Comparative biotransformation of aflatoxin B₁ in swine, domestic fowls, and humans

Abstract

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is primarily biotransformed in the liver by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, which can yield either the genotoxic metabolite AFB₁-8,9 epoxide that causes liver carcinogenicity or less toxic compounds. The biotransformation of AFB₁ is better understood in humans, including gene expression of CYPs involved in the detoxification process. Studies on farm animals have demonstrated genes homologous to human CYPs that play similar roles in AFB₁ biotransformation. This review compares the activities of the most important CYPs related to the biotransformation of AFB₁ in humans, swine and domestic fowls (chickens, quail, turkeys and ducks), as well the main detoxification mechanisms in these species.

• AFB₁
• aflatoxin metabolites
• cytochrome P450
• detoxification
• glutathione

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest relevant to this study.

The authors would like to thank Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) for the financial support and research grants.