Evaluation of Imoviraleffects on early immune response inchallenged with.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: An acute phase response (APR) was experimentally induced in(Linnaeus, 1758) by intraperitoneal (IP) injection ofto evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with the Imoviralcomplex (CRISTALFARMA) on fish growth performance and health status, through the analysis of key genes involved in the APR. Imoviralis a blend of exclusively natural extracts, i.e. uncaria, shiitake, beta-glucan and black-currant), whose immunostimulant and analgesic properties have already been demonstrated in humans. METHODS: One hundredspecimens 12.96 ± 0.93 grams, obtained from a fish farm, were used and divided into 5 experimental groups (in duplicate). After the feeding period, an experimental IP infection withwas performed and the APR evaluated at different time points i.e., 1, 24, 72, and 168-hours post infection. The expression of key genes involved in immune and oxidative stress responses, includingα,,was evaluated through RT-qPCR and compared to control groups. RESULTS: The Imoviraldiet did not affect growth performance, as all groups showed 100% survival and no significant differences in morphometric parameters. Immune-gene modulation revealed that IVS fish exhibited early and transient upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β, while PVS fish displayed a sustained and stronger pro-inflammatory response. Antimicrobial peptides (hepcidin, defensin) were markedly overexpressed only in PVS, whereas Imoviralfed groups showed limited or temporally controlled changes. Oxidative-stress genes (CAT, CuZnSOD, MnSOD) were strongly induced in PVS, with IVS showing more moderated patterns. Cellular metabolism marker GST was significantly modulated across treatments, with IVS showing consistent differences, indicating a possibly more balanced oxidative and immune response under Imoviralsupplementation. CONCLUSION: The present findings support the hypothesis that Imoviralmay serve as a promising immunostimulant and/or antibacterial dietary supplement for farmed gilthead sea bream, providing a solid basis for future investigations in this area.