The Hexane Extract of Ameliorates Visceral Adiposity by Regulating the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and AMPK/ACC Signaling Pathways in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Obesity is an emerging global health issue with an increasing risk of disease linked to lifestyle choices. Previously, we reported that the hexane extract of (CSHE) suppressed lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In this study, we conducted in vivo experiments to assess whether CSHE suppressed obesity in zebrafish and mouse models.

administration alters zebrafish anxiety-like behavior gut microbial taurine metabolism.

Interventions to the gut microbiome manipulate the gut-brain axis and could be useful in the treatment of anxiety and depression. In this study, we demonstrated that administration of the bacterium reduces anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish. administration increased the diversity of the zebrafish gut microbiome.

Combined exposure to nanoplastics and metal oxide nanoparticles inhibits efflux pumps and causes oxidative stress in zebrafish embryos.

The ubiquity of microplastic/nanoplastics (MP/NPs) provides an opportunity for their interaction with other widely spread environmental contaminants. MP/NP and nanoparticles share a similar transport route from sources, production, and disposal. Metal oxide nanoparticles (nMOx) have varied industrial applications, and limited knowledge is available on their interaction with MP/NPs.

Zebrafish obesogenic test identifies anti-adipogenic fraction in leaf extracts.

The zebrafish obesogenic test (ZOT) is a powerful tool for identifying anti-adipogenic compounds for in vivo screening. In our previous study, we found that (MO) leaf powder suppressed the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in ZOT. MO demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological effects; however, little is known about its functional constituents.

Transcriptome analysis of molecular response to UVC irradiation in zebrafish embryos.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays can be both harmful and beneficial to humans. This study aimed to investigate the toxicity and safety of ultraviolet C (UVC) exposure in living organisms and the corresponding biodefense molecular mechanisms. Zebrafish embryos, at an early developmental stage (5-6 h post-fertilization), were irradiated with increasing UVC dosages using high-efficiency deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (278 nm).

Globin Digest Improves Visceral Adiposity Through UCP1 Upregulation in Diet-Induced Obese Zebrafish and Mice.

Globin digest (GD), a bioactive oligopeptide derived from porcine hemoglobin proteins, has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on improving postprandial hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and liver injury. We previously reported the lipid-lowering effects of GD using a zebrafish obesogenic test. Here, we sought to evaluate the effect of GD on visceral adiposity and the underlying molecular mechanisms using zebrafish and mouse obesity models.

Effects of nanoplastic on toxicity of azole fungicides (ketoconazole and fluconazole) in zebrafish embryos.

The ubiquity of nanoplastics (NPs) raises concerns about their interactions and combined toxicity with other common contaminants. Although azoles are present throughout the natural environment, their interactions with NP are not well known. We investigated the effects of polystyrene (PS) NP on the toxicity of ketoconazole (KCZ) and fluconazole (FCZ) in zebrafish embryos using the developmental toxicity, oxidative-stress-related biochemical parameters, and expression of genes related to neurotoxicity (ache), cardiotoxicity (gata4, bmp4), inflammation (il1b), oxidative stress (sod1, sod2, cyp1a), and apoptosis (bax, bcl2).

Rhamnan sulphate from green algae Monostroma nitidum improves constipation with gut microbiome alteration in double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Rhamnan sulphate (RS), a sulphated polysaccharide from Monostroma nitidum, possesses several biological properties that help in treating diseases such as viral infection, thrombosis, and obesity. In the present study, we first administered RS (0.25 mg/g food volume) orally to high-fat diet-treated mice for 4 weeks.

Toxicity of Jegosaponins A and B from Siebold et al. Zuccarini in Prostate Cancer Cells and Zebrafish Embryos Resulting from Increased Membrane Permeability.

(1) Background: Screening of medicinal herbs is one of the most powerful approaches to identifying novel therapeutic molecules against many human diseases. To avoid potential harmful effects during medicinal use, toxicity testing is necessary in the early stages of drug discovery. The objective of this study was to identify the cytotoxic mechanisms of jegosaponin A and B from Siebold et al.

A comprehensive review on environmental toxicity of azole compounds to fish.

Background: Azoles are considered as one of the most efficient fungicides for the treatment of humans, animals, and plant fungal pathogens. They are of significant clinical importance as antifungal drugs and are widely used in personal care products, ultraviolet stabilizers, and in aircraft for its anti-corrosive properties. The prevalence of azole compounds in the natural environment and its accumulation in fish raises questions about its impact on aquatic organisms.

Toxicological interactions of microplastics/nanoplastics and environmental contaminants: Current knowledge and future perspectives.

The co-occurrence of microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) with other environmental contaminants has stimulated a focus shift of its skyrocketed research publications (more than 3000 papers during 2016-2020, Web of Science) from ubiquitous occurrence to interactive toxicity. Here, in this review, we provided the current state of knowledge on toxicological interaction of MPs/NPs with co-contaminants (heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, nanoparticles, organohalogens, plastic additives, and organotins). We discussed the possible interactions (aggregation, adsorption, accumulation, transformation, desorption) that played a role in influencing the toxicity of the mixture.

Evaluation of the Percutaneous Absorption of Drug Molecules in Zebrafish.

In recent decades, zebrafish () has become a widely used vertebrate animal model for studying development and human diseases. However, studies on skin medication using zebrafish are rare. Here, we developed a novel protocol for percutaneous absorption of molecules via the zebrafish tail skin, by applying a liquid solution directly, or using a filter paper imbibed with a chemical solution (coating).

