Ambivalent Roles of Oxidative Stress in Triangular Relationships among Arthropod Vectors, Pathogens and Hosts

Abstract

Blood-feeding arthropods, particularly ticks and mosquitoes are considered the most important vectors of arthropod-borne diseases affecting humans and animals. While feeding on blood meals, arthropods are exposed to high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) since heme and other blood components can induce oxidative stress. Different ROS have important roles in interactions among the pathogens, vectors, and hosts. ROS influence various metabolic processes of the arthropods and some have detrimental effects. In this review, we investigate the various roles of ROS in these arthropods, including their innate immunity and the homeostasis of their microbiomes, that is, how ROS are utilized to maintain the balance between the natural microbiota and potential pathogens. We elucidate the mechanism of how ROS are utilized to fight off invading pathogens and how the arthropod-borne pathogens use the arthropods’ antioxidant mechanism to defend against these ROS attacks and their possible impact on their vector potentials or their ability to acquire and transmit pathogens. In addition, we describe the possible roles of ROS in chemical insecticide/acaricide activity and/or in the development of resistance. Overall, this underscores the importance of the antioxidant system as a potential target for the control of arthropod and arthropod-borne pathogens.

Acaricidal, larvacidal, and repellent activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles against Hyalomma dromedarii

“…It has been proven that ticks during blood meals are displayed significant amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) because of presence of some blood elements which can provoke oxidative stress and subsequently damage ticks (Hernandez at al., 2022). A normal harmony amongst production of ROS production (oxidative stress) and its deactivation (antioxidant) strengthens survival and ticks abilities and inhibits the effects of acaricidal agents.…”

“…A normal harmony amongst production of ROS production (oxidative stress) and its deactivation (antioxidant) strengthens survival and ticks abilities and inhibits the effects of acaricidal agents. Thus, a potent acaricidal agent by disturbing this balance through decreasing the antioxidant activities and increasing oxidative stress can cause serious damage to the critical organisms of ticks (Hernandez at al., 2022). We found that after the exposure of H. dromedarii larvae to SNP, especially at ½ LC50 and LC50, markedly (p<0.001) increased the MDA level; on the other hand, (p<0.001) declined the level of GST in H. dromedarii larvae (Figure 5).…”

Toxicological and physiological activity of lemongrass and peppermint essential oils on life-table parameters of Oligonychus mangiferus and its predatory mite, Cydnoseius negevi

“…Additionally, antioxidant defense is crucial in combating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protecting the cell from oxidative damage caused by ROS (Hernandez et al 2022).…”