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26 pages, 3487 KiB  
Article
Effect of Synthetic Peptides Identified in the Bullfrog Skin on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Control: An In Vitro Analysis
by Silvânia Mól Pelinsari, Patricia da Silva Mattosinhos, Manoela Maciel dos Santos Dias, Rosinéa Aparecida de Paula, Romulo Dias Novaes, Emerson Ferreira Vilela, Giuseppe Valacchi and Reggiani Vilela Gonçalves
Molecules 2025, 30(10), 2223; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30102223 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 630
Abstract
(1) Background: This study evaluated the potential of a synthetic peptide (SGHPGAMGPVGPR), identified in the bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) skin, in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress using RAW 264.7 macrophages; (2) Methods: Molecular docking determined its optimal interaction with cyclooxygenase (COX-2) an [...] Read more.
(1) Background: This study evaluated the potential of a synthetic peptide (SGHPGAMGPVGPR), identified in the bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) skin, in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress using RAW 264.7 macrophages; (2) Methods: Molecular docking determined its optimal interaction with cyclooxygenase (COX-2) an enzyme related to the production of prostaglandins, which play a crucial essential role in the inflammatory response. The peptide was commercially synthesized company, and its antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) levels, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione s-transferase (GST) activity, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene expression and cell production were additionally quantified. (3) Results: The peptide SGHPGAMGPVGPR, designated as P1, exhibited remarkable free radical scavenging capacity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. No significant difference was observed in SOD and CAT activity in P1-treated macrophages, likely due to downregulation in the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Reduced GST activity was observed in these cells, which was potentially associated with TNF-α downregulation; (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that P1 modulates the antioxidant response through pathways independent of classical antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, decreased IL-6, COX2, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression was observed, indicating the involvement of a key pathway in the regulation of the OxInflammation process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Antioxidants)
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20 pages, 7176 KiB  
Article
Gut Microbiota and Lipid Metabolism in Bullfrog Tadpoles: A Comparative Study Across Nutritional Stages
by Zhilong Wang, Pengxiang Liu, Jun Xie, Huirong Yang, Guangjun Wang, Kai Zhang, Rui Shu, Zhifei Li, Jingjing Tian, Hongyan Li, Wenping Xie, Wangbao Gong and Yun Xia
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13051132 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 550
Abstract
Our study investigated the growth-related metabolic changes and microbial community dynamics during the early feeding stage of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana) tadpoles. In this research, we examined the changes in fat accumulation patterns, as well as the levels of biochemical and enzymatic [...] Read more.
Our study investigated the growth-related metabolic changes and microbial community dynamics during the early feeding stage of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana) tadpoles. In this research, we examined the changes in fat accumulation patterns, as well as the levels of biochemical and enzymatic indicators and genes mRNA expression related to lipid metabolism across the endogenous, mixed, and exogenous nutritional stages of bullfrog tadpoles from a single mating pair. Simultaneously, we characterized the community structures of intestines, excreta, and water bodies during these stages using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. Our findings reveal that fat accumulation in tadpole tissues gradually increases with the onset of feeding. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acid, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol show a significant increase in exogenous nutritional stages. The mRNA levels of lipid synthesis-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes increased gradually with the changes of nutritional stage. Significant differences were observed in microbial community characteristics among intestines, excreta, and water bodies across nutritional stages. Specifically, gut microbiota exhibited a lower similarity to water body microbiota but a higher similarity to excreta microbiota. Notably, the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota, and the genus Cetobacterium within the gut microbiota, increased with nutritional changes. A Spearman correlation analysis highlighted a significant correlation between gut microbiota composition and lipid metabolism markers, particularly a strong positive association between Cetobacterium and lipid-related parameters. These insights provide a theoretical foundation for nutritional interventions aimed at enhancing tadpole growth and survival rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Gut Microbiome)
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20 pages, 2548 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ice Storage on Freshness and Biochemical, Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Quality of Leg Muscle Samples from Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
by Edgar Iván Jiménez-Ruíz, Santiago Valdez-Hurtado, Víctor Manuel Ocaño-Higuera, Dalila Fernanda Canizales-Rodríguez, Alba Mery Garzón-García, Enrique Marquez-Rios, Saúl Ruíz-Cruz, Carmen Lizette Del-Toro-Sanchez, Estefania Guadalupe Valdez-Álvarez and Gerardo Trinidad Paredes Quijada
Processes 2025, 13(3), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030910 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 504
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effect of ice storage on the freshness and quality of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) leg muscle. Biochemical, chemical, physical, and microbiological changes during 24 days of storage were analyzed. A rapid degradation of ATP into its intermediates [...] Read more.
