Evaluation of Homeopathic Phosphoric Acid, Silica and Pathogenic Vibrio on Digestive Enzyme Activity of Longfin Yellowtail Fish (Seriola rivoliana).

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to observe the effect of homeopathically prepared Vibrio parahaemolyticus (ViP) and V. alginolyticus (ViA) and the commercial homeopathic compound Similia (Phosphoricum acidum and Silicea terra) on the digestive enzyme activities of Seriola rivoliana juveniles under usual culture conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biochemical analysis was used to study the effect of highly diluted substances (7C potency) prepared from ViP and ViA (Treatment 1: T1) and the homeopathic compound Phosphoricum acidum and Silicea terra (Treatment 2: T2) on changes in the main digestive enzymes on weaning-state fish (WS; 30 days post-hatching [DPH]) and early juveniles (EJ; 62 DPH) versus a reference control group that received no homeopathic medicines. RESULTS: Treatment T2 significantly increased the activity of trypsin and lipase and decreased the activity of amylase, whereas treatment T1 increased the activity of chymotrypsin and reduced the activity of aminopeptidase-N in WS fish. Except for alkaline phosphatase, which was significantly reduced in the intestine, no significant differences in enzymatic activity were found between treated EJ fish and controls. The fish of the WS group had a higher growth rate with the T2 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: T1 treatment stimulated chymotrypsin in EJ fish and T2 promoted intestinal maturation of WS fish. Higher growth rate with the T2 treatment may be associated with the stimulation of trypsin activity. Thus, T2 may be applied, under hatchery conditions, during larval stages with an aim to enhance digestion and assimilation of inert food.

Immune and Antioxidant Enzyme Response of Longfin Yellowtail (Seriola rivoliana) Juveniles to Ultra-diluted Substances Derived from Phosphorus, Silica and Pathogenic Vibrio.

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to observe the effect of homeopathic treatments prepared from Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus (H1) and commercial homeopathic medication Phosphoricum acidum and Silicea terra (H2) on the immune and antioxidant response in Seriola rivoliana juveniles under usual culture conditions and challenged with V. parahaemolyticus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to study changes in the expression of key genes related to immune response, cytokines (interleukin-1ß [IL-1ß]), adapter protein for cytokine release (MyD88) and piscidin and spectrophotometric techniques to analyze the activity of antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes in Seriola rivoliana juveniles at 30 (weaning stage [WS]) and 60 (early juveniles [EJ]) days post-hatching. RESULTS: The H1 treatment led to over-expression of the IL-1ß and MyD88 genes in fish at WS and EJ with respect to control, contrary to the H2 treatment that led to under-expression of the IL-1ß, MyD88 and piscidin genes at the EJ stage. In fish challenged with V. parahaemolyticus, both H1 and H2 led to over-expression of IL-1ß and MyD88; H2 caused an over-expression of piscidin. The SOD activity was higher in H1 with respect to H2 and the control group. CAT remained relatively stable with both H1 and H2 treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the overall effect of H1 was due to the presence of unknown antigens in low concentrations, while the response to H2-specifically during challenge-may have been due to a stimulating effect of nano-structures, prevailing from mother tincture after sequential dilution/succussion, in a pathway similar to that attributed to nano-vaccines.

Effect of Homeopathic Medicines on Intestinal Coccidia and Immune Response Cells in Spotted Rose Snapper (Lutjanus guttatus).

