Protaetia Brevitarsis Research Articles

Effect of Protaetia brevitarsis larval frass fertilizer on the growth of ginseng sprout (Panax ginseng) in commercial potting soil

Effect of Protaetia brevitarsis larval frass fertilizer on the growth of ginseng sprout (Panax ginseng) in commercial potting soil

Fermented Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae Improves Neurotoxicity in Chronic Ethanol-Induced-Dementia Mice via Suppressing AKT and NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

This study was investigated to examine the neuroprotective effect of fermented Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (FPB) in ethanol-induced-dementia mice. Consumption of FPB by mice resulted in improved memory dysfunction in the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. FPB significantly decreased oxidative stress by regulating levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in brain tissues. In addition, FPB restored cerebral mitochondrial dysfunction by modulating levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ATP. In addition, FPB enhanced the cholinergic system via the regulation of acetylcholine (ACh) content, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and expressions of AChE and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in brain tissues. FPB ameliorated neuronal apoptosis through modulation of the protein kinase B (AKT)/B-cell lymphoma (BCL)-2 signaling pathway. Also, FPB improved inflammation response by down-regulating the toll-like receptor (TLR)-4/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. Additionally, FPB ameliorated synaptic plasticity via the increase of the expressions of synaptophysin (SYP), postsynaptic density protein (PSD)-95, and growth-associated protein (GAP)-43. Treatment with FPB also reinforced the blood-brain barrier by increasing tight junctions including zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occludin, and claudin-1. In conclusion, these results show that FPB can improve cognitive impairment via AKT/NF-κB pathways in ethanol-induced-dementia mice.

Nutritional value of Protaetia brevitarsis powder and its effect on the flavor and antioxidant capacity of dough

Numerous studies have demonstrated that adding nutrients to flour products can enhance their physical and nutritional qualities. Edible insects are considered a valuable food source and may be added to the dough to increase the nutritional value of baked goods. In this study, using the edible insect Protaetia brevitarsis larvae as the experimental object, we characterized their nutritional properties (phenolics, amino acids, and fatty acids), and used different proportions to explore the effects of P. brevitarsis powder on the flavor of dough. We identified 11 phenolics within the powder, among which, gentistic and vanillic acids were the most abundant. Furthermore, the P. brevitarsis powder contained 17 amino and fatty acids each. Moreover, the addition of P. brevitarsis powder decreased the degree of protein weakening, recovery, brightness, and specific volume of the dough while increasing the water absorption rate and △E* value. For the volatile flavor components, the P. brevitarsis powder also rendered the dough with additional flavor characteristics and increased the ester, acid, and ketone content while decreasing the aldehyde content (especially in ethyl cetylate, acetic acid, ethanol, and 2-butanone). Furthermore, the P. brevitarsis powder enhanced the TPC, TFC, DPPH•, and ABTS•+ scavenging activities of the dough. Therefore, based on the bioactive components, functions, and aromatic properties of the powder, this study provides data supporting the use of P. brevitarsis powder in the field of antioxidant functional foods.

Development of feed material and its effect on the nutritional composition of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae

AbstractThis study was carried out to assess the nutritional composition of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (Pbl) reared on different feed materials. Four different types of feed materials were used to rear Pbl prior to nutritional analysis. The results show that the new formulation of feed material enhanced the crude fat content of Pbl by 75%, compared with the control. A marked increase in unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, by 100% compared with the control, in Pbl reared on the new formulation of feed material was also observed.

Antithrombotic effects of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae in a rat tail thrombosis model using κ‐carrageenan

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate the preventive role of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (P. brevitarsis) larvae in the κ‐carrageenan‐induced rat tail thrombosis model, in comparison with that of heparin. Thrombosis was induced in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats by intraperitoneal injection with a dose of 30 mg/kg κ‐carrageenan after receiving oral pretreatment with P. brevitarsis larvae at doses of 300 or 900 mg/kg. The control group was only given physiological saline for 7 days without the administration of κ‐carrageenan. The results indicate that pretreatment with P. brevitarsis larvae at 300 or 900 mg/kg not only significantly reduced the average length of the thrombus but also markedly decreased the fibrinogen levels and serum P‐selectin in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.05). However, there were no notable effects on the blood clotting times, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Moreover, the histological analysis of tail tissues treated with P. brevitarsis larvae supported the serum biochemical findings, thereby providing evidence of enhanced blood circulation. Based on these results, it was concluded that P. brevitarsis larvae had a positive effect on preventing thrombosis in vivo through the reduction of fibrinogen and P‐selectin levels, suggesting potential applications for thrombosis prevention.