The present study evaluated the effect of ice storage on the freshness and quality of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) leg muscle. Biochemical, chemical, physical, and microbiological changes during 24 days of storage were analyzed. A rapid degradation of ATP into its intermediates (AMP, IMP, inosine, and hypoxanthine) was observed, with a significant increase in K-index (6.78% to 79.33%) and hypoxanthine concentration (3.93 ± 0.87 µmol/g), indicating a progressive reduction in freshness. The pH initially decreased due to post-mortem glycolysis but subsequently increased due to microbial activity and protein degradation. Volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content increased significantly, reaching 27.36 mg/100 g, reflecting protein breakdown. A loss of texture was recorded, with a reduction in muscle firmness from 21.93 ± 1.36 Nw to 10.87 ± 1.08 Nw. Microbiological analyses showed an increase in bacterial load, with mesophiles and psychrophiles reaching 6.75 and 6.45 log CFU/g, respectively. These results indicate that the freshness and quality of bullfrog leg under ice storage remain within acceptable limits until day 18, but its quality and freshness decrease significantly toward the end of the study period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Development and Application of Food Chemistry Technology)
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18 pages, 5657 KiB  
Article
Feasibility Evaluation of Dried Whole Egg Powder Application in Tadpole (Lithobates catesbeianus) Feed: Effects on Growth, Metamorphosis Rate, Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Flora
by Quan Li, Chuang Shao, Yi Hu, Kaijian Chen and Junzhi Zhang
Animals 2025, 15(4), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040584 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 596
Abstract
At present, studies on tadpole nutrition and metabolism are scarce. This study aimed at comparing the influence of two protein sources, fishmeal (FM) and dried whole egg powder (DWEP), on tadpoles from the perspective of growth, the metamorphosis rate, lipid metabolism, antioxidant properties [...] Read more.
At present, studies on tadpole nutrition and metabolism are scarce. This study aimed at comparing the influence of two protein sources, fishmeal (FM) and dried whole egg powder (DWEP), on tadpoles from the perspective of growth, the metamorphosis rate, lipid metabolism, antioxidant properties and the intestinal flora. In this experiment, the control diet was set to contain no FM or DWEP. Based on the control diet, 5% and 10% FM or DWEP were included, respectively. The results of the experiment indicated that FM or DWEP inclusion significantly enhanced the growth performance and metamorphosis rate (p < 0.05); activated hepatic lipid metabolism, as manifested by enhanced LPL and HL activity; upregulated lipid metabolism-related gene expression (fasn, acc, acadl and cpt1α) (p < 0.05); and distinctly elevated the activity of SOD, CAT and GPX (p < 0.05), suggesting improved antioxidant capabilities (p < 0.05). Moreover, the inclusion of FM or DWEP elevated the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Actinomyces and reduced the relative abundance of Proteobacteria. Unexpectedly, no significant differences were observed between the FM and DWEP groups regarding the above detected indices. This indicates that using DWEP to replace FM is a viable option. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Aquaculture Nutrition for Sustainable Health Management)
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17 pages, 2943 KiB  
Article
Biogenesis and Regulation of the Freeze–Thaw Responsive microRNA Fingerprint in Hepatic Tissue of Rana sylvatica
by Hanane Hadj-Moussa, W. Aline Ingelson-Filpula and Kenneth B. Storey
DNA 2024, 4(4), 380-396; https://doi.org/10.3390/dna4040027 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1144
Abstract
Background: Freeze-tolerant animals undergo significant physiological and biochemical changes to overcome challenges associated with prolonged whole-body freezing. In wood frog Rana sylvatica (now Lithobates sylvaticus), up to 65% of total body water freezes in extracellular ice masses and, during this state of [...] Read more.
