Probiotics in addressing heavy metal toxicities in fish farming: Current progress and perspective Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study explores the role of probiotics in alleviating the detrimental effects of heavy metal toxicity in fish farming. Heavy metals like copper, lead, mercury, and cadmium can accumulate in fish, leading to oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and organ damage. The research investigates whether probiotics can reduce the harmful impact of these metals by enhancing detoxification processes and promoting gut health, which is crucial for maintaining overall fish health.
Who was studied?
The research primarily focuses on common fish species in aquaculture, such as tilapia, carp, and zebrafish. These species are often exposed to environmental heavy metals through contaminated water or feed, making them ideal candidates for studying the effectiveness of probiotics in mitigating heavy metal toxicity. The study examines the use of various probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus and Bacillus, and their impact on the health of these fish species under controlled laboratory conditions.
Most important findings
The study demonstrates that probiotics can be a promising strategy for reducing heavy metal toxicity in fish. The probiotics tested in the research were found to bind heavy metals in the digestive system, preventing their absorption and accumulation in tissues. In addition, probiotics enhanced the detoxification process by modulating antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes play a vital role in reducing oxidative stress, a common consequence of heavy metal exposure. Furthermore, the probiotics supported the gut microbiome, which is essential for detoxifying metals and maintaining a balanced immune response. The research showed that fish treated with probiotics experienced less damage to their liver, kidneys, and intestines, which are organs frequently affected by heavy metal accumulation.
Key implications
The findings of this study have significant implications for both the aquaculture industry and food safety. By using probiotics to mitigate the effects of heavy metal toxicity, fish farmers can improve the health and welfare of their stock while also reducing the potential health risks posed to consumers. Probiotics offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution to the growing problem of metal contamination in aquaculture. Moreover, this approach could reduce the reliance on chemical treatments and antibiotics, promoting more environmentally friendly and safer farming practices. The study also highlights the potential for using probiotics to address other environmental stressors in fish farming, opening new avenues for research in sustainable aquaculture practices.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Copper (Cu)
Copper serves as both a vital nutrient and a potential toxin, with its regulation having profound effects on microbial pathogenesis and immune responses. In the body, copper interacts with pathogens, either supporting essential enzyme functions or hindering microbial growth through its toxicity. The gastrointestinal tract, immune cells, and bloodstream are key sites where copper plays a crucial role in controlling infection and maintaining microbial balance. Understanding copper’s interactions with the microbiome and host defenses allows for targeted clinical strategies.
Lead (Pb)
Lead exposure has a profound effect on the microbiome, disrupting microbial diversity, immune responses, and contributing to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Understanding how Pb interacts with microbial communities and impacts host-pathogen dynamics is essential for clinicians to mitigate long-term health risks and improve treatment strategies.