Zearalenone: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:57, 13 February 2025

An article about the mycotoxin Zearalenone

Zearalenone is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium, a type of fungus that commonly infects cereal crops such as maize, wheat, and barley. It is known for its estrogenic effects, which can lead to reproductive disorders in animals and potentially affect human health.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Zearalenone is a resorcylic acid lactone, a type of compound characterized by a lactone ring and a resorcinol moiety. Its chemical formula is C₁₈H₂₂O₅, and it has a molecular weight of 318.37 g/mol. The compound is relatively stable under normal environmental conditions but can degrade under extreme heat or light.

Biosynthesis[edit]

Zearalenone is synthesized by Fusarium species during the infection of host plants. The biosynthesis involves a polyketide pathway, where multiple acetyl-CoA units are assembled into a polyketide chain, which is then cyclized and modified to form the final lactone structure.

Occurrence[edit]

Zearalenone contamination is most prevalent in temperate regions where Fusarium species thrive. It is commonly found in stored grains, especially when storage conditions are warm and humid, which favor fungal growth. The presence of zearalenone in food and feed is a significant concern for food safety and animal husbandry.

Health Effects[edit]

Zearalenone is known for its estrogenic activity, meaning it can mimic the hormone estrogen in animals and humans. This can lead to reproductive issues such as infertility, reduced litter size, and other hormonal imbalances in livestock. In humans, exposure to zearalenone is a concern due to its potential endocrine-disrupting effects, although the full extent of its impact on human health is still under investigation.

Detection and Regulation[edit]

The detection of zearalenone in food and feed is typically performed using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. Regulatory agencies in many countries have established maximum allowable levels of zearalenone in food and feed to protect human and animal health. These regulations are based on risk assessments that consider the potential exposure and toxicity of the compound.

Prevention and Control[edit]

Preventing zearalenone contamination involves good agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, proper storage conditions, and the use of fungicides. Additionally, monitoring and testing of grains before they enter the food supply chain are crucial steps in controlling the levels of this mycotoxin.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Zearalenone''' (ZEN), also known as RAL and F-2 mycotoxin, is a potent estrogenic metabolite produced by some [[Gibberella]] species. It is a white crystalline solid when pure but is usually seen as a light yellow to tan powder. Zearalenone is classified as a [[mycotoxin]]—a toxic secondary metabolite produced by organisms of the fungus kingdom. The primary fungi that produce zearalenone are ''[[Fusarium graminearum]]'' and ''[[Fusarium culmorum]]'', both of which are common pathogens of cereal crops.
+{{short description|An article about the mycotoxin Zearalenone}}
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Zearalenone}}
-==Production and Structure==
+[[File:Zearalenone.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Zearalenone]]
-Zearalenone is synthesized by Fusarium fungi through a polyketide pathway. Its chemical structure is similar to that of the natural estrogens, which allows it to bind to estrogen receptors in mammals, leading to estrogenic effects. The structure of zearalenone consists of a resorcylic acid lactone ring, which is crucial for its estrogenic activity.
+'''Zearalenone''' is a mycotoxin produced by several species of [[Fusarium]], a type of [[fungus]] that commonly infects [[cereal]] crops such as [[maize]], [[wheat]], and [[barley]]. It is known for its estrogenic effects, which can lead to reproductive disorders in animals and potentially affect human health.
+==Chemical Properties==
+Zearalenone is a resorcylic acid lactone, a type of compound characterized by a lactone ring and a resorcinol moiety. Its chemical formula is C<sub>18</sub>H<sub>22</sub>O<sub>5</sub>, and it has a molecular weight of 318.37 g/mol. The compound is relatively stable under normal environmental conditions but can degrade under extreme heat or light.
+==Biosynthesis==
+Zearalenone is synthesized by [[Fusarium]] species during the infection of host plants. The biosynthesis involves a polyketide pathway, where multiple acetyl-CoA units are assembled into a polyketide chain, which is then cyclized and modified to form the final lactone structure.
 ==Occurrence==
-Zearalenone is commonly found in a variety of cereal crops, including [[corn]], [[barley]], [[oats]], [[wheat]], [[rice]], and [[sorghum]]. It can contaminate these crops in the field during the growing season, especially under conditions of high humidity and low temperature, which are favorable for Fusarium growth. Additionally, zearalenone can persist in contaminated crops during storage, particularly if the storage conditions are not optimal.
+Zearalenone contamination is most prevalent in temperate regions where [[Fusarium]] species thrive. It is commonly found in stored grains, especially when storage conditions are warm and humid, which favor fungal growth. The presence of zearalenone in food and feed is a significant concern for [[food safety]] and [[animal husbandry]].
 ==Health Effects==
-Zearalenone is known for its estrogenic effects in animals and potentially in humans. It can cause a variety of reproductive problems, including infertility, reduced litter size in animals, and disorders of the reproductive tract. In pigs, which are particularly sensitive to zearalenone, it can cause vulvovaginitis, an enlargement of the vulva. In humans, the health effects are less clear, but there is concern that exposure to zearalenone could disrupt endocrine function and contribute to reproductive disorders.
+Zearalenone is known for its estrogenic activity, meaning it can mimic the hormone [[estrogen]] in animals and humans. This can lead to reproductive issues such as infertility, reduced litter size, and other hormonal imbalances in livestock. In humans, exposure to zearalenone is a concern due to its potential endocrine-disrupting effects, although the full extent of its impact on human health is still under investigation.
-==Detection and Control==
+==Detection and Regulation==
-Detection of zearalenone in food and feed is typically conducted using chromatographic techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To control the contamination of crops with zearalenone, good agricultural and storage practices are essential. This includes crop rotation, timely harvesting, and maintaining dry conditions in storage.
+The detection of zearalenone in food and feed is typically performed using [[chromatography]] and [[mass spectrometry]] techniques. Regulatory agencies in many countries have established maximum allowable levels of zearalenone in food and feed to protect human and animal health. These regulations are based on risk assessments that consider the potential exposure and toxicity of the compound.
-==Regulation==
+==Prevention and Control==
-Due to its potential health effects, several countries have established maximum residue limits (MRLs) for zearalenone in food and feed. These limits vary by country and the type of food or feed. The European Union, for example, has set strict MRLs for zearalenone in various foodstuffs to protect human and animal health.
+Preventing zearalenone contamination involves good agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, proper storage conditions, and the use of fungicides. Additionally, monitoring and testing of grains before they enter the food supply chain are crucial steps in controlling the levels of this mycotoxin.
-==Conclusion==
+==Related Pages==
-Zearalenone is a significant mycotoxin with estrogenic effects that poses a risk to animal and potentially human health. Its occurrence in cereal crops highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling fungal infections in agriculture to minimize exposure. Ongoing research into the health effects of zearalenone and improved detection methods are crucial for managing this mycotoxin.
+* [[Mycotoxin]]
+* [[Fusarium]]
+* [[Estrogen]]
+* [[Food safety]]
 [[Category:Mycotoxins]]
-[[Category:Fungal plant pathogens and diseases]]
 [[Category:Endocrine disruptors]]
+[[Category:Fusarium]]
-{{mycotoxin-stub}}