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Iorizzo M, Albanese G, Letizia F, Testa B, Di Criscio D, Petrarca S, Di Martino C, Ganassi S, Avino P, Pannella G, Aturki Z, Tedino C, De Cristofaro A. Diversity of plant pollen sources, microbial communities, and phenolic compounds present in bee pollen and bee bread. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34517-x. [PMID: 39073714 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34517-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The pollination of several crops, as well as wild plants, depends on honeybees. To get the nutrients required for growth and survival, honeybee colonies are dependent on pollen supply. Bee pollen (BP) is partially packed in honeycomb cells and processed into beebread (BB) by microbial metabolism. The composition of pollen is highly variable and is mainly dependent on ecological habitat, geographical origin, honey plants, climatic conditions, and seasonal variations. Although there are important differences between the BP and the BB, little comparative chemical and microbiological data on this topic exists in the literature, particularly for samples with the same origin. In this study, BP and BB pollen samples were collected from two apiaries located in the Campania and Molise regions of Southern Italy. Phenolic profiles were detected via HPLC, while antioxidant activity was determined by ABTS·+ and DPPH· assay. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) based on RNA analysis of 16S (rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) regions were used to investigate the microbial community (bacteria and fungi) and botanical origin of the BP and BB. Chemical analysis showed a higher content of flavonols in BP (rutin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol), while in BB there was a higher content of phenolic acids. The NGS analysis revealed that the microbial communities and pollen sources are dependent on the geographical location of apiaries. In addition, diversity was highlighted between the microbial communities present in the BP and BB samples collected from each apiary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Iorizzo
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Gianluca Albanese
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy.
| | - Francesco Letizia
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Bruno Testa
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Dalila Di Criscio
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Sonia Petrarca
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
- CONAPROA, Consorzio Nazionale Produttori Apistici, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Catello Di Martino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Sonia Ganassi
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Pannella
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00159, Rome, Italy
| | - Zeineb Aturki
- Istituto Per I Sistemi Biologici, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Area Della Ricerca Di Roma I, Via Salaria Km 29.300, 00015, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Tedino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Antonio De Cristofaro
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
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Asoutis Didaras N, Karaiskou I, Nikolaidis M, Siaperopoulou C, Georgi I, Tsadila C, Karatasou K, Amoutzias GD, Mossialos D. Contribution of Microbiota to Bioactivity Exerted by Bee Bread. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:761. [PMID: 38931428 PMCID: PMC11206572 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060761] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bee-collected pollen (BCP) and bee bread (BB) are honey bee products known for their beneficial biological properties. The main goal of this study was to investigate BB microbiota and its contribution to bioactivity exerted by BB. The microbiota of BB samples collected at different maturation stages was investigated via culture-independent (Next Generation Sequencing, NGS) and culture-dependent methods. Microbial communities dynamically fluctuate during BB maturation, ending in a stable microbial community structure in mature BB. Bee bread bacterial isolates were tested for phenotypes and genes implicated in the production and secretion of enzymes as well as antibacterial activity. Out of 309 bacterial isolates, 41 secreted hemicellulases, 13 cellulases, 39 amylases, 132 proteinases, 85 Coomassie brilliant blue G or R dye-degrading enzymes and 72 Malachite Green dye-degrading enzymes. Furthermore, out of 309 bacterial isolates, 42 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, 34 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 47 against Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium and 43 against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Artificially fermented samples exerted higher antibacterial activity compared to fresh BCP, strongly indicating that BB microbiota contribute to BB antibacterial activity. Our findings suggest that BB microbiota is an underexplored source of novel antimicrobial agents and enzymes that could lead to new applications in medicine and the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Asoutis Didaras
- Microbial Biotechnology-Molecular Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (N.A.D.); (I.K.); (C.S.); (I.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Ioanna Karaiskou
- Microbial Biotechnology-Molecular Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (N.A.D.); (I.K.); (C.S.); (I.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Marios Nikolaidis
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (M.N.); (G.D.A.)
| | - Christina Siaperopoulou
- Microbial Biotechnology-Molecular Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (N.A.D.); (I.K.); (C.S.); (I.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Irini Georgi
- Microbial Biotechnology-Molecular Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (N.A.D.); (I.K.); (C.S.); (I.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Christina Tsadila
- Microbial Biotechnology-Molecular Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (N.A.D.); (I.K.); (C.S.); (I.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Katerina Karatasou
- Apicultural Centre of Larissa, Federation of Greek Beekeepers Associations, 41222 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Grigoris D. Amoutzias
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (M.N.); (G.D.A.)
| | - Dimitris Mossialos
- Microbial Biotechnology-Molecular Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (N.A.D.); (I.K.); (C.S.); (I.G.); (C.T.)
