Glyoxal and methylglyoxal formation in chocolate and their bioaccessibility.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of simulated digestion on the formation of α-dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) in chocolates. For that purpose, the concentrations of glyoxal and methylglyoxal in chocolates were determined through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis before and after in vitro digestion. The initial concentrations ranged from 0.0 and 228.2 µg/100 g, and 0.0 and 555.1 for glyoxal and methylglyoxal, respectively. Following digestion, there was a significant increase in both glyoxal and methylglyoxal levels, reaching up to 1804 % and 859 %, respectively. The findings indicate that digestive system conditions facilitate the formation of advanced glycation end product (AGE) precursors. Also, glyoxal and methylglyoxal levels were found to be low in chocolate samples containing dark chocolate. In contrast, they were found to be high in samples containing hazelnuts, almonds, pistache, and milk. Further studies should focus on α-DCs formation under digestive system conditions, including the colon, to determine the effects of gut microbiota.

Evaluation of changes in carbonyl stress markers with treatment in male patients with bipolar disorder manic episode: A controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Carbonyl stress, a metabolic state characterized by elevated production of reactive carbonyl compounds (RCCs), is closely related to oxidative stress and has been implicated in various diseases. This study aims to investigate carbonyl stress parameters in drug-free bipolar disorder (BD) patients compared to healthy controls, explore their relationship with clinical features, and assess the effect of treatment on these parameters. METHODS: Patients with a primary diagnosis of a manic episode of BD and healthy controls were recruited. Exclusion criteria included intellectual disability, presence of neurological diseases, chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, and clinical signs of inflammation. Levels of serum carbonyl stress parameters were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Levels of glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) did not differ between pre- and post-treatment patients, but malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased significantly post-treatment. Pre-treatment MGO and MDA levels were higher in patients compared to controls, and these differences persisted post-treatment. After adjusting for BMI and waist circumference, only MDA levels remained significantly higher in patients compared to controls. LIMITATIONS: The study's limitations include the exclusion of female patients, which precluded any assessment of potential gender differences, and the lack of analysis of the effect of specific mood stabilizers or antipsychotic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to focus on carbonyl stress markers in BD, specifically GO, MGO, and MDA. MDA levels remained significantly higher in patients, suggesting a potential role in BD pathophysiology. MGO levels were influenced by metabolic parameters, indicating a potential link to neurotoxicity in BD. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to better understand the role of RCCs in BD and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Investigation of formation of AGEs precursors, hydroxymethylfurfural and malondialdehyde in oleogel added cakes using an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestive system.

The baking process has the potential to generate health-risk compounds, including products from lipid oxidation and Maillard reaction. Pre- and post-digestion levels of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), malondialdehyde (MDA), glyoxal (GO), and methylglyoxal (MGO) were studied in cakes formulated with hazelnut and sunflower oil, along with their oleogels as margarine substitutes. The concentration of HMF in oil and oleogel-formulated cakes increased after digestion compared to cakes formulated with margarine. The MDA values were between 82 and 120 µg/100 g in oil and oleogel formulated cakes before digestion and a decrease was observed after digestion. The substitution of margarine with oil and oleogels resulted in the production of high amounts of GO and MGO in cakes. However, the highest bioaccessibility as 318.2% was found in cakes formulated by margarine for GO. Oleogels may not pose a potential health benefit compared to margarines due to the formation of HMF, MDA, GO, and MGO.

Investigation of Advanced Glycation End Products in Liver, Adipose, and Renal Tissue of Mice on a High-Fat Diet.

