Individual and combined effects of deoxynivalenol and α-zearalenol on cell proliferation and steroidogenesis of granulosa cells in cattle

•Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species.•Granulosa cells were used to test the effects of deoxynivalenol and α-zearalenol.•Deoxynivalenol and α-zearalenol were tested alone and in combination.•Deoxynivalenol and α-zearalenol had effects on in vitro granulosa cells function.•Further studies are needed to better understand their effects on bovine species.

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) metabolite, α-zearalenol (α-Zol), on cell proliferation and steroidogenesis of bovine large (LG) follicle granulosa cells (GC). LGGC were obtained from bovine ovarian follicles (8-22 mm) and were cultured for 2 days in medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum followed by 1 or 2 days in serum-free medium without (control) or with treatments. Three different experiments were performed using different dosages of DON and α-Zol and in different combinations and a fourth experiment evaluated estradiol effects on granulosa cell proliferation. DON inhibited progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) production at high dose. α-Zol alone and in combination with DON increased cell growth. Estradiol inhibited cell growth indicating α-Zol is not acting as an estrogen agonist. This study demonstrates that α-Zol and DON can impact in vitro GC function, however further studies will be required to better understand the mechanism of action and reproductive effects of Fusarium mycotoxins.