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Gaubert J, Giovenazzo P, Derome N. Individual and social defenses in Apis mellifera: a playground to fight against synergistic stressor interactions. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1172859. [PMID: 37485064 PMCID: PMC10360197 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1172859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The honeybee is an important species for the agri-food and pharmaceutical industries through bee products and crop pollination services. However, honeybee health is a major concern, because beekeepers in many countries are experiencing significant colony losses. This phenomenon has been linked to the exposure of bees to multiple stresses in their environment. Indeed, several biotic and abiotic stressors interact with bees in a synergistic or antagonistic way. Synergistic stressors often act through a disruption of their defense systems (immune response or detoxification). Antagonistic interactions are most often caused by interactions between biotic stressors or disruptive activation of bee defenses. Honeybees have developed behavioral defense strategies and produce antimicrobial compounds to prevent exposure to various pathogens and chemicals. Expanding our knowledge about these processes could be used to develop strategies to shield bees from exposure. This review aims to describe current knowledge about the exposure of honeybees to multiple stresses and the defense mechanisms they have developed to protect themselves. The effect of multi-stress exposure is mainly due to a disruption of the immune response, detoxification, or an excessive defense response by the bee itself. In addition, bees have developed defenses against stressors, some behavioral, others involving the production of antimicrobials, or exploiting beneficial external factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Gaubert
- Laboratoire Derome, Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire Giovenazzo, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Giovenazzo
- Laboratoire Derome, Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Derome
- Laboratoire Derome, Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire Giovenazzo, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Dequenne I, Philippart de Foy JM, Cani PD. Developing Strategies to Help Bee Colony Resilience in Changing Environments. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233396. [PMID: 36496917 PMCID: PMC9737243 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change, loss of plant biodiversity, burdens caused by new pathogens, predators, and toxins due to human disturbance and activity are significant causes of the loss of bee colonies and wild bees. The aim of this review is to highlight some possible strategies that could help develop bee resilience in facing their changing environments. Scientists underline the importance of the links between nutrition, microbiota, and immune and neuroendocrine stress resistance of bees. Nutrition with special care for plant-derived molecules may play a major role in bee colony health. Studies have highlighted the importance of pollen, essential oils, plant resins, and leaves or fungi as sources of fundamental nutrients for the development and longevity of a honeybee colony. The microbiota is also considered as a key factor in bee physiology and a cornerstone between nutrition, metabolism, growth, health, and pathogen resistance. Another stressor is the varroa mite parasite. This parasite is a major concern for beekeepers and needs specific strategies to reduce its severe impact on honeybees. Here we discuss how helping bees to thrive, especially through changing environments, is of great concern for beekeepers and scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Dequenne
- J-M Philippart de Foy & I Dequenne Consultation, Avenue Orban, 127, 1150 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Patrice D. Cani
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO), Avenue Pasteur, 6, 1300 Wavre, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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3
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Wojtacka J. Propolis Contra Pharmacological Interventions in Bees. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27154914. [PMID: 35956862 PMCID: PMC9370548 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to wax, propolis is a mixture of resins, terpenes, and etheric and aromatic oils. This composition supports its very strong biochemical activity that affects bee health. Bee colonies are externally exposed to the activity of other different pharmacologically active substances and toxic agents used in beekeeping procedures, veterinary interventions, and the environment. Even if free form common diseases, they may suffer from parasites or toxins. In any such case the abundance and variety of honeyflow, besides proper therapy, is crucial for the maintenance of bee health. Propolis itself cannot be considered as food but can be considered as micro-nutrients for bees. This is due to the fact that some of its compounds may penetrate different bee products, and this way be consumed by bees and their larvae, while stored in the hive. This perspective shows propolis as natural agent reducing the toxicity of pyrethroid acaricides, stimulating production of detoxification enzymes, enhancing the action of antibiotics, and increasing expression of genes that encode proteins responsible for detoxication. The aim of this review is to summarize current data on the possible impact on veterinary public health of the introduction into propolis of residues of pharmacological agents approved in the EU for use in the treatment of bee colonies and their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wojtacka
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