BACKGROUND: Homeopathy has been widely applied in freshwater species but rarely in marine fish. Farm stress destabilises host-pathogen equilibrium, favouring parasites and disease. Coccidian endoparasites cause intestinal infections and cell degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Naturally parasite-infested juvenile snapper Lutjanus guttatus (n = 430; weight 1.9 ± 0.01 g; length 4.9 ± 0.03 cm) specimens were distributed in group sizes of 43, in 10 fiberglass tanks (100 L) with aeration and continuous water change. Five groups in duplicate were assessed: Passival (PaV); Passival and Phosphoricum acid Similia (PaV-PhA); Passival and Silicea terra Similia (PaV-SiT); Endecto and Infecçoes (End-Inf) and a control (Ethanol) for 45 days. Feed was sprinkled with treatment (5% v/w) and dried to avoid ethanol side-effects. Statistical results were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. RESULTS: Intestinal coccidia were recorded histopathologically, with the least incidence attained at T45 with End-Inf treatment (p < 0.001), coinciding with the highest lymphocyte (p = 0.015) count. Fish treated with PaV-PhA recorded a higher percentage of neutrophils (p = 0.015), and those treated with PaV-PhA, PaV-SiT and End-Inf revealed a decrease in lesions, degree of alteration and change in intestine and stomach tissues (p < 0.05). The number of mucous cells in gills was greater (p < 0.001) for End-Inf (43 ± 0.58), PaV-SiT (40 ± 2.89) and PaV-PhA (39 ± 3.46) as compared respectively with T0 and control (19 ± 0.58 and 28 ± 2.31). PaV and PaV-SiT increased carbohydrate reserves in liver (28.4 ± 1.39% and 22.4 ± 0.12%, respectively) compared with T0 and control (3.4 ± 0.32 and 5.6 ± 0.66%). The highest survival rate was 97.7 ± 0.16% in fish treated with PaV and End-Inf. CONCLUSION: Homeopathic treatments had a positive effect on fish health. Besides the accumulation of metabolic reserves in the liver, homeopathic treatment was associated with mucin increase in gills as well as raised production of lymphocytes and neutrophils in blood, which could act as macrophages against intestinal coccidia.

Physiological responses of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) treated with homeopathic product and submitted to transport stress.

BACKGROUND: Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) is a species with great potential for Brazilian fish farming and losses through mortality are common after transport as a direct or indirect result of stress. The use of homeopathic complex is a further option to minimize the various stress factors that can interfere negatively in production. METHODS: After feeding for 10 consecutive days with commercial diet; or diet supplemented with sucrose; or commercial diet supplemented with homeopathic complex, juvenile pacu were placed in a polyethylene bags and transported for four hours with the following treatments: commercial diet (control); commercial diet and homeopathic complex dissolved in the transport water (W + HP); commercial diet supplemented with sucrose (D + SU) and commercial diet supplemented with homeopathic complex (D + HP). Blood was collected before transport (basal), after transport (arrival), 24 and 72 h after transport. The physiological indicators of the stress were blood glucose, cortisol and chloride levels, hematocrit, hemoglobin and total protein. Condition factor and mortality were also determined. RESULTS: Blood glucose increased significantly on arrival, returning to the basal values 24 h after, similarly in all treatments. Plasma cortisol levels were elevated on arrival but not significantly compared to the basal values for fish from W + HP and D + SU groups. Increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin and low plasma chloride levels were observed after transport in all treatments. CONCLUSION: Transport resulted in stress responses in juvenile pacu and the homeopathic complex, administered in the water or diet, did not minimize these responses. Sucrose supplementation altered the cortisol and blood glucose levels, suggesting a moderating effect on these stress indicators.

[The morphological and commercial identification on medicinal materials "hailong"].

The morphological characters and commercial idendification on medicinal materials named "Hailong" has been reported. The results of identification of 48 commercial samples indicated "Hailong" is adulterated with Halicampus koilomatodon, Trachyrhamphus serratus and Microphis boaja, Solenognathus güntheri besides three species accepted by Pharmacopoeia.

[The SEM observation of the medicinal materials "hailong"].

The SEM observation of the medicinal meterials "Hailong" have been carried out. The results showed there are significantly difference among 7 species "Hailong".

[Survey on medicinal resources of Syngnathidae].

A survey on medicinal resources shows 12 species belonging to 7 genera of Syngnathidae are used as traditional Chinese medicine and some problems about cultivated Haima have been discussed.

[Identification of 12 species of hailong and haima by HPCE].

Twelve species of Hailong and Haima were analyzed by HPCE(high performance capillary electrophoresis) and significant differences among the species were found. The method is rapid, highly efficient and reproducible, thus providing experimental criteria for the qualitative identification of these two crude drugs.

[Physical and chemical analysis of medicinal animals of syngnathidae].

The total nitrogens, amino acids, fatty acids, Inorganic elements of 12 medicinal animals of syngnathidae have been determined. It will provide scientific evidence for development of the medicinal resources and the establishment of quality standards.

