Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKISH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL SCIENCE, cilt.10, sa.2, ss.457-464, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
Zebularin (ZEB) reactivates hypermethylated genes in cancer and cyst cells with DNA methyltransferases
that demonstrate a selective effect in cancer cells. With this influence, ZEB is commonly preferred as a DNA
methylation inhibitor. Its physiological similarities with mammalian models have led to its widespread use in
immunological studies of Galleria mellonella larvae. In the present study, the influence of different
concentrations (0.25-32 mg ml-1
) of ZEB on antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation in G. mellonella
last instar larvae were analyzed. There was no alteration in catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)
activities in G. mellonella larvae after ZEB injection compared to the control group. However, it was observed
that superoxide dioxidase (SOD) activity declined at doses of 1 ppm and above. The amount of
malondialdehyde (MDA) which occurs as a result of lipid peroxidation increased at doses of 16 ppm and above.
Two explanations for these results can be predicted: either the change in enzyme activities is due to high
oxidative stress or ZEB treatment inhibits DNA methylation and reduces genetic control over enzyme activity.
According to our results, ZEB treatment weakens antioxidant defense in G. mellonella larvae. Accordingly, ZEB
seems to be a suitable candidate for Integrated Pest Management programs.