Review about the importance of skin mucus from asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus)

Abstract

Asian swamp eel mucus is secreted by the epidermal goblet cells in the epidermis which composed from inorganic salts, immunoglobulins, lipids and gel forming macromolecules such as mucins, and other glycoproteins suspended in water,7 which giving the mucus lubricating properties.8 The mucus layer is continuously replaced which protect the eel from stable colonization by bacteria, parasites and fungi.9 The functional properties of the mucus depend on its ability to form a gel on the epithelial surface,10 which produce antimicrobial molecules serve as the first line of a host’s defense against microbial invasion.11 The mucopolysaccharides in the mucus has a high value for immunoprotection and defense mechanism.12,13 It has been proven that mucin has potential of antimicrobial and noxious properties,14 as it plays an important role to protect the eel from pathogens.15 Overall mucus layer on the surface of eel functions as a physical and biochemical barrier between eel and its environment.16