Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant,antimicrobial, genotoxic and anticancer activities of lichen Cetraria islandica

In this study, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, genotoxic and anticancer activities of Cetraria islandica methanol extract were determined by using free radical and superoxide anion scavenging activity, reducing power, determination of total phenolic compounds and flavonoid contents, broth microdilution minimal inhibitory concentration against five bacterial and five fungal species, cytokinesis block micronucleus (MN) assay on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and the microculture tetrazolium test on FemX (human melanoma) and LS174 (human colon carcinoma) cell lines. As a result of the study, we found that C. islandica methanol extract exhibited moderate free-radical-scavenging activity with IC₅₀ values 678.38 μg/ml. Moreover, the tested extract had effective reducing power and superoxide anion radical scavenging. The minimal inhibitory concentration values against the tested microorganisms ranged from 0.312 to 5 mg/ml. The extract increased MN frequency in a dose dependent manner, but it was significant in higher tested concentrations (50, 100 and 200 μg/ml). No significant differences were observed between NDI values in all treatments and untreated PBLs. In addition, the tested extract had strong anticancer activity towards both cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 22.68 and 33.74 μg/ml. It can be concluded that the tested extract exhibited a certain level of in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, genotoxic and anticancer activities.     

Antioxidants from defatted Indian Mustard (Brassica Juncea) protect biomolecules against in vitro oxidation

Indian mustard seeds were defatted by distillation with hexane and the residue extracted with methanol was analyzed for potential antioxidants; ascorbate, riboflavin, and polyphenols. Gallic acid (129.796 μg), caffeic acid (753.455 μg), quercetin (478.352 μg) and kaempferol (48.060 μg)/g dry seeds were identified by HPLC analysis of the extract. DPPH free radical scavenging activity and protection of lipids, proteins and DNA against metal induced oxidation was examined. Defatted mustard seed remnant had excellent free radical scavenging activity and protects biomolecules with IC₅₀ value 2.0–2.25 mg dry seed weight. Significant content of polyphenols in methanol extract of defatted seeds accounts for high antioxidant potential. We are the first to report the detailed analysis of antioxidant composition and protection of biomolecules against oxidative damage by methanol extract of mustard seed remnant after oil extraction.     

Phenolic compounds protect HepG2 cells from oxidative damage: relevance of glutathione levels

In the present work, the potential hepatoprotective effects of five phenolic compounds against oxidative damages induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) were evaluated in HepG2 cells in order to relate in vitro antioxidant activity with cytoprotective effects. t-BHP induced considerable cell damage in HepG2 cells as shown by significant LDH leakage, increased lipid peroxidation, DNA damage as well as decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). All tested phenolic compounds significantly decreased cell death induced by t-BHP (when in co-incubation). If the effects of quercetin are given the reference value 1, the compounds rank in the following order according to inhibition of cell death: luteolin (4.0) > quercetin (1.0) > rosmarinic acid (0.34) > luteolin-7-glucoside (0.30) > caffeic acid (0.21). The results underscore the importance of the compound's lipophilicity in addition to its antioxidant potential for its biological activity. All tested phenolic compounds were found to significantly decrease lipid peroxidation and prevent GSH depletion induced by t-BHP, but only luteolin and quercetin significantly decreased DNA damage. Therefore, the lipophilicity of the natural antioxidants tested appeared to be of even greater importance for DNA protection than for cell survival. The protective potential against cell death was probably achieved mainly by preventing intracellular GSH depletion. The phenolic compounds studied here showed protective potential against oxidative damage induced in HepG2 cells. This could be beneficial against liver diseases where it is known that oxidative stress plays a crucial role.     

