Zearalenone
Also known as: ZEN · ZEA · F-2 toxin
Overview
A non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species. Zearalenone mimics estrogen with high affinity for estrogen receptors, causing profound endocrine disruption. While primarily a food contaminant, ZEN is also found in water-damaged buildings with Fusarium growth and can be inhaled. Its detection in PBMCs reveals systemic endocrine-disrupting exposure.
Primary Sources
Inhalation in damp indoor environments with Fusarium mold; contaminated corn, wheat, barley, and sorghum; animal feed; a major concern in livestock reproductive health.
Health Effects
Estrogenic endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, precocious puberty, infertility, uterine abnormalities, immune modulation, and potential contribution to hormone-sensitive cancers.
Detection Method
This toxin is detected and quantified using HRMS (LC or GC) analysis of isolated PBMCs. The intracellular accumulation of this compound in lymphocytes and monocytes provides a more accurate reflection of chronic systemic burden than conventional serum or urine testing.