Effectiveness
of thioacetamide in an induced liver fibrosis model in zebrafish larvae
Nguyen Huynh Mai Anh, Le Van Trinh, Minh-Dung Truong, Truong Hai Nhung and Vu Thanh
Nguyen
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(5); 84-91;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/205rjbt84091; (2025)
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, a major global health concern, necessitates effective research models
for its understanding and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the potential
of zebrafish larvae as a model for liver fibrosis by inducing this condition with
thioacetamide (TAA). Zebrafish larvae at four days postfertilization (dpf) were
exposed to 0.05% TAA for 72 or 120 hours. The effects of TAA were assessed through
survival rate analysis, histological examination of liver tissue and gene expression
analysis of markers related to cell death, fibrosis development and inflammation.
Liver fibrosis was quantified by staining collagen fibers with Sirius Red and analyzing
the stained area in liver sections.
TAA-exposed zebrafish larvae presented a high survival rate and clear signs of liver
damage and fibrosis. This finding was supported by increased expression of a gene
involved in promoting fibrosis. Quantitative analysis of Sirius Red-stained samples
confirmed increased collagen deposition in TAA-treated larvae. This study successfully
demonstrated that TAA effectively induces liver fibrosis in zebrafish larvae, validating
its use as a valuable model for investigating this disease. The transparency, rapid
development, high survival rate and quantifiable fibrosis of zebrafish larvae make
them particularly suitable for liver fibrosis research, offering potential for future
studies on disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
