Toxic effects of zearalenone on gametogenesis and embryonic development: A molecular point of review

Zearalenone is commonly generated from moldy cereal grain, which is toxic to the development of gametogenesis and embryo in human and animals. The zearalenone-induced reproductive damage is mainly attributed to four mechanisms. Firstly, zearalenone as an oestrogen-like compound binds to estrogen receptor and causes damage to germ cells and testicular structure. Secondly, zearalenone disrupts the blood-testis barrier, and causes the damage to...