Effect of the β‐carotene oxygenase 2 genotype on the content of carotenoids, retinol and α‐tocopherol in the liver, fat and milk of rabbit does, reproduction parameters and kitten growth

Abstract

Mutations in the β‐carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2) gene can impair the function of the enzyme that breaks down carotenoids. As a result, gradual accumulation of unoxidized carotenoids in animal tissues gives them a yellow colour. The aim of the study was to determine the content of carotenoids, retinol and α‐tocopherol in the liver, fat and milk of rabbit does with three different genotypes determined by AAT‐deletion mutation at codon 248 of the BCO2 gene and to find out whether differences in the concentrations of the above compounds in the tissues and milk of the does affect reproduction parameters and the rearing rate of kittens. The experimental materials comprised 36 does, 12 of each genotype of the BCO2 gene, with their litters. Females with their litters were placed in individual cages, on deep litter. Between days 7 and 13 of lactation, samples of milk were collected from the does. The kittens stayed with their mothers until 35 days of age. After weaning, the does were sacrificed. Tissue samples of liver and perirenal fat were collected for chemical analyses. Additionally, based on samples taken from one female, RNA expression levels were determined from the mammary gland and liver, adipose tissue and skin. It was found that homozygous does with deletion at codon 248 of the BCO2 gene were characterized by considerably higher concentrations of xanthophylls and beta‐carotene in the liver, adipose tissue and milk than does with the remaining genotypes. However, the differences in the content of the above compounds in milk had no influence on litter weight or the number and rearing rate of kittens. Additionally, RNA expression of the BCO2 gene was found in the mammary tissue of lactating doe and its level was similar to those noted in the liver and adipose tissue.

Rabbit Genetic Resources Can Provide Several Animal Models to Explain at the Genetic Level the Diversity of Morphological and Physiological Relevant Traits

“…An in-frame deletion of three nucleotides in the coding sequence of this gene gene was reported to be the causative mutation of the Yellow fat recessive allele [134]. Homozygous rabbits for this mutation have an increased accumulation of xanthophylls and beta-carotene in the liver, muscle, adipose tissue, and milk without any negative effects on growth and maternal performances compared to heterozygous or homozygous rabbits for the wild type allele [135][136][137].…”

Ramifications of Heat Stress on Rabbit Production and Role of Nutraceuticals in Alleviating Its Negative Impacts: An Updated Review

“…Moreover, dietary carotenoids increased the yellow pigmentation in rabbit meat, adipose tissue, liver, and milk. There is a high positive correlation between dietary carotenoids and their concentration in plasma, which is involved in enhancing the antioxidative properties [104,105]. Moreover, under experimental conditions, rabbits are often given large amounts of green food, covering the vitamin A requirements and enhancing their health status.…”

Preventive Action of Beta-Carotene against the Indoxyl Sulfate-Induced Renal Dysfunction in Male Adult Zebrafish via Regulations of Mitochondrial Inflammatory and β-Carotene Oxygenase-2 Actions

“…Furthermore, IS interacts with mitochondrial redox principles and causes renal dysfunction [9]. In addition, the inner membrane of mitochondria has a BCO2 enzyme (EC 1.14.99), and it helps in catalytic conversion of carotenoids [10]. Experimental evidence revealed that the deficiency of BCO2 contributes to the progression of renal dysfunction via the alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential [11].…”