Diet with different concentrations of lychee peel flour modulates oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant activity in zebrafish

• Published in: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2024-06, Vol.272, p.110964-110964, Article 110964
• Main Authors: Oliveira, João Paulo Lima de, Carneiro, William Franco, Silva, Kiara Cândido Duarte da, Martins, Moises Silvestre de Azevedo, de Souza, Stefania Priscilla, Virote, Bárbara do Carmo Rodrigues, Konig, Isaac Filipe Moreira, Vilas Boas, Eduardo Valério de Barros, Murgas, Luis David Solis, Carvalho, Elisângela Elena Nunes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Bioactive compounds; By-products; Litchi chinensis; Oxidative stress; Phenolic compounds
• ISSN: 1096-4959; 1879-1107
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2024.110964

The agri-food industry generates substantial waste, leading to significant environmental impacts. Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonnerat), which is rich in bioactive compounds in its peel, pulp, and seeds, offers an opportunity for waste use. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing a high-carbohydrate diet with varying levels of lychee peel flour on lipid metabolism biomarkers and oxidative stress in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. A total of 225 zebrafish, approximately four months old, were divided into five groups: control, high-carbohydrate (HC), HC2%, HC4%, and HC6%. The study did not find significant differences in the growth performance of zebrafish in any group. However, the HC6% group exhibited a significant decrease in glucose and triglyceride levels compared with the HC group. Furthermore, this group showed enhanced activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Increased antioxidant activity was also evidenced by DPPH−, ABTS+, and β-carotene/Linoleic acid assays in the HC6% group. A positive correlation was identified between SOD/CAT activity and in vitro antioxidant assays. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with 6% lychee peel flour can significantly modulate glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant activity in zebrafish. [Display omitted] •o-Coumaric Acid and Resveratrol were the most abundant bioactive compounds in lychee peel flour.•The evaluation of antioxidant activity using the ABTS+ and DPPH− assays was effective in zebrafish.•The addition of 6% lychee peel flour to the diet reduced blood glucose.•The addition of 6% lychee peel flour increased CAT and SOD activity.•The addition of 4 and 6% lychee peel flour reduced lipid peroxidation.