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Luo H, Dai C, Feng P. Entomophagy and entomo-therapeutic practices in a mountainous territory in southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2024; 20:61. [PMID: 38862976 PMCID: PMC11165864 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00700-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although China has a long history of using insects as food and medicine and has developed numerous associated knowledge and practices, especially in its rural and mountainous areas, systematic surveys concerning this subject are limited. In-depth ethnobiological research is needed to compile a comprehensive database of edible and medicinal insects and record the associated knowledge of these food and medicinal resources. METHODS Data on edible and medicinal insects and associated knowledge about them were collected by interviewing 216 local villagers in a mountainous territory in southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. RESULTS Local villagers used at least 16 edible and 9 medicinal insects, of which 4 wasp species were used in both entomophagy and medicinal practices. Parapolybia varia, Polistes olivaceus, and Anomala chamaeleon were newly recorded edible insects in China. The wasps, Euconocephalus sp., Gryllotalpa orientalis, and Cyrtotrachelus longimanus, were preferred and culturally important edible insects. Populations of Euconocephalus sp. and G. orientalis were reported to have substantially decreased in recent years. Wasps and a bamboo bee were used to treat rheumatism, while cockroaches and antlions were used to treat common cold symptoms in infants. Insect-related knowledge was positively correlated with the interviewees' age. CONCLUSIONS Villagers have accumulated considerable local and traditional knowledge of entomophagy and entomo-therapeutic practices. However, this knowledge is in danger of being lost, which highlights the urgent need to document this information. Edible insects enrich local diets, and a more sustainable supply (such as through insect farming) could maintain local entomophagy practices. Medicinal insects are a part of local folk medicine, and pharmacological and chemical techniques could be applied to identify various biologically active substances in these insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 1 Yanzhong Road, Guilin, 541006, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541006, China
| | - Chuanyin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 1 Yanzhong Road, Guilin, 541006, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541006, China.
| | - Ping Feng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 1 Yanzhong Road, Guilin, 541006, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541006, China.
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Pawłowicz R, Bożek A, Dor-Wojnarowska A, Rosiek-Biegus M, Kopeć A, Gillert-Smutnicka M, Sobieszczańska M, Nittner-Marszalska M. Elderly Patients and Insect Venom Allergy: Are the Clinical Pictures and Immunological Parameters of Venom Allergy Age-Dependent? Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:394. [PMID: 38675776 PMCID: PMC11053896 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Insect venom is one of the most common triggers of anaphylaxis in the elderly population. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) remains the only treatment for Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA). However, little is known about the differences in indication for VIT in the group of patients aged 60 years and older. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical and diagnostic differences of HVA in elderly patients. The study compared data from patients aged ≥ 60 (N = 132) to data from patients aged from 11 to 60 years (N = 750) in terms of HVA severity, comorbidities, and immunological parameters, namely, intradermal testing (IDT), specific IgE (sIgE) levels against extracts and major allergenic molecules, and serum tryptase level (sBT). The severity of systemic HVA (I-IV Müller scale) did not differ between adults and seniors. However, the severity of cardiovascular reactions (IV) increased with age, while the frequency of respiratory reactions (III) decreased. No differences were found in the immunological parameters of sensitization IDT, venom-specific IgE concentrations, or sIgE against Api m 1, 2, 4, 5, and 10 between patients below and above 60 or 65 years of age. Differences were noted for sIgE against Ves v1 and Ves v5; they were higher and lower, respectively, in seniors. In the seniors group, sBT levels were higher. Elevated tryptase levels, along with the aging process, can represent a risk factor within this age category. Nevertheless, advanced age does not influence the immunological parameters of immediate HVA reactions, nor does it impact the diagnosis of HVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Pawłowicz
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałbińskiego 1a, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (A.D.-W.); (M.R.-B.); (A.K.); (M.N.-M.)
| | - Andrzej Bożek
- Clinical Department of Internal Diseases, Dermatology and Allergology, Medical University of Silesia, Sklodowskiej 10, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland;
| | - Anna Dor-Wojnarowska
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałbińskiego 1a, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (A.D.-W.); (M.R.-B.); (A.K.); (M.N.-M.)
| | - Marta Rosiek-Biegus
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałbińskiego 1a, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (A.D.-W.); (M.R.-B.); (A.K.); (M.N.-M.)
| | - Agnieszka Kopeć
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałbińskiego 1a, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (A.D.-W.); (M.R.-B.); (A.K.); (M.N.-M.)
| | | | - Małgorzata Sobieszczańska
- Clinical Department of Geriatrics, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałbińskiego 1a, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Marita Nittner-Marszalska
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałbińskiego 1a, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (A.D.-W.); (M.R.-B.); (A.K.); (M.N.-M.)
