Metabolomic analysis of honey bees (Apis mellifera) response to carbendazim based on UPLC-MS

• Published in: Pesticide biochemistry and physiology 2021-11, Vol.179, p.104975-104975, Article 104975
• Main Authors: Chen, Heng, Wang, Kang, Ji, Wenna, Xu, Hao, Liu, Yibing, Wang, Shuang, Wang, Zhi, Gao, Fuchao, Lin, Zheguang, Ji, Ting
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbendazim; Fungicide; Honey bee; Metabolomics
• ISSN: 0048-3575; 1095-9939
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104975

Pesticides are one of the main causes of colony losses globally, posing a huge threat to the beekeeping industry. The fungicide carbendazim is commonly used on many crops worldwide, but the effects of fungicides on honey bees have received less attention than those of insecticides. Previous studies have shown that sublethal doses of carbendazim hinder growth and development and may destabilize and impede the development of honey bee colonies. The metabolome closely reflects brain activity at the functional level, allowing the effects of compounds such as fungicides to be investigated. Here, we established a model of carbendazim-treated honey bees, Apis mellifera, and used metabolomic approaches to better understand the effect of carbendazim on bee metabolic profiles. The results showed that 112 metabolites were significantly affected in carbendazim-treated bees compared to the control. Metabolites associated with energy and amino acid metabolism showed high abundance and were enriched for a wide range of pathways. In addition, the down-regulation of Aflatoxin B1exo-8,9-epoxide-GSH and glycerol diphosphate showed that carbenazim may affect the detoxification and immune system of honey bees. These results provide new insights into the interaction between fungicides and honey bees. [Display omitted] •The effect of carbendazim on honey bees is investigated through metabolomics.•112 metabolites are significantly affected by the fungicide in infected honey bees.•Metabolites associated with energy and amino acid metabolism were highly affected.•Honey bees appear to activate their detoxification system to deal with carbendazim.