Browsing by Author "Fazio, F."

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ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTION-INDUCED STRESS: CATECHOLAMINE DEPOSITION IN ERYTHROCYTES OF Scorpaena porcus LINNAEUS 1758
(Sciendo, 2024) Fazio, F.; Basova, M.; Kesbiç, O.S.
The sympathoadrenal system plays an essential role in forming the body's response to the action of stimuli of various natures and intensities. The content of deposited catecholamines in peripheral blood erythrocytes is one of the most accessible parameters for an adequate description of the functional activity of the sympathoadrenal system in humans and rats. The aim of the work is to assess the accumulation of catecholamines in erythrocytes of sea ruffs Scorpaena porcus L. at various pollution levels in the bays of Sevastopol. The phenomenon of accumulation of catecholamines in erythrocytes of the peripheral blood of fish is revealed. The concentration of erythrocytes with deposited catecholamines was higher in fish from polluted bays. In 2006, fish from Alexander Bay exhibited a significantly higher erythrocyte content of deposited catecholamines (36.04%) compared to those from the background area (28.19%) and Quarantine Bay (30.74%) (P < 0.01). Similar levels were observed between Quarantine Bay and the coast of Balaklava. In 2007, fish from Alexander Bay maintained a high erythrocyte catecholamine content (35.2%), while those from Quarantine Bay exhibited a lower level (23.8%) (P ≤ 0.01). In 2008, the erythrocyte catecholamine content in Quarantine Bay was six times higher than that observed in fish from Martynov Bay. These findings underscore the variability in catecholamine concentrations among fish populations inhabiting different coastal regions, suggesting potential environmental influences on stress responses.
Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination in Commonly Used Fertilizers for Polyculture Fish Ponds and Its Implications for Human Health: A Comprehensive Investigation
(2024.01.01) Naz, S.; Arshad, M.; Majeed, S.; Maqaddas, S.; Habib, S.S.; Kesbic, O.S.; Al-Rejaie, S.S.; Mohany, M.; Bottari, T.; Aragona, F.; Fazio, F.
Over-fertilizing fish ponds can cause pollution, introducing heavy metals into the food chain and posing health risks. The present study investigated the incidence of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, and Cr) in commonly applied fertilizers, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), triple superphosphate (TSP), and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and their association with heavy metals in water, sediment, and cultured fish species (Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and Cyprinus carpio) in polyculture fish ponds. The study was conducted over 4 months, with four groups in triplicates: control (no fertilizer), group 1 (NPK), group 2 (TSP), and group 3 (DAP). Heavy metal analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry before and after fertilizer application. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of heavy metals were observed in water and sediment after applying fertilizers, with the most pronounced results in group 3 (DAP) followed by group 2 (TSP). The concentration of heavy metals was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group 3 (DAP) fertilizers compared to other groups. Compared to the control, the concentration and bioaccumulation of heavy metals were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the fertilizer-applied groups, with notably higher levels in group 3 (DAP). Cluster analysis and the correlation matrix did not show any significant association between the heavy metals and the fertilizers, indicating a complex interplay between the biotic and abiotic factors of the system. The health index (HI) value was < 1 in fish muscles of all studied groups, indicating the fish are safe for consumption. The study recommends monitoring and regulating fertilizer use, especially DAP, to prevent heavy metal contamination, and exploring sustainable alternatives to minimize environmental and health risks.
Cyclic Variations of Ovarian Development, Hormones and Sex Related Genes of Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) During Different Growth Stages
(2024.01.01) Bhat, R.A.; Kumar, J.; Fazio, F.; Giannetto, C.; Piccione, G.; Parrino, V.; Kesbiç, O.S.
This study aimed to investigate the reproductive biology of female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Mature female (n.80) rainbow trout from different reproductive phases were collected. Through a transmission electron microscope (TEM), it was feasible to examine the oocyte at several developmental stages, namely the perinucleolus stage, cortical alveoli stage, vitellogenic stage, mature stage, and postovulatory stage. Progesterone and estradiol levels were measured at their lowest during the immature and spent phases, while reaching their highest levels during the maturing and mature stages. The total amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was greater in mature ovaries compared to immature and maturing ovaries. Gene transcripts related to the production of steroids, specifically star, cyp11a1, cyp17a1 and hsd3b were expressed at low levels during the immature stage and showed a significant rise during the mature stage. The ovarian gene expression patterns during oogenesis exhibited distinct dissimilarities. The fatty acid content, essential for the development of fish ovaries, and the sex steroid hormonal profile, which play a key role in regulating oogenesis, are particularly significant. These results will enhance our comprehension of the reproductive biology and sustainable management of rainbow trout in their natural environment.
