Effects of dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio on fatty acid composition, free amino acid profile and gene expression of transporters in finishing pigs

Revealing the expression patterns of fatty acid and amino acid transporters as affected by dietaryn-6:n-3 PUFA ratio would be useful for further clarifying the importance of the balance betweenn-6 andn-3 PUFA. A total of ninety-six finishing pigs were fed one of four diets with the ratio of 1:1, 2·5:1, 5:1 and 10:1. Pigs fed the dietaryn-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of 5:1 had the highest (Pn-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of 1:1 had the largest loin muscle area (Pn-3 PUFA was raised as the ratio declined (Pn-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 1:1–5:1. The mRNA expression level of the fatty acid transporter fatty acid transport protein-1 (FATP-1) was declined (Pn-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 1:1–5:1, and increased (Pn-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 5:1 and 10:1. The expression profile ofFATP-4was similar to those ofFATP-1in the adipose tissue. The mRNA expression level of the amino acid transceptorsLAT1andSNAT2was up-regulated (Pn-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 1:1 and 2·5:1. In conclusion, maintaining the dietaryn-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 1:1–5:1 would facilitate the absorption and utilisation of fatty acids and free amino acids, and result in improved muscle and adipose composition.