Researchers discovered that two toxic chemicals found in moldy grains—deoxynivalenol and α-zearalenol—can damage reproductive organs in ways that might affect fertility. Using pig tissue samples, scientists found that these contaminants harm the uterus and ovaries by causing cell damage and reducing protective molecules. When both chemicals were present together, the damage was even worse. This research helps us understand how food contamination might affect human fertility and suggests we need better ways to prevent these molds from growing on our food.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How two toxic chemicals from moldy grain affect reproductive organs and whether they cause more damage when combined
- Who participated: Reproductive tissue samples from 8 pigs collected at slaughterhouses, tested in laboratory conditions
- Key finding: Both chemicals damaged reproductive tissues individually, but when combined together, they caused significantly more severe damage and reduced the tissue’s ability to protect itself from harm
- What it means for you: This suggests that eating foods contaminated with these molds might affect fertility, though more research in humans is needed. It highlights the importance of food safety and proper grain storage to prevent mold growth
The Research Details
Scientists collected reproductive tissue samples from pigs and exposed them to two toxic chemicals found in moldy grains in a controlled laboratory setting. They used pig tissue because it’s similar to human tissue and allows researchers to study effects without harming animals. The tissues were treated with the chemicals for 8-12 hours, then examined under microscopes and with special staining techniques to see what damage occurred.
The researchers looked for several types of damage: broken cell structures, cell death signals, signs of stress from harmful molecules called free radicals, and changes in important protective proteins. They measured how the tissues responded to each chemical alone and then tested what happened when both chemicals were present together.
This approach is important because it allows scientists to study how food contaminants affect reproductive health without conducting harmful experiments on living animals or people. The pig tissue model is particularly valuable because pig reproductive systems are very similar to human systems, making the findings more relevant to human health. Testing combined exposures is crucial because people are rarely exposed to just one contaminant—they typically encounter multiple toxins from various food sources.
This study used established laboratory techniques and examined tissue samples from multiple animals, which strengthens the findings. However, because this is laboratory tissue rather than living organisms, the results may not perfectly reflect what happens in the human body. The sample size is relatively small, so results should be confirmed with larger studies. The research was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, indicating it met scientific standards for quality.
What the Results Show
Both toxic chemicals caused visible damage to reproductive tissues. In the uterus, the outer lining began to break down, and cells showed signs of dying. The tissues also lost important protective molecules called cytokines and adhesion molecules that normally help keep tissues healthy and functioning properly. Hormone receptors—the structures that allow tissues to respond to reproductive hormones—were significantly reduced.
In the ovaries, the developing egg follicles showed signs of degeneration and damage. The pattern of hormone receptors changed in ways that suggest the tissue’s normal functions were disrupted. When both chemicals were present together, the damage was noticeably worse than either chemical alone, suggesting they work together to cause greater harm. The combined exposure also reduced the tissue’s natural antioxidant defenses, which normally protect cells from harmful free radicals.
The research revealed that the chemicals trigger cell death pathways and increase inflammatory markers in the tissue. The damage to adhesion molecules is particularly concerning because these proteins are essential for keeping tissue structures intact and functioning properly. The reduction in hormone receptors suggests that even if reproductive hormones are present, the tissues may not respond normally to them, potentially affecting fertility.
Previous research has shown that these mycotoxins (fungal toxins) are harmful to reproductive health, but most studies looked at each chemical separately. This research adds important new information by showing that combined exposure causes worse damage than expected from either chemical alone. This synergistic effect—where two things together cause more damage than the sum of their individual effects—is an important finding that hadn’t been well-documented before.
This study used tissue samples outside the body rather than studying living organisms, so the results may not perfectly reflect what happens in real fertility situations. The sample size was small (8 animals), so larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. The chemical concentrations used were higher than typical dietary exposure, though still considered ’low’ in laboratory terms. The study was conducted in pigs, and while their reproductive systems are similar to humans, results may not translate exactly to human health. Additionally, this was a short-term exposure study, while real-world exposure to these contaminants is usually long-term.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, the best approach is prevention: store grains properly to prevent mold growth, purchase food from reliable sources, and discard visibly moldy foods. While this study suggests these contaminants may affect fertility, it’s one piece of evidence and shouldn’t cause panic. If you’re concerned about fertility, discuss food safety and nutrition with your healthcare provider. (Confidence level: Moderate—this is promising research but needs human studies to confirm)
This research is most relevant to people concerned about fertility, pregnant women or those planning pregnancy, farmers and food producers, and food safety regulators. People with existing reproductive health concerns should discuss these findings with their doctors. This is less immediately relevant to people without fertility concerns, though everyone benefits from safer food supplies.
This research doesn’t suggest a specific timeline for effects because it was a short-term laboratory study. In real life, the effects of food contamination would likely develop over weeks to months of exposure, depending on how much contaminated food someone eats and their individual sensitivity.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly food purchases and storage practices: note grain products purchased, storage conditions (temperature, humidity, sealed containers), and any visible mold or off-odors. This creates awareness of food safety practices that reduce mycotoxin exposure.
- Implement a ‘grain safety checklist’ in your app: buy smaller quantities of grains more frequently, store in airtight containers in cool dry places, check expiration dates weekly, and photograph storage conditions to maintain accountability.
- Create a monthly food safety audit where users photograph their pantry, note storage improvements made, and track any gastrointestinal symptoms or health changes. This long-term approach helps users maintain awareness of contamination risks and their personal health patterns.
This research was conducted in laboratory tissue samples from pigs and has not been tested in humans. While it suggests that mycotoxins may affect reproductive health, this is preliminary evidence. Do not make medical decisions based solely on this study. If you have concerns about fertility, food safety, or exposure to contaminated foods, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.