Uso del cártamo (Carthamus tinctorius L.) como ingrediente en alimentos para juveniles del camarón Litopenaeus vannamei

ALFONSO GALICIA GONZALEZ (2009, [Tesis de doctorado])

Debido a los altos costos e incertidumbre en el abasto de la harina de pescado y pasta de soya, en los últimos años se han buscado alternativas que puedan sustituirlos sin tener un efecto negativo en el crecimiento de los camarones en el cultivo. En el presente trabajo se realizó un estudio para evaluar el valor nutricional del cártamo (Carthamus tinctorius) como fuente proteica en alimentos para juveniles de camarón blanco del Pacífico Litopenaeus vannamei. El primer capítulo comprende el estudio de la caracterización de tres productos de cártamo (HIC; Harina Integral de Cártamo, PCB; Pasta de cártamo baja en proteína y PCA; Pasta de cártamo alta en proteína) en base a su composición de nutrientes y algunos factores antinutricionales (hemaglutininas, saponinas, actividad uréasica, aflatoxinas e inhibidor de tripsina). Los productos de cártamo tuvieron un contenido de proteína entre 20.6 y 36.8%. La harina integral fue la que presentó el mayor nivel de extracto etéreo 31%, mientras que las pastas tuvieron un nivel bajo (1.8-1.0%). El contenido de fibra en el cártamo fue alto (17-23%). Los aminoácidos más abundantes en los productos de cártamo fueron el ácido aspártico y glutámico, en contraste los menos abundantes fueron lisina y metionina. Los ácidos grasos más abundantes fueron el ácido oleico, el linoleico, el palmítico y el estéarico. El contenido de calcio de los productos de cártamo varió de 0.25 a 0.42%, mientras que el contenido de fósforo varió del 0.23 a 0.25%. No se encontraron los factores antinutricionales buscados, a excepción del inhibidor de tripsina que tuvo valores bajos (7.56 UTI/mg de muestra). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los coeficientes de utilización digestiva aparente (CUDA) de materia seca y carbohidratos de los productos de cártamo; sin embargo, sí se encontraron diferencias en los CUDA de proteína, lípidos (CUDAl) y de energía digestible (CUDAe). La actividad de las enzimas digestivas de camarones que fueron alimentados con productos de cártamo mostró un incremento en proteinasas generales y quimotripsina. La atractabilidad y el consumo de los alimentos con un 30% de inclusión de los productos de cártamo se vieron afectadas negativamente en los camarones [...]

In recent years, alternatives to fish and soybean meals in aquacultural feeds that do not have negative effects on growth of cultivated shrimp have been intensively studied in an effort to reduce the high costs and uncertainty in supplies. In this study, the nutritional value of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) meal as a protein source in diets for juveniles Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was investigated. Initially, characterization of three safflower meals (i.e. WSM; whole safflower meal, LPSM; low-protein safflower meal and HPSM; high-protein safflower meal), focusing on chemical composition and antinutritional factors (hemaglutinine, saponine, ureasic activity, aflatoxin, and trypsin inhibitor) was conducted. Protein content ranged from 20.6 to 36.8%. Whole safflower meal contained the highest level of lipids (31%); lipids in the other safflower meals were as low as 1.0–1.8%. Fiber content was high (17–23%). The most abundant amino acids were aspartic and glutamic acids and lysine and methionine were less abundant. Oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic fatty acids were present in greatest amounts. Calcium content ranged from 0.25–0.42% and phosphorus content ranged from 0.23–0.25%. Anti-nutritional factors were not found in the analyses, except for trypsin inhibitor, with values as low as 7.56 UTI mg–1 per sample. No significant differences between the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) for dry matter and carbohydrates in safflower meals were detected; however, protein ADC, lipid ADC, and energy ADC were different. Total proteinase and chymotrypsin increased significantly in diets where safflower meals were included. Atractability and consumption of feed with 30% safflower meals appeared to have negative effects on the juveniles [...]

atractabilidad; camarón; cártamo; Carthamus tinctorius; digestibilidad; enzimas digestivas; factores antinutricionales; Litopenaeus vannamei CIENCIAS FÍSICO MATEMÁTICAS Y CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA Y DEL ESPACIO OCEANOGRAFÍA OCEANOGRAFÍA ACUICULTURA MARINA OCEANOGRAFÍA ACUICULTURA MARINA

