RESUMEN
Native stingless bees (Meliponini) from Brazil make (geo)propolis which is largely used in folk medicine, specially by indigenous and quilombos communities and beekeepers´ families but are progressively being recognized for their pharmacological activities. In this study, the ethanolic extracts of (geo)propolis (EEGs) from Melipona marginata, M. quadrifasciata, M. scutellaris, and Tetragonisca angustula were analysed by Flow injection analysis (FIA) and Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) in a high resolution Orbitrap mass analyser (HRMS) to investigate and compare their chemical profile. Untargeted metabolomic approach based on UHPLC-HRMS experiments, and bioinformatic tools, allowed to annotate 59 compounds from diverse classes such as: flavonoids, phenolic compounds, sugars, terpenoids, and lipids. In addition, using multivariate tools and Flow injection- high resolution mass spectrometry (FIA-HRMS), it was possible to classify samples and identify marker ions related to the bee species or genus and to the geographical origin as a proof of concept.
Asunto(s)
Espectrometría de Masas , Metabolómica , Própolis , Abejas/metabolismo , Animales , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión/métodos , Metabolómica/métodos , Brasil , Própolis/química , Própolis/análisis , Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , Análisis de Inyección de Flujo/métodos , Flavonoides/análisis , Fenoles/análisisRESUMEN
In this study, the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of phenolic compounds, the total phenolic content, and the antioxidant potential of stingless bee honey were investigated. Among the 33 phenolic compounds investigated, 25 were quantified, and only eight were not bioaccessible (p-aminobenzoic acid, sinapic acid, pinobanksin, isorhamnetin, quercetin-3-glucoside, syringaldehyde, coumarin, and coniferaldehyde). Benzoic acid was predominant in most undigested samples (21.3 to 2414 µg 100 g-1), but its bioaccessibility varied widely (2.5 to 534%). Rutin, a glycosylated flavonoid, was quantified in all samples and might have been deglycosylated during digestion, increasing the bioaccessibility of quercetin in a few samples. Overall, the concentration of phenolic compounds prior digestion and their bioaccessibility varied greatly among samples. Nevertheless, higher concentrations before digestion were not correlated to greater bioaccessibility. This study is the first to assess the in vitro bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in SBH, providing novel insights into SBH research.
Asunto(s)
Digestión , Miel , Fenoles , Miel/análisis , Abejas/metabolismo , Abejas/química , Fenoles/metabolismo , Fenoles/química , Animales , Brasil , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Modelos Biológicos , HumanosRESUMEN
Cuticular hydrocarbon (CHCs) variation has been detected in various insect taxa, but the potential contribution of cuticular compounds for analyzing intraspecific diversity at the population level has been little explored. Here we assess for the first time intraspecific variation in the CHC profile of stingless bees, using the species Melipona beecheii and Nannotrigona perilampoides. The objective is determining whether intraspecific variation can be useful for population identification. We found species-specific chemical patterns and extensive variation within each species. Notably, chemotypes were significantly associated to geographic origin in N. perilampoides but less so in M. beecheii and we discuss possible explanations for these patterns. Our results support the use of CHCs in conjunction with other methods in emerging problems such as undetected colony mobilization across regions. As CHCs are involved in several aspects of stingless bee recognition and interactions, it would be essential to unravel how these chemical signatures evolve across populations.
