The molecular mechanisms of alpha-lipoic acid on ameliorating aflatoxin B1-induced liver toxicity and physiological dysfunction in northern snakehead (Channa argus)

•α-LA alleviates the growth inhibition and immunosuppression induced by AFB1.•α-LA can reduce AFB1-induced liver injury of northern snakehead.•α-LA reduces the production of AFBO in the liver by regulating phase i & II metabolic responses.•α-LA alleviates AFB1-induced apoptosis and inflammation by inhibiting ERS.•α-LA alleviates AFB1-induced stress of the oxidative stress and ERS by activating the Nrf2 pathway.