Bee Stressors from an Immunological Perspective and Strategies to Improve Bee Health

Food contamination with fipronil alters gene expression associated with foraging in Africanized honey bees

Taking into consideration that bees can be contaminated by pesticides through the ingestion of contaminated floral resources, we can utilize genetic techniques to assess effects that are scarcely observed in behavioral studies. This study aimed to investigate the genetic effects of ingesting lethal and sublethal doses of the insecticide fipronil in foraging honey bees during two periods of acute exposure. Bees were exposed to fipronil through contaminated honey syrup at two dosages (LD50 = 0.19 µg/bee; LD50/100 = 0.0019 µg/bee) and for two durations (1 and 4 h). Following exposure, we measured syrup consumption per bee, analyzed the transcriptome of bee brain tissue, and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), categorizing them functionally based on gene ontology (GO). The results revealed a significant genetic response in honey bees after exposure to fipronil, regardless of the dosage used. Fipronil affected various metabolic, transport, and cellular regulation pathways, as well as detoxification processes and xenobiotic substance detection. Additionally, the downregulation of several DEGs belonging to the olfactory-binding protein (OBP) family was observed, suggesting potential physiological alterations in bees that may lead to disoriented behaviors and reduced foraging efficiency.

Exploring the risk of microplastics to pollinators: focusing on honey bees

The rapid increase in global plastic production and usage has led to global environmental contamination, with microplastics (MPs) emerging as a significant concern. Pollinators provide a crucial ecological service, while bee populations have been declining in recent years, and MPs have been recognized as a new risk factor contributing to their losses. Despite the pervasive distribution and persistence of MPs, understanding their risks to honey bees remains a critical knowledge gap. This review summarizes recent studies that investigate the toxicity of MPs on honey bee health from different perspectives. The findings revealed diverse and material-/size-/dosage-dependent outcomes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments in the follow-up studies. MPs have been detected in honey and in bees' organs (e.g., gut and brain), posing potential threats to bee fitness, including altered behavior, cognitive abilities, compromised immunity, and dysfunction of the gut microbiota. It should be noticed that despite several laboratory studies suggesting the aforementioned adverse effects of MPs, field/semi-field experiments are still warranted. The synergistic toxicity of MPs with other environmental contaminants (pesticides, antibiotics, fungicides, heavy metals, etc.) still requires further investigation. Our review highlights the critical need to understand the relationships between MPs, pollinators, and the ecosystem to mitigate potential risks and ensure the sustainability of vital services provided by honey bees.

Flupyradifurone negatively affects survival, physical condition and mobility in the two-spotted lady beetle (Adalia bipunctata)

Lady beetles play a crucial role in natural ecosystems and agricultural settings. Unfortunately, these insects and more specifically the two-spotted lady beetle (Adalia bipunctata) are currently facing a severe decline in populations due to various stressors, with pesticide exposure being a significant threat. Flupyradifurone is a relatively newly introduced insecticide and as existing research is mainly elucidating its effects on bees there remains a limited understanding of its effects on non-hymenopteran insects, including lady beetles. In this study we investigated the impact of acute orally applied flupyradifurone doses on survival and sublethal parameters such as physical condition and mobility on A. bipunctata. Our findings revealed a significant increase in mortality among individuals subjected to flupyradifurone doses of 19 ng/individual (corresponding to >1.5-2.0 ng active substance (a.s.)/mg body weight (bw). The calculated LD50 of flupyradifurone at 48 h was 2.11 ng a.s./mg bw corresponding to an amount of 26.38 ng/individual. Sublethal consequences were observable immediately after pesticide application. Even at doses as low as 2 ng/individual (corresponding to >0.0-0.5 ng a.s./mg bw), flupyradifurone induced trembling and temporary immobility in treated animals. Furthermore, pesticide intoxication led to hypoactivity, with less distance covered and a decline in straightness of locomotion. In conclusion, our study underscores the harmful effects of flupyradifurone on the two-spotted lady beetle at doses notably lower than those affecting bees. These findings stress the importance of additional research to attain a more holistic understanding of pesticide impacts not only on a broader range of non-target arthropods species, but also on various exposure routes as well as lethal and sublethal effects.

