Frogs Respond to Commercial Formulations of the Biopesticide Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, Especially Their Intestine Microbiota.

It is generally believed that Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) biopesticides are harmless to non-target organisms; however, new research shows controversial results. We exposed acutely and chronicallyLithobates sylvaticusandAnaxyrus americanus tadpoles until metamorphic climax to VectoBac 200G (granules) and VectoBac 1200L (aqueous suspension) at 300-20,000 ITU/L covering field-relevant concentrations and higher. The data show that the exposure parameters tested did not affect significantly the survival, total length, total weight, hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, the expression of genes of interest (i.e., related to xenobiotic exposure, oxidative stress, and metamorphosis), and the intestine tissue layer detachment ofL. sylvaticusandA. americanus in a concentration-response pattern. In contrast, VectoBac 200G significantly increased the median time to metamorphosis ofL. sylvaticus tadpoles by up to 3.5 days and decreased the median by up to 1 day inA. americanus. VectoBac 1200L significantly increased the median time to metamorphosis ofL. sylvaticusandA. americanustadpoles by up to 4.5 days. Also, the exposure to VectoBac 200G and 1200L altered the intestine bacterial community composition inA. americanus at application rates recommended by the manufacturer, which led to an increase in the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Changes in the intestine microbiota might impact the fitness of individuals, including the susceptibility to parasitic infections. Our results indicate that the effect of Bti commercial products is limited; however, we recommend that Bti-spraying activities in amphibian-rich ecosystems should be kept minimal until there is more conclusive research to assess if the changes in the time to metamorphosis and microbiota can lead to negative outcomes in amphibian populations and, eventually, the functioning of ecosystems.

Daily Consumption of Chocolate Rich in Flavonoids Decreases Cellular Genotoxicity and Improves Biochemical Parameters of Lipid and Glucose Metabolism.

In recent years, the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes has increased largely worldwide. In the present work, we evaluated the genoprotective effect of the consumption of flavonoids-rich chocolate on 84 young volunteers. Biochemical indicators related to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome were also determined. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was performed in the Autonomous University of Baja California. The treatments comprised the daily consumption of either 2 g of dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa, or 2 g of milk chocolate, for 6 months. The total amount of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was determined in both types of chocolate. Anthropometrical and Biochemical parameters were recorded prior to and after the study. The evaluation of the genotoxicity in buccal epithelial cells was performed throughout the duration of the study. Flavonoids from cocoa in dark chocolate significantly prevented DNA damage, and improved the nucleus integrity of cells. This effect could be related to the antioxidant capacity of the dark chocolate that decreased cellular stress. Biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol level in blood) and anthropometrical parameters (waist circumference) were improved after six months of daily intake of 2 g of dark chocolate with a 70% of cocoa.