DEOXYNIVALENOL AND ZEARALENONE AS POSSIBLE ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS IN OVARIAN STEROIDOGENESIS

Abstract

During the 20th century, there has been an increased risk from environmental by-products that may be harmful to reproductive function in humans. Therefore, as the 21th century begins, it is appropriate to evaluate future directions within the field of reproductive toxicology. Increasingly, the enzymes involved in the steroid biosynthesis pathway are being recognized as important targets for the actions of various endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Studies in vivo and in vitro focused on the ovarian and testicular function. Ovarian steroid production and subsequent local steroid-mediated signaling are critical for normal ovarian processes, including follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and ovulation. Through the use of several in vitro models, great strides were made toward characterizing the mechanisms regulating local steroid production and action in ovary. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which mycotoxins interfere with the function of steroidogenic enzymes in various tissues and organisms.