Background: Freeze-tolerant animals undergo significant physiological and biochemical changes to overcome challenges associated with prolonged whole-body freezing. In wood frog Rana sylvatica (now Lithobates sylvaticus), up to 65% of total body water freezes in extracellular ice masses and, during this state of suspended animation, it is completely immobile and displays no detectable brain, heart, or respirometry activity. To survive such extensive freezing, frogs integrate various regulatory mechanisms to ensure quick and smooth transitions into or out of this hypometabolic state. One such rapid and reversible regulatory molecule capable of coordinating many aspects of biological functions is microRNA. Herein, we present a large-scale analysis of the biogenesis and regulation of microRNAs in wood frog liver over the course of a freeze–thaw cycle (control, 24 h frozen, and 8 h thawed). Methods/Results: Immunoblotting of key microRNA biogenesis factors showed an upregulation and enhancement of microRNA processing capacity during freezing and thawing. This was followed with RT-qPCR analysis of 109 microRNA species, of which 20 were significantly differentially expressed during freezing and thawing, with the majority being upregulated. Downstream bioinformatics analysis of miRNA/mRNA targeting coupled with in silico protein–protein interactions and functional clustering of biological processes suggested that these microRNAs were suppressing pro-growth functions, including DNA replication, mRNA processing and splicing, protein translation and turnover, and carbohydrate metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that this enhanced miRNA maturation capacity might be one key factor in the vital hepatic miRNA-mediated suppression of energy-expensive processes needed for long-term survival in a frozen state. Full article
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13 pages, 1412 KiB  
Article
Transport of American Bullfrogs with Moistened Foam and without Foam: Plasma Biochemistry and Erythrogram Responses
by Adriana Xavier Alves, Nayara Netto dos Santos, Gean Paulo Andrade Reis, Mariele Lana, Bruno Dias dos Santos, Ragli Oliveira Azevedo, Renan Rosa Paulino, Frederico Augusto de Alcântara Costa, Daniel Abreu Vasconcelos Campelo and Galileu Crovatto Veras
Fishes 2024, 9(9), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9090347 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1389
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate two transportation methods (with moistened foam and without foam) for 10 h on blood parameters of bullfrogs 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after transportation. There was no mortality. The glucose increased at 0 and 12 h [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate two transportation methods (with moistened foam and without foam) for 10 h on blood parameters of bullfrogs 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after transportation. There was no mortality. The glucose increased at 0 and 12 h after transportation and returned to baseline at 24 h in both transportations. Triglycerides increased at 0 and 6 h in both transportations and were restored 12 h after transport with foam and 24 h in transport without foam. Plasma proteins and globulins increased at 0 h after transportation under both transportations. After 48 h, there was a reduction in transport without foam. Globulins decreased 48 h under both transportations. Albumin increased at 12, 24, and 48 h after both transportations. Transport with foam had high albumin. The albumin/globulin ratio increased 24 and 48 h after both transportations. The number of erythrocytes increased at 0 h and recovered after 6 h in transport with foam and 12 h in transport without foam. Hematocrit and hemoglobin increased at 0 h and recovered at 6 h in both transportations. MCV increased 48 h after transportation with foam. MCHC decreased 12, 24, and 48 h after both transportations. MCH was lower in the transport carried out with foam. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological Response Mechanisms of Aquatic Animals to Stress)
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13 pages, 1674 KiB  
Article
Chicken Meal as a Fishmeal Substitute: Effects on Growth, Antioxidants, and Digestive Enzymes in Lithobates catesbeianus
by Bo Zhu, Wenjie Xu, Zhenyan Dai, Chuang Shao, Yi Hu and Kaijian Chen
Animals 2024, 14(15), 2200; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152200 - 29 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1665
Abstract
In pursuit of sustainable aquaculture, this study was performed to evaluate chicken meal as a substitute for fishmeal in bullfrog diets. Three experimental groups were established: a control group (FM) with 20% fishmeal, a CM50 group with 50% replacement (10% fishmeal), and a [...] Read more.
