Postnatal development of glucose transporter proteins in bovine skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.

Facilitated diffusion of glucose across the plasma membrane is mediated by a family of glucose transporter (GLUT). GLUT1 is ubiquitously present in all tissues and involved in cellular glucose uptake, while GLUT4 plays a key role in cellular glucose uptake stimulated by insulin in skeletal muscles and adipose tissue. To examine the postnatal change in the GLUTs of ruminants, the protein levels of GLUT1 and GLUT4 were measured by Western blot analysis of skeletal muscles, adipose tissue and brain of Holstein male calves aged from 0 to 12 months. Analysis of rumen short chain volatile fatty acids revealed that rumen fermentation increased around 2-3 months old. The GLUT1 level did not change in all tissues examined during the postnatal period, while the GLUT4 levels in skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue decreased gradually, and at 12 month old, it was about 40% of those seen at 0 month old. These results are contrast to those in non-ruminant species, in which GLUT4 increases during postnatal development, and may be related to the insulin-resistance seen in adult ruminants.     

2007～2008年国际反刍动物营养研究进展 Ⅷ.维生素营养

作者综述了2007～2008年脂溶性和水溶性维生素在反刍动物上的研究进展。VA可提高反刍动物的免疫功能,影响牛肉品质和反刍动物脂肪组织的发育,不同来源的VA的生物学活性有差异;VD₃可提高奶牛免疫力,VD₃的吸收率优于VD₂,提高血清中25(OH)D₃的浓度,影响牛肉品质;VE可提高产奶量,降低乳房炎、胎衣不下等疾病的发病率,刺激生殖器官发育,改善牛肉品质。烟酸不仅能缓解热应激对奶牛生产性能的影响,还能减少血浆中游离脂肪酸的浓度,从而减少脂肪肝的发生。VB₁₂能促进葡萄糖的代谢,提高初生羔羊的生命力。胆碱能提高奶牛的生产性能,增加产奶量、乳蛋白和乳脂,并影响奶牛的繁殖性能。经过包被的VC有较好的过瘤胃能力,能更多的在肠道被吸收,促进奶牛对VC吸收。     

2008-2009年反刍动物营养研究进展 Ⅵ.维生素

作者综述了2008-2009年维生素在反刍动物中的研究进展。维生素A可提高反刍动物的免疫功能,影响反刍动物脂肪组织的发育,具有抗氧化作用;维生素D3能提高奶牛血浆中钙、磷水平,提高血清中25-(OH)D3的浓度,影响牛肉品质;维生素E能提高肉牛的生产性能、奶牛的产奶量,降低繁殖疾病的发病率,刺激生殖器官发育,改善繁殖性能。烟酸能提高牛的生产性能,提高T3、T4水平;叶酸和维生素B12合用能增加牛奶中乳糖、蛋白质及总固形物的产量;胆碱可缓解奶牛产后能量负平衡状态。     

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase activity and immunodetectable protein in adipose tissues of ruminants: effect of temperature and feeding level

To gain insights into the regulation of fat synthesis, we have investigated the effect of cold environmental exposure and feed restriction of sheep on activity and immunodetectable protein content of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase in adipose tissue. Subcutaneous and mesenteric adipose tissues were collected at slaughter from sheep exposed to either cold (0+/-2 degrees C) or warm (23+/-2 degrees C) environment, and given either ad libitum or restricted access to feed for three 5-wk periods. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase was isolated from frozen adipose tissue samples and activity determined as the rate of incorporation of H14CO3- into acid stable malonyl-CoA. Cold exposure and feed restriction reduced (P < .05) ACC activity in the two adipose tissue depots. Western blot analysis with peroxidase-conjugated streptavidin showed that both adipose tissue depots express a single isoform of ACC. In s.c. adipose tissue, cold exposure increased (P < .05) ACC protein abundance, which is opposite to the change in activity. However, feed restriction reduced immunodetectable ACC protein. There was no significant effect of environment or feeding level on ACC protein abundance in mesenteric tissue. Fatty acid synthase activity determined in ammonium sulfate extract by measuring the malonyl-CoA- and acetyl-CoA-dependent oxidation of NADPH was decreased (P < .05) by feed restriction in both s.c. and mesenteric tissues. Cold exposure reduced fatty acid synthase activity in s.c. but not in mesenteric tissue. There was no effect of environment on fatty acid synthase protein abundance in either adipose tissue depot. However, feed restriction significantly reduced fatty acid synthase protein abundance in the two depots. The data suggest that feed restriction and exposure of ruminants to cold environmental conditions may significantly down-regulate the activity of key lipogenic enzymes.     