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Feás X, Alonso-Sampedro M, Bravo SB, Vidal C. Peeking into the Stingers: A Comprehensive SWATH-MS Study of the European Hornet Vespa crabro (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) Venom Sac Extracts. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3798. [PMID: 38612607 PMCID: PMC11011553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the venom sac extracts (VSEs) of the European hornet (EH) Vespa crabro (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% (n = 110) showed significant differential expression between VSE-G and VSE-W. In this set, 57.3% (n = 63) were upregulated and 42.7% (n = 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xesús Feás
- Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Galicia, 15707 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Hospital Clínico, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.A.-S.); (S.B.B.)
| | - Manuela Alonso-Sampedro
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Hospital Clínico, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.A.-S.); (S.B.B.)
- Research Methods Group (RESMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS-ISCIII/RD21/0016/0022), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Susana Belén Bravo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Hospital Clínico, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.A.-S.); (S.B.B.)
- Proteomic Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Vidal
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Hospital Clínico, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.A.-S.); (S.B.B.)
- Research Methods Group (RESMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS-ISCIII/RD21/0016/0022), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Allergy Department, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Radiology, Public Health, Nursing and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Rojas-Nossa SV, Mato S, Feijoo P, Lagoa A, Garrido J. Comparison of Effectiveness and Selectiveness of Baited Traps for the Capture of the Invasive Hornet Vespa velutina. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:129. [PMID: 38200860 PMCID: PMC10778013 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The invasive hornet Vespa velutina affects apiculture, biodiversity, and human health. The use of baited traps with the aim of reducing the population and mitigating its impacts is a common practice. However, the lack of impact on the number of colonies and the high capture rate of non-target insects make it controversial. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness and selectiveness of four trap models. We measured effectiveness as the capture rate of V. velutina per day per trap, and selectiveness as the capture rate of V. velutina/capture rate of non-target species. The E trap had better performance with a higher selectiveness and effectiveness. Traps V and X had a higher effectiveness but the lowest selectiveness, with high capture rates of native insects, including threatened species. The R trap had the lowest effectiveness and selectiveness. Results show that small changes in the design can contribute to achieving more sustainable tools. Otherwise, with the current tools, bait trapping continues to be non-sustainable from an environmental perspective due to the impacts on native biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra V. Rojas-Nossa
- Department of Ecology and Animal Biology, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain; (S.M.); (P.F.); (A.L.)
