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Not long after plastic-made material became an inseparable part of our lives, microplastics (MPs) found their way into ecosystems. Aquatic organisms are one of the groups impacted by man-made materials and plastics; however, the varied effects of MPs on these organisms have yet to be fully understood. Therefore, to clarify this issue, 288 freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) were assigned to eight experimental groups (2 × 4 factorial design) and exposed to 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) per kg of food at 17 and 22 °C for 30 days. Then samples were taken from hemolymph and hepatopancreas to measure biochemical parameters, hematology, and oxidative stress. The aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and catalase activities increased significantly in crayfish exposed to PE-MPs, while the phenoxy-peroxidase, gamma-glutamyl peptidase, and lysozyme activities decreased. Glucose and malondialdehyde levels in crayfish exposed to PE-MPs were significantly higher than in the control groups. However, triglyceride, cholesterol, and total protein levels decreased significantly. The results showed that the increase in temperature significantly affected the activity of hemolymph enzymes, glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol contents. The semi-granular cells, hyaline cells, granular cell percentages, and total hemocytes increased significantly with the PE-MPs exposure. Temperature also had a significant effect on the hematological indicators. Overall, the results showed that temperature variations could synergistically affect the changes induced by PE-MPs in biochemical parameters, immunity, oxidative stress, and the number of hemocytes. [Display omitted] • The effect of temperature on the toxicity of PE-MPs on A. leptodactylus was assayed. • Temperature variations changed the hematological and biochemical indices in crayfish. • PE-MPs had a toxic effect on crayfish. • Temperature changes had a synergistic effect on the toxicity of PE-MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this study was to investigate the biochemical, hematological, and immunological impacts of olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract (OLE) in Penaeus vannamei experimentally infected by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). A total of 160 juvenile whiteleg shrimp (11.1 ± 0.2 g), obtained from a private sector in Hormozgan Province (Iran), were kept for two weeks to acclimatize to conditions in the facility aquarium. The health status of the shrimp was assured by random sampling before experiment action; PCR testing confirmed the absence of common shrimp diseases. Three groups, each consisting of 20 shrimp fed with three different doses of OLE (50, 100, 200 mg/kg of the shrimp biomass), and a positive control group (not feeding with OLE), were all orally subjected to a virus challenge two weeks later. For comparison, three negative control groups with 20 shrimp were fed three different doses of OLE, and another group was fed with a diet lacking OLE. The PCR test confirmed the presence of the WSS virus in the treatment and positive control groups, while the negative control groups did not show any infections. The hemolymph of shrimp was taken on days 1, 8, and 22 from all groups after challenge for evaluation of hemolymph total protein, glucose, oxyhemocyanin (OxH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), phenoloxidase (PO) activity, coagulation time, and total hemocyte count (THC). Results showed that shrimp survival significantly increased up to 65% when fed with high doses of OLE for seven days. The maximum hemolymph total protein and glucose levels significantly belonged to the treatment that was challenged by WSSV without receiving OLE. The present findings indicate WSS infection caused a significant decrease in OxH level compared to that of the control groups. Therapeutic feeding with OLE could significantly decrease the SOD and PO activities, and the hemolymph clotting time. We did not see no remarckable effects of OLE on the total hemocyte count. In conclusion, the various indices studied in this research showed that the olive leaf extract would be useful in the control and prevention of white spot syndrome. • Oral administration of OLE increased the survival rate of shrimp challenged with WSSV • Use of OLE (≥ 100 mg/ml) regulated the FCR and SGR in infected shrimp • Increased OxH levels were detected in shrimp treated with the OLE • Therapeutical feeding with OLE reduced SOD, and PO activities in challenged shrimp [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal extracts are illustrated as functional substances for sustainable aquaculture. The study evaluated the effects of lemon verbena (LV) extracts (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) on the performances of the Siberian sturgeon. Fish fed the test diets for eight