Longevity & AgingCommon Food Mold Toxin ZEN Found to Accelerate Aging via Mitochondrial Damage
Zearalenone (ZEN), a fungal toxin widespread in cereals, is known for reproductive harm — but new research suggests it may also accelerate aging. Using network toxicology, molecular docking, and zebrafish models, researchers found that even low-level ZEN exposure disrupts key aging-related pathways including PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and apoptosis. Zebrafish larvae exposed to 2 μM ZEN developed muscle degeneration, mitochondrial disorganization, oxidative stress, and reduced locomotion within 72–96 hours. Longevity-linked genes including igf1, sirt1, and nfkb2 were significantly downregulated. The findings suggest chronic dietary exposure to ZEN could contribute to accelerated biological aging, calling for stricter mycotoxin monitoring in food supplies.
