Molecular and immune response characterizations of a novel Bax inhibitor-1 gene in pufferfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Takifugu obscurus</Emphasis>

Apoptosis plays a crucial role in many biological processes, including development, cellular homeostasis, and immune responses. Bax inhibitor-1 (BI-1) is an anti-apoptotic protein that protects cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis. In this study, a BI-1 gene from the pufferfish Takifugu obscurus (Pf-BI-1) was identified and characterized. The full length of Pf-BI-1 cDNA was 1387 bp, including a 5′-UTR of 82 bp, a 3′-UTR of 591 bp containing a poly-(A) tail, and an open reading frame (ORF) of 714 bp that encodes a polypeptide of 237 amino acids. Pf-BI-1 was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, with the highest expression levels in the blood, brain, and gill. The expression of Pf-BI-1 was up-regulated in a time-dependent manner after heat shock stress, ammonia stress, and bacterial challenge. Intracellular localization revealed that Pf-BI-1 was primarily localized in the cell cytoplasm. Furthermore, over-expression of Pf-BI-1 could active NF-кB reporter genes in HeLa cells. These results indicated that Pf-BI-1 may be involved in the apoptosis and immunity process against ambient stressors in pufferfish.     

Molecular cloning and expression of the heat shock protein 70 gene in the Kumamoto oyster <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crassostrea sikamea</Emphasis>

Episodes of summer mortality of the Kumamoto oyster Crassostrea sikamea are a major problem for its cultivation. Expression of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is induced by various environmental stresses, including heat. We cloned and sequenced hsp70 complementary DNA from C. sikamea to investigate the relationship between hsp70 expression and heat tolerance in this oyster. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed using gill tissue dissected from oysters before and after heat shock for 1 h. The results showed hsp70 expression was faster and greater in oysters cultured at 20–22 °C than at 10–12 °C, and survival was lower among oysters cultured at 20–22 °C than at 10–12 °C. Moreover, heat tolerance was investigated by a 1-h pre-heat treatment, followed by exposure to heat shock conditions 5 days later. Survival was higher and hsp70 expression was notably lower in oysters that received the pre-heat treatment compared with those that did not. We conclude that a pre-heat treatment of only 1 h may be useful for inducing heat tolerance in C. sikamea, and that a low level of hsp70 expression after heat shock is an important index in selecting for high heat tolerance in these oysters.     

New type of heat shock protein 70 homologue gene abounds in the genomic sequence of kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a group of highly conserved molecular chaperones. Shrimp HSPs have recently been a topic of increasing interest because of their roles in shrimp immunity and homeostasis. In penaeid shrimp, HSP70s and the cognate forms, heat shock cognate (HSC) 70s, have been reported, but their responses towards various stimulations are different. We found a novel type HSP70 (MjHSP70-2) from the hyperexpansion of the large segmental duplication that is present in kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus, which shows about 60 % identity with reported shrimp HSP70s. In a phylogenetic tree, MjHSP70-2 formed a sister clade with eukaryote HSP70 family while MjHSP70 was located close to the shrimp HSP70 and HSC70 group. MjHSP70-2 gene expression was not significantly increased by heat shock or pathogen challenge by Vibrio penaeicida, but it was significantly increased by infection with white spot syndrome virus. In contrast, MjHSP70 gene expression was increased by heat shock but decreased by infection with V. penaeicida. The kuruma shrimp genome was found to have 400-fold more copies of the MjHSP70-2 gene than the putative single-copy gene transglutaminase. In conclusion, our results reveal the presence of a novel type HSP70 gene, HSP70-2, from kuruma shrimp. There are multiple forms of HSP70 in crustaceans, and these HSP70s behave differently under various stressors.     

