›› 2013, Vol. ›› Issue (5): 30-34.

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Effects of Alfalfa on the Expression of Liver X Receptors Gene and Protein in Pig Skeletal Muscle Cell

CHEN Ying1, WANG Jia-fu1,2, WANG Fang2, YUAN Tian2, ZHANG Zhao-qiang2, RAN Xue-qin1   

  1. 1. College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China;
    2. College of Life Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
  • Received:2013-02-17 Online:2013-05-20 Published:2013-05-27

Abstract: To investigate the effects of alfalfa on the expression of liver X receptors (LXRs) gene and protein in pig skeletal muscle cell, and the influence on carcass and meat quality in pig, LXRs protein of longissimus muscle in pig was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. The mRNA expression level was quantitated by Real-time quautitative PCR system. The results indicated that LXRs signal was located in the cell nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane. Compared with the control group, adding 4% alfalfa to daily ration could elevate the expression levels of LXRs gene and the protein (P<0.05), decrease leanness (P>0.05) and significantly increase intramuscular fat content together with a better marbling score, less water loss and smaller intercellular space (P<0.05). In 6% alfalfa group, marbling score and water lose increased, while suet weight decreased (P<0.05). A higher expression of LXRs gene and protein in 6% alfalfa group were detected, but were lower than 4% alfalfa group (P>0.05). It suggested that different additive amounts of alfalfa might result in different degree of improvement on meat quality for future usage in pig industry.

Key words: alfalfa; liver X receptors (LXRs); immunohistochemical; ELISA; quantitaitve RT-PCR

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