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PubMed2000

Development and characterization of a carbon-based composite material for reducing patulin levels in apple juice.

Patulin, a heterocyclic lactone produced by various species of Penicillium and Aspergillus fungi, is often detected in apple juices and ciders. Previous research has shown the effectiveness of granular activated carbon for reducing patulin levels in aqueous solutions, apple juices, and ciders. In this study, ultrafine activated carbon was bonded onto granular quartz to produce a composite carbon adsorbent (CCA) with a high carbonaceous surface area, good bed porosity, and increased bulk density. CCA in fixed-bed adsorption columns was evaluated for efficacy in reducing patulin levels from aqueous solutions and apple juice. Columns containing 1.0, 0.5, and 0.25 g of CCA were continuously loaded with a patulin solution (10 microg/ml) and eluted at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Results indicated that 50% breakthrough capacities for patulin on 1.0-, 0.5-, and 0.25-g CCA columns were 137.5, 38.5, and 19.9 microg, respectively. The effectiveness of CCA to adsorb patulin and prevent toxic effects was confirmed in vitro using adult hydra in culture. Hydra were sensitive to the effects of patulin, with a minimal affective concentration equal to 0.7 microg/ml; CCA adsorption prevented patulin toxicity until 76% breakthrough capacity was achieved. Fixed-bed adsorption with 1.0 g of CCA was also effective in reducing patulin concentrations (20 microg/liter) in a naturally contaminated apple juice, and breakthrough capacities were shown to increase with temperature. Additionally, CCA offered a higher initial breakthrough capacity than pelleted activated carbon when compared in parallel experiments. This study suggests that CCA used in fixed-bed adsorption systems effectively reduced patulin levels in both aqueous solutions and naturally contaminated apple juice; however, the appearance and taste of apple juice may be affected by the treatment process.

Adsorption↗
PubMed2000

Attachment and growth of Salmonella Chester on apple fruits and in vivo response of attached bacteria to sanitizer treatments.

Attachment and growth of Salmonella Chester on fresh-cut apple disks and in vivo response of attached bacteria to sanitizer treatments were investigated. Apple disks (14 mm in diameter and 3 to 4 mm in thickness) were immersed in a bacterial suspension that contained 8.17 log CFU/ml of Salmonella Chester and air dried at room temperature for 10 min. After two rinses, the population of Salmonella Chester retained on apple disks that contained no skin was 13 to 19% higher than that retained on disks that contained skin, indicating that Salmonella Chester attached more firmly to the surfaces of injured tissue than to the unbroken skin. The number of bacteria attached to the disk was not affected by the immersion time but was directly proportional to the concentration of bacteria in the suspension. The distribution of artificially inoculated Salmonella Chester on the surfaces of three different parts of whole fruit was determined; 94% of attached bacteria was found on the stem and calyx cavity areas and 6% on the skin of the remaining area of the fruit. Despite their acidic pH (4.1), apple disks supported the growth of Salmonella Chester at 20 degrees C but not at 8 degrees C. All four sanitizers tested in the study, including 6% hydrogen peroxide, 2% trisodium phosphate, 0.36% calcium hypochlorite, and 1.76% sodium hypochlorite, were effective in reducing the population of Salmonella Chester on apple disks by 1 to 2 logs. However, 5 to 13% of bacteria survived the sanitizer treatments. Hydrogen peroxide, which reduced the population of Salmonella Chester on skin by 3 to 4 logs and the population of bacteria on stem or calyx by 1 to 2 logs, was the most effective among the four sanitizers tested. Firm attachment of bacteria on calyx, stem, and injured tissue and partial resistance of attached bacteria to sanitizer treatments are two major obstacles to be considered when developing methods for cleaning and decontaminating apple fruits destined for juice production and fresh consumption.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Incidence of patulin in apple juices marketed in Turkey.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the patulin contamination of apple juices consumed by the Turkish population. Patulin was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a UV detector at 280 nm, and the identification of patulin was further confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Using HPLC, the recoveries were 79.9 +/- 6.7% and 83.7 +/- 4.6%, and the coefficients of variation were 8.4 and 5.5% for apple juices spiked with the known amounts of patulin (60 and 120 microg/liter. respectively). The minimum patulin level detected was 5 ng in a standard solution and 5 microg/liter in apple juices. The TLC method was used only to confirm patulin levels higher than 20 microg/liter (100 ng/spot) in apple juices. The total number of samples was 45. Patulin was present in detectable levels in 60% of apple juices at concentrations ranging from 19.1 to 732.8 microg/liter. Forty-four percent of the apple juice samples had patulin contamination levels higher than 50 microg/ liter, which is the allowable upper limit in Turkey.

