Postmortem energy metabolism and meat quality development: Advances in basic pathways, endogenous regulatory factors,...

A complex series of biochemical processes is involved during the transformation of muscle into meat, among which postmortem energy metabolism that contributes to adenosine triphosphate regeneration remains paramount. Thus, a timely and thorough overview of postmortem energy metabolism is essential for developing high-quality fresh meat.

The present work reviewed three basic pathways of postmortem energy metabolism and their impacts on meat quality development with special attention to mitochondria aerobic metabolism. In addition, endogenous factors and their mechanisms as well as exogenous strategies for regulating postmortem energy metabolism were also comprehensively summarized.

Postmortem mitochondria, especially from livestock, remain metabolically active and exhibit oxygen consumption, which further mediates changes in muscle pH. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and hypoxia inducible factor-1α, as energy-controlling hubs, contribute notably to the activation of postmortem glycolysis. Several protein posttranslational modifications (e.g., S-nitrosylation and lactylation) also show crucial regulatory roles for postmortem energy metabolism by altering the structure and function of metabolic enzymes. Exogenous techniques like electrical stimulation and advanced chilling can improve meat quality by optimizing energy metabolism process, while emerging technologies such as ultrasound hold promise. This work integrated existing knowledge, identified research gaps, and proposed a scientific outlook on species-specific postmortem energy metabolism.