Asunto(s)
Hidrocarburos , Animales , Abejas/metabolismo , Hidrocarburos/análisis , Hidrocarburos/metabolismo , Especificidad de la EspecieRESUMEN
The vitellogenin receptor (VgR) is essential for the uptake and transport of the yolk precursor, vitellogenin (Vg). Vg is synthesized in the fat body, released in the hemolymph, and absorbed in the ovaries, via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Besides its important role in the reproductive pathway, Vg occurs in nonreproductive worker honey bee, suggesting its participation in other pathways. The objective was to verify if the VgR occurs in the hypopharyngeal glands of Apis mellifera workers and how Vg is internalized by these cells. VgR occurrence in the hypopharyngeal glands was evaluated by qPCR analyses of VgR and immunohistochemistry in workers with different tasks. The VgR gene is expressed in the hypopharyngeal glands of workers with higher transcript levels in nurse honey bees. VgR is more expressed in 11-day-old workers from queenright colonies, compared to orphan ones. Nurse workers with developed hypopharyngeal glands present higher VgR transcripts than those with poorly developed glands. The immunohistochemistry results showed the co-localization of Vg, VgR and clathrin (protein that plays a major role in the formation of coated vesicles in endocytosis) in the hypopharyngeal glands, suggesting receptor-mediated endocytosis. The results demonstrate that VgR performs the transport of Vg to the hypopharyngeal glands, supporting the Ovary Ground Plan Hypothesis and contributing to the understanding of the role of this gland in the social context of honey bees.
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Proteínas del Huevo , Hipofaringe , Proteínas de Insectos , Receptores de Superficie Celular , Animales , Abejas/metabolismo , Abejas/genética , Receptores de Superficie Celular/metabolismo , Receptores de Superficie Celular/genética , Proteínas de Insectos/metabolismo , Proteínas de Insectos/genética , Proteínas del Huevo/metabolismo , Proteínas del Huevo/genética , Hipofaringe/metabolismo , Femenino , Vitelogeninas/metabolismo , Vitelogeninas/genética , Clatrina/metabolismoRESUMEN
Honeybee pollen (HBP) is a mixture of floral pollen collected by honeybees near the hive. It is characterized by a composition rich in phenolic compounds, carotenoids and vitamins that act as free radicals scavengers, conferring antioxidant and antibacterial capacity to the matrix. These bioactive properties are related to the botanical origin of the honeybee pollen. Honeybee pollen samples were collected from different geographical locations in central Chile, and their total carotenoid content, polyphenols profile by HPLC/MS/MS, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and antimicrobial capacity against S. pyogenes, E. coli, S. aureus, and P. auriginosa strains were evaluated. Our results showed a good carotenoids content and polyphenols composition, while antioxidant capacity presented values between 0-95 % for the scavenging effect related to the botanical origin of the samples. Inhibition diameter for the different strains presented less variability among the samples, Furthermore, binary mixtures representing the two most abundant species in each HBP were prepared to assess the synergy effect of the floral pollen (FP) present in the samples. Data shows an antagonist effect was observed when assessing the carotenoid content, and a synergy effect often presents for antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity for bee pollen samples. The bioactive capacities of the honeybee pollen and their synergy effect could apply to develop new functional ingredients for the food industry.
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Antiinfecciosos , Antioxidantes , Abejas , Polen , Animales , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Antioxidantes/análisis , Abejas/química , Abejas/metabolismo , Carotenoides/farmacología , Carotenoides/análisis , Escherichia coli , Polen/química , Polifenoles/farmacología , Polifenoles/análisis , Staphylococcus aureus , Espectrometría de Masas en TándemRESUMEN
The physicochemical characteristics and yeasts diversity in honey samples from 17 species of stingless bees of the genera Nannotrigona, Melipona, Plebeia, Scraptotrigona, and Tetragonisca cultivated in Southern Brazil were determined. The sugar content, moisture, water activity, pH, reducing sugars/total sugar ratio, and total yeast population varied significantly among the honey from the different bee species. The highest yeast population was found in the Plebeia's honey samples and correlated with their high water-activity. Sixteen yeast species were identified based on the nuclear large subunit (26S) ribosomal RNA partial sequences. The genera Starmerella and Zygosaccharomyces were found predominant, with a high prevalence of Starmerella sp., S. etchellsii, and S. apicola. Some yeast species were only identified in honey samples from specific bee species indicating a close relationship between the yeasts and the insects. For the first time, Wickerhamomyces sydowiorum in honey is being reported. In general, the yeast species isolated from stingless bee honey samples demonstrated high osmotolerance and low sugar assimilation.
