Effect of propolis ethanol extract on myostatin gene expression and muscle morphometry of Nile tilapia in net cages

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Propolis can be used as growth enhancer due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-stimulant properties, but its effects on morphometry and muscle gene expression are largely unknown. The present study evaluates the influence of propolis on muscle morphometry and myostatin gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) bred in net cages. Reversed males (GIFT strain) with an initial weight of 170 ± 25 g were distributed in a (2 x 4) factorial 2 E.L. Buck et al.Genetics and Molecular Research 16 (1): gmr16019404 scheme, with two diets (DPRO, commercial diet with 4% propolis ethanol extract and DCON, commercial diet without propolis, control) and four assessment periods (0, 35, 70, and 105 experimental days). Muscles were evaluated at each assessment period. Histomorphometric analysis classified the fiber diameters into four groups: <20 mm; 20-30 mm; 30-50 mm; and > 50 mm. RT-qPCR was performed to assess myostatin gene expression. Fibers < 20 µm diameter were more frequent in DPRO than in DCON at all times. Fiber percentages >30 µm (30-50 and > 50 µm) at 70 days were 25.39% and 40.07% for DPRO and DCON, respectively. There was greater myostatin gene expression at 105 days, averaging 1.93 and 1.89 for DCON and DPRO, respectively, with no significant difference in any of the analyzed periods. Propolis ethanol extract did not affect the diameter of muscle fibers or the gene expression of myostatin. Future studies should describe the mechanisms of natural products' effects on muscle growth and development since these factors are highly relevant for fish production performance.

Effects of dietary supplementation with a microalga (Schizochytrium sp.) on the hemato-immunological, and intestinal histological parameters and gut microbiota of Nile tilapia in net cages

“…The mean temperature of the water during the experimental period was compatible with the thermal comfort zone of Nile tilapia [6], and was similar to that in a previous experiment conducted in Rio do Corvo [4]. The zootechnical indexes of tilapia did not differ significantly between treatments (p > 0.05), and the final weight was consistent with the slaughter weight of this species when farmed in net cages.…”

“…In Brazil, the production of this species represented approximately half of all aquaculture production in 2017, which was approximately 559 thousand tons [2]. However, due to the rapid expansion and intensification of Nile tilapia production, the high densities adopted in farming systems have become a challenge, since they are a stress factor for the fish that can cause economic losses [3][4][5].…”

Effect of Dietary Mixture Containing Azolla and Spirulina Platensis on Physiological, Metabolic, Immunological and Histological Performance of GIFTTilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Cultured in Lined Ponds

“…These values were compatible with the optimal water quality parameters of Nile tilapia [36], and were similar to those previously reported in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus [37] fed Azolla-based-diets in earthen ponds. In addition, the pH, alkalinity, hardness and nitrate (NO 3 -N) values were significantly higher (p< 0.05) in test diet compared to the control.…”

Apitherapy for Age-Related Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction (Sarcopenia): A Review on the Effects of Royal Jelly, Propolis, and Bee Pollen

“…were used to evaluate the effect of bee products on skeletal muscle. The effects of bee products on muscle mass varied considerably: some studies reported that bee products increased muscle mass [ 36 , 54 , 90 , 96 , 100 , 105 , 113 ] and improved physical performance [ 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 ] while others could not or did not depict any significant change in muscle mass [ 38 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 110 , 117 ]. However, the latter revealed major beneficial effects related to the biology of skeletal muscle aging such as improved muscle protein deposition [ 104 ], enhanced activity of mitochondrial enzymes [ 106 ], decreased muscle infiltration by inflammatory cells, decreased muscle proteolysis, lowered lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation [ 102 , 103 ], increased microvascular blood supply, heightened production of antioxidants [ 110 ], and increased clearance of AGEs from skeletal muscle [ 38 ].…”