Induction of liver GST transcriptions by tert-butylhydroquinone reduced microcystin-LR accumulation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

► Phase II enzymes were up-regulated after MC-LR exposure in Nile tilapia hepatocytes. ► The transcription of GSTs were significantly induced by tBHQ in Nile tilapia. ► Fish fed on tBHQ-containing diet showed significantly reduced MC-LR accumulation. ► tBHQ could reduce MC-LR accumulations through the induction of phase II enzymes.