Work

Dietary microalgal oligopeptides enhance growth performance, hepatic metabolism, immunity, and gut health in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aquaculture increasingly seeks functional feed additives to enhance productivity and sustainability. Microalgal oligopeptides (MOPs), recognized for their exceptional nutritional profile and bioactive properties, represent a promising candidate for this role. This study evaluated the effects of dietary MOPs supplementation on growth performance, hepatic metabolism, immune function, and gut health in spotted seabass ( Lateolabrax maculatus ). Fish were fed either a control diet (Con) or the control diet supplemented with MOPs at 250 (MOP250), 500 (MOP500), or 1000 (MOP1000) mg/kg. Compared to the Con group, the MOP500 group showed the highest weight gain and feeding rates with reduced hepatosomatic index ( P < 0.05). All MOPs-supplemented groups showed reduced hepatic lipid droplets, with the MOP500 group exhibiting lower levels of liver cholesterol than the Con group ( P < 0.05). Besides, the immunoglobulin M levels in MOPs groups, and lysozyme activity in MOP500 were significantly elevated ( P < 0.05). Further, decreased content of D-Lactate was found in the MOP500 group, as well as increases in intestinal villi length and lamina propria thickness, and upregulated of claudin-3 (P < 0.05). Of note, dietary MOPs downregulated gut il-1β and tnf-α expression ( P < 0.05), with the upregulated of pept1 . 16S rRNA sequencing further revealed that increased the abundance of probiotics and reduce the abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Collectively, 500 mg/kg MOPs enhanced the growth, immunity, lipid metabolism, and intestinal health of spotted seabass, demonstrating its potential as a beneficial functional additive in aquaculture. • MOPs increased weight gain rate and feeding rate. • MOPs improved liver health, lipid metabolism, and circulating cholesterol profiles. • MOPs strengthened intestinal health, barrier integrity, and inhibited inflammation. • MOPs enriched probiotics in the intestines and inhibit pathogenic bacteria.

Source: Aquaculture Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.103198