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Erler S, Cotter SC, Freitak D, Koch H, Palmer-Young EC, de Roode JC, Smilanich AM, Lattorff HMG. Insects' essential role in understanding and broadening animal medication. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:338-349. [PMID: 38443305 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Like humans, animals use plants and other materials as medication against parasites. Recent decades have shown that the study of insects can greatly advance our understanding of medication behaviors. The ease of rearing insects under laboratory conditions has enabled controlled experiments to test critical hypotheses, while their spectrum of reproductive strategies and living arrangements - ranging from solitary to eusocial communities - has revealed that medication behaviors can evolve to maximize inclusive fitness through both direct and indirect fitness benefits. Studying insects has also demonstrated in some cases that medication can act through modulation of the host's innate immune system and microbiome. We highlight outstanding questions, focusing on costs and benefits in the context of inclusive host fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Erler
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) - Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Braunschweig, Germany; Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | | | - Dalial Freitak
- Institute for Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Urbański A, Konopińska N, Bylewska N, Gmyrek R, Spochacz-Santoro M, Bufo SA, Adamski Z. Solanum nigrum Fruit Extract Modulates Immune System Activity of Mealworm Beetle, Tenebrio molitor L. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:68. [PMID: 36668887 PMCID: PMC9861574 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the first evidence concerning the modulation of insect immune system activity after applying Solanum nigrum fruit extract (EXT). We focused on two main issues: (1) is EXT cytotoxic for Tenebrio molitor haemocytes? and (2) how EXT affects the basic immune mechanisms of T. molitor. The results indicate cytotoxic action of 0.01 and 0.1% EXT on beetle haemocytes. Both the injection of EXT and incubating haemocytes with the EXT solution on microscopic slides significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells. However, 24 h after injection of 0.1% EXT cytotoxic effect of the tested extract probably was masked by the increased number of circulating haemocytes. Application of 0.01 and 0.1% EXT led to impairment of the activity of basic immune mechanisms such as phenoloxidase activity and the lysozyme-like antimicrobial activity of T. molitor haemolymph. Moreover, the EXT elicited significant changes in the expression level of selected immune genes. However, some of the immunomodulatory effects of EXT were different in beetles with and without an activated immune system. The obtained results are an essential step toward a complete understanding of the EXT mode of action on the T. molitor physiology and its potential usage in pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Natalia Konopińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Natalia Bylewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Radosław Gmyrek
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Marta Spochacz-Santoro
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Zbigniew Adamski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
- Laboratory of Electron and Confocal Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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Garvey M, Creighton C, Kaplan I. The threat of parasitism impairs immune function in host caterpillars. Ecol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Garvey
- Department of Biological Sciences Louisiana State University Baton Rouge Louisiana USA
- Department of Entomology Purdue University West Lafayette Indiana USA
| | - Curtis Creighton
- Department of Biological Sciences Purdue University Northwest Hammond Indiana USA
| | - Ian Kaplan
- Department of Entomology Purdue University West Lafayette Indiana USA
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Cotter SC, Al Shareefi E. Nutritional ecology, infection and immune defence - exploring the mechanisms. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100862. [PMID: 34952240 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Diet can impact the outcome of parasitic infection in three, non-mutually exclusive ways: 1) by changing the physiological environment of the host, such as the availability of key nutritional resources, the presence of toxic dietary chemicals, the pH or osmolality of the blood or gut, 2) by enhancing the immune response and 3) by altering the presence of host microbiota, which help to digest nutrients and are a potential source of antibiotics. We show that there are no clear patterns in the effects of diet across taxa and that good evidence for the mechanisms by which diet exerts its effects are often lacking. More studies are required to understand the mechanisms of action if we are to discern patterns that can be generalised across host and parasite taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena C Cotter
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Ekhlas Al Shareefi
- Dept of Biology, College of Science for Women, University of Babylon, Hillah-Babil, Iraq
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Muchoney ND, Bowers MD, Carper AL, Mason PA, Teglas MB, Smilanich AM. Use of an exotic host plant shifts immunity, chemical defense, and viral burden in wild populations of a specialist insect herbivore. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8723. [PMID: 35342612 PMCID: PMC8928866 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nadya D. Muchoney
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology University of Nevada Reno Nevada USA
- Department of Biology University of Nevada Reno Nevada USA
| | - M. Deane Bowers
