72 research outputs found
Imidacloprid decreases the total energy production in western honeybees although in sublethal doses it increased the values of six of the nine compounds in the respiratory and citric cycle
No full textNeonicotinoids, including imidacloprid (ID), harm Apis mellifera in a number of ways, among others by impairing body maintenance and immunity. Energy resources are important to prevent this, particularly, as we hypothesized, in the fat body tissue. But hormesis was also reported in the energy-dependent traits of bees exposed to sublethal doses of ID. Consequently, concentrations/activities of respiratory and citric cycle compounds (Acetyl-CoA, IMH-2, AKG, succinate, fumarate, NADH2, CoC, COX, and ATP) were compared in the hemolymph and fat bodies of bees fed with diets containing 200 ppb (IM-200), 5 ppb (IM-5; sublethal), and 0 ppb of ID. The titers of the compounds were higher in the fat body than in the hemolymph, where the variability was higher. The pattern of response to ID was the same in both tissues, but differed between IM-200 and IM-5. The concentrations of the strongly correlated NADH2, ATP and acetyl-CoA decreased in ID-200 and ID-5, whereas the levels of the remaining compounds decreased in ID-200 but increased in ID-5. Decreased ATP levels in each diet show that the pesticide impairs the fat-body energy metabolism in spite of hormesis in some respiratory and citric cycle compounds even in the low, residual doses.</p
The Antioxidant System Was Unexpectedly Strongly Suppressed In Apis Mellifera Worker Bees Emerged From Larvae Reared On Combs Adulterated With Paraffin Or Stearin
No full textantioxidative enzymes, DNA methylation, vitellogenin, wax adulteration, honeybee</p
Wpływ matczynego feromonu żuwaczkowego (QMP) na odporność robotnic pszczoły miodnej (Apis mellifera)
No full textWydział PrzyrodniczyStreszczenie: W dobie depopulacji rodzin pszczelich, kluczową kwestią jest dokładniejsze poznanie mechanizmów odpornościowych A. mellifera. Novum niniejszej pracy było określenie wpływu matki oraz jej feromonu żuwaczkowego na odporność kasty robotnic, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem systemu proteolitycznego i antyoksydacyjnego oraz zmian morfologicznych w ciele tłuszczowym z uwzględnieniem stężenia lipidów w tej tkance i średnicy jąder enocytów jako parametru ich aktywności metabolicznej (w teście klatkowych i ulowym), a ponadto określenie zachowań robotnic względem matki oraz względem samego feromonu oraz innych, w teście klatkowym. Mimo licznych prac poświęconych temu zagadnieniu dotychczas nie zbadano wpływu matki oraz substancji matecznej na biochemiczne mechanizmy odpornościowe w kaście robotnic.
CEL: Celem niniejszej pracy było określenie wpływu matki A. mellifera i substancji matecznej na: 1) aktywność biochemicznych barier obronnych, złożonych z systemu proteolitycznego oraz antyoksydacyjnego, w hemolimfie robotnic w różnym wieku; 2) obraz morfologiczny komórek ciała tłuszczowego oraz stężenie lipidów w odwłokach robotnic; 3) wybrane zachowania robotnic.
MATERIAŁ I METODY: W części pasiecznej doświadczenia pozyskano matki (do izolacji gruczołów żuwaczkowych, do testu klatkowego i ulowego) oraz robotnice w jednym wieku, które użyto w teście klatkowym i ulowym. W obu testach utworzono trzy grupy robotnic: z matką, z feromonem, bez matki i bez feromonu. W części laboratoryjnej pobierano hemolimfę, a następnie przeprowadzono analizy biochemiczne, w których określono stężenie białka ogólnego, aktywność proteaz i ich inhibitorów, a także całkowity potencjał antyoksydacyjny i aktywność enzymów antyoksydacyjnych. Przeanalizowano obraz morfologiczny komórek ciała tłuszczowego oraz określono aktywność metaboliczną enocytów i stężenie lipidów w odwłokach robotnic. Wykonano analizy statystyczne.
