Nano-chitosan hydrogel alleviates Candida albicans-induced health alterations in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): antioxidant response, neuro-behaviors, hepato-renal functions, and histopathological investigation
Antioxidant status, Biological stress, Candida albicans, Histopathology, Nano chitosan gel, Nile tilapia
Background Candida albicans infection induces economic losses in aquaculture practices. Currently, the success of
the nanotechnology field has gained more consideration in the aquaculture sector as it bestows favorable impacts in
remedies in comparison to traditional practices.
Objective The present study was conducted to assess the role of nano chitosan gel (NCG) exposure via water
in managing the deteriorating impacts triggered by C. albicans in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Hepatorenal
function, behavioral and stress response, neurological function, hepatic antioxidant/oxidant status, and
histopathological architectures were investigated.
Methods A total of 160 fish (average weight: 50.00 ± 6.30 g) were randomly assigned to four groups, each with four
replicates: control, NCG, C. albicans, and NCG + C. albicans. The NCG was applied as bath treatment at a concentration
of 75 μg/L for ten days.
Results The outcomes demonstrated that the C. albicans challenged fish exhibited obvious behavioral alterations
including loss of equilibrium, surfacing, abnormal swimming and movement, and aggression. Infection with
C. albicans caused an elevation in hepato-renal biomarkers (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline
phosphatase, urea, and creatinine), stress-related indices (glucose, cortisol, nor-epinephrine, and 8-hydroxy-2- deoxyguanosine), and lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde). Moreover, it caused a noticeable decline in the hepatic
antioxidant indices (total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione content) and acetylcholinesterase activity.
The hepatic, renal, and brain architectures were severely damaged by the C. albicans challenge, exhibiting significant
fatty changes, necrosis, vacuolation, and congestion. Remarkably, the aqueous application of NCG in the C. albicanschallenged
fish ameliorated all the aforementioned biomarkers and facilitated the regeneration of histopathological
changes.
Conclusion Overall, the application of NCG in the aquatic environment is an effective tool for managing C. albicans
infection in Nile tilapia. Moreover, it can be utilized in combating stress conditions in the aquaculture sector.
Heat stress (HS) is a significant environmental factor that leads to substantial financial losses in the rabbit industry. In the present study, betalains and organic selenium (Ose) were used as …
Background Candida albicans infection induces economic losses in aquaculture practices. Currently, the success of
the nanotechnology field has gained more consideration in the aquaculture…
The potential use of feed supplements as immune-stimulant and growth-promoting agents in fish diets has drawn
much attention. The current research investigated the effects of feeding Nile…