Banana Bioactives: Absorption, Utilisation and Health Benefits

Banana is an important fruit consumed globally and cultivated in humid and subtropical climes. The fruit comprises nutrients in its pulp and peel with beneficial properties. Banana in its unripe form, consists of indigestible compounds, resistant starch and dietary fibres. The starchy fruit degrades to fructose and sucrose when ripe, thus reducing its starch content. Aside its carbohydrate profile, essential macro and micro minerals, vitamins and phenolic compounds are other nutrients present in pulp and peel of the fruit. Resistant starch, an indigestible compound available in banana fruit, escapes absorption in the small intestine and is transported to the large intestine where digestion takes place. This occurrence makes banana a preferred fruit for consumers suffering from diabetes. Polyphenols, present in minute concentration in the fruit, functions as antioxidants, thus contributing immensely to the prevention of metabolic degenerative diseases. This chapter further examines available nutrients present in banana fruit, their absorption and utilisation in the body. The chapter also brings to the fore, the health benefits of consumption of ripe, unripe and processed banana products

Expressão e atividade enzimática de glutationa s-transferase em tecidos de fêmeas de Boophilus microplus

Enzimas de detoxificação e excreção celular são importantes para a manutenção da homeostase celular. Neste trabalho foi caracterizada a transcrição de mRNA, a expressão da proteína e a atividade enzimática de glutationa S-transfersases (GSTs), enzimas que atuam em rotas de excreção de substâncias endo e xenobióticas, protegendo as células contra toxicidade química e estresse, em diferentes tecidos (glândula salivar, ovário e singânglio) de fêmeas adultas semi-ingurgitadas e ingurgitadas do carrapato do bovino Boophilus microplus. Os resultados mostraram que a atividade de GST é mais alta em fêmeas semi-ingurgitadas e diminui em fêmeas ingurgitadas de acordo com o final do período de pré-postura. A expressão de mRNA de GST foi detectada em glândulas salivares e singânglios de fêmeas adultas semi-ingurgitadas e ingurgitadas, mas não em ovários. Estes dados podem ajudar a compreender melhor o papel de enzimas antioxidantes durante a preparação das fêmeas do carrapato para a postura.Cellular detoxification and excretion enzymes are important to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. In this work mRNA transcription, protein expression and enzymatic activity of Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), enzymes involved in the excretion of endo and xenobiotic compounds were analyzed. These parameters are elements believed to protect cells against chemical toxicity and oxidative stress in different tissues (salivary gland, ovary and synganglion) from partially engorged females and engorged females of Boophilus microplus. The results presented showed elevated GST activity in partially engorged females. The enzymatic activity decreased during the preoviposition period in engorged females. GST mRNA transcription was detected in salivary glands and synganglion from partially engorged and engorged females, but not in ovary. The results of this work help to elucidate the role of GST in tick development and assist in the understanding of the importance of GST in tick females during the preparation for oviposition