Icariin changes ANGPTL3 expression and LPL activity to improve meat quality in swine

Abstract

Excessive cholesterol and fatty acids in the diet can lead to cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have reported that elevated Angiopoietin-Like Protein 3 (ANGPTL3) expression contributes to dyshpidemia. The aim of the study was to examine the beneficial effect of icariin, an active flavonoid glucoside, on meat quality in swines and the mechanisms involved. About 36 Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire swines with an initial average body weight 65 kg were randomly divided into 3 groups: control swines group, two groups of lcarim-treated swines (0.1 or 0.3%). About 42 days after, icariin (0.1 or 0.3%) treatment significantly decreased fat meat percentage, drip loss rate, plasma and hepatic total cholesterol levels, plasma and hepatic triglyceride concentrations, expression of ANGPTL3 mRNA and increased meat color, lean meat percentage, plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, activity of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL). The present results suggest that icariin changes ANGPTL3 expression and LPL activity to improve meat quality in swine. © Medwell Journals, 2012.