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Belmehdi O, El Menyiy N, Bouyahya A, El Baaboua A, El Omari N, Gallo M, Montesano D, Naviglio D, Zengin G, Skali Senhaji N, Goh BH, Abrini J. Recent Advances in the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Propolis. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2022.2089164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Belmehdi
- Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Naoual El Menyiy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Taounate, Morocco
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Aicha El Baaboua
- Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Nasreddine El Omari
- Laboratory of Histology, Embryology, and Cytogenetic, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Monica Gallo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Naviglio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Campus, Konya, Turkey
| | - Nadia Skali Senhaji
- Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Bey Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jamal Abrini
- Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
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Ebiloma GU, Ichoron N, Siheri W, Watson DG, Igoli JO, De Koning HP. The Strong Anti-Kinetoplastid Properties of Bee Propolis: Composition and Identification of the Active Agents and Their Biochemical Targets. Molecules 2020; 25:E5155. [PMID: 33167520 PMCID: PMC7663965 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The kinetoplastids are protozoa characterized by the presence of a distinctive organelle, called the kinetoplast, which contains a large amount of DNA (kinetoplast DNA (kDNA)) inside their single mitochondrion. Kinetoplastids of medical and veterinary importance include Trypanosoma spp. (the causative agents of human and animal African Trypanosomiasis and of Chagas disease) and Leishmania spp. (the causative agents of the various forms of leishmaniasis). These neglected diseases affect millions of people across the globe, but drug treatment is hampered by the challenges of toxicity and drug resistance, among others. Propolis (a natural product made by bees) and compounds isolated from it are now being investigated as novel treatments of kinetoplastid infections. The anti-kinetoplastid efficacy of propolis is probably a consequence of its reported activity against kinetoplastid parasites of bees. This article presents a review of the reported anti-kinetoplastid potential of propolis, highlighting its anti-kinetoplastid activity in vitro and in vivo regardless of geographical origin. The mode of action of propolis depends on the organism it is acting on and includes growth inhibition, immunomodulation, macrophage activation, perturbation of the cell membrane architecture, phospholipid disturbances, and mitochondrial targets. This gives ample scope for further investigations toward the rational development of sustainable anti-kinetoplastid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin U. Ebiloma
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK;
| | - Nahandoo Ichoron
- Phytochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Makurdi 2373, Nigeria; (N.I.) (J.O.I.)
| | - Weam Siheri
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK; (W.S.), (D.G.W.)
| | - David G. Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK; (W.S.), (D.G.W.)
| | - John O. Igoli
- Phytochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Makurdi 2373, Nigeria; (N.I.) (J.O.I.)
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK; (W.S.), (D.G.W.)
| | - Harry P. De Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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Mura A, Pusceddu M, Theodorou P, Angioni A, Floris I, Paxton RJ, Satta A. Propolis Consumption Reduces Nosema ceranae Infection of European Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera). INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11020124. [PMID: 32075232 PMCID: PMC7074184 DOI: 10.3390/insects11020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a widespread obligate intracellular parasite of the ventriculus of many species of honey bee (Apis), including the Western honey bee Apis mellifera, in which it may lead to colony death. It can be controlled in A. mellifera by feeding the antibiotic fumagillin to a colony, though this product is toxic to humans and its use has now been banned in many countries, so in beekeeping, there exists a need for alternative and safe products effective against N. ceranae. Honeybees produce propolis from resinous substances collected from plants and use it to protect their nest from parasites and pathogens; propolis is thought to decrease the microbial load of the hive. We hypothesized that propolis might also reduce N. ceranae infection of individual bees and that they might consume propolis as a form of self-medication. To test these hypotheses, we evaluated the effects of an ethanolic extract of propolis administered orally on the longevity and spore load of experimentally N. ceranae-infected worker bees and also tested whether infected bees were more attracted to, and consumed a greater proportion of, a diet containing propolis in comparison to uninfected bees. Propolis extracts and ethanol (solvent control) increased the lifespan of N. ceranae-infected bees, but only propolis extract significantly reduced spore load. Our propolis extract primarily contained derivatives of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, ellagic acid and quercetin. Choice, scan sampling and food consumption tests did not reveal any preference of N. ceranae-infected bees for commercial candy containing propolis. Our research supports the hypothesis that propolis represents an effective and safe product to control N. ceranae but worker bees seem not to use it to self-medicate when infected with this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mura
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.F.)