Phospholipase A2 activity is required for immune defense of European (Apis mellifera) and Asian (Apis cerana) honeybees against American foulbrood pathogen, Paenibacillus larvae

Honeybees require an efficient immune system to defend against microbial pathogens. The American foulbrood pathogen, Paenibacillus larvae, is lethal to honeybees and one of the main causes of colony collapse. This study investigated the immune responses of Apis mellifera and Apis cerana honeybees against the bacterial pathogen P. larvae. Both species of honeybee larvae exhibited significant mortality even at 102 103 cfu/mL of P. larvae by diet-feeding, although A. mellifera appeared to be more tolerant to the bacterial pathogen than A. cerana. Upon bacterial infection, the two honeybee species expressed both cellular and humoral immune responses. Hemocytes of both species exhibited characteristic spreading behaviors, accompanied by cytoskeletal extension along with F-actin growth, and formed nodules. Larvae of both species also expressed an antimicrobial peptide called apolipophorin III (ApoLpIII) in response to bacterial infection. However, these immune responses were significantly suppressed by a specific inhibitor to phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Each honeybee genome encodes four PLA2 genes (PLA2A ~ PLA2D), representing four orthologous combinations between the two species. In response to P. larvae infection, both species significantly up-regulated PLA2 enzyme activities and the expression of all four PLA2 genes. To determine the roles of the four PLA2s in the immune responses, RNA interference (RNAi) was performed by injecting gene-specific double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). All four RNAi treatments significantly suppressed the immune responses, and specific inhibition of the two secretory PLA2s (PLA2A and PLA2B) potently suppressed nodule formation and ApoLpIII expression. These results demonstrate the cellular and humoral immune responses of A. mellifera and A. cerana against P. larvae. This study suggests that eicosanoids play a crucial role in mediating common immune responses in two closely related honeybees.

Epidemiology, factors influencing prevalence and level of varroosis infestation (Varroa destructor) in honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies in different agroecologies of Southwest Ethiopia

Little information is available on the epidemiology of varroosis caused by Varroa mite, Varroa destructor infestation in Ethiopia, although it is a devastating honeybee disease that results in significant economic losses in beekeeping. Therefore, between October 2021 and October 2022, a cross-sectional study was carried out in different agroecology zones in Southwest Ethiopia to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for varroosis, as well as the effects of this disease on honeybee colonies and honey production. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify possible risk factors for the prevalence of V. destructor. A total of 384 adult honeybee and worker or drone brood samples were collected from honeybee colonies and examined using standard diagnostic techniques in the laboratory. The result shows that the prevalence of V. destructor was found to be 39.3% (95% CI 34.44-44.21) and 43.2% (38.27-48.18) in adult honeybees and brood, respectively. The major risk factors for the prevalence of V. destructor in the study areas included agroecology (OR = 5.2, 95% CI 1.75-14.85), type of hive (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.17-17.03), management system (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.23-14.70), and colony management (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.31-9.14). The lower level of colony infestation in adult bees and brood was measured as 1.97 ± 0.14 and 3.19 ± 0.25, respectively. Season, colony status, colony management, and agroecology were among the determinant factors of the level of varroa mite infestation in adult bees and brood. The results of the study demonstrated that honey production losses are largely attributable to V. destructor infestation. Therefore, it is critical to inform the community about the effects of V. destructor on honey production and develop and implement effective management strategies for this disease. In addition, further research should be done to identify and isolate additional factors that contribute to varroosis in honeybees in different regions.

Exposure to sublethal concentrations of thiacloprid insecticide modulated the expression of microRNAs in honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

This study aimed to investigate the sublethal effects of thiacloprid on microRNA (miRNA) expression in honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) and the role of a specific miRNA, ame-miR-283-5p, in thiacloprid resistance. The high-throughput small RNA-sequencing was used to analyze global miRNA expression profile changes in honeybees orally exposed to sublethal concentrations of thiacloprid (20 mg/L and 4 mg/L) for 72 h. Thiacloprid at 20 mg/L had no observed adverse effects. In addition, bees were fed with miRNA mimics or inhibitors to increase or decrease ame-miR-283-5p expression, and its effects on P450 gene expression (CYP9Q2 and CYP9Q3) were examined. Thiacloprid susceptibility was also detected. The results showed that treatment with thiacloprid at 20 mg/L and 4 mg/L induced 11 and five differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), respectively. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that the DEMs are mainly involved in the regulation of growth and development, metabolism, nerve conduction, and behavior. ame-miR-283-5p was downregulated by both concentrations, which was validated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR analysis. Enhancing ame-miR-283-5p expression significantly inhibited CYP9Q2 mRNA and protein expression, and increased thiacloprid toxicity, while reducing ame-miR-283-5p expression significantly promoted CYP9Q2 expression, and decreased thiacloprid susceptibility. Our study revealed a novel role of miRNAs in insecticide resistance in honeybees.

