Curcumin in diet modulates fatty acid levels and mRNA expression of appetite-regulating neuropeptides in brain and enhances growth via the GH-GHR-IGF axis in tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

Abstract

Curcumin in 0.5% and 1% doses was given as a feed additive to tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) for 100 days to evaluate the effect of curcumin on fatty acid levels in brain, appetite and the growth axis-related gene expressions. A total of 180 fish were randomly stocked into 650 l tanks and fed with basal feed during acclimatization. Three treatment groups were established, each having three replicates and each replicate had 20 fish. They were fed twice on the experimental diets of 10% body weight ration per fish. Gas chromatography analysis revealed a significant change in the amount of total saturated fatty acids and total monounsaturated fatty acids in tilapia brain. The present study indicated an increase in n-3 (omega-3) and n-6 (omega-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids in brain. Real-time quantification of appetite-regulating neuropeptides in brain and growth-related gene expressions in muscle revealed a significant modulation in their mRNA expressions. This information obtained in the present study on the beneficial role of curcumin in the regulation of fatty acid levels and the expression of appetite-regulating neuropeptides and growth-regulating factors will contribute to research in feed intake and growth in fish.