Metabolomics-Based Analysis of Adaptive Mechanism of Eleutheronema tetradactylum to Low-Temperature Stress

ABSTRACT:

Temperature is a critical environmental factor influencing fish physiology. Eleutheronema tetradactylum is an economically important warm-water species, but its response to long-term cold stress remains unclear. In this study, we exposed juvenile fish to 18 °C for 7 and 14 days and investigated hepatic adaptations using LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics, combined with histological examination and antioxidant enzyme assays. We observed that cold stress initially elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase at day 7, but these declined by day 14, while malondialdehyde levels progressively increased, indicating accumulated oxidative damage. Histological analysis revealed vacuolation and nuclear atrophy in hepatocytes, especially after 14 days. Metabolomic profiling identified 87 and 116 differentially expressed metabolites at day 7 and day 14, respectively. Pathway enrichment showed early activation of carbohydrate digestion and absorption, starch and sucrose metabolism, and glutathione metabolism, suggesting enhanced energy mobilization and antioxidant defense. At day 14, significant alterations emerged in glycerophospholipid metabolism and phosphatidylinositol signaling, reflecting adjustments in membrane fluidity and lipid homeostasis. Our findings demonstrate that E. tetradactylum copes with cold stress by upregulating energy metabolism and antioxidant systems in the short term, but prolonged exposure overwhelms these compensatory mechanisms, leading to liver damage. This study provides comprehensive metabolic and physiological insights that can inform aquaculture management under fluctuating thermal conditions.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - hilic, Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - hilic

PROVIDER: MTBLS15459 | MetaboLights | 2026-09-08

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights