Research Article

The Biochemical and Genotoxic Effects of Vitamin D3 on Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae

Volume: 29 Number: 1 January 1, 2026
TR EN

The Biochemical and Genotoxic Effects of Vitamin D3 on Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae

Abstract

Vitamin D3 (VD3) is an important compound that is widely used worldwide nutritional and hormonal functioning. VD3 at high dietary concentrations has been hypothesized to have adverse effects in insects. In this study, to test this hypothesis, VD3 was incorporated into the artificial diet of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1% (g, 100 g). The 1st instar larvae of G. mellonella were reared on an artificial diet containing VD3 until they reached the 7th stage in laboratory conditions. The effects of VD3 on malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) levels, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP450) enzyme activities in the 7th instar larvae of the insect were investigated. Also, the genotoxic effect of VD3 on the larvae was examined. Larval MDA content was significantly increased 1.5-fold in the 1% VD3. PCO content in larvae was significantly decreased at the 0.1% concentration of VD3. Compared with control, GST enzyme activity was increased approximately 2-fold at the highest VD3 concentration. Also, at the same concentration, CYP450 enzyme activity in larvae decreased. Furthermore, VD3 significantly increased DNA damage. Tail length significantly increased up to approximately 13-fold in a dose-dependent manner with VD3 concentrations. Similar to tail length, tail DNA percentage and tail moment levels were also significantly increased compared to control. The findings of this study may contribute to the potential use of VD3 in the control of pest insects due to its possible effects.

Keywords

Thanks

The author thank Prof. Dr. Ender Büyükgüzel (Z.B.E. University, Zonguldak, Türkiye) for helpful advice and comments.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Entomology , Animal Physiology-Ecophysiology , Pesticides and Toxicology

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

October 18, 2025

Publication Date

January 1, 2026

Submission Date

June 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 18, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 29 Number: 1

APA
Çelik, C. (2026). The Biochemical and Genotoxic Effects of Vitamin D3 on Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım Ve Doğa Dergisi, 29(1), 156-169. https://doi.org/10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.1729010


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