weeks, then the growth performance and health condition were tested. The results showed enhanced gain weight and specific growth rate in 5, 10, and 20 g/kg groups (P < 0.05) while feed conversion ratio and blood triglycerides were reduced in 10 and 20 mg/kg groups (P < 0.05). Further, fish fed LV at 10 and 20 mg/kg showed improved amylase activity and WBCs (P < 0.05). The counts of red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total serum protein, ACH50, total immunoglobulins (Ig), lysozyme (LZM), and respiratory burst activities were increased in fish fed LV at 20 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The skin mucus total protein, total Ig, and LZM were increased in fish fed 20 mg LV/kg (P < 0.05). The relative expression of IL-8, lysozyme, IL-1β, and TNF-α were upregulated in fish fed LV at 20 mg LV/kg diet. The challenge against Aeromonas hydrophila showed enhanced resistance of Siberian sturgeon by including LV extract. These results revealed that the use of LV extract could improve growth performance and increase the immune response of Siberian sturgeon in the challenge with A. hydrophila. • The results showed enhanced gain weight and specific growth rate by feeding Siberian sturgeon on lemon verbena. • Further, fish fed lemon verbena showed improved amylase activity. • The blood and skin immunities showed activated responses by feeding on lemon verbena. • The relative expression of IL-8, lysozyme, IL-1β, and TNF-α were upregulated in fish fed lemon verbena. • The challenge against Aeromonas hydrophila showed enhanced resistance of fish by including lemon verbena extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the toxicity of polyethylene microplastics (MPs; <0.02 mm) and CuSO4, alone and in combination, on the freshwater crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus. In this study, the crayfish were exposed to PE-MPs (0.0, 0.5, and 1 mg L−1) and CuSO4·5H2O (0.0, 0.5, and 1 mg L−1) for a period of 28 days. Next, multi-biomarkers, including biochemical, immunological, and oxidative stress indicators were analyzed. Results showed that co-exposure to PE-MPs and CuSO4 resulted in increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT). Triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and albumin content also increased. Although no significant change was observed in lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities in crayfish co-exposed to 0.5 mg L−1 MPs and 0.5 mg L−1 CuSO4, their activities were significantly decreased in other experimental groups. Oxidative stress parameters in hepatopancreas indicated increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, but decreased catalase (CAT), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and cellular total antioxidant (TAC). Results showed that the sub-chronic toxicity of CuSO4 was confirmed. The study confirmed the toxicity of CuSO4 and found that higher concentrations led to more severe effects. Co-exposure to PE-MPs and CuSO4 primarily compromised the endpoints, showing increased toxicity when both pollutants were present in higher concentrations. The activities of POX, LYZ, ALP, GGT, LDH, and CAT were suppressed by both CuSO4 and MPs. However, a synergistic increase was observed in other measured biomarkers in crayfish co-exposed to CuSO4 and MPs. [Display omitted] • Crayfish were exposed to PE-MPs and CuSO4, alone and in combination. • CuSO4 and PE-MPs, alone and combined, altered oxidative and biochemical biomarkers. • The toxicity of CuSO4 and PE-MPs on some biomarkers was dose-dependent. • Synergistic effects were observed in crayfish when co-exposed to CuSO4 and PE-MPs. • POX, LYZ, ALP, GGT, LDH, and CAT activities were suppressed by CuSO4 and PE-MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute and subacute toxicity tests for chlorpyrifos and glyphosate were performed on the crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus. The crayfish were divided into a control group and four experimental groups with exposure from 50.18 to 301.11 μg L−1 of chlorpyrifos for 96 h under semi-static test conditions. In the same experiment, the crayfish were exposed to different concentrations of glyphosate (from 0.0, 8.14 to 13.05 mg L−1) for 96 h. Mortality was recorded, and the median lethal concentrations (LC 50) were calculated using probit analysis. The 96 h LC 50 values of chlorpyrifos and glyphosate to A. leptodactylus were 49.55 ± 4.66 μg L−1 and 7.83 ± 0.50 mg L−1, respectively. The results showed that chlorpyrifos was a few hundred times more toxic than glyphosate for the crayfish. Then, the crayfish were exposed to different subacute concentrations of chlorpyrifos (12.5 and 25 μg L−1) and glyphosate (2 mg L−1 and 4 mg L−1) for seven days, and their toxicity was evaluated through several hemolymph biochemical parameters. Chlorpyrifos and glyphosate exposure caused a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The results showed