Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an environmental toxicant and neurotoxic compound that induces the production of free radicals, causing oxidative stress. Creatine kinase (CK) is a central controller of energy metabolism in tissues with a large and fluctuating energy demand, and it is highly susceptible to inactivation by free radicals and oxidative damage. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether a diet for freshwater silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) containing AFB1 inhibits cerebral CK activity, as well as the involvement of the oxidative stress on this inhibition. Brain CK activity was lower on days 14 and 21 post-feeding in animals that received AFB1-contaminated diet compared to the control group (basal diet), similarly to the brain sodium-potassium pump (Na+, K+-ATPase) activity. On the other hand, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation levels were higher on days 14 and 21 post-feeding in animals fed with AFB1-contaminated feed compared to the control group, while the antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals and thiol content was lower. Based on these evidences, the data demonstrated that diet containing AFB1 severely affects CK activity, an essential enzyme that plays an important role in brain energy homeostasis. Also, the impairment of energetic homeostasis linked with the use and generation of ATP via inhibition of CK activity elicited an inhibition of enzymes ATP-dependent, such as Na+, K+-ATPase. Moreover, the inhibition of brain CK activity appears to be mediated by the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and thiol group, as well as by a reduction in the antioxidant capacity.
Keywords: AFB1; Adenosine triphosphate; Mycotoxins; Phosphotransfer network; Rhamdia quelen.