Effects of Cu, Zn and mixtures on antioxidant enzyme activities in Galleria mellonella L. (lepidoptera: pyralidae) larvae

Toxic effects of Zn (30 mg / L) and Cu(10mg / L) applied singly and in mixture were investigated of CAT, SOD and GPx antioxidant enzyme activities in midgut and fat body of greater wax moth G. mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae mellonella larvae. In Cu, Zn and Cu+Zn applications, significant changes were statistically observed in the antioxidant enzyme activities of the midgut and fat body of G. mellonella larvae. Compared to control, CAT activity in copper-exposed larvae increased in fat body, whereas SOD and GPx enzyme activities of other treatment groups decreased. CAT activity in midgut was increased only in Cu group. Compared to control, SOD activity increased in the midgut of copper and zinc exposed larvae, whereas GPx activity decreased. In the mixture group, CAT, SOD and GPx enzyme activities of both tissues were decreased. G.mellonella larvae showed to induce oxidative stress in midgut and fat body tissue.