Beverages↗
PubMed2002

Growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on fresh-cut apples in modified atmospheres at abusive temperatures.

The effects of reduced-O2 and elevated-CO2 modified atmospheres (MAs) and abusive temperatures on the growth and survival of E. coli O157:H7, yeast, and molds and on changes in the visual quality of fresh-cut apples were evaluated. High-CO1 and low-O2 (> or = 15% and < 1%, respectively) atmospheres inhibited the growth of the pathogen on apple slices at 15 and 20 degrees C. However, the population of the pathogen increased by 1 log cycle after 2 weeks of storage in air. The high-CO2 MA resulted in the inhibition of yeast and mold growth, less browning, and better visual quality than did air and ambient-CO2 atmospheres. The results of this study confirm that E. coli O157:H7 can grow on apple slices in air. These results also show that these organisms survive but are inhibited in MAs with high CO2 levels at abusive temperatures. An MA can increase the shelf life of fresh-cut apples by improving retention of visual quality and inhibiting yeast and molds. Thus, contamination of minimally processed apples with E. coli O157:H7 can be a safety issue for both air- and MA-packaged cut apples.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2002

The effect of modified atmospheres and packaging on patulin production in apples.

This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of modified atmospheres and packaging materials on the growth of Penicillium expansum and patulin production in apples. Granny Smith apples were surface sterilized with 76% ethanol and inoculated with 0.1 ml of a 1.1 x 10(7) spore/ml P. expansum spore suspension. The apples were packaged either in polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) and treated with three different gas combinations, viz., 58% CO2/42% N2, 48% CO2/52% N2, and 88% CO2/12% N2, and were then incubated for 14 days at 25 degrees C. Fungal growth was monitored every 2 to 4 days by measuring radial growth from the point of inoculation. After the 14th day, apples were pulped, and patulin was extracted, purified, and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. PP did not inhibit fungal growth in any of the atmospheres tested, and it only inhibited patulin production in atmospheric gas and 58% CO2/42% N2. PE was very effective and inhibited fungal growth by four- or fivefold, depending on the modified atmosphere. Patulin production in PE-packaged apples was almost completely inhibited by all three gas combinations. Gas chromatographic analysis of the PE-packaged samples before and after the incubation period showed that CO2 levels dropped and N2 levels increased for all of the atmospheres tested. Our studies showed conclusively that PE is an excellent packaging material for the storage of apples since it inhibited the growth of P. expansum, thereby allowing <3.2 microg/ml of patulin to be produced, regardless of gaseous environment.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2005

Antibacterial effect of monocaprylin on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple juice.

The antibacterial effect of low concentrations of monocaprylin on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple juice was investigated. Apple juice alone (control) or containing 2.5 mM (0.055%) or 5 mM monocaprylin was inoculated with a five-strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 at approximately 6.0 log CFU/ml. The juice samples were stored at 23 or 4 degrees C for 14 or 21 days, respectively, and the population of E. coli O157:H7 was determined on tryptic soy agar plates supplemented with 0.6% yeast extract. At both storage temperatures, the population of E. coli O157:H7 in monocaprylin-supplemented juice samples was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in the control samples. The concentration of monocaprylin and the storage temperature had a significant effect on the inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 in apple juice. Monocaprylin at 5 mM was significantly more effective than 2.5 mM monocaprylin for killing E. coli O157:H7 in apple juice. Inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 by monocaprylin was more pronounced in juice stored at 23 degrees C than in the refrigerated samples. Results of this study indicated that monocaprylin is effective for killing E. coli O157:H7 in apple juice, but detailed sensory studies are needed to determine the organoleptic properties of apple juice containing monocaprylin.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and a peroxyacetic acid-based sanitizer for effectiveness in killing Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis spores in suspensions, on the surface of stainless steel, and on apples.