| | - Michelina Pusceddu
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.F.)
| | - Panagiotis Theodorou
- General Zoology, Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (P.T.); (R.J.P.)
| | - Alberto Angioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Ignazio Floris
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.F.)
| | - Robert J. Paxton
- General Zoology, Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (P.T.); (R.J.P.)
| | - Alberto Satta
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-079229364; Fax: +39-079229329
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Pusceddu M, Piluzza G, Theodorou P, Buffa F, Ruiu L, Bullitta S, Floris I, Satta A. Resin foraging dynamics in Varroa destructor-infested hives: a case of medication of kin? INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 26:297-310. [PMID: 28795524 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Social insects have evolved colony behavioral, physiological, and organizational adaptations (social immunity) to reduce the risks of parasitization and/or disease transmission. The collection of resin from various plants and its use in the hive as propolis is a clear example of behavioral defense. For Apis mellifera, an increased propolis content in the hive may correspond to variations in the microbial load of the colony and to a downregulation of an individual bee's immune response. However, many aspects of such antimicrobial mechanism still need to be clarified. Assuming that bacterial and fungal infection mechanisms differ from the action of a parasite, we studied the resin collection dynamics in Varroa destructor-infested honeybee colonies. Comparative experiments involving hives with different mite infestation levels were conducted in order to assess the amount of resin collected and propolis quality within the hive, over a 2-year period (2014 and 2015). Our study demonstrates that when A. mellifera colonies are under stress because of Varroa infestation, an increase in the number of resin foragers is recorded, even if a general intensification of the foraging activity is not observed. A reduction in the total polyphenolic content in propolis produced in infested versus uninfested hives was also noticed. Considering that different propolis types show varying levels of inhibition against a variety of honey bee pathogens in vitro, it would be very important to study the effects against Varroa of two diverse types of propolis: from Varroa-free and from Varroa-infested hives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelina Pusceddu
- Dipartimento di Agraria, sezione di Patologia vegetale ed Entomologia, Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giannella Piluzza
- Istituto per il Sistema Produzione Animale in Ambiente Mediterraneo (ISPAAM uos Sassari) Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Baldinca-Li Punti, Sassari, Italy
| | - Panagiotis Theodorou
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Franco Buffa
- Dipartimento di Agraria, sezione di Patologia vegetale ed Entomologia, Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luca Ruiu
- Dipartimento di Agraria, sezione di Patologia vegetale ed Entomologia, Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Simonetta Bullitta
- Istituto per il Sistema Produzione Animale in Ambiente Mediterraneo (ISPAAM uos Sassari) Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Baldinca-Li Punti, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ignazio Floris
- Dipartimento di Agraria, sezione di Patologia vegetale ed Entomologia, Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alberto Satta
- Dipartimento di Agraria, sezione di Patologia vegetale ed Entomologia, Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Mohammed SEA, Kabbashi AS, Koko WS, Ansari MJ, Adgaba N, Al-Ghamdi A. In vitro activity of some natural honeys against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia trophozoites. Saudi J Biol Sci 2019; 26:238-243. [PMID: 31485160 PMCID: PMC6717097 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the potentiality of honey in combating diseases, the present study was carried out aiming to assess the in vitro antiprotozoal activity of several honeys (Ziziphus spina-christi, Acacia nilotica, Acacia seyal, and Cucurbita maxima) against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia by employing the sub-culture method. All the tested honeys inhibited the growth of trophozoites, and the level of inhibition varied according to the assayed concentrations and incubation times. Acacia seyal honey had completely stopped motility of E. histolytica trophozoites at a concentration ≤ 50 µg/ml after incubation for 72 h. Ziziphus spina-christi, Acacia seyal, and Acacia nilotica honeys had completely inhibited the growth of Giardia lamblia trophozoites at concentration ≤ 200 µg/ml after 72 h. These inhibitory activities were similar to that of Metronidazole™ which showed IC50 = 0.27. The mammalian cytotoxicity of these honeys against normal Vero cell line which determined by applying MTT method verified the nontoxicity of the examined honeys. Also the proximate composition of the samples indicated compliance with the natural honey standards. The findings of the study indicate the need for in vivo studies and further investigations to identify active principles with antiprotozoal activities from natural honeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seif Eldin A. Mohammed
