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Slötz awarded: Strengthening women in agriculture and fighting mycotoxins!
Professor Dr. Madeleine Plötz from TiHo Hannover is honored by VOWDA for her work on equality and mycotoxin research.
Slötz awarded: Strengthening women in agriculture and fighting mycotoxins!
Professor Dr. Madeleine Plötz, head of the Institute for Food Quality and Safety at the Hannover Veterinary University Foundation (TiHo), was named an “Extraordinary Fellow of VOWDA” by VOWDA. Loud TiHo Hanover VOWDA recognizes Plötz’s commitment to gender equality and her support of Nigerian female researchers in the agricultural sector. Their work contributes significantly to strengthening the role of women in agriculture and promoting sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
Plötz has been collaborating with Professor Yemisi Adefunke Jeff-Agboola from the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo City for almost a decade. Together they are researching the contamination of cocoa samples from Nigeria by mycotoxins, toxic substances produced by molds. Estimates suggest that over 25 percent of the global annual harvest is contaminated with mycotoxins, posing significant health risks.
Research on mycotoxins and health
The challenges posed by mycotoxins are not only important locally, but also globally. The plant and mycotoxins specialist group is responsible for assessing the health risks of mycotoxins in food. This assessment is based on internationally recognized scientific criteria, in particular taking into account the BfR guidelines. The national reference laboratory for mycotoxins and plant toxins plays a central role by carrying out research projects to further develop analytical methods and promoting collaboration with other European reference laboratories, such as BfR shown.
Research suggests that mycotoxins in foods may also affect women's fertility, particularly during in vitro fertilization (IVF). A current study from Semmelweis University and the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences examines this connection in more detail. This study is the first to detect mycotoxins in follicular fluid, offering hope for new insights into infertility, the results show Semmelweis University show.
What is particularly worrying is that all mycotoxins examined could be detected in the follicular fluid, even if they were not detectable in the blood plasma. Concentrations of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol and zearalenone were higher in follicular fluid than in blood. In addition, a correlation was found between estradiol concentrations and zearalenone, indicating mutual reinforcement. These results emphasize the need for more effective monitoring of mycotoxin contamination in the food chain.
Professor Plötz's award and the comprehensive research approaches to mycotoxins show a clear connection: work in the agricultural sector and the study of mycotoxins are not only of scientific interest, but also have a direct impact on the health and quality of life of many people.