Cyclic Variations of Ovarian Development, Hormones and Sex Related Genes of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) During Different Growth Stages
(Central Fisheries Research Institute, 2024) Bhat, R.A.; Kumar, J.; Fazio, F.; Giannetto, C.; Piccione, G.; Parrino, V.; Kesbiç, O.S.
This study aimed to investigate the reproductive biology of female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Mature female (n.80) rainbow trout from different reproductive phases were collected. Through a transmission electron microscope (TEM), it was feasible to examine the oocyte at several developmental stages, namely the perinucleolus stage, cortical alveoli stage, vitellogenic stage, mature stage, and postovulatory stage. Progesterone and estradiol levels were measured at their lowest during the immature and spent phases, while reaching their highest levels during the maturing and mature stages. The total amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was greater in mature ovaries compared to immature and maturing ovaries. Gene transcripts related to the production of steroids, specifically star, cyp11a1, cyp17a1 and hsd3b were expressed at low levels during the immature stage and showed a significant rise during the mature stage. The ovarian gene expression patterns during oogenesis exhibited distinct dissimilarities. The fatty acid content, essential for the development of fish ovaries, and the sex steroid hormonal profile, which play a key role in regulating oogenesis, are particularly significant. These results will enhance our comprehension of the reproductive biology and sustainable management of rainbow trout in their natural environment.
Dietary Effect of Withania somnifera Root Powder on Growth, Hematobiochemical Parameters, Immunity, and Disease Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Cyprinus carpio
(2024) Habib, S.S.; Saeed, M.Q.; Masud, S.; Kesbiç, O. S.; Ujan, J.A.; Cravana, C.; Al-Rejaie, S. S; Mohany, M.; Fazio, F.
This study investigates the influence of root powder (WSRP) on different aspects of common carp (), including growth, hematobiochemical parameters, antioxidant status, nonspecific immune response, and resilience to bacterial infections. Over a 60-day period, 180 common carp fingerlings (11.73 ± 0.52 g) were subjected to diets supplemented with increasing WSRP levels (0 (control), 1% (WSRP1), 2.5% (WSRP2.5), and 4% (WSRP4)). Nonspecific immune parameters were evaluated using serum samples collected at intervals of 0, 20, 40, and 60 days. After the feeding trial, the fish underwent experimental challenge with , and relative percentage survival (RPS) was monitored for 14 days. The findings revealed a considerable ( < 0.05) enhancement in growth performance and a decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) with increasing WSRP supplementation. Additionally, hematological and biochemical profiles exhibited improvements in groups receiving WSRP-enriched diets. Fish serum antioxidant status showed a significant ( < 0.05) increase, as indicated by increased activities of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in WSRP4. WSRP-supplemented diets led to remarkable enhancements in lysozyme activity ( = 0.001), phagocytic activity ( = 0.002), and RPS ( = 0.003), peaking in WSRP4 at day 60. Furthermore, WSRP2.5 and WSRP4 demonstrated a substantial decrease ( > 0.05) in serum glucose and cortisol levels compared to other groups. In conclusion, WSRP proves valuable for enhancing growth, blood parameters, antioxidant balance, immune response, and infection resistance in common carp, especially at 2.5%-4% dietary supplementation levels. In the future, it will be crucial to study the long-term effects of WSRP supplementation on fish health, as well as its potential for large-scale aquaculture and economic viability in the aquafeed industry.
