This study examined the expression and role of vitellogenin (Vg) in the body of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus (Heteroptera, Insecta) during infection elicited by two entomopathogenic organisms, the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and the fungus Isaria fumosorosea Infection by S. carpocapsae significantly upregulated Vg mRNA expression in the male body. The corresponding increase in Vg protein expression was also confirmed by electrophoretic and immunoblotting analyses. Remarkably, in females, the opposite tendency was noted. Nematodal infection significantly reduced both Vg mRNA and Vg protein expression levels in fat body and hemolymph, respectively. We speculate that infection of reproductive females reduces Vg expression to a level that is still sufficient for defense, but is insufficient for reproduction. This circumstance reduces energy expenditure and helps the individual to cope with the infection. Importantly, purified Vg significantly inhibited growth of Xenorhabdus spp., an entomotoxic bacteria isolated from S. carpocapsae. However, the effect of Vg against I. fumosorosea was not so obvious. The fungus significantly stimulated Vg gene expression in males; however, a similar increase was not recapitulated at the protein level. Nevertheless, in females, both mRNA and protein Vg levels were significantly reduced after the fungal infection. The obtained data demonstrate that Vg is probably an important defense protein, possibly with a specific activity. This considerably expands the known spectrum of Vg functions, as its primary role was thought to be limited to regulating egg development in the female body.

• Klíčová slova
• Antibacterial activity, Antifungal activity, Entomopathogenic fungus, Entomopathogenic nematode, Immunity, Yolk protein,
• MeSH
• exprese genu MeSH
• Heteroptera genetika   metabolismus   mikrobiologie   parazitologie   MeSH
• hmyzí proteiny genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Hypocreales fyziologie   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a parazita MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• Rhabditida fyziologie   MeSH
• vitelogeniny genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• hmyzí proteiny MeSH
• vitelogeniny MeSH

OBJECTIVES: A controlled laboratory study was carried out to quantify vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations in a common cyprinid freshwater fish, the chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.), exposed to steroid hormones. DESIGN: The effect of 17betaestradiol, testosterone and testosterone-estradiol mixture was investigated on vitellogenin induction. Gonad status was also determined. RESULTS: Oral exposure to estradiol and a testosterone-estradiol mixture increased (p < 0.01) blood plasma concentrations of VTG in blood plasma of both sexes. The testosterone-estradiol mixture had a negative effect on the investigated chub gonads. The effects were signified by histological changes when compared to control fish. CONCLUSION: Our results showed a significant VTG increase in blood plasma of both sexes, indicating that vitellogenic response in the chub is sensitive to steroid hormones.

• MeSH
• Cyprinidae krev   fyziologie   MeSH
• endokrinní disruptory toxicita   MeSH
• estradiol toxicita   MeSH
• oocyty účinky léků   fyziologie   MeSH
• ovarium účinky léků   fyziologie   MeSH
• pohlavní dimorfismus MeSH
• testis účinky léků   fyziologie   MeSH
• testosteron toxicita   MeSH
• vitelogeniny krev   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• endokrinní disruptory MeSH
• estradiol MeSH
• testosteron MeSH
• vitelogeniny MeSH

The in vitro estrogen receptor (ER) reporter gene assay has long been used to measure estrogenic activity in wastewater. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the assay represents net estrogenic activity in the balance between estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities in wastewater. However, it remained unclear whether the net estrogenic activity measured by the in vitro ERα reporter gene assay can predict the in vivo estrogenic effect of wastewater. To determine this, we measured the following: estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities of wastewater and reclaimed water by the in vitro ERα reporter gene assay, expression of vitellogenin-1 (vtg1) and choriogenin-H (chgH) in male medaka (Oryzias latipes) by quantitative real-time PCR, and estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol, and 17α-ethynylestradiol concentrations chemically to predict estrogenic activity. The net estrogenic activity measured by the in vitro medaka ERα reporter gene assay predicted the in vivo vtg1/chgH expression in male medaka more accurately than the concentrations of estrogens. These results also mean that in vivo vtg1/chgH expression in male medaka is determined by the balance between estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities. The in vitro medaka ERα reporter gene assay also predicted in vivo vtg1/chgH expression on male medaka better than the human ERα reporter gene assay.

