The BCO2 Genotype and the Expression of BCO1, BCO2, LRAT, and TTPA Genes in the Adipose Tissue and Brain of Rabbits Fed a Diet with Marigold Flower Extract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the BCO2 genotype and dietary supplementation with marigold flower extract on the expression of BCO1, BCO2, LRAT, and TTPA genes in the adipose tissue and brain of rabbits. The concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol were determined in samples collected from rabbits. Sixty young male Termond White rabbits were allocated to three groups based on their genotype at codon 248 of the BCO2 gene (ins/ins, ins/del, and del/del). Each group comprised two subgroups; one subgroup was administered a standard diet, whereas the diet offered to the other subgroup was supplemented with 6 g/kg of marigold flower extract. The study demonstrated that the BCO2 genotype may influence the expression levels of the BCO2, LRAT, and TTPA genes in adipose tissue, and TTPA and BCO1 genes in the brain. Moreover, an increase in the amount of lutein in the diet of BCO2 del/del rabbits may increase the expression of BCO1, LRAT, and TTPA genes in adipose tissue, and the expression of the BCO2 gene in the brain. Another finding of the study is that the content of carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol increases in both the adipose tissue and brain of BCO2 del/del rabbits.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of BCO2 genotype and dietary supplementation with marigold flower extract on the expression of specific genes and the concentration of certain compounds in the adipose tissue and brain of rabbits. The findings suggest that the BCO2 genotype may influence gene expression in both tissues, and an increase in lutein intake may further enhance gene expression. Additionally, carotenoid and alpha-tocopherol content was found to increase in the tissues of rabbits with a specific BCO2 genotype.