Influence of Zearalenone on Free Radical Reactions in Rat Liver Cells

The aim of the study was to examine the toxic effect of different doses of zearalenone on liver cells by estimating mycotoxin influence on antioxidant systems and on formation of free radicals in the liver. The research was carried out on male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into nine groups of 10 animals each. Group A was orally given 8% ethyl alcohol once a day for 10 d. Groups B, C, D, and E were given, orally once a day 50, 100, 200, and 500 μg/kg b.w. of zearalenone in alcohol solution for 10 days. The animals from groups X, Y, and Z received a single dose of 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg b.w of zearalenone, respectively, and group W (control) a single dose of 8% ethyl alcohol. The liver was removed and homogenised. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, and concentration of L-ascorbic acid in the homogenate were determined. Received outcome and statistical analysis showed the essential fall of superoxide dismutase activity after 10 d of administering 200 and 500 μg/kg b.w of ZEA in comparison with the control group, and drop of glutathione peroxidase activity after 500 μg/kg b.w. dose. The results of the experiment showed that oxidative stress is one of the main toxic effects of zearalenone activity. Low doses of zearalenone applied for a long time do not have an influence on free radical reaction. Short-lasting zearalenone influence does not cause changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes.