The metabolism and biotransformation of AFB1: Key enzymes and pathways

Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) 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 AFB1 is important for developing detoxification and intervention strategies. In this review, we summarize the AFB1 metabolic fates in humans and animals and the key enzymes that metabolize AFB1, including cytochrome P450s (CYP450s) for AFB1 bioactivation, glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) and aflatoxin-aldehyde reductases (AFARs) in detoxification. Furthermore, AFB1 metabolism in microbes is also summarized. Microorganisms specifically and efficiently transform AFB1 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 AFB1 in various organisms, which also benefits the development of protective strategies in humans and animals.