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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Weed and Insect Biology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #411071
Research Project: Enhancing Pollinator Health and Availability Through Conservation of Genetic Diversity and Development of Novel Management Tools and Strategies

Location: Weed and Insect Biology Research

Title: Effects of age on oxidative stress and locomotion in the pollinator, Megachile rotundata

Author
item PITHAN, JACOB - North Dakota State University
item Rinehart, Joe
item GREENLEE, KENDRA - North Dakota State University
item LOPEZ-MARTINEZ, GIANCARLO - North Dakota State University

Submitted to: Current Research in Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/21/2024
Publication Date: 7/3/2024
Citation: Pithan, J.B., Rinehart, J.P., Greenlee, K.J., Lopez-Martinez, G. 2024. Effects of age on oxidative stress and locomotion in the pollinator, Megachile rotundata. Current Research in Insect Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104666.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104666

Interpretive Summary: Despite numerous aging studies, the relationship between oxidative stress, aging, and decline in functions such as locomotion is still debated. Insects offer a promising model for analyzing the relationship between oxidative stress and aging, because they exhibit vast differences in longevity that may be affected by the environment, social factors, and levels of activity. In this study, we explore the effects of aging on oxidative stress and locomotion using the pollinator, Megachile rotundata, an economical, agricultural and physiological relevant species. Across the lifespan of M. rotundata, we assessed changes in walking, flight, oxidative damage, and antioxidant defenses. Our results suggest that M. rotundata experience age-related declines in flight, but not walking. Additionally, we found that oxidative damage initially increases with age, but not to the levels we expected. Surprisingly, antioxidant capacity does not decline. Overall, these data show that M. rotundata, like some other organisms, does not follow the oxidative stress theory of aging and suggest that the oxidative stress theory of aging may be due for revision.

Technical Abstract: Despite numerous aging studies, the relationship between oxidative stress, aging, and decline in functions such as locomotion is still debated. Insects offer a promising model for analyzing the relationship between oxidative stress and aging, because they exhibit vast differences in longevity that may be affected by the environment, social factors, levels of activity, and aging interventions. In this study we explore the effects of aging on oxidative stress and locomotion using the pollinator, Megachile rotundata, a insect that experiences intense levels of activity throughout its adult life. Across the adult lifespan of M. rotundata we assessed changes in walking, flight, oxidative damage, and antioxidant defenses. Our results suggest that M. rotundata experience age-related declines in flight, but not walking. Additionally, we found that there is an initial increase oxidative damage with age, but antioxidant capacity does not decline. Overall, these data implicates that while M. rotundata does follow some fundamental aspects it is not a perfect prediction of the oxidative stress theory of aging.