Review of molecular and biochemical responses during stress induced stimulation and hormesis in insects

The biphasic hormetic response to stress, defined by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition is frequently observed in insects. Various molecular and biochemical responses associated with hormesis in insects have been reported in many studies, but no synthesis of all these findings has been undertaken. We conducted a systematic literature review, analyzing papers demonstrating phenotypic stimulatory effect(s) following exposure to stress where molecular or biochemical response(s) were also examined. Responses observed included stimulation of reproduction, survival and longevity, growth and development, and tolerance to temperature, chemical, or starvation and desiccation, in response to stressors including pesticides, oxidative stress, temperature, crowding and starvation, and radiation. Phenotypic stimulation ranged from <25% increased above controls to >100%. Reproductive stimulation was frequently <25% increased above controls, while stimulated temperature tolerance was frequently >100% increased. Molecular and biochemical responses had obvious direct connections to phenotypic responses in many cases, although not in all instances. Increased expression of heat shock proteins occurred in association with stimulated temperature tolerance, and increased expression of detoxification genes with stimulated pesticide or chemical tolerance, but also stimulated reproduction. Changes in the expression or activity of antioxidants were frequently associated with stimulation of longevity and reproduction. Stress induced changes in vitellogenin and juvenile hormone and genes in the IIS/TOR signalling pathway - which are directly responsible for regulating growth, development, and reproduction - were also reported. Our analysis showed that coordination of expression of genes or proteins associated with protection from oxidative stress and DNA and protein damage is important in the hormetic responses of insects.