Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Beetroot Extract Against Aeromonas hydrophila-Induced Toxicity in Zebrafish Larvae

Abstract

Aeromonas hydrophila is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for severe infections in aquatic organisms, including zebrafish. The  present study evaluates the protective effects of beetroot extract (BRE) against A. hydrophila-induced toxicity in zebrafish larvae. Zebrafish were exposed to A. hydrophila (1 × 106 CFU/mL) and subsequently treated with BRE at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg/mL. The antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, and catalase, glutathione levels, nitric oxide inhibition, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione S-transferase activities were assessed. Additionally, apoptosis and oxidative stress were analyzed using acridine orange, diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine, and dichlorofluorescin diacetate assays. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in oxidative stress and apoptosis in BRE- treated groups compared to A. hydrophila-infected groups. BRE significantly restored the antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced lipid peroxidation, and mitigated ROS production. The findings indicate that BRE offers substantial protection against A. hydrophila-induced toxicity by modulating oxidative stress and apoptosis in zebrafish larvae.