Neurobehavioral effects of fungicides in zebrafish: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pesticides are widely used in global agriculture to achieve high productivity levels. Among them, fungicides are specifically designed to inhibit fungal growth in crops and seeds. However, their application often results in environmental contamination, as these chemicals can persistently be detected in surface waters. This poses a potential threat to non-target organisms, including humans, that inhabit the affected ecosystems. In toxicologic research, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is the most commonly used fish species to assess the potential effects of fungicide exposure, and numerous and sometimes conflicting findings have been reported. To address this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the neurobehavioral effects of fungicides in zebrafish. Our search encompassed three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science), and the screening process followed predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. We extracted qualitative and quantitative data, as well as assessed reporting quality, from 60 included studies. Meta-analyses were performed for the outcomes of distance traveled in larvae and adults and spontaneous movements in embryos. The results revealed a significant overall effect of fungicide exposure on distance, with a lower distance traveled in the exposed versus control group. No significant effect was observed for spontaneous movements. The overall heterogeneity was high for distance and moderate for spontaneous movements. The poor reporting practices in the field hindered a critical evaluation of the studies. Nevertheless, a sensitivity analysis did not identify any studies skewing the meta-analyses. This review underscores the necessity for better-designed and reported experiments in this field.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine and acetyl-L-carnitine on acute PTZ-induced seizures in larval and adult zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease, affecting approximately 1-2% of the global population. The hallmark of epilepsy is the occurrence of epileptic seizures, which are characterized by predictable behavioral changes reflecting the underlying neural mechanisms of the disease. Unfortunately, around 30% of patients do not respond to current pharmacological treatments. Consequently, exploring alternative therapeutic options for managing this condition is crucial. Two potential candidates for attenuating seizures are N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), as they have shown promising neuroprotective effects through the modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. METHODS: This study aimed to assess the effects of varying concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/L) of NAC and ALC on acute PTZ-induced seizures in zebrafish in both adult and larval stages. The evaluation of behavioral parameters such as seizure intensity and latency to the crisis can provide insights into the efficacy of these substances. RESULTS: Our results indicate that both drugs at any of the tested concentrations were not able to reduce PTZ-induced epileptic seizures. On the other hand, the administration of diazepam demonstrated a notable reduction in seizure intensity and increased latencies to higher scores of epileptic seizures. CONCLUSION: Consequently, we conclude that, under the conditions employed in this study, NAC and ALC do not exhibit any significant effects on acute seizures in zebrafish.

Chemically-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish: A systematic review.

The use of zebrafish as a model organism is gaining evidence in the field of epilepsy as it may help to understand the mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures. As zebrafish assays became popular, the heterogeneity between protocols increased, making it hard to choose a standard protocol to conduct research while also impairing the comparison of results between studies. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively profile the chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, followed by a two-step screening process based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Qualitative data were extracted, and a sample of 100 studies was randomly selected for risk of bias assessment. Out of the 1058 studies identified after removing duplicates, 201 met the inclusion criteria. We found that the most common chemoconvulsants used in the reviewed studies were pentylenetetrazole (n = 180), kainic acid (n = 11), and pilocarpine (n = 10), which increase seizure severity in a dose-dependent manner. The main outcomes assessed were seizure scores and locomotion. Significant variability between the protocols was observed for administration route, duration of exposure, and dose/concentration. Of the studies subjected to risk of bias assessment, most were rated as low risk of bias for selective reporting (94%), baseline characteristics of the animals (67%), and blinded outcome assessment (54%). Randomization procedures and incomplete data were rated unclear in 81% and 68% of the studies, respectively. None of the studies reported the sample size calculation. Overall, these findings underscore the need for improved methodological and reporting practices to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of zebrafish models for studying epilepsy. Our study offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish, highlighting the common chemoconvulsants used and the variability in protocol parameters. This may be particularly valuable to researchers interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of epileptic seizures and screening potential drug candidates in zebrafish models.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 years of unpredictable chronic stress in zebrafish.