Effects of Bacterioruberin-Rich Haloarchaeal Carotenoid Extract on the Thermal and Oxidative Stabilities of Fish Oil
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023) Kesbiç, F.I.; Metin, H.; Fazio, F.; Parrino, V.; Kesbiç, O.S.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a bacterioruberin-rich carotenoid extract (HAE) derived from the halophilic archaea Halorubrum ezzemoulense DSM 19316 in protecting crude fish oil against thermal oxidation. The research used fish oil derived from anchovies, which had a peroxide value (PV) of 6.44 ± 0.81 meq O2 kg−1. To assess the impact of HAE on the thermal stability and post-oxidation characteristics of fish oil, several concentrations of HAE were added to the fish oil samples: 0 ppm (no additive) (HAE0), 50 ppm (HAE50), 100 ppm (HAE100), 500 ppm (HAE500), and 1000 ppm (HAE1000). Furthermore, a control group was established with the addition of 100 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT100) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of HAE with a synthetic antioxidant that is commercially available. Prior to the fast oxidation experiment, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on samples from all experimental groups. At the conclusion of the examination, it was seen that the HAE500 and HAE1000 groups exhibited a delay in the degradation temperature. The experimental groups underwent oxidation at a temperature of 55.0 ± 0.5 °C for a duration of 96 h. The measurement of PV was conducted every 24 h during this time. PV in all experimental groups exhibited a time-dependent rise (p < 0.05). However, the HAE500 group had the lowest PV measurement at the conclusion of the 96 h period (p < 0.05). Significant disparities were detected in the fatty acid compositions of the experimental groups at the completion of the oxidation experiment. The HAE500 group exhibited the highest levels of EPA, DHA, and ΣPUFA at the end of oxidation, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Through the examination of volatile component analysis, specifically an oxidation marker, it was shown that the HAE500 group exhibited the lowest level of volatile components (p < 0.05). Consequently, it was concluded that the addition of HAE to fish oil provided superior protection compared to BHT at an equivalent rate. Moreover, the group that used 500 ppm HAE demonstrated the highest level of performance in the investigation.
Effects of Bacterioruberin-Rich Haloarchaeal Carotenoid Extract on the Thermal and Oxidative Stabilities of Fish Oil
(2023) Kesbiç, F.I.; Metin, H.; Fazio, F.; Parrino, V.; Kesbiç, O.S.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a bacterioruberin-rich carotenoid extract (HAE) derived from the halophilic archaea DSM 19316 in protecting crude fish oil against thermal oxidation. The research used fish oil derived from anchovies, which had a peroxide value (PV) of 6.44 ± 0.81 meq O kg. To assess the impact of HAE on the thermal stability and post-oxidation characteristics of fish oil, several concentrations of HAE were added to the fish oil samples: 0 ppm (no additive) (HAE0), 50 ppm (HAE50), 100 ppm (HAE100), 500 ppm (HAE500), and 1000 ppm (HAE1000). Furthermore, a control group was established with the addition of 100 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT100) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of HAE with a synthetic antioxidant that is commercially available. Prior to the fast oxidation experiment, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on samples from all experimental groups. At the conclusion of the examination, it was seen that the HAE500 and HAE1000 groups exhibited a delay in the degradation temperature. The experimental groups underwent oxidation at a temperature of 55.0 ± 0.5 °C for a duration of 96 h. The measurement of PV was conducted every 24 h during this time. PV in all experimental groups exhibited a time-dependent rise ( < 0.05). However, the HAE500 group had the lowest PV measurement at the conclusion of the 96 h period ( < 0.05). Significant disparities were detected in the fatty acid compositions of the experimental groups at the completion of the oxidation experiment. The HAE500 group exhibited the highest levels of EPA, DHA, and ΣPUFA at the end of oxidation, with statistical significance ( < 0.05). Through the examination of volatile component analysis, specifically an oxidation marker, it was shown that the HAE500 group exhibited the lowest level of volatile components ( < 0.05). Consequently, it was concluded that the addition of HAE to fish oil provided superior protection compared to BHT at an equivalent rate. Moreover, the group that used 500 ppm HAE demonstrated the highest level of performance in the investigation.