WYNIKI I PODSUMOWANIE: Wysokie stężenia białek w hemolimfie robotnic przebywających w obecności matki oraz feromonów z gruczołów żuwaczkowych w porównaniu z tymi bez matki i bez feromonu może świadczyć o stymulującym wpływie substancji matecznej na procesy translacji białek w ciele tłuszczowym robotnic i ich wydzielanie do hemolimfy. Brak matki prowadzi do stresu i zaburza prawidłowe działanie systemów: proteolitycznego i antyoksydacyjnego poprzez obniżenie aktywności proteaz obojętnych i inhibitorów proteaz (kwaśnych, obojętnych i zasadowych), dysmutazy ponadtlenkowej i katalazy oraz podwyższenie aktywności proteaz kwaśnych i zasadowych, S-transferazy glutationowej i peroksydazy glutationowej. Ponadto, obecność matki i jej feromonów wpływa na powolniejsze zużywanie ciała tłuszczowego u robotnic, jako parametru ich zdrowotności. Większe stężenia lipidów w tej tkance oraz średnice jąder enocytów, a także późniejsze powstawanie grudek melanotycznych w ciele tłuszczowym robotnic przebywających z matką świadczą o opóźnionym starzeniu się tych osobników. Obecność matki i jej feromonów stymuluje robotnice nawet w sztucznych warunkach klatki do budowania komórek plastra, tworzenia świty wokół matki/gąbki nasączonej feromonem i wykonywania czynności, takich jak w naturalnych warunkach.
Praca ta poprzez nowatorskie połączenie badań morfologicznych, biochemicznych i behawioralnych potwierdziła istotny wpływ matki i jej feromonów, szczególnie feromonów z gruczołów żuwaczkowych, na integralność rodziny pszczelej oraz stymulujący wpływ na aktywność systemu proteolitycznego i antyoksydacyjnego, będących pierwszą linią biochemicznej obrony owada oraz na jakość i szybkość zużywania ciała tłuszczowego.Summary: In spite of numerous publications devoted to the influence of the mandibular pheromone on bee physiology, the influence of the queen and the mandibular substance on biochemical resistance mechanisms in workers has not been studied yet. High protein concentrations in the worker hemolymph in the presence of the queens and the pheromone from the mandibular glands in comparison with those without the queen and without the pheromone may indicate the stimulating influence of the queen substance on the translation of proteins in the worker fat bodies and their secretion to the hemolymph. Lack of the queen leads to stress and disturbs the proper functioning of the proteolytic and antioxidant systems by decreasing the activities of neutral proteases and (acidic, neutral and alkaline) protease inhibitors, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and increasing the activities of acidic and alkaline proteases, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, the presence of the queen and her pheromone contributes to slowing down the consumption of the fat body in the workers, as a parameter of their health. Higher lipid concentrations in this tissue and greater diameters of enocyte nuclei, as well as the retarded formation of melanotic pellets in the fat body of the workers staying with their queen, indicate the delayed aging of these individuals. The presence of the queen and her pheromone stimulates the workers even in the artificial conditions of the cage to build honeycomb cells, create circles around the queen / sponge soaked in the pheromone and perform such activities as in natural condition
Cannabidiol (CBD) Supports the Honeybee Worker Organism by Activating the Antioxidant System
No full textIn the experiment, we tested the effect of 30% CBD oil on the activity of the antioxidant system (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione), the level of total antioxidant capacity, and the concentrations of ions (calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) in honeybee workers in the hive test. For this purpose, we prepared hives containing all stages of the development of honey bees and started the experiment by adding 200 marked, one-day old bees to each colony (intended for hemolymph collection). In the test, we created three groups (two colonies per group): (1) Experimental with CBD oil mixed with sugar syrup (CSy); (2) experimental with CBD oil on textile strips (CSt); and (3) control with pure sugar syrup only (C). Every week, we collected hemolymph from the marked bees. In the experiment, all antioxidant enzyme activities were higher for the experimental groups CSy and CSt compared to group C. The highest concentrations/levels were obtained for the CSy group. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus ions were also higher for the experimental groups compared to the C group (the highest concentration for the CSy group). We conclude that CBD oil positively contributes to stimulating the antioxidant system of honeybees
Fast and Cost-Effective Biochemical Spectrophotometric Analysis of Solution of Insect “Blood” and Body Surface Elution
No full textUsing insect hemolymph (“blood”) and insect body surface elutions, researchers can perform rapid and cheap biochemical analyses to determine the insect’s immunology status. The authors of this publication describe a detailed methodology for a quick marking of the concentration of total proteins and evaluation of the proteolytic system activity (acid, neutral, and alkaline proteases and protease inhibitors), as well as a methodology for quick “liver” tests in insects: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and urea and glucose concentration analyses. The meaning and examples of an interpretation of the results of the presented methodology for biochemical parameter determination are described for the example of honey bees
The body surface proteolytic systemof Apis mellifera in preserving the health of bee colonies.