Heavy Metal Concentrations of Beeswax (Apis mellifera L.) at Different Ages

Beeswax is a naturally occurring product that worker bees produce. Beeswax is used in a variety of industries and pharmaceuticals. Humans utilize it extensively in cosmetics, medicinal formulations, and food manufacturing. Beeswax is an essential component of advanced contemporary beekeeping. Beekeepers, in particular, utilize significant amounts of beeswax to make beeswax comb foundation. In its natural condition, beeswax is white, but it becomes yellow then dark in color when it comes into touch with honey and pollen. The ongoing use of wax comb in bee activities (such as brood rearing, storage honey and bee bread), combined with environmental factors such as heavy metal and pesticide residues, resulted in a black color. Because of heavy metals can accumulate in wax for decades, beeswax can be a helpful tool for gathering data on hazardous contaminants in the environment. Because of their lipid-based chemical composition, beeswax combs act as a sink for numerous ambient pollutants as well as poisons when in the hive. The current study aims to measure nine heavy metals and important elements, including iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co) in beeswax collected in the Behaira governorate region of Egypt between 2018 and 2022. Sample collection was conducted each year in triplicate. The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The quantity of metals in beeswax at different ages differed significantly. Depending on the wax age, Fe has the highest concentration in the range of 2.068 to 5.041 ppm, while Cd has the lowest ratio at 0.024 to 0.054 ppm from the first to fifth years old of comb age. The findings showed that as beeswax combs aged, the concentration of heavy metals rose. According to the study, it should gradually recycle beeswax combs each year and also adding new foundations.

Survey Results of Honey Bee Colony Losses in Winter in China (2009-2021)

There is growing concern that massive loss of honey bees can cause serious negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystems. Surveys of colony losses have been performed worldwide to monitor the dynamic changes and health status of honey bee colonies. Here, we present the results of surveys regarding winter colony losses from 21 provinces in China from 2009 to 2021, with a total of 1,744,324 colonies managed by 13,704 beekeepers. The total colony losses were low (9.84%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 9.60-10.08%) but varied among years, provinces, and scales of apiaries. As little is known about the overwintering mortality of Apis cerana, in this study, we surveyed and compared the loss rates between Apis mellifera and A. cerana in China. We found colonies of A. mellifera suffered significantly lower losses than A. cerana in China. Larger apiaries resulted in higher losses in A. mellifera, whereas the opposite was observed in A. cerana. Furthermore, we used generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs) to evaluate the effects of potential risk factors on winter colony losses and found that the operation size, species, migration, migration×species interaction, and queen problems were significantly related to the loss rates. New queens can increase their colony overwintering survival. Migratory beekeepers and large operations reported lower loss rates.

Overlapping exposure effects of pathogen and dimethoate on honeybee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus) metabolic rate and longevity

Introduction: Declines in honeybee abundance have been observed worldwide during last decades. This is partly due to plant protection agents used in intensive farming, landscaping and infrastructure maintenance. Another type of factors negatively affecting honeybees is the spread of diseases caused by different pathogens and pests. Lately, more focus has been paid to the interactions between different overlapping stressors affecting honeybee health, the combination of these often being more detrimental compared to individual stressors. The most widely used stress-evaluating methods take into account lethal- or motorial changes of the individuals or colonies. Comparatively little honeybee research has examined changes in initial recovery potential and physiological symptoms of toxification. The aim of this study was to examine the combined effect of Nosema apis and N. ceranae (according to a newer classification Vairimorpha apis and V. ceranae), the common causes of nosemosis in the honeybee Apis mellifera L., with the insecticide dimethoate. Methods: In this study, honeybee mortality and metabolic rate were used to assess the combined effects interactions of Nosema ssp. and dimethoate. Results: Our results showed that exposure to the low concentration of either dimethoate, either one or both species of Nosema ssp as single factors or in the combination had no significant effect on honeybee metabolic rate. The mortality increased with the two Nosema spp., as well as with infection by N. ceranae alone. The effect of dimethoate was observed only in combination with N. apis infection, which alone had no effect on individual honeybee mortality. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the overlapping exposure to a non-lethal concentration of a pesticide and a pathogen can be hidden by stronger stressor but become observable with milder stressors.

