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Li Z, Guo D, Wang C, Chi X, Liu Z, Wang Y, Wang H, Guo X, Wang N, Xu B, Gao Z. Toxic effects of the heavy metal Cd on Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae): Oxidative stress, immune disorders and disturbance of gut microbiota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169318. [PMID: 38143006 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic non-essential metal element that can enter the honey bee body through air, water and soil. Currently, there is a lack of sufficient research on the effects of Cd on A. cerana cerana, especially the potential risks of long-term exposure to sublethal concentrations. In order to ascertain the toxicological effects of the heavy metal Cd on bees, we performed laboratory-based toxicity experiments on worker bees and conducted analyses from three distinctive facets: antioxidative, immunological, and gut microbiota. The results showed that exposure of bees to high concentrations of Cd resulted in acute mortality, and the increase in mortality was concentration dependent. In long-term exposure to sublethal concentrations, Cd reduced the number of transcripts of antioxidant genes (AccSOD1, AccTPx3 and AccTPx4) and superoxide dismutase activity, causing an increase in malondialdehyde content. Simultaneously, the transcription of immune-related genes (AccAbaecin and AccApidaecin) and acetylcholinesterase activities was inhibited. Furthermore, Cd changes the structural characteristics of bacterial and fungal communities in the gut, disrupting the balance of microbial communities. In conclusion, the health and survival of honey bees are affected by Cd. This study provides a scientific basis for investigating the toxicological mechanisms and control strategies of the heavy metal Cd on honey bees, while facilitating a better understanding and protection of these valuable honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Dezheng Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuepeng Chi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingqi Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningxin Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China.
| | - Baohua Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zheng Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China.
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