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Abejas/metabolismo , Miel/microbiología , Levaduras/clasificación , Levaduras/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Biodiversidad , Brasil , Saccharomycetales/genética , Saccharomycetales/aislamiento & purificación , Azúcares , Levadura Seca , Levaduras/genéticaRESUMEN
Stingless bee-collected pollen (bee bread) is a mixture of bee pollen, bee salivary enzymes, and regurgitated honey, fermented by indigenous microbes during storage in the cerumen pot. Current literature data for bee bread is overshadowed by bee pollen, particularly of honeybee Apis. In regions such as South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia, information on stingless bee bee bread is mainly sought to promote the meliponiculture industry for socioeconomic development. This review aims to highlight the physicochemical properties and health benefits of bee bread from the stingless bee. In addition, it describes the current progress on identification of beneficial microbes associated with bee bread and its relation to the bee gut. This review provides the basis for promoting research on stingless bee bee bread, its nutrients, and microbes for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
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Abejas/química , Miel , Própolis/química , Glándulas Salivales/química , Animales , Australia , Abejas/metabolismo , Fermentación , Polen/química , Própolis/uso terapéutico , Glándulas Salivales/metabolismo , América del SurRESUMEN
Maximizing crop yields relies on the use of agrochemicals to control insect pests. One of the most widely used classes of insecticides are neonicotinoids that interfere with signalling of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, but these can also disrupt crop-pollination services provided by bees. Here, we analysed whether chronic low dose long-term exposure to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam alters gene expression and alternative splicing in brains of Africanized honey bees, Apis mellifera, as adaptation to altered neuronal signalling. We find differentially regulated genes that show concentration-dependent responses to thiamethoxam, but no changes in alternative splicing. Most differentially expressed genes have no annotated function but encode short Open Reading Frames, a characteristic feature of anti-microbial peptides. As this suggested that immune responses may be compromised by thiamethoxam exposure, we tested the impact of thiamethoxam on bee immunity by injecting bacteria. We show that intrinsically sub-lethal thiamethoxam exposure makes bees more vulnerable to normally non-pathogenic bacteria. Our findings imply a synergistic mechanism for the observed bee population declines that concern agriculturists, conservation ecologists and the public.
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Abejas/metabolismo , Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Tiametoxam/efectos adversos , Animales , Infecciones Bacterianas/genética , Abejas/efectos de los fármacos , Abejas/genética , Expresión Génica/genética , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Inmunidad/inmunología , Insecticidas/efectos adversos , Neonicotinoides/efectos adversos , Sistemas de Lectura Abierta/genética , Polinización , Tiazoles/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Apis mellifera adult workers feature more developed key brain regions than queens, which allows them to cope with the broad range of duties they need to perform in a colony. However, at the end of larval development, the brain of queens is largely more developed than that of workers. Major morphogenetic changes take place after metamorphosis that shift caste-specific brain development. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this phenomenon is hormonally governed and involves differential gene expression. Our molecular screening approach revealed a set of differentially expressed genes in Pp (first pharate-adult phase) brains between castes mainly coding for tissue remodelling and energy-converting proteins (e.g. hex 70a and ATPsynß). An in-depth qPCR analysis of the transcriptional behaviour during pupal and pharate-adult developmental stage in both castes and in response to artificially augmented hormone titres of 18 genes/variants revealed that: i. subtle differences in hormone titres between castes might be responsible for the differential expression of the EcR and insulin/insulin-like signalling (IIS) pathway genes; ii. the morphogenetic activity of the IIS in brain development must be mediated by ILP-2, iii. which together with the tum, mnb and caspase system, can constitute the molecular effectors of the caste-specific opposing brain developmental trajectories.