Bovine sirtuins: initial characterization and expression of sirtuins 1 and 3 in liver, muscle, and adipose tissue

Sirtuins, the mammalian homologs of the silent information regulator 2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are members of the NAD(+)-dependent family of histone deacetylases. In vertebrates, 7 sirtuins have been described, with different cellular localizations and target proteins. Glucose and lipid metabolism are among the processes regulated by these enzymes. In ruminants, gluconeogenesis is the main biochemical pathway by which glucose is obtained. Because sirtuins in bovines have not been studied, the aim of this work was to obtain sequences coding for the 7 sirtuins and determine the expression patterns of sirtuin1 (Sirt1) and sirtuin3 (Sirt3) in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue of calves and bulls. Using PCR amplification, we obtained sirtuin gene sequences and reported them to the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank. Characteristic sequence motifs corresponding to the sirtuin catalytic core domain were found, including the active and zinc-binding sites. Relative expression patterns of Sirt1 and Sirt3 in liver, muscle, and adipose tissue were quantified by real-time PCR, normalizing to the geometric mean of the housekeeping genes cyclophilin A and β-actin. Expression of Sirt1 was less in liver and muscle, whereas it was greater in adipose tissue of adult animals, with statistical differences (P=0.0071) only in the latter. In the case of Sirt3, expression was greater in all 3 adult tissues, but statistical differences were found only in liver (P=0.0141) and muscle (P=0.0017). The greatest expression was observed in liver for Sirt1 and in muscle for Sirt3, whereas the least expression was in muscle for Sirt1 and in adipose tissue for Sirt3. In other species, sirtuin expression (both Sirt1 and Sirt3) in liver is reported to be the greatest among these 3 tissues, a pattern different from what we measured. These differences in expression can be associated with metabolic differences between nonruminant and ruminant species. However, further research on the relationship between bovine sirtuins and ruminant metabolism is required for a better understanding of these fields.     

Differences in urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) and its receptor (u-PAR) genes expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue between sheep and goats

The genes of urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) and its receptor (u-PAR) are part of the fibrinolytic system which plays an important role in white adipose tissue remodeling. The nucleotides sequences of these genes have not been characterized in goats, in contrast to other ruminants (sheep and cow) and were partly isolated in this study. Further to that, taking into account that gene expression is strongly affected by dietary and genetic factors, an experiment was conducted with lactating dairy ewes (n=12) and goats (n=12) with the objective to determine if there are differences between them in u-PA and u-PAR gene activity in their subcutaneous adipose tissue (SUBQ) under the same dietary treatments.     

microRNA调控动物皮下脂肪组织和肌内脂肪沉积的研究进展

脂肪组织是动物机体重要的能量代谢及内分泌器官,选择性的脂肪沉积对动物肉类的感官品质、风味性和加工特性具有至关重要的作用,因此动物不同部位脂肪沉积的特异性调控因子及其作用分子机理备受研究者的关注。microRNA（miRNA）是一类长度为22 nt左右的非编码小RNA,近年来采用组学技术对具有表型差异的脂肪组织和脂肪细胞进行高通量测序,筛选发现了许多差异表达的miRNAs,这些miRNAs可通过与靶基因mRNA相结合发挥生物学功能,对不同部位脂肪沉积调控具有重要作用。鉴于此,本文将从miRNA在动物皮下脂肪组织和肌内脂肪的调控作用等方面进行综述,为后续研究miRNA调控动物脂肪组织沉积的作用及机制提供理论参考和新的思路。     

