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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Apr 2024, a microsporidian parasite, as one of the stressors that contribute to honey bee decline, has a significant negative impact on the longevity, productivity, and...
, a microsporidian parasite, as one of the stressors that contribute to honey bee decline, has a significant negative impact on the longevity, productivity, and reproductive capacity of honey bee colonies. There are several different strategies for infection control, including natural-based and antibiotic-based products. In this study, we tested wormwood and oak bark-based supplement "Medenko forte" on survival, infection, oxidative stress, and expression of immune-related genes in artificially -infected bees. The results revealed a positive influence on the survival of -infected bees, irrespectively of the moment of supplement application (day 1, day 3, or day 6 after bee emergence), as well as reduction of loads and, consequently, -induced oxidative stress. Supplementation had no negative effects on bee immunity, but better anti- than immune-stimulating effects were affirmed based on expression levels of abaecin, defensin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin genes. In conclusion, the tested supplement "Medenko forte" has great potential in the health protection of -infected bees. However, further investigations need to be performed to elucidate its mechanisms of action.
PubMed: 38672343
DOI: 10.3390/ani14081195 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2024Alkylphenols, such as nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), are byproducts of the biodegradation of alkylphenol ethoxylates and present substantial ecological and...
Alkylphenols, such as nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), are byproducts of the biodegradation of alkylphenol ethoxylates and present substantial ecological and health risks in aquatic environments and higher life forms. In this context, our study aimed to explore the effect of OP on reproductive endocrine function in both female and male zebrafish. Over a period of 21 days, the zebrafish were subjected to varying concentrations of OP (0, 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 μg/L), based on the lowest effective concentration (EC10 = 0.48 μg/L) identified for zebrafish embryos. OP exposure led to a pronounced increase in hepatic vitellogenin (vtg) mRNA expression and 17β-estradiol biosynthesis in both sexes. Conversely, OP exhibits anti-androgenic properties, significantly diminishes gonadal androgen receptor (ar) mRNA expression, and reduces endogenous androgen (testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone) levels in male zebrafish. Notably, cortisol and thyroid hormone (TH) levels demonstrated concentration-dependent elevations in zebrafish, influencing the regulation of gonadal steroid hormones (GSHs). These findings suggest that prolonged OP exposure may result in sustained reproductive dysfunction in adult zebrafish, which is largely attributable to the intricate reciprocal relationship between hormone levels and the associated gene expression. Our comprehensive biological response analysis of adult zebrafish offers vital insights into the reproductive toxicological effects of OP, thereby enriching future ecological studies on aquatic systems.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Phenols; Male; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Female; Vitellogenins; Endocrine Disruptors; Thyroid Hormones; Receptors, Androgen; Estrogens; Estradiol; Androgen Antagonists; Testosterone; Hydrocortisone
PubMed: 38669872
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116348 -
Parasitology Research Apr 2024The majority of ixodid ticks display host-specificity to varying extents. Feeding on different hosts affects their development and reproduction. Consequences can be...
The majority of ixodid ticks display host-specificity to varying extents. Feeding on different hosts affects their development and reproduction. Consequences can be analyzed at the level of the egg, as it is the initial stage of tick development. Tick egg proteins are abundant and diverse, providing nutrients for embryonic development. However, studies on tick egg profiles are scarce. In this study, we aimed to analyze whether feeding Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis ticks on the yaks (Bos grunniens) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries) has an impact on the variety and variability of the egg proteome. Detached engorged females were used to lay eggs, which were then collected, dewaxed, and subjected to protein extraction. The extracted egg proteins were enzymatically digested using Filter-Aided Sample Preparation (FASP), and the unique peptides were separated and detected by Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The MS data were searched against the previously constructed whole tick transcriptome library of H. qinghaiensis, and the UniProt database for the identification of tick-derived egg proteins. The analysis revealed 49 and 53 high-confidence proteins identified in eggs collected from B. grunniens (EggBg) and O. aries (EggOa), respectively. Of these, 46 high-confidence proteins were common to both egg types, while three were unique to EggBg and seven to EggOa. All the identified proteins mainly belonged to enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, transporters, and proteins with unknown functions. The differential abundance analysis showed that nine proteins were significantly more present in EggBg, while six were significantly more present in EggOa. Overall, enzymes were the most diverse group, while vitellogenin (Vg) was the most abundant. Blood meal uptake on different hosts has a certain effect on the egg proteome composition and the abundance of some proteins, but it may also lead to compensation of protein roles.