[Lipid peroxidation of central nerve system in aged guinea pig and antioxidation effect of the method extract from Pegasus laternarius].

OBJECTIVE: To study the lipid peroxidation products level in aged animals central nerve system and the antioxidation effect of the methol extract from Pegasus laternarius. METHODS: The lipid peroxidation product MDA was tested by spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Compared with the 10 month-old guinea pig, the MDA in 32 month-old guinea pig central nerve system obviously elevated, there were some difference in different fields of tested guinea pig brain, the level of MDA in hypothalamus increased biggest (up to 161.7%), cerebral cortex 93.7%, cerebella 84.9%, brain stem 81.2%, spinal cord 90.7%, rest of the cerebrum 58.9%. The method extract from Pegasus laternarius 10, 20, 40 mg/kg and ginseng saponin 20 mg/kg could reduce the level of MDA in tested brain field of aged animals. The method extract from Pegasus laternarius had stronger activity in brain stem, spinal cord and hypothalamus. CONCLUSION: The lipid peroxidation in aged animal may be increased, the method extract from Pegasus laternarius and ginseng saponin have a protective effect on neuron in central nerve system of aged animals from free radical hurt.

[Study on anticancer activity of Syngnathus in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To study the anticancer activity of Syngnathus in vitro. METHOD: Observing the influence of different extracts from Syngnathus on growth of different cancer cell strains by MTT method. RESULT: It has been found out that the fat-soluble nonsaponified extract from Temminck et Schlegel and the alcoholic extract from Syngnathus acus have cytotoxic activities. The nonsaponified extract from Temminck et Schlegel can inhibit the growth of cancer cell strains KB, Hela, PAA, K562, and Bcap37, and the alcoholic extract from Syngnathus acus can inhibit the growth of cancer cell strin KB, But Bloch shows no apparent anticancer activity. CONCLUSION: Syngnathus has promising prospects as an anticancer Chinese medicine.

Commercialization of animal-derived remedies as complementary medicine in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil.

AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we aim to document the use of animal species in traditional medicine and healing practices in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil. While widespread and of great importance to large population that has limited access to contemporary medicine, such practices are poorly understood and the potential value of medicinal animal species largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on interviews with the merchants of medicinal animals, we calculated the informant consensus factor (ICF) to determine the consensus over which species are effective for particular ailments, as well as the species relative importance to determine the extent of potential utilization of each species. RESULTS: We describe the therapeutic effects of 36 animal species used medicinally. The zootherapeutical products sold commercially are used to treat 40 health problems that were classified into 10 broad categories. We also highlight those species valued for their effectiveness against a range of ailments. The highest ICF value (0.91) was cited for diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, which include relief of symptoms such as acne and furuncles. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that many animal species play an important role in healing practices. Animals provide the raw materials for remedies prescribed clinically and are also used in the form of amulets and charms in magic-religious rituals and ceremonies. The medicinal value of animal species depends on the local knowledge that exists within user communities, and therefore, the conservation of animal species is imperative to the preservation of local medicinal knowledge and culture.

The body weight changes and gut morphometry of clarias gariepinus juveniles on feeds supplemented with walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) leaf and onion (Allium cepa) bulb residues / Cambios de peso corporal y morfometría intestinal en clarias gariepinus juvenilespor alimentos suplementados con hojas de nogal (Tetracarpidium conophorum)y residuos de bulbo de cebolla (Allium cepa)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of walnut (T. conophorum) leaf and onion (A. cepa) bulb on the gut morphometry of Clarias gariepinus towards elucidating its mechanism of growth promotion. Twenty Clarias gariepinus juveniles (7.39+/-0.29g/ fish) were allocated to nine treatments, with three replicates each. Nine experimental diets were formulated at 40 percent crude protein representing different level of walnut leaf and onion bulb (0.5 percent, 1.0 percent, 1.5 percent and 2.0 percent) respectively and the control diet was free from walnut leaf and onion bulb and were fed twice daily at 3 percent body weight for 12 weeks. Growth indices like Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Intake (FI) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were measured. Gut morphormetry such as villi length, villi width and cryptal depth were investigated. Data were analyzed using linear regression, descriptive statistics and ANOVA at p= 0.05. Results showed that weight gain and specific growth rate of Clarias gariepinus increased with increasing level of walnut leaf and onion bulb residues. The highest weight gain (53.81+/-5.85), specific growth rate (1.09+/-0.11), feed conversion ratio (2.16+/-0.02) was observed with 1.5 percent inclusions of walnut leaf residue diets. Although, FCR and SGR were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the treatments, the treated groups had better area of absorption and cryptal depth compared to the control. Treatment with 1.5 percent inclusion of walnut leaf residue recorded highest villi length and villi width and treatment with 1.5 percent inclusion of onion bulb recorded highest cryptal depth (30.00+/-0.00). These results indicate that using walnut leaf and onion bulb as a supplement in plant ­based diets may be useful in improving feed acceptability and growth performance of cultured C. gariepinus fed low cost, plant ­ based diets and it was concluded that walnut (T. conophorum) leaf at 1.5 percent inclusion...