Efecto del polvo de romero (Rosmarinus officinalis) en el crecimiento, actividad enzimática y composición proximal de juveniles de lobina rayada (Morone saxatilis)

Effect of rosemary powder (Rosmarinus officinalis) on growth, enzyme activity, and proximal composition of juvenile stripped bass (Morone saxatilis)

Erick Adolfo Barrios García (2023, [Tesis de maestría])

La acuicultura intensiva ha experimentado un rápido crecimiento en las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, la intensificación de los cultivos acuícolas ha ocasionado problemas como el estrés en los organismos, desarrollo de enfermedades y un menor crecimiento. Se ha explorado el uso de plantas aromáticas como el romero (Rosmarinus officinalis) por su efecto como antibiótico, antiestresante y estimulante de la secreción de enzimas digestivas y el crecimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la adición de polvo de romero en la dieta de la lobina rayada (Morone saxatilis) y determinar su efecto en la supervivencia, crecimiento, actividad enzimática (tripsina, quimiotripsina, lipasa, amilasa y proteasas alcalinas totales -PAT-) y composición proximal. Se realizó un bioensayo durante 70 días en un sistema de recirculación de agua de mar donde se probaron cuatro dietas experimentales con diferentes cantidades de polvo de romero: control (TC), 2.5 (T2.5), 5 (T5) y 10 (T10) g kg-1 de dieta. Cada tratamiento se realizó por triplicado con 20 peces por réplica con un peso inicial de 19.59 ± 2.43 g. Las lobinas se alimentaron tres veces al día al 4% de su biomasa. Al final del bioensayo, el peso final de los peces en T5 y T10 fue significativamente menor en comparación con el TC. No se observaron diferencias significativas en parámetros de crecimiento y eficiencia alimenticia. El índice hepatosomático en el T10 fue significativamente mayor en relación con TC. En el intestino, la actividad de la tripsina fue significativamente menor en el T10 y las PAT en T2.5 y T10. En ciegos pilóricos, la actividad de la tripsina fue significativamente menor en el T10, la lipasa en T2.5, T5 y T10 y las PAT en T2.5 y T10. La inclusión de polvo de romero en la dieta de lobina en concentraciones de 5 y 10 g kg-1 disminuye el crecimiento y la actividad de tripsina, PAT y lipasa en intestino y ciegos pilóricos. Se requiere investigar la composición química del romero y su efecto como inhibidor de enzimas digestivas y modulador de la microbiota intestinal, además de incluir otros indicadores para conocer de forma integrada el desempeño fisiológico de la especie.

Intensive aquaculture has experienced a very rapid growth in recent years. However, the intensification of aquaculture has led to issues such as stress in organisms, the development of diseases, and reduced growth. The use of aromatic plants, such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), has been explored due to its antibiotic, anti-stress, and digestive enzyme secretion-stimulating effects, as well as its growth-promoting properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the addition of rosemary powder to the diet of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and determine its effect on survival, growth, enzyme activity (trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, amylase, and total alkaline proteases -PAT-), and proximate composition. A 70-day bioassay was conducted in a recirculating seawater system, testing four experimental diets with varying amounts of rosemary powder: control (TC), 2.5 (T2.5), 5 (T5), and 10 (T10) g kg-1 of diet. Each treatment was performed in triplicate with 20 fish per replicate, with an initial weight of 19.59 ± 2.43 g. The striped bass were fed three times a day at 4% of their biomass. At the end of the bioassay, the final weight of fish in T5 and T10 was significantly lower compared to TC. There were no significant differences in growth parameters and feed efficiency. The hepatosomatic index in T10 was significantly higher compared to TC. In the intestine, trypsin activity was significantly lower in T10, and PAT in T2.5 and T10. In the pyloric caeca, trypsin activity was significantly lower in T10, lipase in T2.5, T5, and T10, and PAT in T2.5 and T10. The inclusion of rosemary powder in striped bass diets at concentrations of 5 and 10 g kg-1 reduces growth and the activity of trypsin, PAT, and lipase in the intestine and pyloric caeca. Further research is imperative to delve into the intricate chemical composition of rosemary, explore its role as a potent digestive enzyme inhibitor, and its potential as a modulator of the intestinal microbiota. This endeavor should also encompass the incorporation of various additional indicators, aiming for a holistic grasp of the species' physiological performance.

