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Bodner L, Jasinska W, Bouchebti S, Scharf I, Brotman Y, Levin E. Metabolomics analysis of larval secretions reveals a caste-driven nutritional shift in a social wasp colony. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 169:104128. [PMID: 38657707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Social wasps exhibit a unique nutritional cycle in which adults feed larvae with prey, and larvae provide adults with larval secretions (LS). LS serves as a vital nutritional source for adults, contributing to the colony's health and reproductive success. The LS nutrient composition has been previously reported in various wasp species, yet these analyses focused solely on worker-destined larvae, overlooking the potential caste designation effects on LS composition. Using metabolomics techniques, we analysed and compared the metabolite and nutrient composition in LS of queen- and worker-destined larvae of the Oriental hornet. We found that queen-destined LS (QLS) contain greater amounts of most metabolites, including amino acids, and smaller amounts of sugars compared to worker-destined LS (WLS). The amino acid-to-sugar ratio in QLS was approximately tenfold higher than in WLS. Thus, as the colony transitions from the production of workers to the production of reproductives, it gradually experiences a nutritional shift that may influence the behaviour and physiology of the adult nest population. This caste-specific metabolite profile and nutrient composition of LS reflect the differences in the diet and physiological requirements of worker- and queen-destined larvae and may play a critical role in caste determination in social wasps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levona Bodner
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Weronika Jasinska
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Sofia Bouchebti
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inon Scharf
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yariv Brotman
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Eran Levin
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Yin PK, Xiao H, Yang ZB, Yang DS, Yang YH. Shotgun metagenomics reveals the gut microbial diversity and functions in Vespa mandarinia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) at multiple life stages. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1288051. [PMID: 38529182 PMCID: PMC10961340 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1288051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Wasps play important roles as predators and pollinators in the ecosystem. The Jingpo minority residing in Yunnan Province, China, has a traditional practice of using wine infused with mature wasps as a customary remedy for managing rheumatoid arthritis. The larva of the wasp is also a tasteful folk dish that has created a tremendous market. There is a paucity of survival knowledge, which has greatly restricted their potential applications in food and healthcare. Recent research has highlighted the importance of gut microbiota in insect growth. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the composition, changes, and functions of the gut microbiota in Vespa mandarinia during development. In this research, the gut microbiota were investigated across three growth stages of Vespa mandarinia using a metagenomic technology. The result revealed that there are significant variations in the proportion of main gut microbes during the metamorphosis of Vespa mandarinia. Tenericutes were found to dominate during the larval stage, while Proteobacteria emerged as the dominant group post-pupation. Through a comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiota metagenome, this study revealed functional differences in the wasp gut microbiota at various growth stages. During the larval stage, the gut microbiota plays a central role in promoting metabolism. Following pupation, the gut microbiota exhibited diversified functions, likely due to the complex environments and diverse food sources encountered after metamorphosis. These functions included amino acid metabolism, compound degradation, and defense mechanisms. This research provides an extensive dataset on the gut microbiota during the metamorphosis of Vespa mandarinia, contributing to a deeper understanding of the influence of gut microbiota on wasp growth. Furthermore, this study uncovers a unique microbial treasure within insect guts, which is important for advancing the application of wasps in the fields of food and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Kai Yin
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, China
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Huai Xiao
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, China
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, China
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Da-Song Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, China
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Yin-He Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali, China
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
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3
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Kim J, Choi DS, Kim YH, Park CW, Kim HW. Optimal conditions for beef tenderization through radiofrequency heating with cold air. J Food Sci 2024; 89:370-389. [PMID: 37983872 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16845] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
