Effects of graded levels of starch on the non-specific immune responses, antioxidant capacities and intestinal health in Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir inensis. Issue 104 (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miao, Shuyan; Hu, Juntao; Wan, Wenlong; Xia, Sudong; Han, Bei; Zhou, Yuchen; Dong, Xiaojing; Sun, Longsheng
• Is Part Of: Fish & shellfish immunology. Issue 104(2020)
• Page Start: 402
• Page End: 409
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Dietary starch level -- Growth -- Non-specific immune responses -- Antioxidant capacity -- Immunity gene expression -- Chinese mitten crab -- Eriocheir inensis; Fishes -- Immunology -- Periodicals; Shellfish -- Immunology -- Periodicals; Poissons -- Immunologie -- Périodiques; Crustacés -- Immunologie -- Périodiques; 571.9617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.06.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-4648

Abstract

Abstract: A 9-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of graded levels of dietary starch (12%, 17%, 22%, 27% and 32%) on growth, non-specific immune responses, antioxidant capacities, immunity genes expression levels and pathogen resistance in Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir inensis (initial body weight: 10.5 ± 0.5 g). Results showed that the highest weight gain rate of crabs was obtained in group containing 22% dietary starch. The highest activity of acid phosphatase, phenoloxidase and lysozyme in blood was found in crabs fed with 22–27% dietary starch. Additionally, 17%–27% dietary starch significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, reduced malondinaldehyde content and then increased the total antioxidant capacities in hepatopancreas of crabs. The highest activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase was found in crabs fed with 32% dietary starch, indicating that excess starch had a negative effect on the liver function of crabs. With the dietary starch level increased, the transcription factors gene expression of the pro-inflammatory factors were significantly up-regulated, and the highest ILF2, IL-16, Relish and ADAM10 was found in crabs fed with dietary 32% starch, which may potentially promote the inflammatory response in intestines. Moreover, with the dietary starch increased, the activity of phenoloxidase and lysozyme, as well as the gene expression of crustin, were all increased in crabs after challenge against Citrobacter freundii, which demonstrated that additional dietary starch could provide immune-protection and help crabs improve their resistance against pathogens. In conclusion, these results suggest that adequate dietary starch can increase growth, enhance innate immune responses and promote disease resistance, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response in E. inensis . Taken together, 22–27% dietary starch (25.9–30.8% dietary carbohydrate) was suggested as a digestible energy source in crabs feed. Highlights: Crabs (initial body weight: 10.5 ± 0.5 g) fed with 22% dietary starch had significantly higher weight gain rate after 9-week feeding trial. 2Higher dietary starch significantly increased the non-specific immune response (22-27%) and antioxidant enzymes activity (17%-27%). 32% dietary starch significantly up-regulated the gene expression of ILF2, IL-16, Relish and ADAM10 in intestines of crabs. Higher dietary starch provided immune-protection and helped crabs improve their resistance against Citrobacter freundii . Considering the growth performance, immunity and disease resistance, 22-27% dietary starch was suggested in crabs feed.