Advances in precocity research of the Chinese mitten crab <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eriocheir sinensis</Emphasis>

Precocity has been observed in fishes and crustaceans. However, mechanisms underlying precocity have not been well documented in crustaceans and are thought to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Also, precocity is generally considered to have negative effects on crustaceans. The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis, a catadromous species endemic to China, is a high valued commodity and in the recent past is being extensively cultured to meet the growing demand by the restaurant trade. The mitten crab is an ideal candidate for precocity studies because of their large size, distinct secondary sex characters, wide distribution and abundant availability from commercial farms. In this article, progress in several aspects of precocity of E. sinensis is reviewed, including the phenomena of precocity and its effect, identification of precocious crabs, factors related to precocity (temperature, salinity, light, nutrition, stocking density, and germplasm), relationships between precocity and neuro-endocrine system, steroid hormones or hepatopancreas, prevention and control methods of precocity. In addition, possible future directions for the study of precocity are suggested.     

Effects of dietary phospholipids and highly unsaturated fatty acids on the precocity,survival, growth and hepatic lipid composition of juvenile Chinese mitten crab,Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne‐Edwards)

Precocious puberty is one of the major constraints to the further development of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) farming industry. Although dietary phospholipids (PL) and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) supplementation have been shown to enhance the growth of larval E. sinensis in other studies, it is still unknown whether this also leads to a higher precocity rate for juvenile E. sinensis. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary PL and HUFA on precocity, survival, growth and hepatic lipid composition of juvenile E. sinensis. Two diets were formulated with PL [3.95% dry weight (DW)] and HUFA (0.98% DW) supplementation (diet A) and without PL and HUFA supplementation (diet B) and fed to juvenile E. sinensis. Although dietary PL and HUFA levels did not significantly affect the survival and growth performance of juvenile E. sinensis, compared with crabs fed diet A, a higher precocity rate was found among juvenile E. sinensis fed diet B (P=0.051). A higher total lipid content, but significantly lower levels of HUFA and PL (P<0.05) were found in the hepatopancreas of crabs fed diet B than in those fed diet A. Meanwhile, the precocious females had significantly lower hepatosomatic index, arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) contents in their hepatopancreas when compared with that of the normal immature juveniles (P<0.05). The results suggest that the occurrence of precocious puberty among farmed juvenile E. sinensis could be reduced by the inclusion of appropriate level of dietary PL and HUFA.     

正常与性早熟中华绒螯蟹的Y-器官转录组分析

性早熟是中华绒螯蟹养殖过程中普遍存在的一个问题。为发掘中华绒螯蟹性早熟相关的重要功能基因,实验采用Illumina Hiseq 2000高通量测序技术获得了正常与性早熟雌蟹的Y-器官转录组数据,并进行比较分析。结果显示,测序分别获得44 619 538和43 052 958个clean reads,比对发现2655个差异表达基因,Gene Ontology(GO)功能分类分析将文库中的差异表达基因归类到3大功能(生物过程、细胞组分和分子功能)的42个类别中。KEGG富集分析将文库中的差异表达基因富集到134条特定的KEGG代谢途径,其中4条是显著性富集,包括酮体合成和降解、丁酸甲酯代谢、神经营养因子信号通路和碱基切除修复通路。通过RNA-seq技术获得了丰富的中华绒螯蟹Y-器官转录组信息,为中华绒螯蟹新基因克隆、性早熟成因与预防和Y-器官的研究提供有价值的数据。     

Nutritional qualities of normal and precocious adult male Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis)

The nutritional values of edible gonad, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues from normal and precocious adult male Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) were investigated herein. The results showed that the average weight and meat yield (MY) of normal crabs were significantly higher than those of precocious crabs, while the hepatopancreas indexes (HSI) and gonadosomatic indexes (GSI) had no significant differences. Precocious and normal crabs had greater protein and lipid contents, respectively, and the differences were mainly reflected in gonads and hepatopancreas. While assessing the amino acid profiles, both precocious and normal crabs could be high‐quality protein sources, particularly the precocious crabs which showed higher levels of essential amino acids. In fatty acid profiling experiments, precocious crabs revealed higher EPA, ∑n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and ∑n‐3/∑n‐6 ratios than normal crabs; however, DHA and ∑n‐6 PUFA contents were considerably lower. Additionally, contents of nutritious minerals K and Ca in precocious crabs were significantly higher than those in normal crabs, while Zn and Fe were significantly lower. In short, our data indicated that precocious Chinese mitten crabs are also a nutritious food, and even in some respects their nutritional value is higher than normal crabs.     

