1
|
Rein C, Grünke M, Traynor K, Rosenkranz P. From consumption to excretion: Lithium concentrations in honey bees (Apis mellifera) after lithium chloride application and time-dependent effects on Varroa destructor. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:5799-5808. [PMID: 39016664 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8311] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owing to its systemic mode-of-action and ease of application, lithium chloride (LiCl) is an ideal varroacide for the control of Varroa destructor infestations in honey bee colonies. To better understand how LiCl functions within a colony, we screened different parts of honey bee anatomy for lithium accumulation. We wanted to elucidate the time-dependent effects of LiCl on V. destructor and its metabolism within honey bees when they were fed continuous LiCl treatments, as well as evaluate potential adverse effects such as accumulation in the hypopharyngeal glands of nurse bees, which could negatively impact queens and larvae. RESULTS Cage experiments reveal rapid acaricidal onset, with >95% mite mortality within 48 h of treatment. Bee hemolymph analysis supports these observations, showing a rapid increase in lithium concentration within 12 h of treatment, followed by stabilization at a constant level. Lithium accumulates in the rectum of caged bees (≤475.5 mg kg-1 after 7 days of feeding 50 mm LiCl), reflecting the bees' metabolic and excretion process. Despite concerns about potential accumulation in hypopharyngeal glands, low lithium levels of only 0.52 mg kg-1 suggest minimal risk to the queen and 1st- and 2nd-instar larvae. Cessation of LiCl treatment results in a rapid decline in mite mortality in the first 5 days, which increases again thereafter, resulting in mite mortality of 77-90% after 10 days. CONCLUSION These findings help optimize LiCl application in colonies to achieve high Varroa mortality without unwanted adverse effects and provide important baseline data for future registration. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Rein
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Grünke
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Kirsten Traynor
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Rosenkranz
- State Institute of Bee Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jans K, Jöckel T, von Frieling J, Ipharraguerre IR, Roeder T, Lüersen K, Rimbach G. Lithium affects sodium balance but not intestinal microbiota - studies in Drosophila melanogaster. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 86:127548. [PMID: 39442469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 10/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The trace element lithium (Li) is known for its therapeutic mood-stabilizing application in humans, but also for its various bioactivities, which have been uncovered in model organisms. According to the literature, Li may interfere with the homeostasis of other minerals in mammals, namely sodium, calcium and magnesium. In addition, Li was found to influence the composition and diversity of the intestinal microbiota in vertebrates, an observation that may be related to the many bioactivities of Li. METHODS Based on these previous findings, we employed the model organism Drosophila melanogaster to decipher whether Li exhibits similar bioactivities in invertebrates. First, we examined the influence of increasing dietary Li supply (0 -100 mM LiCl) on the status of Li and ten other minerals via Inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in heads and remaining body parts of the three wildtype strains w1118, Oregon-R-C and Canton-S. In addition, we investigated the potential impact of Li feeding (0, 0.1, 1 mM LiCl) on the total bacterial load, α- and β-diversity via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT q-PCR) and 16S rDNA sequencing in the intestines of female w1118. RESULTS Our observations revealed that Li accumulates linearly in both sexes and all body parts of the three Drosophila strains as the dietary Li supply increases. While the status of most elements remained unchanged, the sodium levels of the fly also correlated positively with the Li content of the diet. The intestinal microbiota, however, remained largely unaffected by Li feeding in terms of both, bacterial load and diversity. CONCLUSION These findings support the hypothesis that elevating the Li supply affects sodium homeostasis in Drosophila, a finding coherent with observations in mammals. Furthermore, our data opposes a possible involvement of the bacterial intestinal colonization in the bioactivity of Li in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Jans
- Division of Food Science, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel D-24118, Germany.