lobina rayada, romero, crecimiento, enzimas digestivas, composición proximal striped bass, rosemary, growth, digestive enzymes, proximal composition CIENCIAS FÍSICO MATEMÁTICAS Y CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA Y DEL ESPACIO OCEANOGRAFÍA OCEANOGRAFÍA ACUICULTURA MARINA OCEANOGRAFÍA ACUICULTURA MARINA

EVALUACIÓN DE LA ACTIVIDAD Y EXPRESIÓN GÉNICA DE ENZIMAS ANTIOXIDANTES (SOD, GPX, GST, GR y CAT) COMO BIOMARCADORES DE EXPOSICIÓN A FTALATOS EN CULTIVO CELULAR

Elizabeth Brassea Pérez (2023, [Tesis de doctorado])

"El plastificante bis(2-etilhexilo) ftalato (DEHP) altera el equilibrio entre la producción de especies reactivas de oxígeno y las defensas antioxidantes. A pesar de la información disponible sobre los efectos tóxicos del DEHP en organismos modelo, la respuesta celular al DEHP en especies naturalmente adaptadas para tolerar el estrés oxidativo aún no se ha explorado. Los mamíferos marinos están naturalmente adaptados para hacer frente al estrés oxidativo derivado de la isquemia/reperfusión inducida por el buceo. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los cambios en los indicadores de estrés oxidativo asociados al DEHP en células de músculo esquelético de humanos (Homo sapiens sapiens) y lobos marinos de California (Zalophus californianus). Se recolectaron muestras de músculo abdominal de mujeres sanas sometidas a cesárea programada, tras obtener su consentimiento informado. Las muestras de músculo de lobo marino se obtuvieron de crías encontradas recientemente muertas en la colonia de Los Islotes, Golfo de California. Las células de músculo esquelético se aislaron y cultivaron en condiciones estándar. Las células se dividieron en dos grupos. Un grupo fue expuesto a DEHP (1 mM) durante 13 días (n=25; exposición), el otro grupo se mantuvo bajo condiciones control, es decir sin DEHP añadido (n=25; control). Se midió la producción de radical superóxido (O2•-), el daño oxidativo, la actividad de enzimas antioxidantes y la expresión génica mediante métodos espectrofotométricos y RT-qPCR. En células expuestas al DEHP la producción de O2•- y la actividad de superóxido dismutasa (SOD) fueron mayores que en las células bajo condiciones control para ambas especies. La actividad de glutatión S-transferasa (GST) y los niveles de carbonilos proteicos (PC) aumentaron significativamente en las células humanas expuestas a DEHP, y no significativamente en las células de lobo marino. Por el contrario, las actividades de glutatión peroxidasa (GPx) y catalasa (CAT) aumentaron significativamente en las células de lobo marino, pero no en las de humano expuestas a DEHP. Se observó una expresión diferencial de los genes implicados en el metabolismo redox entre las células control y expuestas a DEHP y entre especies. Los patrones de expresión de 26 y 19 genes fueron significativamente diferentes en las células humanas y de lobo marino, respectivamente, después de la exposición a DEHP. En las células humanas, la expresión de la GST1 microsomal y la GST (κ, μ, θ, ω y ᴢ) fue mayor,

"The plasticizer bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) dysregulates the balance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defenses. Despite the information available on DEHP’s hazardous effects in model species, the cellular response to DEHP in organisms naturally adapted to tolerate oxidative stress remains unexplored. Marine mammals are naturally adapted to cope with oxidative stress derived from diving-induced ischemia/reperfusion. The objective of this study was to compare changes in oxidative stress indicators induced by DEHP in human (Homo sapiens sapiens) and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) skeletal muscle cells. Abdominal muscle samples were collected from healthy women undergoing planned cesarean surgery at full term after obtaining informed consent. Sea lion muscle samples were obtained from recently deceased pups at Los Islotes rookery, Gulf of California. Skeletal muscle cells were isolated and cultured under standard conditions. Cells were divided into two groups. One group was exposed to 1 mM DEHP for 13 days (n=25; treatment), and the other served as a control (n=25; no DEHP). Superoxide radical (O2•-) production, oxidative damage, antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression were measured using spectrophotometric methods and RT-qPCR. DEHP exposure increased O2•- production and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in both species. While the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and protein carbonyls (PC) levels significantly increased in human cells, these indicators showed a non-significant elevation in sea lion cells. In contrast, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities increased significantly in sea lion but not in human cultures exposed to DEHP. Genes involved in redox metabolism showed differential expression between treatments and species. DEHP exposure led to widespread modifications in gene expression patterns, with 26 and 19 differentially expressed genes in human and sea lion cells, respectively. In human cells, DEHP increased GST1 and GST (κ, μ, θ, ω, and ᴢ), while suppressing 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1), CAT, GR, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression, suggesting increased oxidative stress and phase two detoxification processes. In contrast, DEHP increased OGG1, NRF2, GPx2 and SOD3 expression, suggesting that DEHP activates antioxidant defenses in sea lion cells, potentially contributing to maintain redox homeostasis and avoid oxidative...