High-temperature (15-37°C) aging can shorten the tenderizing time of beef; however, the use of constant temperature heating can lead to microbial spoilage. This study tested radiofrequency (RF) tenderization (RF-T) to find the appropriate conditions for the aging-like effect of beef without microbial spoilage. After subjecting beef to 22 h RF-T with four different cooling temperatures (15, 5, -10, and -20°C), the proliferated aerobic bacteria on the surface showed a concentration of 6-6.2 log CFU/g at -10 and -20°C, lower than 7-7.5 log CFU/g at 15 and 5°C. When beef was treated with 25 W/kg RF heating power for 48 h RF-T, the estimated reduction rate of the sliced shear force (SSF) and the increase rate of glutamic acid based on the weight before RF-T were 22.6% and 1.51-fold, which were greater than 19.6% and 1.37-fold with 20 W/kg, and 11.0% and 1.11-fold with 15 W/kg. The optimal specific RF heating power was calculated as 30 W/kg from the results' extrapolation. When processed for 48 h under optimal conditions (30 W/kg specific RF heating power, -20°C cooling air), the tenderization rate and the increased rates of free amino acids based on the weight before RF-T of beef reached over 20% and 1.5-fold with 5.22 log CFU/g aerobic bacteria, which was lesser than the Korean regulation value of 6.7 log CFU/g (5 × 106 CFU/g). Therefore, RF-T could be proposed as a promising high-temperature tenderization method with lowered risk of microbial spoilage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: We showed that lowering the chamber temperature during RF-T was effective in surface drying and inhibiting aerobic bacteria. RF-T for 24-48 h with 30 W/kg specific RF heating power had an aging-like effect given tenderization and increase in FAAs. Moreover, by providing the matching circuit and impedance during RF-T, this method could be industrially reproducible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinse Kim
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Soo Choi
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hoon Kim
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Wan Park
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Wook Kim
- Department of Animal Biotechnology & Environment, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Thuy Bui T, Jeong S, Jeong H, Truong Le G, Quynh Nguyen H, Chung H. Authentication of ST25 rice using temperature-perturbed Raman measurement with variable selection by Incremental Association Markov Blanket. Food Chem 2023; 429:136985. [PMID: 37517227 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
A temperature-perturbed transmission Raman measurement was demonstrated for the discrimination of ST25 and non-ST25 rice samples. ST25 rice is a premium long-grain Vietnamese rice with the aroma of pandan leaves and the scent of early sticky rice. Raman spectra of rice samples were acquired with temperature perturbation ranging from 20 to 50 °C, and the variables (intensities of peaks) with greater discrimination were selected from the spectra using Incremental Association Markov Blanket (IAMB) for authentication. The combination of four, seven, and four variables selected from the spectra at 20, 30, and 50 °C, respectively, yielded the highest accuracy of 97.9%. The accuracies in the single-temperature measurements were lower, suggesting that the combination of mutually complementary spectral features acquired at these temperatures is synergetic to recognize the compositional differences between two sample groups, such as in the amylose/amylopectin ratio and the protein constituent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Thuy Bui
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongsoo Jeong
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeseong Jeong
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Giang Truong Le
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hoa Quynh Nguyen
- Department of General Education, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Hoeil Chung
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Diéguez-Antón A, Escuredo O, Meno L, Seijo MC, Rodríguez-Flores MS. Describing the Pollen Content in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Vespa velutina Larvae. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3038. [PMID: 37835643 PMCID: PMC10571832 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193038] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vespa velutina is an invasive species that exhibits flexible social behavior, which may have contributed to its introduction in several European countries. It is important to understand its behavior in order to combat the effects of its introduction in different areas. This implies knowing the resources that it uses during its biological cycle. Hornets require protein resources taken from insects and organic matter as well as carbohydrates as an energy source to fly and also to forage for food and nest-building materials. The gastrointestinal tract of adults and larvae contains a wide variety of pollen types. The identification of this pollen in larvae collected from nests could offer information about the plant species that V. velutina visits as a foraging place. The main objective of this research was to study the pollen content in the gastrointestinal tract of larvae. Patterns of pollen content and pollen diversity were established according to the nest type, altitude, season, and location in the nest comb. The abundance of pollen types such as Eucalyptus, Castanea, Foeniculum vulgare, Hedera helix, Taraxacum officinale, Echium, or Cytisus pollen type stands out in many of the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - María Shantal Rodríguez-Flores
- Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain; (A.D.-A.); (O.E.); (L.M.); (M.C.S.)
