Diving Deep into Chemobrain: Zebrafish Lead the Way to Cognitive Clarity

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, commonly referred to as "chemobrain," affects a significant number of people undergoing chemotherapy. Despite its widespread prevalence, its underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood, and, more importantly, effective preventative strategies are limited. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been previously used as a model organism to study chemobrain. Zebrafish offer a unique and versatile system for investigating the neurochemical and neurobehavioral alterations accompanying chemobrain, consequently providing a valuable platform for high-throughput testing of chemobrain preventative strategies.
In this study, we utilized fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to monitor neurotransmitter dynamics in zebrafish exposed to chemotherapeutic agents. This electrochemical technique allows us to track rapid changes in dopamine, a neurotransmitter known for its role in cognitive processes. Additionally, through a series of behavioral assays, we assessed cognitive functions such as memory, learning, and locomotion, thus providing a robust framework to correlate neurochemical changes with behavioral outcomes. The main focus of this presentation will be on potential interventions to mitigate cognitive decline. We will discuss the utilization of naturally occurring compounds known for their potential neuroprotective effects, highlighting their efficacy in preventing the neurochemical and neurobehavioral changes induced by chemotherapy. Our findings reveal promising compounds and approaches that demonstrate protective effects, paving the way for innovative interventions to prevent cognitive decline.