In pursuit of sustainable aquaculture, this study was performed to evaluate chicken meal as a substitute for fishmeal in bullfrog diets. Three experimental groups were established: a control group (FM) with 20% fishmeal, a CM50 group with 50% replacement (10% fishmeal), and a CM100 group with 100% replacement (0 fishmeal). Bullfrogs were fed for 56 days. The CM50 group exhibited significant increases in total weight gain and survival rate and a notable decrease in feed coefficient (p < 0.05). However, the CM100 group showed contrary effects. Increasing chicken meal substitution correlated with decreased amino acid content in muscle. Notably, the CM50 group demonstrated enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, T-AOC) and elevated gene expression levels (cat, sod, gst, etc.) in muscle and the intestine (p < 0.05), improved intestinal morphology, enhanced digestive enzyme activities (amylase, lipase), and reduced expression of inflammatory factors (il-1β, il-8, il-17, etc.). Conversely, the CM100 group’s indicators regressed to levels similar to or worse than those of the FM group. Therefore, a 50% substitution of fishmeal with chicken meal effectively promoted bullfrog survival, protected the intestines, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, supporting its potential as a fishmeal alternative. However, the adverse outcomes of the CM100 strategy, including growth retardation and reduced amino acid content in muscle, indicate that complete replacement is unsuitable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Aquaculture Nutrition for Sustainable Health Management)
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17 pages, 2932 KiB  
Article
Variations in Genetic Diversity of Invasive Species Lithobates catesbeianus in China
by Jiaqi Zhang, Chunxia Xu, Supen Wang, Siqi Wang and Yiming Li
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091287 - 25 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1903
Abstract
The introduction and subsequent range expansion of the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is part of a rising trend of troublesome biological invasions happening in China. This detrimental amphibious invasive species has strong adaptability. After its introduction and spread, it established its [...] Read more.
The introduction and subsequent range expansion of the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is part of a rising trend of troublesome biological invasions happening in China. This detrimental amphibious invasive species has strong adaptability. After its introduction and spread, it established its own ecological niche in many provinces of China, and its range has continued to expand to more areas. Previous studies recorded the introduction time of bullfrogs and calculated the changes in their genetic diversity in China using mitochondria, but the specific introduction route in China is still unknown. Expanding upon previous research, we employed whole-genome scans (utilizing 2b-RAD genomic sequencing) to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and microsatellites within Lithobates catesbeianus to screen the genomes of these invasive amphibian species from eight Chinese provinces and two U.S. states, including Kansas, where bullfrogs originate. A total of 1,336,475 single nucleotide polymorphic loci and 17 microsatellite loci were used to calculate the genetic diversity of bullfrogs and their migration pathways. Our results suggest that the population in Hunan was the first to be introduced and to spread, and there may have been multiple introductions of subpopulations. Additionally, the genetic diversity of both the SNP and microsatellite loci in the Chinese bullfrog population was lower than that of the US population due to bottleneck effects, but the bullfrogs can adapt and spread rapidly. This study will offer crucial insights for preventing and controlling future introductions into the natural habitats in China. Additionally, it will assist in devising more precise strategies to manage the existing populations and curtail their continued expansion, as well as aim to improve clarity and originality while mitigating plagiarism risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
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15 pages, 2488 KiB  
Article
Wetland Creation and Reforestation of Legacy Surface Mines in the Central Appalachian Region (USA): A Potential Climate-Adaptation Approach for Pond-Breeding Amphibians?
by Lauren Sherman, Christopher D. Barton, Jacquelyn C. Guzy, Rebecca N. Davenport, John J. Cox, Jeffery L. Larkin, Todd Fearer, Jillian C. Newman and Steven J. Price
Water 2024, 16(9), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091202 - 23 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2215
Abstract
Habitat restoration and creation within human-altered landscapes can buffer the impacts of climate change on wildlife. The Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) is a coal surface mine reclamation practice that enhances reforestation through soil decompaction and the planting of native trees. Recently, wetland creation [...] Read more.
