<![CDATA[Stunting is a global health problem with multidimensional consequences, not only limited to impaired physical growth but also affecting cognitive development. One of the key mechanisms underlying stunting pathology is oxidative stress, which disrupts cellular homeostasis and developmental processes. The primary antioxidant defense system, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), plays a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Virgin coconut oil is known to contain medium-chain fatty acids and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, folic acid plays an essential role in cellular metabolism, DNA synthesis, and maintaining redox balance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of VCO and folic acid on GPx gene expression and locomotor activity in zebrafish larvae using a rotenone-induced stunting model. Each group consisted of 30 larvae, divided into five groups; negative control (CN), positive control exposed to 12.5 ppb rotenone (PC), rotenone + VCO 6.25% (P1), rotenone + 70 µM folic acid (P2), and a combination of both (P3). Locomotor activity was assessed at 3, 6, and 9 dpf using EthoVision software, while GPx expression was analyzed at 9 dpf using the RT-qPCR method. The results showed that group P1 (6.25% VCO) exhibited the highest GPx expression, with a fold change of 10.41 ± 0.35 and significantly increased compared with the negative control (p 0.05), followed by the group P2 (70 µM folic acid) and P3 (combination). The highest locomotor activity was also observed in group P1, with an average total distance traveled of 85.9 ± 2.7 cm over a 10-minute observation period. These findings suggest that VCO has the potential to enhance antioxidant enzyme capacity (GPx) and improve locomotor performance in zebrafish larvae, though further studies are needed to confirm its underlying mechanisms and clinical applicability.]]>