Honey bee larval culture in vitro: gut emptying determines the transition from larva to prepupa and recombinant AccApidaecin improves antibacterial activity

In vitro rearing of honey bee larvae is ideal for bioassay studies; no honey bee stable cell lines are available. Inconsistency of internal development staging of reared larvae and a susceptibility to contamination are common problems encountered. Standardized protocols on rearing larvae in vitro to make the larvae growth and development more similar to that of natural colonies are necessary to ensure the accuracy of experimental results and promote honey bee research as a model organism. Here, we concluded that when larval fasting weight was >160 mg, the time point of gut emptying can be defined as the critical point separating the larval and prepupal stages. In this way, we can conduct precise studies on the prepupal stage, such as organ remodeling during metamorphosis. Simultaneously, we further verified that recombinant AccApidaecin in genetic engineered bacteria added to the larval diet upregulated antibacterial peptide gene expression, and did not stimulate the stress response in larvae, nor did it affect the pupation rate or eclosion rate. This demonstrated that feeding recombinant AccApidaecin can enhance the individual antibacterial ability at the molecular level.

Transcriptomic Responses Underlying the High Virulence of Black Queen Cell Virus and Sacbrood Virus following a Change in Their Mode of Transmission in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)

BACKGROUND

Over the last two decades, honey bees (Apis mellifera) have suffered high rates of colony losses that have been attributed to a variety of factors, chief among which are viral pathogens, such as deformed wing virus (DWV), whose virulence has increased because of vector-based transmission by the invasive, ectoparasitic varroa mite (Varroa destructor). A shift in the experimental mode of transmission of the black queen cell virus (BQCV) and sacbrood virus (SBV) from fecal/food-oral (direct horizontal) to vector-mediated (indirect horizontal) transmission also results in high virulence and viral titers in pupal and adult honey bees. Agricultural pesticides represent another factor that acts independently or in interaction with pathogens, and they are also thought to cause colony loss. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the higher virulence following a vector-based mode of transmission provides deeper insight into honey bee colony losses, as does determining whether or not host-pathogen interactions are modulated by exposure to pesticides.

METHODS

Through an experimental design with controlled laboratory, we investigated the effects of the modes of transmission of BQCV and SBV (feeding vs. vector-mediated via injection) alone or in combination with chronic exposure to sublethal and field-realistic concentrations of flupyradifurone (FPF), a novel agricultural insecticide, on honey bee survival and transcription responses by using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis.

RESULTS

Co-exposure to viruses via feeding (VF) or injection (VI) and FPF insecticide had no statistically significant interactive effect on their survival compared to, respectively, VF or VI treatments alone. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a distinct difference in the gene expression profiles of bees inoculated with viruses via injection (VI) and exposed to FPF insecticide (VI+FPF). The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at log2 (fold-change) > 2.0 in VI bees (136 genes) or/and VI+FPF insecticide (282 genes) was very high compared to that of VF bees (8 genes) or the VF+FPF insecticide treatment (15 genes). Of these DEGs, the expression in VI and VI+FPF bees of some immune-related genes, such as those for antimicrobial peptides, Ago2, and Dicer, was induced. In short, several genes encoding odorant binding proteins, chemosensory proteins, odor receptors, honey bee venom peptides, and vitellogenin were downregulated in VI and VI+FPF bees.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the importance of these suppressed genes in honey bees' innate immunity, eicosanoid biosynthesis, and olfactory associative function, their inhibition because of the change in the mode of infection with BQCV and SBV to vector-mediated transmission (injection into haemocoel) could explain the high virulence observed in these viruses when they were experimentally injected into hosts. These changes may help explain why other viruses, such as DWV, represent such a threat to colony survival when transmitted by varroa mites.

Viral Co-Infections and Antiviral Immunity in Honey Bees

Over the past few decades, honey bees have been facing an increasing number of stressors. Beyond individual stress factors, the synergies between them have been identified as a key factor in the observed increase in colony mortality. However, these interactions are numerous and complex and call for further research. Here, in line with our need for a systemic understanding of the threats that they pose to bee health, we review the interactions between honey bee viruses. As viruses are obligate parasites, the interactions between them not only depend on the viruses themselves but also on the immune responses of honey bees. Thus, we first summarise our current knowledge of the antiviral immunity of honey bees. We then review the interactions between specific pathogenic viruses and their interactions with their host. Finally, we draw hypotheses from the current literature and suggest directions for future research.

Challenges and Advances in Bee Health and Diseases

Understanding the health status of bees is crucial in assessing the epidemiology of pathogens that cause diseases in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies and wild bees [...]

