Integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals stage-specific shifts in hepatic lipid metabolism of broiler chickens.
This study identifies significant changes in liver metabolism in chickens across different stages of development, highlighting the complexity of lipid metabolism.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the 5-amino-1mq corpusSummary and findings
This study investigated changes in metabolite composition in chicken liver across five physiological stages. A total of 1121 metabolites were identified, with significant effects of age on hepatic metabolism. The research identified 12 lipid-metabolism-related genes showing a tendency to continuously increase.
Abstract
Managing fat accumulation is a critical goal in the poultry industry, with the liver being the primary site for lipid metabolism in chickens. This study used non-targeted metabolomics to investigate dynamic changes in metabolite composition in chicken liver across five physiological stages. A total of 1121 metabolites were identified, with 749 and 372 detected in positive- and negative-ion modes, respectively. The regulation of hepatic lipolysis involves numerous metabolic pathways, making it a complex process. We performed trend analysis of lipid, carbohydrate and amino acid-related metabolites. Age exerted major effects on hepatic metabolism, significantly enriching pathways including alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis identified 12 lipid-metabolism-related genes, showing a tendency of continuously increase. Potential functional genes influencing lipid metabolism-related pathways were identified through a comprehensive analysis of differential lipid-related metabolites and genes, including <i>fatty acid desaturase 2</i> (<i>FADS2</i>), <i>acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2</i> (<i>ACAT2</i>), <i>apovitellenin 1</i> (<i>APOV1</i>), <i>vitellogenin 1</i> (<i>VTG1</i>), <i>membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing protein 2</i> (<i>MBOAT2</i>) <i>and ELOVL fatty acid elongase 1</i> (<i>ELOVL1</i>). These findings could help improve understanding of hepatic metabolism during different physiological stages and identify valuable biomarkers for specific metabolite accumulation.
Background
This paper addresses the dynamics of hepatic lipid metabolism in broiler chickens, a critical aspect of poultry production. Previous studies have indicated that the liver plays a central role in lipid metabolism, but specific changes across developmental stages were not well characterized. Understanding these metabolic shifts is essential for improving poultry health and production efficiency.
Methods
The study employed non-targeted metabolomics to analyze liver samples from chickens at five different physiological stages. A total of 1121 metabolites were identified through this analysis. The study also included transcriptomic analysis to identify genes related to lipid metabolism.
Results
A total of 1121 metabolites were identified, with 749 detected in positive-ion mode and 372 in negative-ion mode. Age was found to significantly enrich metabolic pathways, including alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Additionally, 12 lipid-metabolism-related genes exhibited a tendency to continuously increase.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that age-related changes in hepatic metabolism are complex and involve multiple pathways. While the identification of numerous metabolites and genes is statistically significant, the clinical relevance of these findings in terms of poultry production and health is not established. Limitations such as the lack of specific quantitative data on the functional implications of these metabolic shifts may confound the conclusions.
Key findings
- 1121 metabolites identified in chicken liver.
- 749 metabolites detected in positive-ion mode.
- 372 metabolites detected in negative-ion mode.
- Age significantly enriched pathways including alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis.
- 12 lipid-metabolism-related genes showed a tendency of continuous increase.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.
- Study does not provide specific quantitative data on metabolic changes.
- No direct implications for poultry production efficiency discussed.