Mycoestrogens

Mycoestrogens are a type of Mycotoxin produced by fungi that have the ability to interfere with the Endocrine system by mimicking or blocking the actions of naturally occurring Estrogen in animals. They are a subset of Xenoestrogens, which are synthetic or natural chemical compounds that imitate estrogen.

History

The term "mycoestrogen" was first used in the 1960s to describe the estrogenic activity of certain mycotoxins. The most well-known mycoestrogens are Zearalenone (ZEA), Alpha-zearalenol (α-ZOL), and Beta-zearalenol (β-ZOL), which are produced by several species of Fusarium fungi.

Production and Exposure

Mycoestrogens are produced by fungi, particularly Fusarium species, which are common in soil and plant debris. These fungi can infect crops, particularly corn, wheat, and barley, under certain environmental conditions. Humans and animals can be exposed to mycoestrogens through the consumption of contaminated food or feed.

Health Effects

Mycoestrogens can have various health effects due to their ability to mimic or block estrogen. They can cause reproductive issues, such as infertility, in both humans and animals. In animals, they can also cause Hyperestrogenism, which can lead to symptoms such as swelling of the vulva, enlargement of the mammary glands, and changes in the reproductive cycle.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of mycoestrogen contamination in crops involves good agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties. In addition, various methods can be used to detoxify contaminated food or feed, such as the use of adsorbents or biological degradation.

See Also

• Mycotoxin
• Endocrine disruptor
• Xenoestrogen
• Zearalenone
• Fusarium

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