Search Results (277)

Caviar extract is widely used in luxury cosmetics and is generally defined as a homogeneous ingredient derived exclusively from sturgeon eggs. However, its molecular composition remains inadequately characterised. In this study, proteomic analyses were performed on 14 commercial caviar samples from different sturgeon species and geographical origins, examined independently in two laboratories. Across three single-origin samples (Germany, Poland, China), 1437 protein groups and 3452 unique peptides were identified, with consistent overlaps with sturgeon ovarian fluid (≥25–38 proteins). Extending this analysis across multiple species confirmed the presence of ovarian fluid-associated proteins in all examined groups, including 69 in Acipenser baerii, 61 in A. gueldenstaedtii, 55 in A. schrenckii, and 49 in H. huso. The results showed that ovarian fluid is consistently co-extracted during standard roe harvesting processes due to its strong egg surface adhesion, making this co-extraction intrinsic rather than incidental. Proteomic profiling revealed a complex mixture of egg- and ovarian fluid-derived proteins, including zona pellucida glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, complement components, proteases, coagulation factors, and antioxidant enzymes. Many of these proteins influence skin biology, suggesting that the functional effects attributed to caviar extract may partially originate from ovarian fluid constituents rather than yolk-derived nutrients alone. At the same time, the presence of immune-active and enzymatic proteins raises important questions regarding safety assessment and regulatory oversight. Species-specific proteomic clustering also indicates considerable composition heterogeneity, challenging assumptions of ingredient standardisation. Together, these results highlight a discrepancy between current definitions and the molecular reality and underscore the need for improved molecular characterisation, updated regulatory definitions, and the consideration of alternative, cell-based production strategies for cosmetic applications. Full article

The present study investigates the role of royal jelly as a natural endocrine modulator of serum estradiol levels in juvenile sterlets (Acipenser ruthenus), a species of major interest for sustainable aquaculture. The experiment was conducted over a period of 85 days under controlled recirculating system conditions, using four dietary treatments (n = 30 fish per group): a control group and three groups supplemented with 1%, 3%, and 5% royal jelly. Serum estradiol concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while biometric assessment included the determination of total length (L), standard length (Sl), maximum body height (H), body circumference (C), and body mass (BM). Royal jelly supplementation significantly increased serum estradiol levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), with the highest values recorded in the 5% group compared to the control. The proportion of individuals with non-detectable estradiol levels decreased progressively with increasing supplementation level. Biometric analysis revealed moderate effects on growth parameters, with no statistically significant differences among groups for most traits (p > 0.05), except for maximum body height, which showed a significant overall effect (ANOVA, p = 0.0089). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted the relative independence between endocrine variability and growth dynamics. Overall, the findings support the potential of royal jelly as a natural endocrine modulator of serum estradiol, representing a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic hormonal substances used in aquaculture. This approach may contribute to the development of innovative nutritional strategies for endocrine control and the optimization of biological performance in sturgeons, in accordance with the principles of sustainable aquaculture. Full article

Sturgeon stock enhancement is one of the key approaches for the conservation of sturgeon species and the restoration of aquatic biological resources. In Kazakhstan, these activities are mainly concentrated in the Caspian and Irtysh river basins, where broodstocks are formed from natural populations for artificial reproduction and annual replenishment of natural stocks. Such programs also provide an opportunity to assess the biological status of populations and evaluate the level of differentiation between sterlet populations inhabiting the Irtysh and Caspian basins. This study analyzed morphological similarities and differences between sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) populations from the Irtysh and Zhayik rivers. Morphometric analysis revealed clear morphological differentiation between the studied populations. The most pronounced differences were observed in head width parameters (HC and BC), as well as in the SO and R indices, whereas measurements related to total body length showed minimal variation between samples (about 1%). Statistically significant differences (t-test, p ≤ 0.05) were identified for several morphometric indices, including the length-to-height ratio (L/H), head size index (C/L), and relative body height index (H/L). Considering these differences is important when planning stocking activities to ensure successful adaptation, maintain genetic diversity, and minimize the risk of degradation of local sterlet populations. Full article

