Search Results (1,564)

Serving as a mineral-derived dietary buffer, the alkaline mineral complex (AMC) has the potential to influence the physiological functions of animals. Nonetheless, there is a notable scarcity of research in the field of ruminant science regarding its effects on fattening lambs. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of AMC supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical parameters, and digestive function of fattening lambs. A total of 96 six-month-old male Small-Tailed Han lambs with an average body weight of 48 ± 3.85 kg were randomly assigned to four groups: the control group (CON, 0 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 1 (LAMC, 2 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 2 (MAMC, 3 g/d per lamb of AMC), and test group 3 (HAMC, 4 g/d per lamb of AMC). Each group contained 24 lambs, with 3 pens per group and 8 lambs per pen. The trial lasted for 45 days, and the results showed that, compared with the CON group, the MAMC group demonstrated a significantly enhanced average daily gain (ADG) with a reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). The redness (a*) of the meat in the AMC-treated groups was significantly greater than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the longissimus dorsi (LD) of the MAMC group was significantly increased compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in the HAMC group were greater than those of other groups (p < 0.01), and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content was higher in the AMC-treated groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In addition, the duodenum lipase content in the HAMC group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (p < 0.05), and the amylase content in the MAMC group was significantly higher than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The HAMC group had a significantly lower jejunum lipase content than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). The LEfSe analysis showed that the MAMC group possessed significantly increased g_Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group levels. Furthermore, SOD and catalase (CAT) were both positively correlated with meat redness (a*) but were not significantly associated with ADG. In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) was negatively correlated with ADG, while no significant relationship was observed for meat redness (a*). In conclusion, an appropriate supplementation of AMC (3 g/d per lamb) can improve growth performance and meat quality by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and modulating the composition of beneficial rumen bacteria. Full article

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a water-soluble B vitamin. As a cofactor of many enzymes, it is essential for the proper functioning of many body systems and organs, including metabolic and energy metabolism. In extreme cases, vitamin B1 deficiency causes neurodegenerative disorders, including beri-beri, or cognitive impairment resulting from encephalopathy. B1 avitaminosis may result from increased demand, dietary errors, malabsorption, or excessive loss. Thiamine supplementation is used in cases of vitamin B1 deficiency or for preventative measures in situations of increased demand. Vitamin B1 can be administered enterally or parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously). The route and dose depend on the individual patient’s clinical situation. Hypersensitivity to vitamin B1 is rare and appears to be primarily associated with rapid intravenous infusion of large doses of thiamine hydrochloride over a short period (intravenous bolus). Hypersensitivity to thiamine administered by routes other than intravenous or intramuscular injection appears to be an incidental phenomenon. Thiamine should also be considered as an occupational allergen. The mechanism of thiamine hypersensitivity has not been clearly elucidated. However, considering the clinical nature and dynamics of the reaction, the most likely reaction seems to be an immediate type of hypersensitivity reaction (immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent), in which thiamine (but not its metabolites) acts as a hapten. Diagnosing hypersensitivity to vitamin B1 is difficult due to the lack of validated tests for additional testing. In individuals requiring thiamine supplementation who have experienced hypersensitivity to intramuscular or intravenous administration of this vitamin, switching to oral administration may be considered (provided this does not reduce treatment efficacy). This form of supplementation is usually well tolerated by individuals allergic to parenteral thiamine. However, if enteral supplementation does not guarantee the maintenance of therapeutic potential, thiamine desensitization may be considered, which seems to be an effective therapeutic method in such a clinical situation. Full article

Background: Thyroid eye disease (TED), or Graves’ orbitopathy, is the most common extra-thyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease, but it has only rarely been reported after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Autoimmune thyroid disease, including subacute thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, has been described following COVID-19 vaccination; we present a case series of TED occurring shortly after different COVID-19 vaccines to provide clinical data on this potential safety signal. Case presentation: We describe five women (mean age 47 years; range 27–69) who developed TED 3–20 days after COVID-19 vaccination with mRNA or adenoviral vector vaccines, three of whom had pre-existing thyroid disease. Presentations included ocular and retro-orbital pain, exophthalmos, headache, goiter, tremor, depressive symptoms, and, in one case, anterior neck pain and fever. TED severity (ETA/EUGOGO) ranged from mild to severe, with frequent findings of suppressed TSH, elevated thyroid autoantibodies, and inflammatory markers, as well as imaging evidence of exophthalmos, extraocular muscle enlargement, and diffuse or multinodular goiter. Management with intravenous corticosteroids, selenium, levothyroxine adjustment, and/or intramuscular corticosteroids led to improvement in thyroid function and inflammation by 3 months, although mild TED often persisted. Conclusions: This case series supports a temporal association between COVID-19 vaccination and new-onset or exacerbated TED in individuals with autoimmune thyroid disease. Although vaccination benefits outweigh potential risks, clinicians should remain alert to ocular and thyroid symptoms after immunization to ensure timely diagnosis and management. Full article