Habitat restoration and creation within human-altered landscapes can buffer the impacts of climate change on wildlife. The Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) is a coal surface mine reclamation practice that enhances reforestation through soil decompaction and the planting of native trees. Recently, wetland creation has been coupled with FRA to increase habitat available for wildlife, including amphibians. Our objective was to evaluate the response of pond-breeding amphibians to the FRA by comparing species occupancy, richness, and abundance across two FRA age-classes (2–5-year and 8–11-year reclaimed forests), traditionally reclaimed sites that were left to naturally regenerate after mining, and in mature, unmined forests in the Monongahela National Forest (West Virginia, USA). We found that species richness and occupancy estimates did not differ across treatment types. Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) and Eastern Newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) had the greatest estimated abundances in wetlands in the older FRA treatment. Additionally, larger wetlands had greater abundances of Eastern Newts, Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus), and Green Frogs (L. clamitans) compared to smaller wetlands. Our results suggest that wetland creation and reforestation increases the number of breeding sites and promotes microhabitat and microclimate conditions that likely maximize the resilience of pond-breeding amphibians to anticipated climate changes in the study area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoration of Wetlands for Climate Change Mitigation)
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11 pages, 3433 KiB  
Article
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Langerhans Cells in the Skin of Three Amphibian Species
by Giorgia Pia Lombardo, Anthea Miller, Marialuisa Aragona, Emmanuele Messina, Angelo Fumia, Michał Kuciel, Alessio Alesci, Simona Pergolizzi and Eugenia Rita Lauriano
Biology 2024, 13(4), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13040210 - 23 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2554
Abstract
The amphibian taxon includes three orders that present different morphological characteristics: Anura, Caudata, and Apoda. Their skin has a crucial role: it acts as an immune organ constituting a physical, chemical, immunological, and microbiological barrier to pathogen insult and conducts essential physiological processes. [...] Read more.
The amphibian taxon includes three orders that present different morphological characteristics: Anura, Caudata, and Apoda. Their skin has a crucial role: it acts as an immune organ constituting a physical, chemical, immunological, and microbiological barrier to pathogen insult and conducts essential physiological processes. Amphibians have developed specialized features to protect the vulnerable skin barrier, including a glandular network beneath the skin surface that can produce antimicrobial and toxic substances, thus contributing to the defense against pathogens and predators. This study aims to characterize Langerhans cells in the skin of Lithobates catesbeianus (order: Anura; Shaw, 1802), Amphiuma means (order: Caudata; Garden, 1821), and Typhlonectes natans (order: Apoda; Fischer, 1880) with the following antibodies: Langerin/CD207 (c-type lectin), Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)II, and Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 (expressed by different types of DCs). Our results showed Langerhans cells positive for Langerin CD/207 in the epidermis of the three species; moreover, some antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the connective tissue expressed TLR2 and MHCII. The distribution of the Langerhans cells is very similar in the three amphibians examined, despite their different habitats. A greater knowledge of the amphibian immune system could be useful to better understand the phylogeny of vertebrates and to safeguard amphibians from population declines. Furthermore, the similarities between amphibians’ and human skin concerning immunological features may be useful in both biology and translational medicine. Full article
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18 pages, 7449 KiB  
Article
Effects of Thyroid Powder on Tadpole (Lithobates catesbeiana) Metamorphosis and Growth: The Role of Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota
by Bo Zhu, Chuang Shao, Wenjie Xu, Jihong Dai, Guihong Fu and Yi Hu
Animals 2024, 14(2), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020208 - 8 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3164
Abstract
A low metamorphosis rate of amphibian larvae, commonly known as tadpoles, limits the farming production of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeiana). This study aimed to examine the effects of processed thyroid powder as a feed additive on tadpole metamorphosis, lipid metabolism, and gut [...] Read more.
