How White Button Mushrooms Affect Skin Immunity and Gene Expression in Zebrafish

Jenn Hoskins
7th August, 2024

How White Button Mushrooms Affect Skin Immunity and Gene Expression in Zebrafish

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Shiraz University found that dietary white button mushroom powder (WBMP) can enhance the immune function of zebrafish
  • Zebrafish fed with WBMP showed a significant increase in mucosal lysozyme activity, an enzyme crucial for breaking down bacterial cell walls
  • Even a small amount of WBMP (5 g per kg of food) significantly boosted the expression of the lysozyme gene, suggesting its potential as an alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture
The recent study conducted by Shiraz University[1] investigates the effects of dietary white button mushroom powder (WBMP) on the mucosal innate immune parameters and the expression of immune-relevant genes in zebrafish. The study aims to explore whether WBMP can enhance the immune function of zebrafish, potentially offering an alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture. The researchers divided zebrafish specimens into different experimental groups based on the additives to their diet. These additives included varying concentrations of WBMP (5, 10, and 20 grams per kilogram of food weight), alone or in combination with an antibiotic (10 mg/kg BW) and AGRIMOS (1 g/kg food weight). After an 11-day experimental period, skin mucus and intestine samples were collected for analysis. The study utilized the real-time PCR detection system to assess immune gene expression using the ΔΔCt method. The results revealed that all groups fed with WBMP showed a significant increase in mucosal lysozyme activity compared to the control group. Lysozyme is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system by breaking down bacterial cell walls. However, there was no significant difference in total immunoglobulin, protease, esterase, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity between the trial groups and the control group. Interestingly, the group that received the lowest concentration of WBMP (5 g per kg of food weight) exhibited the highest expression of the lysozyme gene. This suggests that even a small amount of WBMP in the diet can significantly enhance the immune function of zebrafish. The study concludes that a 1% concentration of mushroom powder in the diet can improve immune function, recommending against the use of antibiotics for this purpose. This study aligns with previous research on the immunomodulatory effects of dietary supplements in fish. For instance, an earlier study on rainbow trout demonstrated that dietary WBMP could enhance mucosal immunity by increasing total protein levels and lysozyme activity in skin mucus[2]. Another study highlighted the potential of prebiotics like mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) to boost the innate immune response in fish, including enhanced lysozyme activity and phagocytosis[3]. Similarly, research on orange-spotted grouper showed that mushroom beta-glucan mixtures could significantly enhance various immune parameters, including lysozyme activity and phagocytic activity[4]. The current study builds on these findings by focusing specifically on zebrafish and providing more detailed insights into the molecular mechanisms involved. It confirms that WBMP can be a valuable dietary supplement for enhancing the immune function of fish, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics in aquaculture. This is particularly important given the growing concerns about antibiotic resistance and the environmental impact of antibiotic use. In summary, the study by Shiraz University demonstrates that dietary WBMP can significantly enhance mucosal innate immune parameters and the expression of immune-relevant genes in zebrafish. These findings contribute to the broader body of research on the use of natural dietary supplements to improve fish health and reduce reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture.

GeneticsMarine BiologyMycology

References

Main Study

1) Skin mucosal immune parameters and expression of the immune-relevant genes in Danio rerio treated by white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus).

Published 6th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-024-01375-w

Related Studies

2) Skin Mucus Protein Profile, Immune Parameters, Immune-Related Gene Expression, and Growth Performance of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) Powder.

https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2018025825

3) Importance of prebiotics in aquaculture as immunostimulants. Effects on immune system of Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2016.04.011

4) Innate immune responses and efficacy of using mushroom beta-glucan mixture (MBG) on orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides, aquaculture.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2013.04.004


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