ABSTRACT
A comprehensive analysis of the whole mitochondrial genomes of the Schizothoracinae subfamily of the family Cyprinidae has been revealed for the first time. The species analyzed include Schizothorax niger, Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax labiatus and Schizothorax plagoistomus. The total mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) length was determined to be 16585â¯bp, 16583â¯bp, 16582â¯bp and 16576â¯bp, respectively with 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and 2 non-coding area genes. The combined mean base compositions of the four species were as follows: A: 29.91â¯% T: 25.47â¯% G: 17.65â¯% C 27.01â¯%. The range of the GC content is 45-44â¯%, respectively. All protein coding genes (PCGs) commenced with the typical ATG codon, except for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene with GTG. The analysis of vital amino acid biosynthesis genes (COX1, ATPase 6, ATPase 8) in four different species revealed no significant differences. All 13 PCGs had Ka/Ks ratios that were all lesser than one, demonstrating purifying selection on those molecules. These tRNA genes were predicted to fold into the typical cloverleaf secondary structures with normal base pairing and ranged in size from 66 to 75 nucleotides. Additionally, the phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that S. esocinus species that was most alike to S. labiatus. This study provides critical data for phylogenetic analysis of the Schizothoracinae subfamily, which will help to resolve taxonomic difficulties and identify evolutionary links. Detailed mtDNA data are an invaluable resource for studying genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow. Understanding genetic makeup can help inform conservation plans, identify unique populations, and track genetic variation to ensure effective preservation.
ABSTRACT
Improper disposal of household and industrial waste into water bodies has transformed them into de facto dumping grounds. Plastic debris, weathered on beaches degrades into micro-particles and releases chemical additives that enter the water. Microplastic contamination is documented globally in both marine and freshwater environments, posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. The small size of these particles makes them susceptible to ingestion by low trophic fauna, a trend expected to escalate. Ingestion leads to adverse effects like intestinal blockages, alterations in lipid metabolism, histopathological changes in the intestine, contributing to the extinction of vulnerable species and disrupting ecosystem balance. Notably, microplastics (MPs) can act as carriers for pathogens, potentially causing impaired reproductive activity, decreased immunity, and cancer in various organisms. Studies have identified seven principal sources of MPs, including synthetic textiles (35%) and tire abrasion (28%), highlighting the significant human contribution to this pollution. This review covers various aspects of microplastic pollution, including sources, extraction methods, and its profound impact on ecosystems. Additionally, it explores preventive measures, aiming to guide researchers in selecting techniques and inspiring further investigation into the far-reaching impacts of microplastic pollution, fostering effective solutions for this environmental challenge.
ABSTRACT
A twelve week feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the replacement of fishmeal (FM) with poultry by-product meal (PBM) in practical diets for European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax with an average initial weight of 0.89 g. Five isocaloric (5.1 kcal lipid g-1) and isonitrogenous (451 g protein kg-1) diets were formulated with PBM replacing FM at levels of 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The experiment was carried out in 30-in. nylon mesh net cages (hapas). At the termination of the trial, growth performance including final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein growth rate of diets containing up to 75% PBM were comparable to those of the control group, whereas the diet with 100% PBM resulted in a significantly lower values (p < 0.05). Feed utilization exhibited variation among the treatments (p < 0.05). Whole body composition also showed significant differences across the dietary treatments. Essential amino acid (EAA) contents specifically arginine (Arg), histidine (His), methionine (Met), and threonine (Thr) in the whole body of fish fed diets with up to 50% PBM replacement were not significantly different from those in the control group. Furthermore, the intestinal microvilli length, width and absorption area increased significantly (p < 0.05) with PBM replacement levels up to 50%. Histological analysis of the liver revealed mild vacuolation of hepatocytes in fish fed up to 50% PBM,while pre-pancreatic fatty degeneration of hepatocytes was observed in fish fed diets with 75% and 100% PBM. Therefore, this study demonstrates that PBM can replace up to 50% of FM in the diets of European sea bass without adverse effects on growth performance, body composition, or liver and intestine morphology.
