Malaysian Journal of Biochemistry
& Molecular Biology
(E-ISSN: 2600-9005)
The Official Publication of the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (MSBMB)
Indexed by SCOPUS and Malaysian Citation Index (MYCITE)
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August 2026
Malay. J. Biochem. Mol. Biol. (2026) 29 (2)
Page range 1-58
Regular Article
DOI:
Page 34-44
Ang Pay Ling, Roshani Othman, Zarirah Zulperi, Ina Salwany Md Yasin, Mohd Syahril Mohd Zan and Sharr Azni Harmin
HEPATIC VITELLOGENIN MRNA EXPRESSION CORRELATES WITH OVARIAN MATURATION IN WILD FEMALE Hemibagrus nemurus
Abstract
Vitellogenin, a yolk precursor protein synthesized in the liver under estrogen stimulation, is a well-established molecular indicator of reproductive status in female fish. This study examined the relationship between hepatic vitellogenin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and ovarian maturation in wild female Hemibagrus nemurus collected monthly from the Selangor River, Malaysia, from August to February. Following this, morphometric parameters, Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), Hepatosomatic Index (HSI), and ovarian histology were analyzed, along with Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) measurements of hepatic vitellogenin mRNA. The results indicated that ovarian development progressed from regression (August-September) to immature oocytes (October-December). This is followed by vitellogenic and mature oocytes during the spawning phase (January-February). Accordingly, the hepatic vitellogenin mRNA expression increased significantly, reaching approximately 5.6-fold higher in January compared with the immature phase, and closely corresponded with the peak GSI value of 7.02 ± 1.78% during the same period. Notably, elevated vitellogenin transcription was detected as early as December, preceding visible histological signs of oocyte maturation. This suggests that hepatic vitellogenin mRNA serves as an early biomarker of reproductive readiness. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that transcriptional changes in vitellogenin occur before morphological evidence of vitellogenesis, highlighting its potential as a sensitive indicator of reproductive phase in H. nemurus. Overall, this study establishes a clear molecular-physiological link between hepatic vitellogenin gene expression, gonadal histology, and somatic indices. This provides valuable insight into the reproductive biology and endocrine regulation of this ecologically and commercially important tropical freshwater catfish.