Comparative transcriptome analysis of tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) intestines fed with Phellodendri Cortex

Transcriptome analysis revealed that long-term Phellodendri Cortex supplementation to grouper diet may potentially damage the structural and functional integrity of healthy grouper intestine. On the other hand, however, long-term Phellodendri Cortex supplementation also exhibited potential anti-inflammatory and cathepsin inhibition effects, which would represent a hopeful new approach for prevention and therapy of fish enteritis. In summary, long-term Phellodendri Cortex supplementation in grouper culture should be applied with caution, and further studies concerning Phellodendri Cortex influence on fish intestine should be carried out to investigate its specific damaging/protecting effects on normal or inflammatory intestines.