ABSTRACT
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant global attention from researchers due to their unique physicochemical properties and wide-ranging applications in industry and medicine. However, their release into aquatic ecosystems has raised concerns regarding potential ecotoxicological consequences. The present study investigated the effects of polyvinyl pyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles on Labeo rohita fingerlings, focusing on behavioural reactions, genotoxic effects, histological changes and bioaccumulation. L. rohita fingerlings were exposed to polyvinyl pyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 18 to 29 nm for 7 days at concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 800 ug/l. The nanoparticle zeta potential was found to be extremely negative, measuring - 55.5 mV for 18 nm and - 31.4 mV for 29 nm. Behavioural abnormalities, including respiratory distress, reduced responsiveness and erratic swimming, were observed in exposed groups compared to controls, with severity increasing with higher nanoparticle concentrations. Genotoxicity assessment revealed significantly higher DNA damage in kidney cells compared to gill cells. Histological examination of gill tissues showed clogging in primary and secondary lamellae, along with distorted anatomy, necrosis and vacuolar atrophy in peripheral tubules of the kidneys. The kidneys exhibited greater nanoparticle accumulation than the gills with prolonged exposure. Moreover, 18 nm AgNPs induced more pronounced DNA damage and histological alterations in the kidney and gill tissues compared to 29 nm nanoparticles. This study elucidates the critical role of monitoring AgNPs in aquatic systems, providing essential data on their behaviour and environmental impacts. The findings highlight the need for improved detection techniques and effective management of AgNP contamination. Future research should focus on developing more sensitive analytical methods, understanding long-term ecological effects and exploring innovative remediation strategies.
Subject(s)
Cyprinidae , DNA Damage , Metal Nanoparticles , Silver , Animals , Metal Nanoparticles/toxicity , Silver/toxicity , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Gills/drug effectsABSTRACT
The increasing global population drives a rising demand for food, particularly fish as a preferred protein source, straining capture fisheries. Overfishing has depleted wild stocks, emphasizing the need for advanced aquaculture technologies. Unlike agriculture, aquaculture has not seen substantial technological advancements. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, cameras, and algorithms offer solutions to reduce human intervention, enhance productivity, and monitor fish health, feed optimization, and water resource management. However, challenges such as data collection, standardization, model accuracy, interpretability, and integration with existing aquaculture systems persist. This review explores the adoption of AI techniques and tools to advance the aquaculture industry and bridge the gap between food supply and demand.
ABSTRACT
Myxozoans are obligate endoparasites, cosmopolitan in distribution with both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Their myxospores consist of shell valves, polar capsules with coiled polar tubules that are extrudible, and infective amoeboid germs. Myxozoan parasites are most abundant, and due to their increasing number in recent years, they can pose an emerging threat to the fish industry worldwide. Hence, the immediate need is to devise a strategy to understand and detect parasites and parasitism. They may proliferate to different organs with the advancement of infection. This all warrants the development/devising of strategies and results of integrative studies in order to identify these dreadful parasites and resolve taxonomic issues. Different methods whether classical methods including gross morphology or advanced methods such as electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, STEM), Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), histopathological studies, site preference, host and tissue specificity, a molecular approach using new markers can be clubbed for identification because these parasites are hidden and are difficult to recognize. This group was earlier classified only on the basis of myxospores morphology, but due to the high structural variability of this group advanced methods and approaches have to be implied which can minimize the problems in assigning new species.
Subject(s)
Fish Diseases , Myxozoa , Parasitic Diseases, Animal , Animals , Phylogeny , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/parasitology , Fishes/parasitology , Myxozoa/genetics , Fish Diseases/parasitology , AquacultureABSTRACT
Aquaculture, a rapidly expanding global food sector faces challenges like pathogenic infections, water quality management and sustainability. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising tools in aquaculture due to their antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties. AgNPs offer alternatives to traditional antimicrobial agents. Their small size and unique physicochemical properties enhance antimicrobial activity, effectively inhibiting pathogen growth and reducing disease incidence in aquatic organisms. Additionally, AgNPs can improve water quality by catalyzing the removal of pollutants, heavy metals and nutrients, reducing environmental impacts. Despite their potential benefits, several challenges and knowledge gaps exist in the utilization of AgNPs in aquaculture. Addressing challenges related to regulation, sustainability and environmental impact will be crucial for realizing their full potential in the industry. Therefore, the present review aims to provide insight into the role of AgNPs, its challenges in aquaculture and also highlights key areas for future research.
