In Vivo and In Silico Determination of Toxicological Effects of Midazolam on Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as a Model Organism

Sugeçti S., KEPEKÇİ A. B.

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, cilt.115, sa.4, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 115 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00128-025-04116-8
  • Dergi Adı: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Greenfile, INSPEC, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Galleria mellonella, In silico, Midazolam, Non-enzymatic antioxidants, Pharmaceutical pollution
  • İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The widespread presence of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment raises increasing concerns about their ecological impacts, particularly on non-target organisms. This study investigates the biochemical and physiological effects of midazolam, a clinically used benzodiazepine, on Galleria mellonella larvae as a model organism. In this study, the effects of dietary midazolam on metabolic enzyme activity, biochemical parameters and antioxidant levels in G.mellonella were determined. Results indicated significant alterations in enzyme levels, including increased levels of aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, suggesting cellular damage. In addition, the levels of energy metabolism regulators such as creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase and amylase changed due to the oxidative effect of midazolam. Additionally, antioxidant levels, including albumin, uric acid and bilirubin were altered, indicating a response to oxidative stress. Molecular docking studies revealed a strong interaction between midazolam with juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone hormone binding proteins, suggesting potential disruption of the endocrine system. These findings contribute to understanding the potential ecological risks posed by environmental contamination with neuroactive pharmaceuticals like midazolam.