Background: Influenza poses a significant health threat to children under nine, who are at high risk of severe complications. Influenza vaccination is a key prevention strategy, but pediatric trials use heterogeneous safety and immunogenicity outcomes, follow-up windows, and dosing strata that hinder meaningful cross-trial comparison. Objective: To map how safety and immunogenicity outcomes are defined, collected, stratified, and reported across clinical trials of seasonal influenza vaccines in healthy children aged 6 months to 8 years, and to identify reporting patterns and gaps that limit cross-trial comparability. Methods: Studies were identified through a structured PubMed/MEDLINE search first conducted 20 April 2025 and last conducted June 2025, following JBI and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We included clinical trials reporting at least one safety outcome in healthy children 6 months to 8 years old. Heterogeneity in outcome definitions, follow-up windows, and dose strata precluded meta-analysis; we conducted a narrative and per-study synthesis. Risk of bias was evaluated with RoB 2 for randomized trials and ROBINS-I (V2) for non-randomized studies following Cochrane guidance. Descriptive and visual syntheses were utilized. Results: Of 293 records, 20 studies comprising approximately [n = 12,267] pediatric participants met the inclusion criteria. All included studies evaluated inactivated, egg-based seasonal influenza intramuscular vaccines. Reporting windows and dose handling varied widely. Vaccine-related serious adverse events (SAEs) were rare (only four events, with reported SAEs happening in children 6–35 months old immunized with quadrivalent formulations; all SAEs resolved and did not result in participant withdrawal from the study). No SAEs were reported in children 3–8 years old. Immunogenicity outcomes are presented as reported by each trial, with baseline and post-vaccination sampling days reproduced; no cross-trial synthesis was performed. Conclusions: Seasonal, inactivated intramuscular influenza vaccines show a favorable safety and immunogenicity profile in healthy children 6 months to 8 years old. However, heterogeneous outcome definitions, variable safety follow-up windows, limited dose- and priming-specific reporting, and inconsistent immunogenicity schedules substantially constrain cross-trial comparability. Funding and Registration: Primary funding was provided by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (Grant HD109732). This review was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251237499). Full article

Background and Objectives: The masseteric nerve (Mn) is increasingly used for facial reanimation because of its reliable location, high axon count, low donor morbidity, and favorable clinical outcomes. Precise topographic knowledge of the Mn relative to reproducible intraoperative landmarks is essential for safe dissection. This study investigated the intramuscular position of the Mn relative to two defined reference lines. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two hemicrania from 36 individuals (aged 54–99 years) embalmed postmortem using the Thiel method were examined. Measurements were referenced to two defined anatomical lines: the angle–canthus line (ACL), extending from the mandibular angle to the lateral canthus of the eye, and the articular eminence line (AEL), extending from the articular eminence to the base of the zygomatic temporal process. Results: The Mn crossed the ACL at an average distance of 39.9 ± 5.9 mm from the mandibular angle with up to four branches. The first intramuscular branch arose 15.6 ± 4.7 mm superior to the ACL. The Mn was located 4.9 ± 1.9 mm anterior to the articular eminence and 4.7 ± 1.5 mm inferior to the AEL, coursing at an average angle of 68.5 ± 11.6° to the AEL. The AEL and ACL provide reliable and clearly defined reference lines for locating the Mn and improve intraoperative reproducibility. The Mn followed a predictable oblique course and was consistently identified in the masseter muscle (Mm) beneath an intramuscular aponeurosis. Nerve diameter varied by site, underscoring the need for standardized measurement locations. Distal localization along the ACL may enable preservation of early intramuscular branches and reduce donor morbidity. Further studies should evaluate axon counts at defined points and clarify the relationship of the Mn to the masseteric artery for better intramuscular orientation during dissection. Conclusions: The Mn can be located within a 63 mm² area beneath the AEL at the masseter entry and more distally on the ACL. ACL-based access may protect the first intramuscular branch of the Mn and the temporal branch of the facial nerve (TBFN), and it represents a potential alternative for smile reconstruction for patients with preserved eye closure. Full article

