Meat Science and Muscle Biology Symposium: extracellular matrix regulation of skeletal muscle formation

Skeletal muscle development and growth is a complex process that involves the interaction of muscle cells with their extracellular environment. Because muscle development involves the interaction of the cell surface and extracellular matrix molecules, research focus has been placed on the proteoglycans. Proteoglycans are macromolecules containing a central core protein with attached carbohydrates, called glycosaminoglycans, that are located at both the cell surface and the extracellular matrix. Research focus has been placed on understanding the mechanisms of the membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans, syndecan-4 and glypican-1, which are both capable of regulating cellular responsiveness to fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Fibroblast growth factor 2 is a potent stimulator of muscle cell proliferation and a strong inhibitor of differentiation. Studies on syndecan-4 and glypican-1 show that these proteoglycans differentially regulate muscle cell proliferation, differentiation, and cellular responsiveness to FGF2 with syndecan-4 predominantly modulating muscle cell proliferation and glypican-1 modulating differentiation. Site-directed mutagenesis approaches were used to define the effect of the syndecan-4 and glypican-1 covalently attached side chains on their activity. In general, a functional association was found between the glycosaminoglycan and N-glycosylated chains attached to the central core proteins of syndecan-4 and glypican-1 affecting their regulation of muscle cell proliferation, differentiation, and FGF2 responsiveness. Current research efforts are directed at identifying the cellular signaling pathways modulated by syndecan-4 and glypican-1.     

Meat Science and Muscle Biology Symposium: manipulating meat tenderness by increasing the turnover of intramuscular connective tissue

Controlled reduction of the connective tissue contribution to cooked meat toughness is an objective that would have considerable financial impact in terms of added product value. The amount of intramuscular connective tissue in a muscle appears connected to its in vivo function, so reduction of the overall connective tissue content is not thought to be a viable target. However, manipulation of the state of maturity of the collagenous component is a biologically viable target; by increasing connective tissue turnover, less mature structures can be produced that are functional in vivo but more easily broken down on cooking at temperatures above 60°C, thus improving cooked meat tenderness. Recent work using cell culture models of fibroblasts derived from muscle and myoblasts has identified a range of factors that alter the activity of the principal enzymes responsible for connective tissue turnover, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Fibroblasts cultured from 3 different skeletal muscles from the same animal show different cell proliferation and MMP activity, which may relate to the different connective tissue content and architecture in functionally different muscles. Expression of MMP by fibroblasts is increased by vitamins that can counter the negative effects of oxidative stress on new collagen synthesis. Preliminary work using in situ zymography of myotubes in culture also indicates increased MMP activity in the presence of epinephrine and reactive oxidative species. Comparison of the relative changes in MMP expression from muscle cells vs. fibroblasts shows that myoblasts are more responsive to a range of stimuli. Muscle cells are likely to produce more of the total MMP in muscle tissue as a whole, and the expression of latent forms of the enzymes (i.e., pro-MMP) may vary between oxidative and glycolytic muscle fibers within the same muscle. The implication is that the different muscle fiber composition of different muscles eaten as meat may influence the potential for manipulation of their connective tissue turnover.     

Meat Science and Muscle Biology Symposium: stem cell niche and postnatal muscle growth

Stem cell niche plays a critical role in regulating the behavior and function of adult stem cells that underlie tissue growth, maintenance, and regeneration. In the skeletal muscle, stem cells, called satellite cells, contribute to postnatal muscle growth and hypertrophy, and thus, meat production in agricultural animals. Satellite cells are located adjacent to mature muscle fibers underneath a sheath of basal lamina. Microenvironmental signals from extracellular matrix mediated by the basal lamina and from the host myofiber both impinge on satellite cells to regulate their activity. Furthermore, several types of muscle interstitial cells, including intramuscular preadipocytes and connective tissue fibroblasts, have recently been shown to interact with satellite cells and actively regulate the growth and regeneration of postnatal skeletal muscles. From this regard, interstitial adipogenic cells are not only important for marbling and meat quality, but also represent an additional cellular component of the satellite cell niche. At the molecular level, these interstitial cells may interact with satellite cells through cell surface ligands, such as delta-like 1 homolog (Dlk1) protein whose overexpression is thought to be responsible for muscle hypertrophy in callipyge sheep. In fact, extracellular Dlk1 protein has been shown to promote the myogenic differentiation of satellite cells. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms within the stem cell niche that regulate satellite cell differentiation and maintain muscle homeostasis may lead to promising approaches to optimizing muscle growth and composition, thus improving meat production and quality.     