A low metamorphosis rate of amphibian larvae, commonly known as tadpoles, limits the farming production of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeiana). This study aimed to examine the effects of processed thyroid powder as a feed additive on tadpole metamorphosis, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota. Five groups of tadpoles were fed with diets containing 0 g/kg (TH0), 1.5 g/kg (TH1.5), 3 g/kg (TH3), 4.5 g/kg (TH4.5), and 6 g/kg (TH6) thyroid powder for 70 days. The results showed that TH increased the average weight of tadpoles during metamorphosis, with the TH6 group having the highest values. The TH4.5 group had the highest metamorphosis rate (p < 0.05). Biochemical tests and Oil Red O staining showed that the lipid (triglyceride) content in the liver decreased after TH supplementation, especially at doses higher than 1.5 g/kg. RT-qPCR revealed that TH at doses higher than 4.5 g/kg significantly up-regulated the transcriptional expression of the pparα, accb, fas, fadd6, acadl, and lcat genes, which are related to lipid metabolism (p < 0.05). These results showed that TH seems to simultaneously promote the synthesis and decomposition of lipid and fatty acids, but ultimately show a decrease in lipids. As for the gut microbiota, it is noteworthy that Verrucomicrobia increased significantly in the TH4.5 and TH6 groups, and the Akkermansia (classified as Verrucomicrobia) was the corresponding genus, which is related to lipid metabolism. Specifically, the metabolic pathways of the gut microbiota were mainly enriched in metabolic-related functions (such as lipid metabolism), and there were significant differences in metabolic and immune pathways between the TH4.5 and TH0 groups (p < 0.05). In summary, TH may enhance lipid metabolism by modulating the gut microbiota (especially Akkermansia), thereby promoting the growth of tadpoles. Consequently, a supplementation of 4.5 g/kg or 6 g/kg of TH is recommended for promoting the metamorphosis and growth of tadpoles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fish Nutrition, Physiology and Management)
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16 pages, 10241 KiB  
Article
Immune Activation and Inflammatory Response Mediated by the NOD/Toll-like Receptor Signaling Pathway—The Potential Mechanism of Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana) Meningitis Caused by Elizabethkingia miricola
by Fulong Li, Baipeng Chen, Ming Xu, Yang Feng, Yongqiang Deng, Xiaoli Huang, Yi Geng, Ping Ouyang and Defang Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14554; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914554 - 26 Sep 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2041
Abstract
Elizabethkingia miricola is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that is highly pathogenic in both immunocompromised humans and animals. Once the disease occurs, treatment can be very difficult. Therefore, a deep understanding of the pathological mechanism of Elizabethkingia miricola is the key to the prevention [...] Read more.
Elizabethkingia miricola is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that is highly pathogenic in both immunocompromised humans and animals. Once the disease occurs, treatment can be very difficult. Therefore, a deep understanding of the pathological mechanism of Elizabethkingia miricola is the key to the prevention and control of the disease. In this study, we isolated the pathogenic bacteria from bullfrogs with dark skin color, weak limbs, wryneck, and cataracts. Via subsequent morphological observations and a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the pathogen was identified as Elizabethkingia miricola. The histopathological and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the brain was the main target organ. Therefore, brain samples from diseased and healthy bullfrogs were used for the RNA-Seq analysis. The comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that the diseased bullfrog brain was characterized by the immune activation and inflammatory response, which were mediated by the “NOD-like receptor signaling pathway” and the “Toll-like receptor signaling pathway”. We also performed qRT-PCR to examine the expression profile of inflammation-related genes, which further verified the reliability of our transcriptome data. Based on the above results, it was concluded that the NOD/Toll-like receptor-related networks that dominate the immune activation and inflammatory response were activated in the brain of Elizabethkingia miricola-infected bullfrogs. This study contributes to the search for therapeutic targets for bullfrog meningitis and provides basic information for establishing effective measures to prevent and control bullfrog meningitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Molecular Immunology)
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13 pages, 4113 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effect of Combined Treatment with Allicin and Antioxidant of Bamboo Leaves and Preservation of Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeiana) during Refrigeration Storage
by Weiqing Lan, Bingjie Zhang, Jintao Du, Shengyun Zhu, Xiao Xu and Jing Xie
Foods 2023, 12(18), 3467; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12183467 - 18 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1518
Abstract
The effects of allicin and antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB) on the quality of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeiana) during refrigerated storage (4 °C) were investigated. The quality changes in samples treated with deionized water (CK), allicin solution (All), antioxidant of bamboo leaves [...] Read more.
