Dose-Dependent Modulation of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) Gene Expression in the Kidney of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed Dietary Supplementation with Vitex agnus-castus L. Seed Extract
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59743/jmset.v12i1.187Keywords:
Aquaculture, Immunostimulant, Phytogenic, Cytokine, Real-time PCR, Vitex, Fish immunity, Dose-response, InflammationAbstract
The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree) seed extract as a sustainable immunostimulant in aquaculture, focusing on the gene expression of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the kidneys of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). To this end, 240 fish were distributed into four dietary groups receiving different supplement doses (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) for 8 weeks, followed by tissue analysis using qPCR. The results demonstrated that the extract exerts a dose-dependent effect; while the 0.5% dose showed no significant change, the 1.0% dose significantly upregulated gene expression (2.8-fold), potentially enhancing immune readiness. Conversely, the high dose (2.0%) led to a downregulation of gene expression, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects. These findings confirm the potent immunomodulatory capacity of this extract and underscore the necessity of determining optimal dosages to enhance disease resistance within the aquaculture sector.
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