ABSTRACT
The cloning and characterization of the complete coding sequence of the Clarias magur SRD5A1 (CmSRD5A1) gene, which encodes an enzyme responsible for regulating steroid levels by converting testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), have been successfully achieved. DHT plays a vital role in enabling the complete expression of testosterone's actions in neuroendocrine tissues. The ORF of the full-length cDNA sequence of SRD5A1 was 795 bp, translating into 265 amino acids, with a total length of 836 bp including UTRs. Like other vertebrates, the signal peptide analysis revealed that SRD5A1 is a non-secretory protein, and hydropathy profiles indicated that it is hydrophobic in nature. The 3D structure of CmSRD5A1 sequence generated above was predicted using highly accurate AlphaFold 2 in Google Colab online platform. CmSRD5A1 contains seven transmembrane helices connected by six loops, with the N-termini located on the periplasmic side and C-termini on the cytosolic side. Structural superimposition with known bacterial and human SRD5As showed very high structural similarity. The electrostatic potential calculation and surface analysis of CmSRD5A1 revealed the presence of a large cavity with two openings one highly electropositive towards the cytosolic side and another relatively neutral towards the transmembrane region. The structural comparison revealed that the electropositive side of the cavity should bind to NADPH and the steroid hormone in the hydrophobic environment. Polar residues binding to NADPH are highly conserved and the same as known strictures. The conserved residues involved in hydrogen bonding with the ketone group at C-3 in the steroids hence fevering Δ4 double-bond reduction are identified as E66 and Y101. Our findings showed that SRD5A1 expression was lower during the spawning phase than the preparatory phase in female fish, while the administration of Ovatide (a GnRH analogue) resulted in up-regulation of expression after 6 h of injection in the ovary. In males, the lowest expression was observed during the preparatory phase and peaked at 16 h post- Ovatide injection in the testis. The expression of SRD5A1 in the brain of female fish was slightly higher during the Ovatide stimulation phase than the spawning phase. This study represents the first report on the cloning and characterization of the full-length cDNA of SRD5A1 in Indian catfish.
Subject(s)
Catfishes , Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase , Male , Animals , Female , Humans , Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase/metabolism , Catfishes/genetics , Catfishes/metabolism , DNA, Complementary/genetics , NADP/metabolism , Amino Acid Sequence , Testosterone/metabolism , Dihydrotestosterone/metabolism , Steroids/metabolism , Cloning, Molecular , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase/genetics , 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase/metabolismABSTRACT
The outbreak of novel Coronavirus, an enduring pandemic declared by WHO, has consequences to an alarming ongoing public health menace which has already claimed several million human lives. In addition to numerous vaccinations and medications for mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, lack of promising medication or therapeutic pharmaceuticals remains a serious concern to counter the ongoing coronavirus infections and to hinder its dreadful spread. Global health emergencies have called for urgency for potential drug discovery and time is the biggest constraint apart from the financial and human resources required for the high throughput drug screening. However, computational screening or in-silico approaches appeared to be an effective and faster approach to discover potential molecules without sacrificing the model animals. Accumulated shreds of evidence on computational studies against viral diseases have revealed significance of in-silico drug discovery approaches especially in the time of urgency. The central role of RdRp in SARS-CoV-2 replication makes it promising drug target to curtain on going infection and its spread. The present study aimed to employ E-pharmacophore-based virtual screening to reveal potent inhibitors of RdRp as potential leads to block the viral replication. An energy-optimised pharmacophore model was generated to screen the Enamine REAL DataBase (RDB). Then, ADME/T profiles were determined to validate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties of the hit compounds. Moreover, High Throughput Virtual Screening (HTVS) and molecular docking (SP & XP) were employed to screen the top hits from pharmacophore-based virtual screening and ADME/T screen. The binding free energies of the top hits were calculated by conducting MM-GBSA analysis followed by MD simulations to determine the stability of molecular interactions between top hits and RdRp protein. These virtual investigations revealed six compounds having binding free energies of -57.498, -45.776, -46.248, -35.67, -25.15 and -24.90 kcal/mol respectively as calculated by the MM-GBSA method. The MD simulation studies confirmed the stability of protein ligand complexes, hence, indicating as potent RdRp inhibitors and are promising candidate drugs to be further validated and translated into clinics in future.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Molecular Docking Simulation , Pharmacophore , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase , Molecular Dynamics SimulationABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary valine (Val) on growth, hemato-biochemical parameters, immunity, enzymatic activities, antioxidant status and expression of target of rapamycin (TOR) and 4E-BP genes in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (1.57 ± 0.03 g; 5.10 ± 0.34 cm). Six isonitrogenous (450 g kg-1) and isoenergetic (20.90 kJ 100 g-1, gross energy) diets were designed to represent varied Val levels (10.5, 13.0, 15.5, 18.0, 20.5 and 23.0 g kg-1 dry diet basis). Growth parameters improved significantly (P < 0.05) with the amelioration of dietary Val level up to 18.0 g kg-1. Highest (P < 0.05) body protein content was noted at 18.0 g kg-1 dietary Val. Significant differences in hematological, intestinal enzymatic activities and antioxidant parameters were noted. However, plasma variables did not show any significant differences except aspartate transaminase and uric acid. Total protein content increased significantly, while the albumin and globulin content did not show any significant (P > 0.05) difference. Moreover expression of TOR mRNA and elF4E-binding protein (4E-BP) was observed higher (P < 0.05) at 18.0 g kg-1 Val. On the basis of results, optimum dietary Val requirement for maximal growth of rainbow trout was determined to be 18.19 g kg-1 of dry diet, corresponding to 40.42 g kg-1 of dietary protein.
