Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal

Gene expression pattern of acetyl-coA carboxylase alpha, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase in pregnant Barki sheep under complete feed deprivation

Ahmed A. El-Sayed, Department of Animal Health and Poultry, Desert Research Center, Matariya, Cairo, Egypt
Ahmed I. Ateya, Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
Mohamed F. Hamed, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
Sherif M. Shoieb, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
Hussam M. M. Ibrahim, Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
Maged R. El-ashker
Mohamed A. Youssef, Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
Fathy Ibrahim, Department of Animal Health and Poultry, Desert Research Center, Matariya, Cairo, Egypt

Document Type

Original Article

Subject Areas

Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases

Keywords

Barki sheep, ACACA, FASN, SCD, Feed deprivation

Abstract

Objective: To assess the mRNA level of acetyl CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) by means of real-time PCR in Barki sheep subjected to complete feed deprivation. Design: Controlled study. Animals: Seven healthy pregnant ewes. Procedures: Ewes were subjected to complete feed deprivation with ad libitum water for five consecutive days. Venous blood samples were collected from each ewe before (zero time) and on the fifth day post-deprivation of feed for measurement of the mRNA level of ACACA, FASN, and SCD and assessment of serum metabolic profile parameters. Results: On the fifth day post-fasting, the gene expression pattern of ACACA, FASN, SCD genes showed a significant (p < 0.05) down regulation in comparison with pre-deprivation of feed. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the serum level of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxyl buteric acid (BHBA), and triglycerides in pregnant ewes in the fifth day post-fasting in comparison with pre-deprivation of feed. On the other hand, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the level of glucose, cholesterol, and insulin in pregnant ewes in the fifth day post-fasting compared with pre-deprivation of feed. On histopathology, liver showed marked heptic steatosis in midzonal and periportal area, with formation of small fatty cysts in liver lobule. There was a positive correlation between leptin and insulin (r = 0.996; p < 0.01), BHB and leptin (r = 0.951; p < 0.05) and glucose and SCD (r = 1.0, p < 0.01). However, there was a negative correlation between FASN and NEFA (r = - 0.991; p < 0.05), FASN and leptin (r = -0.683; p < 0.05) and FASN and cholesterol (r = - 0.82; p < 0.05). Conclusion and clinical relevance: Pregnant Barki ewes can clinically tolerate complete feed deprivation for five days, with down regulation of ACACA, FASN, SCD genes and presence of marked metabolic changes. Therefore, metabolic monitoring is warranted to predict the early changes associated with feed deprivation under different stressful conditions.

How to Cite This Article

El-Sayed, Ahmed A.; Ateya, Ahmed I.; Hamed, Mohamed F.; Shoieb, Sherif M.; Ibrahim, Hussam M. M.; El-ashker, Maged R.; Youssef, Mohamed A.; and Ibrahim, Fathy (2019) "Gene expression pattern of acetyl-coA carboxylase alpha, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase in pregnant Barki sheep under complete feed deprivation," Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal: Vol. 20: Iss. 3, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/mvmj.2019.23.202