- Bee Research Chair, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S. Kabbashi
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Traditional Medicine Research Institute, P.O. Box 2404, National Center for Research, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Waleed S. Koko
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Traditional Medicine Research Institute, P.O. Box 2404, National Center for Research, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohammad Javed Ansari
- Bee Research Chair, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nuru Adgaba
- Bee Research Chair, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Al-Ghamdi
- Bee Research Chair, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Biomarkers as predictive tools to test the in vivo anti-sarcoptic mange activity of propolis in naturally infested rabbits. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20180874. [PMID: 30291217 PMCID: PMC6435546 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20180874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the use of specific biomarkers, such as albumin, serum total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), globulin, alanine amino transferase (ALT), serum cortisol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as predictive tools for sarcoptic mange in rabbits. A total of 40 naturally infested rabbits were equally divided into four groups.Thirty infested rabbits were administered with three different treatments (propolis,ivermectin, and propolis with ivermectin) and were compared to10 infested un-treated rabbits. The impact of treatment was assessed via microscopic examination of skin scrapings, clinical signs, and blood measurements relating to the liver. The present study demonstrated that topical application of 10% propolis ointment resulted in complete recovery from clinical signs and complete absence of mites based on microscopic examination after 10-15 days of treatment. Moreover, AST, ALP, ALT, and cortisol were determined to be acceptable biomarkers to track the response of diseased rabbits to the therapeutic use of propolis.
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Pusceddu M, Floris I, Mura A, Theodorou P, Cirotto G, Piluzza G, Bullitta S, Angioni A, Satta A. The effects of raw propolis on Varroa-infested honey bee (Apis mellifera) workers. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3527-3535. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6050-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Simone-Finstrom M, Borba RS, Wilson M, Spivak M. Propolis Counteracts Some Threats to Honey Bee Health. INSECTS 2017; 8:E46. [PMID: 28468244 PMCID: PMC5492060 DOI: 10.3390/insects8020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are constantly dealing with threats from pathogens, pests, pesticides and poor nutrition. It is critically important to understand how honey bees' natural immune responses (individual immunity) and collective behavioral defenses (social immunity) can improve bee health and productivity. One form of social immunity in honey bee colonies is the collection of antimicrobial plant resins and their use in the nest architecture as propolis. We review research on the constitutive benefits of propolis on the honey bee immune system, and its known therapeutic, colony-level effects against the pathogens Paenibacillus larvae and Ascosphaera apis. We also review the limited research on the effects of propolis against other pathogens, parasites and pests (Nosema, viruses, Varroa destructor, and hive beetles) and how propolis may enhance bee products such as royal jelly and honey. Although propolis may be a source of pesticide contamination, it also has the potential to be a detoxifying agent or primer of detoxification pathways, as well as increasing bee longevity via antioxidant-related pathways. Throughout this paper, we discuss opportunities for future research goals and present ways in which the beekeeping community can promote propolis use in standard colonies, as one way to improve and maintain colony health and resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Simone-Finstrom
- USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Laboratory, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA.
