Alteration in the oxidative status of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) fed with a diet containing Centaurea depressa M. Bieb. (Asteraceae)

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh, dried and freeze-dried Centaurea depressa M. Bieb. (Asteraceae) on the oxidant and antioxidant status of the model organism D. melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) experimentally. The study was carried out from 2016 to 2019, and plant leaf extracts (0-50 mg/l) were added to insect standard artificial diets. The total protein, protein carbonyl content and glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were quantified at the insect’s third larval stage. Our data showed that protein carbonyl content varied from 2.70 nmol/mg protein in the control group to 59.11 nmol/mg protein in the group fed with fresh leaf extract signifying induction of oxidative stress. All extracts increased the levels of all antioxidant enzymes and decreased the amounts of total protein. Meanwhile, the group fed with the freeze-dried extract showed no significant difference in the levels of total protein and protein carbonyl content except at the 50 mg/l concentration of the extract. Moreover, this group had superoxide dismutase and catalase activities 4 to 5 times higher than in the control group. In conclusion, induction of oxidative stress indicates that the fresh form of C. depressa leaves may have potential as a natural pesticide, whereas induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes by the freeze-dried extract suggest its potential as an antioxidant.