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Vega-Castro A, Castro L, Carballada F, Alfaya T, Marquès L, Ruíz-León B. Hymenoptera Allergy Diagnosis through Their Presence on Human Food. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:680. [PMID: 38133184 PMCID: PMC10748280 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15120680] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Venom immunotherapy (VIT) protects up to 98% of treated Hymenoptera allergy patients from reactions with new stings. A correct diagnosis with the identification of the venom causing the allergic reaction is essential to implementing it. The knowledge of the Hymenoptera foraging habits when the sting takes place in a food environment would allow the culprit insect to be known. Images of Hymenoptera occurring in environments where there was human food were recorded in Spain, including the date of the image, the place description and its geolocation. The insects' genus and species were identified by an entomologist. Results: One hundred and fifty-five images depicting 71 insects were analyzed. The identified insects were Vespula (56), Vespa (7), Polistes (4), Cerceris (2), Bombus (1) and Apis (1). Most (97.1%) of the images were obtained in summer and early autumn, outdoors in terraces (64%). Meat was the food associated with 47.9% of the images. In protein-rich foods, Vespula was found in 89%. Conclusions: Vespula was the main Hymenoptera associated with food environments in our country (78.87%), and in most of the cases (71%), the food involved is a source of protein, such as meat or seafood. In that environment, the probability that the insect is a Vespula would be 89%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arantza Vega-Castro
- Allergy Service, University Hospital of Guadalajara, 19002 Guadalajara, Spain
- IDISCAM (Instituto de Investigación de Castilla la Mancha), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Carballada
- Allergy Service, HULA (Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti), 27003 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Teresa Alfaya
- Allergy Service, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Lluís Marquès
- Allergy Service, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Berta Ruíz-León
- Allergy Service, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain;
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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Sedira N, Pinto J, Ginja M, Gomes AP, Nepomuceno MCS, Pereira S. Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:7027. [PMID: 37959626 PMCID: PMC10647307 DOI: 10.3390/ma16217027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the internal architecture of Asian hornet nests (AHNs) using advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scanning and X-ray radiography, to understand their construction and function. The primary objective and significance of this study centre on drawing inspiration from the creative way Asian hornets construct their nests, with a particular focus on the architecture, design, functionality, and building materials of these nests. The architectural principles governing the construction of these nests, such as the arrangement of hexagonal cells, pedicels for load bearing, and adhesive materials, serve as a source of inspiration for innovative and sustainable design practices. The pedicels in Asian hornet nests play a crucial role in transferring load and ensuring stability. Additionally, AHNs' adhesion to tree branches is essential for preventing collapse, and the pedicels provide necessary structural support. The knowledge gained from studying AHNs' internal architecture could be applied directly to the architecture and civil engineering fields to improve structure stability and durability. The microstructure analysis of the paper-like material that hornets produce to build their nests indicates a complex and heterogeneous structure, composed of various plant fragments and fibres. This unique composition creates intricate grooves and pores, which are essential for regulating temperature and humidity levels within the outer envelope of the nest. The study of Asian hornet nests' internal structure demonstrated that nature's engineering principles inspire the design of durable and resilient structures in the construction industry. Civil engineers can incorporate similar principles into their designs to enhance the structural integrity and performance of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Sedira
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.)
- C-MADE–Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, UBI, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pinto
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.)
- C-MADE–Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, UBI, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mário Ginja
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.)
- Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies (CECAV), UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana P. Gomes
- University of Beira Interior (UBI), 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (M.C.S.N.)
- FibEnTech–Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies, Optical Centre, UBI, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Miguel C. S. Nepomuceno
- C-MADE–Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, UBI, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- University of Beira Interior (UBI), 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (M.C.S.N.)
- Lab2PT, Landscape, Heritage and Territory Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sandra Pereira
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.)
- C-MADE–Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, UBI, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