Contaminantes emergentes, enzimas antioxidantes, estrés oxidativo, mamíferos, Una Salud Antioxidant enzymes, emerging pollutants, mammals, One Health, oxidative stress BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA QUÍMICA BIOQUÍMICA ENZIMOLOGIA ENZIMOLOGIA

Evaluación del uso de vibriófagos encapsulados en el alimento para el control de Vibrio parahaemolitycus causante de AHPND en el camarón Penaeus vannamei

Esther Imelda Ponce García (2023, [Tesis de maestría])

"Las enfermedades causadas por bacterias del género Vibrio en el cultivo de camarón son de gran importancia debido a su impacto negativo en la industria acuícola. Estas bacterias pueden causar diversas enfermedades en camarones, como la necrosis hepatopancreática aguda (AHPND). La fagoterapia es una alternativa para el biocontrol de estas bacterias patógenas que presenta importantes ventajas, como la alta especificidad a sus huéspedes, la replicación en el sitio de infección, y la capacidad de infectar a bacterias resistentes a antibióticos. Sin embargo, la estabilidad de los fagos en el sistema de cultivo es una preocupación latente, ya que los fagos presentan una estabilidad limitada en solución y experimentan una caída significativa en el título de fagos durante el procesamiento y almacenamiento. El método de encapsulación de bacteriófagos, un área que aún no se estudia del todo, se presenta como una potencial alternativa para atender esta problemática. En el presente estudio se evaluó la eficacia terapéutica de un cóctel de bacteriófagos (vB_Vp_PvVp05, vB_Vp_PvVp07 y vB_Vp_PvVp11), encapsulados en alginato de sodio comercial y de mediana viscosidad, pectina, carboxilmetilcelulosa, liposomas y liofilizado en pectina como agente de biocontrol de Vibrio parahaemolyticus para su uso en terapias fagicas pasiva y activa. Se observó que el encapsulado en alginato de sodio de mediana viscosidad presentó la mayor liberación de fagos activos y al momento de ser incorporado a alimento para camarón y horneados a 80 – 100°C, se mantuvo una concentración de 1.3 x105 UFP/g después de 100 días de almacenamiento. Para la evaluación de las terapias pasiva y activa se realizó una infección experimental en juveniles de Penaeus vannamei para conocer la efectividad de los encapsulados, utilizando para la terapia pasiva la cepa Vp M0904 y para la activa la cepa Vp M0605. El experimento de terapia pasiva mostró una mortalidad del 80.6% en los camarones a las 48 hpi (p > 0.05) y una concentración de 5 x102 UFC/mL de Vibrio spp. no fermentativos en TCBS. En el caso de la terapia activa no se presentó mortalidades, pero hubo una disminución de la concentración de Vibrio spp. no fermentativos en TCBS con 5.56 x101 UFC/mL a las 48 hpi (p < 0.05) y aumentó la densidad de vibriófagos en 1.4 x102 UFP/mL en el agua de los acuarios (p < 0.05)..."