Effects of short-term infusion with propionate on the mRNA expression of a putative G-protein coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) in adipose tissue of goats

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) represent the main source for energy supply in ruminants. Propionate up-regulates leptin synthesis through the G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) in mice but the importance of the GPR41 in ruminants is not yet clarified. Here we characterise the short-term effects of intravenously infused propionate on a putative GPR41 mRNA in goat adipose tissue. Castrated male goats (Capra hircus) received propionate infusion or NaCl solution with equivalent sodium content for 260 min. A putative GPR41 mRNA was quantified in subcutaneous and perirenal adipose tissue by real-time RT-PCR. The mRNA concentration of the putative GPR41 mRNA increased (p = 0.029) in subcutaneous but not in perirenal adipose tissue (p = 0.756) of propionate-infused animals versus the NaCl group. We hypothesise that the differential response of the putative GPR41 mRNA in subcutaneous versus perirenal adipose tissue towards short-term propionate infusion could be involved in a differential nutrient sensing of SCFA in the two adipose depots of goats.     

Tissue and intracellular distribution of rhodanese and mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase in ruminants and birds

Cyanide detoxification is catalysed by two enzymes: rhodanese [thiosulphate: cyanide sulphurtransferase, E.C. 2.8.1.1], and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase [3-MST, EC. 2.8.1.2]. In the present work, the activity of the two enzymes in the crude extracts of different tissues and in the mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions of tissues from some ruminants (camels, cattle and sheep) and birds (chickens and pigeons) have been compared. Rhodanese activity was almost exclusively present in the mitochondrial fraction. In ruminants and chickens the highest activity of rhodanese was found in the liver, followed by the kidney. In pigeons, however, the enzyme activity was the highest in the kidneys. In camels' tissues, the rhodanese activity was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in cattle or sheep, and the enzyme activities in the two latter species were similar. The activity of 3-MST in the crude extract of tissues from camels was similar to that in sheep, but higher than that in cattle. The enzyme activity was equally distributed between the mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions in the liver and kidneys of camels, cattle and sheep.     

Copper and lipid metabolism in beef cattle: a review

Results from experiments investigating Cu metabolism in ruminants indicate that Cu is involved in lipid metabolism. Copper supplementation ranging from 10 to 40 mg of Cu/kg of DM to high-concentrate finishing diets decreased subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition and decreased cholesterol concentrations but increased unsaturated fatty acid composition of LM. Serum norepinephrine tended to be greater in Cu-supplemented steers after a 24-h feed withdrawal and at 2 h postfeed consumption, potentially explaining the reduction in subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition. However, when exogenous norepinephrine was administrated, serum NEFA concentrations were less in Cu-supplemented steers, possibly due to the nonsupplemented control steers having a greater subcutaneous adipose tissue depth at slaughter relative to Cu-supplemented steers. Furthermore, in vitro basal and epinephrine-stimulated lipolytic rates of subcutaneous adipose tissue were greater in Cu-supplemented steers relative to controls. These data indicate that that Cu may influence lipogenic or lipolytic function in subcutaneous adipose tissue. In an attempt to further investigate the effect of Cu on lipid metabolism, lipogenic, lipolytic, and homeostatic mechanisms related to Cu are currently being studied. Recent data indicate that genes involved in bovine liver Cu homeostasis are correlated with Cu transporter protein gene expression in the bovine liver. Therefore, the overall intent of this review is to discuss possible mechanisms whereby Cu may affect lipid metabolism in ruminants.     

