The detrimental impact of obesity on human health is increasingly evident with the rise in obesity-related diseases. Skeletal muscle, the crucial organ responsible for energy balance metabolism, plays a significant role as a secretory organ by releasing various myokines. Among these myokines, interleukin 6 (IL-6) is closely associated with skeletal muscle contraction. IL-6 triggers the process of lipolysis by mobilizing energy-storing adipose tissue, thereby providing energy for physical exercise. This phenomenon also elucidates the health benefits of regular exercise. However, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue maintain a constant interaction, both directly and indirectly. Direct interaction occurs through the accumulation of excess fat within skeletal muscle, known as ectopic fat deposition. Indirect interaction takes place when adipose tissue is mobilized to supply the energy for skeletal muscle during exercise. Consequently, maintaining a functional balance between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue becomes paramount in regulating energy metabolism and promoting overall health. IL-6, as a representative cytokine, participates in various inflammatory responses, including non-classical inflammatory responses such as adipogenesis. Skeletal muscle influences adipogenesis through paracrine mechanisms, primarily by secreting IL-6. In this research paper, we aim to review the role of skeletal muscle-derived IL-6 in lipid metabolism and other physiological activities, such as insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. By doing so, we provide valuable insights into the regulatory function of skeletal muscle-derived myokines in lipid metabolism.

Adipose tissue is the most important energy storage organ in the body, maintaining its normal energy metabolism function and playing a vital role in keeping the energy balance of the body to avoid the harm caused by obesity and a series of related diseases resulting from abnormal energy metabolism. The dysfunction of adipose tissue is closely related to the occurrence of diseases related to obesity metabolism. Among various organelles, mitochondria are the main site of energy metabolism, and mitochondria maintain their quality through autophagy, biogenesis, transfer, and dynamics, which play an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis of adipocytes. On the other hand, mitochondria have mitochondrial genomes which are vulnerable to damage due to the lack of protective structures and their proximity to sites of reactive oxygen species generation, thus affecting mitochondrial function. Notably, mitochondria are closely related to other organelles in adipocytes, such as lipid droplets and the endoplasmic reticulum, which enhances the function of mitochondria and other organelles and regulates energy metabolism processes, thus reducing the occurrence of obesity-related diseases. This article introduces the structure and quality control of mitochondria in adipocytes and their interactions with other organelles in adipocytes, aiming to provide a new perspective on the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis in adipocytes on the occurrence of obesity-related diseases, and to provide theoretical reference for further revealing the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial homeostasis in adipocytes on the occurrence of obesity-related diseases.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition critically influences pork quality, necessitating reliable in vitro models to investigate its regulatory mechanisms. How

The coloration of plumage in poultry species has substantial economic significance. Putian black ducks encompass 2 distinct strains characterized by black and white plumage variations resulting from selective breeding. This study aimed to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for plumage coloration in these 2 distinct strains. A comprehensive genome-wide association study was conducted using DNA data sourced from a F2 segregating population, consisting of 71 individuals with black plumage and 39 individuals with white plumage, derived from these distinct 2 strains. This analysis revealed that 894 nucleotide polymorphisms and identified 58 candidate genes. Subsequent Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes coenrichment analyses identified MITF as a key candidate gene implicated in melanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, extensive screening of significant polymorphic loci within MITF was carried out via mass spectrometry in 3 distinct populations: 100 individuals with black plumage and 100 individuals with white plumage from the F0 generation; and 50 with black plumage form the F1 generation). Eighteen candidate polymorphic loci were identified demonstrating significant associations with variations in black and white plumage. Notably, 8 of these loci were located within the 2,000 bp region upstream of MITF-M. To validate the critical regulatory role of MITF-M in black and white plumage formation, a dual-fluorescence reporter system was constructed, and dual-fluorescence activity was assessed. The results revealed that the fluorescence activity at wild-type sites (corresponding to black plumage) was significantly higher than that at the mutant-type sites (associated with white plumage) (P < 0.01). To corroborate the pivotal role of MITF-M in black and white plumage formation, qPCR was employed to evaluate the expression levels of various MITF variants in black and white feather bulbs. This analysis demonstrated that only MITF-M exhibited specific expression in black feather bulbs. These results elucidate the central role of polymorphic mutations within the MITF promoter region in the regulation of black and white plumage coloration in Putian black ducks. This study extends our understanding of mechanisms governing duck plumage coloration and provides valuable molecular markers for future research in duck production and breeding based on plumage coloration.

Assessing the genetic structure of local varieties and understanding their genetic data are crucial for effective management and preservation. However, the genetic differences among local breeds require further explanation. To enhance our understanding of their population structure and genetic diversity, we conducted a genome-wide comparative study of Chaohu and Ji’an Red ducks using genome sequence and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing technology. Our analysis revealed a distinct genetic distinction between the two breeds, leading to divided groups. The phylogenetic tree for Chaohu duck displayed two branches, potentially indicating minimal impact from artificial selection. Additionally, our ROH (runs of homozygosity) analysis revealed that Chaohu ducks had a lower average inbreeding coefficient than Ji’an Red ducks. We identified several genomic regions with high genetic similarity in these indigenous duck breeds. By conducting a selective sweep analysis, we identified 574 candidate genes associated with muscle growth (BMP2, ITGA8, MYLK, and PTCH1), fat deposits (ELOVL1 and HACD2), and pigmentation (ASIP and LOC101797494). These results offer valuable insights for the further enhancement and conservation of Chinese indigenous duck breeds.