Zearalenone Mycotoxicosis: Pathophysiology and Immunotoxicity

Ajwad A M Assumaidaee,Nathera M Ali,Shahad W Ahmed

doi:10.30539/ijvm.v44i1.932

Ajwad A M Assumaidaee, Nathera M Ali + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.30539/ijvm.v44i1.932

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Abstract

Mycotoxicosis refers to the deleterious pathological effects of different types of toxins produced by some worldwide distributing fungi. Mycotoxins, as secondary metabolites are affecting different organs and systems both in animals and human beings. Zearalenone (ZEA), the well-known estrogenic mycotoxins, is an immunotoxic agent. This macrocyclic beta-resorcyclic acid lactone is mycotoxin procreated as a secondary metabolic byproduct by several types of Fusarium, encompassing Fusarium roseum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium graminearum, and different other types. Attributing to its potent estrogenic activity, ZEA has been incriminated as one of the major causes of female reproductive disorders. Thus, the purpose of the present review article is to appraise the pathophysiological consequences and subsequent explore the progress in the research field of zearalenone immunotoxicities.

Highlights

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites that are naturally created by fungi that make a toxic response when introduced in low concentrations to vertebrates and other animals [1]
The production of mycotoxins is mostly done by different species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Claviceps, Alternaria and Fusarium [3]
Mycotoxicosis is a disease caused by these mycotoxins which affect animals and humans

Summary

General Introduction

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites that are naturally created by fungi that make a toxic response when introduced in low concentrations to vertebrates and other animals [1]. Mycotoxin as a term had been initially utilized within 1960s to describe the contaminated peanuts with toxin in animal feed that cause a loss of turkeys in England. Many factors participate in the presence of these mycotoxins in food, such as poor harvest, storage habits, climatic situations, and pest infestation. Mycotoxins exposure, which happened generally through intake of contaminated food. The production of mycotoxins is mostly done by different species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Claviceps, Alternaria and Fusarium [3]. Mycotoxicosis is a disease caused by these mycotoxins which affect animals and humans

Types of Mycotoxins

Zearalenone Toxicity in Animals

Toxicokinetic and Pathophysiology of Zearalenone in Animals