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Museum of Natural History University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - Adrian L. Carper
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Museum of Natural History University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - Peri A. Mason
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Museum of Natural History University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - Mike B. Teglas
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology University of Nevada Reno Nevada USA
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences University of Nevada Reno Nevada USA
| | - Angela M. Smilanich
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology University of Nevada Reno Nevada USA
- Department of Biology University of Nevada Reno Nevada USA
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Improving Natural Enemy Selection in Biological Control through Greater Attention to Chemical Ecology and Host-Associated Differentiation of Target Arthropod Pests. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020160. [PMID: 35206733 PMCID: PMC8877252 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Host-associated differentiation (HAD) refers to cases in which genetically distinct populations of a species (e.g., herbivores or natural enemies) preferentially reproduce or feed on different host species. In agroecosystems, HAD often results in unique strains or biotypes of pest species, each attacking different species of crops. However, HAD is not restricted to pest populations, and may cascade to the third trophic level, affecting host selection by natural enemies, and ultimately leading to HAD within natural enemy species. Natural enemy HAD may affect the outcomes of biological control efforts, whether classical, conservation, or augmentative. Here, we explore the potential effects of pest and natural enemy HAD on biological control in agroecosystems, with emphases on current knowledge gaps and implications of HAD for selection of biological control agents. Additionally, given the importance of semiochemicals in mediating interactions between trophic levels, we emphasize the role of chemical ecology in interactions between pests and natural enemies, and suggest areas of consideration for biological control. Overall, we aim to jump-start a conversation concerning the relevance of HAD in biological control by reviewing currently available information on natural enemy HAD, identifying challenges to incorporating HAD considerations into biological control efforts, and proposing future research directions on natural enemy selection and HAD.
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Ebru Korkmaz, Altun N, Faiz Ö. Effects of Diet on Phenoloxidase Activity and Development of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s106235902213009x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Pokharel P, Steppuhn A, Petschenka G. Dietary cardenolides enhance growth and change the direction of the fecundity-longevity trade-off in milkweed bugs (Heteroptera: Lygaeinae). Ecol Evol 2021; 11:18042-18054. [PMID: 35003656 PMCID: PMC8717354 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequestration, that is, the accumulation of plant toxins into body tissues for defense, was predicted to incur physiological costs and may require resistance traits different from those of non-sequestering insects. Alternatively, sequestering species could experience a cost in the absence of toxins due to selection on physiological homeostasis under permanent exposure of sequestered toxins in body tissues. Milkweed bugs (Heteroptera: Lygaeinae) sequester high amounts of plant-derived cardenolides. Although being potent inhibitors of the ubiquitous animal enzyme Na+/K+-ATPase, milkweed bugs can tolerate cardenolides by means of resistant Na+/K+-ATPases. Both adaptations, resistance and sequestration, are ancestral traits of the Lygaeinae. Using four milkweed bug species (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae: Lygaeinae) and the related European firebug (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae: Pyrrhocoris apterus) showing different combinations of the traits "cardenolide resistance" and "cardenolide sequestration," we tested how the two traits affect larval growth upon exposure to dietary cardenolides in an artificial diet system. While cardenolides impaired the growth of P. apterus nymphs neither possessing a resistant Na+/K+-ATPase nor sequestering cardenolides, growth was not affected in the non-sequestering milkweed bug Arocatus longiceps, which possesses a resistant Na+/K+-ATPase. Remarkably, cardenolides increased growth in the sequestering dietary specialists Caenocoris nerii and Oncopeltus fasciatus but not in the sequestering dietary generalist Spilostethus pandurus, which all possess a resistant Na+/K+-ATPase. We furthermore assessed the effect of dietary cardenolides on additional life history parameters, including developmental speed, longevity of adults, and reproductive success in O. fasciatus. Unexpectedly, nymphs under cardenolide exposure developed substantially faster and lived longer as adults. However, fecundity of adults was reduced when maintained on cardenolide-containing diet for their entire lifetime but not when adults were transferred to non-toxic sunflower seeds. We speculate that the resistant Na+/K+-ATPase of milkweed bugs is selected for working optimally in a "toxic environment," that is, when sequestered cardenolides are stored in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prayan Pokharel
- Department of Applied EntomologyInstitute of PhytomedicineUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
| | - Anke Steppuhn
- Department of Molecular BotanyInstitute of BiologyUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
| | - Georg Petschenka
- Department of Applied EntomologyInstitute of PhytomedicineUniversity of HohenheimStuttgartGermany
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