| | - Tobias Jöckel
- Division of Food Science, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel D-24118, Germany
| | - Jakob von Frieling
- Division of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Kiel, Kiel D-24118, Germany
| | - Ignacio R Ipharraguerre
- Division of Food Science, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel D-24118, Germany
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Division of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Kiel, Kiel D-24118, Germany
| | - Kai Lüersen
- Division of Food Science, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel D-24118, Germany
| | - Gerald Rimbach
- Division of Food Science, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel D-24118, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bauer I, Rimbach G, Cordeiro S, Bosy-Westphal A, Weghuber J, Ipharraguerre IR, Lüersen K. A comprehensive in-vitro/ in-vivo screening toolbox for the elucidation of glucose homeostasis modulating properties of plant extracts (from roots) and its bioactives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1396292. [PMID: 38989154 PMCID: PMC11233739 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1396292] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant extracts are increasingly recognized for their potential in modulating (postprandial) blood glucose levels. In this context, root extracts are of particular interest due to their high concentrations and often unique spectrum of plant bioactives. To identify new plant species with potential glucose-lowering activity, simple and robust methodologies are often required. For this narrative review, literature was sourced from scientific databases (primarily PubMed) in the period from June 2022 to January 2024. The regulatory targets of glucose homeostasis that could be modulated by bioactive plant compounds were used as search terms, either alone or in combination with the keyword "root extract". As a result, we present a comprehensive methodological toolbox for studying the glucose homeostasis modulating properties of plant extracts and its constituents. The described assays encompass in-vitro investigations involving enzyme inhibition (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase 4), assessment of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 activity, and evaluation of glucose transporter 4 translocation. Furthermore, we describe a patch-clamp technique to assess the impact of extracts on KATP channels. While validating in-vitro findings in living organisms is imperative, we introduce two screenable in-vivo models (the hen's egg test and Drosophila melanogaster). Given that evaluation of the bioactivity of plant extracts in rodents and humans represents the current gold standard, we include approaches addressing this aspect. In summary, this review offers a systematic guide for screening plant extracts regarding their influence on key regulatory elements of glucose homeostasis, culminating in the assessment of their potential efficacy in-vivo. Moreover, application of the presented toolbox might contribute to further close the knowledge gap on the precise mechanisms of action of plant-derived compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilka Bauer
- Division of Food Sciences, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gerald Rimbach
- Division of Food Sciences, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sönke Cordeiro
- Institute of Physiology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anja Bosy-Westphal
- Division of Human Nutrition, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Julian Weghuber
- Center of Excellence Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, Austria
- FFoQSI—Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety & Innovation, Tulln, Austria
| | - Ignacio R. Ipharraguerre
- Division of Food Sciences, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Kai Lüersen
- Division of Food Sciences, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jans K, Lüersen K, von Frieling J, Roeder T, Rimbach G. Dietary lithium stimulates female fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster. Biofactors 2024; 50:326-346. [PMID: 37706424 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The trace element lithium exerts a versatile bioactivity in humans, to some extend overlapping with in vivo findings in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. A potentially essential function of lithium in reproduction has been suggested since the 1980s and multiple studies have since been published postulating a regulatory role of lithium in female gametogenesis. However, the impact of lithium on fruit fly egg production has not been at the center of attention to date. In the present study, we report that dietary lithium (0.1-5.0 mM LiCl) substantially improved life time egg production in D. melanogaster w1118 females, with a maximum increase of plus 45% when supplementing 1.0 mM LiCl. This phenomenon was not observed in the insulin receptor mutant InRE19, indicating a potential involvement of insulin-like signaling in the lithium-mediated fecundity boost. Analysis of the whole-body and ovarian transcriptome revealed that dietary lithium affects the mRNA levels of genes encoding proteins related to processes of follicular maturation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on dietary lithium acting as an in vivo fecundity stimulant in D. melanogaster, further supporting the suggested benefit of the trace element in female reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Jans
- Division of Food Science, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Kai Lüersen
- Division of Food Science, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jakob von Frieling
- Division of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Division of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gerald Rimbach
- Division of Food Science, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Erdem B, Arslan OC, Sevin S, Gozen AG, Agosto-Rivera JL, Giray T, Alemdar H. Effects of lithium on locomotor activity and circadian rhythm of honey bees. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19861. [PMID: 37963948 PMCID: PMC10646147 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46777-7] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lithium has been considered a potential acaricidal agent against the honey bee (Apis mellifera) parasite Varroa. It is known that lithium suppresses elevated activity and regulates circadian rhythms and light response when administered to humans as a primary therapeutic chemical for bipolar disorder and to other bipolar syndrome model organisms, given the crucial role of timing in the bee's foraging activity and the alternating sunlight vs dark colony environment bees are exposed, we explored the influence of lithium on locomotor activity (LMA) and circadian rhythm of honey bees. We conducted acute and chronic lithium administration experiments, altering light conditions and lithium doses to assess LMA and circadian rhythm changes. We fed bees one time 10 μl sucrose solution with 0, 50, 150, and 450 mM LiCl in the acute application experiment and 0, 1, 5, and 10 mmol/kg LiCl ad libitum in bee candy in the chronic application experiment. Both acute and chronic lithium treatments significantly decreased the induced LMA under constant light. Chronic lithium treatment disrupted circadian rhythmicity in constant darkness. The circadian period was lengthened by lithium treatment under constant light. We discuss the results in the context of Varroa control and lithium's effect on bipolar disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Babur Erdem
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.