Identification of SNPs in the 5′‐flanking region and 3′‐UTR of the MIH gene and their association with precocity of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

Moult‐inhibiting hormone (MIH), an important regulator of steroidogenesis, inhibits the synthesis of ecdysteroid in Y‐organ (YO) and plays a significant role in the regulation of moulting and post‐embryonic development of crustacean. Because unsuccessful moulting have been widely observed in precocious crabs, we investigated whether genetic variants in the 5′‐flanking region and 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the MIH gene are associated with precocity of the Chinese mitten crab. Thirty individual DNA samples were sequenced to search for SNPs in the 5′‐flanking region and 3′‐UTR of the MIH gene. Five SNPs (g.196 T>A, g.230 C>T, g.305 T>C, g.323 C>A and g.372 C>T) in the 5′‐flanking region and 6 SNPs (g.2677 C>T, g.2759 T>A, g.2807 T>C, g.3042 A>G, g.3088 T>G and g.3295 T>G) in the 3′‐UTR of the MIH gene were selected for the individual genotyping in a two‐stage association study. We found that a SNP g.3088 T>G in the 3′‐UTR of MIH gene was consistently associated with precocity of the Chinese mitten crab in stage 1 and stage 2, with a per‐allele OR (Odds Ratio) of 1.469 (95% CI: 1.169–1.844) after two stages combined (P = 0.001). However, no significant associations were observed between the other 10 SNPs and precocity of the Chinese mitten crab. To our best knowledge, this is the first association study between various SNP genotypes and phenotype attributes in Chinese mitten crab. Our findings suggest that the SNP g.3088 T>G may be a candidate marker for effective marker‐assisted selection to decrease the precocity of the Chinese mitten crab in future studies.     

中华绒螯蟹血淋巴和肝胰腺的总蛋白含量与性早熟的关系

中华绒螯蟹扣蟹性腺发育与肝胰腺和血淋巴的蛋白质浓度相关.性早熟前后,雌雄扣蟹肝胰腺总蛋白浓度分别由(121.17±44.50)mg@g-1和(89.43±21.86)mg@g-1下降至(81.08±5.84)mg@g-1和(70.58±9.90)mg@g-1,雌性扣蟹的肝胰腺占体重的比值也由8.18%降至3.90%.血淋巴总蛋白浓度正常发育的雌性扣蟹为(99.55±12.06)mg@mL-1,明显高于性早熟雌性扣蟹的(72.26±17.87)mg@mL-1;而雄性扣蟹性早熟前后的血淋巴总蛋白浓度无显著差异.肝胰腺总蛋白浓度二秋龄雌蟹高于性早熟雌性扣蟹,但它们之间的血淋巴总蛋白浓度没有显著差异.二秋龄雄蟹的血淋巴和肝胰腺总蛋白浓度与性早熟雄性扣蟹相当,差异不显著.     

Comparative study on the nutrition composition of adult male Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) with different coloured hepatopancreases

High lethality of white hepatopancreas syndrome has caused large economic loss of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Hepatopancreas colour of diseased crabs is gradually lighter, turning from golden yellow to yellow‐white to white. This study investigated composition of conventional nutrients in three edible parts of different coloured hepatopancreases of adult males, including normal yellow hepatopancreas group (Control), yellow‐white hepatopancreas group (YWH) and white hepatopancreas group (WH). No significant differences were observed in tissue indices and total edible yield among three crab types; however, condition factor level in crabs of YWH and WH was significantly lower. Dry matter content was significantly reduced in crabs of WH, especially crude fat level of hepatopancreas in WH males. Levels of all the amino acids of WH crabs in muscles and gonads were significantly lower than that of control. Proportion of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were much lower in hepatopancreas of WH crabs than those of control, while proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids and highly unsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher. Overall, YWH and WH do not affect growth. WH crabs showed poor nutritional quality, and nutritional value of YWH was in the middle as transition state between control and WH.     

Does the wild‐caught Chinese mitten crab megalopae perform better than the hatchery‐produced seed during the juvenile culture?

Although wild Yangtze Eriocheir sinensis juveniles (coin‐sized seed) have better culture performance than the pond‐reared juveniles during the adult crab culture stage, the culture performance of wild‐caught megalopae (WC) remains unknown. Therefore, this study was designed to compare the growth, survival rate, crab yield, feed conversion rate (FCR), precocity, final weight and size distribution between WC and hatchery‐produced megalopae (HP) during the juvenile culture stage. Wild‐caught megalopae had significantly higher body weight, weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) during 0–4 weeks but lower WGR and SGR than HP during 4–8 weeks (p < .05). Although WC had a significantly lower survival rate and yield of normal juvenile crabs than HP, total yields of normal juveniles and precocious crabs were similar. Wild‐caught megalopae had a significantly higher precocious rate and yield of precocious crabs than HP (p < .05). Regardless of sex, no significant differences were found in the gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and final weight of normal juveniles and precocious crabs between WC and HP. As for the size distribution of normal crabs, WC had a higher percentage of small female juveniles (<3 g) but a lower proportion of middle size ranges (3–5.99 g and 6–8.99 g) than HP for females (p < .05), and there was no significant difference for males. In conclusion, wild megalopae of the Yangtze E. sinensis had worse culture performance than the hatchery‐produced seeds; therefore, wild megalopae would not be recommended for commercially juvenile culture of E. sinensis.     

