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THE EFFECT OF PROTEIN DIGESTION ON ZEBRAFISH METABOLIC RATE

THE EFFECT OF PROTEIN DIGESTION ON ZEBRAFISH METABOLIC RATE

INTRODUCTION

According to several health care studies and reports, it is evident that protein form one of the primary nutrients that are used in the body for cellular structures building (Acheson 525). In addition, it should be noted that the process of protein digestion involves the breakdown of food substances we eat into soluble solutions that can be absorbed in the bloodstream. It is also true that protein is broken down to form amino-acids within the digestive systems and the amino acids are absorbed into the hepatic portal system. In addition, the proteins are the building blocks in the body and they include food substances such as eggs, meat, milk as well as beans and nuts among many other food products (Acheson 527). Notably, the amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein. In most cases, the digestion of proteins mainly occurs in the stomach and in the small intestine and the digestion of the proteins mainly begins in the stomach (Acheson 530). In addition, in the stomach the digestion of proteins is facilitated through the use of pepsin enzymes. The enzyme pepsin promotes the digestion of the large proteins molecules into amino acids. Importantly, the digestion of proteins in the body also includes the use of hydrochloric acid (Acheson 526). In most cases, zebra-fish is used in research studies since it is transparent and its embryos and other organs can be seen through. In addition, the zebra-fish is preferred in research studies since it is cheap in nature, have similar organs as human beings and it also produces a lot of offspring’s. There are also those who argue that zebra-fish has a short life-span of about two years only and they are easy to take care of through the application of various tools.

Therefore, the primary objective of this research paper is to determine, evaluate as well as discuss some of the major effects of protein digestion in the body of Zebra-Fish. The paper will also analyze the major benefits that the Zebra-fish gain after the digestion of proteins as well as focus on the major effects that protein provide on the fish metabolic rate especially after three to four hours. Finally, how protein increases the energy and the metabolic rate in human and Zebra-fish will also be evaluated in the paper.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In most cases, protein digestion takes place in both the stomach and in the small intestine in the body of human beings. However, in Zebra fish, protein digestion involves the use of associated organs. Furthermore, it should be noted that the dietary ingredients, and nutrients as well as anti-nutritional remain important factors that affect its Zebra fish growth and development. However, there lacks proper nutritional control due to the absence of standardized reference diet (Boyle et al.,2008). Moreover, according to epidemiological studies by Richard et al (2015),prenatal conditions are important in the growth and development of Zebra fish (Richard D. et al., 2015). As a way of providing a standardized dietary framework, a need emerges for the provision of specific dietary and nutritional standard aimed at improving the growth and development of Zebra fish. It is also true that there are few past studies involving the evaluation and investigation of Zebra fish growth and development. Thus, this project aim to evaluate and investigate how protein digestion affects the growth and metabolic rate of Zebra fish (Daniorerio) when fed with different commercial diets.

BACKGROUND

The consumption of proteins in a diet could have significant effects on the body metabolism. The high calories contents of proteins commonly require more calories for breakdown that carbohydrate sand this could have significant effects of various metabolic aspects. The amount nature of proteins makes them significantly different from other dietary constitutes that people consume routinely (Williams et al., 2014). In general, proteins cause an increase in the metabolic rate of organisms because of a variety of reason (Williams et al., 2014). For instance, weight maintenance is actually a simple matter of the energy balance and also energy balance is attained when "energy in" is corresponding to "energy out. Consequently, there are numerous ways in which proteins increase the metabolic rate of the body. Due to the strong bond making the protein molecules, a lot of energy is required to break down the high protein that has been consumed. The effect of proteins means that about 30% of the calories in proteins are burned in the process of digesting proteins(Acheson et al. 528). The heat generated in the process increases the general body heat output hence influencing metabolism.

The consumption of protein in diet has been established as a factor that increases the metabolic rate in human beings(Howard et al. 117). The process of protein synthesis in the body causes the amino acid structures of the proteins consumed to begin the process of building body muscles. The construction of these tissues in the body is a process that consumes high amounts of energy hence the body requires increased energy to undertaken the process. Nevertheless, it is important that the researcher provide enough energy in order to maintain the high metabolic rate of Zebra Fish. The provision of enough energy will also promote the breaking down amino acids to form muscle units.