Obesity is a complex condition associated with disruptions in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, linked to increased insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. High levels of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are associated with a range of chronic diseases, including kidney diseases, diabetic complications, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our study aims to investigate the accumulation of AGEs in the liver, renal and adipose tissues of mice fed a high-fat diet, contributing to a deeper understanding of obesity and its related metabolic disorders. Our study consists of three different groups fed with diets containing 60% and 10% fat. The Experiment 1 group was maintained on their diet for 12 weeks, while the obese 2 and control groups continued their diets for 24 weeks. AGEs in the liver and kidney tissues obtained were measured using the High-performance liquid chromatography grade (HPLC) method. Higher accumulation of AGEs has been observed in kidney tissue compared to adipose and liver tissues (p < 0.05). Moreover, the GO levels were notably higher in liver tissue than in adipose tissue of the D1 and D2 groups (p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that particularly in kidney tissue, increased filtration burden, functional impairment, and receptor interaction due to obesity may be effective. The lower levels of AGEs detected, especially in the obese groups compared to the control, can be attributed to the inability to metabolize AGEs due to tissue damage caused by obesity.

Malondialdehyde levels and bioaccessibility in healthy diet bars: A gastrointestinal digestion model.

Malondialdehyde (MDA), which is composed when n-6 and n-3 PUFAs are peroxidized, has been utilized as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and has been considered neurotoxic, cytotoxic, and mutagenic. This study aimed to determine the bioaccessibility level of MDA in diet bars sold as healthy snacks in the market using in vitro gastrointestinal digestive model. In our study, 28 different diet bar samples were bought from markets in Istanbul. MDA contents of the products were determined by the HPLC-FLD method. The investigation showed that diet bars had an average MDA concentration of 116.25 µg/100 g before digestion, while the average MDA concentration was 90.50 µg/100 g after in vitro digestion. In line with these data, the average MDA bioaccessibility of 28 diet bar samples was calculated as 77.3%. For this reason, more studies are needed to understand the relationship between both the MDA content and the reaction and nutritional components.

Effect of Diet before Bariatric Surgery on Ghrelin Level through DNA Methylation.

INTRODUCTION: The ghrelin system, which generates the appetite hormone, is harmed by obesity, a problem of worldwide public health. An efficient way to cure obesity is through bariatric surgery. This randomized controlled study's objective was to assess preoperative diet-related DNA methylation of Ghrelin (GHRL) levels in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: The 50 patients who volunteered to participate in the trial were randomly divided into two groups. The study group followed the very low-calorie diet for 2 weeks. The control group did not follow any diet. The physiological parameters, weight, and DNA methylation levels of the patients were assessed. RESULTS: The percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) in the control and study groups was determined as 47.1% and 51.5%, respectively. The study group's GHRL percentage of methylated reference was 76.8%, whereas the control group's was 67.3%. It was concluded that the EWL and GHRL gene DNA methylation of the diet-treated study group were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the findings, the pre-op diet had a favorable effect on the patient's behavior modification. It has also been shown to increase postoperative weight loss and DNA methylation of the Ghrelin gene. The ghrelin gene has been muted by methylation, making hunger regulation more manageable.

Investigating Bioaccessibility of Advanced Glycation Product Precursors in Gluten-Free Foods Using In Vitro Gastrointestinal System.

Background and Objectives: Gluten-free products have been produced as part of medical therapy and have gained popularity among individuals seeking weight loss or healthier dietary options. Assessing the potential risks associated with these products is essential in optimizing their compositions and developing new dietetic approaches. This study aimed to determine the glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) contents in gluten-free bread, biscuits, and cookies and to examine their bioaccessibility using an in vitro gastrointestinal model. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 gluten-free and 19 gluten-containing (control) products were analyzed for their GO and MGO levels utilizing a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) device. Results: Post-digestion, the GO and MGO values increased significantly across all food groups compared with pre-digestion values (p < 0.05), and the bioaccessibility exceeded 100%. Specifically, gluten-free bread exhibited higher post-digestion GO and MGO values than the control group (p < 0.05). Conversely, gluten-containing biscuits and cookies had higher post-digestion GO and MGO values compared to gluten-free products (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The detection of precursors to advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in gluten-free products has drawn attention to the potential health risks associated with their consumption. Therefore, reevaluation of the formulations and technologies used in these products and the introduction of new strategies are crucial in mitigating AGE content.

First Record, Distribution and Occurrence of A Protistan Entomopathogen, Adelina mesnili Perez (Coccidia: Adeleidae) in the Indian Meal Moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Populations in Türkiye.

OBJECTIVE: Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) originating from South America is one of the important insect pests that damages storage products and is found on every continent. There is a new interest in using enthomopathogens for microbial control of P. interpunctella as well as other stored product pests. Coccidia as a group of protistan entomopathogens are host specific and their pathogenic effects on the hosts are more pronounced. Although this pathogenic effect results in increased host mortality or higher susceptibility to insecticides, the suppressive potential of coccidia in natural populations has not been adequately studied. In this study, characterization, distribution and occurrence of a coccidian entomopathogen was aim to show its natural suppressing potential in P. interpunctella populations. METHODS: During the three years (from 2019 to 2021), a total of 3.432 P. interpunctella samples (2.047 dead and 413 living larvae, 932 adults and 40 pupae) were collected from fourteen populations. After macroscopic examination, suspected samples were dissected in Ringer's solution and then prepared wet smears including host fat body were examined for presence of coccidian pathogens under a light microscope at a magnification of 400-1000X. The oocysts of the coccidian were measured and photographed using a microscope with a digital camera and soft imaging system. RESULTS: The pathogen was observed in the fat bodies of the larvae, pupae and adults. Oocysts measured as 29.52±3.32 (25.27- 35.08) µm in diameter and they include 8 sporocysts. Sporocysts measured as 9.11±0.61 (8.90-9.85) µm. Forty-five of 3.432 P. interpunctella larvae, pupae and adults were found to be infected. Coccidian infections have also reached to the levels that can be considered high in some populations, as significant as 29.2%. The infection was observed in the three (21.4%) of the examined fourteen populations. CONCLUSION: The coccidian entomopathogen presented in this study is the first Adeleid coccidian record from P. interpunctella populations in Türkiye. The detection of Adelina mesnili Perez (Coccidia: Adeleidae) in at least three populations and the infection rate reaching 29.2 percent, confirms that this pathogen has a considerable effect P. interpunctella populations that cannot be underestimated. Our results confirm that the coccidian pathogen is very effective in the larval stage.

Mattesia cf. geminata, an ant-pathogenic neogregarine (Apicomplexa: Lipotrophidae) in two Temnothorax species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

An ant-pathogenic neogregarine in Temnothorax affinis and T. parvulus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is described based on morphological and ultrastructural characteristics. The pathogen infects the hypodermis of the ants. The infection was mainly synchronous so that only gametocysts and oocysts could be observed simultaneously in the host body. Gametogamy resulted in the formation of two oocysts within a gametocyst. The lemon-shaped oocysts measured 11-13 µm in length and 8-10 µm in width. The surface of the oocysts is not smooth but contains many buds. A ring-shaped line containing rosary-arrayed buds line up in the equatorial plane of the oocyst. These specific characteristics were observed for the first time in neogregarine oocysts from ants. Polar plugs were recognizable clearly by light and electron microscopy. The oocyst wall was quite thick, measuring 775 to 1000 nm. Each oocyst contained eight sporozoites. The neogregarines in the two Temnothorax species show many similarities such as the size and shape of the oocysts, a relatively fragile gametocyst membrane, host affinity, and tissue preference. We identified these neogregarines as Mattesia cf. geminata, which is here recorded from natural ant populations in the Old World for the first time. All neogregarine pathogens infecting ants in nature so far have been recorded from the New World. We present the two ant species, Temnothorax affinis and T. parvulus, as new natural hosts for M. cf. geminata. Furthermore, the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of the oocyst of M. cf. geminata are documented by scanning and transmission electron microscopy for the first time.

In vitro bioaccessibility of vitamins B1, B2, and B3 from various vegetables.

