Factors affecting adipose tissue development in chickens: A review

Area of Science:

• Avian biology
• Nutritional science
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Intense genetic selection in broilers increases feed intake, growth rate, and fat deposition.
• Adipose tissue expansion involves adipogenesis and triacylglycerol accumulation, with limited avian research compared to mammals.
• Broiler chickens are valuable models for human obesity and eating disorders due to their propensity for overeating.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors regulating adipogenesis in chickens, focusing on dietary influences in broilers.
• To elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of adipose tissue development in avian species.
• To provide insights for optimizing broiler body composition and diet formulation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature on adipogenesis and lipid metabolism in chickens.
• Analysis of studies investigating the impact of dietary nutrient composition on adipose tissue.
• Examination of the roles of key transcription factors in regulating adipogenesis.

Main Results:

• Dietary nutrient composition significantly affects adipose tissue development and lipid metabolism in broilers.
• Specific transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα/β, SREBPs) are crucial regulators of adipogenesis.
• These factors influence fatty acid transport and triacylglycerol synthesis enzymes.

Conclusions:

• Understanding adipogenesis mechanisms can guide strategies to improve broiler meat-to-fat ratio.
• Dietary interventions can modulate lipid deposition and body composition in commercial broilers.
• Further research into avian adipogenesis offers insights into obesity and metabolic disorders.