The effect of amphotericin B on the lifespan, body-surface protein concentrations, and DNA methylation levels of honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Abstract

Three groups of caged bees were fed with sugar syrup (the control), sugar syrup supplemented with amphotericin B (AmB) in a dose of 0.5 mg/ml, and sugar syrup with AmB in a dose of 0.25 mg/ ml. Amphotericin B shortened the life span of the bees and reduced the level of global DNA methylation compared to the control, however, it increased the body-surface protein concentrations. In the hindguts of the bees, there were found AmB deposits. Honeybees appear to be a useful model for studying the side effects of anti-fungal AmB therapy. Among other things, epigenetic changes and senescence acceleration are considered to be the side effects of the therapy.