Effects of diet composition on physical parameters in Danio rerio

Author

Isabella HemphillFollow

College

Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Date of Last Revision

2025-05-08 11:40:30

Major

Biomedical Science

Honors Course

BIOL 499

Number of Credits

5

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2025

Abstract

With the use of zebrafish as a common model organism for human health, the reduction of confounding variables in their care is key. Many commercialized zebrafish diets are available for purchase, but each one consists of a different ratio of these crucial macronutrients. This study aimed to determine the effects long-term diets high in one macronutrient would have on the morphometrics, heart, liver, and protein content of zebrafish. Four diets were fed over a period of almost two years- high lipid, high carb, high protein, and a control diet. The control diet was the standard feed used in this lab, GEMMA Micro 300. Image analysis and dissection were performed on the zebrafish carcasses to obtain morphological measurements and heart and liver masses. The carcasses were then homogenized for a Bradford assay which allowed for the calculation of the protein content. The results showed a high carb diet resulted in a significantly lower body mass and reduced morphometrics than the other diets, possibly indicating an induction of type II diabetes. The control diet appeared to result in the largest morphometrics, with the high protein and high lipid diets measuring in the middle. Because the high protein diet did not produce a significant difference in protein content, additional studies are needed to ensure the absorption of the protein.

Research Sponsor

Brian Bagatto

First Reader

Richard Londraville

Second Reader

Peter Niewiarowski

Honors Faculty Advisor

Brian Bagatto

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

Recommended Citation

Hemphill, Isabella, "Effects of diet composition on physical parameters in Danio rerio" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2019.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2019