How Does Protein Nutrition Affect the Epigenetic Changes in Pig? A Review

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Epigenetics
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression influenced by environmental and nutritional factors.
• Protein nutrition studies in pigs have focused on optimizing growth and reproduction through amino acid requirements.
• Emerging research explores individualized protein requirements, termed protein precision nutrition (PPN).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of common protein nutritional strategies on epigenetic modifications in pigs.
• To describe how these nutritional changes affect gene expression regulation.
• To highlight the need for further research on PPN's epigenetic effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on protein nutrition and epigenetics in pigs.
• Analysis of how dietary protein modifications influence gene expression.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms in swine nutrition.

Main Results:

• Dietary protein and amino acid profile alterations can modify epigenetic mechanisms.
• These changes impact key metabolic genes, including those for myostatin, IGF, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism.
• Epigenetic effects can manifest in both the individual animal and its offspring.

Conclusions:

• Protein nutritional strategies significantly influence epigenetic regulation of gene expression in pigs.
• The shift towards PPN necessitates a deeper understanding of its epigenetic consequences.
• Further investigation into PPN's long-term epigenetic effects is essential for sustainable swine farming.