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Abejas , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Regulación del Desarrollo de la Expresión Génica , Estadios del Ciclo de Vida/fisiología , Animales , Abejas/genética , Abejas/metabolismo , Abejas/fisiología , Expresión Génica , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Proteínas de Insectos/genética , Proteínas de Insectos/metabolismo , Larva , Metamorfosis Biológica , Morfogénesis , Hormonas Peptídicas/metabolismo , Pupa , Transducción de SeñalRESUMEN
The emergence of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 in China marked the third outbreak of a highly pathogenic coronavirus infecting humans. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread worldwide, becoming an emergency of major international concern. However, even after a decade of coronavirus research, there are still no licensed vaccines or therapeutic agents to treat the coronavirus infection. In this context, apitherapy presents as a promising source of pharmacological and nutraceutical agents for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of COVID-19. For instance, several honeybee products, such as honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, beeswax, and bee venom, have shown potent antiviral activity against pathogens that cause severe respiratory syndromes, including those caused by human coronaviruses. In addition, the benefits of these natural products to the immune system are remarkable, and many of them are involved in the induction of antibody production, maturation of immune cells, and stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus, in the absence of specific antivirals against SARS-CoV-2, apitherapy could offer one hope toward mitigating some of the risks associated with COVID-19.
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Apiterapia , Abejas/metabolismo , Productos Biológicos/uso terapéutico , COVID-19/prevención & control , Quimioprevención/métodos , SARS-CoV-2/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Antivirales/metabolismo , Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Apiterapia/métodos , Apiterapia/tendencias , Productos Biológicos/metabolismo , COVID-19/epidemiología , Ácidos Grasos/fisiología , Miel , Humanos , Polen/fisiología , Própolis/metabolismo , Própolis/uso terapéutico , SARS-CoV-2/fisiología , Ceras/metabolismo , Ceras/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
When developing new products to be used in honeybee colonies, further than acute toxicity, it is imperative to perform an assessment of risks, including various sublethal effects. The long-term sublethal effects of xenobiotics on honeybees, more specifically of acaricides used in honeybee hives, have been scarcely studied, particularly so in the case of essential oils and their components. In this work, chronic effects of the ingestion of Eupatorium buniifolium (Asteraceae) essential oil were studied on nurse honeybees using laboratory assays. Survival, food consumption, and the effect on the composition of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) were assessed. CHC were chosen due to their key role as pheromones involved in honeybee social recognition. While food consumption and survival were not affected by the consumption of the essential oil, CHC amounts and profiles showed dose-dependent changes. All groups of CHC (linear and branched alkanes, alkenes and alkadienes) were altered when honeybees were fed with the highest essential oil dose tested (6000 ppm). The compounds that significantly varied include n-docosane, n-tricosane, n-tetracosane, n-triacontane, n-tritriacontane, 9-tricosene, 7-pentacosene, 9-pentacosene, 9-heptacosene, tritriacontene, pentacosadiene, hentriacontadiene, tritriacontadiene and all methyl alkanes. All of them but pentacosadiene were up-regulated. On the other hand, CHC profiles were similar in healthy and Nosema-infected honeybees when diets included the essential oil at 300 and 3000 ppm. Our results show that the ingestion of an essential oil can impact CHC and that the effect is dose-dependent. Changes in CHC could affect the signaling process mediated by these pheromonal compounds. To our knowledge this is the first report of changes in honeybee cuticular hydrocarbons as a result of essential oil ingestion.