Bioinformatic Approach to Investigate Larvae Gut Microbiota Cellulosimicrobium protaetiae via Whole-Genome Analysis.

The insect larvae Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis have recently been researched as a nutritious food source and concentrated on their environmental impacts. Therefore, their gut microbiota has been studied to elucidate their effects and roles on the environment. Of the abundance of bacterial genus identified based on the 16S rRNA genes from isolates of the gut of insect larva Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, six of the prominent genus were identified as Bacillus (40.2%), Cellulosimicrobium (33.5%), Microbacterium (2.8%), Streptomyces (3%), Krasilnikoviella (17.5%), and Isoptericola (3%) and their similarity of 16S rRNA blast changed from 99 to 100%. Cellulosimicrobium protaetiae BI34T showed strong denitrification and cellulose degradation activity. The newly complete genome sequence of BI34T and the genomes of five species was published in the genus Cellulosimicrobium with emphasis on the denitrification and secondary metabolite genes. In order to elucidate the relationship between the strain BI34T and the host insect larva, the whole-genome sequence was analyzed and compared with the genomes of five strains in the same genus, Cellulosimicrobium, loaded from GenBank. Our results revealed the composition of the gut microbiota of the insect larvae and analyzed the genomic data for the new strain to predict its characteristics and to understand the nitrogen metabolism pathway.

Promising Insects for Sustainable Food and Biofuel

Food and energy security are global challenges due to growing demand for proteins and biofuels in the pursuit of a sustainable society. Although insects have emerged as environmentally-friendly sources that can replace meats, promising insect species as common resources for food and energy have not been examined. This study therefore identifies the insect species that can be utilized for sustainable food and energy based on their substance contents. These are nitrogen and phosphorus representing protein and minerals, respectively; lipids representing economic feasibility for biodiesel; and water representing drying energy requirement for storage. Fourteen species of the insects commonly farmed are examined: beetles, butterflies, cockroaches, flies, grasshoppers, and bees. Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (PBS) larvae and termite are identified as promising species. The PBS larvae have the highest potential as a common resource for sustainable food and energy due to higher contents of nitrogen and phosphorus than beef, pork, and chicken; high oil content comparable to palm full fruit bunch (FFB) and soybean; and the lowest water content. This study can thus contribute to initiating new R&D and industrial endeavors to develop mass farming technology for such insects and securing sustainable resources for food and energy.

Parameter calibration and experimental verification of discrete element simulation model for Protaetia brevitarsis larvae bioconversion mixture

Parameter calibration and experimental verification of discrete element simulation model for Protaetia brevitarsis larvae bioconversion mixture

Protaetia brevitarsis larvae extract protects against lipopolysaccharides-induced ferroptosis and inflammation by inhibiting acid sphingomyelinase.

Inflammation and ferroptosis are implicated in various diseases and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) have been linked with these disorders. Recently, many edible insects, such as Gryllus bimaculatus, Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (PB) and Tenebrio molitor larvae, have been recommended as alternative foods because they contain lots of nutritional sources. In this study, we explored the potential of PB extract in preventing LPS-induced inflammation and ferroptosis in Hep3B cells. PB powder was extracted using 70% ethanol and applied to Hep3B cells. Co-treatment with LPS was conducted to induce ferroptosis and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory and anti-ferroptosis mechanisms of the PB extract were confirmed using Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. PB extract effectively prevented LPS-induced cell death and restored LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production, NF-κB signaling, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and ferroptosis. Interestingly, PB extract reduced LPS-induced ceramide increase and acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) expression. The use of the ASMase inhibitor, desipramine, also demonstrated a reduction in these pathways, highlighting the pivotal role of ASMase in inflammation and ferroptosis. Treatment with each inhibitor revealed that ferroptosis causes ER stress and that NF-κB and MAP kinase pathways are involved in inflammation. PB emerges as a potential functional food with inhibitory effects on LPS-induced inflammation and ferroptosis, making it a promising candidate for nutritional interventions.

A New Method for Discovering Plant Biostimulants.

