<![CDATA[Stunting is characterized by impaired linear growth and is associated with dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Rotenone-induced mitochondrial dysfunction suppresses mTOR signaling through oxidative stress and ATP depletion. This study evaluated the effects of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), folic acid, and their combination on mTOR expression and body length in rotenone-induced stunted zebrafish larvae. Zebrafish were divided into five groups (n = 3 biological replicates per group, 30 larvae per replicate): negative control, positive control (rotenone 12.5 ppb), VCO (6.25%), folic acid (70 µM), and combination treatment. mTOR expression at 9 days post-fertilization was analyzed using RT-qPCR (ΔCt for statistical analysis; 2⁻ΔΔCt for fold change presentation), and body length was measured at 3, 6, and 9 dpf. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test. Rotenone significantly reduced mTOR expression and body length (p 0.001). VCO and folic acid alone significantly increased mTOR expression and improved linear growth, particularly at 6–9 dpf, whereas the combination did not produce a superior effect, suggesting a dose-ratio dependent response. In conclusion, VCO and folic acid individually increase mTOR expression and support growth in rotenone-induced stunted zebrafish, while their combination at the tested doses does not provide additional benefit beyond single treatment.]]>
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