Probiotics Increase Intramuscular Fat and Improve the Composition of Fatty Acids in Sunit Sheep through the Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Signaling Pathway

Abstract

This experiment aims to investigate the impact of probiotic feed on growth performance, carcass traits, plasma lipid biochemical parameters, intramuscular fat and triglyceride content, fatty acid composition, mRNA expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism, and the activity of the enzyme in Sunit sheep. In this experiment, 12 of 96 randomly selected Sunit sheep were assigned to receive the basic diet or the basic diet supplemented with probiotics. The results showed that supplementation with probiotics significantly increased the loin eye area, and decreased plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids, increasing the content of intramuscular fat and triglycerides in the muscle and improving the composition of the fatty acids. The inclusion of probiotics in the diet reduced the expression of adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha 2 (AMPKα2) mRNA and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B) mRNA, while increasing the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) mRNA, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA, fatty acid synthase mRNA, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 mRNA. The results of this study indicate that supplementation with probiotics can regulate fat deposition and improves the composition of fatty acids in Sunit sheep through the signaling pathways AMPK-ACC-CPT1B and AMPK-SREBP-1c. This regulatory mechanism leads to an increase in intramuscular fat content, a restructuring of muscle composition of the fatty acids, and an enhancement of the nutritional value of meat. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the food science of animal resources and provide valuable references for the production of meat of higher nutritional value.

Alternative to Antibiotics Used in Sheep Production

“…Increased intramuscular fat and improved the composition of fatty acids by modulating adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway [42] Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57 Influenced animal behavior (feed consumption) and altered the native rumen community structure or function [43] Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Improved blood lipid parameters, expression of lipid metabolism related genes, tail fat metabolites, and volatile flavor compounds…”

Recent strategies for improving the quality of meat products

“…The authors noted that grass-fed beef provided heightened protection against cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, Zhang et al [ 69 ] explored the influence of probiotics in feed and revealed the augmented presence of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid in sheep meat, leading to an improved fatty acid composition. The increased content of unsaturated fatty acids contributes to a reduction in low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, while concurrently elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.…”

“…High-density lipoprotein cholesterol facilitates the removal of excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease [ 70 ]. Moreover, n-3 fatty acids are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential to enhance brain function [ 69 ]. Consequently, a higher n-3 fatty acid content has the potential to increase the nutritional value of meat products.…”

Antimicrobial Activity of Pediococcus pentosaceus Strains against Diarrheal Pathogens Isolated from Pigs and Effect on Paracellular Permeability of HT-29 cells

“…Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when administered appropriately [6,7,8]. Probiotics can enhance host health by producing shortchain fatty acids and regulating the immune system [9].…”