PRELIMINARY FINDINGS ON THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN B6 ON ZEBRAFISH SOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Authors

  • Gabriela Elena CHELE “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Adriana PETROVICI “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi
  • R. LEFTER Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Iasi Branch
  • Irina DOBRIN “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Madalina-Andreea ROBEA “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • M. NICOARA “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi
  • A. CIOBICA “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi
  • B. NOVAC “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Keywords:

VITAMIN B6, ZEBRAFISH, SOCIAL INTERACTION TEST

Abstract

Vitamin B6 (vit. B6) is one of the most important vitamins involved in the maintenance and promotion of a good state of health and body function. Needed in multiple processes, vit. B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that actively participates in hemoglobin formation, glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the immune system. Its deficiency was many times addressed and linked with serious health issues. Some studies claim that vit. B6 could be considered an adequate treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Usually seen as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, ASD is a long-life condition described by persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, aside from restricted interests and repetitive behavior. It is widely recognized that genetic predisposition is one of the primary risk factors for ASD; however, environmental factors should also be explored due to their particular and complex mechanisms. Materials and methods: The main goal of the present study was to determine the effect of vit. B6 on zebrafish behavior as an animal model for ASD using valproic acid (VPA), an anticonvulsant drug. For a period of five days, fish were exposed to 100 µM vit. B6, 300 µM VPA, and a mixture of 100 µM vit. B6 and 300 µM VPA. All the behavioral parameters were quantified through the EthoVision XT 11.5 software and performed using the adapted T-maze. The time spent in left arm, where the social stimulus was added, reflected the zebrafish's sociability level. Besides, data from locomotor activity was gathered. Results: No significant effect on social behavior was revealed after five days of exposure to vit. B6. Despite this, behavioral improvements were observed in groups where fish received vit. B6. Conclusions: Overall, this study provided limited evidence regarding the vitamin’s capacity, suggesting the necessity of additional studies to promote the efficiency of vitamin usage in ASD.

Author Biographies

  • Adriana PETROVICI, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi

    University of Life Sciences Iasi
    Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses Food Safety

  • M. NICOARA, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi

    Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest

  • A. CIOBICA, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi

    Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Iasi Branch
    “Apollonia” University, Iasi

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Published

2024-03-29