Chios Mastic Gum Extract Enhances Antioxidant Defense in Zebrafish

Chios mastic gum (CMG), derived from the resin of the <i>Pistacia lentiscus</i> has long been considered a natural remedy in the Mediterranean region. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have garnered increasing attention from scientists and consumers over recent decades. While substantial evidence supports CMG's efficacy in preventing and treating common health disorders and its potential as a cancer cell inhibitor, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we utilized zebrafish embryos as a model organism to identify molecular pathways modulated by CMG treatment. Embryos were exposed to non-toxic CMG concentrations for 3 to 96 h post-fertilization. LC-HRMS proteomics, combined with enrichment analysis, revealed oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), electron transport chain (ETC), and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) as main processes. The latter highlights the benefits of CMG administration in energy generation and cytoskeletal integrity. From the plethora of identified proteins, hierarchical clustering revealed three main antioxidant proteins as upregulated, namely copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin-disulfide reductase, and catalase, confirming the contribution of CMG to the enhancement of zebrafish's antioxidant defense.