The Genotype and the Expression of , , and 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 genotype and dietary supplementation with marigold flower extract on the expression of , , and genes in the adipose tissue and brain of rabbits. The concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, retinol, and α-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 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 genotype may influence the expression levels of the , and genes in adipose tissue, and and 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 , and genes in adipose tissue, and the expression of the gene in the brain. Another finding of the study is that the content of carotenoids and α-tocopherol increases in both the adipose tissue and brain of del/del rabbits.