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a model animal that is being increasingly used in neuroscience research. A decade ago, the first study on unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) in zebrafish was published, inspired by protocols established for rodents in the early 1980s. Since then, several studies have been published by different groups, in some cases with conflicting results. Here we conducted a systematic review to identify studies evaluating the effects of UCS in zebrafish and meta-analytically synthetized the data of neurobehavioral outcomes and relevant biomarkers. Literature searches were performed in three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) with a two-step screening process based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The included studies underwent extraction of qualitative and quantitative data, as well as risk-of-bias assessment. Outcomes of included studies (n = 38) were grouped into anxiety/fear-related behavior, locomotor function, social behavior or cortisol level domains. UCS increased anxiety/fear-related behavior and cortisol levels while decreasing locomotor function, but a significant summary effect was not observed for social behavior. Despite including a substantial number of studies, the high heterogeneity and the methodological and reporting problems evidenced in the risk-of-bias analysis made it difficult to assess the internal validity of most studies and the overall validity of the model. Our review thus evidences the need to conduct well-designed experiments to better evaluate the effects of UCS on diverse behavioral patterns displayed by zebrafish.

Ochratoxin A induces locomotor impairment and oxidative imbalance in adult zebrafish.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by species of filamentous fungi widely found as a contaminant in food and with high toxic potential. Studies have shown that this toxin causes kidney and liver damage; however, data on the central nervous system effects of exposure to OTA are still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to OTA on behavioral and neurochemical parameters in adult zebrafish. The animals were treated with different doses of OTA (1.38, 2.77, and 5.53 mg/kg) with intraperitoneal injections and submitted to behavioral evaluations in the open tank and social interaction tests. Subsequently, they were euthanized, and the brains were used to assess markers associated with oxidative status. In the open tank test, OTA altered distance traveled, absolute turn angle, mean speed, and freezing time. However, no significant effects were observed in the social interaction test. Moreover, OTA also increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) levels and decreased non-protein thiols (NPSH) levels in the zebrafish brain. This study showed that OTA can affect behavior and neurochemical levels in zebrafish.

Non-micronized and micronized curcumin do not prevent the behavioral and neurochemical effects induced by acute stress in zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), presents neuroprotective properties and can modulate neuronal pathways related to mental disorders. However, curcumin has low bioavailability, which can compromise its use. The micronization process can reduce mean particle diameter and improve this compound's bioavailability and therapeutic potential. METHODS: We compared the behavioral (open tank test, OTT) and neurochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and non-protein thiols (NPSH) levels) effects of non-micronized curcumin (CUR, 10 mg/kg, ip) and micronized curcumin (MC, 10 mg/kg, ip) in adult zebrafish subjected to a 90-min acute restraint stress (ARS) protocol. RESULTS: ARS increased the time spent in the central area and the number of crossings and decreased the immobility time of the animals in the OTT. These results suggest an increase in locomotor activity and a decrease in thigmotaxis behavior. Both CUR and MC were not able to prevent these effects. Furthermore, ARS also induced oxidative damage by increasing TBARS and decreasing NPSH levels. Both CUR and MC did not prevent these effects. CONCLUSION: ARS-induced behavioral and biochemical effects were not blocked by any curcumin preparation. Therefore, we conclude that curcumin does not have acute anti-stress effects in zebrafish.

What do male and female zebrafish prefer? Directional and colour preference in maze tasks.