While the sturgeon farming industry is renowned for its valuable caviar, sturgeon muscle tissue remains an underutilized byproduct. The present investigation evaluated the physiological profiles and meat quality attributes of hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × Acipenser schrenckii ♂) cultivated in freshwater (FW) and seawater (SW) in terms of conventional nutritional components, color, amino acid, texture, fatty acid, as well as volatile flavor substances. Results revealed that the SW group demonstrated significantly higher muscle whiteness and hardness. The SW group showed significantly higher contents of crude protein, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.01). Although there was no significant difference in the total hydrolyzed amino acids between the SW and FW groups (p > 0.05), the SW group exhibited significantly higher levels of umami free amino acids, such as glutamic acid and aspartic acid (p < 0.01). Flavor profiling indicated that the SW group exhibited lower levels of several off-flavor compounds, including 1-octen-3-ol, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, and 3,5-octadien-2-one. Notably, the contents of geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), responsible for earthy off-flavors, were significantly lower in the SW group (p < 0.05). Overall, seawater-cultured hybrid sturgeons offer superior nutritional value and sensory characteristics compared to their freshwater counterparts. These findings provide important scientific insights for enhancing the value-added processing of sturgeon products and the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Full article

Decellularization removes immunogenic intracellular components of fish tissues while keeping the extracellular matrix (dECM) structure, mechanical integrity, and bioactivity. Fish-derived dECM retains native bioactive components, exhibiting high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and biodegradability, while supporting cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue regeneration. Due to its abundance, minimal ethical concerns, and low zoonotic risks, fish wastes are emerging as sustainable sources of dECM, offering an eco-friendly alternative to mammalian biomaterials. This review highlights advances in decellularizing fish wastes such as skin, scales, bones, viscera, and swim bladders from species including tilapia, tuna, milkfish, carp, goldfish, and sturgeon. Physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid decellularization methods are assessed for cell removal, ECM preservation, and mechanical performance. Recent advances in polymer-dECM composites, crosslinking, and 3D bioprinting have significantly improved scaffold performance, making fish-derived dECM applicable for healing of wounds, regeneration of bone and cartilage, and repair of soft tissues. Despite its potential, challenges remain in optimizing perfusion rates, temperature variations, and tissue-specific protocols, as well as developing eco-friendly decellularization techniques using biodegradable reagents. Future perspectives include expanding decellularized fish tissue sources, innovating bio-inks for 3D bioprinting, and refining tissue-specific processing methods to maximize the potential of fish-derived dECM in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Full article

Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869), characterized by its rapid mass accumulation and high survival rate under industrial breeding conditions, is one of the most promising aquacultural species. This research aimed to study the growth and development of farmed Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869) to improve breeding programs. This research was conducted at the Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member L.K. Ernst and focused on the Lena population broodstock of Siberian sturgeon of the April 2022 generation (n = 98), grown in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The experiment took into account body weight (W, g) and eleven morphological measurements: L—absolute length (cm); LR—fish body length increase (cm/day); l—commercial length (cm); L2—fork length (cm); HL—head length (cm); PV—pectoventral distance (cm); VA—ventroanal distance (cm); pl1—peduncle length (cm); H—body height (cm); h—peduncle height (cm); SC—body thickness (cm); GC—body circumference (cm); and Cc—peduncle circumference (cm). These measurements were taken from the same sample of fish at five different time points, all belonging to the same generation and approximately the same age. Measurements were taken every 3 to 9 months: 1 y (group G1), 1 y. 5 m. (group G2), 2 y. 2 m. (group G3), 2 y. 5 m. (group G4), 3 y. 2 m. (group G5), and 3 y. 5 m. (group G6). To evaluate the rate of growth and development, relative speed of growth (SGR) and relative speed of lengthening (SLR) during the observation period were determined. To characterize the fish’s exterior, we evaluated Fulton’s condition factor (KF) and the leanness index (Q). With increasing age, there was a significant (p < 0.01) decline in both SGR (from 0.454 to 0.065 g%/day) and SLR (from 0.132 to 0.028 cm%/day), which reflects changes in the fish’s physiological processes tied to the transition from the growth phase to the puberty phase. Relatively large variability was observed in body weight (C_v = 19.7–30.4%) compared to morphological measurements (C_v = 5.7–14.9%). Correlations between morphological measurements and the body weight of the fish varied from low to high (r = 0.22–0.97). Equations that allow for very precise (coefficient of determination R² = 0.800–0.933) estimation of the fish’s body weight based on morphological measurements were developed. The most preferable predictors were measurements of H (R² = 0.931), SC (R² = 0.933), and L2 (R² = 0.930). These morphological measurements are promising candidates for future development of contactless live weight detection using computer vision and machine learning algorithms. The study of live weight conjugacy at different ages showed that the best time to use this measurement to select fish for reproduction is at the age of 2 y. 2 m. or older. Acquired data can be used for the development and improvement of programs for the selection and breeding of Siberian sturgeon grown in a recirculating aquaculture system. Full article