Effects of cold acclimation on the survival,feeding rate,and non-specific immune responses of the freshwater red claw crayfish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cherax quadricarinatus</Emphasis>)

The effect of cold acclimation on growth performance, non-specific immune responses, and expression level of HSP21 and CSP gene were studied in red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) using a 4-week stress trial. We set a four-temperature gradient, with water temperatures of 25, 20, 15, and 9 °C, respectively. With the gradual decrease of temperature, the survival rate, feeding rate, and hepatopancreas index (HIS) of the red claw crayfish showed a decreasing trend. Decreased total hemocyte count (THC) and hemocyanin concentration were observed when water temperature decreased. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph all gradually declined with decreasing temperatures and then significantly lowered at 9 °C compared with those at 25 °C. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in these two tissues showed in the opposite trend, indicating that they may have different regulation mechanisms. A gradual increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was detected in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph when the temperature decreased. Low temperature stress also affected the expression of heat shock proteins 21(HSP21) and cold shock domain protein (CSP). These results indicate that cold acclimation may induce oxidative stress on the crayfish and then cause oxidative damage and hemocyte apoptosis, as well as immunosuppression in Cherax quadricarinatus, which may finally affect the growth and survival of Cherax quadricarinatus.     

Evaluation of potential probiotics isolated from saline tilapia in shrimp aquaculture

Integration of tilapia to shrimp culture is currently being practiced to minimize the growth of pathogenic luminous bacteria. The microorganisms that are associated in tilapia may contribute to the inhibition of the growth of Vibrio harveyi through the production of secondary metabolites. In this study, two Bacillus strains (MJA1.1, MJA2.1) isolated from mucus of tilapia were evaluated for their possible application in shrimp culture. The inhibitory property of these isolates against V. harveyi was determined in vitro using co-culture assay in a liquid medium. Also qualitative extracellular enzyme assay was conducted to assess whether the bacterial isolates produce extracellular enzymes. Furthermore, the potential use of these isolates as shrimp feed additive was tested. Thereafter, shrimps were exposed to lethal dose of ammonia (140 mg l^?1) to test the effects of the isolates in vivo. The results showed that in vitro co-culture assay after 72 h caused a significant decline in the population of V. harveyi in treatments with potential probiotic isolates. Both isolates showed protease, amylase, and cellulase activities. Although no significant difference was observed in growth, survival was significantly higher in shrimp fed with diets added with either of the isolates. The shrimp exposed to lethal dose of ammonia demonstrated better survival when supplemented with the probionts compared to the control group. Thus, the efficiency of the isolates in inhibiting V. harveyi population and the improvement of survival and resistance of cultured shrimp to ammonia stress indicate their potential as probionts for shrimp culture.     

斑节对虾天门冬氨酸转氨酶基因的克隆及氨氮胁迫条件下的表达分析

为了探索天门冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)在斑节对虾(Penaeus monodon)氨氮(NH3-N)解毒代谢中的作用,该研究利用RACE技术获得了斑节对虾AST基因(PmAST)的cDNA全长序列,进行了相关生物信息学分析,在此基础上采用荧光定量与氨氮胁迫实验的方法研究了PmAST基因在斑节对虾的不同组织以及不同浓度氨氮胁迫过程中差异表达情况。该序列全长1 957 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)为1 242 bp,3'非编码区(UTR)为584 bp,包括含有30个碱基的poly(A)尾,5'非编码区(UTR)为131 bp。ORF可编码413个氨基酸,预测分子量为45.852 kD,理论等电点为8.85。序列含有1个AAT-like超家族结构域、15个磷酸化位点和2个糖基化位点。PmAST的mRNA在斑节对虾各组织中都有表达,在肝胰腺中表达量最高,其次为鳃组织,在胃和脑组织中的表达量最低。96 h氨氮胁迫后荧光定量PCR分析结果表明,PmAST在肝胰腺和鳃组织中都具有不同程度的表达上调,显著高于对照组(P0.05)。研究结果表明斑节对虾的PmAST基因在氨氮胁迫条件下会出现表达上调,并且氨氮浓度越高其上调幅度也越大,所以PmAST参与了斑节对虾的急性氨氮胁迫应答。     

Effect of nitrite exposure on oxygen-carrying capacity and gene expression of <Emphasis Type="Italic">NF-κB</Emphasis>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">HIF-1α</Emphasis> pathway in gill of bighead carp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aristichthys nobilis</Emphasis>)