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities with acute toxicity,cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of Cystoseira compressa (Esper) Gerloff & Nizamuddin from the coast of Urla (Izmir,Turkey)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological activities with toxic properties of the methanol, hexane, and chloroform extracts of Cystoseira compressa (Esper) Gerloff & Nizamuddin from the Coast of Urla in the Aegean Sea. The extracts of C. compressa were tested for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in this study. Cytotoxic and mutagenic potentials of the extracts were also evaluated using cell culture and mutagenicity assays. Hexane extract was found to have higher total flavonoid and phenolic contents than the other extracts and exerted higher antioxidant activity than other extracts. All extracts exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms (minimum inhibitory concentration ranges are 32–256 μg/mL). The results indicated that the extracts had no significant cytotoxic activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep 3B cell line in all treated concentrations (5–50 μg/mL) and did not show mutagenicity in the Ames test. Lethality was not observed among mice treated with oral doses of the extracts. In conclusion, results of investigations indicate that brown alga C. compressa is a natural source of antioxidant. It has moderate antimicrobial activities with no toxicity.     

In vitro medicinal potentials of Bryum capillare,a moss sample,from Turkey

In this study was conducted the in vitro antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, antigenotoxic and anticancer activities investigations on the moss Bryum capillare Hedw (BC). Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity were tested by MIC and microplate biofilm methods on antibiotic resistant bacteria. While the antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by DPPH, metal chelating, plasma lipid peroxidation and total phenolic content, the antigenotoxicity and cytotoxicity were established by Comet test and the WST-1 Cell proliferation assay kit respectively. The MIC values were found to be ≥ 125 µg.mL⁻¹ and a biofilm inhibition of 3–5% against only S. epidermidis was observed. Total phenolic compounds were determined as 23.26 mg/g. The results of DPPH assay, chelating and plasma lipid peroxidation activity were found to be 15%, 3% and 4% respectively. The extract was observed to decrease the affect of H₂O₂ that cause DNA damage. The BC was also determined 60 ± 5% anticancer activity against SKBR 3 and 76 ± 5% anticancer activity against HeLa cells, where this concentration had only 18 ± 5% cytotoxicity against MCF-12A cells. Also, these results have indicated the potential of Bryum capillare for the first time in novel natural compounds search.     

Membrane Damage Induced by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa

To clarify the mechanism of microbial inactivation by supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO₂), membrane damage of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was investigated within specific pressure (10 Mpa), temperature (37 °C), and treatment time (10–70 min) ranges, including cell morphological structure, membrane permeability and fluidity. SEM and TEM observations showed morphological changes in the cell envelope and intracellular organization after SCCO₂ treatment. Increase of membrane permeability was measured as increased uptake of the trypan blue dye with microscopy, and leakage of intracellular substances such as UV-absorbing materials and ions by determining the change of protein and electrical conductivity. The SCCO₂ mediated reduction in CFU ml⁻¹ was 0.5–1 log higher at 37 °C and 10 MPa for 60 min in Rose Bengal Medium containing 4 % sodium than a similar treatment in Rose Bengal Medium. Membrane fluidity analyzed by fluorescence polarization method using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene showed that the florescence polarization and florescence anisotropy of the SCCO₂-treated cells were increased slightly and gently compared with the untreated cells. The correlation between membrane damage and death of cells under SCCO₂ was clear, and the membrane damage was a key factor induced the inactivation of cells.     

The protective effects of Achyranthes bidentata root extract on the antimycin A induced damage of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Achyranthes bidentata (A. bidentata) Blume is a medicinal herb with the property of strengthening bones and muscles and ensuring proper downward flow of blood in terms of the therapeutic theory of traditional medicine. In the present study, the effect of A. bidentata root extract (AE) on osteoblast function was investigated in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. AE caused a significant elevation of alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, osteocalcin production, and mineralization in the cells (P < 0.05). AE also decreased the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and RANKL induced by antimycin A, mitochondrial electron transport inhibitor. Exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to antimycin A caused significant reduction of cell viability and mineralization. However, pretreatment with AE prior to antimycin A exposure significantly reduced antimycin A-induced cell damage by preventing mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation, ATP loss, ROS release, and nitrotyrosine increase, suggesting that AE may be useful for protecting mitochondria against a burst of oxidative stress. Moreover, AE increased the phosphorylation of cAMP-response element-binding protein inhibited by antimycin A. Our study demonstrates that A. bidentata could significantly prevent osteoblast damage in aged patients.     