B group vitamins, except folate, are involved in at least one step of cellular energy production. Vegetables are considered essential for a healthy diet plan. Vegetables significantly affect diet quality by contributing to the adequate intake of some B group vitamins. Our results demonstrated that the level of vitamins B1, B2, and B3 in the studied vegetables was in the range of 9-85 µg/100 g, 22-319 µg/100 g, and 459-3497 µg/100 g, respectively. However, it is fundamental to investigate the bioaccessibility of all vitamins to identify primary dietary sources. We observed that the average bioaccessibility values for vitamins B1 and B2 were 68.9% and 63.9%, respectively. The bioaccessibility of the nicotinic acid form of vitamin B3 was 40%, while the nicotinamide form was 33.9%. As revealed in this research, the bioaccessibilities of vitamins B1, B2, and B3 in vegetables were generally low in vitro.

Acetone extracts of Berberis vulgaris and Cornus mas L. induce apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Background/aim: This study aimed to determine the proliferation and apoptotic effects of extracts from Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Materials and methods: The Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which constitute the herbal material of the study, were turned into 80% acetone extract after washing. The total phenolic content in Berberis vulgaris fruit extracts was determined calorimetrically using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the total flavonoid amount of the extracts. In order to measure the antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits and extracts, DPPH Radical Scavenging Power test and Cu (II) ion reducing antioxidant capacity method were applied. Cell viability rates were determined by the XTT method. Flow cytometric measurement was performed to examine the apoptotic role of the extracts in the cell by using the Annexin-V/7-AAD commercial kit. Results: According to the data, Berberis vulgaris fruit extract appeared more effective on MCF-7 breast cancer cells in both 24 and 48 hours of exposure. Analyses made to examine the phenolic component and antioxidant capacity properties of the fruits used in the study and the results we encountered when we exposed the cell were found to be compatible with each other. Annexin-V/7-AAD method showed that the apoptotic effects of the extracts in 48 hour exposures were more effective. Conclusion: It has been determined that Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which are rich in phenolic components with high flavonoid content and high antioxidant capacities, support the apoptosis of cancer cells.

A new microsporidian pathogen, Vairimorpha gastrophysae sp. nov., isolated from Gastrophysa viridula (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Gastrophysa viridula DeGeer 1775, the green dock leaf beetle, belongs to a group of beneficial insects, which can be used as a classical biological control agent against sorrels (Rumex sp., Polygonaceae). Therefore, any infection by pathogenic organisms in this beetle is undesirable. In the present study, a new microsporidian pathogen isolated from G. viridula was identified based on morphological and ultrastructural characteristics, supported with a molecular phylogenetic analysis. Light and transmission electron microscopy studies indicated that the microsporidium was polymorphic throughout its life cycle. Sporulation stages were not all in direct contact with the host-cell cytoplasm. The fresh single diplokaryotic spores of the secondary sporulation cycle had a long narrow morphology, measuring about 5 × 2.1 µm (n = 50). Octospores produced in the secondary sporulation cycle were also observed. Morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of the life cycle stages place it within the genus Vairimorpha. The phylogenetic tree constructed on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis supports the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics and indicates that the pathogen is closely related to the Vairimorpha clade of microsporidia. The pathogen is named Vairimorpha gastrophysae sp. nov.

Investigation of the vitamins B1, B2, and B6 vitamers bioaccessibilities of canned, dried legumes after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion system.

Legumes are rich in minerals, B group vitamins, fiber, and protein. Intake of essential nutrients is vital in adequate and balanced nutrition. As it is crucial to evaluate final nutrient amounts, cooking losses and bioaccessibility values are determinant factors. This study investigates the quantity and vitamins B1, B2, and B6 vitamers bioaccessibilities in different dried, canned legume samples using an in vitro digestion model. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the amount of each vitamin. Vitamin B1 bioaccessibility in canned legumes was found above 72% except for red lentils (23%), vitamin B2 bioaccessibility was above 63% except for green lentils (44%), while total vitamin B6 bioaccessibility (57%) was lower than vitamins B1 and B2. The form of pyridoxine with the highest bioaccessibility for vitamin B6 forms was found between 66 and 89%, except for peas and red lentils. Besides, pyridoxamine form bioaccessibility was very low compared to pyridoxal form. We believe bioaccessibility might relate to temperature, pH, bonds with polypeptides and polysaccharides, and dietary fibers. As seen, the concept of bioaccessibility gains importance in the final nutrient amount.