• MeSH
• alfa receptor estrogenů analýza   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• biotest metody   MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu analýza   chemie   toxicita   MeSH
• estrogeny analýza   chemie   toxicita   MeSH
• exprese genu účinky léků   MeSH
• Oryzias MeSH
• vitelogeniny analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• alfa receptor estrogenů MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
• estrogeny MeSH
• vitelogeniny MeSH

The effects of 17 beta-estradiol (E(2)) and testosterone (T) singly and in combination were tested on juvenile chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.). Vitellogenin (VTG) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) were determined by ELISA in whole body homogenates and the gonads were examined histologically. Testosterone and estradiol, in combination, significantly increased whole body VTG (p < 0.01), but not 11-KT, compared to controls and the T treated groups. The only intersex observed (1/80) was in the combined treatment group. We suggest that VTG measured in whole body homogenates could be used to determine the effects of exogenous steroids in juvenile chub.

• MeSH
• Cyprinidae růst a vývoj   metabolismus   MeSH
• ELISA MeSH
• endokrinní disruptory toxicita   MeSH
• estradiol toxicita   MeSH
• poměr pohlaví MeSH
• sexuální diferenciace účinky léků   MeSH
• testosteron analogy a deriváty   metabolismus   toxicita   MeSH
• vitelogeniny metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• 11-ketotestosterone MeSH Prohlížeč
• endokrinní disruptory MeSH
• estradiol MeSH
• testosteron MeSH
• vitelogeniny MeSH

Insect vitellogenins are an intriguing class of complex proteins. They primarily serve as a source of energy for the developing embryo in insect eggs. Vitellogenesis is a complex hormonally and neurally controlled process that command synthesis of vitellogenin molecules and ensures their transport from the female fat bodies or ovarial cells into eggs. The representatives of all insect hormones such as juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and neurohormones participate in vitellogenesis, but juvenile hormones (most insect species) and ecdysteroids (mostly Diptera) play the most important roles in the process. Strikingly, not only insect females, but also males have been reported to synthesize vitellogenins indicating their further utility in the insect body. Indeed, it has recently been found that vitellogenins perform a variety of biological functions in the insect body. They participate in defense reactions against entomopathogens such as nematodes, fungi, and bacteria, as well as against venoms such as the honeybee Apis mellifera venom. Interestingly, vitellogenins are also present in the venom of the honeybee itself, albeit their exact role is unknown; they most likely increase the efficacy of the venom in the victim's body. Within the bee's body vitellogenins contribute to the lifespan regulation as anti-aging factor acting under tight social interactions and hormonal control. The current minireview covers all of these functions of vitellogenins and portrays them as biologically active substances that play a variety of significant roles in both insect females and males, and not only acting as passive energy sources for developing embryo.

• MeSH
• ekdysteroidy * metabolismus   MeSH
• hmyz metabolismus   MeSH
• juvenilní hormony metabolismus   MeSH
• ovarium metabolismus   MeSH
• vitelogeniny * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• ekdysteroidy * MeSH
• juvenilní hormony MeSH
• vitelogeniny * MeSH

The effects of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae on the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) Leptinotarsa decemlineata and the involvement of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in the responsive reactions were examined in this study. It was observed that nematode application doubled the amount of AKH (Peram-CAH-I and Peram-CAH-II) in the central nervous system of L. decemlineata, indicating mobilization of anti-stress reactions in the body. Furthermore, the external co-application of Peram-CAH-II with the nematode significantly increased beetle mortality (5.6 and 1.8 times, 1 and 2 days after application, respectively). The mechanism underlying this phenomenon was investigated. As the effect on gut characteristics was equivocal, it was assumed that the nematodes profited from the observed mobilization of metabolites from the fat body into the Peram-CAH-II-induced hemolymph. This phenomenon supplied nematodes with a more nutrient-dense substrate on which they propagated. Furthermore, Peram-CAH-II lowered vitellogenin expression in the fat body, particularly in males, thus limiting the anti-pathogen defense capacity of the protein. However, there could be other possible mechanisms underpinning this chain of events. The findings could be theoretically intriguing but could also aid in developing real insect pest control methods in the future.

