BTN News: Biomarkers, according to the World Health Organization, measure how a biological system interacts with the environment. These biomarkers are important for understanding the nutritional, physical, and overall health of fish. In aquaculture, researchers from CIIMAR at the University of Porto, led by PhD student Joana Oliveira, have done a detailed review of these biomarkers. Their study aims to give a clear understanding of the biomarkers used in fish farming, highlight new technologies, and suggest future research directions.
The study by Oliveira and her team provides a detailed summary of different biomarkers used to check fish health and well-being. Biomarkers can measure the nutrition and growth of fish by checking enzyme and hormone activity. For example, they can find enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase, and spot damage products such as malondialdehyde. Biomarkers also check the immune response, including lysozymes, peroxidases, and parts of the complement system, to see the immune state of fish.
By checking fish plasma, researchers can find levels of cortisol, glucose, and lactate, which are stress indicators. Early detection of health problems through these biomarkers is very important as it helps prevent diseases and improves animal welfare. This approach helps improve practices to make fish farming more efficient and the final product better.
The study highlights how advanced technologies like genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have changed the discovery and validation of biomarkers. These technologies give a deep understanding of biological processes from the molecular level to the whole organism. Despite these advances, there are still big challenges in using biomarkers in fish farming. These include differences in responses, the need for non-lethal methods, and the complexity and cost of these advanced technologies.
However, ongoing research promises to improve the ability to monitor and ensure fish health and well-being, helping the sustainability of the fish farming industry. As the field grows, using these advanced technologies is expected to further change fish farming, making it more efficient and sustainable. The use of biomarkers in regular fish farming practices could lead to better health management and disease prevention, resulting in higher quality and more sustainable fish production.
In summary, the study by Oliveira and her team at CIIMAR shows how important biomarkers are in fish farming. By using advanced technologies, researchers can get a complete understanding of fish health, leading to better monitoring and management practices. While there are still challenges, ongoing research and development in this field promise big improvements, ensuring the health and sustainability of fish farming in the future.