Formulating and studying compound chocolate with adding dried grape pomace as a bulking agent.

The use of dried grape pomace (DGP) as a bulking agent for partly substitution of sugar, milk powder and whey powder in compound chocolate (CC) was investigated. D-optimal mixture design was used to determine the effect of composition on the particle size, flow behaviour (Casson yield value and plastic viscosity), as well as total phenolic and resveratrol contents before and after in vitro digestion. The various models (linear, quadratic and cubic) which were identified as significant (P < 0.05) were used in this study. As a result, DGP was found suitable to be used in CC as a bulking agent to partially substitute sucrose, milk powder and whey powder to increase functional properties and decrease the cost of the CC. For CC with the most acceptable rheological properties and a satisfactory level of TPC and resveratrol, optimum usage levels of DGP were identified as 7.1% to 10.0%. Further studies will require to modify flow behaviours by optimizing the particle size of pomace.

Investigation of formation of well-known AGEs precursors in cookies using an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestive system.

The present study investigated the influence of in vitro stimulated digestion system on the content of glyoxal and methylglyoxal in commercial cookies. Glyoxal and methylglyoxal levels in different cookie samples were analyzed before and after in vitro digestion with High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Initial glyoxal and methylglyoxal values ranged between 42.9 and 126.6 µg/100 g, and between 22.9 and 507.3 µg/100 g, respectively. After in vitro digestion, formation of glyoxal and methylglyoxal values were increased up to 645% and 698%, respectively. The results revealed that in vitro stimulated digestion conditions strongly increased the amount of glyoxal and methylglyoxal in cookies. The amount of fructose was found to be more effective on the formation of both GO and MGO than those of glucose and sucrose. Further studies are needed to extensively investigate glyoxal and methylglyoxal formation under in vitro conditions in such foods.

The effect of five different sourdough on the formation of glyoxal and methylglyoxal in bread and influence of in vitro digestion.

The aim of this study was to investigate sourdough impact on the in vitro bioaccessibility of Glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO). Five sourdough bread and one white bread (control bread) were prepared to observe sourdough influence on GO and MGO levels before and after in vitro digestion. GO and MGO levels increased in all breads after in vitro digestion. The highest increase in GO and MGO levels was realized in the control bread with bioaccessibility indexes (BIGO and BIMGO) of 8.67 and 4.14, respectively, whereas BIGO and BIMGO in sourdough breads were found in the range of 1.65 to 2.65 and 1.73 to 2.97, respectively. The extent of Maillard reaction (MR) in control bread was confirmed by FAST method. The lower increase in GO and MGO compounds after in vitro digestion thanks to sourdough addition may reduce bread's contribution of AGEs accumulation in the body.

A nanofiber application for thiamine stability and enhancement of bioaccessibility of raw, cooked salmon and red meat samples stored at 4 °C.

Nanofibers were fabricated by using the electrospinning technique. The diameter of gelatin nanofibers was measured as 41.511 nm. When thiamine was integrated into the nanofibers, it was increased to 100.156 nm. After raw red meat and salmon samples were coated with the nanofibers, the samples were stored at cold storage conditions. The thiamine levels of raw uncoated red meat (RM, 400 to 379 µg/100 g: p < 0.05) and salmon meat (SM, 68 to 62 µg/100 g: p < 0.05) were decreased. The coating increased thiamine contents in raw (519 to 563 µg/100 g) and cooked (416 to 485 µg/100 g) RM samples. Thiamine contents of raw (75 to 78 µg/100 g) and cooked (67 to 75 µg/100 g) SM samples were increased (p < 0.05). The changes in the bioaccessibility of uncoated and coated RM samples were in the range of 85-76%, and 87-79%, respectively while salmon samples were increased from 79 to 94% (p < 0.05).

Measurement of Advanced Glycation End Products Could Be Used as an Indicator of Unhealthy Nutrition for Colorectal Cancer Risk.