Chlorine (10 to 200 microg/ml), chlorine dioxide (10 to 200 microg/ml), and a peroxyacetic acid-based sanitizer (40 and 80 microg/ ml) were evaluated for effectiveness in killing spores of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis in suspensions and on the surface of stainless steel and apples. Water and 5% horse serum were used as carriers for spore inoculum applied to the surface of stainless steel coupons, and 5% horse serum was used as a carrier for inoculum applied to apples. Inocula were dried on stainless steel for 5 h and on apples for 22 to 24 h before treating with sanitizers. At the concentrations of sanitizers tested, sensitivities of planktonic B. cereus and B. thuringiensis spores were similar. A portion of the spores surviving treatment with chlorine and, more markedly, chlorine dioxide had decreased tolerance to heat. Planktonic spores of both species were more sensitive to sanitizers than were spores on the surface of stainless steel or apples. At the same concentrations, chlorine was more effective than chlorine dioxide in killing spores in suspension and on stainless steel. The lethality of chlorine dioxide was markedly reduced when inoculum on stainless steel coupons was suspended in 5% horse serum as a carrier rather than water. Chlorine and chlorine dioxide at concentrations of 10 to 100 microg/ml were equally effective in killing spores on apples. Significant reductions of > or = 3.8 to 4.5 log CFU per apple were achieved by treatment with 100 microg/ml of either of the two sanitizers. The peroxyacetic acid sanitizer (40 and 80 microg/ml) was ineffective in killing Bacillus spores in the test systems investigated. Results provide information on the effectiveness of sanitizers commonly used in the food processing industry in killing Bacillus spores in suspension, on a food-contact surface, and on a ready-to-eat food.

Bacillus cereus↗
PubMed2003

Effectiveness of chlorine, organic acids and UV treatments in reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Yersinia enterocolitica on apples.

This study assessed the effectiveness of 200 and 500 ppm of chlorine and organic acids (0.5% lactic acid and 0.5% citric acid) in wash solutions, and UV radiation for reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Yersinia enterocolitica on apples contaminated by two different methods. Residual levels of these pathogens after different treatments were compared. On dip inoculated apples, Y. enterocolitica reductions of 2.66 and 2.77 logs were obtained with 200 and 500 ppm chlorine combined with 0.5% lactic acid, respectively. The E. coli O157:H7 population decreased 3.35 log with 0.5% lactic acid wash solution, and 2.72 and 2.62 logs after 500 ppm chlorine and 500 ppm chlorine plus 0.5% lactic acid treatments, respectively. Similar reductions were obtained with UV radiation. On spot inoculated apples, significant (p < 0.05) decreases of 4.67 and 4.58 logs were observed in E. coli O157:H7 and Y. enterocolitica levels, respectively, after 500 ppm chlorine plus 0.5% lactic acid treatment as compared with the control. In sectioned apples, microorganisms infiltrated in inner core region and pulp were not significantly (p < 0.05) affected by disinfection treatments. No pathogens were detected in the natural microflora on apples. Reductions such as those obtained with 500 ppm chlorine plus 0.5% lactic acid solution were very proximal to the 5-log score required by FDA for apple disinfection.

Chlorine↗
PubMed2004

[Soil moisture characteristics of apple-planting subarea in Weibei dry highland, Shaanxi Province].

Based on the data of regional scale and located field measurement, this paper investigated the soil moisture characteristics of the apple-planting subarea in Weibei dry highland, Shanxi Province. The results showed that the soil moisture characteristics in this subarea were affected by precipitation and evapotranspiration. At regional scale, the apple-land evapotranspiration in east Weibei area was the largest, and that in tableland gully and in west Weibei area was the medium and the smallest, respectively. Soil water deficit phenomenon was observed in three type areas. In east Weibei area, the mean water deficit amount was about 390.9 mm, the maximum was 674.6 mm, and the minimum value was 186.3 mm. In tableland gully area, the average and maximum values were 264.4 and 441.2 mm, respectively, and sometimes water surplus occurred. As a whole, soil moisture in west Weibei area was deficit, but the phenomena of water surplus were more prevalent than those in tableland gully area, and the maximum value was 151.8 mm. Soil moisture storage amount existed spatial and temporal variations in 3 different areas. The value of 2 m profile in apple growth season in west Weibei area was the largest, and that in Weibei tableland gully area and in Weibei east area was the medium and the smallest, respectively. The characteristics of soil moisture storage depended mainly on precipitation and its spatial-temporal distribution, as well as its consumed amount by apple trees. Water consumption in east Weibei area was the largest, the second was in gully area, and that in west Weibei area was the smallest. During apple growth season, the water consumption in dry year was less than that in wet year. In dry year, except for available precipitation, a considerable part of water used by apple trees came from deep (exceeded 3 m) soil moisture storage, which resulted in a dried soil layer and would affected the sustainable development of fruit production.

