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|Section2= |Section7= }} Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of molds, in particular, ''Aspergillus'' and ''Penicillium'' and ''Byssochlamys''. Most commonly found in rotting apples, in general the amount of patulin in apple products is viewed as a measure of the quality of the apples used in production. In addition, patulin has been found in other foods such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. While not considered a particularly potent toxin, a number of studies have shown patulin to be genotoxic, which has led some to theorize that it may be a carcinogen, although animal studies have remained inconclusive.〔"Patulin: a Mycotoxin in Apples". Perishables Handling Quarterly (91): 5. August 1997〕 Patulin has shown antimicrobial properties against some microorganisms.〔 Several countries have instituted patulin restrictions in apple products. The World Health Organization recommends a maximum concentration of 50 µg/L in apple juice.〔"Foodborne hazards (World Health Organization". Retrieved 2007-01-22.〕 In the European Union, the limit is set to 50 micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg) in both apple juice and cider, and to half of that concentration, 25 µg/kg, in solid apple products and 10 µg/kg in products for infants and young children. These limits came into force on 1 November 2003.〔Patulin information leaf from Fermentek〕 == Chemistry == Patulin is a white powder soluble in low-pH water and organic solvents. It is a polyketide lactone that is heat-stable, so it is not destroyed by pasteurization or thermal denaturation.〔http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/sigma/p1639?lang=en®ion=US〕 However, stability following fermentation is lessened.〔http://www.fda.gov/food/foodborneillnesscontaminants/naturaltoxins/ucm212520.htm〕 Isoepoxydon dehydrogenase (IDH) is an important enzyme in the multi-step biosynthesis of patulin, and its gene is present in other fungi that may potentially produce the toxin. It is reactive with sulfur dioxide, so antioxidant and antimicrobial agents may be useful to destroy it.〔Llewellyn, G.C.; McCay, J.A.; Brown, R.D.; Musgrove, D.L.; Butterworth, L.F.; Munson, A.E.; White, K.L., Jr. Immunological evaluation of the mycotoxin patulin in female B6C3F1 mice. ''Food Chem. Toxicol''. 1998, 36, 1107–1111.〕 Levels of nitrogen, manganese, and pH as well as abundance of necessary enzymes regulate the biosynthetic pathway of patulin.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Patulin」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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