Marine macroalgae as a dietary source of genoprotection in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) against endogenous and exogenous challenges

• Published in: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology Vol. 219; pp. 12 - 24
• Main Authors: Pereira, Vitória, Marques, Ana, Gaivão, Isabel, Rego, Andreia, Abreu, Helena, Pereira, Rui, Santos, Maria Ana, Guilherme, Sofia, Pacheco, Mário
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2019
• Subjects: Anti-genotoxic potential; Fish; Genetic damage; Seaweeds; Genetic damage; Fish; Anti-genotoxic potential; Seaweeds
• ISSN: 1532-0456; 1878-1659
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.01.006

DNA integrity and stability are essential to organisms' health and survival. However, it has been neglected in what concerns to fish farming, disregarding the potential impact of endogenous/ exogenous factors. As marine macroalgae constitute a source of natural compounds with a large spectrum of biological activities, this study, situated in the interface of nutritional-genetic research and development of algae practical applications, aimed to evaluate the genoprotective properties of a macroalgae-enriched diet (total percentage of 5%, incorporating equal percentages of Ulva rigida, Gracilaria gracilis and Fucus vesiculosus) in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Protection was assessed in relation to a basal genome integrity and against an exogenous genotoxic challenge (cyclophosphamide; CP). Fish were reared for 30 days with the supplemented diet, being then injected with CP and sampled at days 3 and 10 post-injection (p.i.). To evaluate whether the favorable effects remain after the end of supplementation, a fish subgroup previously fed with algae-enriched diet was submitted to a diet reversion at day 3 p.i., being thereafter fed with the standard diet. Genetic damage was evaluated through the erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) and comet assays and complemented by the assessment of the antioxidant system. Results pointed out that algae-enriched feed exhibits anti-genotoxic properties, mostly expressed in relation to the exogenous pressure, manifest in relation to DNA strand breaks and chromosomal lesions, also reducing oxidative DNA damage. Nonetheless, blood antioxidants were only punctually altered by the supplemented diet (e.g. catalase and glutathione-S-transferase). Analyzing the effect persistence, it was perceived that 7 days without algae uptake was enough to partially reduce the protection efficacy. Overall, these findings are promising towards the benefits of macroalgae inclusion in fish diet, and thus, to invigorate mariculture activity and the commercial use of algae, also providing new insights on the DNA protection mechanisms. [Display omitted] •Macroalgae-enriched diet exhibits genoprotective properties in gilthead seabream•Reduction of oxidative DNA damage owing to an exogenous insult was achieved•Seven days without algae uptake was enough to partially weaken the protection•Promising results to invigorate aquaculture activity (both algae and fish cultivation)