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Dietary algal zinc nanoparticles improve liver function and immunity in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Research Abstract

Green-synthesized zinc nanoparticles (ZnNP) have attracted considerable attention for use as aqua-feed supplements. The effect of ZnNPs on cellular energy, amino acid metabolism, and gene expression of major histocompatibility-II (MHC-II) is poorly understood. Our study explored the effect of dietary ZnNPs supplementation on hepatic function and overall health status. Farmed Nile tilapia cultured in a hapa-culturing system were fed ZnNPs with two ascending doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg dry feed for 8 weeks. Liver function enzymes, hepatic energy, amino acid profiles, gene expression analysis, and hepatic morphom etry were evaluated. Non-significant changes were observed in the estimated biochemi cal indices, and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activ ity was recorded in ZnNPs60 mg/kg dry feed compared to the control non-supplemented f ish. Hepatic energy adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and CoQ10 were increased (P < 0.05) in the supplemented groups, whereas adenosine monophosphate (AMP) showed the opposite trend. The hepatic amino acid profile indicates the selectivity of dietary ZnNPs in modulat ing specific protein-metabolic pathways. A higher relative expression of IL-1β, along with no statistical changes in IL-10, HSP70, and MHC-II, was recorded. Normal liver histology and a significant dose-dependent increase in mean hepatocytic area were observed. Our results suggest that incorporating ZnNPs as a functional Nile tilapia supplement is benefi cial. However, further comparative investigations of different fish species are required to determine the optimal dose

Research Authors
Eman Zahran, Fatma Ahmed, Samia Elbahnaswy, Omar A. Ahmed-Farid, Ahmed I. A. Mansour, Engy Risha, Hanan H. Abdelhafeez, Khalid M. Alkhodair & Mahmoud G. El Sebaei
Research Date
Research Journal
Aquaculture International
Research Publisher
Springer nature
Research Rank
Q2
Research Vol
Volume 33, article number 470
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-025-02134-1
Research Year
2025