Nitrite (NO₂^?) contamination of water can severely impact the health of aquatic life and is a major concern for commercial aquaculture. In order to study the effect of nitrite on Aristichthys nobilis, we investigated the oxygen-carrying capacity, NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway, and the gill tissue structure under nitrite stress. In the current study, bighead carp (initial weight 180.05?±?0.092 g) were exposed to nitrite (48.634 mg/L) for 96 h and then for 96 h recovery test. After nitrite exposure for 6 h, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA expression increased significantly in the gill of bighead carp (P?<?0.05). After nitrite exposure for 12 h, hemoglobin (Hb) and methemoglobin reductase (MHBR) content in blood decreased significantly (P?<?0.05); TLR4 mRNA expression increased significantly (P?<?0.05). After nitrite exposure for 24 h, methemoglobin (MetHb) content increased significantly (P?<?0.05). After recovery test, all the indicators except TLR4 mRNA expression level recovered to initial level. In conclusion, nitrite exposure can affect hemoglobin dynamics, as oxidization of nitrite by hemoglobin results in the reduction of Hb to MetHb leading to hypoxia and nitrite exposure can also result into gill tissue damage. In the face of nitrite exposure, NF-κB and HIF-1α mRNA expression level increased immediately to protect the body from oxidative damage and eased hypoxic condition caused by nitrite. It was also observed that nitrite damage is recoverable in Aristichthys nobilis, but it may be need more than 96 h.     

pH、氨氮胁迫对中国对虾HSP90基因表达的影响

研究了pH、氨氮胁迫对中国对虾Fenneropenaeus chinensis血细胞、肝胰腺、鳃和肌肉组织HSP90基因时空表达的影响.分别将中国对虾暴露于pH7.0、9.0的水体中148h和不同氨氮浓度的水体中96h,结果表明,pH（7.0,9.0）胁迫条件下中国对虾鳃、肌肉和血细胞HSP90基因表达均上调,肝胰腺HSP90基因表达对两种pH胁迫差异明显：pH7.0胁迫条件下,HSP90基因表达3h达峰值后明显降低;pH 9.0胁迫时,HSP90基因表达水平逐渐升高,整个胁迫过程中均显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）,说明中国对虾肝胰腺组织是高pH胁迫的响应器官.6mg/L氨氮浓度组鳃和肌肉组织HSP90基因表达水平24h达最高值,分别为对照组的5.46和1.55倍;各胁迫组肝胰腺和血细胞HSP90基因表达水平分别于6h和48h达到最高值,为对照组的1.33～2.08倍和2.20～5.45倍.肝胰腺组织对氨氮胁迫表现敏感,短时间内（6h）通过上调HSP90基因表达水平保护细胞;鳃组织HSP90基因表达波动范围最大,说明鳃组织需要更高表达量的HSP90保护细胞.当氨氮浓度持续48～96h维持在2～6mg/L,各组织HSP90基因表达水平显著降低.     

碱胁迫下罗非鱼鳃氨转运蛋白Rh基因的表达

为研究碱环境下广盐性鱼类氨转运途径,将尼罗罗非鱼同时进行急性碱度胁迫(2、4、6 g/L)和慢性碱度胁迫,检测胁迫后120 h内的血氨浓度与鳃组织中Rhag、Rhbg、Rhcg1和Rhcg2基因mRNA表达变化,并采用免疫组化技术观察鳃组织中Rh蛋白的阳性反应。结果表明,急性碱度胁迫下,血氨浓度在12 h内快速升高到达峰值,4种Rh基因表达量升高,并于24 h到达峰值;慢性碱胁迫组由于碱度不断升高,血氨浓度呈波动状态,4种Rh基因的表达量均维持在较高表达水平,表明几种Rh蛋白均可能参与血氨浓度调节。胁迫24 h,Rhcg1基因的表达量显著高于其他3种基因。免疫组化结果表明,急性与慢性胁迫组中Rhag、Rhbg和Rhcg在鳃组织中均发现阳性反应,且随碱度升高,阳性反应增强。本研究表明,在碱胁迫环境下,尼罗罗非鱼会增强Rh基因与蛋白表达量参与氨转运过程。     

Assessment of AquaMats for removing ammonia in intensive commercial Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei aquaculture systems

