• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.784-788
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• 2007

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a hypothalamic neuropeptide can stimulate the growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary. In this study, a porcine GHRH expression plasmid pHC-GHRH was used to enhance growth performance through ectopic expressions in muscle tissues of rats. Rats injected with the plasmid of pHC-GHRH and pCMV-GHRH exhibited cumulative weight gains 6.4% and 1% greater than controls. During a 5-day period, significant weight gain differences were observed as follows compared with that of control: during 5-10 days post-injection (DPI) period, the group pHC-GHRH on average 14.5% heavier than controls, $40.73{\pm}0.88$ g vs. $35.57{\pm}1.23$ g (p = 0.0023); during 10-15 DPI period, the group pHC-GHRH on average 13.6% heavier than controls, $37.49{\pm}2.85$ g vs. $33.00{\pm}1.56$ g (p = 0.0146); during 15-20 DPI period, the group pHC-GHRH on average 17.8% heavier than controls, $25.64{\pm}1.39$ g vs. $21.77{\pm}1.27$ g (p<0.05). In addition, plasmids-treated rats maintained higher serum IGF-I than controls. Significant differences of IGF-I were observed on 13 DPI and on 40 DPI in pHC-GHRH group compared with that of controls. This was accomplished through the use of an improved expression cassette that included the cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early enhancer/promoter in combination with a 1.5-kilobase portion of porcine ${\alpha}$-skeletal muscle actin promoter.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.333-366
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• 1992

Safety of recombinant porcine somatotropin administration on pig was studied using 32 Landrace x Yorkshire crossbred pigs. The starting body weight ranged from 55.5kg to 65.3kg. Eight pigs were allotted to each low dose group of sustained releasing rPST(SL), high dose group of sustained releasing rPST(SH), daily injection group of rPST(DI), and control group(C). Pigs in SL group and SH group were injected subcutaneously twice in 3 week-interval with 1000$\mu\textrm{g}$ and 2000$\mu\textrm{g}$ of sustained releasing rPST per kg body weight, respectively. Pigs in DI group were injected intramuscularly with 100$\mu\textrm{g}$ of rPST everyday for 6 weeks. Blood was collected from anterior vena cava just before the first treatment, and at four weeks and six weeks of experiment. Hematological parameters and blood chemical parameters indicating liver function, kidney function, electrolyte metabolism, mineral metabolism and lipid metabolism were determined. Necropsy and urinalysis were performed after final blood collection. The results were summarized as follows, and it is concluded that rPST administration does not affect pig health negatively. 1. rPST administration did not affect kidney function as manisfested by BUN, creatinine and urinalysis. 2. rPST administration did not affect liver function as manisfested by total protein, albumin, serum AST activity serum ALT activity serum ALP activity, serum LDH activity, serum GGT activity and serum SDH activity. 3. rPST administration did not affect skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and brain as manifasted by serum AST activity and serum LDH activity. 4. rPST administration increased blood glucose level within normal range. 5. rPST administration did not affect lipid metabolism as manisfested by triglyceride, cholesterol, and phospholipid concentrati on. 6. rPst administration dia not affect mineral metabolism as manisfested by calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron concentration. 7. rPST administration did not affect electrolyte metabolism as manisfested by Na, K, chloride concentration. 8. rPST administration did not affect erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, thrombocyte count, and plasma fibrinogen level.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.465-469
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• 1993

This paper dealt with the histopathological findings on the natural cysticercosis in pigs. Three cases of porcine cysticercosis, which had been kept in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cheju. University more than ten years, were histopathologically examined in order to see the host reaction to the parasite. Capsules containing scolex were mainly found in the fascia of skeletal muscle, heart, and brains. Microscopically, cysticerci in the epicardium and the fascia of skeletal muscles were encapsulated with fibroblasts and collagen fibers. Around capsules, there was infiltration of eosinophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, although the degree and severity of inflammatory reaction varied case by case. Cerebral cortex also had the inflammatory exudate of lymphoid cells in the vicinity of the scolex. whereas perivascular lymphocytic cuffings were commonly seen around capsules. GFAP immunoreactive fibers formed a limiting membrane along the outer side of capsules. There was also proliferation of GFAP-positive astrocytes encirling infiltrating lymphocytes around vessels. In the central nervous system, astrocytes and lympoid cells play an important role in the demarcation of cysts and local immunity, respectively. In conclusion, host tissue reaction in porcine cysticercosis seemed to vary significantly according to the affected organs of pigs. It is assumed that capsules containing worms seemed to be formed at early stage of cysticercosis.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.628-633
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• 2005