• Klíčová slova
• AKH, Metabolism, Mortality, Nutrients, Vitellogenin,
• MeSH
• brouci * MeSH
• hmyzí hormony MeSH
• kyselina pyrrolidonkarboxylová analogy a deriváty   MeSH
• oligopeptidy MeSH
• Rhabditida * fyziologie   MeSH
• Solanum tuberosum * MeSH
• vitelogeniny MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• adipokinetic hormone MeSH Prohlížeč
• hmyzí hormony MeSH
• kyselina pyrrolidonkarboxylová MeSH
• oligopeptidy MeSH
• vitelogeniny MeSH

Worker honey bees are subject to biochemical and physiological changes throughout the year. This study aimed to provide the reasons behind these fluctuations. The markers analysed included lipid, carbohydrate, and protein levels in the haemolymph; the activity of digestive enzymes in the midgut; the levels of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in the bee central nervous system; the levels of vitellogenins in the bee venom and haemolymph; and the levels of melittin in the venom. The levels of all the main nutrients in the haemolymph peaked mostly within the period of maximal bee activity, whereas the activity of digestive enzymes mostly showed a two-peak course. Furthermore, the levels of AKHs fluctuated throughout the year, with modest but significant variations. These data suggest that the role of AKHs in bee energy metabolism is somewhat limited, and that bees rely more on available food and less on body deposits. Interestingly, the non-metabolic characteristics also fluctuated over the year. The vitellogenin peak reached its maximum in the haemolymph in winter, which is probably associated with the immunoprotection of long-lived winter bees. The analysis of bee venom showed the maximal levels of vitellogenin in autumn; however, it is not entirely clear why this is the case. Finally, melittin levels showed strong fluctuations, suggesting that seasonal control was unlikely.

• Klíčová slova
• Adipokinetic hormone, Metabolism, Seasonal fluctuations, Venom, Vitellogenin,
• MeSH
• biologické markery metabolismus   MeSH
• centrální nervový systém metabolismus   MeSH
• hemolymfa metabolismus   MeSH
• hmyzí hormony metabolismus   MeSH
• kyselina pyrrolidonkarboxylová analogy a deriváty   metabolismus   MeSH
• melitten metabolismus   MeSH
• oligopeptidy metabolismus   MeSH
• roční období * MeSH
• trávicí systém enzymologie   MeSH
• včelí jedy metabolismus   MeSH
• včely fyziologie   MeSH
• vitelogeniny metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• adipokinetic hormone MeSH Prohlížeč
• biologické markery MeSH
• hmyzí hormony MeSH
• kyselina pyrrolidonkarboxylová MeSH
• melitten MeSH
• oligopeptidy MeSH
• včelí jedy MeSH
• vitelogeniny MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Xenoestrogenic potential of propylparaben (PP), one of the most commonly used preservatives in drugs, cosmetics and food, was investigated in vivo using zebrafish (Danio rerio). METHODS: Juvenile zebrafish (20 days post hatching) were exposed to three different concentrations of propylparaben (PP) dissolved in ethanol and added into the water. After 20 days of exposure the fish were euthanized and vitellogenin concentrations in their whole body homogenates were measured by the method of direct sandwich ELISA. Simultaneously, vitellogenin concentrations in either fish from the control group (exposed to solvent without the substance tested) and in fish from the positive control group (exposed to natural estrogen 17beta-estradiol) were measured. RESULTS: Vitellogenin concentration in whole body homogenates of control fish was 400 (396-540) ng/ml(-1) (geometric mean (95% CI)). Zebrafish exposure to propylparaben at the concentrations of 0.1; 0.4 and 0.9 mg/l(-1) elicited statistically significant decline (P<0.001) of vitellogenin production, i.e. geometric means of vitellogenin concentrations in whole body homogenates were 240 (186-311); 218 (175-270) and 270 (234-311) ng/ml(-1), respectively. Conversely, the geometric mean of vitellogenin concentration in whole body homogenates of zebrafish exposed to 100 ng/ml(-1) of 17beta-estradiol (positive control) was significantly higher (P<0.001) than values in all other groups, i.e. 35,553 (16,860-74,968) ng/ml(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an antiestrogenic potential of propylparaben tested in vivo in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio). The estrogenic effect of 17beta-estradiol was confirmed.

