Publication details
ROLE OF ASCORBIC ACID AND OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS IN HONEY BEE RESISTANCE AND LONGEVITY
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2023 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Considering substantial differences in the lifespan of genetically similar individuals, honey bees are an exquisite model organism for longevity research. One of the prevalent theories in this field is the free-radical theory of aging. It proposes that reactive oxygen species (ROS) of endogenous (oxidative metabolism) and exogenous (intake of pollutants, radiation, etc.) origin cause damage to biological macromolecules, which accumulates over time and causes senescence and aging-associated diseases1,2. According to this theory, more effective protection against ROS leads to a longer lifespan, suggesting that bees of varying lifespans differ in their antioxidant system. We aim to gain a deeper understanding of the honey bee redox system and mechanisms participating in the resistance and longevity of winter bees. To identify components of the bee redox system undergoing significant seasonal changes, we have collected honey bee samples monthly since February 2021. Our results so far showed no significant difference in total antioxidant capacity throughout the seasons but suggested changes in its underlying mechanism. For example, levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione and ascorbic acid fluctuated seasonally, with peaks in months of high brood-rearing activity. Ascorbic acid is especially interesting since it can be detected in bee products, and some studies suggest the positive effect of its supplementation on longevity and immunity3. However, some questions about ascorbic acid in honey bees remain unanswered. For example, it is still unclear whether bees or their microbiota are capable of its synthesis and, if so, how significant it is compared to dietary sources. To answer these questions, we will quantify ascorbic acid using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in different bee-related samples (honey, pollen, hemolymph, etc.). Our research is supported by The Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic (QK1910286, QK21010088). |
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