In the quest to combat metabolic dysfunction associated with high-carbohydrate diets, a groundbreaking study led by Qisheng Lu from the State Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has unveiled promising findings. Published in the journal Aquaculture Reports, which translates to “Aquaculture Reports” in English, the research explores the potential of UM-164, a c-SRC inhibitor, in alleviating liver damage and lipid accumulation in channel catfish fed high-starch diets.
The study, conducted over eight weeks, involved feeding juvenile channel catfish with three different diets: a control diet with 18% corn starch, a high-carbohydrate diet with 36% corn starch, and a high-carbohydrate diet supplemented with UM-164. The results were striking. The addition of UM-164 significantly mitigated the adverse effects of the high-carbohydrate diet, reducing hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
“UM-164 effectively inhibited the pentose phosphate pathway and the mTOR-SREBPs signaling, which are crucial in lipid synthesis and metabolism,” explained Lu. This inhibition led to a reduction in liver glycogen content and improved liver health indicators, such as ALT and AST levels.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the aquaculture industry. High-carbohydrate diets are often used in fish farming due to their cost-effectiveness, but they can lead to metabolic issues in fish, similar to those seen in humans. The findings suggest that UM-164 could be a viable therapeutic agent to protect liver health in farmed fish, potentially improving their growth rates and overall health.
Moreover, the study’s insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction could pave the way for developing new strategies to combat similar issues in other species, including humans. “This research not only benefits the aquaculture industry but also provides a foundation for understanding and treating metabolic disorders in broader contexts,” Lu added.
As the global demand for seafood continues to rise, the need for sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices becomes ever more critical. This study offers a promising avenue for improving fish health and productivity, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. The research also highlights the importance of continued investment in scientific exploration to address the challenges faced by the energy and food sectors.