Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
05:41
Metabolic Profile Analysis of Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: January 14, 2013
20.1K
An optimized zebrafish obesogenic test protocol with an artificial intelligence-based analysis software for screening
Sara Al Kassir1, Théo Mercé1, Sandra Pedemay1
1MRGM, INSERM U1211, University of Bordeaux, Pessac F-33615, France.
Biology Methods & Protocols
|August 13, 2025
Summary
A new zebrafish obesogenic test (ZOT) protocol quantifies how chemicals and diet impact white adipose tissue (WAT) in zebrafish larvae. This method aids in assessing obesogens and anti-obesogens for environmental and human health risk evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Obesity is a complex disease linked to excessive body fat accumulation.
- Endocrine disruptors, termed obesogens, are implicated in the rising obesity rates.
- Zebrafish larvae offer a transparent vertebrate model to study adipocyte dynamics and obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a detailed, optimized Zebrafish Obesogenic Test (ZOT) protocol.
- To enable assessment of obesogens and anti-obesogens on white adipose tissue (WAT) levels in zebrafish larvae.
- To provide a quantitative in vivo assay for high-throughput screening.
Main Methods:
- Established zootechnical guidelines for zebrafish larvae rearing and feeding.
- Optimized in vivo Nile Red staining for lipid droplets in adipocytes.
- Developed automated image processing using deep learning software for ZOT analysis.
- Defined microscopy acquisition protocols for subcutaneous WAT.
Main Results:
- The ZOT protocol effectively distinguishes method variability from biological effects.
- The assay is specific, sensitive, and robust for quantitative analysis of adipocyte hypertrophy/hypotrophy.
- The method allows evaluation of diet, drugs, and environmental contaminants as obesogens or anti-obesogens.
Conclusions:
- The ZOT protocol provides a reliable tool for high-throughput screening of compounds influencing adiposity.
- This assay offers valuable insights for environmental and human health risk assessments related to obesity.
- The standardized protocol enhances reproducibility in studying obesogenic effects in vivo.
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