Mycotoxin zearalenone induces AIF- and ROS-mediated cell death through p53- and MAPK-dependent signaling pathways in RAW264.7 macrophages

► This study examined the mechanisms by which zearalenone (ZEN) causes cell death. ► ZEN induced predominantly necrotic and late apoptotic death of RAW264.7 cells. ► ZEN induced mitochondrial-mediated and caspase-independent cell death. ► ZEN also activated p53 and mitogen-activated protein kinases in the cells. ► Further, oxidative stress was closely involved in ZEN-mediated cytotoxicity.