- Center for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (ROMER), Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Okan Can Arslan
- Center for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (ROMER), Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sedat Sevin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayse Gul Gozen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Tugrul Giray
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
| | - Hande Alemdar
- Department of Computer Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pasko VI, Churkina AS, Shakhov AS, Kotlobay AA, Alieva IB. Modeling of Neurodegenerative Diseases: 'Step by Step' and 'Network' Organization of the Complexes of Model Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010604. [PMID: 36614047 PMCID: PMC9820769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases have acquired the status of one of the leading causes of death in developed countries, which requires creating new model systems capable of accurately reproducing the mechanisms underlying these pathologies. Here we analyzed modern model systems and their contribution to the solution of unexplored manifestations of neuropathological processes. Each model has unique properties that make it the optimal tool for modeling certain aspects of neurodegenerative disorders. We concluded that to optimize research, it is necessary to combine models into complexes that include organisms and artificial systems of different organizational levels. Such complexes can be organized in two ways. The first method can be described as "step by step", where each model for studying a certain characteristic is a separate step that allows using the information obtained in the modeling process for the gradual study of increasingly complex processes in subsequent models. The second way is a 'network' approach. Studies are carried out with several types of models simultaneously, and experiments with each specific type are adjusted in conformity with the data obtained from other models. In our opinion, the 'network' approach to combining individual model systems seems more promising for fundamental biology as well as diagnostics and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleksandra Sergeevna Churkina
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–73, Leninskye Gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40, Leninskye Gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton Sergeevich Shakhov
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40, Leninskye Gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anatoly Alexeevich Kotlobay
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 1a Malaya Pirogovskaya St., 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Borisovna Alieva
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40, Leninskye Gory, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tonk-Rügen M, Vilcinskas A, Wagner AE. Insect Models in Nutrition Research. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1668. [PMID: 36421682 PMCID: PMC9687203 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects are the most diverse organisms on earth, accounting for ~80% of all animals. They are valuable as model organisms, particularly in the context of genetics, development, behavior, neurobiology and evolutionary biology. Compared to other laboratory animals, insects are advantageous because they are inexpensive to house and breed in large numbers, making them suitable for high-throughput testing. They also have a short life cycle, facilitating the analysis of generational effects, and they fulfil the 3R principle (replacement, reduction and refinement). Many insect genomes have now been sequenced, highlighting their genetic and physiological similarities with humans. These factors also make insects favorable as whole-animal high-throughput models in nutritional research. In this review, we discuss the impact of insect models in nutritional science, focusing on studies investigating the role of nutrition in metabolic diseases and aging/longevity. We also consider food toxicology and the use of insects to study the gut microbiome. The benefits of insects as models to study the relationship between nutrition and biological markers of fitness and longevity can be exploited to improve human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miray Tonk-Rügen
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Justus Liebig University, Wilhelmstrasse 20, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Branch of Bioresources, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Anika E. Wagner
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Justus Liebig University, Wilhelmstrasse 20, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pharmacological Approaches to Decelerate Aging: A Promising Path. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4201533. [PMID: 35860429 PMCID: PMC9293537 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4201533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biological aging or senescence is a course in which cellular function decreases over a period of time and is a consequence of altered signaling mechanisms that are triggered in stressed cells leading to cell damage. Aging is among the principal risk factors for many chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Taking this into account, targeting fundamental aging mechanisms therapeutically may effectively impact numerous chronic illnesses. Selecting ideal therapeutic options in order to hinder the process of aging and decelerate the progression of age-related diseases is valuable. Along therapeutic options, life style modifications may well render the process of aging. The process of aging is affected by alteration in many cellular and signaling pathways amid which mTOR, SIRT1, and AMPK pathways are the most emphasized. Herein, we have discussed the mechanisms of aging focusing mainly on the mentioned pathways as well as the role of inflammation and autophagy in aging. Moreover, drugs and natural products with antiaging properties are discussed in detail.
Collapse
|