Subject(s)
Immunity/drug effects , Oncorhynchus mykiss/growth & development , Oncorhynchus mykiss/metabolism , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Valine/administration & dosage , Animal Feed , Animals , Antioxidants/metabolism , Diet , Dietary Proteins/administration & dosage , Dietary SupplementsABSTRACT
A study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence rate, site preference and extent of damage caused by myxosporidian parasites in Punjab, India. During the 6 months study, 600 carp fingerlings belonging to 4 genera i.e. Labeo rohita Hamilton, Cirrhinus mrigala Hamilton, Catla catla Thail and Carassius carassius were randomly collected from the polyculture nursery ponds located in different villages District Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. Organs such as fins, scales, gills, intestine, kidney, and eye-ball were examined for the presence of myxozoan parasites. In this study, gills of 321 (53.50%) were found to be infected with as many as 10 species of myxosporean parasites belonging to the genus Myxobolus. Gills were examined for the presence of plasmodia and infected organs were processed for histology. The gill plasmodial index (GPI) was counted for all the 10 species and this revealed a mild to severe infection was recorded. M. knobii, M. majraiensis, M. markiwi, M. naini, M. rocatlae, M. vascularis and M. venkateshi formed intralamellar vascular type of plasmodia (LV1), M. nanokiensis formed (LV3) and M. potularis and M. slendrii formed intrafilamental type of plasmodium (FV2). Out of 231 infected fishes, mixed infection was recorded in 44 fishes (13.70%), which exhibited biparasitism and polyparasitism. No infection was recorded in exotic carp i.e. C. carassius. Physicochemical parameters of water were also recorded for the period of 6 months comprising 4 months of winter and 2 months of spring. The present study indicated that the prevalence of myxozoan parasite was 43% in November (24.0 °C) and increased to 54% with the decrease in temperature (22.65 °C).
ABSTRACT
Endonucleolytic cleavage of DNA by Type III restriction-modification (RM) enzymes requires long-range communication between at least two recognition sites in inverted orientation. This results in convergence of two nuclease domains, one each from the enzymes loaded at the recognition sites with one still bound to the site. The nucleases catalyze scission of the single-strands leading to double-strand DNA break. An obscure feature of the Type III RM enzymes EcoP1I and EcoP15I is their ability to cleave DNA having a single recognition site under certain conditions. Here we demonstrate that single-site cleavage is the result of cooperation between an enzyme bound to the recognition site in cis and one in trans. DNA cleavage is catalyzed by converging nucleases that are activated by hydrolysis-competent ATPase in presence of their respective DNA substrates. Furthermore, a single activated nuclease cannot nick a strand on its own, and requires the partner. Based on the commonalities in the features of single-site and two-site cleavage derived from this study, we propose that their mechanism is similar. Furthermore, the products of two-site cleavage can act as substrates and activators of single-site cleavage. The difference in the two modes lies in how the two cooperating enzymes converge, which in case of single-site cleavage appears to be via 3D diffusion.
Subject(s)
Adenosine Triphosphatases/metabolism , Deoxyribonucleases, Type III Site-Specific/metabolism , Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism , DNA/chemistry , DNA/metabolism , DNA Cleavage , Deoxyribonucleases, Type III Site-Specific/genetics , MutationABSTRACT
This paper presents the morphological characteristics of two new species belonging to the genus Myxobolus viz M. knobii n. sp. and M. majraiensis n. sp., parasites infecting gill lamellae and gill filaments of fingerlings of Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) and Catla catla (Ham.) respectively collected from nursery ponds located in the village Fagan Majra, District Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab (India). A total of 90 fingerlings were examined (40 Catla catla and 50 Cirrhinus mrigala). Out of which, 32 C. mrigala and 19 C. catla fishes were found infected. The total prevalence rate was recorded as 56.66%. The age of the fish was recorded as 2-3 months and length of the fish ranged 4-4.5 cm. The plasmodia of M. knobii n. sp. were round to irregular, 0.6-1.0 mm in diameter. Myxospores oval to spherical, pot-shaped in frontal view with a prominent knob at anterior end, measured 5.83 × 4.29 µm in size. Polar capsules were equal, broadly pyriform, 1.95 × 1.70 µm in size having 3-4 polar filament coils. The plasmodia of M. majraiensis n. sp. were round to oval, 0.8-1.5 µm in diameter. Myxospores egg-shaped in frontal view also having prominent knob at the anterior end, measured 8.58 × 5.2 µm in size. Polar capsules were equal, pyriform, 3.47 × 1.80 µm in size having 5-6 polar filament coils. Gill plasmodium index showed heavy infection in both of the species. This is the first report of myxobolid infection in the fingerlings of Indian major carps in nursery ponds in Punjab (India).