Mycoestrogen

Mycoestrogens act as agonists of the estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ. == Sources ==

Mycoestrogens mimic natural estrogen in the body by acting as estrogen receptor (ER) ligands. Studies have been performed that strongly suggest a relationship between detectable levels of mycoestrogen and growth and pubertal development. More than one study has shown that detectable levels of zearalenone and its metabolite alpha-zearalanol in girls are associated with significantly shorter heights at menarche. Interactions of ZEN and its metabolite with human androgen receptors (hAR) have also been documented. == Metabolism ==

Zearalenone has two major phase I metabolites: α-zearalenol and β-zearalenol. Phase II In phase-II metabolizing includes glucuronidation and sulfation of the mycoestrogen compound. Glucuronidation is the major phase II metabolic pathway. The transferase UGT (5'-diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase) adds a glucuronic acid group sourced from uridine 5'-diphosphate glucuronic acid (UDPGA). Excretion Mycoestrogens and their metabolites are largely excreted in urine in humans and in feces in other animal systems. ==In food==

Mycoestrogens are commonly found in stored grain. They can come from fungi growing on the grain as it grows, or after harvest during storage. Mycoestrogens can be found in silage. Some estimates state that 25% of global cereal production and 20% of global plant production may be at some point contaminated by mycotoxins of which mycoestrogens, especially those from fusarium strains, may make up a significant portion. Among mycoestrogens that contaminate plants are ZEN and its phase I metabolites. The limit for ZEN in unprocessed cereals, milling products, and cereal foodstuffs is 20-400 μg/kg (depending on the product in question). == References ==