Alpha-Linolenic Acid from Zanthoxylum Seed Powder Regulates Fatty Acid Metabolism and Influences Meat Quality of Pekin Duck via the ADIPOQ/AMPK/CPT-1 Pathway

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Zanthoxylum seed powder contains dominant α-linolenic acid (ALA). Its regulatory mechanism as a novel feed additive for the livestock field is not clear. In this study, RNA-seq was used to identify the differential gene expression in breast muscle of Pekin duck supplemented with different doses of Zanthoxylum seed powder, and Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) was found to be an important factor. Functional validation was performed in duck primary myoblasts. Our results revealed that ADIPOQ overexpression could promote myoblast myotube fusion, that is, myogenic differentiation. On the other hand, ALA inhibited lipid deposition in myoblasts. SiADIPOQ inhibited fatty acid oxidation, but stimulated fatty acid synthesis and transport. Furthermore, ALA promoted the up-regulation of ADIPOQ, AMPK, p-AMPK and CPT-1 protein levels. It was concluded that ALA regulates lipid deposition through the ADIPOQ/AMPK/CPT-1 pathway in myoblasts. These results may provide theoretical basis for the development and utilization of Zanthoxylum seed powder in duck production.