Structurally well-defined compounds have advantages for quality control in plant biostimulant production and application processes. Humic acid (HA) is a biostimulant that significantly affects plant growth, and soil-dwelling Protaetia brevitarsis larva (PBLs) can rapidly convert agricultural waste into HA. In this study, we use PBLs as a model to investigate HA formation and screen for structurally well-defined HA-related plant biostimulant compounds. Dephasing magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C DD-MAS NMR) analysis indicated HA structural changes during PBL digestion; metabolic profiling detected seven HA-related aromatic ring-containing compounds. A total of six compounds that significantly stimulate plant growth were identified through plant experiments, and all six compounds demonstrate the ability to enhance seed germination. It is noteworthy that piperic acid exhibits a remarkable promotion of root growth in plants, a finding reported for the first time in this study. Thus, this study not only provides insights into the insect-mediated transformation of HA but also illustrates a new method for discovering structurally well-defined plant biostimulant compounds.

Identification, characterization and hypolipidemic effect of novel peptides in protein hydrolysate from Protaetia brevitarsis larvae

The proteins were mainly derived from Protaetia brevitarsis larval extracts obtained using two empty intestine methods (traditional static method: TSM or salt immersion stress method: SISM) and extraction solvents (water: W or 50 % water–ethanol: W:E), and the proteins were used as objects to investigate the effect of emptying intestine methods on hypolipidemic peptides. The results revealed that the F-2 fractions of protein hydrolysate had stronger in vitro hypolipidemic activity, with the peptides obtained by SISM possessing a stronger cholesterol micelle solubility inhibition rate, especially in SISM-W:E-P. Moreover, a total of 106 peptides were tentatively identified, among which SISM identified more peptides with an amino acid number < 8. Meanwhile, five novel peptides (YPPFH, YPGFGK, KYPF, SPLPGPR and VPPP) exhibited good hypolipidemic activity in vitro and in vivo, among which YPPFH, VPPP and KYPF had strong inhibitory activities on pancreatic lipase (PL) and cholesteryl esterase (CE), and KYPF, SPLPGPR and VPPP could significantly reduce the TG content in Caenorhabditis elegans. Thus, P. brevitarsis can be developed as a naturally derived hypolipidemic component for the development and application in functional foods.

Protective effects of an aqueous extract of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae in an ovalbumin-induced murine model of asthma

ABSTRACT Asthma is a disease-related allergic response characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cells in airway tissue. Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae are known for their nutritional value and have been used in food; however, it is unknown whether they exert protective effects in a murine ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic model. We investigated the protective effects of an aqueous extract of P. brevitarsis seulensis larvae (PBE) against OVA-induced asthma by performing histopathological analysis and measuring inflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. Asthmatic symptoms were attenuated by PBE, as indicated by decreased inflammation in lung tissue and decreased levels of inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and Th2 cell activation. Additionally, four out of six major metabolites isolated from P. brevitarsis seulensis attenuated Th2 cell activation, indicating that PBE attenuates asthmatic inflammation by regulating Th2 cell activation. Therefore, our findings support PBE as a pharmacological candidate for asthma treatment.

Fermented Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae Ameliorates Chronic Ethanol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice via AMPK and TLR-4/TGF-β1 Pathways.

This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of fermented Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (FPB) in ethanol-induced liver injury mice. As a result of amino acids in FPB, 18 types of amino acids including essential amino acids were identified. In the results of in vitro tests, FPB increased alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities. In addition, FPB treatment increased cell viability on ethanol- and H2O2-induced HepG2 cells. FPB ameliorated serum biomarkers related to hepatoxicity including glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamine pyruvic transaminase, total bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase and lipid metabolism including triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Also, FPB controlled ethanol metabolism enzymes by regulating the protein expression levels of ADH, ALDH, and cytochrome P450 2E1 in liver tissue. FPB protected hepatic oxidative stress by improving malondialdehyde content, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels. In addition, FPB reversed mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels. FPB protected ethanol-induced apoptosis, fatty liver, and hepatic inflammation through p-AMP-activated protein kinase and TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, FPB prevented hepatic fibrosis by decreasing TGF-β1/Smad pathway. In summary, these results suggest that FPB might be a potential prophylactic agent for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease via preventing liver injury such as fatty liver, hepatic inflammation due to chronic ethanol-induced oxidative stress.

Investigating Verticillium wilt occurrence in cotton and its risk management by the direct return of cotton plants infected with Verticillium dahliae to the field.

