Antioxidants Benefits in Aquaculture—3rd Edition

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 3967

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Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), La Paz 23096, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Interests: microalga; aquaculture
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the world aquaculture industry enters its maturity stage, some culture systems, especially intensive systems, fail due to a lack of resources or difficulty in controlling and optimizing rearing conditions. Meanwhile, cultured organisms are in constant biotic and abiotic stress, which affect antioxidant and detoxification responses, and significantly affect zootechnical parameters, such as growth and survival.

Stressing conditions in culture ponds may lead to disrupting homeostasis and causing oxidative stress in organisms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in excess can lead to the oxidation of cell membranes, as well as lesions in mitochondria, proteins, DNA, and other cell components.

Medicinal plants, organic and inorganic compounds, microorganisms, and other products are able to improve the antioxidant defense system, helping to prevent and repair oxidative damage, thus enhancing immune responses and general health status. The success of these products in reared organisms depends on factors such as administration ways, doses, genetics, age stadium, culture conditions, and others.

Improving antioxidant response, reared organisms may increase tolerance against biotic and abiotic stressors such as stocking density, salinity, temperature, pathogens, marine toxins, heavy metals, and others.

This Special Issue will publish original research papers and reviews on aspects of antioxidants benefits in aquaculture that relate to the following topics:

  • Dietary antioxidants and food supplements;
  • Screening of antioxidant products for biological activities;
  • Antioxidant potential of live microorganisms or their components;
  • Antioxidant products in intestinal health;
  • Understanding the pathways of redox homeostasis;
  • The relationship between antioxidants and host health;
  • Antioxidant response against biotic or abiotic stressors.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ángel Isidro Cámpa-Córdova
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antioxidants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • aquaculture
  • invertebrates
  • vertebrates
  • oxidative stress
  • antioxidant response
  • antioxidant enzymes
  • antioxidant gene expression
  • antioxidant products