China↗
PubMed2006

[Degradation of cell wall polysaccharides during postharvest fruit ripening and softening of different apple varieties].

The cell wall material (CWM) and eight cell wall polysaccharides fractions were extracted from 'Fuji' and 'Kinsei' apples during storage at different time (0 and 42 days). The sugar composition characteristics of each fraction were determined by gas chromatography. The results showed that, during storages, the firmness of 'Kinsei' apples decreased significantly, and a significant peak of ethylene production was shown after 10 d storage, but only a little ethylene was produced in 'Fuji' apples, which had a better storability. Compare to other cell wall polysaccharide fractions, in Na(2)CO(3)-soluble pectic fractions of apple fruit, there were abundant rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), which branched highly in side chains due to the compositions of arabinans, galactans, arabinogalactans etc. As for cell wall polysaccharides, in 'Kinsei' apples, the decrease of pectic fractions was shown most significantly in Na(2)CO(3)-1 fraction, which was associated with a significant degradation of arabinosyl and galactosyl residues on the side chains. Further more, higher molecular mass in Na(2)CO(3)-1 pectic polysaccharides degraded and turned into ones with smaller molecular mass. From these results, the degradation of side chains in Na(2)CO(3)-1 pectic polysaccharides under the activity of enzyme was considered one of the most significant factors of apple fruit softening through modifying the network of cell wall polysaccharides.

Carbonates↗
PubMed1997

Anticarcinogenic action of apple pectin on fecal enzyme activities and mucosal or portal prostaglandin E2 levels in experimental rat colon carcinogenesis.

Pectin is a partially methoxylated polymer of galacturonic acid obtained from fruits. Among pectin, apple pectin exerts stronger bacteriostatical action on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli in comparison with citrus pectin. In this study, we used water-soluble methoxylated pectin from apple. The diet, supplemented by 20% apple pectin, significantly decreased the number of tumors and the incidence of colon tumor. PGE2 level in distal colonic mucosa in 20% apple pectin fed rats were lower than those in basal diet fed rats. Fecal beta-glucuronidase activities in the apple pectin fed group, which has been considered a key enzyme for the final activation of Dimethylhydrazine metabolism to carcinogens in the colonic lumen, were signifieantly lower than those in control group at initiation stage of carcinogenesis. In the case the concentrations of beta-glueosidase and azoreductase were also decreased. The effect of apple pectin on the colon carcinogenesis may partially depend on PGE, concentration decrease in colonic mucosa and on the type of pectin, also related to fecal enzyme activities.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Monitoring of domestic and imported apples and rice by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pesticide program.

In 1993-94, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a statistically based study of pesticide residues in domestic and imported fresh apples and processed rice. For apples, 769 domestic and 1062 imported samples were collected and analyzed; 85% of the domestic and 86% of the imported samples had detectable residues. Benomyl, a widely used fungicide, was found with greatest frequency in domestic apples, while diphenylamine was found most often in imported apples. One domestic and 4 imported samples contained violative residues of pesticides for which there are no U.S. tolerances on apples. The statistically weighted (by domestic packer throughput or import shipment size) violation rates for domestic and imported apples were 0.30% (0.13 unweighted) and 0.41% (0.38 unweighted), respectively. For rice, 598 domestic and 612 imported samples were collected and analyzed; 56% of the domestic and 12% of the imported samples had detectable residues. Malathion had the greatest frequency of occurrence in both groups of rice. Eight domestic and 9 imported samples were violative, all as a result of use of pesticides for which there are no U.S. tolerances on rice. The statistically weighted violation rates for domestic and imported rice were 0.43% (1.3 unweighted) and 1.1% (1.5 unweighted), respectively. Results of the statistically based study show that, as in FDA's regulatory monitoring, the levels of most pesticide residues found in these 2 commodities are generally well below U.S. tolerances, and few violative residues are found.

