentrations (0-8 ppm); mortality rate was assessed daily for 96 h. The 96 h-LC50 was 5 ppm and therefore 1/5 of the median lethal concentration (1 ppm) was used for chronic toxicity assessment. In experiment (1), fish (n = 8/group) were kept on a diet (BP/PROP or without additive (control)) and exposed daily to malathion in water at concentration of 5 ppm for 96 h "acute toxicity experiment". Protective efficiency against the malathion was verified through chromosomal aberrations (CA), micronucleus (MN) and DNA-fragmentation assessment. Survival rate in control, BP and PROP groups was 37.5%, 50.0% and 100.0%, respectively. Fish in BP and PROP groups showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the frequency of CA (57.14% and 40.66%), MN (53.13% and 40.63%) and DNA-fragmentation (53.08% and 30.00%). In experiment (2), fish (10 males and 5 females/group) were kept on a diet with/without BP for 21 days before malathion-exposure in water at concentration of 0 ppm (control) or 1 ppm (Exposed) for further 10 days "chronic toxicity experiment". BP significantly (P < 0.05) reduced CA (86.33%), MN (82.22%) and DNA-fragmentation (93.11%), prolonged the sperm motility when exposed to 0.01 ppm of pollutant in vitro and increased the estradiol level in females comparing to control. In conclusion, BP can be used as a feed additive for fish prone to be raised in integrated fish farms or cage culture due to its potency to chemo-protect against genotoxicity and sperm-teratogenicity persuaded by malathion-exposure.

Construction and evaluation of an Edwardsiella ictaluri fhuC mutant.

Edwardsiella ictaluri is a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen causing enteric septicemia in channel catfish. Iron is an essential micronutrient needed for bacterial virulence, and to acquire iron, many Gram-negative bacteria secrete ferric iron chelating siderophores. The ferric hydroxamate uptake (Fhu) system consists of four genes (fhuC, fhuD, fhuB, and fhuA), and is involved in the uptake of hydroxamate type siderophores across bacterial membranes. However, the Fhu system and its importance in E. ictaluri virulence have been uninvestigated. Here, we present construction and evaluation of an E. ictaluri ΔfhuC mutant. The E. ictaluri fhuC gene was deleted in-frame by allelic exchange, and the mutant's growth in media and virulence in catfish were determined. Our results indicated that deletion of the E. ictaluri fhuC gene did not affect the growth of E. ictaluri largely in both iron-replete and iron-depleted media. Addition of ferric iron sources into the iron-depleted medium improved the growth of both E. ictaluri ΔfhuC and wild type (WT). Catfish mortalities indicated that E. ictaluri ΔfhuC mutant was attenuated 2.05-fold compared with the parent strain. The catfish immunized with the E. ictaluri ΔfhuC mutant showed a high relative percent survival rate (97.50%) after re-challenge with the WT E. ictaluri strain. Taken together, our data indicates that the fhuC gene contributes to E. ictaluri virulence.