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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Baton Rouge, Louisiana » Honey Bee Lab » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #418489
Research Project: Using Genetics to Improve the Breeding and Health of Honey Bees

Location: Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research

Title: Time dynamics models for oxidative stress markers in honey bees (Apis mellifera) following paraquat-induced stress

Author
item BIOVÁ, JANA - Palacky University
item KODRIK, DALIBOR - University Of South Bohemia
item JANKU, MARTINA - Palacky University
item DOSTÁLKOVÁ, SILVIE - Palacky University
item FURST, TOMAS - Palacky University
item Simone-Finstrom, Michael
item PETRIVALSKÝ, MAREK - Palacky University
item DANIHLÍK, JIRI - Palacky University

Submitted to: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/13/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is a crucial insect pollinator for agricultural production. However, the use of chemicals in agriculture can impact stress responses in honeybees, particularly oxidative stress which is associated with aging. Although honeybees are regularly exposed to oxidative stress-affecting chemicals, little is known regarding the mechanisms of potential effects. This study aims to observe measures related to oxidative stress 32 hours after exposure to the chemical paraquat. Findings suggest that while paraquat exposure induces lipid peroxidation in honeybees, a known measure of oxidative stress, it does not affect vitellogenin (a major storage protein with antioxidant properties) or secondary lipid peroxidation products within the observed timeframe. This has implications for how stress responses are measured in honey bees.

Technical Abstract: The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is a crucial insect pollinator for agricultural production. However, the use of chemicals in agriculture can impact reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in honeybees. With increasing studies on ROS, their importance in biological processes is becoming evident. Although honeybees are regularly exposed to ROS-affecting chemicals, the mechanisms by which they endure these effects are not fully understood. This study aims to observe ROS-related parameters in honeybees within 32 hours after exposure to the ROS-affecting chemical paraquat. We found no significant changes in vitellogenin levels over time or between treatment groups. However, lipid peroxidation, indicated by the primary product hydroperoxides, increased approximately 4 hours after paraquat exposure compared to control groups. This increase was not observed in secondary lipid peroxidation products, such as aldehydes. These findings suggest that while paraquat exposure induces lipid peroxidation in honeybees, it does not affect vitellogenin levels or secondary lipid peroxidation products within the observed timeframe.