Definition
Description
Top Gene Interactions
Related Pathways
Zearalenone Health Effects
General Information
- Metabolism: Zearalenone is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. In humans, most of the zearalenone absorbed is not metabolized. The main metabolites include alpha- and beta-zeralenol, and the glucuronide conjugates of both the parent compound and its metabolites. Zearalenone and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the bile. (A741, L1912)
- Uses/Sources: Zearalenone (ZEA), also known as RAL and F-2 mycotoxin, is a potent estrogenic metabolite produced by some Giberella species. Several Fusarium species also produce zearalenone as their primary toxin. It can be found worldwide in a number of cereal crops, such as maize, barley, oats, wheat, rice, and sorghum, and also in bread. (L1947)
- Health Effects: Zearalenone is a reproductive toxin and has been shown to cause infertility, abortion or other breeding problems in livestock. In humans it can cause earlier onset of puberty in children, endometrial adenocarcinomas, hyperplasia, and breast cancer in women. Zearalenone is also immunotoxic, genotoxic, and can cause kidney and liver damage. (L1947, A2960)
- Route of Exposure: Oral, dermal, inhalation, and parenteral (contaminated drugs). (A3101)
Toxicity
- Carcinogenicity: 3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (L135)
- Toxicity: LD50: >2000 mg/kg (Oral, Mouse) (L1912) LD50: >500 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Mouse) (L1912)
Mechanism of Action
Target Name | Mechanism of Action | References |
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Androgen receptor Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma Cytochrome P450 19A1 Vitamin D3 receptor Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 2 G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 |
23611293 17088055 |
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Estrogen receptor | Zearalenone is able to mimic estrogen and bind to both alpha and beta estrogen receptors, causing various reproductive effects. (A2895, A2961) |
12650720 23611293 2576797 17097287 |
Estrogen receptor beta | Zearalenone is able to mimic estrogen and bind to both alpha and beta estrogen receptors, causing various reproductive effects. (A2961) |
15084758 23611293 17097287 |
Solute carrier family 22 member 1 Solute carrier family 22 member 11 Solute carrier family 22 member 7 Solute carrier family 22 member 2 Solute carrier family 22 member 8 Solute carrier family 22 member 6 |
Mycotoxins are often able to enter the liver and kidney by human organic anion transporters (hOATs) and human organic cation transporters (hOCTs). They can also inhibit uptake of anions and cations by these transporters, interefering with the secretion of endogenous metabolites, drugs, and xenobiotics including themselves. This results in increased cellular accumulation of toxic compounds causing nephro- and hepatotoxicity. (A3014) |
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