To explore a safe and effective approach for producing strontium-enriched fish, in this study, we modified the feed for juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × Acipenser schrenckii ♂) and set three different levels of strontium chloride content in their diet (0 mg/kg (Sr0, control), 80 mg/kg (Sr80), and 160 mg/kg (Sr160)) for a period of 8 weeks, analyzing their growth performance, strontium enrichment, muscle nutrition, and hepatic physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic characteristics. The results show that dietary strontium had no significant impact on sturgeon growth or survival rate (p > 0.05). The strontium content in tissues increased with dietary strontium levels, with the highest enrichment in bone plates (p < 0.05). However, muscle crude fat in the strontium-supplemented groups decreased significantly; the Sr160 group had higher glutamic acid, valine, docosahexaenoic acid methyl ester, lower myristic acid, palmitic acid, etc. (p < 0.05). In addition, strontium treatment alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation and mitochondrial swelling. Biochemical analyses revealed reduced plasma levels of Triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), as well as decreased hepatic Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, while hepatic Glutathione (GSH) levels increased (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic data further showed that strontium downregulated the expression of fasn and tfrc and upregulated the expression of cpt1a, apoa1, cyp7a1, and slc3a2 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 80–160 mg/kg strontium enables safe strontium enrichment in hybrid sturgeon, improves muscle nutritional quality, and protects liver function by regulating the genes related to lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense, providing a scientific basis for the development of strontium-enriched fish products. Full article

The severe decrease in natural sturgeon stocks has led to intensified efforts toward the development of sturgeon aquaculture and the application of reproductive biotechnologies to ensure sustainable production. In cultured male Acipenser ruthenus (sterlet), spermiation must be hormonally induced to obtain high-quality semen; however, reducing hormonal dosages while maintaining or improving sperm quality remains a major challenge. In this study, we investigated the effects of reduced doses of carp pituitary extract (CPE) and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LH-RH) combined with Apilarnil supplementation on spermiation and semen quality in A. ruthenus. Semen volume, pH, sperm concentration, total sperm output, total motility, and spermatozoa velocity were evaluated. Administering a reduced CPE dose (1.1 mg·kg⁻¹) combined with 1 g of Apilarnil significantly increased semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm output, as well as improved sperm kinematic parameters (total motility and velocity) compared with the conventional hormonal protocol. Furthermore, treatments using 50% of the standard LH-RH dose supplemented with 1 g or 2 g of Apilarnil resulted in significantly higher sperm motility and velocity than observed in the control group. These results demonstrate that Apilarnil supplementation allows for a substantial reduction in exogenous hormonal doses while enhancing spermiation efficiency and semen quality in sterlet, supporting the spermiation-induction protocol for sturgeon aquaculture. Full article

WW-type super-female broodstock are essential for all-female breeding in sturgeons under the ZZ/ZW sex-determination system, but their practical use is constrained by high mortality. This study investigates the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms contributing to the reduced viability of WW-type super-female sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) by comparing three genotypes (ZZ, ZW and WW) in terms of survival rates, oxidative stress levels, and gonadal gene expression. F₂ gynogenetic diploid juvenile sterlet with three genotypes were reared for 100 days under controlled conditions. Survival rates were recorded, and oxidative stress markers, including SOD, CAT, MDA and GSH-Px, were measured using commercially available assay kits. Gonadal gene expression profiles were analyzed using transcriptomic analysis. The results revealed that WW-type juveniles exhibited a significantly lower survival rate (64.2%) compared to ZZ-type and ZW-type fish (both 94.2%, p < 0.0001). While hepatic SOD and CAT activities did not differ among genotypes, MDA and GSH-Px levels were significantly higher in WW-type fish, suggesting enhanced lipid peroxidation and an insufficient compensatory antioxidant response. Transcriptome analysis revealed 747 significantly differentially expressed genes between WW-type super-females and normal ZZ/ZW individuals (p < 0.05), with significant enrichment in pathways related to immune regulation, receptor activity, lipid metabolism, and ferroptosis. Notably, downregulation of arachidonic acid metabolism genes (PTGS2, PTGES, PTGDS) was observed, while ferroptosis-related genes GPX4 and SLC3A2 were upregulated, suggesting that disturbed arachidonic acid metabolism, along with lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis activation, contribute to the reduced survival of WW-type super-females. These findings provide integrative physiological and transcriptomic evidence for the mechanistic basis of poor fitness in gynogenetic WW-type super-females and offer foundational data for improving the feasibility of all-female breeding in sturgeon. Full article