Topics: Animals; Ixodidae; Female; Egg Proteins; Cattle; Sheep; Proteome; Ovum; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Chromatography, Liquid; Tick Infestations; Feeding Behavior
PubMed: 38668762
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08211-3 -
Insects Mar 2024Honey bees play an important role in the pollination of flowering plants. When honey bee colonies are deficient in pollen, one of their main nutrients, protein...
Honey bees play an important role in the pollination of flowering plants. When honey bee colonies are deficient in pollen, one of their main nutrients, protein supplements are required. In this study, the effects of diets with six different protein sources on the physiological characteristics of worker bees (vitellogenin (Vg), abdominal lipid content (ALC), hypopharyngeal gland (HPG)) and consumption were investigated. The protein sources of the diets (diet I, …, diet VI) included pollen, spirulina dust ( Gomont), fresh egg yolk, lyophilized lactose-free skimmed milk powder, active fresh yeast, and ApiProtein. It was identified that consumption by worker bees was highest in the diet group supplemented with spirulina (diet II). Although there was no statistical difference regarding the Vg content in the hemolymph, numerically, the highest content was found in diet group IV (lyophilized lactose-free skimmed milk powder) (4.73 ± 0.03 ng/mL). ALC and HPG were highest in the group fed diet II. These results suggest that offering honey bees diets with certain protein sources can support their physiological traits.
PubMed: 38667345
DOI: 10.3390/insects15040215 -
Biology of Reproduction Apr 2024In oviparous animals, egg yolk is largely derived from vitellogenin, which is taken up from the maternal circulation by the growing oocytes via the vitellogenin...
In oviparous animals, egg yolk is largely derived from vitellogenin, which is taken up from the maternal circulation by the growing oocytes via the vitellogenin receptor. Recently, a novel member of the lipoprotein receptor superfamily termed low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 13 was identified and proposed as a candidate of vitellogenin receptor in oviparous animals. However, the roles of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 13 in vitellogenesis are still poorly defined. Here, we investigated the expression, vitellogenin-binding properties, and function of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 13 in zebrafish. Two different lrp13 genes termed lrp13a and lrp13b were found in zebrafish. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed both lrp13s to be predominantly expressed in zebrafish ovary, and in situ hybridization detected both lrp13s transcripts in the ooplasm of early stage oocytes. Two yeast hybrid studies showed that among eight vitellogenins of zebrafish, Vtg1, 2, and 3 bind to Lrp13a, while Vtg1, 2, and 5 bind to Lrp13b. We created zebrafish lrp13a and lrp13b mutant lines using CRISPR/Cas9. Knockout of lrp13a leads to a male-biased sex ratio and decreased diameter of embryo yolk, while knockout of lrp13b and double knockout of lrp13a and lrp13b leads to the delay of vitellogenesis, followed by follicular atresia. These phenotypes of mutants can be explained by the disruption of vitellogenesis in the absence of Lrp13s. Taken together, our results indicate that both Lrp13a and Lrp13b can serve as vitellogenin receptors in zebrafish among other vitellogenin receptors that are not yet described.
PubMed: 38660750
DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae040 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024The health of honey bee queens is crucial for colony success, particularly during stressful periods like overwintering. To accompany a previous longitudinal study of...