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Tanga CM, Mokaya HO, Kasiera W, Subramanian S. Potential of Insect Life Stages as Functional Ingredients for Improved Nutrition and Health. INSECTS 2023; 14:136. [PMID: 36835705 PMCID: PMC9959540 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to provide information on the nutrients of the edible larval stage of Gonimbrasia cocaulti (GC) for the first time, while exploring the potential nutrient content of the pupal life stages of the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori; BM) and the Eri silkworm (Samia Cynthia ricini; SC). The three insects were analyzed for fatty acids, minerals, proximate composition and vitamins. Among the fatty acids, linoleic, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, was approximately threefold higher in GC than in the silkworms. The Ca, Fe and K contents were highest in GC. However, the Zn and Na contents were highest in BM, while Mg content was predominant in SC. The crude protein content of the various developmental life stages of the edible caterpillars and pupae ranged between 50 and 62%. Further, the fiber content of GC was substantially higher compared to the pupal stages of the two silkworm species. The vitamin (B6, B9, B12 and α-tocopherol) levels of the two insect life stages were considerably high. These insects are comparably rich in nutrients with potential suitability to be utilized in food fortification and thus ease pressure on the over-reliance on animal and plant-based sources, which are becoming unsustainable.
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Lee SG, Kim DS, Chae J, Lee E, Hahn D, Kim IK, Kim CJ, Choi MB, Nam JO. Nidus vespae Built by an Invasive Alien Hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, Inhibits Adipose Tissue Expansion in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11071013. [PMID: 36101393 PMCID: PMC9311567 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nidus vespae, commonly known as the wasp nest, has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. However, the anti-obesity effects of Nidus vespae extract (NV) have not yet been reported. This study aimed to elucidate the potential anti-obesity effects of NV in vivo and in vitro, using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, respectively. NV administration to HFD-induced obese mice significantly decreased the mass and plasma lipid content of adipose tissues. Uncoupling protein-1 expression was significantly higher in the inguinal white adipose tissues of NV-treated mice than in those of HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, we found that NV inhibited the differentiation and intracellular lipid accumulation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by regulating the insulin signaling cascade, including protein kinase B, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha, and adiponectin. These findings suggest that NV may exhibit therapeutic effects against obesity by suppressing adipose tissue expansion and preadipocyte differentiation, thereby providing critical information for the development of new drugs for disease prevention and treatment. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of the anti-obesity effects of NV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul Gi Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (S.G.L.); (D.S.K.); (J.C.); (E.L.)
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea
| | - Dong Se Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (S.G.L.); (D.S.K.); (J.C.); (E.L.)
| | - Jongbeom Chae
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (S.G.L.); (D.S.K.); (J.C.); (E.L.)
| | - Eunbi Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (S.G.L.); (D.S.K.); (J.C.); (E.L.)
| | - Dongyup Hahn
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
- Department of Integrative Biology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Il-Kwon Kim
- Division of Forest Biodiversity, Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon 30106, Korea; (I.-K.K.); (C.-J.K.)
| | - Chang-Jun Kim
- Division of Forest Biodiversity, Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon 30106, Korea; (I.-K.K.); (C.-J.K.)
| | - Moon Bo Choi
- Institute of Plant Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.B.C.); (J.-O.N.)
| | - Ju-Ock Nam
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (S.G.L.); (D.S.K.); (J.C.); (E.L.)
- Research Institute of Tailored Food Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.B.C.); (J.-O.N.)