铜与反刍动物脂质代谢的关系

很多研究表明,铜能够影响反刍动物体内脂质的代谢。在日粮中额外添加铜10~40mg/kg DM可以降低皮下脂肪组织的厚度和胆固醇浓度,提高了背最长肌中不饱和脂肪酸的含量,同时,血清中去甲肾上腺素增加。因此,文章主要讨论了铜影响反刍动物体内脂质代谢的可能机制。     

反刍家畜瘤胃及肠道微生物研究进展

反刍家畜瘤胃及肠道微生物处于一个复杂的微生态系统,其多样性及营养代谢与该系统中的各项因素存在紧密联系。了解反刍家畜瘤胃及肠道微生物多样性变化和营养代谢机制,是通过人为干预手段改善动物福利、提高动物生产效率、提升动物产品质量、减少温室气体排放的基础。关于反刍动物瘤胃及肠道微生物多样性及营养代谢与单个环境因子的关系得到了广泛的研究并取得了一些进展,对指导生产实践和保护环境起到了一定作用。综述了近年来国内外反刍家畜瘤胃及肠道微生物多样性,以及微生物与宿主动物、日粮结构、环境因子相互作用及机制方面的研究进展,以期为探索瘤胃及肠道微生物在反刍动物营养代谢中的作用及其机制提供参考。     

Fat depot‐specific differences in leptin mRNA expression and its relation to adipocyte size in steers

ABSTRACT This experiment was conducted to investigate leptin mRNA expression, adipocyte size, and their relationship in several adipose tissues of fattening steers. Subcutaneous, perirenal, intermuscular and intramuscular adipose tissues were collected from three crossbred steers (Japanese Black cattle X Holstein) aged 21 months. The mRNA level and adipocyte diameter were determined in these adipose tissues. The intramuscular adipose tissue had a lower leptin mRNA level than the intermuscular and perirenal adipose tissues (P < 0.05). Leptin mRNA level was lower in the subcutaneous depot than in the intermuscular depot (P < 0.05). Adipocyte diameter was larger in the intermuscular adipose tissue than in the subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissues (P < 0.05). Leptin mRNA level was positively correlated with adipocyte diameter (r² = 0.81, P < 0.05). These results suggest that the cattle have fat depot‐specific differences in leptin gene expression, which are a result of a difference in adipocyte size.     

Lectin histochemistry of foam cells in tissues of cattle grazing Brachiaria spp

Brachiaria decumbens and B. brizantha (signal grass), which occupy millions of acres in Brazil, are an important source of fodder for ruminants. Sporadic outbreaks of photosensitization in ruminants grazing on signal grass have been reported. Intoxicated animals showed the presence of foamy cells in the liver, spleen, intestinal submucosa and lymph nodes. These foamy cells are macrophages. They are very difficult to distinguish with haematoxylin and eosin stain, especially in the case of isolated cells. The purpose of the present study was to detect specific carbohydrate residues of storage material in the foamy cells in tissues of cattle exposed to Brachiaria spp. The characterization of glycoconjugates provides clues to the pathogenesis of these cells. Besides, the lectin peanut agglutinin was found to be an excellent marker to differentiate and quantify the foam cells, and could be used as a specific marker.     