Within marine environments, hypoxia episodes remain prevalent due to a variety of reasons. The presence of oxygen within the marine environment affects the physiological functions of organisms residing within these conditions. Like many other organisms, during the process of respiration, fish taken in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide. As water flows through the gills of the fish, the oxygen in the water diffuses into the circulatory system of the fish and simultaneously carbon dioxide diffuses out of the fish body (Vergauwen et a., 2010). The metabolic process in fish requires consumption of oxygen and the conditions of hypoxia cause fish to stop feeding and reduce movements as they seek to conserve the energy that they have. The minimum requirements of the dissolved oxygen for tropical fresh water fish like Zebra fish is 80% saturation. The levels of oxygen in the water, hence affect the metabolic rate of the fish in a directly proportional manner. Since fish require oxygen for metabolism process, low levels of dissolved oxygen will result in low metabolic rate (Kim et al, 2014, p. 1167).

HYPOTHESES, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study includes investigation and determination if the proteins in the body of living things have different effects on the physiological functions of the body. Furthermore, the study also aims to establish, the metabolism rate of Zebra fish when fed with different commercial diets as well as to determine some of the nutrients that are essential part of the metabolic process and provide the essential energy required for metabolism to continue. The evaluation of some of the major elements of a diet for proper metabolic process and the determination of the existing relationship between the protein level and the metabolic rate in Zebra-fish also form major objectives in this study. Finally, the study will determine the protein level at which maximum metabolism can be achieved by the organism in the study (Zebra-fish).

HYPOTHESIS

In this study, it is expected that the process of metabolism is important towards effective survival of Zebra-fish and the proteins are also necessary because they contain amino acids and they are the main body building tissues. In addition, it should be expected that the proteins are important body building components and their consumption in a diet could have a significant impact on the metabolic rate of organisms. Moreover, with the relevance of the proteins and the significant role that they play in the metabolic process, it would be expected that would present a positive impact on increasing the metabolic rate of the Zebra-fish as well. Furthermore, it is expected that the high diet protein increases the metabolic rate of many organisms due to the nature of the structures of amino acids, which are the main components of the proteins and this also happen to Zebra.

GOALS

The goal of the experiment includes testing the metabolic rate following the application of 6 different protein levels available in commercial diet by measuring the oxygen level in Zebra fish

METHODOLODY

The digestion of protein into soluble molecules in the bloodstream is aided by a number of enzymes and the acidic nature of the stomach. Notably, HCL and pepsin enzyme are the main factors necessary for protein digestion. In addition, it should be noted that Zebra-fish (Daniorerio) describes a small shoaling fish which belongs to the minnow family of Cyprinadae and order cypriniformes. It is a tropical fish that resides in fresh water conditions and is a native species of the Himalayan region. Due to its unique characteristics it possesses, the Zebra-fish remain vastly utilized as a vertebrae model organism in scientific research. It has regenerative characteristics and has been modeled by various researchers to produce numerous transgenic strains. Zebra-fish have been utilized in numerous medical research studies and findings relating to various human diseases. These include cancer prevention, cardio-vascular diseases as well as investigating immune systems and other drug discovery systems

Furthermore, because of their omnivorous characteristics, they are have been extensively utilized in environmental monitoring activities as a way of preventing water pollution by estrogen (Howard et al. 1173). Based on past literatures and research studies investigating the growth and metabolic rate of Zebra-fish (Daniorerio), they are imperative in conducting studies in the development, genetics as well as the human disease conditions(Williams, Mirbahai, and Chipman 157)

The experiment will be conducted using two groups of Zebra-fish placed in provided with two different types of commercial feeds with the same levels of fat and fiber but varying protein content. The available commercial feeds have formed the guideline for undertaking the research since the levels of protein and other nutrients are established by the manufacturers.

Each of the two groups will be provided with a food that has a specified level of fat and fiber with varying protein level. All nutrients play a part in the metabolism process, and although the research seeks to determine the impact of protein, the effects of the other nutrients present in the food cannot be ignored.