Verticillium wilt is one of the most crucial diseases caused by Verticillium dahliae that threatens the cotton industry. Statistical results showed that the return of cotton plants infected with V. dahliae to the field might be an essential cause of the continuous aggravation of cotton Verticillium wilt. The correlation among the cotton plants infected with V. dahliae returning to the field, the occurrence of Verticillium wilt, and the number of microsclerotia in rhizosphere soil need further investigation. A potted experiment was carried out to explore the effects of the direct return of cotton plants infected with Verticillium dahliae to the field on the subsequent growth and Verticillium wilt occurrence in cotton. As a risk response plan, we investigated the feasibility of returning dung-sand (i.e., insect excreta) to the field, the dung-sand was from the larvae of Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Cetoniidea) that were fed with the V. dahliae-infected cotton plants. The results demonstrated that the return of the entire cotton plants to the field presented a promotional effect on the growth and development of cotton, whereas the return of a single root stubble or cotton stalks had an inhibitive effect. The return of cotton stalks and root stubble infected with V. dahliae increased the risk and degree of Verticillium wilt occurrence. The disease index of Verticillium wilt occurrence in cotton was positively correlated with the number of microsclerotia in the rhizosphere soil. The disease index increased by 20.00%, and the number of soil microsclerotia increased by 8.37 fold in the treatment of returning root stubble infected with V. dahliae to the field. No Verticillium wilt microsclerotia were detected in the feed prepared from cotton stalks and root stubble fermented for more than 5 days or in the transformed dung-sand. There was no risk of inoculation with Verticillium wilt microsclerotia when the dung-sand was returned to the field. The indirect return of cotton plants infected with V. dahliae to the field by microorganism-insect systems is worthy of further exploration plan of the green prevention and control for Verticillium wilt and the sustainable development of the cotton industry.

Evaluation of Gelation Properties of Salt-Soluble Proteins Extracted from Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae and Tenebrio molitor Larvae and Application to Pork Myofibrillar Protein Gel System.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional properties of salt-soluble proteins obtained from Protaetia brevitarsis (PB) and Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae, the interaction between these proteins and pork myofibrillar protein (MP) in a gel system. The gel properties of salt-soluble protein extracts showed that the PB had a higher viscosity than the TM protein. However, the TM protein had higher gel strength compared with the PB protein. The gelation characteristics of the pork MP gel systems added with lyophilized insect salt-soluble protein powder showed to decrease slightly viscosity compared with MP alone. Adding the TM or PB protein powder did not affect the pork MP's hydrophobicity and sulfhydryl group levels. Furthermore, the protein bands of the MP did not change with the type or amount of insect salt-soluble protein. The cooking yields of the pork MP gels containing PB or TM protein powder were higher than those without insect protein. Regardless of the type of insect salt-soluble protein added, the pork MP's gel strength decreased. Furthermore, as the level of insect powder increased, the surface protein structure became rough and porous. The results demonstrated that proteins extracted from PB and TM larvae interfered with the gelation of pork MP in a gel system.

Effect of gamma-ray and electron-beam irradiation on the structural changes and functional properties of edible insect proteins from Protaetia brevitarsis larvae

Edible insects are regarded as future food sources to replace traditional livestock proteins. However, insect proteins have poor processing properties owing to various structural limitations. We investigated the structure of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae proteins modified by irradiation, and analyzed their resulting processing abilities. Following irradiation with gamma rays and electron beams, the ratio of parallel β-sheets to β-turns changed significantly, and changes in the tertiary protein structures were also confirmed. The polydispersity indices of the proteins remained relatively constant following irradiation, although the zeta potential and mean diameter changed. Furthermore, the pH, protein solubility, surface hydrophobicity, foaming capacity, and emulsion stability were higher than those of the control, whereas the viscosity and foaming stability were lower. Thus, gamma ray and electron beam irradiation clearly lead to changes in the structures of edible insect proteins and improves their processing properties, promoting the industrial utilization of such proteins in the food industry.

Protein-rich fraction of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae induce maturation of dendritic cells and Th1-polarization: A promising adjuvant for anticancer therapy

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential anticancer immunostimulatory properties of a protein-rich fraction obtained from larvae of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (PBLP), a highly nutritious edible insect, in CT-26 colon carcinoma-bearing mice. The most abundant essential amino acids (EAA) in PBLP were Val, Ile, and Leu, while the most abundant non-EAA were Pro, Glu, and Gly. PBLP increased the production of Th1-polarized cytokines and the phenotypic maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). PBLP-treated BMDCs stimulated naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to produce IFN-γ and IL-2 but not IL-5. Significantly, dietary PBLP restored CD86 and MHC-I expression in splenic DCs, and also increased TNF-α+IL-2+IFN-γ+CD107+ polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleen, thereby inhibiting tumor growth in CT-26 tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, PBLP synchronizes DCs and T cells for anticancer immunity, suggesting that it could serve as a potential adjuvant or supplement for cancer treatment.