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Todorov SD, Alves MV, Bueno GCA, Alves VF, Ivanova IV. Bee-Associated Beneficial Microbes-Importance for Bees and for Humans. INSECTS 2024; 15:430. [PMID: 38921144 PMCID: PMC11204305 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Bees are one of the best-known and, at the same time, perhaps the most enigmatic insects on our planet, known for their organization and social structure, being essential for the pollination of agricultural crops and several other plants, playing an essential role in food production and the balance of ecosystems, being associated with the production of high-value-added inputs, and a unique universe in relation to bees' microbiota. In this review, we summarize information regarding on different varieties of bees, with emphasis on their specificity related to microbial variations. Noteworthy are fructophilic bacteria, a lesser-known bacterial group, which use fructose fermentation as their main source of energy, with some strains being closely related to bees' health status. The beneficial properties of fructophilic bacteria may be extendable to humans and other animals as probiotics. In addition, their biotechnological potential may ease the development of new-generation antimicrobials with applications in biopreservation. The concept of "One Health" brings together fundamental and applied research with the aim of clarifying that the connections between the different components of ecosystems must be considered part of a mega-structure, with bees being an iconic example in that the healthy functionality of their microbiota is directly and indirectly related to agricultural production, bee health, quality of bee products, and the functional prosperity for humans and other animals. In fact, good health of bees is clearly related to the stable functionality of ecosystems and indirectly relates to humans' wellbeing, a concept of the "One Health".
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov
- ProBacLab, Laboratório de Microbiologia de Alimentos, Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição Experimental, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
- CISAS-Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Marcos Vinício Alves
- ProBacLab, Laboratório de Microbiologia de Alimentos, Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição Experimental, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Virgínia Farias Alves
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia 74605-170, GO, Brazil (V.F.A.)
| | - Iskra Vitanova Ivanova
- Department of General and Industrial Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, 8, Bul. Dragan Tzankov, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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Smutin D, Taldaev A, Lebedev E, Adonin L. Shotgun Metagenomics Reveals Minor Micro" bee"omes Diversity Defining Differences between Larvae and Pupae Brood Combs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:741. [PMID: 38255816 PMCID: PMC10815634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020741] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bees represent not only a valuable asset in agriculture, but also serve as a model organism within contemporary microbiology. The metagenomic composition of the bee superorganism has been substantially characterized. Nevertheless, traditional cultural methods served as the approach to studying brood combs in the past. Indeed, the comb microbiome may contribute to determining larval caste differentiation and hive immunity. To further this understanding, we conducted a shotgun sequencing analysis of the brood comb microbiome. While we found certain similarities regarding species diversity, it exhibits significant differentiation from all previously described hive metagenomes. Many microbiome members maintain a relatively constant ratio, yet taxa with the highest abundance level tend to be ephemeral. More than 90% of classified metagenomes were Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli and Actinobacteria genetic signatures. Jaccard dissimilarity between samples based on bacteria genus classifications hesitate from 0.63 to 0.77, which for shotgun sequencing indicates a high consistency in bacterial composition. Concurrently, we identified antagonistic relationships between certain bacterial clusters. The presence of genes related to antibiotic synthesis and antibiotic resistance suggests potential mechanisms underlying the stability of comb microbiomes. Differences between pupal and larval combs emerge in the total metagenome, while taxa with the highest abundance remained consistent. All this suggests that a key role in the functioning of the comb microbiome is played by minor biodiversity, the function of which remains to be established experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Smutin
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Tyumen 625003, Russia
- Faculty of Information Technology and Programming, ITMO University, St. Petersburg 197101, Russia
| | - Amir Taldaev
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Tyumen 625003, Russia
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russia
| | - Egor Lebedev
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Tyumen 625003, Russia
| | - Leonid Adonin
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Tyumen 625003, Russia
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
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Qiao J, Xiao X, Wang K, Haubruge E, Dong J, Zhang H. Rapeseed bee pollen alleviates chronic non-bacterial prostatitis via regulating gut microbiota. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2023; 103:7896-7904. [PMID: 37486857 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapeseed bee pollen has been recognized as a critical treatment for chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP) and it also can modulate gut microbiota and improve gut health. This study aimed to explore the anti-prostatitis effects of rapeseed bee pollen with or without wall-disruption, and to investigate the connection between this treatment and gut microbiota. RESULTS The results reveal that rapeseed bee pollen can effectively alleviate chronic non-bacteria prostatitis by selectively regulating gut microbiota, with higher doses and wall-disrupted pollen showing greater efficacy. Treatment with a high dose of wall-disrupted rapeseed bee pollen (WDH, 1.26 g kg-1 body weight) reduced prostate wet weight and prostate index by approximately 32% and 36%, respectively, nearly the levels observed in the control group. Wall-disrupted rapeseed bee pollen treatment also reduced significantly (p < 0.05) the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α), as confirmed by immunofluorescence with laser scanning confocal microscope. Our results show that rapeseed bee pollen can inhibit pathogenic bacteria and enhance probiotics, particularly in the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and the abundance of Prevotella (genus). CONCLUSION This is the first study to investigate the alleviation of CNP with rapeseed bee pollen through gut microbiota. These results seem to provide better understanding for the development of rapeseed bee pollen as a complementary medicine. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtao Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Terra Research Center, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Xingying Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Terra Research Center, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Eric Haubruge