Benomyl↗
PubMed2026

Cis-regulatory variation in the MdCKX6 promoter is associated with allele-specific expression and fruit size in apple.

Fruit size is a key determinant of apple fruit quality and market value and is strongly influenced by phytohormone-regulated cell proliferation and expansion during early fruit development. Cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) enzymes regulate cytokinin homeostasis by irreversibly degrading active cytokinins, but the contribution of natural variation in CKX genes to fruit size remains poorly understood. Here, we identified MdCKX6 as a candidate regulator of fruit growth in apple (Malus domestica). MdCKX6 exhibited pronounced allele-specific expression during fruit development in the cultivar 'Royal Gala'. Sequence analysis identified a promoter SNP associated with differential promoter activity and allele-specific expression. Genotyping of diverse apple cultivars and wild Malus accessions revealed a significant association between MdCKX6 promoter genotype and fruit size. Cultivars carrying low-expression alleles produced larger fruits, whereas high-expression alleles were associated with smaller fruits. To investigate gene function, MdCKX6 was overexpressed in tomato, resulting in reduced fruit size. Histological analyses of the transgenic tomato fruit revealed smaller pericarp cells. Transcriptome analysis of transgenic fruits revealed widespread changes in genes associated with cell-cycle regulation, cell wall modification, hormone-related processes, and transcriptional regulation. Together, these results identify MdCKX6 as a potential negative regulator of apple fruit growth and reveal an association between cis-regulatory variants, gene expression, and fruit size. This study provides new insights into the role of cytokinin metabolism in fruit development and highlights regulatory variation in MdCKX6 as a potential target for apple breeding.

Malus↗
PubMed2025

High temperature induces MdGATA15 to suppress anthocyanin accumulation in apple peels.

Although GATA transcription factors are known to play broad roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses, their involvement in high-temperature-induced anthocyanin suppression remains largely unexplored. In this study, using "Otome" as the experimental material, we revealed the important role of MdGATA15 in inhibiting anthocyanin accumulation under high temperature through multiple molecular mechanisms. A series of physiological and biochemical experiments demonstrated that MdGATA15 directly binds to the promoters of anthocyanin activators MdMYB11, MdANS, and the transporter gene MdGSTF12, repressing their expression. Simultaneously, MdGATA15 activates the expression of the anthocyanin biosynthesis repressor MdMYB308, further enhancing the inhibition. Notably, MdGATA15 binds to its own promoter, forming a positive feedback loop that significantly enhances its expression under high-temperature conditions. This mechanism provides new insights into understanding how apple responds to high-temperature stress. Additionally, we identified the bHLH transcription factor MdPIF4-Like3 in apple as an interactor of MdGATA15, which stabilizes and enhances the transcriptional activity of MdGATA15, thereby further reinforcing the inhibition of anthocyanin biosynthesis. These findings highlight the central role of MdGATA15 in high-temperature-mediated suppression of anthocyanin synthesis in apple and provide significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of apple's response to heat stress. This study provides a theoretical basis for breeding heat-resistant apple cultivars with improved fruit quality by targeting key transcription factors involved in high-temperature stress response.

Anthocyanins↗
PubMed2026

MhSHINE2-like interacts with MhGRF3 to promote drought tolerance via modulating stomatal aperture in apple.

Drought poses a significant global challenge to agriculture, substantially reducing crop yields. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in response to drought stress. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the ABA-mediated drought stress response in apple remains poorly understood. We identified a drought- and ABA-induced AP2/ERF transcription factor (TF), MhSHINE2-like, which positively regulates drought stress tolerance in apple. Biochemical analysis showed that MhSHINE2-like directly binds to the GAGA-rich element in the promoter of the ABA biosynthesis gene MhNCED3, promoting its transcription under drought stress. Overexpression of MhNCED3 promotes ABA accumulation and enhances apple drought tolerance by regulating stomatal closure under drought stress. Further studies revealed that MhSHINE2-like physically interacts with 14-3-3 protein, MhGRF3, which also contributes positively to drought tolerance. Notably, MhSHINE2-like and MhGRF3 function cooperatively to modulate the expression of downstream genes, promoting ABA accumulation, and consequently enhancing drought tolerance in apple. These findings reveal a regulatory network mediated by the combined effects of TFs and chaperone proteins, offering valuable genetic resources for the development of drought-tolerant apple cultivars.

