Tamer Kayis

Changes in Antioxidative Enzyme Activity, Glycogen, Lipid, Protein, and Malondialdehyde Content in Cadmium-Treated Galleria mellonella Larvae

ABSTRACT In this study, we analyzed the effects of cadmium (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg per 100 g of nutrient) on total protein, lipid, and glycogen levels, lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and metal accumulation in Galleria mellonella L. High concentrations of Cd (20 and 40 mg) significantly lowered total protein, lipid, and glycogen levels. MDA level significantly increased when the nutrient contained 5 mg and more of Cd, whereas SOD activity significantly increased at Cd concentrations starting from 1.25 mg. CAT activity significantly decreased at all concentrations. Metal accumulation also significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. These changes observed on activity of antioxidant enzymes, energy reserves, MDA content, and accumulation levels of Cd can be used as a reliable biomarker of environmental heavy metal pollution in model insect G. mellonella.

Alterations in Antioxidant Enzyme Activity, Lipid Peroxidation, and Ion Balance Induced by Dichlorvos in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

ABSTRACT Dichlorvos (DDVP; 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate) is an organophosphate insecticide widely used in the control of pests. This study aims to determine the changes caused by DDVP in the antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation level, and ion content of a model organism, Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Larvae of G. mellonella were fed sublethal concentrations of DDVP (2, 4, 6, and 8 µg/l00 g feed). Exposure to DDVP resulted in induction of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and lipid peroxidation in larvae. Potassium and sodium ion levels were significantly altered by DDVP exposure. These results suggest that DDVP causes oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and alters the antioxidant enzyme activities and ion balance in G. mellonella larvae. Additionally, these results indicate that G. mellonella is a useful model for testing the effects of insecticides.