In vivo and in silico evaluation of the toxicological and biochemical effects of Cd 4-formylbenzoate pyrazine complex on Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

Environmental pollution resulting from the use of insecticides in conventional pest control necessitates the exploration of novel chemical compounds with reduced toxicity. In this study, the Cd 4-formylbenzoate pyrazine complex was initially investigated in silico to assess its interaction with the juvenile hormone of Galleria mellonella. The binding affinity of the complex to the juvenile hormone was determined to be −8.1 kcal/mol. Based on the strong binding affinity observed in the in silico analysis, the biochemical effects of the complex on G. mellonella hemolymph were further evaluated in vivo. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, which are key enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism in the exposed samples. Furthermore, cellular damage was observed in the hemolymph following exposure to the complex. Additionally, crucial metabolic enzymes, including lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, and amylase, were adversely affected. Collectively, these findings indicate that the Cd 4-formylbenzoate pyrazine complex exerts toxic effects on the model pest G. mellonella.