title: Zearalenone exposure modulates the expression of ABC transporters and nuclear receptors in pregnant rats and fetal liver.
abstract: The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) is produced by a variety of Fusarium fungi and contaminates numerous cereals, fruits and vegetables. Interacting with the estrogen receptors, ZEN and reduced metabolites zearalenols cause hormonal effects in animals. Few data are available on the effects of repeated exposure to ZEN, particularly during pregnancy. The aim of our work was to assess the impact of this toxin on the expression of ABC transporters and nuclear receptors in fetal liver and pregnant rats that were exposed daily (gestation day 7-20) to 1 mg/kg ZEN. Significant variations were observed, depending on the tissue type, the tissue origin (maternal or fetal), and the time of analysis after the last exposure to ZEN (4 h or 24 h). The modulations of expression were independent of the magnitude of tissue impregnation by ZEN and its metabolites. The maternal uterus was the most sensitive tissue: Abcb1a, Abcb1b and Abcg2 mRNA and protein expressions were induced at both times, while Abcc1, Abcc3 and Esr1 mRNA and protein expressions were inhibited then induced 4 h and 24 h after exposure, respectively. In the fetal liver, Abcb1a and Esr1 protein expression was inhibited at both times, while mRNA expression was induced 24 h after the last exposure to ZEN. These results suggested that ZEN exposure could impact maternal and fetal exposure to ABC transporters substrates, and influence fetus development through nuclear receptor modulation.
authors.affiliation: Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, USC 1233 INRA-VetAgro Sup, Métabolisme et Toxicologie Comparée des Xénobiotiques, F-69280 MARCY L'ETOILE, France.
authors.forename: Farah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Koraichi
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Videmann
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazallon
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benahmed
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Prouillac
authors.forename: Sylvaine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lecoeur
mesh_terms: D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008099:Liver / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D015025:Zearalenone / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D015025:Zearalenone; D012313:RNA