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Alonso-Sampedro M, Feás X, Bravo SB, Chantada-Vázquez MP, Vidal C. Proteomics of Vespa velutina nigrithorax Venom Sac Queens and Workers: A Quantitative SWATH-MS Analysis. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040266. [PMID: 37104204 PMCID: PMC10144020 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Health risks caused by stings from Vespa velutina nigrithorax (VV), also known as the yellow-legged Asian hornet, have become a public concern, but little is known about its venom composition. This study presents the proteome profile of the VV’s venom sac (VS) based on Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS). The study also performed proteomic quantitative analysis and examined the biological pathways and molecular functions of the proteins in the VS of VV gynes (i.e., future queens [SQ]) and workers [SW]. The total protein content per VS was significantly higher in the SW than in the SQ (274 ± 54 µg/sac vs. 175 ± 22 µg/sac; p = 0.02). We quantified a total of 228 proteins in the VS, belonging to 7 different classes: Insecta (n = 191); Amphibia and Reptilia (n = 20); Bacilli, γ-Proteobacteria and Pisoniviricetes (n = 12); and Arachnida (n = 5). Among the 228 identified proteins, 66 showed significant differential expression between SQ and SW. The potential allergens hyaluronidase A, venom antigen 5 and phospholipase A1 were significantly downregulated in the SQ venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Alonso-Sampedro
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Hospital Clínico, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Research Methods Group (RESMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS-ISCIII/RD21/0016/0022), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Xesús Feás
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Hospital Clínico, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Universitat Carlemany, Av. Verge de Canòlich, 47 AD600 Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra
- Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Galicia, 15707 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Susana Belén Bravo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Hospital Clínico, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Proteomic Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Pilar Chantada-Vázquez
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Hospital Clínico, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Proteomic Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Vidal
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Hospital Clínico, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Research Methods Group (RESMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS-ISCIII/RD21/0016/0022), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Allergy Department, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Radiology, Public Health, Nursing and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Long-Term Administration of Vespa velutina nigrithorax Venom Ameliorates Alzheimer’s Phenotypes in 5xFAD Transgenic Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030203. [PMID: 36977094 PMCID: PMC10057037 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by progressive and irreversible impairment of cognitive functions. However, its etiology is poorly understood, and therapeutic interventions are limited. Our preliminary study revealed that wasp venom (WV) from Vespa velutina nigrithorax can prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory signaling, which is strongly implicated in AD pathogenesis. Therefore, we examined whether WV administration can ameliorate major AD phenotypes in the 5xFAD transgenic mouse model. Adult 5xFAD transgenic mice (6.5 months of age) were treated with WV by intraperitoneal injection at 250 or 400 μg/kg body weight once weekly for 14 consecutive weeks. This administration regimen improved procedural, spatial, and working memory deficits as assessed by the passive avoidance, Morris water maze, and Y-maze tasks, respectively. It also attenuated histological damage and amyloid-beta plaque formation in the hippocampal region and decreased expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors in the hippocampus and cerebrum, while it reduced oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde in the brain and liver and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in the plasma). Overall, these findings suggest that long-term administration of WV may alleviate AD-related symptoms and pathological phenotypes.
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Matysiak J, Matuszewska E, Packi K, Klupczyńska-Gabryszak A. Diagnosis of Hymenoptera Venom Allergy: State of the Art, Challenges, and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2170. [PMID: 36140269 PMCID: PMC9496208 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hymenoptera venom allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in adults and the second-most frequent in children. The proper diagnosis of this life-threatening allergy remains a challenge. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding diagnostics of Hymenoptera venom allergy. The paper includes a brief description of the representatives of Hymenoptera order and the composition of their venoms. Then, diagnostic tests for allergy to Hymenoptera venom are described. Common diagnostic problems, especially double positivity in tests for IgE antibodies specific to honeybee and wasp venom, are also discussed. Special attention is paid to the search for new diagnostic capabilities using modern methodologies. Multidimensional molecular analysis offers an opportunity to characterize changes in body fluids associated with Hymenoptera venom allergy and yields a unique insight into the cell status. Despite recent developments in the diagnostics of Hymenoptera venom allergy, new testing methodologies are still needed to answer questions and doubts we have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Matysiak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University-Kalisz, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
| | - Eliza Matuszewska
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (E.M.); (K.P.); (A.K.-G.)
| | - Kacper Packi
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (E.M.); (K.P.); (A.K.-G.)
- AllerGen, Center of Personalized Medicine, 97-300 Piotrkow Trybunalski, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Klupczyńska-Gabryszak
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (E.M.); (K.P.); (A.K.-G.)
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Lima CG, Sofia Vaz A, Honrado JP, Aranha J, Crespo N, Vicente JR. The invasion by the Yellow-legged hornet: a systematic review. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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What We Know about Sting-Related Deaths? Human Fatalities Caused by Hornet, Wasp and Bee Stings in Europe (1994-2016). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020282. [PMID: 35205148 PMCID: PMC8869362 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Information about fatalities due to stinging insects is scarce. Hymenopteran-related deaths (n = 1691) in 32 European countries based on official registers over a 23-year period (1994–2016) are described. Male adults (25–64 years) were the most common group to be fatally injured and almost half of the fatalities were recorded at “unspecified places”. Fatalities per million inhabitants per year ranged from 0 to 2.24 with an average of 0.26. Geographic, environmental, and ecological factors influence the frequency of stings, and its subsequent reaction. It is necessary to produce and interpret knowledge using diverse sources and in an interdisciplinary way. As part of the One Health philosophy, people and hornets, wasps and bees, as well as the environment that they share are closely connected. Abstract Epidemiology of Hymenopteran-related deaths in Europe, based on official registers from WHO Mortality Database (Cause Code of Death: X23), are presented. Over a 23-year period (1994–2016), a total of 1691 fatalities were recorded, mostly occurring in Western (42.8%) and Eastern (31.9%) Europe. The victims tended to concentrate in: Germany (n = 327; 1998–2015), France (n = 211; 2000–2014) and Romania (n = 149; 1999–2016). The majority of deaths occurred in males (78.1%) between 25–64 years (66.7%), and in an “unspecified place” (44.2%). The highest X23MR (mortality rate) were recorded in countries from Eastern Europe (0.35) followed by Western (0.28), Northern (0.23) and Southern Europe (0.2). The countries with the highest and lowest mean X23MR were Estonia (0.61), Austria (0.6) and Slovenia (0.55); and Ireland (0.05), United Kingdom (0.06) and the Netherlands (0.06), respectively. The X23 gender ratio (X23GR; male/female) of mortality varied from a minimum of 1.4 for Norway to a maximum of 20 for Slovenia. Country-by-country data show that the incidence of insect-sting mortality is low and more epidemiological data at the regional level is needed to improve our understanding of this incidence. With the expansion of non-native Hymenopteran species across Europe, allergists should be aware that their community’s exposures are continually changing
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Ruiz-Leon B, Serrano P, Vidal C, Moreno-Aguilar C. Management of Double Sensitization to Vespids in Europe. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14020126. [PMID: 35202153 PMCID: PMC8880449 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Wasp allergy with a diagnostic profile of double sensitizations to vespid venom is a frequent clinical problem in areas where different genera of wasps are present. Identification of the insect responsible for serious reactions poses a diagnostic challenge as the only effective treatment to date is immunotherapy based on the specific venom. In southern Europe, the double sensitization to Vespula and Polistes venoms is highly frequent. It has been shown that the major allergenic proteins (Phospholipase A1 and Antigen 5) share sequences across the different genera and species, which would be the cause of cross-reactivity. Additionally, the minor allergens (Dipeptidyl-peptidases, Vitellogenins) have been found to share partial sequence identity. Furthermore, venom contains other homologous proteins whose allergenic nature still remains to be clarified. The traditional diagnostic tools available are insufficient to discriminate between allergy to Vespula and Polistes in a high number of cases. IgE inhibition is the technique that best identifies the cross-reactivity. When a double sensitization has indeed been shown to exist or great uncertainty surrounds the primary sensitization, therapy with two venoms is advisable to guarantee the safety of the patient. In this case, a strategy involving alternate administration that combines effectiveness with efficiency is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Ruiz-Leon
- Allergy Section of University Hospital Reina Sofia-IMIBIC, ARADyAL Network, National Institute of Health Carlos III, 14005 Cordoba, Spain; (B.R.-L.); (C.M.-A.)
| | - Pilar Serrano
- Allergy Section of University Hospital Reina Sofia-IMIBIC, ARADyAL Network, National Institute of Health Carlos III, 14005 Cordoba, Spain; (B.R.-L.); (C.M.-A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Carmen Vidal
- Allergy Department of Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Carmen Moreno-Aguilar
- Allergy Section of University Hospital Reina Sofia-IMIBIC, ARADyAL Network, National Institute of Health Carlos III, 14005 Cordoba, Spain; (B.R.-L.); (C.M.-A.)
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Asian Hornet, Vespa velutina Lepeletier 1836 (Hym.: Vespidae), Venom Obtention Based on an Electric Stimulation Protocol. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 27:molecules27010138. [PMID: 35011370 PMCID: PMC8746500 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The yellow-legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina Lepeletier 1836 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)) is naturally distributed in China, Southeast Asia, and India; however, recently it has been detected outside of its native area, confirmed as being established in South Korea, Europe, and Japan. Health risks and deaths caused by the invasive Vespa velutina stings have become a public health concern, being the most common cause of anaphylaxis due to hymenopterans in some European regions. This in turn has led to increased demand from medical practitioners and researchers for Vespa velutina venom for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In this study, a straightforward, quick, and inexpensive method for obtaining Vespa velutina venom by electric stimulation is described. The venom extracts were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). The availability of Vespa velutina venom will lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods, mainly by venom immunotherapy (VIT), in patients allergic to this invasive species.
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