Abstract

Understanding the metabolic responses of aquatic organisms to environmental changes, such as temperature fluctuations, is crucial for aquaculture and conservation efforts. In this study, we employed non-targeted metabolomics to investigate the amino acid and lipid metabolic pathways in the liver tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus) cultivated in seawater at different temperatures. Rainbow trout were reared at three distinct seawater temperatures: 10°C, 15°C, and 20°C. Liver tissue samples were collected and subjected to non-targeted metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Our results revealed significant variations in the amino acid and lipid profiles across the different temperature conditions. At 10°C, there was a noticeable increase in certain amino acids, indicating potential metabolic adjustments to lower temperatures. Conversely, at 20°C, lipid metabolism appeared to be more active, with elevated levels of specific lipid species observed.

Pathway analysis further elucidated the metabolic pathways affected by temperature changes. The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and fatty acid metabolism were among the pathways prominently influenced by seawater temperature. These findings suggest that rainbow trout adapt their metabolic strategies in response to varying seawater temperatures to maintain physiological homeostasis. In conclusion, non-targeted metabolomics provided valuable insights into the adaptive metabolic responses of rainbow trout liver tissues to different seawater temperatures. Understanding these temperature-dependent metabolic changes is essential for optimizing aquaculture practices and predicting the impacts of environmental fluctuations on aquatic ecosystems.