The metabolism and biotransformation of AFB1: Key enzymes and pathways

Aflatoxins B-1 (AFB(1)) is a hepatoxic compound produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, seriously threatening food safety and the health of humans and animals. Understanding the metabolism of AFB(1) is important for developing detoxification and intervention strategies. In this review, we summarize the AFB(1) metabolic fates in humans and animals and the key enzymes that metabolize AFB(1), including cytochrome P450s (CYP450s) for AFB(1) bioactivation, glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) and aflatoxin-aldehyde reductases (AFARs) in detoxification. Furthermore, AFB(1) metabolism in microbes is also summarized. Microorganisms specifically and efficiently transform AFB(1) into less or non-toxic products in an environmental-friendly approach which could be the most desirable detoxification strategy in the future. This review provides a wholistic insight into the metabolism and biotransformation of AFB(1) in various organisms, which also benefits the development of protective strategies in humans and animals.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the metabolic fate of Aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) in humans, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the key enzymes involved. Microorganisms have the ability to efficiently convert AFB(1) into non-toxic products, which could be the most desirable detoxification strategy in the future.