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

Temperature is a critical environmental factor that influences the growth, development, metabolism, and overall physiological performance of fish. Eleutheronema tetradactylum is an economically significant fish species; however, its molecular mechanism’s response to long-term cold stress is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the physiological responses of the liver in E. tetradactylum exposed to a constant temperature of 18 °C for durations of both 7 and 14 days, utilizing liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), metabolomics, and conventional biochemical assays. The antioxidant status, liver histology, and metabolite profiles were examined at different time points. Our results revealed that, following sustained cold exposure, the activities of key antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)—initially increased and then decreased. Additionally, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative damage, significantly elevated after 7 and 14 days of cold stress. Histopathological examination of liver tissues showed varying degrees of vacuolation and nuclear atrophy in hepatocytes, indicating oxidative damage. Metabolomic profiling identified 87 and 116 differentially expressed metabolites in the liver on days 7 and 14, respectively. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant alterations in pathways related to carbohydrate digestion and absorption, glutathione metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. These findings suggest that mechanisms regulating cell membrane fluidity, energy metabolism, autophagy, and antioxidant defense are crucial for the adaptation of E. tetradactylum to cold stress. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the molecular and physiological adaptations of E. tetradactylum to low temperature, highlighting the activation of protective antioxidant responses and modifications of metabolic pathways in the liver.