| | - Renata S Borba
- Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
- Beaverlodge Research Farm, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0, Canada.
| | - Michael Wilson
- Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55018, USA.
| | - Marla Spivak
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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12
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Drescher N, Klein AM, Neumann P, Yañez O, Leonhardt SD. Inside Honeybee Hives: Impact of Natural Propolis on the Ectoparasitic Mite Varroa destructor and Viruses. INSECTS 2017; 8:E15. [PMID: 28178181 PMCID: PMC5371943 DOI: 10.3390/insects8010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Social immunity is a key factor for honeybee health, including behavioral defense strategies such as the collective use of antimicrobial plant resins (propolis). While laboratory data repeatedly show significant propolis effects, field data are scarce, especially at the colony level. Here, we investigated whether propolis, as naturally deposited in the nests, can protect honeybees against ectoparasitic mites Varroa destructor and associated viruses, which are currently considered the most serious biological threat to European honeybee subspecies, Apis mellifera, globally. Propolis intake of 10 field colonies was manipulated by either reducing or adding freshly collected propolis. Mite infestations, titers of deformed wing virus (DWV) and sacbrood virus (SBV), resin intake, as well as colony strength were recorded monthly from July to September 2013. We additionally examined the effect of raw propolis volatiles on mite survival in laboratory assays. Our results showed no significant effects of adding or removing propolis on mite survival and infestation levels. However, in relation to V. destructor, DWV titers increased significantly less in colonies with added propolis than in propolis-removed colonies, whereas SBV titers were similar. Colonies with added propolis were also significantly stronger than propolis-removed colonies. These findings indicate that propolis may interfere with the dynamics of V. destructor-transmitted viruses, thereby further emphasizing the importance of propolis for honeybee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Drescher
- Institute of Ecology, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Scharnhorststr. 1, Lüneburg D-21335, Germany.
| | - Alexandra-Maria Klein
- Department of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, Freiburg D-79106, Germany.
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, Bern CH-3003, Switzerland.
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope, Bern CH-3003, Switzerland.
| | - Orlando Yañez
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, Bern CH-3003, Switzerland.
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope, Bern CH-3003, Switzerland.
| | - Sara D Leonhardt
- Department of Animal Department of Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, Biocenter-Am Hubland, Würzburg D-97074, Germany.
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13
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Borba RS, Klyczek KK, Mogen KL, Spivak M. Seasonal benefits of a natural propolis envelope to honey bee immunity and colony health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:3689-99. [PMID: 26449975 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.127324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Honey bees, as social insects, rely on collective behavioral defenses that produce a colony-level immune phenotype, or social immunity, which in turn impacts the immune response of individuals. One behavioral defense is the collection and deposition of antimicrobial plant resins, or propolis, in the nest. We tested the effect of a naturally constructed propolis envelope within standard beekeeping equipment on the pathogen and parasite load of large field colonies, and on immune system activity, virus and storage protein levels of individual bees over the course of a year. The main effect of the propolis envelope was a decreased and more uniform baseline expression of immune genes in bees during summer and autumn months each year, compared with the immune activity in bees with no propolis envelope in the colony. The most important function of the propolis envelope may be to modulate costly immune system activity. As no differences were found in levels of bacteria, pathogens and parasites between the treatment groups, the propolis envelope may act directly on the immune system, reducing the bees' need to activate the physiologically costly production of humoral immune responses. Colonies with a natural propolis envelope had increased colony strength and vitellogenin levels after surviving the winter in one of the two years of the study, despite the fact that the biological activity of the propolis diminished over the winter. A natural propolis envelope acts as an important antimicrobial layer enshrouding the colony, benefiting individual immunity and ultimately colony health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata S Borba
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Karen K Klyczek
- Biology Department, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 410 S. 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022, USA
| | - Kim L Mogen
- Biology Department, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 410 S. 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022, USA
| | - Marla Spivak
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
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DeGrandi-Hoffman G, Chen Y. Nutrition, immunity and viral infections in honey bees. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 10:170-176. [PMID: 29588005 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Viruses and other pathogens can spread rapidly in social insect colonies from close contacts among nestmates, food sharing and periods of confinement. Here we discuss how honey bees decrease the risk of disease outbreaks by a combination of behaviors (social immunity) and individual immune function. There is a relationship between the effectiveness of social and individual immunity and the nutritional state of the colony. Parasitic Varroa mites undermine the relationship because they reduce nutrient levels, suppress individual immune function and transmit viruses. Future research directions to better understand the dynamics of the nutrition-immunity relationship based on levels of stress, time of year and colony demographics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2000 East Allen Road, Tucson, AZ 85719, United States.