Effect of dietary lipids and vitamin E on growth performance,body composition,anti‐oxidative ability and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila challenge of juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

Vitamin E supplement is important in protecting lipid oxidation and enhancing immunity of aquatic animals. A 10‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary lipid and vitamin E on juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. The experimental diets included three levels of vitamin E (0, 100 and 300 mg kg^?1) and two levels of lipid (6% and 9%). The 9% lipid diet significantly enhanced the body lipid of crabs compared with the 6% lipid diet. The vitamin E concentration of hepatopancreas increased with the increase in vitamin E in the diets regardless of dietary lipid levels. The hepatopancreas fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acid and highly unsaturated fatty acid, were significantly enhanced by vitamin E supplement or 9% dietary lipid. Vitamin E supplement significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities of crabs compared with those fed the diets without vitamin E supplement. The hepatopancreas malondialdehyde of crabs fed 100 mg vitamin E kg^?1 was significantly lower than those fed 0 or 300 mg vitamin E kg^?1. The phenoloxidase activity of crabs fed the 9% lipid diet was significantly higher than those fed 6% lipid, irrespective of vitamin E levels. Vitamin E supplementation increased the bacterial resistance of juvenile crab. This study indicates that dietary lipid and vitamin E supplement do not affect crab growth and survival, but vitatmin E supplement at 100 mg kg^?1 can enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity of crab fed 6% or 9% dietary lipids.     

伊乐藻对中华绒螯蟹生长和营养品质的影响

本研究分析了有伊乐藻(Elodea nuttallii)组和对照组(无伊乐藻)中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)在生长、肌肉氨基酸和脂肪酸组成等方面的差异,探讨伊乐藻对中华绒螯蟹生长和营养品质的影响。结果显示,有伊乐藻组中华绒螯蟹体重、壳长和壳宽增长率与肥满度均显著高于无伊乐藻组(P0.05),但肝胰腺指数和性腺指数差异不显著(P0.05)。伊乐藻组中华绒螯蟹肌肉的氨基酸总量、必需氨基酸和鲜味氨基酸含量均显著高于无伊乐藻组(P0.05);伊乐藻组的雌蟹肝胰腺中的鲜味氨基酸含量也显著高于无伊乐藻组(P0.05),而伊乐藻组和无伊乐藻组的雄蟹肝胰腺氨基酸含量差异不显著(P0.05)。伊乐藻组和无伊乐藻组的中华绒螯蟹肌肉脂肪酸组成和含量差异不显著(P0.05),但伊乐藻组中华绒螯蟹的肝胰腺饱和脂肪酸(SFA)、单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)和多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)含量均显著高于无伊乐藻组(P0.05)。综上所述,伊乐藻不仅有利于中华绒螯蟹的生长,而且能改善中华绒螯蟹的营养品质。     

中华绒螯蟹大颚器激素生物合成与性早熟的关系

运用放射化学方法跟踪测定中华绒螯蟹早熟个体和正常发育个体的大颚器合成和分泌的激素-甲基法尼酯(methyl farnesoate，MF)，发现早熟雌、雄蟹当年9月的MF合成速率约为正常蟹的2倍，早熟蟹的MF在当年秋季(10月或11月)均达到峰值，之后：MF合成速率显著降低，而成熟系数继续升高。正常发育的雌、雄幼蟹，当年至翌年4月的MF合成速率始终维持较低水平，翌年6月开始，MF合成速率迅速增大，至翌年10月的MF合成速率已超过早熟蟹的峰值，11月的MF合成速率明显降低，性腺发育至Ⅳ期末。研究结果表明：早熟蟹大颚器的提早发育，大量合成和分泌促性腺激素-MF，刺激卵巢或精巢发育成熟是导致性早熟的内分泌因素。     