Effect of retinoic acid on gene expression profiles of bovine intramuscular preadipocytes during adipogenesis

To investigate genes involved in intramuscular adipogenesis in ruminants, 16 genes with dramatic variable expression were selected. These were selected from the differentiation‐ and proliferation‐phase libraries of our previous serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) studies of a clonal bovine intramuscular preadipocyte (BIP) cell line. We harvested the BIP cells over 12 days after adipogenic stimulation with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Quantitative real‐time PCR confirmed the earlier SAGE study results of the expression patterns of 15 of the genes. On day 6, TG accumulation increased significantly in the BIP cells but was completely inhibited in the 3T3‐L1 cells (the monogastric reference). ATRA enhanced expression levels of six genes whereas it suppressed expression of eight genes on day 3 of adipogenesis in the BIP cells. Forty‐eight hours after transfection, the messenger RNA expression level of the adipose differentiation‐related protein (ADFP), encoded by one of the upregulated genes, in the ADFP small interference RNA (siRNA)‐transfected cells was 3.5% of that in negative control‐transfected cells. Also, 6 days after induction the TG level in the ADFP siRNA‐transfected cells was 21.8% lower than that in negative control‐transfected cells. This analysis of gene expression profiles after ATRA treatment will contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in bovine intramuscular adipogenesis.     

Meat quality and intramuscular fatty acid composition of Catria Horse

In order to extend scientific knowledge on autochthonous Italian equine meat, the physical–chemical parameters of Catria Horse Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle and its nutritional characteristics have been investigated. Ten steaks of Catria foal raised at pasture and fattened indoors for 2 months were dissected, and LT muscle was analyzed for chemical composition, total iron, drip loss, colorimetric characteristics, intramuscular fat, fatty acid profile and nutritional indexes. Steak dissection showed that LT muscle accounted for 36.78% and fat accounted for 9.19% of weight of steak. Regarding chemical composition, protein and fat content was 20.31% and 2.83%, respectively. Total iron content (1.95 mg/100 g) was lower than data reported in the literature. Color parameters showed a luminous and intense red hue muscle. The sum of unsaturated fatty acid composition (50.3%) was higher than the sum of saturated fatty acids (46.64 %). The fatty acid profile and nutritional values of Catria Horse meat could be modified adopting extensive rearing systems and grazing. The data suggests that further investigation on the composition of Catria Horse meat should be carried out to valorize this autochthonous breed, reared in sustainable livestock systems, and its meat in local short‐chain systems.     

Lactation Biology Symposium: effects of photoperiod on mammary gland development and lactation

Photoperiod, or the daily sequence of light and dark, has dramatic effects on many physiological systems across animal species. Light patterns alter melatonin secretion profiles and, subsequently, the release profiles and circulating concentrations of several hormones that influence a variety of physiological responses. Although the impact of photoperiod on reproductive processes is perhaps the most common example, it is often the seasonal aspects of ovulation and anestrus that are considered. However, in cattle, the final phase of reproduction, that is, lactation, is significantly influenced by photoperiod. In contrast to short days (SDPP; 8 h light:16 h dark), exposure to long days (LDPP) of 16 to 18 h of light and 6 to 8 h of darkness increases milk yield 2 to 3 kg/d, regardless of the stage of lactation. There is evidence that this LDPP effect is due to increased circulating IGF-I, independent of any effect on GH concentrations. Cows that are housed under SDPP during the dry period have increased mammary growth and produce 3 to 4 kg/d more milk in the subsequent lactation compared with cows on LDPP when dry. While cows are on SDPP, circulating prolactin (PRL) diminishes but expression of PRL receptor increases in mammary, liver, and immune cells. Moreover, PRL signaling pathways within those tissues are affected by photoperiod. Further, replacement of PRL to cows on SDPP partially reverses the effects of SDPP on production in the next lactation. Thus, effects on dry cows are mediated through a PRL-dependent pathway. Before maturity, LDPP improve mammary parenchymal accumulation and lean body growth, which lead to greater yields in the first lactation. The accumulated evidence supports the concept that photoperiod manipulation can be harnessed to improve the efficiency of production across the life cycle of the dairy cow.     