| | - Yanping Chen
- Bee Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
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15
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Mohammed SEA, Kabashi AS, Koko WS, Azim MK. Antigiardial activity of glycoproteins and glycopeptides from Ziziphus honey. Nat Prod Res 2015; 29:2100-2. [PMID: 25587739 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2014.986659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Natural honey contains an array of glycoproteins, proteoglycans and glycopeptides. Size-exclusion chromatography fractionated Ziziphus honey proteins into five peaks with molecular masses in the range from 10 to >200 kDa. The fractionated proteins exhibited in vitro activities against Giardia lamblia with IC50 values ≤ 25 μg/mL. Results indicated that honey proteins were more active as antiprotozoal agents than metronidazole. This study indicated the potential of honey proteins and peptides as novel antigiardial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seif Eldin A Mohammed
- a Environment and Natural Resources Research Institute, National Centre for Research , P.O. Box 6096, Khartoum , Sudan
| | - Ahmed S Kabashi
- b Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Institute, National Centre for Research , P.O. Box 2404, Khartoum , Sudan
| | - Waleed S Koko
- b Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Institute, National Centre for Research , P.O. Box 2404, Khartoum , Sudan
| | - M Kamran Azim
- c H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi , Karachi 75270 , Pakistan
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16
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Drescher N, Wallace HM, Katouli M, Massaro CF, Leonhardt SD. Diversity matters: how bees benefit from different resin sources. Oecologia 2014; 176:943-53. [PMID: 25205030 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-014-3070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Biodiverse environments provide a variety of resources that can be exploited by consumers. While many studies revealed a positive correlation between biodiversity and consumer biomass and richness, only few studies have investigated how resource diversity affects single consumers. To better understand whether a single consumer species benefits from diverse resources, we tested how the protective function of a defensive plant resource (i.e. resin exploited by social bees) varied among different sources and target organisms (predators, parasites and pathogens). To assess synergistic effects, resins from different plant genera were tested separately and in combination. We found that resin diversity is beneficial for bees, with its functional properties depending on the target organisms, type and composition of resin. Different resins showed different effects, and mixtures were more effective than some of the single resins (functional complementarity). We conclude that resins of different plant species target different organisms and act synergistically where combined. Bees that rely on resin for protection benefit more when they have access to diverse resin sources. Loss of biodiversity may in turn destabilize consumer populations due to restricted access to a variety of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Drescher
- Department of Ecology, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany,
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17
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Popova M, Reyes M, Le Conte Y, Bankova V. Propolis chemical composition and honeybee resistance against Varroa destructor. Nat Prod Res 2014; 28:788-94. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2014.881366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Popova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - M. Reyes
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon Cedex 9, France
| | - Y. Le Conte
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon Cedex 9, France
| | - V. Bankova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Laurel leaf extracts for honeybee pest and disease management: antimicrobial, microsporicidal, and acaricidal activity. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:701-9. [PMID: 24288051 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3698-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A diverse set of parasites and pathogens affects productivity and survival of Apis mellifera honeybees. In beekeeping, traditional control by antibiotics and molecules of synthesis has caused problems with contamination and resistant pathogens. In this research, different Laurus nobilis extracts are tested against the main honeybee pests through an integrated point of view. In vivo effects on bee survival are also evaluated. The ethanol extract showed minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 208 to 416 μg/mL, having the best antimicrobial effect on Paenibacillus larvae among all substances tested. Similarly, this leaf extract showed a significant antiparasitic activity on Varroa destructor, killing 50 % of mites 24 h after a 30-s exposure, and on Nosema ceranae, inhibiting the spore development in the midgut of adult bees ingesting 1 × 10(4) μg/mL of extract solution. Both ethanol extract and volatile extracts (essential oil, hydrolate, and its main component) did not cause lethal effects on adult honeybees. Thus, the absence of topical and oral toxicity of the ethanol extract on bees and the strong antimicrobial, microsporicidal, and miticidal effects registered in this study place this laurel extract as a promising integrated treatment of bee diseases and stimulates the search for other bioactive phytochemicals from plants.