Background: Pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections pose severe threats to children’s health globally. This study evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a novel Sabin strain-based adsorbed pentavalent vaccine (DTacP-sIPV/Hib), which offers potential advantages in biosafety and cost-effectiveness compared to wild-type poliovirus-based vaccines. Methods: A repeated-dose toxicity study was conducted in 190 Sprague-Dawley rats, randomly divided into negative control, adjuvant control, low-dose, and high-dose groups. Animals received five intramuscular injections at 21-day intervals, followed by a 56-day recovery period. Parameters assessed included local reactions, body temperature, hematology, serum biochemistry, coagulation, histopathology, T-cell subsets, cytokine levels, and antigen-specific immunogenicity. Results: The primary adverse reaction was dose-dependent local muscle swelling, which was fully reversible within 3–21 days. Only transient body temperature fluctuations and adjuvant-related hematological/biochemical abnormalities were observed, all resolving after the recovery period. No vaccine-related damage occurred in hepatic/renal function or immune organs. Immunogenicity data showed 100% seroconversion for all bacterial components 21 days after the first dose. The high-dose group achieved 100% seropositivity for all poliovirus serotypes after the second dose, while the low-dose group reached the same after the third dose, with no significant difference in antibody levels between dose groups. Conclusions: The DTacP-sIPV/Hib vaccine exhibits a favorable safety profile and robust immunogenicity in rats, supporting its further clinical development. The use of Sabin strains reduces biosafety risks and manufacturing costs, making this vaccine a promising candidate for immunization programs, especially in resource-limited regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The variation in the treatment outcomes of extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) including the potential role of genetic factors are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the potential association between the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) rs4680 and mu-opioid receptor (OPRM₁) rs1799971 genotypes and XR-NTX treatment outcomes in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) specifically focusing on treatment retention, relapse to opioids, number of days of opioid use, and opioid cravings. Methods: This was a 24-week, open-label clinical prospective, exploratory study involving patients with OUD who chose treatment with monthly injections of intramuscular XR-NTX. Men and women aged 18–65 years with OUD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, were included. The participants were interviewed using the European Addiction Severity Index. Survival analyses and linear mixed models were used to analyze the data. Results: Of the 162 participants included in this study, 138 (21% female) initiated treatment with XR-NTX, with 88 genotyped for COMT rs4680 and 86 for OPRM₁ rs1799971. Heterozygous Met/Val carriers of COMT rs4680 were less likely to relapse to opioids compared with those with the COMT rs4680 Met/Met genotype. No significant association was observed for the OPRM₁ polymorphism. Conclusions: Patients with the COMT rs4680 Met/Val genotype exhibit a reduced risk of relapse to opioids and may therefore derive greater benefit from XR-NTX treatment compared with those with the COMT rs4680 Met/Met genotype. Future studies should be conducted with a larger number of participants and possibly include other genetic variants and treatment outcomes. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT03647774) and the EU Clinical Trial Register (#2017-004706-18). Full article