Parasite and Pesticide Impacts on the Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) Haemolymph Proteome

Pesticides pose a potential threat to bee health, especially in combination with other stressors, such as parasites. However, pesticide risk assessment tests pesticides in isolation from other stresses, i.e., on otherwise healthy bees. Through molecular analysis, the specific impacts of a pesticide or its interaction with another stressor can be elucidated. Molecular mass profiling by MALDI BeeTyping® was used on bee haemolymph to explore the signature of pesticidal and parasitic stressor impacts. This approach was complemented by bottom-up proteomics to investigate the modulation of the haemoproteome. We tested acute oral doses of three pesticides—glyphosate, Amistar and sulfoxaflor—on the bumblebee Bombus terrestris, alongside the gut parasite Crithidia bombi. We found no impact of any pesticide on parasite intensity and no impact of sulfoxaflor or glyphosate on survival or weight change. Amistar caused weight loss and 19–41% mortality. Haemoproteome analysis showed various protein dysregulations. The major pathways dysregulated were those involved in insect defences and immune responses, with Amistar having the strongest impact on these dysregulated pathways. Our results show that even when no response can be seen at a whole organism level, MALDI BeeTyping® can detect effects. Mass spectrometry analysis of bee haemolymph provides a pertinent tool to evaluate stressor impacts on bee health, even at the level of individuals.

Exposure of chlorothalonil and acetamiprid reduce the survival and cause multiple internal disturbances in Apis mellifera larvae reared in vitro

Background: Chlorothalonil and acetamiprid are chemical pesticides commonly used in agricultural production and have been shown to have negative effects on bee's fitness. Despite many studies have revealed that honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) larvae are posting a high risk on exposure to pesticides, but the toxicology information of chlorothalonil and acetamiprid on bee larvae remain limited. Results: The no observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC) of chlorothalonil and acetamiprid for honey bee larvae were 4 μg/mL and 2 μg/mL, respectively. Except for CarE, the enzymic activities of GST and P450 were not influenced by chlorothalonil at NOAEC, while chronic exposure to acetamiprid slightly increased the activities of the three tested enzymes at NOAEC. Further, the exposed larvae showed significantly higher expression of genes involved in a series of different toxicologically relevant process following, including caste development (Tor (GB44905), InR-2 (GB55425), Hr4 (GB47037), Ac3 (GB11637) and ILP-2 (GB10174)), immune system response (abaecin (GB18323), defensin-1 (GB19392), toll-X4 (GB50418)), and oxidative stress response (P450, GSH, GST, CarE). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the exposure to chlorothalonil and acetamiprid, even at concentrations below the NOAEC, showed potentially effects on bee larvae's fitness, and more important synergistic and behavioral effects that can affect larvae fitness should be explored in the further.

Nationwide Screening for Bee Viruses in Apis mellifera Colonies in Egypt

Honey bees are essential for crop and wild plant pollination. However, many countries have reported high annual colony losses caused by multiple possible stressors. Diseases, particularly those caused by viruses, are a major cause of colony losses. However, little is known about the prevalence of honey bee pathogens, particularly virus prevalence, in Egyptian honey bees. To address this shortfall, we determined the prevalence of widespread bee viruses in honey bee colonies in Egypt-whether it is affected by geography, the season, or infestation with Varroa destructor (varroa) mites. Honey bee worker samples were collected from 18 geographical regions across Egypt during two seasons: winter and summer of 2021. Three apiaries were chosen in each region, and a pooled sample of 150 worker bees was collected from five colonies in each apiary then screened by qPCR for 10 viral targets: acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), deformed wing virus (DWV) genotypes A (DWV-A), B (DWV-B) and D (Egyptian bee virus), Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), Kashmir bee virus (KBV), sacbrood virus (SBV), and slow bee paralysis virus (SBPV). Our results revealed that DWV-A was the most prevalent virus, followed by BQCV and ABPV; the DWV genotype now spreading across the world, DWV-B, was not detected. There was no difference in varroa infestation rates as well as virus prevalence between winter and summer. However, colonies infected with BQCV had a significantly higher varroa count (adjusted p < 0.05) in the winter season, indicating that there is a seasonal association between the intensity of infestation by varroa and the presence of this virus. We provide data on the current virus prevalence in Egypt, which could assist in the protection of Egypt's beekeeping industry. Moreover, our study aids in the systematic assessment of the global honey bee virome by filling a knowledge gap about the prevalence of honey bee viruses in Egypt.