Muscle fiber characteristics were evaluated for predictability of meat quality traits using 231 crossbred pigs. Muscle $pH_{45min}$, R-value, and $pH_{24hr}$ were selected to estimate regression equation model of drip loss and lightness, although variances of coefficient estimates could only account for small part of drip loss (about 16.3 to 25.3%) and lightness (about 16.9 to 31.7%). Muscle $pH_{24hr}$ was represented to drip loss and lightness, which explained corresponding 25.3 and 31.7% of estimation in drip loss and lightness, respectively. Area percentage of type IIb fiber significantly contributed to prediction of metabolic rate and meat quality. However, equations predicting meat quality traits based on area percentage of type IIb fiber alone are less useful than ones based on early postmortem parameters. These results suggest estimated model using both metabolic properties of muscle and postmortem metabolic rate could be used for prediction of pork quality traits.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.313-318
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• 2009

TIAF1 is a TGF-${\beta}$1-induced anti-apoptotic factor that plays a critical role in blocking TNF (tumor necrosis factor) cytotoxicity in mouse fibroblasts and participates in TGF-${\beta}$-mediated growth regulation. In this study, we obtained the full-length cDNA sequence of the porcine TIAF1 gene. Real-time PCR further revealed that the TIAF1 gene was expressed at the highest level in liver and kidney with prominent expressions detected in uterus, and lower levels detected in heart, spleen, lung, stomach, small intestine, skeletal muscle and fat of Large White pigs. Sequence analysis indicated that a 6 base-pair deletion mutation existed in the exon of the TIAF1 gene between Meishan and Large White pigs. This mutation induced deletion of Gln and Val amino acids. PCR-RFLP was used to detect the polymorphism in 394 pigs of a "Large White${\times}$Meishan" $F_{2}$ resource population and four purebred pig populations. The frequencies of the A allele (with a 6 bp deletion) were dominant in Chinese Meishan and Bamei pigs, and the frequencies of the B allele (no 6 bp deletion) were dominant in Large White and Landrace pigs. Association analyses revealed that the deletion mutation had highly significant associations (p<0.01) with meat marbling score of the thorax-waist longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle (MM1) and intramuscular fat percentage (IMF), and significant associations (p<0.05) with carcass length (CL). The results presented here supply evidence that the 6 bp deletion mutation in the TIAF1 gene affects porcine meat quality and provides useful information for further porcine breeding.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2010

The full-length cDNA of the porcine peroxisomal ${\Delta}^3$,${\Delta}^2$-enoyl-CoA isomerase (PECI) gene encodes a monofunctional peroxisomal ${\Delta}^3$,${\Delta}^2$-enoyl-CoA isomerase. Cloning and sequencing of the porcine PECI cDNA revealed the presence of an 1185-base pair open reading frame predicted to encode a 394-amino acid protein by the 5'rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5'RACE) and EST sequences. The porcine PECI gene was expressed in seven tissues (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, skeletal muscle, fat) which was revealed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The porcine PECI was mapped to SSC71/2 p11-13 using the somatic cell hybrid panel (SCHP) and the radiation hybrid panel (RH) (LOD score 12.84). The data showed that PECI was closely linked to marker S0383. A C/T single nucleotide polymorphism in PECI exon 10 (3'UTR) was detected as a PvuII PCR-RFLP. Association analysis in our experimental pig population showed that different genotypes of PECI gene were significantly associated with the Average Backfat thickness (ABF) (p<0.05) and Buttock backfat thickness (p<0.01).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.1115-1119
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• 2007

