Hepatic lipogenic enzyme expression in pigs is affected by selection for decreased backfat thickness at constant intramuscular fat content

Abstract

This study investigated (i) whether genetic selection for decreased backfat thickness at constant intramuscular fat (IMF) affects the expression of lipogenic enzymes in pig liver and (ii) whether expression of the hepatic lipogenic enzymes is related to subcutaneous fat and IMF fatty acid composition. The enzymes investigated were fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase and Δ6-desaturase (Δ6d). Experiments were conducted on 30 barrows (15 controls and 15 selected). Selected pigs had lower backfat thickness, which was accompanied by a reduced expression of the hepatic FAS and Δ6d when compared to control pigs. There was a trend towards a positive relationship between FAS and Δ6d protein expression and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids content respectively, in subcutaneous fat but not in muscle. It was concluded that selection against backfat thickness is associated with changes in expression of the hepatic FAS and Δ6d proteins. The changes in protein expression did not influence significantly the tissue fatty acid composition under these conditions.