Effects of Bacterioruberin-Rich Haloarchaeal Carotenoid Extract on the Thermal and Oxidative Stabilities of Fish Oil
(2023.01.01) Kesbiç, F.I.; Metin, H.; Fazio, F.; Parrino, V.; Kesbiç, O.S.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a bacterioruberin-rich carotenoid extract (HAE) derived from the halophilic archaea Halorubrum ezzemoulense DSM 19316 in protecting crude fish oil against thermal oxidation. The research used fish oil derived from anchovies, which had a peroxide value (PV) of 6.44 +/- 0.81 meq O-2 kg(-1). To assess the impact of HAE on the thermal stability and post-oxidation characteristics of fish oil, several concentrations of HAE were added to the fish oil samples: 0 ppm (no additive) (HAE0), 50 ppm (HAE50), 100 ppm (HAE100), 500 ppm (HAE500), and 1000 ppm (HAE1000). Furthermore, a control group was established with the addition of 100 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT100) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of HAE with a synthetic antioxidant that is commercially available. Prior to the fast oxidation experiment, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on samples from all experimental groups. At the conclusion of the examination, it was seen that the HAE500 and HAE1000 groups exhibited a delay in the degradation temperature. The experimental groups underwent oxidation at a temperature of 55.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C for a duration of 96 h. The measurement of PV was conducted every 24 h during this time. PV in all experimental groups exhibited a time-dependent rise (p < 0.05). However, the HAE500 group had the lowest PV measurement at the conclusion of the 96 h period (p < 0.05). Significant disparities were detected in the fatty acid compositions of the experimental groups at the completion of the oxidation experiment. The HAE500 group exhibited the highest levels of EPA, DHA, and Sigma PUFA at the end of oxidation, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Through the examination of volatile component analysis, specifically an oxidation marker, it was shown that the HAE500 group exhibited the lowest level of volatile components (p < 0.05). Consequently, it was concluded that the addition of HAE to fish oil provided superior protection compared to BHT at an equivalent rate. Moreover, the group that used 500 ppm HAE demonstrated the highest level of performance in the investigation.
Hair and Blood Trace Elements (Cadmium, Zinc, Chrome, Lead, Iron and Copper) Biomonitoring in the Athletic Horse: The Potential Role of Haematological Parameters as Biomarkers
(2024) Aragona, F.; Giannetto, C.; Piccione, G.; Licata, P.; Deniz, Ö.; Fazio, F.
The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Chrome (Cr), Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu), in the blood, serum, tail and mane of horses from the industrialized area of Milazzo (Messina, Sicily), to understand the relationships between haematological parameters: Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs), Haemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (Hct), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Platelets (PLTs) and the concentrations of trace elements. Blood and hair samples from 20 healthy Italian Saddle horses and water, hay and concentrates samples were obtained to determine the haemogram and mineral concentration using a Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP-MS spectrometer. Descriptive analysis showed a higher concentration of Zn, Cr, Pb, Fe, and Cu in the blood and a higher concentration of Cd in the tail than other substrates. A positive correlation was found for Cr ( < 0.0001) and Zn ( < 0.01) between blood and serum substrates, for Zn ( < 0.001) between mane and tail and for Pb ( < 0.01) between blood and mane, while a negative correlation was observed for Cr ( < 0.01) between blood and tail. Results showed a close relationship between the bioaccumulation of certain trace elements in biological substrates and haematological parameters, which represent useful biomarkers suggesting further studies, given the role of haematological parameters in athletic horses.
Monitoring of inflammatory blood biomarkers in foals with Rhodococcus Equi pneumonia during antimicrobial treatment
(W.B. Saunders, 2024) Deniz, Ö.; Ekinci, G.; Onmaz, A.C.; Derelli, F.M.; Fazio, F.; Aragona, F.; Hoven, R.v.d.
Rhodococcus equi (R. equi), a gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen, is a common cause of pneumonia in foals and represents a major cause of disease and death. The aim of the present study was to investigate the time-depended changes in White Blood Cells (WBC), basophils (Baso), neutrophils (Neu), lymphocytes (Lymf), monocytes (Mon), eosinophils (Eos), platelet (PLT) counts, fibrinogen (Fbg) concentration, interferon (IFN-α, IFN-γ) and interleukins (IL-2 and IL-10) in foals with clinical R. equi pneumonia. The main treatment was with azithromycin-rifampicin for 14 days. Blood was sampled prior to, 7 and 14 days after starting therapy. Treatment was associated with significantly decreased counts of WBC, (25.6 ± 6.7 and 14.2 ± 2,7 × 103/ml), Neu (18.6 ±6.2 and 10.7 ± 3.1 × 103/ml), Mon (1.5 ± 0.5 and 0.9 ± 0.2 × 103/ml) and Fbg (539 ± 124 and 287 ± 26 g/dl) between day 0 and day 14. IL-2 and IL-10 concentrations were significantly increased (P = 0.028, P = 0.013, respectively) after treatment, whereas IFN-α and IFN-γ concentrations were not. The diagnostic potentials of INF-α, INF-γ, IL-2 and IL-10 per se seems not very high, however, the study suggests that the activity change of selected interleukins in the course of the disease may be associated with amelioration. We concluded that patterns of serum concentration changes of INF-α, INF-γ, IL-2 and IL-10 may help in the study of the innate immune response in foals during infection and treatment of R. equi pneumonia.