Studies regarding the animals' innate preferences help elucidate and avoid probable sources of bias and serve as a reference to improve and develop new behavioural tasks. In zebrafish research, data obtained in behavioural assessments are often not replicated between research groups or even inside the same laboratory raising huge concerns about replicability and reproducibility. Among the potential causes that are not well considered, sexual differences can be a probable source of bias. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the male and female zebrafish directional and colour preferences in the plus-maze and T-maze behavioural tasks. Experiment 1 evaluated directional preference, and experiment 2 evaluated colour preference in a plus-maze task; experiment 3 evaluated preference between black or white in a T-maze task. Individual preferences were expressed as the percentage of time spent in each zone. Our results showed that male and female zebrafish demonstrated no difference in directional preference in the plus-maze task. Surprisingly, male and female zebrafish showed colour preference differences in the plus-maze task; males did not show any colour preference, while female zebrafish demonstrated a red preference compared to white, blue and yellow colours. Moreover, both male and female zebrafish demonstrated a strong black colour preference compared to the white colour in the T-maze task. Our findings characterized the spontaneous preference of male and female zebrafish for direction and colour, identifying possible biases and providing insights that contribute to the standardization of future protocols.

Evaluation of Resveratrol and Piceatannol Anticonvulsant Potential in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder which affects 50 million people worldwide. Patients with epilepsy may present cognitive deficits and psychological impairment. Currently, 30% of patients fail to respond to any available antiseizure drug, and a significant number of patients do not well tolerate the offered treatments. Then, it is necessary to find out alternatives for controlling epileptic seizures. Studies have shown that despite its neuroprotective effects, resveratrol shows poor anticonvulsant properties. Resveratrol analog, piceatannol, possesses higher biological activity than resveratrol and could be an alternative to control seizure. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of resveratrol and piceatannol in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Only the experimental positive control (diazepam) showed anticonvulsant effect in this study. In addition, no behavioral changes were observed 24 h after seizure occurrence. Finally, the expression of genes related to neuronal activity (c-fos), neurogenesis (p70S6Ka and p70S6Kb), inflammatory response (interleukin 1ß), and cell apoptosis (caspase-3) did not change by pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Therefore, we failed to observe any anticonvulsant and neuroprotective potential of resveratrol and piceatannol in adult zebrafish. However, resveratrol and piceatannol benefits in epilepsy are not discharged, and more studies are necessary.

Micronized Curcumin Causes Hyperlocomotion in Zebrafish Larvae.

Zebrafish larvae have been widely used in neuroscience and drug research and development. In the larval stage, zebrafish present a broad behavioral repertoire and physiological responses similar to adults. Curcumin (CUR), a major component of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), has demonstrated the ability to modulate several neurobiological processes relevant to mental disorders in animal models. However, the low bioavailability of this compound can compromise its in vivo biological potential. Interestingly, it has been shown that micronization can increase the biological effects of several compounds. Thus, in this study, we compared the effects of acute exposure for 30 min to the following solutions: water (control), 0.1% DMSO (vehicle), 1 µM CUR, or 1 µM micronized curcumin (MC) in zebrafish larvae 7 days post-fertilization (dpf). We analyzed locomotor activity (open tank test), anxiety (light/dark test), and avoidance behavior (aversive stimulus test). Moreover, we evaluated parameters of oxidative status (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and non-protein thiols levels). MC increased the total distance traveled and absolute turn angle in the open tank test. There were no significant differences in the other behavioral or neurochemical outcomes. The increase in locomotion induced by MC may be associated with a stimulant effect on the central nervous system, which was evidenced by the micronization process.

Glutamate NMDA Receptor Antagonists with Relevance to Schizophrenia: A Review of Zebrafish Behavioral Studies.