- Terra Research Center, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bee Products for Quality and Safety Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Hongcheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bee Products for Quality and Safety Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
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Nguyen PN, Rehan SM. Wild bee and pollen microbiomes across an urban-rural divide. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2023; 99:fiad158. [PMID: 38037395 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad158] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild pollinators and their microbiota are sensitive to land use changes from anthropogenic activities that disrupt landscape and environmental features. As urbanization and agriculture affect bee habitats, human-led disturbances are driving changes in bee microbiomes, potentially leading to dysbiosis detrimental to bee fitness. This study examines the bacterial, fungal, and plant compositions of the small carpenter bee, Ceratina calcarata, and its pollen provisions across an urban-rural divide. We performed metabarcoding of C. calcarata and provisions in Toronto by targeting the 16S rRNA, ITS, and rbcL regions. Despite similar plant composition and diversity across bees and their provisions, there was a greater microbial diversity in pollen provisions than in bees. By characterizing the differences in land use, climate, and pesticide residues that differentiate urban and rural landscapes, we find that urban areas support elevated levels of microbial diversity and more complex networks between microbes and plants than rural areas. However, urban areas may lead to lower relative abundances of known beneficial symbionts and increased levels of pathogens, such as Ascosphaera and Alternaria fungi. Further, rural pollen provisions indicate elevated pesticide residues that may dysregulate symbiosis. As anthropogenic activities continue to alter land use, ever changing environments threaten microbiota crucial in maintaining bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong N Nguyen
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Sandra M Rehan
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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Gekière A, Vanderplanck M, Michez D. Trace metals with heavy consequences on bees: A comprehensive review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165084. [PMID: 37379929 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The pervasiveness of human imprint on Earth is alarming and most animal species, including bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila), must cope with several stressors. Recently, exposure to trace metals and metalloids (TMM) has drawn attention and has been suggested as a threat for bee populations. In this review, we aimed at bringing together all the studies (n = 59), both in laboratories and in natura, that assessed the effects of TMM on bees. After a brief comment on semantics, we listed the potential routes of exposure to soluble and insoluble (i.e. nanoparticle) TMM, and the threat posed by metallophyte plants. Then, we reviewed the studies that addressed whether bees could detect and avoid TMM in their environment, as well as the ways bee detoxify these xenobiotics. Afterwards, we listed the impacts TMM have on bees at the community, individual, physiological, histological and microbial levels. We discussed around the interspecific variations among bees, as well as around the simultaneous exposure to TMM. Finally, we highlighted that bees are likely exposed to TMM in combination or with other stressors, such as pesticides and parasites. Overall, we showed that most studies focussed on the domesticated western honey bee and mainly addressed lethal effects. Because TMM are widespread in the environment and have been shown to result in detrimental consequences, evaluating their lethal and sublethal effects on bees, including non-Apis species, warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Gekière
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium.
| | - Maryse Vanderplanck
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34090 Montpellier, France.
| | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium.
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Micro"bee"ota: Honey Bee Normal Microbiota as a Part of Superorganism. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122359. [PMID: 36557612 PMCID: PMC9785237 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are model organisms for microbiota research. Gut microbiomes are very interesting for surveys due to their simple structure and relationship with hive production. Long-term studies reveal the gut microbiota patterns of various hive members, as well as the functions, sources, and interactions of the majority of its bacteria. But the fungal non-pathogenic part of gut microbiota is almost unexplored, likewise some other related microbiota. Honey bees, as superorganisms, interact with their own microorganisms, the microbial communities of food stores, hive surfaces, and other environments. Understanding microbiota diversity, its transition ways, and hive niche colonization control are necessary for understanding any separate microbiota niche because of their interplay. The long coevolution of bees with the microorganisms populating these niches makes these systems co-dependent, integrated, and stable. Interaction with the environment, hive, and other bees determines caste lifestyle as well as individual microbiota. In this article, we bring together studies on the microbiota of the western honey bee. We show a possible relationship between caste determination and microbiota composition. And what is primary: caste differentiation or microbiota composition?
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