Parishin B Attenuates PTZ-Induced Seizures in Zebrafish and Is Associated with Neurotransmitter Balance and ACLY-Related Metabolic Pathways

  • Metabolites. 2026 Apr 18;16(4):275. doi: 10.3390/metabo16040275.
Meng Sun  1  2 Haida Liu  1 Zhiying Hou  2 Qiong Wang  2 Wu Zhong  1
Affiliations
  • 1. Affiliated Medical College Emergency Department, Southwest Medical, Luzhou 646000, China.
  • 2. Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, complex neurochemical, and metabolic disturbances. Parishin B, a major bioactive component of Gastrodia elata, has shown neuroprotective potential, but its systemic mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: A pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure model in zebrafish larvae was developed and used to evaluate the anti-seizure effects of Parishin B. Behavioral analysis, ELISA-based biochemical assays, integrated untargeted metabolomics with DIA-based proteomics, and qPCR were performed to decipher underlying molecular mechanisms. Results: Parishin B (0.0625-0.25 mg/mL) significantly alleviated PTZ-induced hyperactivity without developmental toxicity. Parishin B restored neurotransmitter balance by increasing GABA, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels while reducing 5-HT. In addition, it suppressed neuroinflammation and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Integrated multi-omics analysis revealed that Parishin B modulated key metabolic pathways, particularly the TCA cycle and lipid metabolism, and reversed the downregulation of ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY). Parishin B was also associated with the regulation of ferroptosis-related pathways, supported by changes in acsl4a and fth1a expression. qPCR results further confirmed the regulation of aclya, unc13c, and GABAergic signaling genes. Conclusions: Parishin B exerts anti-seizure effects through coordinated regulation of neurotransmitter homeostasis, neuroinflammation, and ACLY-associated energy-lipid metabolism, with potential involvement in ferroptosis-related processes. These findings provide molecular insights supporting Parishin B as a promising candidate for epilepsy therapy.

Keywords
ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY); Parishin B; epilepsy; ferroptosis; integrated proteomics and metabolomics; neuroinflammation; zebrafish.
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