This study was conducted to determine the difference between satellite cells (porcine) and myoblasts (C2C12) in their differentiation under the influence of 2, 4-thiazolidindion. C2C12 myoblast cells and porcine satellite cells (isolated from 10 d old $Landrace{\times}Duroc$ piglets) were grown to absolute confluency. Post confluent cells (day 0) were further exposed to adipogenic induction medium along with 2, 4-thiazolidindion ($8{\mu}M$) for 2 d. Thereafter, cells were exposed to 2, 4-thiazolidindion alone every 2 d till day 10 and analysed. The control was cultured in differentiation medium without any treatment. Increased (p<0.05) expression of transcriptional factors i.e. C/EBP-${\alpha}$ and PPAR-${\gamma}$ and transition of cells to adipocyte morphology was noticed from 2 d and 4 d onwards in satellite cells (Porcine) and myoblasts (C2C12) respectively. Myogenesis was observed to be suppressed completely in case of satellite cells compared to myoblasts in response to 2, 4-thiazolidindion. Pax-7 (transcriptional factor) appeared as a sole entity to satellite cells only, as it was not identified in case of myoblasts. Although both the cells were converting to adipoblasts, the degree of their conversion was different in response to 2, 4-thiazolidindion. Therefore, the hypothesis that satellite cells contribute various domains to the growing myoblasts appeared obscured and found to be dependent on the proliferative energy/or degree of fusion. However, it revealed satellite cells as currency to myoblasts/muscle.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.697-708
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• 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary supplementation of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on muscle metabolism and meat quality of pigs with and without pre-slaughter transportation. Methods: In a 43-day feeding experiment, a total of 160 pigs with an initial body weight 60.00±2.00 kg were randomly assigned into four groups in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates. Pigs in groups A and C were fed a basal diet and pigs in groups B and D were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% ELE. Pigs were slaughtered with (group B and D) or without (group A and C) pre-slaughter transport. Muscle chemical composition, postmortem glycolysis, meat quality and muscle metabolome were analyzed. Results: Dietary ELE supplementation had no effect on the proximate composition of porcine muscle, but increased free phenylalanine, proline, citruline, norvaline, and the total free amino acids in muscle. In addition, dietary ELE increased decanoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, but decreased heptadecanoic acid, oleic acid, trans-oleic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids in muscle. Meat quality measurement demonstrated that ELE improved meat water holding capacity and eliminated the negative effects of pre-slaughter transport on meat cooking yield and tenderness. Dietary ELE reduced muscle glycolytic potential, inhibited glycolysis and muscle pH decline in the postmortem conversion of muscle to meat and increased the activity of citrate synthase in muscle. Metabolomics analysis by liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric showed that ELE enhanced muscle energy level, regulated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, modulated glycogenolysis/glycolysis, and altered the metabolism of carbohydrate, fatty acids, ketone bodies, amino acids, purine, and pyrimidine. Conclusion: Dietary ELE improved meat quality and alleviated the negative effect of pre-slaughter transport on meat quality by enhancing muscle oxidative metabolism capacity and inhibiting glycolysis in postmortem muscle, which is probably involved its regulation of AMPK.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.1190-1196
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• 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of storage temperatures ($4^{\circ}C$ and $20^{\circ}C$) and pig breeds (Laiwu pig and Large White pig) on the main antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) activity and lipid oxidation in porcine Longissimus dorsi muscle. Activities of antioxidative enzymes (AOE) decreased slightly during storage, regardless of storage temperatures. Muscle antioxidative enzymes activities stored at $4^{\circ}C$ were higher than that stored at $20^{\circ}C$. Laiwu pig's enzymes activities were significantly (p<0.01) higher than Large White's. The level of malondialdehyde is a direct expression of the grade of lipid oxidation in meat. In our study, the malondialdehyde contents increased after 6 days storage. However, malondialdehyde contents of Laiwu pig were significantly (p<0.01) lower than Large White's. A lower content of malondialdehyde corresponds to a lower oxidation of lipids. These results indicated the muscle antioxidative ability of Laiwu pig was higher than Large White pig. It also implied that antioxidative enzymes were involved in the essentials and deciding mechanisms of meat quality by quenching oxygen free radicals and inhibiting lipid oxidation in muscle.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.9
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• pp.1254-1262
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• 2014

Lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF-1) is a member of the T-cell specific factor (TCF) family, which plays a key role in the development of breast endothelial cells. Moreover, LEF-1 gene has been identified as a candidate gene for teat number trait. In the present study, we detected two novel mutations (NC_010450.3:g. 99514A>G, 119846C>T) by DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in exon 4 and intron 9 of LEF-1 in Guanzhong Black, Hanjiang Black, Bamei and Large White pigs. Furthermore, we analyzed the association between the genetic variations with teat number trait in these breeds. The 99514A>G mutation showed an extremely significant statistical relevance between different genotypes and teat number trait in Guanzhong (p<0.001) and Large White (p = 0.002), and significant relevance in Hanjiang (p = 0.017); the 119846C>T mutation suggested significant association in Guanzhong Black pigs (p = 0.042) and Large White pigs (p = 0.003). The individuals with "AG" or "GG" genotype displayed more teat numbers than those with "AA"; the individuals with "TC" or "CC" genotype showed more teat numbers than those with "TT". Our findings suggested that the 99514A>G and 119846C>T mutations of LEF-1 affected porcine teat number trait and could be used in breeding strategies to accelerate porcine teat number trait improvement of indigenous pigs breeds through molecular marker assisted selection.