Individual and combined effects of dietary Pediococcus pentosaceus and citric acid on immune and antioxidant factors in zebrafish, Danio rerio

Alireza Siahi; Masoumeh Bahrekazemi

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Alireza Siahi Department of Fisheries, QaS.C., Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran.
Masoumeh Bahrekazemi
2721116711@iau.ir
Department of Fisheries, QaS.C., Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran.

Vol. 14 No. 6 (2026): Accepted articles

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October 10, 2026

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This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of the probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP) and citric acid (CA) on immune and antioxidant factors in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Four dietary treatments were established: a control group without supplements (T0), a group supplemented with 10⁸ CFU/g PP (T1), a group with 0.2% CA (T2), and a combination of 10⁸ CFU/g PP and 0.2% CA (T3). 240 zebrafish with a mean weight of 66.2±2 mg were acclimated to the rearing conditions and assigned to the experimental treatments. The fish were fed experimental diets for eight weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, immune responses and antioxidant activity were assessed through enzymatic assays. The results showed that T3 had significantly higher lysozyme activity, alternative complement hemolytic pathway levels, total protein, and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) than the control group. Additionally, malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in supplemented groups, with the T3 group showing the lowest amount. These findings suggest that the simultaneous use of citric acid and P. pentosaceus may provide a viable strategy for improving the health and resilience of aquatic species in sustainable aquaculture.

Siahi, A., & Bahrekazemi, M. (2026). Individual and combined effects of dietary Pediococcus pentosaceus and citric acid on immune and antioxidant factors in zebrafish, Danio rerio. International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 14(6). Retrieved from http://ij-aquaticbiology.com/index.php/ijab/article/view/2978

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