Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by mold fungi, which commonly contaminate cereal crops. These compounds include zearalenone (ZEA), which may disturb the proper functioning of the endocrine system in mammals. The metabolism of ZEA plays a key role in its toxic properties. The type and amount of produced metabolites may contribute to both the reduction and increase in its pathogenic effect. Therefore, it is extremely important to investigate the possible pathways of zearalenone metabolism. The electrochemical approach may prove alternatives for the in vitro and in vivo methods. For this reason, in this study the electrochemical, theoretical and in vitro assays were applied to determine the possible ZEA metabolism mechanism. Electrochemical processes were conducted in the EC/ESI-MS system. The application of HPLC-MS/MS allowed to characterize the obtained electrochemical products specific for phase I and II. Appropriate conditions for redox identification processes were optimized with regard to such parameters as the potential value, mobile phase and working electrode. In addition, the data obtained by instrumental techniques for ZEA metabolism were compared with those obtained by in vitro methods for HepG2 cell lines. Furthermore, results from quantum mechanical calculations allowed to explain the mechanism and the conformational stability of the reduction products.
Keywords: Electrochemistry; Liquid chromatography; Mass spectrometry; Metabolism; Zearalenone.
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