No full textOstatnio coraz częściej mówi się i pisze o efekcie CCD (colony collapse disorder), którego przejawem jest masowe ginięcie rodzin pszczelich Apis mellifera. Pociąga to za sobą ogromne straty ekonomiczne w produkcji roślin oleistych, owoców i warzyw. Pomimo wysiłku naukowców z całego świata, problem masowego ginięcia pszczół nie został jeszcze rozwiązany, a przyjmuje on już wymiar globalny. Trzeba podkreślić, że w wielu przypadkach, potencjalne czynniki chorobotwórcze (każdy osobno) nie powodują złych następstw. Dlatego coraz liczniejsze grono badaczy uważa, że za CCD odpowiadają nie tyle te czynniki per se, ale raczej ogólny spadek odporności pszczół spowodowany postępem cywilizacyjnym oraz intensyfikacją rolnictwa i metod hodowli. W tym kontekście poznawanie mechanizmów i uwarunkowań odporności/oporności pszczół, może przyczynić się do lepszego zapobiegania CCD i wielu innym chorobom.Ważnym składnikiem zewnętrznej bariery obronnej Apis mellifera jest warstwa biologicznie aktywnych białek na powierzchni ciała. Chronią one organizm przed inwazją patogenów. Ostatnio wykazano, że wiele z tych białek ma aktywność proteaz i inhibitorów proteaz. A na ich aktywność na powierzchni ciała pszczół wpływ ma stadium rozwojowe owada, kasta oraz zanieczyszczenie środowiska.The CCD effect (colony collapse disorder), manifested in the massive disappearing of bee (Apis mellifera) colonies, has recently become the reason for much debate and inspired numerous publications. The phenomenon entails enormous economic losses in the production of oil plants, fruit and vegetables. Despite scientists' efforts worldwide, the problem of massive dying out of bees has not been solved yet. Meanwhile, it has assumed global dimensions. It must be stressed that, in many cases, potential pathogenic factors (separately) do not have untoward consequences. Therefore, increasingly more researchers think that CCD is not caused by those factors per se, but rather by a general immunity impairment that stems from the progress of civilization, as well as intensified agriculture and breeding. In this context, understanding the mechanisms and conditions of apian immunity/resistance can help better prevent CCD and numerous other diseases. An important element of the external protective barrier of Apis mellifera is the biologically active protein layer on the body surface. The proteins protect the organism from pathogen invasions. Recently, it has been shown that many of those proteins are characterised by protease and protease-inhibitor activity. More specifically, this body-surface activity in bees depends on the developmental phase and caste of the insect, as well as environmental pollution
Honey bee physiology in the context of the pollen monodiet as a key environmental stressor
No full textThe aim of studies is to determine the influence of monodiet as a natural stress factor on the activities of the proteolytic and antioxidant systems, as well as biochemical markers and the concentration of compounds responsible for energy reserves in the hemolymph of workers along with their aging processes. The monodiet will be considered in the context of the following pollen: rape, phacelia, buckwheat and goldenrod.1-day-old workers will be placed in cages. The cages will be divided into five groups. The control group will be fed sugar dough, the research groups will receive sugar dough with 8% addition of the appropriate pollen. Hemolymph will be collected from workers in each group every 7 days. The activities of acidic, neutral and alkaline proteases and their inhibitors, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) will be determined in the hemolymph. In addition, the activities of biochemical markers, i.e. aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the concentrations of compounds responsible for maintaining energy reserves, i.e. glucose, glycogen and triglycerides will be determined.The results of this study will enrich our understanding of how monodiet affects the action of key compounds involved in the body's immune / response. Determining whether and how a single pollen affects the bee's response is part of the latest research in the field of nutriphysiology, ecology of pollen plants and shaping the landscape through specific plantings. Determining the impact of individual mono-diets on the immune processes of bees will be one of the first steps in developing a balanced diet for these insects. The end result of the research, in addition to scientific publications, will be the selection of pollen with the most beneficial effect on the functioning of the organism of bees
The Key Role of Amino Acids in Pollen Quality and Honey Bee Physiology—A Review
No full textWhen studying honey bee nutrition, it is important to pay attention not only to the quantity but also to the quality of pollen for floral visitors. The recommended way to determine the value of pollen is to determine both the protein concentration and the amino acid composition in the insect’s hemolymph. In addition, the composition of pollen also includes lipids, sterols and biogenic elements such as carbon, nitrogen, etc. Very high protein concentration is observed in aloe pollen, averaging 51%. Plants with a high protein content, at the level of 27% in Europe, are rapeseed and phacelia. In turn, a plant that is poor in protein (at the level of 11%) is buckwheat. The aforementioned plants are sown over very large areas. Vast acreages in Central and Eastern Europe are occupied by pollen- and nectar-providing invasive plants, such as goldenrod. Therefore, bees are forced to use one food source—a mono diet—which results in their malnutrition. In the absence of natural pollen, beekeepers use other foods for bees; including soy protein, powdered milk, egg yolks, fish meal, etc. However, the colony is the strongest when bees are fed with pollen, as opposed to artificial protein diets. More research is needed on the relationship between bee pollen composition and nutrition, as measured by protein concentration and amino acid composition in apian hemolymph, colony strength, honey yield and good overwintering
Reproductive Potential Impacts Body Maintenance Parameters and Global DNA Methylation in Honeybee Workers (<i>Apis mellifera</i> L.)