Schizophrenia pathophysiology is associated with hypofunction of glutamate NMDA receptors (NMDAR) in GABAergic interneurons and dopaminergic hyperactivation in subcortical brain areas. The administration of NMDAR antagonists is used as an animal model that replicates behavioral phenotypes relevant to the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Such models overwhelmingly rely on rodents, which may lead to species-specific biases and poor translatability. Zebrafish, however, is increasingly used as a model organism to study evolutionarily conserved aspects of behavior. We thus aimed to review and integrate the major findings reported in the zebrafish literature regarding the behavioral effects of NMDAR antagonists with relevance to schizophrenia. We identified 44 research articles that met our inclusion criteria from 590 studies retrieved from MEDLINE (PubMed) and Web of Science databases. Dizocilpine (MK-801) and ketamine were employed in 29 and 10 studies, respectively. The use of other NMDAR antagonists, such as phencyclidine (PCP), APV, memantine, and tiletamine, was described in 6 studies. Frequently reported findings are the social interaction and memory deficits induced by MK-801 and circling behavior induced by ketamine. However, mixed results were described for several locomotor and exploratory parameters in the novel tank and open tank tests. The present review integrates the most relevant results while discussing variation in experimental design and methodological procedures. We conclude that zebrafish is a suitable model organism to study drug-induced behavioral phenotypes relevant to schizophrenia. However, more studies are necessary to further characterize the major differences in behavior as compared to mammals.

How do zebrafish (Danio rerio) respond to MK-801 and amphetamine? Relevance for assessing schizophrenia-related endophenotypes in alternative model organisms.

Schizophrenia pathophysiology has been associated with dopaminergic hyperactivity, NMDA receptor hypofunction, and redox dysregulation. Most behavioral assays and animal models to study this condition were developed in rodents, leaving room for species-specific biases that could be avoided by cross-species approaches. As MK-801 and amphetamine are largely used in mice and rats to mimic schizophrenia features, this study aimed to compare the effects of these drugs in several zebrafish (Danio rerio) behavioral assays. Male and female adult zebrafish were exposed to MK-801 (1, 5, and 10 µM) or amphetamine (0.625, 2.5, and 10 mg/L) and observed in paradigms of locomotor activity and social behavior. Oxidative parameters were quantified in brain tissue. Our results demonstrate that MK-801 disrupted social interaction, an effect that resembles the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It also altered locomotion in a context-dependent manner, with hyperactivity when fish were tested in the presence of social cues and hypoactivity when tested alone. On the other hand, exposure to amphetamine was devoid of effects on locomotion and social behavior, while it increased lipid peroxidation in the brain. Key outcomes induced by MK-801 in rodents, such as social interaction deficit and locomotor alterations, were replicated in zebrafish, corroborating previous studies and reinforcing the use of zebrafish to study schizophrenia-related endophenotypes. More studies are necessary to assess the predictive validity of preclinical paradigms with this species and ultimately optimize the screening of potential novel treatments.

Investigation on the Anticonvulsant Potential of Luteolin and Micronized Luteolin in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Epilepsy affects around 50 million people worldwide, and an important number of patients (30%) fail to respond to any available antiepileptic drug. Previous studies have shown that luteolin presents a promising potential as an anticonvulsant. On the other hand, different studies showed that luteolin does not promote anticonvulsant effects. Therefore, there is a lack of consensus about the use of luteolin for seizure control. Luteolin low bioavailability could be a limiting factor to obtain better results. Attractively, micronization technology has been applied to improve flavonoids bioavailability. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of luteolin on its raw form and micronized luteolin in a PTZ-induced seizure model in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our results demonstrate that luteolin and micronized luteolin did not block PTZ-induced seizures in adult zebrafish. Also, luteolin and micronized luteolin did not provoke behavioral changes. Finally, our results show that 24 h after seizure occurrence, no changes were detected for p70S6Kb, interleukin 1ß, and caspase-3 transcript levels. Altogether, we failed to observe an anticonvulsant potential of luteolin in adult zebrafish, even in its micronized form. However, we recommend new studies to investigate luteolin benefits in epilepsy.

Swimming in the maze: An overview of maze apparatuses and protocols to assess zebrafish behavior.

