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<p>Natural zeolites have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for stored-grain protection. However, the molecular basis of their insecticidal activity remains largely unexplored. This study investigated whether natural Cuban zeolite triggers oxidative and dicarbonyl stress in <i>Sitophilus granarius</i>, thereby contributing to insect mortality through mechanisms that extend beyond its well-established dehydration effect. To this aim, <i>S. granarius</i> adults were exposed for up to 21&#xa0;days to wheat treated with zeolite at 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0&#xa0;kg/t. Mortality, levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidised (GSSG) glutathione, and activities of key enzymes involved in antioxidant defence (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidases, and glutathione S-transferase), dicarbonyl stress detoxification (glyoxalase I) and neurotransmission (acetylcholinesterase) were assessed at specific time points (3, 7, 14, and 21&#xa0;days). Zeolite caused significant dose- and time-dependent mortality, with effects becoming significant at concentrations ≥ 0.25&#xa0;kg/t. Interestingly, after 7&#xa0;days, zeolite induced a marked dose-dependent reduction in the GSH/GSSG ratio (up to 90%), accompanied by increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (up to 2.2-fold for glutathione S-transferase) and glyoxalase I (up to 1.5-fold), but not acetylcholinesterase. These findings show that zeolite may exert insecticidal effects by triggering oxidative and dicarbonyl stress, without impairing neurotransmission. Moreover, the first evidence in insects of a protective role of glyoxalase I against zeolite-induced dicarbonyl stress is provided. Overall, this study offers new mechanistic insights into the potential of natural zeolite as a sustainable grain protectant.</p>

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First insights into the insecticidal mechanism of natural zeolite against Sitophilus granarius: effects on the antioxidant defence system and glyoxalase pathway

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月5日

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  • Maura N. Laus,
  • Mario Soccio,
  • Ilaria D’Isita,
  • Federica Lo Muzio,
  • Giorgia Castagnaro,
  • Onofrio M. Pistillo,
  • Gianluca Paventi,
  • Giacinto S. Germinara

摘要

Natural zeolites have emerged as promising eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for stored-grain protection. However, the molecular basis of their insecticidal activity remains largely unexplored. This study investigated whether natural Cuban zeolite triggers oxidative and dicarbonyl stress in Sitophilus granarius, thereby contributing to insect mortality through mechanisms that extend beyond its well-established dehydration effect. To this aim, S. granarius adults were exposed for up to 21 days to wheat treated with zeolite at 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 kg/t. Mortality, levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidised (GSSG) glutathione, and activities of key enzymes involved in antioxidant defence (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidases, and glutathione S-transferase), dicarbonyl stress detoxification (glyoxalase I) and neurotransmission (acetylcholinesterase) were assessed at specific time points (3, 7, 14, and 21 days). Zeolite caused significant dose- and time-dependent mortality, with effects becoming significant at concentrations ≥ 0.25 kg/t. Interestingly, after 7 days, zeolite induced a marked dose-dependent reduction in the GSH/GSSG ratio (up to 90%), accompanied by increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (up to 2.2-fold for glutathione S-transferase) and glyoxalase I (up to 1.5-fold), but not acetylcholinesterase. These findings show that zeolite may exert insecticidal effects by triggering oxidative and dicarbonyl stress, without impairing neurotransmission. Moreover, the first evidence in insects of a protective role of glyoxalase I against zeolite-induced dicarbonyl stress is provided. Overall, this study offers new mechanistic insights into the potential of natural zeolite as a sustainable grain protectant.