Embryotoxicity of conjugated forms of Zearalenone

Zearalenone is a mycotoxin produced by fungi, mainly of the genus Fusarium, which is often found in animal feed. Zearalenone is known to have estrogenic activity and can cause various disorders in the reproductive system of animals. In recent years, conjugated forms of zearalenone, such as sulfates and glycosides, have increasingly attracted the attention of researchers. In this regard, the aim of this study was to analyze the embryotoxicity of zearalenone and its conjugated forms when administered to pregnant rats. The article presents an experimental analysis of the embryotoxicity of zearalenone and its conjugated forms (sulfates and glycosides) when administered to pregnant rats. The study was conducted on four groups of animals, including a control group, using crystalline zearalenone and feed extracts naturally contaminated with zearalenone and its conjugates. The results showed that the presence of conjugated forms of zearalenone significantly enhances the embryotoxic effect. This is manifested by an increase in preimplantation embryonic mortality by 25- 30%, an increase in postimplantation mortality by 15-20%, and an overall increase in embryonic mortality of up to 40%. In addition, a decrease in fetal weight by 10-15% and a decrease in craniocaudal size of fetuses by 5-10% were observed in the experiment. These effects are associated with the possible release of toxic zearalenone from conjugated forms in the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to an actually higher toxic load than calculated. Thus, the study results highlight the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with conjugated forms of zearalenone.

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