Expression level of the cytochrome P450c21 (CYP21) protein correlating to drip loss in pigs.

Drip loss is an important meat quality trait of fresh meat affecting economic losses. The cytochrome P450c21 (CYP21) protein has a role on cortisol production and depends on stress. This might affect meat quality. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of CYP21 protein in correlation with drip loss. The samples were taken from the Longissimus dorsi muscle to evaluate drip loss (n = 300). Five muscles per group (low and high drip loss) were selected to evaluate CYP21 protein expression levels. Statistical analysis revealed that CYP21 protein expression levels were significantly difference between the drip loss groups. The high drip loss group had higher CYP21 protein expression levels than the low drip loss group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the high drip loss group had higher optical density values of the CYP21 protein band than the low drip loss group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the expression of CYP21 protein will provide the basis for information and better understanding of the mechanisms related to drip loss in pork. Further study is warranted to validate these results in other populations.