Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aflatoxin B₁-mediated neurotoxicity: The therapeutic role of natural bioactive compounds

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), a dietary toxin from the mold Aspergillus species, is well acknowledged to elicit extra-hepatic toxicity in both animals and humans. The neurotoxicity of AFB₁ has become a global public health concern. Contemporary research on how AFB₁ enters the brain to elicit neuronal dysregulation leading to noxious neurological outcomes has increased greatly in recent years. The current review discusses several neurotoxic outcomes and susceptible targets of AFB₁ toxicity at cellular, molecular and genetic levels. Specifically, neurotoxicity studies involving the use of brain homogenates, neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32, human brain microvascular endothelial cells, microglial cells, and astrocytes, as well as mammalian and non-mammalian models to unravel the mechanisms associated with AFB₁ exposure are highlighted. Further, some naturally occurring bioactive compounds with compelling therapeutic effects on AFB₁-induced neurotoxicity are reviewed. In conclusion, available data from literature highlight AFB₁ as a neurotoxin and its possible pathological contribution to neurological disorders. Further mechanistic studies aimed at discovering and developing effective therapeutics for AFB₁ neurotoxicity is warranted.