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Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) affects the antioxidant and immune defense of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

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Abstract

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a very potent antioxidant derived from green tea, was compared with vitamin E in terms of its effects on antioxidant defense and immune response of rainbow trout, by means of a feeding trial of eight weeks. Two of the experimental diets were supplemented with EGCG at either 20 or 100 mg kg−1 diet (which contained only 30% of the intended levels) and the third was provided with 100 mg kg−1 vitamin E but not EGCG. The control diet was not supplemented with the test components. Observation of tissue levels indicated that the high amount of EGCG helped to increase the availability of the lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin E. The lower levels of lipid hydroperoxide in the liver of fish fed the higher amount of EGCG suggested that it was an effective antioxidant. Considering the immune indices, EGCG and vitamin E at 100 mg (actual amounts 31.9 and 94.1 mg kg−1 diet, respectively) had identical capabilities in improving phagocytic activity and controlling hydrogen peroxide production by leucocytes. However, EGCG could possibly be more effective at enhancing serum lysozyme activity and the alternative complement activity. This work revealed the potential of EGCG as an antioxidant and an immunostimulant for rainbow trout, at least at the inclusion level of 32 mg kg−1 diet.

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Acknowledgments

This work was undertaken as part of the doctoral research of Jumroensri Puangkaew (Thawonsuwan) at the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, (TUMSAT). Co-authors VK and AP were also associated with TUMSAT when the study was undertaken. The authors would like to thank the Fuji Trout Hatchery of Shizuoka Prefecture Fisheries Experiment Station, Shizuoka, Japan, for providing the fish. The initiative of Mr Saitoh Taro of DSM Nutritional Products, Japan, is gratefully appreciated. This work was partially funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Bodø University College, Bodø, 8049, Norway

    V. Kiron

  2. Coastal Aquatic Animal Health Research Institute, Pawong, Muang, Songkla, 90100, Thailand

    J. Thawonsuwan

  3. Department of Marine Biosciences, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Minato, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan

    S. Satoh

  4. Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, KRC, Kakdwip, West Bengal, 743347, India

    A. Panigrahi

  5. Aquaculture Research Group, DSM Nutritional Products, CRNA-BP170, 68305, St. Louis cedex, France

    V. Verlhac

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  1. J. Thawonsuwan
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  2. V. Kiron
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  3. S. Satoh
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  4. A. Panigrahi
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  5. V. Verlhac
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Correspondence to V. Kiron.

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Thawonsuwan, J., Kiron, V., Satoh, S. et al. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) affects the antioxidant and immune defense of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss . Fish Physiol Biochem 36, 687–697 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-009-9344-4

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