AquaMats are high surface–area polymer filters whose use produces higher yields with reduced health risks for the aquaculture product. We used AquaMats in pilot-scale systems and in intensive commercial Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei production systems to stabilize and improve water quality by removing ammonia. In the pilot-scale systems, evaluation of the effects of temperature and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on ammonia removal rate indicated that the surface total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) conversion rate (STR, mg TAN/m²-day) increased with increasing temperature and decreasing HRT. The highest STR of 319.8 mg TAN/m²-day was observed at a temperature of 30 °C and a HRT of 5 min. In the commercial shrimp production systems, ammonia levels were significantly greater in the control systems (without AquaMats) than in the treatment systems (with AquaMats) after 6 days (P < 0.05). Results suggested that eight 150 cm × 90 cm pieces of AquaMats (0.057 m² surface area per m³ culture volume) were sufficient for promoting nitrification in this system. The growth rate of juvenile shrimp was most enhanced in treatment C (with 12 pieces of AquaMats, 0.085 m²/m³), which exhibited a significant decrease in ammonia.     

高碳酸盐碱胁迫对尼罗罗非鱼氨代谢基因表达变化的影响

为了解尼罗罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)在碱环境适应过程中氨代谢调节途径,本研究选取了5个氨代谢相关酶:谷氨酰胺合成酶(glutamine synthetase,GS)、碳酸酐酶5A(carbonic anhydrase 5A,CA-5A)、谷氨酰胺酶(glutaminase 2,GLS2)、氨甲酰磷酸合成酶(carbamyl phosphate synthetase 1,CPS1)、氨转运蛋白(ammonium transporter Rh type C-2 like,Rhcgl2),研究了急性碳酸盐碱度胁迫条件下,尼罗罗非鱼血氨浓度变化、氨代谢相关酶基因表达水平及其酶活性变化。结果表明,随碳酸盐碱胁迫浓度升高,尼罗罗非鱼血氨浓度上升,随时间推移呈先上升后下降的变化趋势,在胁迫后12 h达到峰值。氨代谢相关基因在不同碱度下、不同组织中均有不同程度的上调表达,随着胁迫时间推移呈先上升后下降的变化趋势,胁迫后12~24 h各基因表达水平显著升高,随后逐渐恢复到稳定水平;氨代谢相关基因具有一定的组织表达差异:氨转运蛋白基因(Rhcgl2)主要在鳃中表达,碳酸酐酶5A基因(CA-5A)、谷氨酰胺合成酶基因(GS)、氨甲酰磷酸合成酶基因(CPS1)主要在肝中表达,谷氨酰胺酶基因(GLS2)主要在肾和鳃中表达。碳酸酐酶和谷氨酰胺合成酶活性随胁迫碱度的升高而上升,碳酸酐酶、谷氨酰胺合成酶活性变化分别在鳃、肝中最为显著。研究结果表明,碳酸盐碱度胁迫会引起尼罗罗非鱼血氨水平升高,随着时间推移血氨水平下降,推测鳃、肝、肾中不同氨代谢基因共同参与调节氨代谢,在鳃中通过直接排氨,在肝中通过合成谷氨酰胺、尿素途径,共同调节降低血氨水平。     

Effect of heat stress and recovery on viability,oxidative damage,and heat shock protein expression in hepatic cells of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

In this study, we investigated the effects of hyperthermia and recovery on cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and heat shock protein (HSP60, 70, and 90) mRNA expression in the hepatic cells of the grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus. Triplicate groups of cultured cells were exposed to 30, 32, or 34 °C for 0.5 h and then immediately incubated at 27 °C in 5 % CO₂ for 6, 12, 24, or 48 h. Hyperthermia stress greatly reduced cell viability and increased LDH release. Cell damage declined after recovery. Hyperthermia stress increased the lipid peroxide levels and reduced the antioxidant capacity (e.g., reduced SOD and T-AOC) of the cells. However, oxidative damage declined as the recovery period increased, and the levels of MDA, SOD, and T-AOC were restored. After cells were exposed to 32 °C, the expression of HSP60 after recovery for 1, 2, and 4 h (P < 0.05), the expression of HSP70 after recovery for 0.5 and 1 h (P < 0.01), and the expression of HSP90 throughout recovery were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the prestress levels. During the recovery period, the variations in HSP gene expression reflected the transition period from a state of cellular growth to one of the cellular repairs. In conclusion, hyperthermia depresses cell viability, induces oxidative damage, and increases HSP expression, which plays an important role during hyperthermic stress in grass carp hepatic cells.     