Protaetia Brevitarsis-Derived Protein Hydrolysate Reduces Obesity-Related Colitis Induced by High-Fat Diet in Mice through Anti-Inflammatory Pathways.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation in the mucosal and submucosal layers of the colon. Obesity is closely related to the occurrence and progression of colitis. The most plausible mechanism linking obesity and colitis is an excessive adipogenesis-related inflammatory response, which causes mucosal dysfunction. Obesity and colitis are linked by several etiologic mechanisms, including excessive adipogenesis, lipotoxicity, pro-inflammatory adipokines/cytokines, macrophage polarization, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and gut microbiota. These low-grade enteric inflammations cause mucosal layer damage, especially goblet cell dysfunction through mucin 2 (MUC2) misfolding, ultimately leading to colitis. Inhibiting the inflammatory response can be the most effective approach for treating obesity-related colitis. We focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenols in Protaectia brevitas larvae. The P. brevitas was prepared as a low molecular protein hydrolysate (PHPB) to increase the concentration of anti-inflammatory molecules. In the current study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of PHPB in an obesity-induced colitis mouse model. Compared with the high-fat diet (HFD) group, the group treated with PHPB exhibited reduced body/organ/fat weight, appetite/food intake inhibition, hypolipidemic effect on ectopic fat, and anti-adipogenic mechanism through the AMPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, we observed attenuated expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα, inhibition of pro-inflammatory molecules, stimulation of anti-inflammatory molecules, probiotic-like effect against obesogenic gut microbiota, inhibition of macrophage polarization into M1, suppression of oxidative/ER stress, and reduction of Muc2 protein misfolding in colon. These diverse anti-inflammatory responses caused histological and functional recovery of goblet cells, eventually improving colitis. Therefore, our findings suggest that the protein hydrolysate of Protaetia brevitarsis can improve obesity-related colitis through its anti-inflammatory activities.

Aqueous extract of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae increases mTOR-mediated growth rate in zebrafish larvae

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of Protaetia brevitarsis (AEPB) on the growth of zebrafish and preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. Methods: The effects of AEPB on the linear growth and the expression of growth-related genes in zebrafish and MC3T3-E1 cells were assessed using various molecular techniques. Furthermore, the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in AEPB-induced growth was investigated by employing the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Results: AEPB administration led to a significant and dose-dependent increase in zebrafish larvae growth over time. Additionally, AEPB treatment upregulated the expression of growth hormone-1 (GH-1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), growth hormone receptor-1 (GHR-1), and cholecystokinin-a (CCKA) in zebrafish. Similarly, AEPB stimulated the expression and release of IGF-1 and accelerated mTOR expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, rapamycin hindered AEPB-induced linear growth in zebrafish larvae and suppressed the expression of growth-promoting genes by inhibiting mTOR activation. Conclusions: AEPB shows growth-promoting effects by upregulating growth-related genes and activating the mTOR signaling pathway. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action and explore its potential application in the development of growth-enhancing supplements for various purposes.

Protaetia brevitarsis Extract Attenuates RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Inhibiting the JNK/NF-κB/PLCγ2 Signaling Pathway.

Protaetia brevitarsis (PB)-derived bioactive substances have been used as food and medicine in many Asian countries because of their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and hepatoprotective properties. However, the effect of PB extracts (PBE) on osteoclast differentiation is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of PBE on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). To investigate the cytotoxicity of PBE, the viability of BMMs was confirmed via MTT assay. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and pit assays were performed to confirm the inhibitory effect of PBE on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The expression levels of osteoclast differentiation-related genes and proteins were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. PBE attenuated osteoclastogenesis in BMMs in TRAP and pit assays without cytotoxicity. The expression levels of osteoclast marker genes and proteins induced by RANKL were decreased after PBE treatment. PBE suppressed osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the RANKL-induced activated JNK/NF-κB/PLCγ2 signaling pathway and the expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos. Collectively, these results suggest that PBE could be a potential therapeutic strategy or functional product for osteoclast-related bone disease.