Integration of microbiomics and metabolomics reveals energy metabolism imbalance in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) under saline-alkaline exposure

Abstract

The ecological conditions of freshwater aquaculture are deteriorating by degrees in recent years. Consequently, the comprehensive utilization of saline-alkaline water has garnered increasing societal attention. Here, crucian carp (Carassius auratus) were exposed to 20, 40 mmol/L NaHCO₃ for 30 days (T, F group). Metabolomic analyses were conducted using UPLC-QTOF/MS, complemented by biochemical and microbiology profiling to elucidate the damage of the saline environment to the intestinal microbial structure, which in turn interfered with the energy metabolism. It was observed that carbonate alkalinity (CA) exposure not only caused intestine oxidative stress but also changed the levels of several digestive enzymes, including α-amylase (AMS), chymotrypsin (CHY), lipase (LPS). Metabolomic analysis identified 22 different metabolites (DEMs) in T group and 77 DEMs in F group. MetaboAnalyst analysis indicated that these metabolites are primarily involved in energy-related pathways, including the citric acid cycle, galactose metabolism, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Intestinal microbial diversity and community composition were altered under carbonate alkalinity exposure, with increase in Proteobacteria abundance and decline in Firmicutes, abundance alongside enrichment of Sphingomonas. Herein, saline-alkaline stress disrupted the physiological homeostasis of the crucian carp intestine, leading to microbial dysbiosis and energy metabolic imbalance. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the stress response of the crucian carp intestine and the role of the intestinal microbiome in host resilience under adverse environmental conditions.