Experiments seek to produce meats good for the heart

By Joseph B. Verrengia
The Associated Press

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The scientists inserted a worm gene into mice and made the rodents produce significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, a heart-friendly substance normally found in salmon and other oily fish. Researchers at Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital now are trying to breed gene-engineered chickens that would lay omega-3 eggs. And they said the obvious follow-up would be transferring the gene to livestock to determine if they can produce meat and milk rich in omega-3.

Details of the mouse experiments appear in today's issue of the journal Nature.

"It would be little bit more difficult in a cow or pig," said the study's senior author, Jing Kang. "Overall, it would be quite similar and I think the outcome would be the same."

Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to prevent heart disease by helping to reduce inflammation involved in hardening of artery walls. They also may reduce blood pressure and chemically regulate electrical impulses of the heart's rhythm.

Omega-3s also are important to brain development and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The American Heart Association recommends two or more weekly servings of fish, particularly fatty fish such as salmon and trout, which are naturally high in omega-3s.

Researchers who did not participate in the experiments cautioned that meat and dairy products rich in omega-3s probably will not be sold in supermarkets soon, even if livestock experiments are successful.

Gene-engineered herds would face significant regulatory and consumer hurdles, they warned.

"It's an interesting idea, a tremendous idea," said Bob Roberts at Penn State University. "My sense is that consumers would have issues with it."

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