mRNA Expression of CYP2E1, CYP2A19, CYP1A2, HSD3B, SULT1A1 and SULT2A1 genes in surgically castrated, immunologically castrated, entire male and female pigs and correlation with androstenone, skatole, indole and Improvac-specific antibody levels

This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive look at the influence of castration on mRNA expression of the genes CYP2E1, CYP1A2, CYP2A19, HSD3B, SULT2A1 and SULT1A1 and their correlation with boar taint compounds (androstenone, skatole and indole) and Improvac-specific antibodies in a Czech commercial hybrid (Large White x Landrace (sow) x Duroc (boar)). Pigs were divided into groups of entire male pigs (NC), pigs castrated surgically (SC), pigs immunologically castrated and slaughtered 8 weeks (IM8) or 15 weeks (IM15) after the second dose of Improvac, and gilts (GI). Hepatic mRNA expression, measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, differed significantly between the control group (entire male pigs) and all groups of interest for CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP2A19. The mRNA level of the HSD3B gene differed significantly between the control group and the IM8, IM15 and GI groups. SULT1A1 gene expression was significantly different between the control group and the SC, IM8 and GI. In the case of SULT2A1, a significant difference was observed only between the control group and IM8 pigs. For all genes and treatment groups described above, expression was increased relative to the control. Significant differences for Improvac-specific antibodies between IM8 and IM15 groups were observed, indicating decrease of antibodies over time. Moreover, negative correlations between androstenone and mRNA levels of CYP2A19, CYP2E1 and SULT1A1 suggest that gene expression is suppressed.