THE ASSESSMENT OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF THEOBRO-MINE, CAFFEINE AND THEOPHYLLINE ON INDUCED-OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ZEBRAFISH INTESTINE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22551/MSJ.2025.04.11Abstract
Oxidative stress, through the disbalance between oxidant and antioxidant mechanisms, plays an important role in intestinal disorders and dysfunctions. Evidence reported that methylxanthines possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their role in reducing oxidative stress-induced intestinal damage remains poorly understood. Aim: In this study, adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to induce oxidative intestinal injury and to evaluate the potential protective effects of methylxanthines (caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine). Materials and methods: Adult zebrafish were randomly divided into eight groups: control, oxidative stress-induced (treated with ZnO nanoparticles), oxidative stress and theobromine, oxidative stress and caffeine, oxidative stress and theophylline, theobromine treated group, caffeine treated group, theophylline treated group. After 15 days of exposure, intestinal samples were processed for histopathological evaluation; microscopic images were analyzed for villus, epithelial integrity and goblet cells density. Representative biochemical markers of antioxidant defense-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were quantified to assess redox status. Results: Histological examination revealed that ZnO-NPs induced intestinal damage, including epithelial disruption, blunt villus shortening and a discrete increase in the number of goblet cells, which were attenuated in oxidative stress methylxanthine-treated groups. The biochemical data supported these findings, showing enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and restored GSH levels in protected groups. Correlation analysis demonstrated associations between enzymatic antioxidant capacity and histopathological integrity. Conclusions: Methylxanthines can differentially modulate the intestinal oxidative stress, providing a basis for future studies on their potential therapeutic or dietary application. Theobromine appears to confer greater preservation of intestinal structure and mucosal balance.
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