Asunto(s)
Abejas/efectos de los fármacos , Abejas/metabolismo , Eupatorium/química , Aceites Volátiles/metabolismo , Aceites Volátiles/toxicidad , Alcanos/metabolismo , Alquenos/metabolismo , Animales , Abejas/microbiología , Hidrocarburos/metabolismo , Nosema/patogenicidadRESUMEN
Aquaporins (AQP) are a family of plasma membrane proteins responsible for water transport through cell membranes. They are differentially expressed in different parts of the alimentary canal of insects where they regulate water transport. These proteins have been studied in detail in some insects, but few data are available for aquaporins of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. We used quantitative PCR to study the expression of six putative aquaporin genes in forager honey bees. We found differential expression of all putative AQP genes in crop, midgut, ileum, rectum and Malpighian tubules. We found the entomoglyceroporin Am_Eglp 1 expressed at extremely high levels in the midgut. We performed a functional characterization of Am_Eglp 1 using heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocyte followed by water uptake assays. Our results confirmed that the Am_Eglp 1 gene encodes a functional water transporter. This study shows that all putative honey bee aquaporin genes have complex expression patterns in the digestive and excretory organs of honey bee workers. Our results suggest that Am_Eglp 1 is the principal water transporter in the midgut of A. mellifera workers.
Asunto(s)
Acuaporinas/metabolismo , Abejas/metabolismo , Tracto Gastrointestinal/metabolismo , Proteínas de Insectos/metabolismo , Animales , Acuaporinas/genética , Abejas/genética , Genes de Insecto , Proteínas de Insectos/genética , Oocitos , Xenopus laevisRESUMEN
The physicochemical characteristics of honey vary according to bee species, climate, region, period of collection, processing and storage. In this context, this work aimed to perform a comparative study of the physicochemical characteristics of Melipona subnitida and M. fasciculata honey collected at different periods and regions of the State of Piauí, Brazil. Twenty-nine honey samples were collected and evaluated by principal component analysis from physicochemical analysis data. Twenty-two percent of the parameters analyzed differed between species. Evaluating the collection period, the honey of M. subnitida and M. fasciculata presented differences among themselves. The study revealed a similarity between the physicochemical parameters of the honey of the two species of bees, in addition, the time was one of the determining factors in the formation of clusters.
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Abejas/metabolismo , Miel/análisis , Animales , Brasil , Fenómenos Químicos , Sequías , Especificidad de la EspecieRESUMEN
Background: The nutritional requirements of honeybees (Apis mellifera) for their complete development need to be supplied through food sources available in the environment, since honeybees are insects that depend directly on blossoming food sources. However, at certain times a food-supply reduction can promote nutritional stress, thus necessitating food supplementation for maintenance or production stimulus of the colonies. Thus, the determination of optimal energy supplementation can assist in the maintenance and production of colonies. Methods: Twenty Apis mellifera beehives were used (with five beehives per treatment): CTL, control (without feeding); SJ, sugarcane juice; SS, sugar syrup; and IS, inverted sucrose. We evaluated the food consumption, population development, and physiological state (expression of vitellogenin and hexamerin 70a genes) of each colony. Results: The results showed that the supplementation of colonies with sugar syrup resulted in an intermediate consumption level (894.6 ± 291 mL) and better development (384.9 ± 237.3 and 158.3 ± 171.6 cm2, sealed and open brood, respectively). Furthermore, this diet ensured that the colonies were in a good physiological state, as bees fed this diet presented the highest relative expression levels of vitellogenin and hexamerin 70a among all the diets tested. Conclusions: Therefore, sugar syrup is concluded to be the best artificial energetic food for use in the supplementation of honeybee colonies.(AU)