"Diseases caused by bacteria of the Vibrio genus in shrimp farming are of great importance due to their negative impact on the aquaculture industry. These bacteria can cause various diseases in shrimp, such as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). Phage therapy is an alternative for the biocontrol of these pathogenic bacteria, offering significant advantages, including high specificity to their hosts, replication at the infection site, and the ability to infect antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, the stability of phages in the farming system is a persistent concern, as phages have limited stability in solution and undergo a significant drop in phage titer during processing and storage. The method of bacteriophage encapsulation, an area that is not yet fully explored, emerges as a potential alternative to address this issue. In this study, the therapeutic efficacy of a cocktail of bacteriophages (vB_Vp_PvVp05, vB_Vp_PvVp07, and vB_Vp_PvVp11), encapsulated in commercial medium-viscosity sodium alginate, pectin, carboxymethylcellulose, liposomes, and lyophilized pectin, was evaluated as a biocontrol agent against Vibrio parahaemolyticus for use in passive and active phage therapies. It was observed that encapsulation in medium-viscosity sodium alginate showed the highest release of active phages, maintaining a concentration of 1.3 x 105 PFU/g after 100 days of storage when incorporated into shrimp feed and baked at 80–100°C.For the evaluation of passive and active therapies, an experimental infection was conducted on Penaeus vannamei juveniles to assess the effectiveness of the encapsulated phages. The passive therapy experiment showed a mortality rate of 80.6% in shrimp at 48 hpi (p > 0.05) and a concentration of 5 x 102 CFU/mL of non-fermentative Vibrio spp. on TCBS agar. In the case of active therapy, no mortalities were observed, but there was a decrease in the concentration of non-fermentative Vibrio sp. on TCBS agar to 5.56 x 101 CFU/mL at 48 hpi (p < 0.05), and the density of vibriophages increased to 1.4 x 102 PFU/mL in the aquarium water (p < 0.05). It was determined that passive therapy offered no advantage for the control of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, unlike active therapy, which proved to be effective in controlling this bacterium."

vibriófagos, encapsulado, Penaeus vannamei, terapia activa, terapia pasiva vibriophages, encapsulated, active therapy, passive therapy BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA MICROBIOLOGÍA BACTERIÓFAGOS BACTERIÓFAGOS

How a holobiome perspective could promote intensification, biosecurity and eco-efficiency in the shrimp aquaculture industry

Eric Daniel Gutiérrez Pérez RICARDO VAZQUEZ JUAREZ FRANCISCO JAVIER MAGALLON BARAJAS MIGUEL ANGEL MARTINEZ MERCADO GRISEL ALEJANDRA ESCOBAR ZEPEDA Paola Magallón Servín (2022, [Artículo])

"The aquaculture industry faces many challenges regarding the intensification of shrimp rearing systems. One of these challenges is the release of excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus into coastal areas, causing disruption in nutrient cycling and microbial equilibrium, which are important for coastal productivity. Biosecurity within the shrimp rearing systems can also be compromised by disruption to the nutrient fluxes, and as consequence the microbiome of the system. In certain conditions, these changes could lead to the blooming of potentially pathogenic bacteria. These changes in the external microbiome of the system and the constant fluctuations of nutrients can affect the intestinal microbiome of shrimp, which is involved in the growth and development of the host, affecting nutrient absorption, regulating metabolic processes, synthesising vitamins, modulating the immune response and preventing growth of pathogenic bacteria. It has been suggested that specific changes in the intestinal microbiome of Litopenaeus vannamei may be an avenue through which to overcome some of the problems that this industry faces, in terms of health, growth and waste. Recent research, however, has focussed mainly on changes in the intestinal microbiome. Researchers have overlooked the relevance of other aspects of the system, such as the microbiome from the benthic biofilms; zooplankton, plankton and bacterioplankton; and other sources of microorganisms that can directly affect the microbial status of the intestinal and epiphytic communities, especially in rearing systems that are based on intensification and microbial maturation processes, such as a biofloc system. It is therefore necessary to place holobiome studies into context, including the ‘holobiome of the aquaculture system’ (microbiomes that make up the culture system and their interactions) and not only the intestinal microbiome. Thus, we describe factors that affect the shrimp microbiome, the methodology of study, from sampling to bioinformatic workflows, and introduce the concept of the ‘holobiome of the aquaculture system’ and how this enables us to promote the intensification, biosafety and eco-efficiency of shrimp farming. The holobiome perspective implies a greater investment of resources and time for research, but it will accelerate the development of technology that will benefit the development and sustainability of the aquaculture industry."

litopenaeus vannamei, microbiome, intensification, biofloc, holobiome of aquaculture systems CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA CIENCIAS AGRARIAS PRODUCCIÓN ANIMAL NUTRICIÓN NUTRICIÓN