Here are the timelines through which the study will be conducted within the 3 days

The tables below indicate the groups of organisms and the type of feed provided to them

PROCEDURES AND METHODS

In this study, a total of two water tanks will be utilized and four male Zebra-fish. Each tank will content two Zebra-fish and they will be provided with two different commercial types of feeds to determine the hypothesis that has been established for purposes of this study. The grouping allows for feed with the same levels of fiber and lipids and varying proteins to be provided to the groups and results to be assessed. In addition, it should be noted that tank A will contain 48% protein while tank B will contain about 28% protein.

Notably, the activities which the fish undertake commonly consume energy and could have a significant impact on the oxygen levels that will be utilized in determining the metabolic rate. There are significant discrepancies in activities of Zebra-fish in terms of behaviors based on the gender. These behaviors include swimming and movements which are sex-specific characteristics that can be utilized to assess the fish(Lee, Green, and Tyler 128). In seeking to cater for the existence of these differences, same sex fishes will be utilized in order to minimize the possibility of sex-related behaviors affecting the findings.

Anxiety linked behaviors among the fish have been observed in past experiments and these could affect the outcomes of the experiment if different sexes of fish are used in testing. Female Zebra-fish have been found to have higher glucose utilization that males, when put in the same environment(Ampatzis and Dermon 387).

The study specimen who will be provided within each of the tanks will be of similar physical traits in order to cater for difference in metabolism that might be caused by differences in physical characteristics like size and age. Similarities in these traits which also affect the metabolism rate will ensure that these physical attributes do not affect the outcome of the research findings(Augustine et al. 277). While the nutrients have significant impact on the metabolisms rate other physical attributes of organisms also present a significant impact on the metabolic rates as well. The researcher will also measure the mass specific metabolic rate of the Zebra Fish

The use of LED and direct lighting will provide an equal light to dark photoperiod of 12 hours. Temperature within the experimental environment will also be monitored daily using a thermometer (Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, PA). The levels of Ammonia-nitrogen, pH and NO2-N will be assessed weekly using a standard aquarium pharmaceuticals test kit (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Chalfon, PA). Each tank will contain one cylindrical plastic mesh cage (0.25 m height by 0.09 m diameter) that will be covered with nylon mesh (Fashion Knee Hi; American Corporation, Henderson, NC). Temperature must be maintained at 28°C (±0.5°C), pH between 8.0 and 8.4, and ammonia-nitrogen and NO2-N, contained below visual detection limits.

Metabolism is a process that is affected by a myriad of external factors other than the nutrition and bodily constituents in terms of muscle, age, body size and others. Temperature of the environment in which the organisms are residing should be similar to ensure that the differences observed are not as a result of the other factors.

While the organisms are maintained in similarity, the environment of the experiment should also be similar in seeking to minimize the effect of environment induced metabolic differences. The levels of oxygen can also be affected by the external environment like the presence of other gases within the environment hence the tanks in which the experiment will be conducted must be maintained in an enclosed state(Vergauwen et al. 153).

The experiment will include the following procedures and will cover three days and three days replication of the same process

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows number of tanks and fish that will be used in this experiment, and type of food that will be giving to each group of Zebra-fish within the three days of the experiment (Lee et al., 2015, p. 124).

Outcomes

There are various elements which will be measured in seeking to provide analysis of the experiment and consequently test the hypothesis of the research

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
The Salifert Oxygen Test Kit will be utilized in the assessment of the DO values. This kit provides a quick and accurate test for assessment of dissolved oxygen content. The proper oxygen concentration is essential for aquarium inhabitants and the general welfare of the aquarium environment. The Salifert Oxygen Profi Test is extremely fast and provides a professional measurement of dissolved oxygen. Maintaining proper oxygen levels remains important in marine aquariums due to the low solubility of oxygen in saltwater. The Salifert Oxygen Test Kit is necessity test kit for hobbyists who have sophisticated aquarium devices such as calcium reactors, CO2 systems, or ozonizes, in which regular monitoring of oxygen level is crucial. The researcher will measure the metabolic rate of the Zebra fish using various tools and it will take less than three hours.

