Abstract
The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of Chromium-D-phenylalanine (Cr (D-phe)(3)) on the reproduction and development of Drosophila melanogaster. Cr (D-phe)(3) was synthesized and characterized by infrared spectral analysis, melting point (DSC), and UV spectral analysis. D. melanogaster was raised in corn flour agar medium containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 μg/mL of Cr (D-phe)(3). The effect of Cr (D-phe)(3) was evaluated by observing the larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric analysis of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults, fertility, fecundity, lifespan of the emerged flies, and levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the supernatant of flies homogenate suspension. The study results indicate that Cr (D-phe)(3) showed beneficial effects on reproduction and development in D. melanogaster. Cr (D-phe)(3) significantly improved the larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric characters of the larva, pupa, and adult, fertility, fecundity, and lifespan of D. melanogaster. Moreover, Cr (D-phe)(3) also significantly elevated the levels of catalase (p < 0.01), GST (p < 0.05), and SOD (p < 0.01) in D. melanogaster, and results were statistically significant at the dose of 15 μg/mL. The study results indicate that Cr (D-phe)(3) has a positive effect on the reproduction and development of D. melanogaster. The literature review revealed that there is a strong relationship between the physiology of metabolism, oxidative stress and reproduction and development. Several studies propose that Cr(III) influences insulin sensitivity and thereby the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Cr (D-phe)(3) also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, the observed beneficial effects of Cr (D-phe)(3) on reproduction and development of D. melanogaster may be attributed to its physiological effect on carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.