Developing a Model for a siRNA Delivery System by Cancer Implantation into Zebrafish Circulation.

In recent decades, zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a major in vivo model for the evaluation of drug efficacies and toxicities. In the field of drug delivery research, zebrafish larvae are a suitable model for the use of fluorescent-labeled chemicals, nanoparticle, liposome, or micelle-mediated delivery systems because of their transparent body wall. In the current chapter, we describe the method to perform micelle-based siRNA delivery using cancer cells implanted into the circulation of zebrafish.

Lacto-Fermented Cauliflower Fungus () Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis by Activating Beta-Oxidation in Diet-Induced Obese Zebrafish.

(SC), known as cauliflower mushroom, possesses a wide variety of health-promoting properties and a high content of -glucans. Its nutritional properties are enhanced by fermentation. In this study, we examined the efficacy of -fermented (lacto-fermented) SC against obesity using a zebrafish model.

Zebrafish: An emerging model to study microplastic and nanoplastic toxicity.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have received global concern due to its widespread contamination, ingestion in aquatic organisms and the ability to cross the biological barrier. However, our understanding of its bioaccumulation, toxicity, and interaction with other environmental pollutants is limited. Zebrafish is increasingly used to study the bioaccumulation and toxicity of environmental contaminants because of their small size, ease of breed, short life cycle and inexpensive maintenance.

Determination of Anthocyanins and Antioxidants in 'Titanbicus' Edible Flowers In Vitro and In Vivo.

Titanbicus (TB), a hybrid of Hibiscus moscheutos × H. coccineus (Medic.) Walt.

RNA-seq Based Transcriptome Analysis of the Anti-Obesity Effect of Green Tea Extract Using Zebrafish Obesity Models.

Green tea is a popular beverage that is rich in polyphenolic compounds such as catechins. Its major content, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, has been shown to have beneficial effects on several diseases including cancer, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-obesity effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of green tea extract (GTE) using zebrafish larva and adult obesity models.

Therapeutic Silencing of Centromere Protein X Ameliorates Hyperglycemia in Zebrafish and Mouse Models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Optimum T2DM management involves early diagnosis and effective glucose-lowering therapies. Further research is warranted to improve our understanding of T2DM pathophysiology and reveal potential roles of genetic predisposition.

Aging-associated microstructural deterioration of vertebra in zebrafish.

Zebrafish, a small teleost fish, is currently emerging as an animal model of local and systemic aging. In this study, we assessed age-related degenerative changes in the vertebral bone of zebrafish (3-12 month-post-fertilisation [mpf]) using micro-CT scanning. The bone volume (BV) of the trabecular bone in the male and female fish peaked at 6 mpf and reduced with age.

An Integrative Evaluation Method for the Biological Safety of Down and Feather Materials.

Background: Down and feather materials have been commonly used and promoted as natural stuffing for warm clothing and bedding. These materials tend to become more allergenic as they become contaminated with microorganisms, in addition to being subjected to several kinds of chemical treatments. The biological or chemical contaminants in these materials pose a major risk to human health, to consumers and manufacturers alike.

ZF-Mapper: Simple and Complete Freeware for Fluorescence Quantification in Zebrafish Images.

Zebrafish embryos and larvae have become popular vertebrate models because their body walls are transparent, which enables live imaging of target organs using fluorescent protein transgenes or dye staining. Software packages for the quantification of these fluorescent signals are available from both commercial and noncommercial sources; however, their algorithms are complicated and their resources (code) have mostly not been openly shared. In this study, we developed a simple and robust open-source software tool named "ZF-Mapper" for the quantification of the fluorescence intensity of each pixel in zebrafish images with batch image file processing capability.

Toxicological Evaluation of SiO₂ Nanoparticles by Zebrafish Embryo Toxicity Test.

As the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is increasing, the potential toxicity and behavior of NPs in living systems need to be better understood. Our goal was to evaluate the developmental toxicity and bio-distribution of two different sizes of fluorescently-labeled SiO₂ NPs, 25 and 115 nm, with neutral surface charge or with different surface functionalization, rendering them positively or negatively charged, in order to predict the effect of NPs in humans. We performed a zebrafish embryo toxicity test (ZFET) by exposing the embryos to SiO₂ NPs starting from six hours post fertilization (hpf).

Microbiome Alteration in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Model of Zebrafish.

Understanding the gut microbiota in metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is now gaining importance due to its potential role in disease risk and progression. We previously established a zebrafish model of T2DM, which shows glucose intolerance with insulin resistance and responds to anti-diabetic drugs. In this study, we analysed the gut microbiota of T2DM zebrafish by deep sequencing the 16S rRNA V3-V4 hypervariable regions, and imputed a functional profile using predictive metagenomic tools.

Novel Anti-Obesity Properties of Palmaria mollis in Zebrafish and Mouse Models.

(1) Background: The red seaweed (PM), which has a bacon-like taste, is increasingly being included in Western diets. In this study, we evaluate anti-obesity effects of PM using diet-induced obese (DIO) zebrafish and mice models. (2) Methods: We fed PM-containing feed to DIO-zebrafish and mice, and evaluated the anti-obesity effects We also analyzed gene expression changes in their liver and visceral adipose tissues (VAT).

Lipidomic Profiling on Oxidized Phospholipids in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Model Zebrafish.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder in the world. Oxidative stress, as a key role on the pathogenesis of diabetes, also results in the oxidation of phospholipids. However, studies on phospholipid oxidation in diabetes, especially directly focusing on oxidized and degraded phospholipid species, are quite limited.