The health of honey bee queens is crucial for colony success, particularly during stressful periods like overwintering. To accompany a previous longitudinal study of colony and worker health, we explored niche-specific gut microbiota, host gene expression, and pathogen prevalence in honey bee queens overwintering in a warm southern climate. We found differential gene expression and bacterial abundance with respect to various pathogens throughout the season. Biologically older queens had larger microbiotas, particularly enriched in Bombella and Bifidobacterium. Both Deformed Wing Virus A and B subtypes were highest in the fat body tissue in January, correlating with colony Varroa levels, and Deformed Wing Virus titers in workers. High viral titers in queens were associated with decreased vitellogenin expression, suggesting a potential trade-off between immune function and reproductive capacity. Additionally, we found a complex and dynamic relationship between these viral loads and immune gene expression, indicating a possible breakdown in the coordinated immune response as the season progressed. Our study also revealed a potential link between Nosema and Melissococcus plutonius infections in queens, demonstrating that seasonal opportunism is not confined to just workers. Overall, our findings highlight the intricate interplay between pathogens, metabolic state, and immune response in honey bee queens. Combined with worker and colony-level metrics from the same colonies, our findings illustrate the social aspect of queen health and resilience over the winter dearth.
Topics: Bees; Animals; Seasons; Longitudinal Studies; Climate; RNA Viruses
PubMed: 38637564
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58883-1 -
Chemosphere Jun 2024Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and propyl paraben (PP) are preservatives in cleaning products; however, their toxicities are not well understood. In this study, zebrafish...
Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and propyl paraben (PP) are preservatives in cleaning products; however, their toxicities are not well understood. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to BIT, PP, and mixtures of both for 96 h to investigate the effects on growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and the transcription of 19 genes related to the GH/IGFs axis. Concentrations of BIT and PP were measured in the whole body of larvae. Zebrafish pairs were also exposed to BIT, PP, and mixtures for 21 d to evaluate the effects on sex hormones, histology in gonad, and transcription of 22 genes related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis and vitellogenin. The mixtures had potentiation effects on development, reproduction, hormones, and gene transcripts than individual exposure. Larvae exposed to 229 μg L BIT, 64.5 μg L PP, and mixtures showed reduced growth. Decreased GH and IGF-1 levels were supported by gene regulation associated with the GH/IGFs axis. In larvae, reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were increased under all exposures. The gonadosomatic index in males and number of eggs decreased after mixture exposure. In females exposed to mixtures, the percentage of atretic follicle in ovary was significantly increased. The significant decrease in testosterone in males and significant decrease in 17β-estradiol in females exposed to mixtures suggest anti-estrogenic and anti-androgenic potential. Thus, preservative mixtures in consumer products may be more toxic than the individual substances, which is important for managing the risks of mixing preservatives.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Female; Parabens; Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; Male; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Larva; Growth Hormone; Reproduction; Embryo, Nonmammalian; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 38614392
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141984 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024This study aimed to investigate the venom sac extracts (VSEs) of the European hornet (EH) (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), focusing on the differences between...
This study aimed to investigate the venom sac extracts (VSEs) of the European hornet (EH) (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), focusing on the differences between stinging females, gynes (G), and workers (W), at the protein level. Using a quantitative "Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Fragment Ion Mass Spectra" (SWATH-MS) analysis, we identified and quantified a total of 240 proteins. Notably, within the group, 45.8% ( = 110) showed significant differential expression between VSE-G and VSE-W. In this set, 57.3% ( = 63) were upregulated and 42.7% ( = 47) downregulated in the G. Additionally, the two-hundred quantified proteins from the class Insecta belong to sixteen different species, six of them to the Hymenoptera/Apidae lineage, comprising seven proteins with known potential allergenicity. Thus, phospholipase A1 (Vesp v 1), phospholipase A1 verutoxin 2b (VT-2b), hyaluronidase A (Vesp v 2A), hyaluronidase B (Vesp v 2B), and venom allergen 5 (Vesp v 5) were significantly downregulated in the G, and vitellogenin (Vesp v 6) was upregulated. Overall, 46% of the VSE proteins showed differential expression, with a majority being upregulated in G. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD047955. These findings shed light on the proteomic differences in VSE between EH castes, potentially contributing to our understanding of their behavior and offering insights for allergy research.