Most preclinical behavioral assays use rodents as model animals, leaving room for species-specific biases that could be avoided by an expanded cross-species approach. In this context, zebrafish emerges as an alternative model organism to study neurobiological mechanisms of anxiety, preference, learning, and memory, as well as other phenotypes with relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders. In recent years, several zebrafish studies using different types of mazes have been published. However, the protocols and apparatuses' shapes and dimensions vary widely in the literature. This variation may puzzle researchers attempting to implement maze behavioral assays and challenges the reproducibility across institutions. This review aims to provide an overview of the behavioral paradigms assessed in different types of mazes in zebrafish reported in the last couple of decades. Also, this review aims to contribute to a better characterization of multi-behavioral assessment in zebrafish.

Anti-stress effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide in zebrafish.

Stress-related disorders are extremely harmful and cause significant impacts on the individual and society. Despite the limited evidence regarding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and mental disorders, a few clinical and preclinical studies suggest that modulating this system could improve symptoms of stress-related disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of liraglutide, a GLP-1R agonist, on neurobehavioral phenotypes and brain oxidative status in adult zebrafish. Acute liraglutide promoted anxiolytic-like effects in the light/dark test, while chronic treatment blocked the impact of unpredictable chronic stress on behavioral and physiological parameters. Taken together, our study demonstrates that liraglutide is active on the zebrafish brain and may counteract some of the effects induced by stress. More studies are warranted to further elucidate the potential of GLP-1R agonists for the management of brain disorders.

Exposure to the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid impairs mitochondrial function, oxidative status, and behavior in adult zebrafish.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide. While the effects of 2,4-D in target organisms are well known, its consequences in nontarget organisms are not fully explained. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the herbicide on mitochondrial energy metabolism, oxidative status, and exploratory behavior in adult zebrafish. Animal exposure to 2,4-D increased cytochrome c oxidase and catalase activities and reduced SOD/CAT ratio, moreover, increased the total distance traveled and the number of crossings. Finally, animals exposed to 2,4-D spent more time in the upper zone of the tank and traveled a long distance in the upper zone. Overall, our results indicate the 2,4-D can provoke disabling effects in nontarget organisms. The obtained data showed that exposure to 2,4-D at environmentally relevant concentrations alters mitochondrial metabolism and antioxidant status and disturbs the zebrafish innate behavior.

Reduction of hippocampal IL-6 levels in LPS-injected rats following acute exendin-4 treatment.

Preclinical evidence on the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1r) agonists in the brain led to an increased interest in repurposing these compounds as a therapy for central nervous system (CNS) disorders and associated comorbidities. We aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of acute treatment with exendin (EX)-4, a GLP-1r agonist, in an animal model of inflammation. We evaluated the effect of different doses of EX-4 on inflammatory, neurotrophic, and oxidative stress parameters in the hippocampus and serum of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected animals. Male Wistar rats were injected with LPS (0.25 mg/kg i.p.) and treated with different doses of EX-4 (0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 µg/kg i.p.). Sickness behavior was assessed by locomotor activity and body weight, and depressive-like behavior was also evaluated using forced swim test (FST). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), and interleukin (IL)-6 were quantified in the serum and hippocampus. Glycemia was also analyzed pre- and post-EX-4 treatment. LPS groups exhibited decreased frequency of crossing and reduced body weight (p < 0.001), while alterations on FST were not observed. The higher dose of EX-4 reduced IL-6 in the hippocampus of LPS-injected animals (p = 0.018), and EX-4 per se reduced TBARS serum levels with a modest antioxidant effect in the LPS groups (p ≤ 0.005). BDNF hippocampal levels seemed to be increased in the LPS+EX-4 0.5 group compared with LPS+Saline (p > 0.05). Our study provides evidence on acute anti-inflammatory effects of EX-4 in the hippocampus of rats injected with LPS, contributing to future studies on repurposing compounds with potential neuroprotective properties.

Non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches for psychiatric disorders: Re-appraisal and insights from zebrafish models.

