Microplastic (MPs) pollution has emerged as a global ecological concern, however, the impact of MPs exposure, particularly in conjunction with other pollutants such as glyphosate (GLY) on honey bee remains unknown. This study investigated the effects of exposure to different concentrations of MPs and their combination with GLY on honey bee larvae development, or during the larvae period, regulation of major detoxification, antioxidant and immune genes, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Results revealed that combined exposure to MPs and GLY decreased larvae survivorship and weight, while exposure to MPs alone showed no significant differences. Both MPs and GLY alone downregulated the defensin-1 gene, but only combined exposure with GLY downregulated the hymenoptaecin gene and increased catalase enzyme activity. The data suggest a synergistic effect of MPs and GLY, leading to immunosuppression and reduced larvae survival and weight. These findings highlight potential risks of two prevalent environmental pollutants on honey bee health.

中文翻译：

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微塑料和草甘膦对蜜蜂幼虫的协同作用


微塑料 （MP） 污染已成为全球生态问题，然而，微塑料 （MP） 暴露的影响，特别是与草甘膦 （GLY） 等其他污染物一起对蜜蜂的影响仍然未知。本研究调查了暴露于不同浓度的 MPs 及其与 GLY 的组合对蜜蜂幼虫发育的影响，或在幼虫时期、主要解毒、抗氧化和免疫基因以及氧化应激生物标志物的调节。结果显示，MPS 和 GLY 的联合暴露降低了幼虫的存活率和体重，而单独暴露于 MP 没有显示出显着差异。MPS 和 GLY 单独下调防御素 1 基因，但仅与 GLY 联合暴露下调膜膜翅素基因并增加过氧化氢酶活性。数据表明 MPS 和 GLY 具有协同作用，导致免疫抑制并降低幼虫存活率和体重。这些发现强调了两种普遍的环境污染物对蜜蜂健康的潜在风险。