Reproductive tissue toxicity of deoxynivalenol and α-zearalenol alone or in combination: Insights from a porcine explant model.

Infertility associated with dietary contaminants has raised increasing concern, particularly regarding the effects of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and α-zearalenol (α-ZOL). These fungal metabolites are commonly found in food and known for their toxicological effects in both humans and animals. However, the impact of combined exposure to DON and α-ZOL at low concentrations on reproductive tissues remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of DON (10 μM) and α-ZOL (0.68 μM) on porcine reproductive tissues using an ex vivo model. Uterine and ovarian explants were collected from eight sows at slaughterhouses and incubated for 8 and 12 h, respectively. Samples were then subjected to histological and immunohistochemical analyses to assess tissue integrity, apoptosis (caspase-3), oxidative stress, and the expression of key markers including IL-10, TNF-α, E-cadherin, COX-2, VEGF, and sex hormone receptors (E1, P4). All treatments induced significant tissue damage compared to controls. In uteri, epithelial desquamation and increased caspase-3 expression were observed, along with decreased expression of cytokines, adhesion molecules, and hormone receptors. In the ovaries, follicular degeneration and altered E1 expression patterns were detected. The combined treatment led to more severe alterations and reduced antioxidant capacity, suggesting a synergistic toxic effect. These findings demonstrate that both uterine and ovarian tissues are vulnerable to DON and α-ZOL and that combined exposure exacerbates reproductive toxicity. The porcine ex vivo model proved to be a reliable tool for assessing the toxicological impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health.