Juan Ignacio Bertucci- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IEO-CSIC), Vigo, Spain
Editorial on the Research Topic
Environmental regulation of feeding, growth, and reproduction in fish: influence of nutrition and physical parameters on the endocrine system
Introduction
Within the submerged realm, where aquatic life orchestrates a delicate ballet with environmental cues, the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology presents a compelling Research Topic that delves into the intricate symphony of fish biology and its interaction with the environment. This Research Topic embarks on an expedition to elucidate the multifaceted interplay between external stimuli, nutritional dynamics, physiological responses, and the orchestration of endocrine processes within aquatic organisms. In summation, this group of articles attempts to enrich our understanding of the multifaceted interactions between hormones, genetics, nutrition, and the environment in the realm of fish physiology and reproductive biology.
Revelations in the endocrine landscape
At the heart of this research endeavour lies the profound connection between the endocrine system and fundamental physiological processes, namely feeding, growth, and reproduction, which underpin the life cycle of organisms (1, 2). A central protagonist in this intricate interplay is the growth hormone (GH) and the insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II), pivotal regulators of somatic growth that exert their influence upon diverse target tissues, including muscle and skeletal elements (3, 4). Additionally, the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis emerges as a key architect, orchestrating the modulation of reproduction in response to both intrinsic and extrinsic signals of propitious conditions (5, 6). A third dimension to this narrative unfurls as peptidyl hormones, emanating from cerebral and peripheral realms, choreograph feeding behaviours that resonate harmoniously with metabolic demands (1, 7).
Deciphering environmental dialogue: the interplay of external signals and endocrine response
The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of external cues that assume the role of conductors, orchestrating change within this intricate biological orchestra. Notably, dietary availability and composition (8–10), and the dynamic physicochemical attributes of water -including temperature, salinity, and pH- (11–14) converge to script the score that reverberates through fish endocrine systems. This intricate ballet enacts the harmonization of internal hormonal pathways with external influences, a dynamic interplay essential for the preservation of fish homeostasis.
In a changing world: global relevance and prospects
As the world’s population burgeons and fisheries and aquaculture assume pivotal roles in humanity’s sustenance, the exploration of fish endocrine systems becomes profoundly relevant (15, 16). In the face of accelerating environmental modifications wrought by human activities, comprehending the nuanced reverberations of external cues through fish endocrine systems assumes unprecedented significance. The insights gained from this exploration hold the promise of unlocking the key to optimizing aquaculture practices, refining dietary formulations, and enhancing husbandry protocols to bolster yield. Furthermore, the Research Topic’s pursuit of understanding how ongoing global transformations will impact fish populations offers a unique lens through which to glimpse the unfolding narrative of aquatic life.
Exploring the collected overture: highlights of contributing articles
Embedded within this research compendium are the articles that together craft an intricate overture. “Neuroendocrine Regulation of Plasma Cortisol Levels During Smoltification and Seawater Acclimation of Atlantic Salmon” navigates the cortisol dynamics of life stage transitions (Culbert et al.). This transition involves changes in their ability to manage salt levels in their bodies. The study focuses on understanding the control of cortisol through the brain’s HPI axis. “Analysis of circRNA and miRNA expression profiles in IGF3-induced ovarian maturation in spotted scat (Scatophagus argus)” peers into the realm of ovarian maturation. While IGF3’s role in teleost ovarian maturation is known, its molecular regulation is not well understood (Li et al.). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), important in various biological processes including reproduction, are studied in relation to IGF3-induced ovarian maturation. “Food deprivation differentially modulates gene expression of LPXRFa and kisspeptin systems in the brain-pituitary axis of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)” unravels the genetic tapestry of food deprivation’s effects (Wang et al.). Authors investigate how nutritional status affects the expression of two key neuroendocrine systems, LPXRFa (also known as gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone or GnIH) and kisspeptin (Kiss), which play vital roles in regulating the reproductive axis in many vertebrates, including fish. “Knock-out of vasotocin reduces reproductive success in female zebrafish, Danio rerio” sheds light on the significance of vasotocin in female teleost reproduction (Ramachandran et al.). Finally, the review article entitled “The effect of environmental stressors on growth in fish and its endocrine control” delves into the complex interplay among somatic growth, the endocrine system, feeding regulation, and environmental stressors. It underscores the significance of grasping these connections to fully appreciate how environmental shifts affect fish populations and ecosystems (Canosa et al.).
Final considerations
Through the pages of Frontiers in Endocrinology, this Research Topic unfurls as an intellectual voyage. Each article encapsulates a profound exploration of the dance between fish biology and the surrounding milieu. This Research Topic of insights collectively illuminates the intricate symphony of endocrine responses harmonizing with external signals, creating an enduring melody that resonates within the aquatic realm. As we navigate the uncharted waters of aquatic life, these insights emerge as guiding beacons, illuminating our way through the captivating tapestry of fish physiology and its profound liaison with the aquatic stage.
Author contributions
JB: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.
Conflict of interest
The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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References
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2. Canosa LF, Bertucci JI. Nutrient regulation of somatic growth in teleost fish. The interaction between somatic growth, feeding and metabolism. Mol Cell Endocrinol (2020) 518:111029. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111029
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8. Bertucci JI, Blanco AM, Canosa LF, Unniappan S. Glucose, amino acids and fatty acids directly regulate ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the intestine and hepatopancreas of goldfish (Carassius auratus). vitro. Comp Biochem Physiol Part A Mol Integr Physiol (2017) 206:24–35. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.01.006
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Keywords: fish endocrinology, growth hormone, HPI axis, fish nutrition, climate change
Citation: Bertucci JI (2023) Editorial: Environmental regulation of feeding, growth, and reproduction in fish: influence of nutrition and physical parameters on the endocrine system. Front. Endocrinol. 14:1281959. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1281959
Received: 23 August 2023; Accepted: 29 August 2023;
Published: 14 September 2023.
Edited and Reviewed by:
Cunming Duan, University of Michigan, United StatesCopyright © 2023 Bertucci. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Juan Ignacio Bertucci, aWduYWNpb2JlcnR1Y2NpQGhvdG1haWwuY29t