Interplay Between Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Aquatic Animals: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Implications for Aquaculture Health

Oxidative stress and inflammation are two tightly interconnected processes that shape the physiological and pathological responses of aquatic animals to environmental and pathogenic challenges. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as key molecular mediators linking oxidative damage with immune activation, forming a bidirectional amplification loop in which oxidative stress triggers inflammation, and inflammation further enhances ROS production. This vicious cycle disrupts immune homeostasis, damages vital organs such as the liver, intestine, and gills, and ultimately increases disease susceptibility in aquaculture species. Recent studies have revealed that breaking this ROS–inflammation loop through integrated strategies, combining antioxidant enhancement, inflammation modulation, and immune regulation, can significantly improve stress tolerance and survival. Particularly in viral diseases, targeting the ROS–inflammation–virus replication axis has emerged as a promising approach for effective control. This review systematically summarizes the mechanistic crosstalk between oxidative stress and inflammation, highlights their biological consequences, and proposes mechanism-based prevention strategies for sustainable aquaculture health management.