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Crespo N, Louzada J, Fernandes LS, Tavares PB, Aranha J. Microscopic Identification of Anatomical Elements and Chemical Analysis of Secondary Nests of Vespa velutina nigrithorax du Buyson. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13060537. [PMID: 35735874 PMCID: PMC9225471 DOI: 10.3390/insects13060537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vespa velutina accidentally arrived in Europe (France) in 2004, and rapidly expanded throughout the entire country. Its presence in mainland Portugal was first noticed in 2011. Being an invasive species with no natural predators in the region to control it, it has caused enormous environmental and economic damage, particularly on Apis mellifera (honeybee) colonies. Although there is already some research on this species' biology, little is known about its adaption to European ecological conditions, specifically in terms of nest building. This type of hornet builds a primary nest in the spring to start a colony. During the summer, they build a secondary nest to develop the main colony. These secondary nests are ovoid-shaped and range in size from 18.7 cm to 45.0 cm in diameter and from 19.2 cm to 65.0 cm in length, attaining their highest development in late summer. The external appearance of these nests is characterized by alternating stripes that are beige and brown in color. The main objective of this study is to identify the composition and the origin of the materials that are used by Vespa velutina nigrithorax to build the outer envelope of these secondary nests. This information could be very interesting and will not only increase our knowledge on the biology of the species in regions far from its original area, but will also be relevant for the future implementation of new policies to control this invasive species by means biological control. Several samples were taken from each nest and were observed under different optical magnifying devices. In the second stage, their chemical composition was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS). It was noticed that almost all of the materials used in the nests' construction were lignocellulose from woody materials from both softwood (gymnosperm) and hardwood (angiosperm) forest species as well from leaves and small particles of agricultural origin (grasses). The beige strips were formed almost exclusively from woody softwood cells, while the brown strips were composed of hardwood cells, leaf tissues, and grasses. Chemically, it was noticed that this material mainly consisted of cellulose, with more than 99% being composed of C and O and very little mineral material from elements such as Na, Al, Si, K, and Ca. The achieved results allow us to state that in the construction of these secondary nests, these hornets only used organic materials that are then probably agglomerated through their mouths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazaret Crespo
- Department of Forestry Sciences and Landscape Architecture (CIFAP), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.L.); (J.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - José Louzada
- Department of Forestry Sciences and Landscape Architecture (CIFAP), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.L.); (J.A.)
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB, Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Lisete S. Fernandes
- Chemistry Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.S.F.); (P.B.T.)
- Electron Microscopy Unit (CIDE-UME), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Pedro B. Tavares
- Chemistry Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (L.S.F.); (P.B.T.)
- Electron Microscopy Unit (CIDE-UME), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José Aranha
- Department of Forestry Sciences and Landscape Architecture (CIFAP), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.L.); (J.A.)
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB, Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Bouchebti S, Bodner L, Bergman M, Magory Cohen T, Levin E. The effects of dietary proline, β-alanine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the nest construction behavior in the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis). Sci Rep 2022; 12:7449. [PMID: 35523992 PMCID: PMC9076666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11579-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult wasps primary food resource is larval saliva. This liquid secretion consists mainly of amino acids and carbohydrates processed from the prey brought to the colony by the foragers. However, adults also regularly consume floral nectar. The nectar's most abundant proteinogenic amino acid is proline, and the two most abundant non-proteinogenic amino acids are β-alanine and GABA. These three amino acids are also common in larval saliva. Here, we study the effect of these dietary amino acids on the physiology and nest construction behavior of the Oriental hornet. Our results reveal their deleterious effects, especially at high concentrations: β-alanine and GABA consumption reduced the hornets' lifespan and completely inhibited their construction behavior; while proline induced a similar but more moderate effect. At low concentrations, these amino acids had no effect on hornet survival but did slow down the nest construction process. Using carbon isotopically labeled amino acids, we show that, unlike proline, β-alanine is stored in most body tissues (brain, muscles, and fat body), suggesting that it is rapidly metabolized after consumption. Our findings demonstrate how a single amino acid can impact the fitness of a nectarivore insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Bouchebti
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Levona Bodner
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Bergman
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tali Magory Cohen
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Levin
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Lima CG, Sofia Vaz A, Honrado JP, Aranha J, Crespo N, Vicente JR. The invasion by the Yellow-legged hornet: a systematic review. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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11
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Nutrient Utilization during Male Maturation and Protein Digestion in the Oriental Hornet. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020241. [PMID: 35205107 PMCID: PMC8869360 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Males of social Hymenoptera spend the first days following eclosion inside the nest before dispersing to find a young queen to mate with. During this period, they must acquire enough nutrients to enable their sexual maturation and store energy to sustain them through their nuptial journey. It was previously argued that adult hornets are unable to process dietary proteins and rely on the larvae to supply them with free amino acids and carbohydrates that they secrete via trophallaxis. Using isotopically enriched diets, we examined nutrient allocation and protein turnover in newly-emerged males of the Oriental hornet during their maturation period and tested the protein digestion capability in the presence and absence of larvae in both males and worker hornets. The results indicated that protein turnover in males occurs during the first days following eclosion, while carbohydrates are incorporated into body tissues at higher rates towards the end of the maturation period. Additionally, we found that males cannot digest protein and depend on larval secretions as a source of nutrition, while workers, in contrast to previous reports, can metabolize protein independently. Our findings demonstrate the contribution of adult male nutrition and larval secretions to colony fitness.
