Study of BDNF protein expression in type 2 diabetic model of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), which causes hyperglycemia, also affects the central nervous system, leading to cognitive dysfunctions. Nowadays, zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a promising model organism for studying the neurobehavioral disorders like stress, anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to determine the BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) activity and protein expression levels in high sucrose induced hyperglycemic zebrafish. Hyperglycemia was induced in adult zebrafish by immersion in 83.25 mM sucrose solution for 14 days after performing the study for survival in sucrose solutions. The animals were divided into 2 groups in replicates: control and sucrose-treated hyperglycemic groups. Afterwards, the BDNF activity and protein expression were determined from the samples isolated from whole brain of both the groups. Results showed that highsucrose induced hyperglycemic group showed significantly reduced BDNF protein expression level as compared to control group. Overall, our results confirm that impaired glucose metabolism in the zebrafishes resulted in the decreased BDNF levels. This decreased BDNF level observed in T2D (other than cognitive disorders) can be possibly helpful for explaining the missing link in interplay of these diseases in future.