Effects of transportation on physiological indices and metabolomics of the large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea

Abstract Adverse conditions have seriously affected the survival rate of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and the molecular response mechanism needs to be revealed. The aim of this study was to improve the survival rate and alleviate the oxidative stress response of the large yellow croaker during live transport. The experiment involved using different concentrations of MS-222. The transport of live animals is associated with various stressors. After a preliminary experiment, we used an untargeted LC–MS-based metabolomics technique combined with liver biochemical indices assays to examine the changes in L. crocea after 48 h of simulated transport. The results of liver biochemical indices indicated inhibition of gluconeogenesis and pentose phosphate pathway metabolism. In addition, metabolomics analysis identified significantly differentially expressed metabolites between 10 mg/L (T1) and control (C) groups. Furthermore, KEGG results revealed that the pathways of amino acid metabolism, especially the lysine, aspartate and homoserine in the liver were significantly affected. In conclusion, the combination of metabolomics and liver biochemical assays provided a characterization of the response mechanism of L. crocea exposed to simulated transport.