Honeybees (Apis mellifera) toxicology and detoxification mechanisms

The critical role of honeybees in pollination underscores their importance in sustaining global food production systems. Recent trends indicating a decline in honeybee populations have raised concerns, particularly in relation to their exposure to a range of xenobiotics. This review synthesizes existing research on the exposure of honeybees to various toxicants, including pesticides, antibiotics, environmental pollutants, and trace elements. It provides a detailed analysis of the acute and chronic toxic effects of these substances on individual bees, the queen, the brood, and, by extension, the entire colony. Emphasis is placed on the methodologies employed in toxicity testing and the resultant toxicological profiles, highlighting the risks associated with these exposures. This review also explores the underlying mechanisms of toxicity and delineates the complex detoxification strategies honeybees deploy against these xenobiotics. It is observed that susceptibility to these substances varies, with certain pesticides, antibiotics, and heavy metals demonstrating pronounced toxicity. The metabolic pathways involving detoxifying enzymes and the role of beeswax as a sequestration mechanism are discussed, noting the potential for chronic exposure risks.