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 410 KB  
Article
Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Red-Fleshed Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Juice By-Product Extract (HJBE) on Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Antioxidant Status, Immune Parameters, and Disease Resistance Against Edwardsiella tarda in Juvenile Red Seabream (Pagrus major)
by Da Ye Kang, Tae Hoon Lee, Hwa Yong Oh, Young Wook Kim, Do Hyun Kwon, Hee Sung Kim and Seong-Mok Jeong
Antioxidants 2025, 14(12), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14121472 - 8 Dec 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Hylocereus polyrhizus juice by-product extract (HJBE) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, immune response, and disease resistance against Edwardsiella tarda in juvenile Pagrus major. The HJBE, prepared from juice-processing residues, contained [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Hylocereus polyrhizus juice by-product extract (HJBE) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, immune response, and disease resistance against Edwardsiella tarda in juvenile Pagrus major. The HJBE, prepared from juice-processing residues, contained measurable levels of bioactive compounds, including vitamin C, total phenolics, and flavonoids, and exhibited noticeable antioxidant activity. Five experimental diets containing 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g/kg HJBE were fed to juvenile red seabream (initial weight of 7.0 ± 0.01 g) for eight weeks. Fish fed the diet containing 1.0 g/kg HJBE (HJBE1) showed significantly higher final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio compared with other groups. Trypsin activity in intestine was also significantly enhanced in the HJBE1 group, suggesting improved feed utilization. Whole-body composition and hematological indices did not differ among treatments. Plasma antioxidant parameters showed a dose-dependent trend, with catalase and glutathione levels lower at inclusion levels of 0.5–1.0 g/kg. Serum lysozyme activity and immunoglobulin M concentrations were significantly higher in fish fed HJBE1 compared to the controls, corresponding to improved survival after E. tarda challenge. These findings suggest that even moderate levels of bioactive compounds in HJBE can beneficially influence antioxidant homeostasis, immune defense, and growth performance. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 1.0 g/kg HJBE effectively improved growth, digestive physiology, antioxidant balance, and disease resistance in juvenile P. major. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants Benefits in Aquaculture—3rd Edition)
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28 pages, 5847 KB  
Article
Integrated Probiotic Benefits of Bacillus velezensis AAHM-BV2302 Drive Growth, Antioxidant Enhancement, and Immune Protection Against Streptococcus agalactiae in Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)
by Pakapon Meachasompop, Benchawan Kumwan, Putita Chokmangmeepisarn, Phornphan Phrompanya, Phunsin Kantha, Patcharapong Thangsunan, Prapansak Srisapoome, Pattanapong Thangsunan, Passakorn Kingwascharapong, Kentaro Imaizumi, Natthapong Paankhao, Kanokporn Saenphet, Supap Saenphet, Wararut Buncharoen and Anurak Uchuwittayakul
Antioxidants 2025, 14(11), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14111356 - 13 Nov 2025
Viewed by 595
Abstract
Intensive aquaculture practices heighten oxidative stress and infectious disease risk, necessitating sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. This study evaluated the integrative probiotic and postbiotic potential of Bacillus velezensis AAHM-BV2302 in red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), focusing on growth, antioxidant defense, immune modulation, and resistance [...] Read more.
Intensive aquaculture practices heighten oxidative stress and infectious disease risk, necessitating sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. This study evaluated the integrative probiotic and postbiotic potential of Bacillus velezensis AAHM-BV2302 in red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), focusing on growth, antioxidant defense, immune modulation, and resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed its classification as B. velezensis (4.16 Mb, GC 45.9%, ANI 99.4% with NRRL B-41580). Fish were fed diets supplemented with probiotic cells (Cell), cell-free supernatant (Cfs), or their combination (Cell + Cfs) for 30 days, followed by 30 days without probiotic supplementation. Growth performance significantly improved in Cell and Cell + Cfs groups at both Day 30 and Day 60 (p < 0.05). Antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH) increased significantly across tissues at Day 30, while malondialdehyde (MDA) declined (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced redox homeostasis. Humoral immunity was elevated, with higher lysozyme, bactericidal activity, and total IgM persisting post-supplementation (p < 0.05). Expression of il1b, il6, and il8 was upregulated in immune-related and mucosal tissues, reflecting robust immune activation (p < 0.05). After S. agalactiae challenge, survival rates were 55% in Cfs, 60% in Cell, and 70% in Cell + Cfs, corresponding to relative percent survivals (RPS) of 43.8%, 50.0%, and 62.5%, respectively (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that B. velezensis AAHM-BV2302 enhances growth, antioxidant capacity, and immune resilience through complementary probiotic–postbiotic mechanisms, supporting its application as a safe, multifunctional biotic for antibiotic-free tilapia aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants Benefits in Aquaculture—3rd Edition)
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23 pages, 1876 KB  
Article
Red Pepper Powder Enhances Antioxidant and Immune Functions in the Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius: Potential as a Functional Feed in Aquaculture
by Jiadong Guo, Yuntian Zhang, Yi Chen, Yupeng Zhang, Rongwei Zhang, Yuzhe Han, Xiaoran Zhao and Tongjun Ren
Antioxidants 2025, 14(10), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101173 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1027
Abstract
Driven by the concept of sustainable aquaculture, natural feed additives with growth-promoting, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing properties have become a key research focus. This study assessed the effects of dietary red pepper powder (Capsicum annuum) supplementation at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% [...] Read more.
Driven by the concept of sustainable aquaculture, natural feed additives with growth-promoting, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing properties have become a key research focus. This study assessed the effects of dietary red pepper powder (Capsicum annuum) supplementation at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% over 50 days on the growth, digestive function, immune and antioxidant capacities, intestinal microbiota, and gene expression in Strongylocentrotus intermedius (S. intermedius). The results indicated that red pepper powder significantly promoted growth and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05), with the 1.0% group showing the highest growth rate. Additionally, supplementation improved gonadal coloration and increased crude protein and lipid contents in the gonads, particularly in the 1.0% and 2.0% groups (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 1.0% and 2.0% red pepper powder enhanced digestive, immune, and antioxidant enzyme activities, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating lower lipid peroxidation. α-diversity analysis revealed the highest ACE, Chao, and Shannon indices and the lowest Simpson index in the 1.0% group, indicating greater microbial diversity. Community analysis revealed that in the red pepper powder treatment groups, beneficial bacteria, such as Firmicutes and Unclassified_f__Rhodobacteraceae, increased in relative abundance, while potential pathogens like Arcobacter, and Epsilonbacteraeota were less abundant. Red pepper powder supplementation upregulated key immune- and antioxidant-related genes while downregulating pro-inflammatory and stress-associated genes. Overall, optimal dietary supplementation of red pepper powder, particularly at 1.0%, enhanced antioxidant and immune functions, optimized intestinal microbiota, mitigated oxidative stress, and consequently promoted growth, improved gonadal quality, and strengthened overall health in S. intermedius. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants Benefits in Aquaculture—3rd Edition)
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18 pages, 3304 KB  
Article
Enhancement of Hypoxia Tolerance of Gibel Carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) via a Ferroporphyrin-Rich Diet
by Hualiang Liang, Haifeng Mi, Kai Wang, Mingchun Ren, Lu Zhang, Dongyu Huang and Jiaze Gu
Antioxidants 2025, 14(6), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14060738 - 16 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1345
Abstract
Gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) were hypoxia stressed for 12 h after an 8-week FPR nutrient-enriched feeding experiment, which was to evaluate the role of FPR in hypoxic stress in gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). The dissolved oxygen was [...] Read more.
Gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) were hypoxia stressed for 12 h after an 8-week FPR nutrient-enriched feeding experiment, which was to evaluate the role of FPR in hypoxic stress in gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). The dissolved oxygen was reduced to a range of 0.6 ± 0.2 mg/L. Results showed that FPR supplementation could maintain the osmotic pressure equilibrium by improving the ion concentrations of plasma including Na+, Ca+ and K+, and Na+/K+-ATPase activity of liver. FPR supplementation could effectively enhance the antioxidant capacity by improving the levels of GPX, SOD, CAT, and GSH, and reduce the level of MDA. FPR supplementation could improve the core gene expressions of Nrf2 signalling pathway including nrf2, sod, ho-1, gpx, and cat. The high levels of FPR supplementation (0.04%) might had a negative effect on immunity. FPR supplementation could improve the expression levels of HIF-1 signalling pathway-related genes to adapt to hypoxia condition including hif-1α, epo, angpt1, vegf, et1, and tfr-1. These results also were supported by higher SR and number of gill mitochondria in FPR supplementation. In general, the appropriate FPR supplementation was 0.01% based on the results of this study and economic cost, which could heighten hypoxic adaptation and SR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants Benefits in Aquaculture—3rd Edition)
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