Cholesterol and highly unsaturated fatty acids: Exploring their synergistic roles in growth and lipid metabolism of juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

作者：Qiuran Yu, Song Wang, Erchao Li, Shubin Liu, Zhijuan Jiang, Xiaodan Wang, Jian G. Qin, Liqiao Chen · 发表于：Aquaculture Reports · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.103091 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth、Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research、Lipid metabolism and biosynthesis

This study investigated the interactive effects of dietary cholesterol and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) on the growth performance, molting dynamics, lipid metabolism, and nutrient signaling pathways in juvenile Chinese mitten crab ( Eriocheir sinensis ). A 3 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted over 8 weeks, manipulating three cholesterol levels (0 %, 0.06 %, 0.6 %) and two HUFAs levels (0 %, 0.4 %, EPA:DHA 1:3). Results demonstrated a significant synergistic interaction between dietary cholesterol and HUFAs. The combination of 0.06 % cholesterol and 0.4 % HUFAs yielded superior growth outcomes, including the highest final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and lowest feed conversion ratio, surpassing the effects of individual supplementation. This optimal dietary combination also significantly increased whole-body crude protein and lipid content. Analysis of serum biochemical parameters revealed that cholesterol increased triacylglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol, while HUFAs decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Tissue lipid content and fatty acid profiles varied across molting stages. The combined diet enhanced lipid deposition in the hepatopancreas during the premolt stage. It also promoted the efficient utilization of lipids postmolt, particularly for EPA and DHA. Molecular analyses revealed a synergistic effect of the combined cholesterol and HUFAs supplementation, especially during the postmolt stag...