Effects of Glycyrrhizic Acid on growth performance and hepato-intestinal health of American bullfrogs (Aquarana catesbeiana)

ABSTRACT:

High-density aquaculture of the American bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana) frequently result in hepatic lipid accumulation and intestinal damage. This study investigated the effects of Glycyrrhizic Acid (GA) supplementation in feed of bullfrogs on the growth performance and hepato-intestinal health. A total of 1500 juvenile bullfrogs were randomly assigned to five dietary groups, receiving diets supplemented with 0g/kg (GA0), 0.3g/kg (GA1), 1.5g/kg (GA2), 3g/kg (GA3), and 5g/kg (GA4) Glycyrrhizic Acid over a 35-day period. Our findings revealed that GA supplementation significantly enhanced the weight gain and survival rates of bullfrogs, while exerting beneficial effects on their hepato-intestinal health. In the intestine, GA improved morphology and bolstered barrier function, as indicated by increased villus height, goblet cell density, and upregulation of the expression of tight junction protein genes (zo-1,zo-2,zo-3, occludin and claudin-7). In the liver, GA bolstered antioxidant capacity, evidenced by elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD,CAT,GSH-Px) and reduced levels of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA). Histological assessments also showed that GA supplementation diminished the number and size of hepatic lipid droplets, effectively mitigating hepatic lipid deposition. Molecularly, this corresponded with downregulated lipogenic genes (acc1,pparγ) and the upregulated lipolytic gene (atgl). Notably, these positive effects generally increased with GA levels up to a peak at 1.5g/kg (GA2) before declining. This research offers a scientific foundation for utilizing GA as a functional feed additive in bullfrog aquaculture, potentially improving growth, feed efficiency, and overall health.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - reverse phase, Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - reverse phase

PROVIDER: MTBLS13033 | MetaboLights | 2026-04-01

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights