Aqueous extract of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae increases mTOR-mediated growth rate in zebrafish larvae

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of Protaetia brevitarsis (AEPB) on the growth of zebrafish and preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. Methods: The effects of AEPB on the linear growth and the expression of growth-related genes in zebrafish and MC3T3-E1 cells were assessed using various molecular techniques. Furthermore, the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in AEPB-induced growth was investigated by employing the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Results: AEPB administration led to a significant and dose-dependent increase in zebrafish larvae growth over time. Additionally, AEPB treatment upregulated the expression of growth hormone-1 (GH-1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), growth hormone receptor-1 (GHR-1), and cholecystokinin-a (CCKA) in zebrafish. Similarly, AEPB stimulated the expression and release of IGF-1 and accelerated mTOR expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, rapamycin hindered AEPB-induced linear growth in zebrafish larvae and suppressed the expression of growth-promoting genes by inhibiting mTOR activation. Conclusions: AEPB shows growth-promoting effects by upregulating growth-related genes and activating the mTOR signaling pathway. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action and explore its potential application in the development of growth-enhancing supplements for various purposes.

Keywords

Protaetia brevitarsis / Growth rate / Growth hormone / Insulin-like growth factor / mTOR / MC3T3-E1

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Funding

This research was supported by the 2023 scientific promotion program funded by Jeju National University.

Authors’ contributions

JACCJ and GYK designed the work and contributed to the concept. JACCJ, KTL, and YHC performed experiments and data validation. JACCJ wrote original draft, and YHC and GYK performed the critical revision of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Publisher’s note

The Publisher of the Journal remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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