Study of the Oxidative State, as a Marker of Welfare, on Gilthead Sea Bream, Sparus aurata, Subjected to Handling Stress

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of repeated handling on the oxidative state of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata. We determined the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione transferase (GST), and DT-diaphorase (DTD) in liver, digestive tract, brain, gills, and white muscle. We also measured the lipid-peroxidation level (malondialdehyde -MDA -concentration) and the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (G6PDH). The results show that repeated low-intensity handling on gilthead sea bream alter the oxidative status of tissues such as liver, digestive tract, and muscle in the last term can affect its welfare. The brain in a situation of handling stress is protected from oxidative damage by the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Finally, the concentration of MDA in tissues can be a good candidate as a biomarker of stress and welfare in fish. SOD = superoxide dismutase; CAT = catalase; GPX = glutathione peroxidase; GR = glutathione reductase; GST = glutathione transferase; DTD = DT-diaphorase; G6PDH = glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity; MDA = malondialdehyde. * Significant difference from the corresponding control group at P < 0.05 (n = 7).MDA in tissues can be a good candidate as a biomarker of stress and welfare in fish.

Effects of repeated handling and air exposure on the immune response and the disease resistance of gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) over winter

“…In the cellular free radical metabolism, MDA is the end product of the lipid peroxidation, while SOD, CAT and TAOC are involved in the elimination of free radicals [32]. The present results was in agreement with that in gilthead sea bream, S. aurata, repeated handling of putting a net into the tank daily for 30 s during 60d altered the oxidative status of tissues and could affect its welfare [33].…”

Repeated handling compromises the immune suppression and improves the disease resistance in overwintering channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

“…In the cellular free radical metabolism, MDA is the end product of the lipid peroxidation, while SOD, CAT and TAOC are involved in the elimination of free radicals [41]. The present results was in agreement with that in gilthead sea bream, S. aurata, repeated handling of putting a net into the tank daily for 30 s during 60 d altered the oxidative status of tissues and could affect its welfare [42].…”

Interaction of dietary energy levels and culture density on growth performance and metabolic and oxidative status of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss )

“…These fish (mainly D40) registered the lowest values of antioxidant enzymes ( Table 6). The depletion observed in the liver antioxidant enzyme levels in fish stocked at higher densities (D40) could be due to wastage as a result of a greater need to prevent oxidative damage (Aksakal et al, 2011;Sanz et al, 2012). There was also a decline in G6PDH and consequently less reducing power.…”