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12
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Bodner L, Bouchebti S, Levin E. Allocation and metabolism of naturally occurring dietary amino acids in the Oriental hornet. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 139:103675. [PMID: 34744018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) foragers are strong, long-distance flyers exhibiting a high metabolic rate. Accordingly, they feed on carbohydrate-rich diets, such as floral nectar and larval secretions. These nutritional sources, in addition to carbohydrates, also contain free amino acids (AAs). Leucine, glycine, and proline are three common AAs in the diet of social wasps. Using diets enriched with carbon-specific (13C1) isotopically labeled leucine, glycine, and proline, and a cavity ring-down spectroscope (CRDS) stable carbon isotope analyzer, we examined the metabolism of these AAs, their allocation in the hornets' respiration during rest and activity, and their incorporation into the body tissues. In hornets that consumed 13C proline, we detected the heavy isotope only in the exhaled CO2, suggesting that proline was utilized solely as a metabolic fuel and was not incorporated into their body (i.e., as protein). Labeled carbons from glycine and leucine, in contrast, were found in all the examined tissues (i.e., muscles, brain, fat bodies, ovaries, and venom glands), and were also utilized as a metabolic fuel, but mostly during rest. Using AAs labeled with a specific stable carbon isotope, we demonstrate the compatibility between the hornet's metabolic requirements and AA use, in both the living organism as a whole and in its different body tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levona Bodner
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Sofia Bouchebti
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Eran Levin
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
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Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Different Species of Vespa Hornets. Foods 2021; 10:foods10020418. [PMID: 33672798 PMCID: PMC7917720 DOI: 10.3390/foods10020418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We genetically identified three different species of hornets and analyzed the nutrient compositions of their edible brood. Samples were collected from a commercial production unit in Shizong province of China and from forests near Andong City in Korea. The species were identified as Vespa velutina, V. mandarinia, and V. basalis from China and V. velutina from Korea. Farmed V. velutina and V. mandarinia were found to have similar protein contents, i.e., total amino acids, whereas V. basalis contained less protein. The V. velutina brood collected from the forest contained the highest amount of amino acids. Altogether 17 proteinogenic amino acids were detected and quantified with similar patterns of distribution in all three species: leucine followed by tyrosine and lysine being predominant among the essential and glutamic acid among the non-essential amino acids. A different pattern was found for fatty acids: The polyunsaturated fatty acid proportion was highest in V. mandarinia and V. basalis, but saturated fatty acids dominated in the case of V. velutina from two different sources. The high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids in the lipids of the hornets could be expected to exhibit nutritional benefits, including reducing cardiovascular disorders and inflammations. High minerals contents, especially micro minerals such as iron, zinc, and a high K/Na ratio in hornets could help mitigate mineral deficiencies among those of the population with inadequate nutrition.
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Meyer-Rochow VB, Jung C. Insects Used as Food and Feed: Isn't That What We All Need? Foods 2020; 9:foods9081003. [PMID: 32726913 PMCID: PMC7466229 DOI: 10.3390/foods9081003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue of Foods explores different aspects of how insects can be used as a novel resource for food and feed. Some contributions deal with questions of acceptability and legality, others tackle problems related to innovative techniques in processing and marketing food, and yet another group of papers highlights the use of insects and their bio-active products in the context of promoting human health. The collective aim of the contributions by the researchers from at least 20 countries is to examine whether the use of insects—be it for food, feed, or therapeutic purposes—has a future. We conclude that positive aspects undoubtedly exist regarding the nutritional and pharmacological value of various insect species but that environmental and bio-functional issues could even outweigh the nutritional value of food insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow
- Agricultural Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
- Department of Genetics and Ecology, Oulu University, SF-90140 Oulu, Finland
- Correspondence: (V.B.M.-R.); (C.J.)
| | - Chuleui Jung
- Agricultural Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
- Department of Plant medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
- Correspondence: (V.B.M.-R.); (C.J.)
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