氨氮胁迫对锦绣龙虾代谢酶和抗氧化酶活力的影响

为了研究急性氨氮胁迫对锦绣龙虾(Panulirus ornatus)抗氧化系统及氨氮代谢机制的影响,通过设置对照[(0.24±0.07)mg/L]、低浓度[(1.04±0.08)mg/L]、中浓度[(9.75±0.21)mg/L]和高浓度[(19.87±0.46)mg/L]氨氮胁迫方法对锦绣龙虾进行48 h急性实验,测...     

斑节对虾谷氨酸脱氢酶基因的克隆及氨氮胁迫对其时空表达的影响

采用cDNA末端快速扩增技术(rapid amplification of cDNA ends, RACE)获得了斑节对虾(Penaeus monodon)谷氨酸脱氢酶基因(PmGDH)的cDNA序列。该序列全长2386 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)为1677 bp,3?非编码区(UTR)为688 bp,包括含有27个碱基的poly(A)尾,5?非编码区(UTR)为21 bp。ORF可编码558个氨基酸,预测分子量为61.837 kD,理论等电点为6.57。序列含有ELFV dehydrog N与NAD bind 1 Glu DH两个保守结构域,37个磷酸化位点,3个糖基化位点。通过同源性、相似性以及系统进化树分析,斑节对虾的GDH基因与凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)GDH基因的同源性和相似性最高,并与其聚为一支。采用荧光定量的方法研究了PmGDH基因在斑节对虾不同组织、氨氮胁迫过程中差异表达情况。结果表明, PmGDH的mRNA在各组织中都有表达,其中,在肌肉组织中表达量最高,其次为眼柄神经,在血淋巴与肠组织中表达量最低。96 h氨氮胁迫后,荧光定量PCR分析结果表明PmGDH在肝胰腺和鳃组织中的表达与对照组相比都具有显著差异(P<0.05),都具有不同程度的表达上调。表明PmGDH在氨氮代谢方面具有重要的作用,参与了斑节对虾机体的急性氨氮胁迫应答反应。     

The induction of Hsp70 synthesis by non‐lethal heat shock confers thermotolerance and resistance to lethal ammonia stress in the common carp,Cyprinus carpio (Linn)

Exposure to heat‐shock protein (Hsp) stimulating factors induces Hsp accumulation and confers tolerance to lethal ammonia stress on the common carp Cyprinus carpio. This study investigated whether a non‐lethal heat shock bestowed similar protective effects against ammonia and induced thermotolerance, both thought to be rendered by increased amounts of Hsps. The 30‐min lethal temperature (30 min LHT) and 1‐h lethal ammonia concentration (1 h LCT) for this species occurred at 41°C and 14.2 mg/L NH₃ respectively. Heating juvenile carp (5 cm) from 28°C to 32, 34 and 38°C, with a subsequent 8‐h recovery period augmented tolerance to lethal heat and ammonia perturbation by two to threefold as compared with animals held at 28°C. Protection occurred in conjunction with Hsp70 accumulation in gills, substantiating the role of this Hsp in enhancing the stress tolerance of common carp.     

Retention efficiency and release of nutrients in the digestive tract of larval shrimp (Penaeus japonicus Bate) using different microencapsulated diets

Retention efficiency and release of the nutrients in the digestive tract of larval shrimp (Penaeus japonicus) using the diets microencapsulated with gelatin and ethyl cellulose respectively were evaluated. The microencapsulated diets were produced using the fluidized bed coating process. 7.8 % gelatin and 4.2 % ethyl cellulose to the whole microencapsulated diet were respectively adopted as coating material. After immersion in 35 ‰ NaCl solution for 1 h, the nitrogen retention efficiency was significantly lower in the diet microencapsulated with gelatin compared with the diet microencapsulated with ethyl cellulose. Free amino acid retention efficiency of the diet microencapsulated with gelatin and ethyl cellulose was 12.9, 17.2 %, respectively. The mysis II larval shrimp (P. japonicus) 10 days after hatch were fed two different microencapsulated diets for 20 days and grew significantly more than the control larval shrimp fed with Artemia and shrimp flake. The nutrient components in intermediate intestine of larval shrimp were increased gradually in the order of the control (50 % shrimp flake + 50 % Artemia), Group I (50 % diet microencapsulated with gelatin + 25 % shrimp flake +25 % Artemia), Group II (100 % diet microencapsulated with gelatin), and Group III (100 % diet microencapsulated with ethyl cellulose). This study confirmed that the microencapsulated diets with slow and controlled release characteristic in the digestive tract of the larval shrimp (P. japonicus).     

