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Evidence for Beneficial Physiological Responses of the Land Snail Cornu aspersum to Probiotics’ (Lactobacillus plantarum) Dietary Intervention

Authors :
Efstratios Efstratiou
Konstantinos Feidantsis
Vasiliki Makri
Alexandra Staikou
Ioannis A. Giantsis
Source :
Animals, Vol 14, Iss 6, p 857 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

A large variety of microorganisms ingested with food constitute animals’ intestinal microflora, enhancing and maintaining the homeostasis of the host. Rations enriched with probiotics are a method recommended to prevent undesirable conditions. To date, research has been limited to farmed animals and reared fish, creating a knowledge gap concerning the effect of probiotics on the growth rate, physiological responses, and energy metabolism of invertebrates such as the land snail Cornu aspersum. Herein, juvenile snails (26.23 ± 0.5 mm shell diameter and 8.23 ± 1.02 g body weight) were fed L. plantarum probiotic-enriched rations in two different proportions (1.25 mg and 2.5 mg), and their growth rate was monitored for three months. Additionally, the RNA/DNA and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios, HSP gene expression and protein levels, and ND2 expression, were measured in the hepatopancreas, digestive tract, and mantle. Although the snails’ growth rate was not affected, the RNA/DNA ratio presented an increase in various tissues, indicating an intense physiological response. Also, probiotic administration demonstrated low levels of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. HSP levels were higher in the presence of probiotics, probably signaling an attempt by the animal to face potentially stressful situations. Finally, ND2 expression levels in the hepatopancreas indicate intense metabolic and antioxidant activity.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20762615
Volume :
14
Issue :
6
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Animals
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.63ffa7e5fcd4b22ac2bb0c7cbf66fe8
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060857