Gene expression in primary hemocyte culture of the Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei infected with different white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) strains

Delia Patricia Parrilla Taylor REGINA ELIZONDO GONZALEZ Jesús Neftalí Gutiérrez Rivera SILVIA ALEJANDRA GARCIA GASCA NORBERTO VIBANCO PEREZ MA. DE JESUS DURAN AVELAR RICARDO VAZQUEZ JUAREZ (2022, [Artículo])

"Five previously analyzed white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) strains from northwest Mexico,differing in their genome architecture as well as in virulence, were selected (high virulence JP and LG strains;moderate virulence GVE and DIV strains; and low virulence LC10 strain) to evaluate pathogenesis response in vitro. Expression of phagocytosis-activating protein PAP, manganese superoxide dismutase MnSOD and peroxiredoxin PRX, and two genes of immediate-early expression (IE1 and WSSV304) were measured by qPCR in a primary hemocyte cell culture from Penaeus vannamei at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h post-infection (hpi). PAP expression was significantly higher at 1 and 3 hpi, and JP and LC10 strains induced the highest expression. The response of MnSOD was high at 1 hpi, and a significant increase in PRX expression was detected at 3 hpi, probably due to the occurrence of an oxidative burst; expression levels of MnSOD and PRX were significantly higher at 1 and 3 hpi, respectively, induced by the LG strain (high virulence), suggesting an acute response. In general, expression of most immune-related - genes decreased after the initial hours of infection. Expression levels of IE1 and WSSV304 were exceptionally high at 1 hpi in almost all five WSSV analyzed strains,confirming their efficient mechanism for replication and viral fitness. The results of this study do not show an accurate link between the genome size and WSSV virulence of the strains, albeit the strain with the smallest genome showed the highest virulence. All strains induced an early immune response in heterogeneous ways."

Penaeus vannamei, virulence, gene expression, viral fitness, viral pathogenesis, immune response BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA BIOLOGÍA ANIMAL (ZOOLOGÍA) PATOLOGÍA ANIMAL PATOLOGÍA ANIMAL

Chronic toxicity of shrimp feed added with silver nanoparticles (Argovit-4®) in Litopenaeus vannamei and immune response to white spot syndrome virus infection

Carlos Rosendo Romo Quiñonez Píndaro Álvarez Ruiz CLAUDIO HUMBERTO MEJIA RUIZ NINA BOGDANCHIKOVA Alexey Pestryakov CARINA GAMEZ JIMENEZ WENCESLAO VALENZUELA QUIÑONEZ Magnolia Montoya Mejía EUSEBIO NAVA PEREZ (2022, [Artículo])

"In recent years, the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antibacterial compounds has been widely used in human and veterinary medicine. In this work, we investigated the effects of AgNPs (Argovit-4 R ) as feed additives (feed-AgNPs) on shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) using three different methods: 1) chronic toxicity after 28 days of feeding, 2) Effects against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenged by oral route, and 3) transcriptional responses of immune-related genes (PAP, ProPO, CTL-3, Crustin, PEN3, and PEN4) following WSSV infection. The results showed that the feed-AgNPs did not interfere with the growth and survival of shrimp. Also, mild lesions in the hepatopancreas were recorded, proportional to the frequency of the feed-AgNP supply. Challenge test versus WSSV showed that feeding every 7 days with feed-AgNPs reduced mortality, reaching a survival rate of 53%, compared to the survival rates observed in groups fed every 4 days, daily and control groups of feed-AgNPs for the 30%, 10%, and 7% groups, respectively. Feed-AgNPs negatively regulated the expression of PAP, ProPO, and Crustin genes after 28 days of treatment and altered the transcriptional responses of PAP, ProPO, CTL-3, and Crustin after WSSV exposure. The results showed that weekly feeding-AgNPs could partially prevent WSSV infection in shrimp culture. However, whether or not transcriptional responses against pathogens are advantageous remains to be elucidated."

Silver nanoparticles, Shrimp, Aquaculture, Chronic toxicity, WSSV, AgNP, Argovit, Litopenaeus vannamei , Silver fed, White spot syndrome virus BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA INMUNOLOGÍA INMUNIZACIÓN INMUNIZACIÓN