• MeSH
• dánio pruhované * MeSH
• estrogeny toxicita   MeSH
• konzervační prostředky farmaceutické toxicita   MeSH
• parabeny toxicita   MeSH
• testy toxicity MeSH
• vitelogeniny analýza   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• hodnotící studie MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• estrogeny MeSH
• konzervační prostředky farmaceutické MeSH
• parabeny MeSH
• propylparaben MeSH Prohlížeč
• vitelogeniny MeSH

In the temperate climates of central Europe and North America, two distinct honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations are found in colonies: short-living summer bees emerge in spring and survive until summer, whereas long-living winter bees emerge in late August and overwinter. Besides the difference in their life spans, each of these populations fulfils a different role in the colonies and individual bees have distinct physiological and immunological adaptations depending on their roles. For instance, winter worker bees have higher vitellogenin levels and larger reserves of nutrients in the fat body than summer bees. The differences between the immune systems of both populations are well described at the constitutive level; however, our knowledge of its inducibility is still very limited. In this study, we focus on the response of 10-day-old honeybee workers to immune challenges triggered in vivo by injecting heat-killed bacteria, with particular focus on honeybees that emerge and live under hive conditions. Responses to bacterial injections differed between summer and winter bees. Winter bees exhibited a more intense response, including higher expression of antimicrobial genes and antimicrobial activity, as well as a significant decrease in vitellogenin gene expression and its concentration in the hemolymph. The intense immune response observed in winter honeybees may contribute to our understanding of the relationships between colony fitness and infection with pathogens, as well as its association with successful overwintering.

• Klíčová slova
• Antimicrobial peptides, Honeybee, Humoral immunity, Immune system, Longevity,
• MeSH
• imunita * MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• včely MeSH
• vitelogeniny * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH
• Severní Amerika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• vitelogeniny * MeSH

This study characterized changes in biomarker responses in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) upon exposure to effluent water discharged from a sewage treatment plant (STP) under real conditions. Fish were exposed to contamination in Cezarka pond, which receives all of its water input from the STP in the town of Vodnany, Czech Republic. Five sampling events were performed at day 0, 30, 90, 180, and 360 starting in April 2015. In total, 62 pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) were detected in the polar organic chemical integrative sampler. Compared to a control pond, the total concentration of PPCPs was 45, 16, 7, and 7 times higher in Cezarka pond at day 30, 90, 180, and 360, respectively. The result of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme biomarkers indicated alterations in the liver and intestine tissues of fish from Cezarka pond at day 30 and 360, respectively. High plasma vitellogenin levels were observed in both exposed females (180 and 360 days) and males (360 days) compared with their respective controls. However, only exposed female fish had higher vitellogenin mRNA expression than the control fish in these periods. Exposed female fish showed irregular structure of the ovary with scattered oocytes, which further developed to a vitellogenic stage at day 360. Low white blood cell levels were indicated in all exposed fish. Despite numerous alterations in exposed fish, favorable ecological conditions including high availability of food resulted in a better overall condition of the exposed fish after 1 year of exposure compared to the controls.

• Klíčová slova
• Biological effects, Biological pond, Endocrine disruption, Integrate biomarker response,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• kapři * MeSH
• odpadní vody MeSH
• vitelogeniny MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• odpadní vody MeSH
• vitelogeniny MeSH