Zearalenone is a non-steroid mycotoxin initially produced by species of Fusarium that occurs as a contaminant in grain products such as cereal. Zearalenone exhibits estrogenic effects, activating estrogen receptors. In vivo, zearalenone causes hormonal effects and abnormal reproductive development. In male germ cells such as spermatocytes and spermatogonia, zearalenone induces apoptosis. In other in vitro models, this compound induces oxidative stress and cytotoxicity, altering levels of glutathione, TBARS, and HSP70.
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Prouillac C, Koraichi F, Videmann B, et al. In vitro toxicological effects of estrogenic mycotoxins on human placental cells: structure activity relationships. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2012 Mar 15;259(3):366-75. PMID: 22310176.
Kim IH, Son HY, Cho SW, et al. Zearalenone induces male germ cell apoptosis in rats. Toxicol Lett. 2003 Mar 3;138(3):185-92. PMID: 12565195.
Boyd PA, Wittliff JL. Mechanism of Fusarium mycotoxin action in mammary gland. J Toxicol Environ Health. 1978 Jan;4(1):1-8. PMID: 633402.