Topics: Female; Bees; Animals; Wasps; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Phospholipases A1; Proteomics; Hypersensitivity
PubMed: 38612607
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073798 -
Poultry Science Jun 2024Compared to high-yield commercial laying hens, Chinese indigenous chicken breeds have poor egg laying capacity due to the lack of intensive selection. However, as these...
Compared to high-yield commercial laying hens, Chinese indigenous chicken breeds have poor egg laying capacity due to the lack of intensive selection. However, as these breeds have not undergone systematic selection, it is possible that there is a greater abundance of genetic variations related to egg laying traits. In this study, we assessed 5 egg number (EN) traits at different stages of the egg-laying period: EN1 (from the first egg to 23 wk), EN2 (from 23 to 35 wk), EN3 (from 35 to 48 wk), EN4 (from the first egg to 35 wk), and EN5 (from the first egg to 48 wk). To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying egg number traits in a Chinese local chicken breed, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using data from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 399 Laiwu Black chickens. We obtained a total of 3.01 Tb of raw data with an average depth of 7.07 × per individual. A total of 86 genome-wide suggestive or significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) contained within a set of 45 corresponding candidate genes were identified and found to be associated with stages EN1-EN5. The genes vitellogenin 2 (VTG2), lipase maturation factor 1 (LMF1), calcium voltage-gated channel auxiliary subunit alpha2delta 3 (CACNA2D3), poly(A) binding protein cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1), programmed cell death 11 (PDCD11) and family with sequence similarity 213 member A (FAM213A) can be considered as the candidate genes associated with egg number traits, due to their reported association with animal reproduction traits. Noteworthy, results suggests that VTG2 and PDCD11 are not only involved in the regulation of EN3, but also in the regulation of EN5, implies that VTG2 and PDCD11 have a significant influence on egg production traits. Our study offers valuable genomic insights into the molecular genetic mechanisms that govern egg number traits in a Chinese indigenous egg-laying chicken breed. These findings have the potential to enhance the egg-laying performance of chickens.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Genome-Wide Association Study; Female; Whole Genome Sequencing; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Oviposition
PubMed: 38598913
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103705 -
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology Mar 2024In addition to the acute lethal toxicity, insecticides might affect population dynamics of insect pests by inducing life history trait changes under low concentrations,...
Low concentrations of cyantraniliprole negatively affects the development of Spodoptera frugiperda by disruption of ecdysteroid biosynthesis and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
In addition to the acute lethal toxicity, insecticides might affect population dynamics of insect pests by inducing life history trait changes under low concentrations, however, the underlying mechanisms remain not well understood. Here we examined systemic impacts on development and reproduction caused by low concentration exposures to cyantraniliprole in the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, and the putative underlying mechanisms were investigated. The results showed that exposure of third-instar larvae to LC and LC of cyantraniliprole significantly extended larvae duration by 1.46 and 5.41 days, respectively. Treatment with LC of cyantraniliprole significantly decreased the pupae weight and pupation rate as well as the longevity, fecundity and egg hatchability of female adults. Consistently, we found that exposure of FAW to LC cyantraniliprole downregulated the mRNA expression of four ecdysteroid biosynthesis genes including SfNobo, SfShd, SfSpo and SfDib and one ecdysone response gene SfE75 in the larvae as well as the gene encoding vitellogenin (SfVg) in the female adults. We also found that treatment with LC of cyantraniliprole significantly decreased the whole body levels of glucose, trehalose, glycogen and triglyceride in the larvae. Our results indicate that low concentration of cyantraniliprole inhibited FAW development by disruption of ecdysteroid biosynthesis as well as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which have applied implications for the control of FAW.
Topics: Animals; Spodoptera; Ecdysteroids; Lipid Metabolism; Larva; Insecticides; Carbohydrates; Pyrazoles; ortho-Aminobenzoates
PubMed: 38582591
DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105827