Olive leaf extract modulates permethrin induced genetic and oxidative damage in rats

Permethrin is a common synthetic chemical, widely used as an insecticide in agriculture and other domestic applications. The previous reports indicated that permethrin is a highly toxic synthetic pyrethroid pesticide to human and environmental health. Therefore, the present experiment was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of olive leaf extract in modulating the permethrin induced genotoxic and oxidative damage in rats. The animals used were broadly divided into four (A, B, C and D) experimental groups. Group A rats served as control animals and received distilled water intraperitoneally (n = 5). Groups B and C rats received intraperitoneal injections of permethrin (60 mg kg⁻¹ b.w) and olive leaf extract (500 mg kg⁻¹ b.w), respectively. Group D rats received permethrin (60 mg kg⁻¹ b.w) plus olive leaf extract (500 mg kg⁻¹ b.w). Rats were orally administered their respective feed daily for 21 days. At the end of the experiment rats were anesthetized and serum and bone marrow cell samples were obtained. Genotoxic damage was assessed by micronucleus and chromosomal aberration assays. Total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status were also measured in serum samples to assess oxidative status. Treatment of Group B with permethrin resulted in genotoxic damage and increased total oxidant status levels. Permethrin treatment also significantly decreased (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity level when compared to Group A rats. Group C rats showed significant increases (P < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity level and no alterations in cytogenetic parameters. Moreover, simultaneous treatments with olive leaf extract significantly modulated the toxic effects of permethrin in Group D rats. It can be concluded that olive leaf extract has beneficial influences and could be able to antagonize permethrin toxicity. As a result, this investigation clearly revealed the protective role of olive leaf extract against the genetic and oxidative damage by permethrin in vivo for the first time.     

Comparative study of genotoxicity and antimutagenicity of methanolic extracts from Teucrium chamaedrys and Teucrium montanum in human lymphocytes using micronucleus assay

Since Teucrium chamaedrys and Teucrium montanum are the most popular plants used in the treatment of many diseases, we evaluated genotoxic potential of their methanolic extracts on cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) using cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) assay. Cultures were treated with four concentrations of both plants (125, 250, 500 and 1,000 μg/ml), both separately and in combination with mitomycin C (MMC). The results revealed that extract of T. chamaedrys administered at the tested concentrations did not significantly affect the mean MN frequency in comparison to untreated cells. Methanolic extract of T. montanum increased the mean MN frequency in PBL at the tested concentrations, but significantly only at the concentration of 1,000 μg/ml. In all tested concentrations, the extract of T. chamaedrys significantly reduced the MMC-induced MN frequency, in a dose dependent manner (r = − 0.687, p < 0.01). The extract of T. montanum decreased the MMC-induced MN frequency at the tested concentrations, but statistically only at 125 μg/ml. Both extracts administered alone did not significantly affect the nuclear division index (NDI) at the tested concentrations. In the combined treatments with MMC, the extract obtained from T. chamaedrys in the concentrations of 500 and 1,000 μg/ml significantly decreased NDI values in comparison to MMC-treated cells alone, while the extract of T. montanum significantly decreased NDI at all tested concentrations. Both extracts nonsignificantly decreased NDI at all tested concentrations in comparison to untreated cells. Our results suggest the important function of T. chamaedrys extract in cancer therapy, this methanolic extract may prevent genotoxic effects of chemotherapy in PBLs.     

Evaluation of phenolic profile,antioxidant and anticancer potential of two main representants of Zingiberaceae family against B164A5 murine melanoma cells

Background

Curcuma longa Linnaeus and Zingiber officinale Roscoe are two main representatives of Zingiberaceae family studied for a wide range of therapeutic properties, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antibacterial, analgesic, immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, anti-human immunodeficiency virus properties and anticancer effects. This study was aimed to analyse the ethanolic extracts of Curcuma rhizome (Curcuma longa Linnaeus) and Zingiber rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in terms of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and anti-melanoma potential employing the B164A5 murine melanoma cell line.