Significance and impact

This research experiment seeks to determine the impacts of high protein diet on the metabolic rate of Zebra-fish. While many of the nutrients available in food have significant -impact in the metabolism process, proteins have a complex structure which causes them to require high amounts of energy to be processed. It is presumed that the high protein compared to low one in diets increase the metabolic rate of Zebra-fish. This research will provide significant information to the numerous individuals who are involved in the rearing of Zebra-fish for different uses. The knowledge gained will be critical in aiding them to understand the kind of food that they can provide to the fish to achieve maximum metabolism, which is critical in providing necessary energy for the growth(Sisman et al. 794).

The research adds to the existing body of knowledge on the metabolism of Zebra-fish. These organisms have been extensively studies and utilized in many medical experiments. They thus, form an important part of scientific research and through the results of this research, the knowledge available will be expanded(Varshney and Burgess).The broader ecosystem requirements of the fish will also be understood. The research forms the basis upon which other components of the diet like carbohydrates can be studied for the impact on the metabolic rate to be determined.

STATISTICS

The study will involve the use of Nested ANOVA Tests and it will be used to measure the metabolic rate of Zebra Fish as well as the temperature and the oxygen levels in water. While using the Nested ANOVA, the attribute variables are nested in order to allow only one value of the higher-level on the combination. Furthermore, it is evident that the top-level attribute variable may be either Model I or Model II. The lower level attribute variables are mostly Model II. It should also be noted that Nested ANOVA is used where we have one measurement variable and more than one nominal variable. The nominal variables are nested in order to form subgroups within the group. Therefore, it should be used where there is significant variation in means among groups as well as among subgroups within the groups. However, the assumptions made while using Nested ANOVA tests is that the observation within each subgroups are normally distributed and also have equal standard deviations. The other major basic assumptions used in ANOVA include the view that the expected values of the errors are zero; the variances of all errors are equal to each other as well as the idea that all the errors are independent and normally distributed.

BUDGET

Ingredients List

References

Acheson, Kevin J. et al. “Protein Choices Targeting Thermogenesis and Metabolism.” The American journal of clinical nutrition 93.3 (2011): 525–534. Print.

Ampatzis, Konstantinos, and Catherine R. Dermon. “Sexual Dimorphisms in Swimming Behavior, Cerebral Metabolic Activity and Adrenoceptors in Adult Zebrafish (Danio Rerio).” Behavioural Brain Research 312 (2016): 385–393. Print.

Augustine, Starrlight et al. “Developmental Energetics of Zebrafish, Danio Rerio.” Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology 159.3 (2011): 275–283. Print.

Boyle, David et al. “Natural Arsenic Contaminated Diets Perturb Reproduction in Fish.” Environmental science & technology 42.14 (2008): 5354–5360. Print.

Howard, Richard D. et al. “Mate Competition And Evolutionary Outcomes In Genetically Modified Zebrafish( DanioRerio).” Evolution 69.5 (2015): 1143–1157. Print.

Kim, M. J. et al. “Behavioral Changes Of Zebrafish According To Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity Of The Balance System.” Human & Experimental Toxicology 33.11 (2014): 1167–1175. Print.

Lee, Okhyun, Jon M. Green, and Charles R. Tyler. “Transgenic Fish Systems And Their Application In Ecotoxicology.” Critical Reviews In Toxicology 45.2 (2015): 124–141. Print.

Sisman, Turgay et al. “Single-Cell Protein as an Alternative Food for Zebrafish, Danio Rerio: A Toxicological Assessment.” Toxicology and industrial health 29.9 (2013): 792–799. Print.

Varshney, Gaurav Kumar, and Shawn Michael Burgess. “Mutagenesis AndPhenotyping Resources In Zebrafish For Studying Development And Human Disease.” Briefings In Functional Genomics 13.2 (2014): 82–94. Print.

Vergauwen, Lucia et al. “Long-Term Warm or Cold Acclimation Elicits a Specific Transcriptional Response and Affects Energy Metabolism in Zebrafish.” Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology 157.2 (2010): 149–157. Print.

Williams, Tim D., Leda Mirbahai, and J. Kevin Chipman. “The Toxicological Application OfTranscriptomics And Epigenomics In Zebrafish And Other Teleosts.” Briefings In Functional Genomics 13.2 (2014): 157–171. Print.