No full textThe widely accepted hypothesis in life history evolution about the trade-off between fecundity and longevity is not confirmed by long-living and highly fecund queens in eusocial insects. The fact that the queens and facultatively sterile workers usually arise from genetically identical eggs but differ in DNA methylation makes them a good model for studies on senescence, eusocial evolution, and epigenetics. Therefore, honeybees seem to be especially useful here because of long living rebel-workers (RW) with high reproductive potential recently described. Longevity, ovariole number, nosema tolerance, and global DNA methylation have been assayed in normal workers (NW) versus RW in hives and cages. RW always lived longer than NW and unexpectedly extended longevity of NW when they were together, similarly as the presence of a queen did. RW lived longer despite the fact that they had higher Nosema spore load; surprisingly they became infected more easily but tolerated the infection better. Global DNA methylation increased with age, being lower in RW than in NW. Therefore, RW are queen-like considering global DNA methylation and the link between fecundity, longevity, and body maintenance. Presented features of RW expands possibilities of the use of honeybees as a model for studies on senescence, nosemosis, eusocial evolution, and epigenetics
Inhalation poisoning with palytoxin from aquarium coral: case description and safety advice
No full textKoralji roda Palythoa spp. i neki drugi morski organizmi mogu sadržavati i jedan od najjačih otrova u prirodi – palitoksin (PTX). Budući da ti koralji nisu zahtjevni u pogledu održavanja i lako se razmnožavaju, postali su veoma popularni među vlasnicima kućnih akvarija. Ovdje kratko opisujemo jedan slučaj trovanja palitoksinom u sredovječne žene koja je udahnula otrovne pare četkajući koralj s kamena te ga uspoređujemo sa slučajevima iz literature. Ustanovili smo da trovanje palitoksinom nema specifične simptome, a ni liječenje nije specifično. Stoga donosimo tablični pregled simptoma koji mogu upozoravati na takvo trovanje. Slučajevi trovanja zabilježeni su diljem svijeta, a oni teški (uglavnom zbog konzumacije otrovane morske hrane) mogu biti smrtonosni. Većina (ako ne i svi) slučajeva trovanja posljedica je nepoznavanja rizika i nepažljiva rukovanja akvarijem. Ovo je jedan od prvih članaka u kojemu su dani i neki praktični savjeti za smanjenje rizika: od uporabe zaštitne opreme (rukavica, maski i naočala) do drugih zaštitnih mjera tijekom rukovanja koraljima. Njime također želimo upozoriti na nedostatak zakonske regulative kojom bi se definirala ili zabranila trgovina opasnim vrstama koralja odnosno njihovo uklanjanje i zaštita zdravlja.Palythoa spp. corals and some other marine organisms contain one of the most poisonous substances ever known – palytoxin (PTX). Due to their modest life requirements and ease of breeding, these corals are popular in home aquariums. Here we refer to a case of PTX poisoning of a middle-aged woman who inhaled poisonous vapours while brushing the corals from live rock and compare it with the available literature. As the case revealed that the symptoms of PTX poisoning are not specific and neither is treatment, our aim was to give a brief tabulated review of the symptoms that may indicate such poisoning. Cases of palytoxin poisoning have been reported worldwide, and severe ones (mostly due to ingestion of contaminated sea food) can end in death. As it appears, most (if not all) poisonings result from unawareness of the risk and reckless handling by aquarists. This is one of the first articles which provides some practical advice about the use of personal protection equipment, including gloves, masks, eyewear, and other clothing during any coral manipulation to minimise the risk. We also draw attention to the lack of marketing/trading regulations for dangerous coral species and/or regulations or instructions dealing with their removal and health protection
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