Abstract

Apoptosis occurs in the myocyte of fish postmortem storage. Based on the important role of mitochondrial lipid molecules in regulating apoptosis, the study aims to investigate the potential impact of mitochondrial lipids on apoptosis and quality deterioration of large yellow croaker. A total of 1079 lipid molecule species in 13 classes were identified in mitochondria. PC and PE decreased by 17.40?% and 28.31?% at 24?h, which induces mitochondrial damage and induces oxidative stress. Cytochrome c induced CL oxidation mediated by ROS (Oxidized CL increased by 30.65?%), resulting in cytochrome c release and activates caspase-3. The cytochrome c of cytoplasm and caspase-3 activity increased by 79.32?% and 82.72?% from 0 to 24?h, which led to significant apoptosis. Accumulation of ROS and activated caspase-3 during apoptosis induced muscle oxidation and softening. These findings provide new insights into the relationship between mitochondrial lipid changes and apoptosis and quality deterioration in fish postmortem storage.