Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) plays an important role in fat metabolism. In the current study, we examined the breed differences in Sirt1 between Jinhua pigs (a fatty breed of China) and Landrace pigs (a leaner breed). In addition, the effect of insulin on the gene expression of Sirt1 and the major lipase, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in fat metabolism was also studied in vitro. Compared with the Landrace pigs, the BW of Jinhua pigs was less, whereas the body fat content were greater. The protein content and the mRNA abundance of Sirt1 in Jinhua pigs were less in subcutaneous adipose tissues compared with the Landrace pigs. Likewise, the mRNA abundance of ATGL and HSL were also less in Jinhua pigs. In vitro, treatment with a different dose of insulin (10, 50 and 100 nM) decreased glycerol release and the mRNA abundance of Sirt1, ATGL, and HSL in porcine adipocytes. Likewise, treatment with 50 nM insulin for 24 and 48 h also decreased glycerol release and the expression of Sirt1, ATGL, and HSL in porcine adipocytes. Furthermore, insulin and Sirt1-specific small interfering RNA treatment decreased the expression of Sirt1, ATGL, and HSL compared with the control or insulin treatment. These results indicate that insulin may regulate transcription of Sirt1, ATGL, and HSL in porcine adipocytes and provide information for manipulating these gene expressions in regulating fat metabolism in pigs.

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