Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate on Metabolic Enzymes Activity in Streptozotocin-induced Zebrafish Model of Diabetes

Background: The therapeutic potential of naturally occurring flavonoids, particularly in managing diabetes-related complications, has garnered significant attention. This study explores the impact of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a bioactive compound found in green tea, on the activity of key metabolic enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the liver, gills and kidneys of zebrafish. The experimental design included four groups: Control, diabetic, diabetic treated with EGCG and control treated with EGCG, with enzyme activities assessed on days 1, 7, 14 and 21. Methods: Zebrafish were categorized into four groups: control, diabetic, diabetic administered EGCG and control administered EGCG. Enzyme activity of ALT, AST and ALP in liver, gill and kidney tissues were assessed on days 1, 7, 14 and 21. Result: The diabetic group demonstrated a substantial elevation in ALT, AST and ALP activities in all tissues, with ALT activity increased by 30.67% in the liver, 39.67% in the gills and 5.39% in the kidneys on day 21 relative to the control group. EGCG administration in the diabetic group markedly decreased metabolic enzyme activity, signifying a therapeutic impact. Analogous trends were noted for AST and ALP, indicating the therapeutic efficacy of EGCG in addressing diabetes-related metabolic disorders. EGCG exhibits potential as a protective agent with practically curative effects in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic zebrafish model, highlighting its ability to alleviate diabetes-related complications.