The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change pose significant challenges to sturgeon aquaculture. This study investigated the effects of gradual heat stress (1 °C every 8 h) on two reciprocal hybrid sturgeon strains (Acipenser baerii ♀ × A. schrenckii ♂, (BS hybrid); A. schrenckii ♀ × A. baerii ♂, (SB hybrid)), focusing on their antioxidant defense mechanisms, heat shock protein (HSP) expression, and liver and gill tissue histology. When water temperature raised to 34.3 °C (about 104 h), LOE (loss of equilibrium) individuals appeared. Twenty-four hours after sampling, fifteen BS hybrid sturgeon remained alive, whereas no SB hybrid sturgeon survived. In this study, the slow heat stress significantly elevated the expression of HSP-related genes (hsc70, hsp70, hsp90) in both the liver of BS hybrid sturgeon and the gills of SB hybrid sturgeon. However, in the gills of BS hybrid sturgeon and the liver of SB hybrid sturgeon, the expression of hsp family genes in the experimental groups was either lower than or comparable to the control group. Significant liver damage, including cellular vacuolization and necrosis, was observed in BS hybrids, while SB hybrid sturgeon exhibited more pronounced gill tissue damage. Among the four antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase (CAT) glutathione peroxidase (GPx)—only LDH activity was elevated in the hepatic tissue of BS hybrid sturgeon, corresponding to increased serum lactate levels, while gill LDH activity was higher in SB hybrid sturgeon. In both hybrids, LDH activity exhibited an increasing trend in the kidney. However, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) remained unchanged across all three tissues. Both plasma cortisol and lactate were substantially affected by thermal stress. MDA remained at a relatively stable level after heat stress and recovery. These results demonstrate differential tissue-specific responses to heat stress in the reciprocal hybrids. More importantly, the BS hybrid sturgeon exhibited significantly higher thermal tolerance and post-stress survival compared to the SB hybrid sturgeon. These findings reveal that the choice of maternal parent is a critical factor influencing heat resistance in these hybrids, providing a key basis for selective breeding programs and optimizing aquaculture management. Full article

Introduction: Metabolomics-based phylogenetic profiling of prostate cancer (PCa) patients before and after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can provide insight into the way in which treatment outcomes relate to the underlying physiology and physiological responses of individual patients. It also offers the potential for helping identify precision biomarkers. Methods: In this study, we used integrated mass spectrometry to obtain untargeted serum metabolomics data from PCa patients (n = 55), which we then analyzed using a parsimony phylogenetic systems biology approach before correlating the results with the patients’ clinical parameters before and after treatment. Results: Radiotherapy (RT) generated five phylogenetic subgroups with distinct metabolomic profiles that did not correspond to hormonal treatment, risk assessment, metastasis, or PSA levels. PSA was neither a factor influencing clade membership nor an indicator of risk assessment or metastasis. Moreover, the hormone-treated patients did not form their own clade but were rather spread among the five clades. The same absence of correlation applied to risk assessment and metastasis. The 88 significantly altered pre-RT and 29 post-RT features showed aberrations in the metabolic pathways of purines, porphyrin, glycerophospholipids, and 2-methylglutaric acid, among others. Discussion: Significantly altered metabolites in a majority of patients who developed metastasis included D-tryptophan, carbamate, 5′-Benzoylphosphoadenosine, Phosphatidylcholine (PC), bilirubin, and hypoxanthine. In general, the cladogram offers a new perspective on evaluating the clinical variables that represent significant indicators of PCa progression, metastasis, and treatment response in individuals. Conclusions: Metabolic profiles and associated clinical phenotypes provided by this precision phylometabolomics approach may offer a deeper understanding of the metabolic factors and pathways implicated in cancer progression and metastasis and should contribute to the development of targeted treatments and more precise monitoring of cancer and cancer therapies. Full article

The Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) is a critically endangered species with significant ecological and economic value. This study investigates the effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides (ASPs) on the antioxidant and immune responses of juvenile Chinese sturgeon through physiological and molecular approaches. Healthy juvenile Chinese sturgeon (n = 120, mean body weight 356.50 ± 92.87 g) were fed diets supplemented with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% ASP for 36 days. Results showed that ASP, particularly at 2.0%, significantly enhanced serum antioxidant capacity by increasing activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Immune indices, including immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM), complement components (C3 and C4), lysozyme (LSZ) activity, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), were also significantly elevated in the 1.0% and 2.0% ASP groups. Transcriptome sequencing of spleen and kidney tissues from the control and 2.0% ASP groups identified 151 and 467 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively, with significant enrichment in immune-related pathways such as phagocytosis and the MAPK signaling pathway. Ten candidate immune-related genes (e.g., PDIA4, H-2Q9α, TTC39B) were validated by qRT-PCR, confirming the reliability of the RNA-seq data. This study demonstrates that ASP can enhance the antioxidant and immune responses of juvenile Chinese sturgeon, providing a potential natural immunostimulant for aquaculture. These findings offer a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable production of this endangered species and highlight the need for further research on the application of ASP in sturgeon aquaculture. Full article

Sturgeons, once resilient enough to outlive dinosaurs, are now critically endangered. All 26 species of Acipenseriformes face extinction due to anthropogenic causes. Despite their ecological and economic significance, sturgeon research lacks essential tools such as larval cell lines; the Cellosaurus database lists only one larval cell line (AOXlar7y from Atlantic sturgeon). Larval stages are key to understand fish development, representing a transitional phase between embryonic and adult life that is highly sensitive to temperature shifts, oxygen depletion and pollution. Larval cell lines therefore provide potential in vitro models for studying development and stress responses in endangered species. This study focused on establishing and initially characterizing five novel larval cell lines from siblings of the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). The lines proved viable for long-term culture, bio-banking and transfer, displaying different morphologies ranging from epithelial-like to fibroblast-like. Functional assays showed variable mitochondrial activity and extracellular acidification rates. A preliminary targeted gene expression analysis revealed similarity to whole larvae within early passages and in vitro adaptations for certain genes (gapdh, vim, col1a1, pcna). These sibling-derived cell lines hold potential as in vitro tools to deeper explore the biology of Siberian sturgeon larvae and support conservation-focused research. Full article

The Yangtze River Estuary is one of the most productive estuarine ecosystems in the western Pacific, supporting diverse fish communities that sustain ecosystem functioning. This study investigated the seasonal patterns and community structure of intertidal fish assemblages to provide a baseline for future habitat assessments. Seasonal surveys conducted from May to December 2024 recorded 47 fish species belonging to 10 orders, 18 families, and 37 genera. Cyprinidae contributed the highest proportion of species (42.55%). Dominant species identified by the index of relative importance-including Cynoglossus gracilis, Coilia nasus, and Lateolabrax japonicus—characterized the seasonal assemblage structure. The assemblages were dominated by sedentary species (82.98%), and demersal fishes accounted for 48.94% of the species. Carnivorous taxa (57.45%) dominated the trophic guilds. Diversity indices indicated moderate diversity (H′: 1.797–2.441; C: 0.788–0.892; D: 1.724–4.770; J′: 0.6318–0.8642). Similarity analysis based on Jaccard’s index (Cj) showed the highest overlap between spring and summer (Cj = 0.5000) and the lowest between spring and winter (Cj = 0.1714); spring–autumn and summer–autumn were approximately 0.30, indicating moderate overlap. ABC curves yielded slightly negative W values in spring and summer and positive values in autumn and winter (W = −0.066 to 0.276), indicating moderately disturbed assemblages in spring–summer and less disturbed communities in autumn–winter. Overall, the study provides a seasonal baseline of intertidal fish assemblages in nearshore waters of the southern branch of the Yangtze River Estuary, which can provide useful ecological context for future assessments of nursery and feeding habitats of juvenile Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis). Full article