Este estudio fue realizado para evaluar los efectos de la hoja del nogal (T. conophorum) y el bulbo de la cebolla (A. cepa) sobre la morfometría intestinal de Clarias gariepinus con el fin de dilucidar su mecanismo de promoción del crecimiento. Veinte Clarias gariepinus jóvenes (7,39+/-0,29 g/pez) fueron asignadas a nueve tratamientos, con tres repeticiones cada uno. Nueve dietas experimentales se formularon con la proteína cruda al 40 por ciento que representan los diferentes niveles de hoja del nogal y el bulbo de la cebolla (0,5 por ciento, 1,0 por ciento, 1,5 por ciento y 2,0 por ciento), respectivamente, y dieta de control libre de la hoja del nogal y el bulbo de la cebolla, que fueron alimentados dos veces al día en un 3 por ciento del peso corporal durante 12 semanas. Fueron medidos los índices de crecimiento como aumento de peso medio (APM), tasa de crecimiento específico (TCE), consumo de alimento (CA) y el índice de conversión alimeticia (ICA). La morfometría intestinal como longitud de las vellosidades, ancho de las vellosidades y profundidad de las criptas fueron investigados. Los datos fueron analizados mediante regresión lineal, estadística descriptiva y ANOVA con un valos p=0,05. Los resultados mostraron que el aumento de peso y la tasa de crecimiento específico de Clarias gariepinus se elevó al aumentar el nivel de la hoja de nogal y los residuos del bulbo de cebolla. La mayor ganancia de peso (53,81 +/- 5,85), tasa de crecimiento específico (1,09 +/- 0,11), tasa de conversión alimenticia (2,16 +/- 0,02) se observó con inclusiones de 1,5 por ciento de las dietas de residuos de hojas de nogal. Aunque el ICA y TCE no fueron significativamente diferentes (p> 0,05) entre los tratamientos. Los grupos tratados tuvieron una mejor área de absorción y profundidad de las criptas en comparación con el control. El tratamiento con 1,5 por ciento de inclusión de hojas de nogal registró la mayor longitud y ancho de las vellosidades y el tratamiento con 1,5...

Neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive structures in the telencephalon and diencephalon of the white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus, with special regard to the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system.

An immunohistochemical study using a streptavidin-biotin method demonstrated the extensive distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus, with the highest density in the basal telencephalon and diencephalon. Two labeled cell groups were found in the telencephalon, in mediobasal and dorsocaudal locations. Labeled fibers were considerably dense in the ventral area. The epithalamus displayed dense networks of varicose fibers in the ganglion habenulae, but only a few fibers were seen in the organon subcommissurale. In the thalamus, two groups of labeled cells were discerned in the periventricular gray matter: an anteroventral group largely composed of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons, and a dorsocaudal group consisting of non-CSF-contacting large neurons. The hypothalamus also contained a number of CSF-contacting neurons in the periventricular areas including the nucleus lobi inferioris, the nucleus lateralis tuberis and the nucleus recessus posterioris. Labeled varicose fibers were closely associated with the hypothalamo-hypophyseal complex, the organon vasculosum hypothalami, and the saccus vasculosus. Immunoreactive cells and fibers were also detected in the dorsal region of the adenohypophysis. These results suggest that NPY or a related molecule is involved in the hypothalamic neuroendocrine mechanisms of this primitive bony fish.