Estrogenic mycotoxins

The zearalenones, a series of macrocyclic lactones produced by Fusarium roseum and other Fusarium spp. of fungi growing on agricultural products, are among the numerous environmental contaminants that can bind, albeit poorly, to estrogen receptors and stimulate female sex hormone responses. Zearalenones cause a variety of adverse responses in domesticated animals, particularly swine, and may contribute to the overall load of environmental estrogens, which are believed to be adversely impacting sensitive biological processes. Studies on structure-activity relationships among zearalenones provide clues about how zearalenone interacts with estrogen receptors.