Monitoring of inflammatory blood biomarkers in foals with Rhodococcus Equi pneumonia during antimicrobial treatment
(2024) Deniz, Ö.; Ekinci, G.; Onmaz, A.C.; Derelli, F.M.; Fazio, F.; Aragona, F.; Hovene, R. V. D.
Rhodococcus equi (R. equi), a gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen, is a common cause of pneumonia in foals and represents a major cause of disease and death. The aim of the present study was to investigate the time-depended changes in White Blood Cells (WBC), basophils (Baso), neutrophils (Neu), lymphocytes (Lymf), monocytes (Mon), eosinophils (Eos), platelet (PLT) counts, fibrinogen (Fbg) concentration, interferon (IFN-α, IFN-γ) and interleukins (IL-2 and IL-10) in foals with clinical R. equi pneumonia. The main treatment was with azithromycin-rifampicin for 14 days. Blood was sampled prior to, 7 and 14 days after starting therapy. Treatment was associated with significantly decreased counts of WBC, (25.6 ± 6.7 and 14.2 ± 2,7×103/mL), Neu (18.6 ±6.2 and 10.7 ± 3.1×103/ml), Mon (1.5 ± 0.5 and 0.9 ±0.2×103/ml) and Fbg (539±124 and 287 ± 26 g/dl) between day 0 and day 14. IL-2 and IL-10 concentrations were significantly increased (P=0.028, P=0.013, respectively) after treatment, whereas IFN-α and IFN-γ concentrations were not. The diagnostic potentials of INF-α, INF-γ, IL-2 and IL-10 per se seems not very high, however, the study suggests that the activity change of selected interleukins in the course of the disease may be associated with amelioration. We concluded that patterns of serum concentration changes of INF-α, INF-γ, IL-2 and IL-10 may help in the study of the innate immune response in foals during infection and treatment of R. equi pneumonia.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation: impact on growth, hematology, immune response, and resilience to Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita fingerlings
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2025) Ujan, J.A.; Raza, A.; Habib, S.S.; Athar, R.; Kesbiç, O.S.; Batool, A.I.; Habib, S.F.; Mohany, M.; Fazio, F.
The significance of plant-derived products in aquaculture lies in their potential to offer sustainable alternatives, promoting eco-friendly practices. This study investigated the impact of nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves powder on the growth efficiency, hemato-biochemical variables and non-specific immune system of rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings. To achieve this objective, sample average weight (5.23 ± 0.34 g) were categorized into four groups, namely control, T1, T2 and T3 in triplicate and administered diets fortified with nettle in amounts of 0, 1, 3 and 5% respectively for a duration of 60 days. After 60 days of fortified diet, the fish underwent intraperitoneal injection with bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila), and subsequent relative percentage survival (RPS) was observed. The growth performance, including “weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER)”, were notably higher in the T3 group (5%) than in others. The hematological values of White blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin revealed higher levels with a fortified diet. The dietary supplementation of nettle reduced serum cholesterol and glucose concentration, whereas it increased albumin, globulin, and total protein in the fish blood. Enhancements in lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity were observed in the intervention groups with feed containing nettle supplementation. The nettle diet at a 5% concentration demonstrated a higher RPS than the others following injection with A. hydrophila. The findings indicate the potential of nettle as a valuable nutritional supplement for increasing fish immunological reaction and bolstering pathogen resistance.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation: impact on growth, hematology, immune response, and resilience to Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita fingerlings
(2025.01.01) Ujan, J.A.; Raza, A.; Habib, S.S.; Athar, R.; Kesbiç, O.S.; Batool, A.I.; Habib, S.F.; Mohany, M.; Fazio, F.
