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Protective effect of probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. plantarum in reducing the effects of dietary aflatoxin B1 on growth, hematology, biochemical and carcass quality indices in common carp fingerlings (Cyprinus carpio)
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Ahmad Hasanpour Fattahi1   , Saeid Meshkini1 , Behrooz Atashbar Kangharlooei1 |
| 1- University of Urmia |
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Abstract: (13 Views) |
Introduction
The aquaculture industry faces challenges from feed contamination with mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1, a potent carcinogen that impairs growth, immunity, liver function, and overall health in fish (Williams et al., 2004; Ayyat et al., 2018; Tasa et al., 2020). Cost-driven use of animal-derived feed ingredients increases the risk of fungal toxins, making mitigation strategies crucial (Allameh et al., 2005). Probiotics, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. plantarum, can bind aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) via cell wall components, reducing its bioavailability and enhancing growth, nutrient utilization, and survival in fish (Haskard et al., 2001; Dawood et al., 2015; Gudadappanavar et al., 2017). This study evaluates the protective effects of these probiotics on growth, hematology, biochemistry, and carcass quality in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings fed AFB1 contaminated diets.
Methodology
The study was conducted at the Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute (AARI), Urmia, Iran. A total of 240 fish (mean weight: 8 g) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: control, 50 ppb aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), 50 ppb AFB1 + L. acidophilus (5 × 10⁸ CFU/kg), and 50 ppb AFB1 + L. plantarum (5 × 10⁸ CFU/kg). Fish were maintained under controlled conditions for eight weeks. Growth performance (specific growth rate, weight gain, feed conversion ratio) was evaluated (Hamza et al., 2008). Hematological parameters, including WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, were measured following standard protocols (Blaxhall and Daisley, 1973; Rehulka, 2000; Lewis et al., 2006). Serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose were determined via enzymatic assays (Borges et al., 2004). Carcass composition was analyzed according to AOAC (2005). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in SPSS.
Results
Growth indices were significantly affected by aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) (p<0.05). Fish fed AFB₁ showed higher final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR), with a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to control (p<0.05). Moreover, FCR was further reduced in fish receiving AFB₁ combined with L. acidophilus versus the AFB₁-only group (p<0.05). The number of white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) in fish fed the experimental diets decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the control diet. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in fish fed diets containing AFB₁ and AFB₁ + L. plantarum were also significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). Blood biochemical indices were significantly affected by aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and the probiotics (p<0.05). Triglyceride, cholesterol, and glucose levels were reduced in the AFB₁-treated group compared to the control (p<0.05). Moreover, the combination of AFB₁ with probiotics resulted in a significant increase in triglyceride and cholesterol levels compared to the AFB₁-only group (p< 0.05). Analysis of the mean carcass composition revealed that protein and lipid contents in the diet containing AFB1 and L. plantarum were significantly reduced compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Discussion and conclusion
The study demonstrated that diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AF B1) significantly impaired fish growth performance. AFB1, along with other mycotoxins, disrupts growth by damaging critical organs including the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract that are essential for nutrient absorption, metabolism, and overall physiological homeostasis (Aggarwal et al., 2013). Consistent with these effects, hematological parameters such as red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit were significantly reduced in exposed fish, indicating cytotoxic impacts on hematopoietic organs, including the kidney and spleen (Moccia et al., 1984). Biochemical analyses revealed that AFB1 exposure disrupted fish metabolism, lowering serum triglycerides and cholesterol while raising glucose, reflecting hepatotoxicity and stress-related metabolic changes (Riche, 2007). AFB1 impairs liver enzymes, induces oxidative stress, and alters lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, leading to hyperglycemia. In contrast, dietary probiotics in common carp fingerlings improved these parameters, restoring triglyceride and cholesterol levels and reducing glucose, indicating enhanced metabolic balance. Probiotics likely exert protective effects by reducing stress, supporting gut health, and modulating metabolic pathways such as gluconeogenesis and lipolysis (Larsson & Lewander, 1973; Palmegiano et al., 1993), highlighting their potential to counteract aflatoxin-induced metabolic disruptions. No significant effects of AFB1 were observed on the fish carcass composition, though dietary toxins may disrupt protein and lipid metabolism (Ellis et al., 1991). In conclusion, AFB1 negatively impacted growth, hematological and biochemical parameters in common carp. Supplementation with probiotics was able to partially mitigate these adverse effects, suggesting a protective role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and improving resilience against AFB1-induced stress.
Conflict of interest
All authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Acknowledgement
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the officials of the Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, for their support and the resources provided throughout the course of this study. We also extend our special thanks to the colleagues at the Artemia Reference Center for their invaluable guidance and contributions during the research process. |
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| Keywords: Aflatoxin B1, Probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Common carp |
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Full-Text [PDF 810 kb]
(3 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
تغذيه
Received: 2025/06/3 | Accepted: 2025/12/31
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