Results

In order to evaluate the total content of polyphenols we used Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The antioxidant activity of the two ethanolic extracts was determined by DPPH assay, and for the control of antiproliferative effect it was used MTT proliferation assay, DAPI staining and Annexin-FITC-7AAD double staining test. Results showed increased polyphenols amount and antioxidant activity for Curcuma rhizome ethanolic extract. Moreover, 100 μg/ml of ethanolic plant extract from both vegetal products presented in a different manner an antiproliferative, respectively a proapoptotic effect on the selected cell line.

Conclusions

The study concludes that Curcuma rhizome may be a promising natural source for active compounds against malignant melanoma.     

Cloning HSP70 and HSP90 genes of kaluga (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Huso dauricus</Emphasis>) and the effects of temperature and salinity stress on their gene expression

The genes encoding HSP70 and HSP90 proteins were isolated from kaluga by homologous cloning and rapid amplification of complementary DNA (cDNA) ends (RACE). HSP70 (GenBank accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"KP050541","term_id":"756558159","term_text":"KP050541"}}KP050541) and HSP90 (GenBank accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"KP050542","term_id":"756558161","term_text":"KP050542"}}KP050542) cDNAs were composed of 2275 and 2718 bp and encoded polypeptides of 650 and 725 amino acids, respectively. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis showed that HSP70 and HSP90 of kaluga shared high identities with those of Acipenser ruthenus, Acipenser schrenckii, and Acipenser baerii (98–99 %). Fluorescent real-time RT-PCR under unstressed conditions revealed that HSP70 and HSP90 were expressed in 11 different tissues of kaluga. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of both HSP70 and HSP90 were highest in the intestine and lowest in the muscle. In addition, the patterns of mRNA expression of HSP70 and HSP90 were similar, although the level of expression was more in HSP90 than in HSP70 (P < 0.05).We also analyzed patterns of HSP70 and HSP90 expression in the muscle, gill, and liver of kaluga under different combinations of temperature and salinity stress, including temperatures of 4,10, 25, and 28 °C at 0 ppt salinity, and salinities of 10, 20, 30, and 40 ppt at 16 °C, where 16 °C at 0 ppt (parts per thousand) served as the control. We found that levels of mRNA expression of both HSP70 and HSP90 were highest at 4 °C in the muscle, gill, and liver and changed little with salinity stress. These results increase understanding of the mechanisms of stress response of cold freshwater fish.     

Protective effects of Parinari curatellifolia flavonoids against acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis in rats

In the present study, we investigated the hepatoprotective potential of Parinari curatellifolia Planch (Chrysobalanaceae) in experimental rats in order to ascertain the validity of folkloric claims of its effectiveness in the treatment of hepatic-related disorders. Flavonoid extract of P. curatellifolia seed, PCF (10-, 20- or 30 mg/kg body weight) or silymarin (25 mg/kg), dissolved in corn oil, was administered by gavage to experimental animals once daily for 14 consecutive days before liver damage was chemically induced through the administration of acetaminophen (2 g/kg p.o.) on the 14th day. Hepatoprotection was assessed by analyzing liver homogenate and serum for markers of hepatotoxicity – alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities as well as prothrombin time (PT). Evaluation of biochemical indices of oxidative stress – level of lipid peroxides (LPO), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, along with histological assessment of hepatic tissue sections were also carried out. Results revealed that all doses of PCF significantly (P < 0.001) and dose dependently prevented acetaminophen-induced increase in serum activities of hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT, LDH) and PT. Furthermore, PCF (10- and 20 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.001) reduced lipid peroxidation in liver tissue and restored the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and catalase toward normal levels. Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that PCF mitigated the toxicant-induced hepatocellular necrosis, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and enhanced hepatocyte regeneration. The results indicated that P. curatellifolia flavonoids demonstrated remarkable hepatoprotective activity in acute liver injury caused by acetaminophen.     