Developing Strategies to Help Bee Colony Resilience in Changing Environments

Climate change, loss of plant biodiversity, burdens caused by new pathogens, predators, and toxins due to human disturbance and activity are significant causes of the loss of bee colonies and wild bees. The aim of this review is to highlight some possible strategies that could help develop bee resilience in facing their changing environments. Scientists underline the importance of the links between nutrition, microbiota, and immune and neuroendocrine stress resistance of bees. Nutrition with special care for plant-derived molecules may play a major role in bee colony health. Studies have highlighted the importance of pollen, essential oils, plant resins, and leaves or fungi as sources of fundamental nutrients for the development and longevity of a honeybee colony. The microbiota is also considered as a key factor in bee physiology and a cornerstone between nutrition, metabolism, growth, health, and pathogen resistance. Another stressor is the varroa mite parasite. This parasite is a major concern for beekeepers and needs specific strategies to reduce its severe impact on honeybees. Here we discuss how helping bees to thrive, especially through changing environments, is of great concern for beekeepers and scientists.

Insights into the Role of Natural Products in the Control of the Honey Bee Gut Parasite (Nosema spp.)

The honey bee is an important economic insect due to its role in pollinating many agricultural plants. Unfortunately, bees are susceptible to many pathogens, including pests, parasites, bacteria, and viruses, most of which exert a destructive impact on thousands of colonies. The occurrence of resistance to the therapeutic substances used against these organisms is rising, and the residue from these chemicals may accumulate in honey bee products, subsequently affecting the human health. There is current advice to avoid the use of antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and other drugs in bees, and therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of bee diseases. In this context, the impact of nosema diseases (nosemosis) on bee health and the negative insults of existing drugs are discussed. Moreover, attempts to combat nosema through the use of alternative compounds, including essential oils, plant extracts, and microbes in vitro and in vivo, are documented.

A Spotlight on the Egyptian Honeybee (Apis mellifera lamarckii)

Simple Summary

The Egyptian honeybee (Apis mellifera lamarckii) is one of the honeybee subspecies known for centuries since the ancient Egypt civilization. The subspecies of the Egyptian honeybee is distinguished by certain traits of appearance and behavior that were well-adapted to the environment and unique in a way that it is resistant to bee diseases, such as the Varroa disease. The subspecies is different than those found in Europe and is native to southern Egypt. Therefore, a special care should be paid to the vulnerable A. m. lamarckii subspecies and greater knowledge about the risk factors as well as conservation techniques will protect these bees. Additionally, more qualitative and quantitative measures will be taken to obtain deep insights into the A. m. lamarckii products’ chemical profile and biological characters.

Abstract

Egypt has an ongoing long history with beekeeping, which started with the ancient Egyptians making various reliefs and inscriptions of beekeeping on their tombs and temples. The Egyptian honeybee (Apis mellifera lamarckii) is an authentic Egyptian honeybee subspecies utilized in apiculture. A. m. lamarckii is a distinct honeybee subspecies that has a particular body color, size, and high levels of hygienic behavior. Additionally, it has distinctive characteristics; including the presence of the half-queens, an excessive number of swarm cells, high adaptability to climatic conditions, good resistance to specific bee diseases, including the Varro disorder, and continuous breeding during the whole year despite low productivity, using very little propolis, and tending to abscond readily. This review discusses the history of beekeeping in Egypt and its current situation in addition to its morphology, genetic analysis, and distinctive characters, and the defensive behaviors of native A. m. lamarckii subspecies.

Royal Jelly: Beneficial Properties and Synergistic Effects with Chemotherapeutic Drugs with Particular Emphasis in Anticancer Strategies

Cancer is one of the major causes of death globally. Currently, various methods are used to treat cancer, including radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, all of which have serious adverse effects. A healthy lifestyle, especially a nutritional diet, plays a critical role in the treatment and prevention of many disorders, including cancer. The above notion, plus the trend in going back to nature, encourages consumers and the food industry to invest more in food products and to find potential candidates that can maintain human health. One of these agents, and a very notable food agent, is royal jelly (RJ), known to be produced by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular salivary glands of young nurse honeybees. RJ contains bioactive substances, such as carbohydrates, protein, lipids, peptides, mineral salts and polyphenols which contribute to the appreciated biological and pharmacological activities. Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antibacterial impacts are among the well-recognized benefits. The combination of RJ or its constituents with anticancer drugs has synergistic effects on cancer disorders, enhancing the drug’s effectiveness or reducing its side effects. The purpose of the present review is to emphasize the possible interactions between chemotherapy and RJ, or its components, in treating cancer illnesses.