Prenatal Mycoestrogen Concentrations in Relation to Placental and Birth Weights

Background and Aim: Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin or ‘mycoestrogen’ that contaminates global grain crops. Worldwide consumption has resulted in detectable concentrations of ZEN and its metabolites, including the synthetic version alpha-zearalanol (ZER), in human populations. Despite in vivo and in vitro evidence of endocrine disruption by ZEN, there is limited investigation of how mycoestrogens impact human health. The aim of this study was to examine markers of fetal growth following prenatal exposure to ZEN. Methods: Placental samples were collected from participants (n= 240) in the UPSIDE cohort (Rochester, NY, USA). ZEN and its metabolites were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry and values were log-transformed. Birth and placental weights were obtained from medical records and direct measurement, respectively; fetoplacental ratio (FPR) was calculated by dividing birthweight by placental weight. Generalized linear regression models were used to examine ZEN, ZER, and total mycoestrogens (sum of ZEN, ZER and their metabolites) in relation to fetal and placental size, adjusting for covariates. Results: ZEN and its metabolites were detected in 82% of placentas (median ZEN: 0.013 ng/g). Lower fetoplacental ratios were associated with placental concentrations of ZER (-0.45, 95%CI: -0.74,-0.16) and total mycoestrogens (-0.26, 95%CI: -0.42, -0.10). Although not statistically significant, placental ZEN (-31g, 95%CI: -115, 53) and ZER (-83g, 95%CI: -205, 40) were associated with lower birthweight and ZEN was associated with lower fetoplacental ratio (-0.19, 95%CI: -0.47, 0.08). No associations with placental weight were observed. Conclusions: Results from this first epidemiological study of prenatal mycoestrogen exposure and child health suggest that ZEN and its metabolites may alter placental efficiency, resulting in lower birthweight. Ongoing work in this cohort will additionally quantify urinary mycoestrogens across pregnancy and evaluate maternal estrogens in relation to ZEN exposure.