Antimicrobial and Antimycobacterial Activities of Methyl Caffeate Isolated from Solanum torvum Swartz. Fruit

Abstract

Solanum torvum Swartz. (Solanaceae) fruit is traditionally used for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. The methanolic extract was subjected to activity guided fractionation by column chromatography over silica gel. The structure of the compound was elucidated using physical and spectroscopic data. The antimicrobial activity was screened using five Gram-positive bacteria, six Gram-negative bacteria, seven clinical isolates and four fungi. Antimycobacterial activity was screened against two Mycobacterium strains. The zone of inhibition by methyl caffeate ranged from 0 to 22 mm. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of methyl caffeate were: 50 μg/ml against P. vulgaris, 25 μg/ml against K. pneumoniae (ESBL-3971), 8 μg/ml against M. tuberculosis (H³⁷Rv) and 8 μg/ml against M. tuberculosis (Rif^R). Methyl caffeate showed moderate antimicrobial and prominent antimycobacterial activities. Methyl caffeate can be evaluated further for drug development.     

Cryopreservation at −20 and −70 °C of Pleurotus ostreatus on Grains

Alternative substrates for cryopreservation at −20 °C have been little explored for basidiomycetes and could bring new possibilities of lower cost cryopreservation. Nevertheless, freezing temperatures between −15 and −60 °C are very challenging because they frequently result in cryoinjuries. The objective of this study was to evaluate substrates associated to cryoprotective agents for Pleurotus ostreatus cryopreservation at −20 or −70 °C in order to develop alternative techniques for basidiomycete cryopreservation. P. ostreatus was grown on potato dextrose agar or whole grains of oat, wheat, rice or millet and transferred to cryovials with cryoprotective solution with 1 % dimethyl sulfoxide, 5 % glycerol, 10 % saccharose, 4 % glucose, 6 % polyethylene glycol-6000 or 5 % malt extract. The mycelium in the cryovials were cryopreserved at −20 or −70 °C and recovered for evaluation of the mycelial growth viability after 1 and 3 years. Both substrates and cryoprotectants affect the viability of the mycelial growth cryopreserved at −20 or −70 °C; wheat grains combined with cryoprotectants such as saccharose or glucose are effective for keeping mycelium viable after cryopreservation at −20 °C for 1 or 3 years; for cryopreservation at −70 °C after 1 or 3 years, any substrate combined with any cryoprotectant is effective for preserving the mycelium viable, except for millet grains with polyethylene glycol after 3 years; semi-permeable cryoprotective agents such as saccharose and glucose are the most effective for cryopreservation at −20 or −70 °C for at least 3 years.     

Antioxidant,antimicrobial, toxicity and analgesic properties of ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root

Background

This study was subjected to investigate different pharmacological properties of ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root.

Results

The extract contains flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin and steroid compounds. The extract exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging activity. The extract also showed potent activity in brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The LC₅₀ value was found to 44.677 μg/ml. The extract showed better anti-bacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria. In antifungal assay, the maximum 79.31% of anti-mycotic activity was observed against Aspergillus ochraceus while minimum 44.2% against Rhizopus oryzae. MIC value ranged between 1500–3000 μg/ml. The extract was found moderately toxic with a 24-hr LD₅₀ value of 81.47 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice. The degree of inhibition by the ethanolic extract of the root was found less than that of standard analgesic drug diclofenac sodium. The extract also showed moderate anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity and anti-diabetic property. Reducing power of the extract was comparable with standard ascorbic acid. Moderate in vitro thrombolytic activity, lipid peroxidation inhibition property, metal chelating ability and stress-protective activity was also observed.

Conclusion

Ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root can be valuable for treatment of different diseases.     

Identification of a novel cognate cytosolic Hsp70 gene (MnHsc70-2) from oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense and comparison of its expressions with the first cognate Hsc70 (MnHsc70-1) under different stresses

