Influence of quercetin on the global DNA methylation pattern in pigs

Abstract

The plant flavonol quercetin causes multiple health-promoting effects in human and animals. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of quercetin on global DNA methylation in growing pigs after 7 weeks of feeding a quercetin-enriched diet. The results indicated that a trend for an improved feed conversion was observed in the quercetin fed group compared to the control group. Furthermore, quercetin influenced global DNA methylation by upregulating DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in both mRNA and protein expressions in a tissue specific manner. The observed bioactivity of quercetin against the global methylation marker in pigs indicates that quercetin could be a potential inducer of DNA methylation which might be of economic significance for effective nutritional interventions affecting the health and productivity of animals.