Long-term Effects of Lysine Restriction on Liver Global Proteins, Meat Quality, and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Pigs.

Abstract

Our previous study suggested that short-term lysine restriction improved feed intake and gut microbiota in piglets. Thus, in this study, we further used proteomics technology to investigate the potential mechanism associated with long-term lysine restriction in pigs. In addition, blood biochemical parameters, meat quality, and muscle nutrient transporters were also evaluated in lysine restricted pigs. The results showed that 131 proteins in the liver were markedly altered in response to dietary lysine restriction, with 54 being downregulated and 77 being upregulated, which mainly involved in neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolic pathways. In addition, lysine restriction markedly reduced serum BUN, CHOL, and HDL abundances. Dietary lysine restriction enhanced meat color lightness and upregulated SLC7A2 expression. Lysine restriction affected meat quality, blood biochemical parameters, and liver global protein expressions. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the liver protein profile of lysine restricted pigs, and the current results may provide valuable information with respect to better understanding the host response to lysine restriction in pigs.