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Review
. 2023 Oct 7;14(1):135.
doi: 10.1186/s40104-023-00927-z.

The biological functions and metabolic pathways of valine in swine

Chuni Wang #  1   2 , Yao Peng #  2 , Yiru Zhang  2 , Juan Xu  2 , Sheng Jiang  1 , Leli Wang  3   4 , Yulong Yin  5   6   7
Affiliations
Review

The biological functions and metabolic pathways of valine in swine

Chuni Wang et al. J Anim Sci Biotechnol. .

Abstract

Valine is an essential amino acid and a type of branched-chain amino acid. Due to the involvement of branched-chain amino acids in various metabolic pathways, there has been a surge of interests in valine nutrition and its role in animal physiology. In pigs, the interactions between valine and other branched-chain amino acids or aromatic amino acids are complex. In this review, we delve into the interaction mechanism, metabolic pathways, and biological functions of valine. Appropriate valine supplementation not only enhances growth and reproductive performances, but also modulates gut microbiota and immune functions. Based on past observations and interpretations, we provide recommended feed levels of valine for weaned piglets, growing pigs, gilts, lactating sows, barrows and entire males. The summarized valine nutrient requirements for pigs at different stages offer valuable insights for future research and practical applications in animal husbandry.

Keywords: Additional dosage; Biological function; Metabolic pathway; Pig; Valine.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that can inappropriately influence our work. There is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service or company that could be construed as influencing the content of this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Structure and pathways. A Structure of BCAAs, including L-leucine, L-valine and L-isoleucine. B An overview of biosynthetic pathway of L-valine in bacteria, such as Corynebacterium glutamicum and Escherichia coli. C A schematic diagram for the complete metabolism of L-valine in animals. L-valine is catabolized to succinyl-CoA and subsequently enter the TCA cycle. The numbers correspond to the appropriate enzymes for main reactions. 1. Acetohydroxy acid synthase; 2. Acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase; 3. Dihydroxy-acid dehydratase; 4. Branched chain amino acid transaminase; 5. Branched chain keto-acid dehydrogenase; 6. 2-Methylbutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase; 7. Enol-CoA dehydrogenase; 8. 3-Hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA deacylase; 9. 3-Hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase; 10. Methylmalonic semialdehyde dehydrogenase; 11. Propionyl-CoA carboxylase; 12. Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Abbreviations: FAD+  = flavin adenine dinucleotide; GDP = guanosine diphosphate; GTP = guanosine triphosphate; NAD+  = nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; TCA = tricarboxylic acid
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Interaction of valine with amino acids. A Valine competes with leucine for branched-chain amino acid transaminase (BCAT). High leucine competes for the BCAT and enhance the catabolism of valine. B Valine competes with leucine and isoleucine for the amino acid transporters in intestinal epithelial. C The BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and aromatic amino acids, compete for transport into the brain through L-type amino acid transporters
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The roles of valine in swine nutrition and whole-body homeostasis. Apart from serving as an energy source, valine has multiple healthy functions, like improving the structure of gut microbiota, immune functions and reproductive performances. Abbreviations: Ig = immunoglobulin; mTOR = mammalian target of rapamycin; Sirt1/ERK/90RSK = sirtuin 1/the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/p90 ribosomal S6 kinase
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