Fermentation of Murta (Ugni molinae) Juice: Effect on Antioxidant Activity and Control of Enzymes Associated with Glucose Assimilation.

Berries are rich in bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and especially polyphenols, known inhibitors of starch metabolism enzymes. Lactic acid fermentation of fruits has received considerable attention due to its ability to enhance bioactivity. This study investigated the effect of fermentation with L. mesenteroides of juice from the Chilean berry murta on antioxidant activity, release of polyphenols, and inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Three types of juices (natural fruit, freeze-dried, and commercial) were fermented. Total polyphenol content (Folin-Ciocalteu), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ORAC), and the ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes were determined. Fermented murta juices exhibited increased antioxidant activity, as evidenced by higher levels of polyphenols released during fermentation. Inhibition of α-glucosidase was observed in the three fermented juices, although no inhibition of α-amylase was observed; the juice from freeze-dried murta stood out. These findings highlight the potential health benefits of fermented murta juice, particularly its antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate sugar assimilation by inhibiting α-glucosidase.

Triazole Fungicides Inhibit Zebrafish Hatching by Blocking the Secretory Function of Hatching Gland Cells.

In animals, hatching represents the transition point from a developing embryo to a free-living individual, the larva. This process is finely regulated by many endogenous and environmental factors and has been shown to be sensitive to a variety of chemical agents. It is commonly evaluated in bioassays in order to establish the effects of different agents on early development and reproductive capabilities in fish and other aquatic animals. In fish, the breakdown of the chorion is achieved by the secretion of choriolysin by hatching gland cells (HGCs) into the perivitelline space (PVS), coupled with spontaneous movements of the developing larva. In this work, we used zebrafish to assay the effects of a family of widely used agrochemicals-triazoles Triadimefon (FON), Triadimenol (NOL) and free triazole (1,2,4-T)-on hatching success. We found a strong inhibition of hatching by triazole exposure which was correlated with morphological changes and a reduction in the secretory function of the HGCs. As a consequence, the release of choriolytic enzymes by HGCs was reduced. We also found that HGC secretion reduction after exposure to FON can be rescued by co-incubation with a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist but not by antagonists of the D1-like receptors. This suggests a specific pathway through which this family of fungicides may be impairing a critical event in the fish life cycle.