Modulatory role of L-carnitine against microcystin-LR-induced immunotoxicity and oxidative stress in common carp

Microcystin-LR (MCLR), one of the most popular microcystins (MCs) found in many field water bodies around the world, poses great health risks to animals and humans. In the present study, healthy common carp (initial weight 24.8 ± 2.3 g) were randomly assigned to five groups. Group I was fed on normal diet as control. Group II was maintained on normal diet and received MCLR intraperitoneal injection (150 μg kg^?1 BW). Common carp in groups III, IV, and V were daily pretreated with L-carnitine (LC) at doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g kg^?1 of the diet for 4 weeks prior to MCLR intraperitoneal injection. The results showed that MCLR alone led to a significant downregulation in immune response, including serum complement C3, lysozyme, and bactericidal activity. However, oxidative stress response: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were significantly increased. Similarly, gene expressions of inflammatory IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN I, and heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP90) were also upregulated after challenged with MCLR. However, LC pretreated group caused a significant elevation in immune response (C3, lysozyme, and bactericidal activity) and gene expressions of inflammatory IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN I, and heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP90) after MCLR stress. Antioxidant activities (CAT, SOD, GSH, GPx, and LPO) were returned to background levels at 96 h after MCLR challenge. Strikingly, LC supplementation at 2.0 g kg^?1 has been considered the optimum for common carp since it exhibited enhancement of immune response and antioxidant activity over the level 0.5 and 1.0 g kg^?1, and even better than that of control level. It was concluded that LC as a functional feed additive significantly inhibited the progression of MCLR-induced immunotoxicity and oxidative stress in common carp.     

Dietary supplementation of curcumin augments heat stress tolerance through upregulation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">nrf-2</Emphasis>-mediated antioxidative enzymes and <Emphasis Type="Italic">hsps</Emphasis> in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Puntius sophore</Emphasis>

Heat stress is one of the major environmental concerns in global warming regime and rising temperature has resulted in mass mortalities of animals including fishes. Therefore, strategies for high temperature stress tolerance and ameliorating the effects of heat stress are being looked for. In an earlier study, we reported that Nrf-2 (nuclear factor E2-related factor 2) mediated upregulation of antioxidative enzymes and heat shock proteins (Hsps) provide survivability to fish under heat stress. In this study, we have evaluated the ameliorative potential of dietary curcumin, a potential Nrf-2 inducer in heat stressed cyprinid Puntius sophore. Fishes were fed with diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% curcumin at the rate 2% of body weight daily in three separate groups (n = 40 in each group) for 60 days. Fishes fed with basal diet (without curcumin) served as the control (n = 40). Critical thermal maxima (CTmax) was determined for all the groups (n = 10, in duplicates) after the feeding trial. Significant increase in the CTmax was observed in the group fed with 1.5% curcumin- supplemented fishes whereas it remained similar in groups fed with 0.5%, and 1% curcumin-supplemented diet, as compared to control. To understand the molecular mechanism of elevated thermotolerance in the 1.5% curcumin supplemented group, fishes were given a sub-lethal heat shock treatment (36 °C) for 6 h and expression analysis of nrf-2, keap-1, sod, catalase, gpx, and hsp27, hsp60, hsp70, hsp90, and hsp110 was carried out using RT-PCR. In the gill, expression of nrf-2, sod, catalase, gpx, and hsp60, hsp70, hsp90, and hsp110 was found to be elevated in the 1.5% curcumin-fed heat-shocked group compared to control and the basal diet-fed, heat-shocked fishes. Similarly, in the liver, upregulation in expression of nrf-2, sod, catalase, and hsp70 and hsp110 was observed in 1.5% curcumin supplemented and heat shocked group. Thus, this study showed that supplementation of curcumin augments tolerance to high temperature stress in P. sophore that could be attributed to nrf-2-induced upregulation of antioxidative enzymes sod, catalase, gpx, and the hsps.