性早熟中华绒螯蟹肝胰腺与性腺的酸性和碱性磷酸酶活性

采用磷酸苯二钠法在520nm波长测定了未成熟、早熟和正常成熟中华绒螯蟹肝胰腺与性腺中的酸性磷酸酶（ACP）和碱性磷酸酶（ALP）。结果表明：（1）各组蟹肝胰腺ACP和ALP活性都显著高于性腺；（2）早熟蟹肝胰腺中ACP活性都显著高于未成熟蟹而低于正常成熟蟹，在各发育阶段没有性别差异，但是，早熟雌蟹和正常成熟雌蟹卵巢中ACP活性都较早熟雄蟹和正常雄蟹精巢低，早熟与正常成熟个体没有差异；（3）早熟雌蟹肝胰腺ALP活性显著高于未成熟和正常成熟雌蟹，而与三组雄蟹处于同一水平，但是，早熟和正常成熟雌雄蟹的性腺中ALP活性没有显著差异。由此得出结论：（1）性腺发育所需营养物质的动员或合成主要与肝胰腺ACP有关；（2）性早熟的发生与肝胰腺中ACP和ALP活性的显著升高有关。     

磷脂和HUFA对中华绒螯蟹幼蟹存活、生长、蜕壳及生化组成的影响

实验用中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)幼蟹初始体质量为1.8 g左右。饲料A添加6%鳕鱼肝油和4%大豆卵鳞脂(饲料含4.53%磷脂和1.08%HUFA), 饲料B添加10%的猪油(饲料含0.39%磷脂和0.18%HUFA); 实验蟹单个体饲养(可防止蜕壳期间蟹相互残杀而获得饲料外的营养源), 雌蟹(F)、雄蟹(M)各60个, 实验周期120 d。结果表明: 两组饲料条件下, 幼蟹的存活率、增重率、特定生长率、平均蜕壳次数、蜕壳间隔时间及肝胰腺指数均无显著差异(P>0.05)。但无论是雌蟹还是雄蟹, A组幼蟹肝胰腺和肌肉的总脂含量显著低于B组(P<0.05), 并且A组蟹肝胰腺和肌肉中磷脂、多不饱和脂肪酸和高度不饱和脂肪酸的含量显著高于B组(P<0.05)。这表明, 在中华绒螯蟹幼蟹饲料中添加4.53%磷脂和1.08%HUFA对其存活、生长、蜕壳无显著影响, 但可使其肝胰腺和肌肉中的总脂含量降低, 而磷脂、多不饱和脂肪酸和高度不饱和脂肪酸的含量升高。本研究结果旨在为中华绒螯蟹幼蟹的营养学研究提供理论依据, 同时也为生产上幼蟹饲料的开发提供参考。     

Development of In situ hybridization and real‐time PCR assays for the detection of Hepatospora eriocheir,a microsporidian pathogen in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

A microsporidian parasite, Hepatospora eriocheir, is an emerging pathogen for the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. Currently, there is scant information about the way it transmits infection in the crustacean of commercial importance, including its pathogenesis, propagation and infection route in vivo. In this study, chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) assays were developed to address this pressing need, and we provided an advance in the detection methods available. Pathogens can be seen in situ with associated lesions using ISH. Positive hybridization signals were noted inside the epithelial cells of the hepatopancreas, and putative free parasite spores were observed within the tubule lumen, which were associated with lesions detected by electron microscopy and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) analysis. qPCR allows the determination of parasite loads in infected tissues, which is important for understanding disease progression and transmission. The hepatopancreas displayed the biggest statistical copy numbers among different tissues of infected crabs, confirming a tissue‐specific pathogen infection characteristic. The qPCR assay also proved to be suitable for the diagnosis of asymptomatic carrier crabs. Combination of the two methods could facilitate the study of H. eriocheir infection mechanism in E. sinensis, enhance the early diagnosis of the pathogen and improve the management of microsporidian diseases in commercial crustaceans.     

Effect of dietary lipid source and vitamin E on growth,non‐specific immune response and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila challenge of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

Six purified diets were formulated to contain three lipid sources, fish oil (FO), linseed oil (LO) and soybean oil (SO), at 6% diet lipid crossing two levels of vitamin E (100 and 300 mg α‐tocopheryl acetate/kg diet) for each lipid source (FO100, FO300, LO100, LO300, SO100, SO300). The juvenile Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, respectively, fed on these diets with four replicates for 6 weeks. The crab weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly affected by dietary lipid sources. No difference was found between the crabs fed two levels of vitamin E, but the WG and SGR were numerically higher in crab fed 300 mg/kg vitamin E than those fed the other level of vitamin E. The lipid source and vitamin E level could affect fatty acid composition in the hepatopancreas. The contents of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) and n‐3HUFA were significantly higher in the crab‐fed fish oil. The highest contents of n‐6PUFA and n‐3PUFA were found in the crab‐fed soybean oil and linseed oil respectively. The contents of SAFA, n‐3HUFA and n‐3PUFA were higher in the 300 mg/kg vitamin E treatment. A lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content and higher phenoloxidase (PO) activity were observed in the crab fed 300 mg/kg vitamin E. The results of this study indicate that the Chinese mitten crab fed the diet with 6% fish oil and 300 mg/kg vitamin E showed better growth, antioxidant capacity and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila.     