The significance of plant-derived products in aquaculture lies in their potential to offer sustainable alternatives, promoting eco-friendly practices. This study investigated the impact of nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves powder on the growth efficiency, hemato-biochemical variables and non-specific immune system of rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings. To achieve this objective, sample average weight (5.23 +/- 0.34 g) were categorized into four groups, namely control, T1, T2 and T3 in triplicate and administered diets fortified with nettle in amounts of 0, 1, 3 and 5% respectively for a duration of 60 days. After 60 days of fortified diet, the fish underwent intraperitoneal injection with bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila), and subsequent relative percentage survival (RPS) was observed. The growth performance, including "weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER)", were notably higher in the T3 group (5%) than in others. The hematological values of White blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin revealed higher levels with a fortified diet. The dietary supplementation of nettle reduced serum cholesterol and glucose concentration, whereas it increased albumin, globulin, and total protein in the fish blood. Enhancements in lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity were observed in the intervention groups with feed containing nettle supplementation. The nettle diet at a 5% concentration demonstrated a higher RPS than the others following injection with A. hydrophila. The findings indicate the potential of nettle as a valuable nutritional supplement for increasing fish immunological reaction and bolstering pathogen resistance.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation: impact on growth, hematology, immune response, and resilience to Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita fingerlings
(2024) Ujan, J. A.; Raza, A.; Habib, S. S.; Athar, R.; Kesbiç, O. S.; Batool, A. I.; Habib, S. F.; Mohany, M.; Fazio, F.
The significance of plant-derived products in aquaculture lies in their potential to offer sustainable alternatives, promoting eco-friendly practices. This study investigated the impact of nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves powder on the growth efficiency, hemato-biochemical variables and non-specific immune system of rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings. To achieve this objective, sample average weight (5.23 ± 0.34 g) were categorized into four groups, namely control, T1, T2 and T3 in triplicate and administered diets fortified with nettle in amounts of 0, 1, 3 and 5% respectively for a duration of 60 days. After 60 days of fortified diet, the fish underwent intraperitoneal injection with bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila), and subsequent relative percentage survival (RPS) was observed. The growth performance, including "weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER)", were notably higher in the T3 group (5%) than in others. The hematological values of White blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin revealed higher levels with a fortified diet. The dietary supplementation of nettle reduced serum cholesterol and glucose concentration, whereas it increased albumin, globulin, and total protein in the fish blood. Enhancements in lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity were observed in the intervention groups with feed containing nettle supplementation. The nettle diet at a 5% concentration demonstrated a higher RPS than the others following injection with A. hydrophila. The findings indicate the potential of nettle as a valuable nutritional supplement for increasing fish immunological reaction and bolstering pathogen resistance.
Toxic element (As, Cd, Pb and Hg) biodistribution and blood biomarkers in Barbaresca sheep raised in Sicily: One Health preliminary study
(Springer, 2024) Doğan, E.; Fazio, F.; Aragona, F.; Nava, V.; De Caro, S.; Zumbo, A.
The health of humans, animals and the environment is interconnected. Adopting a One Health approach means intervening promptly to prevent the main diseases that affect animal health to guarantee the safety of livestock production. Exposure to toxic trace elements in sheep can lead to increased accumulation in different biological substrate, developing both acute and chronic diseases in humans and livestock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccumulation of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in Sicilian Barbaresca sheep using the following biological substrates: milk, blood and fleece. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was used for As, Cd and Pb, and a direct mercury analyser (DMA-80) was used for Hg determination. In addition, the role of the haematological parameters as possible indicators of different biodistribution was evaluated. A statistically significant value was observed from our analysed metals in the substrates: arsenic (p < 0.001), cadmium (p < 0.01), lead (p < 0.001) and mercury (p < 0.0001). The correlation analysis showed a relationship between milk and blood for arsenic (p < 0.0001) and lead (p < 0.0001), and no correlation for the metals was observed between milk/blood and the haematological parameters analysed for the low concentration observed in the present study comforting the final consumer.