The adipocyte as an endocrine cell

Communication between adipose and other tissues has been hypothesized since at least the 1940s to be bidirectional. Despite this expectation, early progress was largely limited to adipose tissue's role in metabolism and storage of fatty acids, its development, and its response to endocrine and neural cues. However, efforts of the last decade have identified several molecules that are secreted from adipocytes, apparently for the purpose of signaling to other tissues. Cloning of the mouse obesity gene in 1994 is perhaps the most famous impetus for recognition that adipocytes are active in the regulation of multiple body functions. The product of this gene, leptin, has since been found to inhibit feeding, enhance energy expenditure, and stimulate gonadotropes. Evidence for the roles of other adipocyte-derived signals is being generated. Resistin is a protein that can cause whole-body insulin resistance. Its expression is correlated with body fatness and is inhibited by thiazolidinediones, perhaps mediating the association of type 2 diabetes with obesity, and the effectiveness of these drugs. Resistin and a related molecule, RELM alpha, can also inhibit differentiation of preadipocytes. Adiponectin/Acrp30 secretion from adipocytes is diminished in obese states. This protein can enhance use of fatty acids in lean tissues, inhibit glucose production by liver, and consequently decrease both blood glucose and BW. Adiponectin may also be responsible for the effectiveness of thiazolidinediones, given that these drugs promote adiponectin secretion. Secretion of complement proteins has been observed in adipocytes, and these interact to generate a signal called acylation-stimulating protein, which can promote triacylglycerol synthesis. These signals seem to be largely unique to adipocytes. Other signals are derived from adipose tissue, and it is unlikely that all the adipocyte's endocrine signals have been identified. Certainly, there is much to learn about how these signals function; however, it is clear that these biomedical research discoveries comprise a useful model for our study of growth and development in livestock.     

反刍动物饲料蛋白质营养价值评定体系研究进展

传统的粗蛋白或可消化蛋白体系,虽然在畜禽生产上使用有其科学合理性,但对于有着特殊消化生理的反刍动物而言,存在很大的缺陷。因此,20世纪70年代以来,各国纷纷提出了基于反刍动物消化生理的新蛋白体系。经过近几十年的科学研究,各新蛋白体系也在不断补充完善。本文对各蛋白质体系及其优缺点作一介绍。     

Gene expression and hormonal regulation of adiponectin and its receptors in bovine mammary gland and mammary epithelial cells

Although the functions of adiponectin, a differentiated adipocyte‐derived hormone, in regulating glucose and fatty acid metabolism are regulated by two subtypes of adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs; AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), those in ruminants remain unclear. Therefore we examined the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of adiponectin and its receptors in various bovine tissues and mammary glands among different lactation stages, and the effects of lactogenic hormones (insulin, dexamethasone and prolactin) and growth hormone (GH) on mRNA expression of the AdipoRs in cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC). AdipoRs mRNAs were widely expressed in various bovine tissues, but adiponectin mRNA expression was significantly higher in adipose tissue than in other tissues. In the mammary gland, although adiponectin mRNA expression was significantly decreased at lactation, AdipoR1 mRNA expression was significantly higher at peak lactation than at the dry‐off stage. In BMEC, lactogenic hormones and GH upregulated AdipoR2 mRNA expression but did not change that of AdipoR1. In conclusion, adiponectin and its receptor mRNA were expressed in various bovine tissues and the adiponectin mRNA level was decreased during lactation. These results suggest that adiponectin and its receptors ware changed in mammary glands by lactation and that AdipoRs mRNA expression was regulated by different pathways in BMEC.     

Effects of lipid-related factors on adipocyte differentiation of bovine stromal-vascular cells in primary culture

The effects of several factors related to lipids on bovine adipocyte differentiation were investigated in primary culture. Adipocyte differentiation was assessed by development of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity and morphological observation. Addition of triglyceride mixture (Intralipid), caprylic acid and very low-, low- and high-density lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL and HDL) stimulated bovine preadipocyte differentiation in serum-free condition. Especially, VLDL strongly increased both cell protein contents and GPDH activity, suggesting that it stimulated both proliferation and differentiation of bovine preadipocytes. Under Intralipid-induced condition, differentiation of preadipocytes from subcutaneous adipose tissues was more evident than those from omental adipose tissues. However, such depot difference was not observed in medium supplemented with indomethacin, which is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma agonist. This suggests that the differentiation capacity of bovine preadipocytes was different between depots and such difference is dependent on the ability to utilize lipids as endogenous PPARgamma ligands. Therefore, lipid metabolites have the stimulatory effects on bovine adipocyte differentiation in vitro, and lipoproteins, especially VLDL, may play an important role in development of bovine adipose tissues in vivo.