Zearalenol

Zearalenol is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin that is derived from zearalenone by the fungal species Fusarium. It is one of the many mycotoxins which are secondary metabolites of fungi that have the potential to cause disease and death in humans and other animals.

Structure and Synthesis

Zearalenol is a resorcylic acid lactone that is derived from the more stable compound zearalenone. The synthesis of zearalenol involves the reduction of the ketone group of zearalenone to a hydroxyl group. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme zearalenone reductase, which is produced by the fungus Fusarium.

Occurrence

Zearalenol is commonly found in several cereals including corn, wheat, barley, rice, and sorghum. It can also be found in mixed feeds, silage, and beer. The presence of zearalenol in these food products is due to the contamination of the grains by Fusarium fungi during pre-harvest, storage, or processing stages.

Toxicity

Zearalenol is known to cause reproductive disorders in animals due to its estrogenic effects. It can bind to estrogen receptors and mimic the action of the hormone, leading to hormonal imbalances. In pigs, it can cause vulvovaginitis, swelling of the mammary glands, and infertility. In poultry, it can lead to decreased egg production and hatchability.

Detection and Control

The detection of zearalenol in food products is usually done through chromatographic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Control measures include good agricultural practices, proper storage conditions, and the use of fungicides.

See Also

• Mycotoxin
• Fusarium
• Estrogen
• Zearalenone

References

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