全程投喂配合饲料条件下池养中华绒螯蟹的生长性能及其性腺发育

于2012年5月至2013年11月,对池养中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)全程投喂配合饲料,观测扣蟹和成蟹阶段的生长规律、成活率、早熟率、性腺发育速度、产量、规格分布和饲料系数等。结果表明:(1)扣蟹阶段雌雄生长差异不显著(P0.05),增重率(WG)和特定增长率(SGR)为先上升后下降,整个扣蟹培育阶段的平均SGR为1.9%/d左右;平均成活率和早熟率分别为10.0%和4.9%,雌体的早熟率显著高于雄体(P0.05);一龄早熟蟹和正常扣蟹的平均体重分别为19.8 g和7.5 g左右,一龄早熟蟹和正常扣蟹的平均产量分别为229 kg/hm~2和2433 kg/hm~2;扣蟹培育阶段饲料投喂主要发生在7—10月,占全部饲料用量的80%以上,饲料投喂量与扣蟹体重及池塘水温具有一定的关系,扣蟹阶段饲料系数(FCR)为2.15。(2)成蟹养殖过程中,自6月份起雄体体重大于雌体,整个养殖阶段雄体的SGR显著高于雌体(P0.05);雌雄成蟹最终平均体重分别为126.1 g和181.1 g,雌、雄及总体成活率分别为61.30%、53.47%和58.4%,产量分别为412.20 kg/hm~2、536.10 kg/hm~2和950 kg/hm~2;成蟹养殖的饲料消耗主要发生在7—10月,其中育肥前期(9—11月)的饲料用量占50%左右,整个成蟹养殖阶段的FCR为2.63。(3)池养成蟹的生殖蜕壳主要发生在8—9月,雌体比雄体早20 d左右;雌体的性腺发育主要发生在生殖蜕壳后的9—10月,雄体的性腺发育时间跨度较长,生殖蜕壳前性腺指数已达0.8%左右;雌雄成蟹性腺发育期间肝胰腺指数均呈下降趋势。综上,全程投喂配合饲料能保证池养中华绒螯蟹的正常生长发育,可大规模推广应用于中华绒螯蟹养殖产业。     

中华绒螯蟹外骨骼矿化期肝胰腺脂代谢与钙离子的相关性

外骨骼矿化不仅是甲壳动物蜕壳过程中的关键环节,而且还关系到甲壳动物蜕壳后的成活和生产效益。虽然已经知道外骨骼矿化期虾蟹类体内钙离子及营养物质发生了变化,但外骨骼矿化期虾蟹类脂代谢特点及与钙离子的关系还未知。因此,本研究以中华绒螯蟹为研究对象,选择蜕壳前期(Premolt stage, D期)和蜕壳后期(Postmolt stage, A-B期)实验蟹各6只,比较两个时期不同组织离子和营养物质变化情况,并进一步通过转录组学分析肝胰腺中营养物质代谢特点。结果表明,蜕壳后期肝胰腺和血淋巴钙离子含量显著降低(P < 0.05),而蜕壳后期附肢肌肉中钙离子的含量则显著升高(P < 0.05),蜕壳后期肝胰腺中钙磷比极显著降低(P < 0.001),附肢肌肉钙磷比与之呈相反的趋势。与蜕壳前期相比,蜕壳后期肝胰腺蛋白质和葡萄糖含量均无显著变化(P > 0.05),而肝胰腺中甘油三酯含量则极显著降低(P < 0.001),肝胰腺甘油三酯和钙离子呈极显著的相关性(P < 0.001)。通过转录组学分析,发现肝胰腺脂代谢相关差异基因113个,89个为上调基因,24个为下调基因。这些差异基因主要富集在类固醇激素合成、甘油酯代谢、脂肪酸分解代谢、甘油磷脂代谢和亚油酸代谢。综上可知,中华绒螯蟹外骨骼矿化过程中,肝胰腺中储存的钙离子被运送至肌肉组织用于新表皮的矿化,该过程和肝胰腺甘油三酯相关;甘油三酯可能被分解为外骨骼矿化提供了能量或者物质基础,以及参与类固醇类激素的合成作用于外骨骼的矿化。