Long-term photodynamic exposure as an oxidative stress disease model in D. melanogaster

ABSTRACT: Accurate and effective study of human diseases is often improved by the utilization of animal models to increase subject count and avoid human risk. Additionally, animal disease models offer advantages of speed, quantity, and reproducibility. Diseases influenced by increased oxidative stress range from cardiovascular disease to the complex processes of aging. To hasten the study of these oxidative diseases, long-term photodynamic exposure (PDE) is proposed as an oxidative stress disease model in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). PDE is utilized to induce excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in vivo through the consumption of the photosensitizer methylene blue (MB) mixed with standard Drosophila media. ROS causes biological damage through oxidative stress (OS) and is hypothesized to accelerate systemic decline, reducing lifespan and locomotion efficacy. Results show a reduction of mean lifespan by 73% in the 100 μM MB PDE group, and 90% in the 1 mM MB group. Startle-induced negative geotaxis (SING) was used to evaluate locomotion efficacy. Average SING scores decline drastically and showed consistent impairment 86% sooner in the 100 μM MB PDE group. Brain vacuole volumes were evaluated by confocal fluorescence microscopy, noting a doubled volume in the PDE group. Finally, mRNA sequencing revealed significant differential expression of genes related to stress and immune responses. These results are biologically significant and qualify long-term PDE in Drosophila as an experimentally amenable animal model of stress. This serves a role in hastening development of prevention and treatment in age-related diseases.

ORGANISM(S): Drosophila melanogaster

PROVIDER: GSE255743 | GEO | 2026/08/01

REPOSITORIES: GEO