2. Academic Validation
  3. High-dose ginsenoside Rg5 induces tissue-specific metabolic and transcriptional responses in muscle and liver of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

High-dose ginsenoside Rg5 induces tissue-specific metabolic and transcriptional responses in muscle and liver of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

  • Comp Biochem Physiol Part D Genomics Proteomics. 2026 Mar 3:59:101798. doi: 10.1016/j.cbd.2026.101798.
Li Ren 1,  Xiaohuan Han 2,  Qingxi Wang 3,  Kai Yang 2,  Jinhui Zhang 2,  Ruyi Zhang 2,  Yude Wang 4,  Yiyan Zeng 2,  Ling Liu 2,  Wei Liu 2,  Wuhui Li 5,  Shaojun Liu 6
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Yuelu Mountain Science and Technology Co., Ltd. for Aquatic Breeding, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 2 Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China.
  • 3 Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China.
  • 4 Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Yuelu Mountain Science and Technology Co., Ltd. for Aquatic Breeding, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China.
  • 5 Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Yuelu Mountain Science and Technology Co., Ltd. for Aquatic Breeding, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 6 Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Yuelu Mountain Science and Technology Co., Ltd. for Aquatic Breeding, Changsha, 410081, Hunan, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 41785563 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2026.101798
Abstract

Optimizing growth efficiency in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is a key objective in aquaculture, yet the broader physiological responses to intensive growth-promoting treatments remain incompletely characterized. In this study, whole-genome resequencing, transcriptomics, and targeted metabolomics were integrated to assess tissue-specific responses to high-dose ginsenoside Rg5 administration. Whole-genome resequencing suggested highly comparable genetic backgrounds among experimental groups. High-dose Rg5 treatment was associated with marked myofiber hypertrophy and increased expression of igf1r and muscle structural genes, while hepatic igf1 expression was reduced. In muscle tissue, nicotinamide abundance increased by 20.8-fold, accompanied by elevated NAMPT expression. In the liver, 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) levels were strongly reduced, together with increased expression of gluconeogenic Enzymes (g6pc and pc). In addition, expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker HSPA5 was substantially elevated, and transcripts of circadian regulators (clock and arntl) were reduced across tissues. These observations indicate that high-dose Rg5-induced growth is accompanied by coordinated metabolic and transcriptional adjustments in muscle and liver, highlighting potential physiological considerations associated with pharmacological growth enhancement.

Keywords

Ctenopharyngodon idella; Ginsenoside Rg5; Growth-stress trade-off; Multi-omics; Somatic growth.

Figures
Products