The 70-kDa family of heat-shock proteins (Hsp70) plays an important role in the host immunity, which is widely expressed in eukaryotic cells as a major chaperone protein. In the present study, the full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) of a second cognate cytosolic Hsp70 family member (MnHsc70-2) was cloned and characterized from Macrobrachium nipponense, which is an economically and nutritionally important crustacean. The cDNA was 2,717 bp, containing an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,950 bp, which encodes a protein of 649 amino acids with a theoretical molecular weight of 71.1 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.27. Sequence alignment showed that the MnHsc70-2 shared 75–97 % identity with other heat-shock proteins. Compared to the previously identified cognate Hsp70 (MnHsc70-1) in M. nipponense, MnHsc70-2 showed quite different expression profiles under unstressed conditions in all tested tissues, including the hemocytes, heart, hepatopancreas, gill, intestine, nerve, and muscle. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that MnHsc70-2 showed the closest relationship with MnHsc70-1. Heat-inducibility assays showed that two isolated messenger RNAs (mRNAs) displayed different expression profiles in both the hepatopancreas and gill tissues. MnHsc70-1 mRNA expression level decreased at first and then increased to the normal level, whereas MnHsc70-2 mRNA level increased at first and then decreased. The expressions of two MnHsc70s showed substantial obvious heat-inducible regulation in both the hepatopancreas and gill. Under bacterial challenge by Aeromonas hydrophila, both MnHsc70-1 and MnHsc70-2 mRNA level was up-regulated moderately. The results suggested that two cognate Hsc70s may play essential functions in mediating responses to heat-shock and bacterial challenge.     

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of zingiberene on different neuron cell lines in vitro

The main objective of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic, genotoxic and antioxidant properties of zingiberene (ZBN) in an in vitro rat brain cell culture study. The cytotoxic effect was determined against the rat neuron and N2a neuroblastoma (N2a-NB) cell lines using the 3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, while the antioxidant activity was assessed using the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS) assays. The effects on DNA damage were also evaluated in this study by the single cell gel electrophoresis assay. The results indicated that ZBN has an anti-proliferative activity suppressing the proliferation of N2a-NB cells at concentrations over 50 mg L⁻¹ and neuron cells at concentrations over 150 mg L⁻¹. In addition, ZBN treatments at higher doses (≤50 mg L⁻¹) led to increases of TOS levels in N2a-NB cell cultures. However 25 mg L⁻¹ of ZBN treatment caused increases of TAC levels in cultured neuron and N2a-NB cell cultures while ZBN at doses of 10–400 mg L⁻¹ did not increase the number of total damage score in both cell lines. This study clearly indicates that ZBN has a significant potential to be used as a natural anticancer agent in cultured N2a-NBs.     

Lipotropes promote immunobiochemical plasticity and protect fish against low-dose pesticide-induced oxidative stress

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of different lipotropes in modulating immunity and biochemical plasticity under conditions of sublethal low-dose pesticide-induced stress in fish. Labeo rohita fish fingerlings were divided in two sets with one set of fish continuously exposed to low-dose endosulfan (1/10th of 96-h LC₅₀) for 21 days, the other was unexposed, and both sets of fish were fed with practical diets supplemented with either 2 % lecithin, 0.5 % betaine, or 0.1 % choline and compared against unsupplemented diet. Low-dose endosulfan exposure had adverse effects (P < 0.05/P < 0.01) on hematological profile (erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit), serum protein (total protein, albumin, and globulin) and lipid profile (cholesterol and triglyceride), anti-oxidative status (ascorbic acid content of muscle, liver, brain, and kidney and activity of anti-oxidative enzymes: catalase and superoxide dismutase), neurotransmission (acetylcholinesterase activity in muscle and brain), immunological attributes (WBC count, albumin to globulin ratio, phagocytic activity, and serum cortisol), and metabolic plasticity as revealed from enzyme activities (muscle lactate dehydrogenase, liver and kidney glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase-G6PDH activity). Dietary lipotropes prevented these effects completely or partially and the effects were lipotrope dependent. Kinetics (maximum velocity value V_max, catalytic efficiency and Michaelis constant K_m) of G6PDH enzyme from crude extracts of liver and kidney indicated inhibition due to endosulfan but lipotropes could protect enzyme and showed a stabilizing effect. The supplements also helped maintain integrity of histoarchitecture of the hepatocytes in endosulfan-exposed fish to a great extent. Feeding lipotropes to fish reared in endosulfan-free water also improved hematological and serum protein and lipid profiles and were immunostimulatory. In conclusion, dietary lipotropes, especially betaine and lecithin at the levels used, improve erythropoiesis, serum protein and lipid profile, anti-oxidant status, immunocompetence, neurotransmission, and protect the livers of L. rohita fingerlings even when continuously exposed to low-dose endosulfan.