THE FISH PLASMA PROTEOME – A BIOMARKER OF DISEASE

Blood plasma contains classic components such as albumin, immunoglobulins, hepatoglobulins and numerous other distinct protein components including cytokines, growth factors, receptors, leakage products, aberrant secretions and foreign proteins. These plasma protein concentrations are tightly regulated to maintain the integrity of the physiological functions in areas include immunity and inflammation. Proteome analysis of plasma protein concentrations if specific for a definite disease, might then function as biomarkers for screening the unwellness. Within the last decade, mass mortality of farmed carp and koi has been observed and spread in Europe and in Asia. Researchers also showed evidence that Argulus sp. (fish louse) is the very common parasite in koi and gold fish. Direct tissue damage and the secondary infections are the major pathological changes caused by the fish louse. Therefore, this current study is conducted to analyse the pattern of plasma protein using koi carp.

Koi fish of 10 months old with weight of approximately 500-600g was taken for the study. The animals were divided into three groups Group I: Control (Healthy koi), Group II: Diseased (Argulus infected) and Group III: Treated (Lufenuron at 0.1mg/L). Blood was collected from caudal vein for the plasma separation from control and experimental animals. The studies on pattern of plasma proteins have been carried out by SDS PAGE using proteins at 40μg concentration.

The results showed differential pattern of plasma proteins in diseased group when compared to other two groups. Plasma tends to be most well-liked for protein studies as its constituents mirror a lot of closely to the pathological condition. These profiles can be utilised to clarify physiological relationships and emphasize pathological conditions through pattern recognition.  Apart from serological tools, Molecular analysis should be included as standard criteria to assess their effects on inflammatory response and fish health.