Effect of nano-particles of zinc oxide and selenium on antioxidant status, aminotransferase enzymes activities and genes expression of sod-1 and vg in honey bee during the hot season

Abstract

BackgroundThe nano-particle of zinc oxide (nZn) and selenium (nSe) has recently attracted in animal feeding because of their high absorbability, catalytic efficiency, and low toxicity than organic and non-organic forms. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of nZn and nSe supplementation in the honey bee's diet under heat stress on antioxidant status, aminotransferase activity, and the relative gene expression of vg and sod-1. Materials and methodsFifty honey bee colonies were randomly divided into five treatments and 10 replicates. Treatments were sugar syrup without or with nanoparticle supplementation, as: i) the control group (no additives); ii) 100 µgL−1 nano-zinc oxide (nZn-1); iii) 200 µg L − 1 of nano-zinc oxide (nZn-2); iv) 100 µg L − 1 nano-selenium (nSe-1); v) 200 µg L − 1 nano-selenium (nSe-2). On days 30 and 60 of experiment, the bee's samples were taken and antioxidant status, aminotransferase activities and relative genes expression of vg and sod-1 were measured. ResultsThe highest (P<0.05) body weight and the lowest (P<0.05) malondialdehyde level were observed in bee colonies receiving nZn-2 and nSe-1. Body weight of newly emerged bee in the control group, nZn-1 and nSe-1 was 110, 122, and 119 mg, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity increased (P<0.05) as the dose of nZn increased, but it decreased (P<0.05), as the dose of nSe increased. The relative genes expression of vg and sod-1 increased (P<0.05) as the dose of nZn increased. nSe increased gene expression of sod-1, but it decreased (P<0.05) gene expression of vg as dose of nSe increased. Aminotransferase enzymes activities increased (P<0.05), as the dose of nZn increased, but their activities in the bees receiving nSe decreased as the dose of nSe increased. ConclusionThe inclusion of nZn at dose of 200 µg L − 1 in syrup fed to honey bee is recommended to increase the antioxidant status, and body weight of newly emerged bees. Supplementation of nSe at dose of 50 µg L − 1 has beneficial effects on the antioxidant status and body weight of newly emerged bees, and doses higher than 50 µg L − 1 is not recommended.