Biotech Updates

Transgenic Pork Causes Improved Liver Immune System in Mice

July 2, 2014

A new strategy on improving human health and nutrition is through genetically modified (GM) animals rich in omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid. However, it presents a challenge in terms of food safety assessment. Hence, the function and safety of transgenic pork rich in omega-3 fatty acids were evaluated with non-transgenic pork utilized as control.

Mice were fed diets that have non-transgenic pork as well as transgenic pork. Several laboratory tests were then performed on these mice including blood biochemistry, bacterial counts, histopathology and organ weights. Results indicated that transgenic pork and non-transgenic pork had no significant effect on blood biochemistry and bacterial counts in intestine and feces.

However, improved liver immune systems were observed in mice fed with transgenic pork. This was attributed to the beneficial contribution of high levels of the "good" fatty acids in transgenic pork. There was no significant effect of transgenic pork on all other organs in mice.

Read more on this study by visiting: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11248-014-9796-x/fulltext.html