The effects of allicin and antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB) on the quality of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeiana) during refrigerated storage (4 °C) were investigated. The quality changes in samples treated with deionized water (CK), allicin solution (All), antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB), and allicin solution combined with AOB solution (AA) in microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory evaluation were analyzed, respectively. The results demonstrated that combination treatment inhibited the increase in total viable counts, delayed the decrease in amino acid content, and retarded the sensory deterioration. Preservative treatment has an inhibitory effect on the early storage of PBC, which can reduce PBC by about 1.0 log CFU/g. The reduction in thiobarbituric acid (TBA) content and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content indicated that combination treatment could better restrain the lipid oxidation and degradation of protein than the CK group and single-treatment group. In addition, the TVB-N content in the AA group still did not exceed the threshold on the 14th day. As a consequence, combination treatment prolonged the shelf life of bullfrogs for another six days. Therefore, allicin and AOB with excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity could be an effective approach to delay the biochemical reaction of refrigerated bullfrogs. This study has provided a potential approach for increasing the shelf life of bullfrogs and preserving their quality during refrigerated storage. Full article
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15 pages, 5287 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxic Effects of the Atrazine Herbicide on Erythrocytes and Liver Damage in Lithobates spectabilis
by Maribel Méndez-Tepepa, Karla Hernández-Pérez, Libertad Juárez-Santacruz, Senobia Rosalia Cruz-Lumbreras, Edelmira García-Nieto, Arely Anaya-Hernández and Cuauhtémoc Morales-Cruz
Fishes 2023, 8(4), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8040207 - 16 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3748
Abstract
In Mexico, atrazine is one of the herbicides most widely authorized and used in different irrigation districts. Atrazine is a herbicide that contaminates aquatic systems. Previous studies have shown that atrazine causes damage to red blood cells and liver tissue in different aquatic [...] Read more.
In Mexico, atrazine is one of the herbicides most widely authorized and used in different irrigation districts. Atrazine is a herbicide that contaminates aquatic systems. Previous studies have shown that atrazine causes damage to red blood cells and liver tissue in different aquatic species, including abnormalities in melanomacrophages. However, more information on amphibians is needed, since most of these studies have been done on fish. Furthermore, no study has determined the effect of atrazine on species native to Mexico. Therefore, in this study, we asked what the effects of atrazine are on the erythrocytes and melanomacrophages of the liver in the male frog (Lithobates spectabilis). In the present study, we analyzed (1) the cytotoxicity of atrazine using the micronucleus test, (2) the area of melanomacrophage centers and the presence of melanin, and (3) the characterization of liver damage using histological techniques. Our results show that atrazine is cytotoxic to erythrocytes, increases the area of and melanin presence in melanomacrophage centers, and causes liver damage in male L. spectabilis. Therefore, hepatotoxicity and cytotoxicity are indicators of environmental stress. We suggest monitoring Mexico’s aquatic systems and further analyzing atrazine effects and other pollutants on native species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Ecology)
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16 pages, 1020 KiB  
Article
Environmental DNA Assay for the Detection of the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) in the Early Stages of the Invasion in the Ebre Delta
by Nuria Sanz, Nati Franch, Rosa-Maria Araguas, Jordi Viñas and Oriol Vidal
Animals 2023, 13(4), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040683 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2635
Abstract
The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is considered to be one of the most harmful invasive species. In the Iberian Peninsula, this species had been cited occasionally until the year 2018, when L. catesbeianus appeared in the Ebre Delta, and, for the [...] Read more.
The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is considered to be one of the most harmful invasive species. In the Iberian Peninsula, this species had been cited occasionally until the year 2018, when L. catesbeianus appeared in the Ebre Delta, and, for the first time, it started breeding in a territory of the Peninsula. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and visual surveys, the American bullfrog invasion in the Ebre Delta was monitored across two consecutive years (2019–2020). No specimens were observed in 2019, and results for the eDNA survey also failed to detect this species in the Delta. In 2020, two individuals were captured and, under the most conservative criteria to constrain the number of positive detections, eDNA analyses detected the presence of the American bullfrog in at least five locations. Performing an eDNA assay yielded a higher sensitivity with a lower sampling effort than traditional methods. Although the American bullfrog does not appear to still be well-established in the Ebre Delta, only a few bullfrog individuals could be enough for their establishment in suitable habitats. In this context, eDNA assays are essential tools to facilitate the detection, control, and eradication of this species in the first stage of the invasion process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)
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