Malus↗
PubMed2026

Molecular Evolution and Expression Analysis of the ADH Gene Family in Apple Bud Mutants.

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) catalyzes the reduction of aldehydes to alcohols, key precursor substrates for volatile ester biosynthesis, which determines the characteristic aroma of apple fruit. However, a comprehensive genome-wide investigation of the ADH gene family in apple has been lacking. In this study, we systematically identified ADH genes in the apple genome using integrated bioinformatics approaches, including phylogenetic analysis, synteny evaluation, promoter cis-element prediction, codon usage bias assessment, and protein interaction network modeling. Expression patterns were examined through transcriptomic data and validated by RT-qPCR analysis across different organs and among 'Red Delicious' and its four bud mutant lines. We identified 44 ADH genes, with 12 forming a prominent cluster on chromosome 1. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that MdADH20 was dramatically upregulated in the 'Red Chief' mutant (relative expression of 59.38), suggesting its pivotal role. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship with wild strawberry. The encoded proteins were generally stable and predominantly localized to the cytoplasm. Promoter analysis showed enrichment of growth/development-related and ARE elements, while codon usage analysis identified AGA, GCU, GUU, and CUU as preferred codons. Protein interaction prediction suggested MdADH19 and MdADH20 as hub proteins. Expression profiling and RT-qPCR further identified MdADH20 as a core candidate gene, characterized by its stable and high expression, particularly in the 'Red Delicious' mutant. Its central position in the predicted protein-protein interaction network suggests a potential regulatory role in the aroma biosynthesis pathway of apple fruit. This study provides the first systematic genome-wide characterization of the apple ADH gene family, establishing a theoretical groundwork for deciphering aroma biosynthesis mechanisms and offering potential target genes for flavor improvement through bud mutation breeding strategies.

ADH gene family↗
PubMed2002

Ergonomic exposures in apple harvesting: preliminary observations.

BACKGROUND: Recent research on occupational injury to apple harvest workers in New York and Pennsylvania indicates that muscle strain is one of their leading problems. A descriptive study of ergonomic risks for strains of the shoulder and lower back among apple harvesters was carried out to identify opportunities for intervention. METHODS: Based upon pilot observation in four orchards, a Posture-Activities-Tools-Handling (PATH) data collection template was designed and used to analyze the work of fifty-one workers in eight additional apple orchards. RESULTS: Physical loading on the shoulder appears to result from three major factors: reaching to pick apples with elbows over shoulder height; downward pressure from the bucket's strap in contact with the collarbone; and strain from carrying the ladder. Strain to the back appeared to come from three circumstances: static, awkward picking postures; bending to empty the picking bucket into the bin; and supporting a full load of the apples with the lower back. CONCLUSION: Possible intervention strategies are suggested, with emphasis on direct communication and active involvement on the part of the growers and harvesters.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed2005

Colonic availability of apple polyphenols--a study in ileostomy subjects.

Nutrition is thought to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and malignant gastrointestinal diseases. It is well known that plant ingredients such as polyphenols and flavonoids show anticarcinogenic effects both in vitro and in animal experiments, and may thus reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in man. The aim of the study was to determine the amount of polyphenols reaching the colon after oral intake of apple juice. After consumption of a polyphenol-free diet 11 healthy ileostomy volunteers drank 1 L of a polyphenol-rich cloudy apple juice. Ileostomy effluent was collected immediately before and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after consumption of apple juice. A broad spectrum of polyphenols was identified using HPLC-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) as well as HPLC-ESI-MS/MS; quantitation was performed with HPLC-DAD. Most of the orally administered apple polyphenols were absorbed from or metabolized in the small intestine. Between 0 and 33% of the oral dose was recovered in the ileostomy bags with a maximum of excretion after 2 h. Phloretin glucuronide as product of polyphenol metabolism was detected in the ileostomy effluent. The present results show that most of the apple juice polyphenols are absorbed in the small intestine. Minor amounts of unmetabolized polyphenols are recovered in the ileostomy effluent, which would reach the colon under physiologic circumstances. These data have to be considered when polyphenols are used in model systems to show preventive effects in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Adult↗