肉鸡肌纤维与肉质关系研究

选用地方鸡种白耳鸡、泰和鸡、黄羽肉鸡康达尔 12 8cs、石岐杂鸡、快长肉鸡AA鸡cs、蛋用鸡罗曼褐cs和矮脚黄鸡 7个鸡种 (系 ) ,在同样条件下饲养到 13周龄进行品味、肌纤维等性状测定。结果表明 ,地方鸡种白耳鸡、矮脚黄鸡肉质最好 ,石岐杂鸡、康达尔黄鸡 12 8cs次之 ;罗曼褐cs、AA鸡cs、泰和鸡肉质较差。白肌纤维直径大于红肌纤维和中间型纤维直径 ,其所占比例与肉质呈负相关 ,白肌纤维比例愈高 ,肉质愈差。肌纤维直径与鸡的体重大小没有关系。肌纤维密度和直径共同影响肌肉的蛋白质含量 ,且与肉质呈负相关     

冻融对早胜牛肉品质及微细结构的影响

为探讨反复冻融对早胜牛肉品质的影响,选取2.0～2.5岁阉割牛背最长肌,随机分成6组,称重,真空包装,进行不同次数的反复冷冻—解冻试验,分别检测原料肉解冻损失、煮制损失、失水率、熟肉剪切力及pH,并观察原料肉显微超微结构的变化。结果显示,随着反复冻融次数的增加,原料肉解冻损失和煮制损失极显著增加,失水率只在第1次冻融后显著增加,剪切力先显著增加后再降低,pH随着冻融次数增加而显著降低,肌纤维结构混乱,肌束及肌原纤维间隙增加,肌节略微缩短,线粒体肿胀、空泡样变,Z线错位排列,甚至溶解、消失。结果表明,反复冻融严重破坏了早胜牛肉的组织结构,显著降低了肉品质。     

中国西门塔尔牛肌肉肌纤维类型和肉品质特性研究

为研究中国西门塔尔牛的肌纤维和肉品质特性,本试验以10头中国西门塔尔公牛为研究对象,测定了背最长肌、腰大肌和半腱肌的组织学特性、pH、系水力、剪切力和质构剖面分析。结果显示,肌纤维直径Ⅰ型 < ⅡA型 < ⅡB型,腰大肌中Ⅰ型具有最高的肌纤维数比例和肌纤维面积比,背最长肌和半腱肌中ⅡB型具有最高的肌纤维比例和肌纤维面积比。与腰大肌相比,背最长肌和半腱肌具有较低pH、弹性和压力失水率,较高的剪切力、硬度和回复性。综上所述,肌纤维特性影响牛肉品质,特别是牛肉的质构特性,提高Ⅰ型纤维比例和降低ⅡB型纤维比例能够改善牛肉嫩度。     

云南屏边大围山微型鸡肉品质的研究

试验选用14周龄云南屏边大围山微型鸡公母各10只,对其肉品质物理特性指标进行测定分析。结果显示,公鸡、母鸡腿肌的系水率、嫩度、多汁性、红度（a值）、pH及肌纤维密度均显著高于胸肌,而公鸡、母鸡腿肌的剪切力、蒸煮损失和贮藏损失、亮度（L值）、肌纤维直径与胸肌相比显著降低;相同部位不同性别间比较结果显示,公鸡胸肌与腿肌的剪切力、肌纤维直径、胸肌贮藏损失显著高于母鸡,而母鸡胸肌与腿肌的嫩度和肌纤维密度均比公鸡的高。综合对剪切力、蒸煮损失、贮藏损失、系水率、嫩度、多汁性、风味和总体口感等指标分析,公鸡、母鸡腿肌的肉质高于胸肌,母鸡肉质高于公鸡。     

Study on Muscle Fiber Types and Meat Quality Traits of Chinese Simmental Cattle

The aim of this test was to study muscle fiber characteristics and meat quality traits of Chinese Simmental cattle.Ten Chinese Simmental bulls were selected and longissimus dorsi,psoas major and semitendinosus were collected.Histological characteristics,pH,water holding capacity,shear force and texture profile analysis (TPA) were measured.The results showed that the diameter of these muscle fibers increased in the rank order type Ⅰ < ⅡA < ⅡB.The number and area percentage of type Ⅰ muscle fiber were highest in longissimus dorsi and that of ⅡB muscle fiber was highest in psoas major and semitendinosus.Longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus had lower pH,springiness,pressing lossing rate and higher shear force,hardness and resilience comparing with psoas major.In conclusion,muscle fiber characteristics could affect meat quality,especially textural properties of Chinese Simmental bulls.Increasing the percentage of type Ⅰ muscle fiber and decreasing ⅡB type could improve beef tenderness.     

Lactation Biology Symposium: circadian clocks as mediators of the homeorhetic response to lactation

The transition from pregnancy to lactation is the most stressful period in the life of a cow. During this transition, homeorhetic adaptations are coordinated across almost every organ and are marked by changes in hormones and metabolism to accommodate the increased energetic demands of lactation. Recent data from our laboratory showed that changes in circadian clocks occur in multiple tissues during the transition period in rats and indicate that the circadian system coordinates changes in the physiology of the dam needed to support lactation. Circadian rhythms coordinate the timing of physiological processes and synchronize these processes with the environment of the animal. Circadian rhythms are generated by molecular circadian clocks located in the hypothalamus (the master clock) and peripherally in every organ of the body. The master clock receives environmental and physiological cues and, in turn, synchronizes internal physiology by coordinating endocrine rhythms and metabolism through peripheral clocks. The effect of the circadian clock on lactation may be inferred by the photoperiod effect on milk production, which is accompanied by coordinated changes in the endocrine system and metabolic capacity of the dam to respond to changes in day length. We have shown that bovine mammary epithelial cells possess a functional clock that can be synchronized by external stimuli, and the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like gene, a positive limb of the core clock, is responsive to prolactin in bovine mammary explants. Others showed that 7% of genes expressed in breasts of lactating women had circadian patterns of expression, and we report that the diurnal variation of composition of bovine milk is associated with changes in expression of mammary core clock genes. Together these studies indicate that the circadian system coordinates the metabolic and hormonal changes needed to initiate and sustain lactation, and we believe that the capacity of the dam to produce milk and cope with metabolic stresses in early lactation is related to her ability to set circadian rhythms during the transition period.     

三种优质肉鸡肌纤维特性与肉质关系的研究

对芦花鸡、北方黄鸡、青脚麻鸡三种优质肉鸡的肌肉品质、肌纤维特性进行了比较,并对肌纤维特性与肌肉品质的相关性进行了研究。结果表明：（1）肌肉品质：三种鸡的肌肉肉色均正常,青脚麻鸡的剪切力显著比北方黄鸡和芦花鸡大,分别大9.18%、8.74%（P〈0.05）。品种间pH、滴水损失差异不显著。（2）肌纤维特性：北方黄鸡的肌纤维直径显著低于芦花鸡、青脚麻鸡低,分别低11.44%、13.71%（P〈0.05）,而北方黄鸡的肌纤维密度分别比芦花鸡、青脚麻鸡高15.49%、20.12%,呈显著性差异（P〈0.05）。（3）相关性：肌纤维直径与肌纤维密度呈负相关关系。肌纤维直径与三种鸡的pH呈负相关,与剪切力呈正相关（r=0.873）,与芦花鸡和北方黄鸡的肉色呈正相关,与青脚麻鸡的肉色呈负相关关系。肌纤维密度与三种鸡的pH呈正相关,与剪切力呈负相关（r=0.864）。与北方黄鸡和青脚麻鸡的肉色呈正相关,与芦花鸡的肉色呈负相关。     

禽肉组织学性状及其与肉质的关系

肌肉的组织学特性与肉质具有一定的相关性,本文综述了禽类骨骼肌肌纤维类型、肌纤维直径、肌纤维密度、肌纤维面积比例、结缔组织面积比例、脂肪组织面积比例以及肌节长度等组织学特性与肉品品质的关系。     

禽肉组织学性状及其与肉质的关系

肌肉的组织学特性与肉质共有一定的相关性,本文综述了禽类骨骼肌肌纤维类型、肌纤维直径、肌纤维密度、肌纤维面积比例、结缔组织面积比例、脂肪组织面积比例以及肌节长度等组织学特性与肉品品质的关系。     

肌红蛋白影响畜禽活体肌肉和宰后鲜肉肉色的研究进展

肉色是影响消费者购买肉产品的最主要因素,因为消费者通过肉色对肉产品新鲜度和卫生状况产生第一印象。肉色的化学本质是肌红蛋白分子,本文综述了4个肌红蛋白分子(脱氧肌红蛋白、氧合肌红蛋白、高铁肌红蛋白、碳氧肌红蛋白)的结构及其相互转化反应和对畜禽活体肌肉和宰后鲜肉肉色的影响。