Acute and chronic stressors are common triggers of human mental illnesses. Experimental animal models and their cross-species translation to humans are critical for understanding of the pathogenesis of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Mounting evidence suggests that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches can be efficient in treating these disorders. Here, we analyze human, rodent and zebrafish (Danio rerio) data to compare the impact of non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies of stress-related psychopathologies. Emphasizing the likely synergism and interplay between pharmacological and environmental factors in mitigating daily stress both clinically and in experimental models, we argue that environmental enrichment emerges as a promising complementary therapy for stress-induced disorders across taxa. We also call for a broader use of novel model organisms, such as zebrafish, to study such treatments and their potential interplay.

Tryptophan alleviates neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to stress in zebrafish.

Stressful experiences are related to the triggering of anxiety and mood disorders. Tryptophan (amino acid precursor of serotonin synthesis) emerges as important treatment of these disorders. Here, we evaluate the effects of pre-treatment with tryptophan (300 mg/L) and fluoxetine (50 µg/L) in response to acute stress in zebrafish. Overall, acute stress decreased the distance traveled, entries and time in top of tank, as well as increased the cortisol levels, demonstrating an anxiogenic behavior. Tryptophan and fluoxetine prevented anxiogenic effects. This study showed the importance of tryptophan and fluoxetine in the regulation of stress and anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish. Collectively, our data support tryptophan effects on stress responses in zebrafish and reinforce the growing utility of this aquatic model to screen CNS therapies.

A mixture of fipronil and fungicides induces alterations on behavioral and oxidative stress parameters in zebrafish.

Pesticide commercial mixtures, including the insecticide fipronil and the fungicides pyraclostrobin and methyl-thiophanate, have been used in concomitant pest control, facilitating agricultural management. Their widespread use can lead to soil and water contamination and potentially induce damages in the ecosystem, producing toxic effects in non-target organisms. Despite their toxicological potential, their effects on behavioral and biochemical parameters are not well understood. Here we investigated the effects of the mixture of fipronil and fungicides (MFF) pyraclostrobin and methyl- thiophanate on behavioral and biochemical parameters of oxidative stress in adult zebrafish. Animals exposed to the highest MFF tested concentration showed a decrease in the total distance traveled and in the number of crossings in the different zones of the tank. Furthermore, animals exposed to highest MFF tested concentration spent more time in water surface. In addition, our data showed that the exposure to this preparation promoted a decrease in non-protein thiol content as well as in catalase activity. Finally, pesticide exposure induced an increase in the superoxide dismutase/catalase ratio. Our results indicate that alterations in behavioral and oxidative parameters are involved in MFF toxicity in zebrafish. The antioxidant mechanisms analyzed were altered in concentrations that did not affect zebrafish behavior. Therefore, the assessment of oxidative stress parameters in zebrafish brains could be very useful to detect the early effects of environmental exposure to the MFF.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine amide on anxiety and stress behavior in zebrafish.

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Their etiology is related to stress, an adaptive response of the organism to restore homeostasis, in which oxidative stress and glutamatergic hyperactivity are involved. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a multitarget approved drug proved to be beneficial in the treatment of various mental disorders. Nevertheless, NAC has low membrane permeability and poor bioavailability and its limited delivery to the brain may explain inconsistencies in the literature. N-Acetylcysteine amide (AD4) is a synthetic derivative of NAC in which the carboxyl group was modified to an amide. The amidation of AD4 improved lipophilicity and blood-brain barrier permeability and enhanced its antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of AD4 on behavioral and biochemical parameters in zebrafish anxiety models. Neither AD4 nor NAC induced effects on locomotion and anxiety-related parameters in the novel tank test. However, in the light/dark test, AD4 (0.001 mg/L) increased the time spent in the lit side in a concentration 100 times lower than NAC (0.1 mg/L). In the acute restraint stress protocol, NAC and AD4 (0.001 mg/L) showed anxiolytic properties without meaningful effects on oxidative status. The study suggests that AD4 has anxiolytic effects in zebrafish with higher potency than the parent compound. Additional studies are warranted to characterize the anxiolytic profile of AD4 and its potential in the management of anxiety disorders.