Response of Atrogin-1/MAFbx Expression in Various Skeletal Muscles to Fasting in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The effects of fasting on expression of atrogin-1/MAFbx in various skeletal muscles of broiler chickens were investigated. Real-time PCR analyses revealed that mRNA expression of chicken atrogin-1/MAFbx was higher in the soleus, gastrocnemius, and biceps femoris than in the pectoralis superficialis under normal nutritional conditions. Compared to normal nutritional conditions, fasting (24 h) induced a 5-, 11-, 9-, and 7-fold increase in atrogin-1/MAFbx mRNA in the pectoralis superficialis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles, respectively. These results indicate that the effects of fasting on expression of the atrogin-1/MAFbx gene vary among various skeletal muscles of broiler chickens.

Keywords

• atrogin-1/mafbx
• broiler
• chicken
• fasting
• skeletal muscle