The main culprit behind most cancers is the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) are reactive intermediates created by food processing and they are precursors of advanced glycation end products (AGE) that cause glycative stress. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between AGE levels of healthy volunteers and treatment-naive patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The study consisted of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and healthy volunteers who underwent routine colonoscopy. The study was conducted with a total of 42 cases, 47.6% (n = 20) female. The ages of the participants in the study ranged from 41 to 82 years, and the mean was 60.57 ± 10.78 years. The GO and MGO values of the patient group were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group (p = 0.007, p = 0.001, respectively). The risk of colorectal cancer was 22 and 57 times higher in individuals with GO and MGO values above 1.25 µg/mL and 0.0095 µg/mL, respectively. The blood AGE level is closely related to diet, and it can be decreased through the appropriate improvement of diet. Thus, the measurement of AGE can be used to predict whether a person's nutrition is healthy or unhealthy and prevent increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Effect of Different Fermentation Condition on Estimated Glycemic Index, In Vitro Starch Digestibility, and Textural and Sensory Properties of Sourdough Bread.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sourdough fermentation on the estimated glycemic index (eGI), in vitro starch digestibility, and textural and sensory properties of eight experimentally prepared sourdough breads. Wheat and whole wheat flour bread samples were produced under different fermentation conditions (25 °C and 30 °C) and fermentation methods (type-1 and type-2). In type-1 fermentation, sourdough was obtained via spontaneous fermentation. Indigenous strains (Lactobacillus brevis ELB99, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELB75, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae TGM55) were used for type-2 fermentation. Fermentation type and temperature significantly affected eGI, the hydrolysis index (HI), the starch fraction, and the textural properties of the samples (p < 0.05). The resistant starch (RS) content increased after fermentation, while rapidly digestible starch (RDS), HI, and eGI decreased. RS values were significantly higher in type-2 than in type-1 at the same temperature for both flour types (p < 0.05). At 25 °C, RS values were higher in both fermentation types. In the white flour samples, eGI values were in the range of 60.8-78.94 and 62.10-78.94 for type-1 and type-2, respectively. The effect of fermentation type on eGI was insignificant (p < 0.05). In the whole flour samples, fermentation type and temperature significantly affected eGI (p < 0.05). The greatest eGI decreases were in whole wheat sourdough bread at 30 °C using type-2 (29.74%). The 30 °C and type-2 samples showed lower hardness and higher specific volume. This study suggests that fermentation type and temperature could affect the eGI and the textural and sensory properties of sourdough bread, and these factors should be considered during bread production. The findings also support the consumption of wheat and whole wheat breads produced by type-2 fermentation due to higher RS and slowly digestible starch (SDS) and lower RDS and eGI values.

Characteristic Light and Electron Microscopic Features of Adelina melolonthae, a Coccidian Pathogen of the European Cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha (Coleoptera/Scarabaeidae).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate and document the characteristic electron microscopic features of the oocyst of Adelina melolonthae, a coccidian pathogen of the European cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). METHODS: Larvae of M. melolontha were collected at Ordu, Turkey. Each larva was dissected in insect Ringer solution. Adeleid oocysts from the tissue that is suspected to Contain coccidian infections were examined under a light microscope (Zeiss), a scanning electron microscope (FEI Quanta 200) and transmission electron Microscope (Philips EM 208). RESULTS: Spherical to ellipsoidal oocysts measure ca. 24-44.5 µm (mean 35.6 µm) in diameter (n = 50) and include up to twelve sporocysts. The oocyst wall has double layers; the outer layer measured 400-500 nm in thickness and the inner one 10-25 nm. Sporocysts including two sporozoites are rounded ca. 11-12.5 µm (mean 11.7 µm) in diameter. The sporocyst wall consisted of only one 70-80-nm-thick layer. The sporozoites are ellipsoidal and measured 9-11 µm length and 3-4 µm in width. Sporocysts include residual bodies. CONCLUSION: In the present paper, the morphology and ultrastructure of the oocyst of A. melolonthae is documented for the first time and compared with other Adelina and coccidian species infecting insects. The results in this study confirm his identification and justify the classification as a separate species A. melolonthae, which differs from other Adelina species.