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Animales , Abejas/metabolismo , Azúcares/administración & dosificación , Expresión Génica , Apicultura/métodos , Suplementos DietéticosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Honey from Tiúba stingless bees (Melipona fasciculata) produced in three different ecosystems in Brazil (Cerrado, Litoral and Baixada), as well as a sample of honey from Apis mellifera bees from the Baixada region for comparison, were evaluated regarding viscosity, color, sensory profile and sensory acceptance. RESULTS: The honey from Tiúba was less viscous, with a darker color and lower purity of the color (chroma) in relation to honey from Apis mellifera. The sensory profile firmly differentiates the honeys. The Apis honey was mainly described as opaque, viscous and adhesive. Tiúba honey from the Cerrado region stood out as semi-bright, acid taste, alcoholic, propolis, bitter taste and spicy. Tiúba honey from the Litoral region was characterized by its yellow color, woody odor and medicine flavor. The Tiúba honey from the Baixada region was described as gold colored, fluid and citric. The Tiúba honey from the Cerrado region had similar sensory acceptance to the Apis honey, probably because it was specifically characterized through attributes of odor and flavor. On the contrary, the Tiúba honey from the Litoral and from the Baixada regions was less well accepted. CONCLUSION: The honeys are different regarding their physical and sensory properties, differences that result from the bee species and from the geographical origin of the honey. This study could contribute to the creation of a standard identity and specific quality for Melipona fasciculata honey, also contributing to its production and commercialization not only in Brazil, but also internationally. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Asunto(s)
Abejas/metabolismo , Miel/análisis , Animales , Abejas/clasificación , Brasil , Color , Ecosistema , Humanos , Odorantes/análisis , GustoRESUMEN
Understanding the effect of pesticides on the survival of honeybee colonies is important because these pollinators are reportedly declining globally. In the present study, we examined the changes in the head proteome of nurse honeybees exposed to individual and combined pesticides (the fungicide pyraclostrobin and the insecticide fipronil) at field-relevant doses (850 and 2.5 ppb, respectively). The head proteomes of bees exposed to pesticides were compared with those of bees that were not exposed, and proteins with differences in expression were identified by mass spectrometry. The exposure of nurse bees to pesticides reduced the expression of four of the major royal jelly proteins (MRJP1, MRJP2, MRJP4, and MRJP5) and also several proteins associated with carbohydrate metabolism and energy synthesis, the antioxidant system, detoxification, biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, transcription and translation, protein folding and binding, olfaction, and learning and memory. Overall, when pyraclostrobin and fipronil were combined, the changes in protein expression were exacerbated. Our results demonstrate that vital proteins and metabolic processes are impaired in nurse honeybees exposed to pesticides in doses close to those experienced by these insects in the field, increasing their susceptibility to stressors and affecting the nutrition and maintenance of both managed and natural colonies.
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Abejas/metabolismo , Plaguicidas/efectos adversos , Proteoma/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Abejas/efectos de los fármacos , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales/métodos , Ácidos Grasos/metabolismo , Fungicidas Industriales/efectos adversos , Proteínas de Insectos/metabolismo , Insecticidas/efectos adversos , Proteoma/metabolismo , Proteómica/métodos , Pirazoles/efectos adversos , Estrobilurinas/efectos adversosRESUMEN
The objective of this study was to investigate and quantify the composition phenolic, reducing capacity, the free radical scavenging activity, as well as, the anti-inflammatory effect evaluated against lipopolysaccharides-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages through modulation of inflammatory mediators, in eight stingless bee honey types (Meliponinae) from southern Brazil. Stingless bee honey did not show to be cytotoxic at the tested concentrations (1-100 µM) and also reduced nitric oxide and the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine in the inflamed macrophages. Two honey samples showed the ability to increase the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10), suggesting a significant anti-inflammatory effect. All these findings indicate that stingless bee honey could be an important source of natural compounds presenting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, which could would provide health benefits when included in the diet.
