Cloning, functional expression, and pharmacological characterization of inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir) from Apis mellifera.

Potassium channels belong to the super family of ion channels and play a fundamental role in cell excitability. Kir channels are potassium channels with an inwardly rectifying property. They play a role in setting the resting membrane potential of many excitable cells including neurons. Although putative Kir channel family genes can be found in the Apis mellifera genome, their functional expression, biophysical properties, and sensitivity to small molecules with insecticidal activity remain to be investigated. We cloned six Kir channel isoforms from Apis mellifera that derive from two Kir genes, AmKir1 and AmKir2, which are present in the Apis mellifera genome. We studied the tissue distribution, the electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics of three isoforms that expressed functional currents (AmKir1.1, AmKir2.2, and AmKir2.3). AmKir1.1, AmKir2.2, and AmKir2.3 isoforms exhibited distinct characteristics when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. AmKir1.1 exhibited the largest potassium currents and was impermeable to cesium whereas AmKir2.2 and AmKir2.3 exhibited smaller currents but allowed cesium to permeate. AmKir1 exhibited faster opening kinetics than AmKir2. Pharmacological experiments revealed that both AmKir1.1 and AmKir2.2 are blocked by the divalent ion barium, with IC50 values of 10-5 and 10-6 M, respectively. The concentrations of VU041, a small molecule with insecticidal properties required to achieve a 50% current blockade for all three channels were higher than those needed to block Kir channels in other arthropods, such as the aphid Aphis gossypii and the mosquito Aedes aegypti. From this, we conclude that Apis mellifera AmKir channels exhibit lower sensitivity to VU041.

An overview of a preliminary multicenter retrospective study on food and drug allergies in Moroccan pediatric population.

Introduction: this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and management of food allergies (FA) and drug allergies (DA) in Morocco. Sparse and conflicting epidemiological data exist on the exact prevalence of allergies in the country. The rise in allergies can be attributed to various factors. Methods: the study analyzed data from patients with suspected FA and DA who sought medical attention. Statistical tests were used to analyze the data, percentages were computed for qualitative variables, and for quantitative variables, medians or means accompanied by standard deviations (SD) were calculated. The Chi-square test was employed to assess categorical variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cow's milk was the most reported food allergen (58.2%), followed by egg and nuts (23.4% and 12.1%, respectively). The most affected age group was children under 5 years. Antibiotics were the leading cause of reported drug allergies (44.8%), particularly Beta-lactams. Immediate reactions were commonly associated with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Symptoms of FA included acute urticaria, vomiting, anaphylactic shock, and facial edema. Urticaria was the most frequent symptom of DA. Antihistamines and corticosteroids were the main treatments used for both FA and DA. Conclusion: the prevalence of FA and DA in Morocco remains uncertain due to limited data. There is a need for centralized data collection and awareness among clinicians and the general population regarding allergies. The study highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and management of allergies to ensure patient safety. The findings emphasize the necessity of establishing a mandatory center for allergy care in Morocco to improve the understanding and management of allergic conditions.