A study of single nucleotide polymorphism of leptin gene effect on serum copper, zinc and iron concentrations in Czech Pied bulls

Abstract

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is secreted mainly in adipose tissue. Due to the associations between plasma leptin concentrations and body fat, leptin could be used as an indicator for the in vivo evaluation of carcass composition in breeding programs. Previous studies showed relation between leptin concentrations and some trace elements, suggesting that they might be mediators of leptin production. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphism of the leptin gene on concentration of trace elements in the serum of 58 Czech Pied bulls. Three experimental groups of bulls were formed depending on different leptin genotypes: group CC (n = 28), group CT (n = 21) and group TT (n = 9). In all groups, the age (at a mean age of 240 days) and the body weight (mean 291 ± 11 kg) difference among the chosen animals was non-significant. Blood samples of all bulls in experimental groups were collected from vena jugularis externa between 8.00 and 9.30 h. Concentrations of copper, zinc and iron in the serum of animals were measured. Significantly lower (P < 0.05) zinc concentrations were recorded in bulls of TT group (13.21 ± 1.81 µmol·l-1) compared to CC (20.09 ± 1.11 µmol·l-1) and CT group (19.67 ± 1.45 µmol·l-1). In case of copper and iron concentrations in serum of animals, no differences were recorded between the tested groups. This is the first study of its kind in Czech Pied cattle. Based on our results, we may assume that zinc plays some role in the metabolism of adipose tissue, havings an effect on beef quality.