<p>Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin that is usually found in moldy grains. ZEN causes reproductive toxicity to domestic animals by interfering with follicular and embryonic development, reducing sperm vitalityand destroying the homeostasis of endogenous hormones, leading to reproductive system diseases such as abortion, ovarian dysfunctionand stillbirth. The reproductive damage caused by zearalenone is mainly attributed to the factors as follows: (1) interaction with estrogen receptor; (2) induction of oxidative stress; (3) induction of apoptosis, necrosis, autophagyand iron prolapse and (4) interference with cell replication cycle. Natural compounds and micro-nutrients have the potential to alleviate the oxidative stress caused by ZEN. In addition, some microorganisms and enzymes have also shown good detoxification effects. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the damage caused by ZEN on animal gamete development and embryonic development, its molecular mechanismsand suggested some potential mitigation measures for the prevention of ZEN-induced toxicity to provide information for preventing toxicity associated with ZEN as well as serve as a foundation for further development of drug candidates for the treatment of ZEN induced damage.</p>


<p>Reproductive Toxicity Caused by Zearalenone on Animals and Its Possible Interventions</p>


<div>Mycotoxin poisoning is not restricted to pets and farm animals, it causes diseases and death in humans. Mycotoxin producing fungi are common components of the epiphytic and endophytic microflora in crops resulting in natural crop contamination in the field and during storage. The level of contamination is influenced by the genetics of the plant and fungi, management practices and prevailing climatic conditions. The Global movement of maize products necessitates global as well as country-specific surveys on mycotoxin occurrence. Significant differences in the concentrations of deoxynivalenol, fumonisins and zearalenone were found in commercial maize for the seven years under review but no significant difference was detected between white and yellow maize types with regards to fumonisins and zearalenone concentrations. The absence of Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin-A, T2-toxin and HT-2 toxin in the commercial maize samples from 2010/2011 to 2016/2017 seasons is a food safety advantage for South Africa maize producers.</div>


Reproductive Toxicity Caused by Zearalenone on Animals and Its Possible Interventions

Mycotoxins in Maize and Implications on Food Security: A Review