a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and phenoloxidase (PO) activities in the hemolymph of the crayfish exposed to chlorpyrifos and glyphosate. The total protein and cholesterol levels showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the hemolymph of the crayfish after seven days of exposure to chlorpyrifos and glyphosate. There was a significant increase in triglycerides and glucose levels in treated crayfish. These results show that chlorpyrifos is highly toxic, while glyphosate is moderately toxic to A. leptodactylus. According to the results, subacute concentrations of chlorpyrifos and glyphosate could lead to a collapse of cellular homeostasis and changes in the hemolymph biochemical parameters in the crayfish. Physiological changes caused by exposure to chlorpyrifos and glyphosate in A. leptodactylus may have direct effects on the survival of these organisms. Unlabelled Image • The 96 h LC50 values of chlorpyrifos to A. leptodactylus were 49.55 ± 4.66 μg L−1 • The 96 h LC50 values of glyphosate to A. leptodactylus were 7.83 ± 0.50 mg L−1 • Chlorpyrifos and glyphosate decreased AST, ALT, ALP, AChE and PO activities in Crayfish • Chlorpyrifos and glyphosate increased GGT and LDH activities in Crayfish [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrimp is a highly perishable product with high amounts of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is essential to create efficient solutions because the sector has faced serious problems due to its short shelf life. The goal of the current study was to extend the shelf life of shrimp during refrigeration by examining the effects of cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Lactobacillus curvatus and Lactobacillus sakei incorporated with tragacanth gel (TG) coating on microbiological and physicochemical quality indicators. Three replications of four batches of shrimp were prepared and coated with one of four different coatings: C (control: 1.5% TG gel), SMS (1.5% TG containing 150 mg/L sodium metabisulfite), TS1 (TG with 50% diluted L. sakei CFS), and TS2 (TG with 50% diluted L. curvatus CFS). The findings revealed that coating shrimps with a CFS-contained gel extended the microbial shelf life by at least two days (P < 0.05). They also displayed lower levels of TVBN, TMA, and TBARS as well as higher sensory scores (P < 0.05) when compared to the control and SMS treatments. L. curvatus CFS was more effective than L. sakei CFS in increasing shrimp shelf life. This study demonstrates the viability of adding LAB CFS to marine products to extend shelf life. • Cell-free supernatant (CFS) extends the microbial shelf life for minimum 2 days. • The antimelanotic effect of the CFS was more than the sodium metabisulfite (SMS). • The CFS of Lb. curvatus was more efficient than Lb. sakei in shrimp preservation. • The CFS Lb. curvatus slower the TVBN, and TMA trend in shrimp more than the SMS. • The CFS of Lb. curvatus can replace the SMS & increases the shelf life of shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments is a global concern. MPs are capable to interact with other environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, altering their toxicity. The aim of the study was to investigate the sub-lethal effects of cadmium chloride (Cd) alone and in combination with MPs on common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Multi-biomarkers, including plasma biochemical parameters and intrinsic immunological factors, were measured after 30 days of exposure. Exposure to Cd or NPs reduced the plasma activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Exposure to both compounds enhanced the observed effects except for AST activity and ALP at the highest concentrations, whereas evidenced an antagonistic interaction in ALT. Plasma total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were decreased, and the levels of glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels increased mainly in the Cd groups with no additional effects derived from the co-exposure to both stressors. Lysozyme and alternative complement (ACH50) activities and the levels of total immunoglobulins, and complement C3 and C4 in fish exposed to Cd and MPs were lower than those in the control group and this decrease was more significant by the mixture of both compounds. These findings showed that the exposure to Cd or MPs alone is toxic to fish altering the biochemical and immunological parameters. Moreover, these alterations are even greater when the Cd and the MPS are combined suggesting synergistic effects in increasing Cd toxicity and vice versa. Image 104 • The effects of Cd and MPs alone or in combination were investigated in Common Carp. • Exposure to Cd or MPs alone alters blood biochemical and immunological parameters. • The combination of MPs and Cd exerts synergistic toxic effects. • MPs interaction with other environmental pollutants should be considered in risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]