Virgin Coconut Oil Enhances Growth Hormone and Catalase Expression and Improves Growth in Rotenone-Induced Stunted Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae

Stunting is a major global health problem characterized by impaired linear growth associated with chronic malnutrition and persistent oxidative stress. Disruption of endocrine growth regulation and antioxidant defense contributes significantly to its pathophysiology. Growth hormone (GH) regulates postnatal linear growth by stimulating chondrocyte activity and IGF-1 mediated anabolic pathways, while catalase (CAT) plays a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative damage that can impair growth signaling. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), rich in medium chain fatty acids, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help restore growth homeostasis by reducing oxidative stress and supporting endocrine regulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of VCO on GH and CAT gene expression and body length in rotenone-induced stunted zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. A true experimental post-test only controlled group design was used, consisting of negative and positive controls and three VCO treatment groups (6.25%, 3.125%, and 1.5625%). Larvae were exposed to rotenone two hours post-fertilization. Body length was measured at 3, 6, and 9 days post-fertilization (dpf), while GH and CAT expression was analyzed at 9 dpf using Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Rotenone significantly reduced body length compared to controls. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) administration improved growth and increased GH and CAT expression, with the 3.125% group showing the most pronounced effect. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated significant differences among groups (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that VCO may mitigate growth impairment by enhancing antioxidant defense and supporting endocrine regulation.