Effect of boric acid on antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, and ultrastructure of midgut and fat body of Galleria mellonella

Cell Biol Toxicol. 2013 Apr;29(2):117-29. doi: 10.1007/s10565-013-9240-7. Epub 2013 Mar 9.

Abstract

Boric acid is widely used as an insecticide, acaricide, herbicide, and fungicide and also during various industrial processings. Hence, numerous populations are subjects to this toxic compound. Its action on animals is still not fully known and understood. We examined the effect of boric acid on larvae of greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella). The chemical appeared to be toxic for larvae, usually in a concentration-dependent manner. Exposed groups revealed increased lipid peroxidation and altered activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase. We also observed changes of ultrastructure, which were in tune with biochemical assays. We suggest that boric acid has a broad mode of action, which may affect exposed larvae, and even if sublethal, they may lead to disturbances within exposed populations.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Boric Acids / pharmacology*
  • Boric Acids / toxicity
  • Catalase / metabolism
  • Fat Body / enzymology
  • Fat Body / metabolism
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / metabolism
  • Glutathione Transferase / metabolism
  • Insecticides / pharmacology*
  • Larva / enzymology
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects*
  • Moths / drug effects*
  • Moths / enzymology
  • Moths / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Boric Acids
  • Insecticides
  • Catalase
  • Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • boric acid