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Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Abejas/metabolismo , Miel/análisis , Fenoles/farmacología , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/análisis , Antioxidantes/análisis , Brasil , Supervivencia Celular , Quimiocina CCL2/genética , Quimiocina CCL2/metabolismo , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Citocinas/metabolismo , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Lipopolisacáridos/toxicidad , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Fenoles/análisis , Células RAW 264.7 , Espectrometría de Masas en TándemRESUMEN
Microvesicles are key players in cellular communication. As glandular secretions present a rich source of active exosomes, we hypothesized that exosome-like vesicles are present in Apis mellifera hypopharyngeal gland secretomal products (honey, royal jelly and bee pollen), and participate in their known antibacterial and pro-regenerative effects. We developed an isolation protocol based on serial centrifugation and ultracentrifugation steps and demonstrated the presence of protein-containing exosome-like vesicles in all three bee-derived products. Assessing their antibacterial properties, we found that exosome-like vesicles had bacteriostatic, bactericidal and biofilm-inhibiting effects on Staphylococcus aureus Furthermore, we demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) internalize bee-derived exosome-like vesicles and that these vesicles influence the migration potential of the MSCs. In an in vitro wound-healing assay, honey and royal jelly exosome-like vesicles increased migration of human MSCs, demonstrating their inter-kingdom activity. In summary, we have discovered exosome-like vesicles as a new, active compound in bee pollen, honey and royal jelly.
Asunto(s)
Antibacterianos/farmacología , Abejas/metabolismo , Exosomas/metabolismo , Ácidos Grasos/química , Miel , Polen/química , Regeneración/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Endocitosis/efectos de los fármacos , Exosomas/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Polen/ultraestructuraRESUMEN
Multivariate data analysis feasibility for the evaluation of Brazilian stingless bee honey (SBH) by pollen spectrum, bioactive compounds content, physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial analysis was investigated. Levels of total and individual phenolics content were analyzed by HPLC-PDA. The antioxidant capacity was performed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH), oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The total phenolic compounds from the thirty-two SBH was positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity. Bioactive compounds such as p-coumaric acid, quercetin, and hesperetin were identified in all the samples. Brazilian SBH shows more effective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and S. Typhimurium) compared to Gram-positive ones. Results also revealed that SBH could reach up to 45% higher antioxidant and biological activities than the traditional Apis mellifera honey. Chemometrics shows that chemical and biological properties of SBH have a strong relationship with the pollen botanical origin. Principal component analysis (PCA) grouped the honey into three categories with predominant pollen from Verbenaceae, Asteraceae and Sapindaceae families, confirming that SBH belonging to the same floral origin present similar characteristics.
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Abejas/clasificación , Miel/análisis , Polen/química , Animales , Antibacterianos/análisis , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antioxidantes/análisis , Abejas/metabolismo , Compuestos de Bifenilo/análisis , Brasil , Fenómenos Químicos , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Radicales Libres/análisis , Bacterias Gramnegativas/efectos de los fármacos , Bacterias Gramnegativas/metabolismo , Bacterias Grampositivas/efectos de los fármacos , Bacterias Grampositivas/metabolismo , Indicadores y Reactivos/análisis , Análisis Multivariante , Fenoles/análisis , Picratos/análisis , Salmonella typhimurium/efectos de los fármacos , Salmonella typhimurium/metabolismoRESUMEN
Ftz-f1 is an orphan member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. A 20-hydroxyecdysone pulse allows ftz-f1 gene expression, which then regulates the activity of downstream genes involved in major developmental progression events. In honeybees, the expression of genes like vitellogenin (vg), prophenoloxidase and juvenile hormone-esterase during late pharate-adult development is known to be hormonally controlled in both queens and workers by increasing juvenile hormone (JH) titres in the presence of declining levels of ecdysteroids. Since Ftz-f1 is known for mediating intracellular JH signalling, we hypothesized that ftz-f1 could mediate JH action during the pharate-adult development of honeybees, thus controlling the expression of these genes. Here, we show that ftz-f1 has caste-specific transcription profiles during this developmental period, with a peak coinciding with the increase in JH titre, and that its expression is upregulated by JH and downregulated by ecdysteroids. RNAi-mediated knock down of ftz-f1 showed that the expression of genes essential for adult development (e.g. vg and cuticular genes) depends on ftz-f1 expression. Finally, a double-repressor hypothesis-inspired vg gene knock-down experiment suggests the existence of a positive molecular loop between JH, ftz-f1 and vg.