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Choi JY, Bang KH, Han KY, Noh BS. Discrimination Analysis of the Geographical Origin of Foods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.9721/kjfst.2012.44.5.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Maggi M, Peralta L, Ruffinengo S, Fuselli S, Eguaras M. Body size variability of Varroa destructor and its role in acaricide tolerance. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:2333-40. [PMID: 22190127 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2768-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity has been defined as the ability of a genotype to produce different phenotypes when exposed to distinct environments throughout its ontogeny. Morphological variability of individuals is an example of this plasticity. Taking into account that several studies have reported a wide morphological variability in Varroa destructor populations, we evaluated if the body size plasticity of the parasite constituted a key factor able to modulate mites survival when they were exposed to a drug bioassays. Drug bioassays against mites were conducted using three different Syzygium aromaticum essential oil concentrations (0.5, 1, and 5 μl/capsule) and controls. After 4 h of exposition, mite mortality was registered. The width (WS) and length (LS) of the dorsal shield were measured in dead mites. General lineal models were carried to determine if V. destructor survival to acaricides was related to the explanatory variables. Data modelling confirmed that WS and LS variables, together with time interaction, were significantly related to V. destructor survival when the parasites were exposed to acaricides. The models proposed demonstrated that for the smaller S. aromaticum essential oil concentration, the larger the parasite body, the greater the probability that it remains alive at the end of the bioassay. Such relationship was inverse for the other two concentrations tested. Possible causes explaining the body size variability in V. destructor individuals were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Maggi
- Laboratorio de Artrópodos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes, 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
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21
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Damiani N, Gende LB, Maggi MD, Palacios S, Marcangeli JA, Eguaras MJ. Repellent and acaricidal effects of botanical extracts on Varroa destructor. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:79-86. [PMID: 20838808 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2043-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Extracts of indigenous plants from South America have shown a broad spectrum of bioactivities. No-contaminant and natural substances have recently resurged as control treatment options for varroosis in honey bee colonies from Argentina. The aim of this work was to evaluate the biological activity of botanical extracts from Baccharis flabellata and Minthostachys verticillata on Varroa destructor and Apis mellifera. The acaricidal and insecticidal activities were assessed by the spraying application method. Both ethanolic extracts showed high levels of toxicity against the mites and were harmless to their host, A. mellifera. During the attractive-repellent test, the olfactory stimulus evoked for the extract from B. flabellata resulted as a repellent for mites. The aromatic stimulus of these extracts would be strong enough to cause disturbance on the behavior of V. destructor. Thus, the repellent effect of these substances plus the toxicity on mites postulate these botanical extracts like promising natural compound to be incorporated for the control of varroosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Damiani
- Laboratorio de Artrópodos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350 (7600) Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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