Goat meat is widely valued as a healthy option due to its lean nature, yet strategies to further optimize its intrinsic nutritional composition remain a key objective. This study examined the influence of melatonin on muscle development and visceral fat deposition in cashmere goats, focusing on its role in augmenting systemic antioxidant capacity and modifying gut microbiota. Thirty goat kids were randomly assigned to a control or a melatonin-treated (2 mg/kg body weight) group. Melatonin implantation induced a metabolic shift characterized by reduced visceral fat deposition (perirenal, omental, and mesenteric fat; p < 0.05) without impacting intramuscular fat. Concurrently, it promoted muscle accretion, as demonstrated by an increase in crude protein content and hypertrophy of muscle fibers in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum, Gluteus medius, and Biceps femoris muscles (p < 0.05). These effects were underpinned by an enhanced systemic antioxidant capacity (elevated CAT, GSH-Px, T-AOC, and reduced MDA; p < 0.05), changes in gut microbiota, and a concomitant improvement in gastrointestinal morphology, evidenced by increased rumen papilla length and intestinal villus height. Melatonin enriched beneficial genera (e.g., Succiniclasticum, Butyrivibrio, Akkermansia), which were significantly correlated with reduced adiposity and improved protein deposition. These improvements resulted from the concerted actions of an enhanced systemic antioxidant defense system and a beneficially modulated gut microbial community. This trial observed no effect on intramuscular fat deposition, suggesting that improving intramuscular fat may require a systematic fattening regimen. This study provides a scientific foundation for employing melatonin as a nutritional strategy in goat production to improve meat quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. In line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal to end TB by 2035, the rapid development and clinical implementation of new, effective vaccines is urgently needed. To support global TB control efforts, we developed a novel candidate subunit multistage vaccine. Methods: This vaccine incorporates multiple Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens expressed during both dormant and active stages of infection, fused into a single recombinant protein (ESAT6-CFP10-Ag85A-Rv2660c-Rv1813c). The antigen was encapsulated in biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles along with the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonists monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP), which function as adjuvants. Results: Using a mixed intramuscular/nasal prime-boost regimen, the vaccine elicited a mixed Th1/Th17 cell-mediated immune response, as well as a robust humoral response characterized by sustained systemic IgG (lasting at least one year) and prominent local secretory IgA. The vaccine demonstrated protective efficacy as a prophylactic booster following BCG priming in both murine and guinea pig models and was also effective in a therapeutic setting in a murine infection model. Conclusions: The results of this study provide empirical evidence that multistage tuberculosis vaccines represent a promising strategy for achieving global TB control. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of partially replacing corn with rice in the diet and supplementing with cellulase on growth performance, pork quality, and gut microbiota of growing–finishing pigs. A total of 64 healthy pigs (68.03 ± 1.59 kg) were randomly assigned into four groups: CON (basal diet), ASE (basal diet + 20,000 IU/g cellulase), RICE (the basal diet replaced 50% of corn with rice), RASE (the basal diet replaced 50% of corn with rice + 20,000 IU/g cellulase). The results indicated that dietary rice and cellulase, either individually or in combination, had no significant effects (p > 0.05) on the FBW, ADG, ADFI, and F/G of pigs. However, the dietary rice markedly increased the intramuscular fat (IMF) content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, gut microbiota profiling indicated that Papillibacte were enriched in the RICE group and positively associated with IMF content. Metabolomic analysis revealed substantial differences in fecal metabolites among the treatment groups. The RICE group exhibited reduced levels of Zygadenine, Carpaine, and Rhodioloside E, which were negatively correlated with both IMF content and Papillibacter. In conclusion, dietary rice can promote IMF deposition by modulating gut microbiota and host metabolism, without compromising the growth performance of pigs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding the genetic basis of growth and fat deposition is crucial for improving beef productivity in Kalmyk cattle, a breed well adapted to the extreme climatic conditions of Kazakhstan. The present study aimed to determine the effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRTC2 and ELOVL6 genes on intramuscular fat content and to evaluate their associations with growth and meat quality traits in 18-month-old Kalmyk heifers raised under different environmental conditions. Methods: A total of 400 clinically healthy Kalmyk heifers (200 from LLP “Qazaq Asyldary” and 200 from LLP “Agrofirma Turikpen”) were examined. All animals originated from closed breeding herds, and only unrelated individuals without common ancestors to the third generation were included. Zootechnical measurements— live weight, withers height, chest depth, chest girth, and body length—were performed twice by a trained specialist. Backfat thickness and musculus longissimus dorsi depth were measured postmortem. Blood samples were collected for genomic DNA extraction using the GeneJET purification kit, and DNA quality was assessed by Nanodrop, Qubit, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Target fragments of CRTC2 and ELOVL6 were amplified (150–200 bp) and sequenced on an ABI 3500 system. SNP identification, allele frequencies, and genotyping were performed by alignment to the Bos taurus ARS-UCD1.2 reference genome. Statistical analyses were conducted in RStudio using linear and mixed models with “farm” as a random effect. Results: Only one informative polymorphism, g.133528A>G in ELOVL6, was detected. Three genotypes (AA, AG, GG) were observed, with the heterozygous AG genotype showing significantly higher live weight, greater body length, and improved linear measurements compared to AA and GG. No significant associations were detected with backfat thickness or muscle depth. The g.133528A>G polymorphism in ELOVL6 positively influences growth traits without increasing fatness, aligning with the naturally lean phenotype of Kalmyk cattle. Conclusions: The AG genotype may serve as a promising marker for selecting faster-growing animals in marker-assisted breeding programs. Full article

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined as a quick and often reversible decline in renal performance, as shown by elevated creatinine or reduced urine volume. AKI is a common illness, particularly among hospitalized cases, and can be observed in up to 7% of hospital admissions and 30% of ICU admissions. This study was designed to explore the nephroprotective potential of eco-synthesized quercetin–selenium nanoparticles (QUR-SeNPs) against experimentally glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis leading to AKI. Forty healthy adult male albino rats were employed in the experiment. Animals were randomly distributed equally into five groups: Control: orally administered with normal saline solution. GLY: orally administered with normal saline (0.9% NaCl) for 15 consecutive days, at day 14, animals of this group received a single dose of intramuscular (im.) injection of 50% glycerol (GLY) (10 mg/kg/day). GLY and quercetin (GLY&QUR): orally administered with quercetin daily for 15 days (50 mg/kg/day), at day 14, animals of this group received a single dose of im. injection of 50% glycerol (10 mg/kg/day). GLY&Na₂SeO₃: orally administered with sodium selenite daily for 15 days (0.5 mg/kg/day), at day 14, animals of this group received a single dose of im. injection of 50% glycerol (10 mg/kg/day). GLY&QUR-SeNPs: orally administered with selenium nanoparticles synthesized using quercetin daily for 15 days (0.5 mg/kg/day), at day 14, animals of this group received a single dose of im. injection of 50% glycerol (10 mg/kg/day). Oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers, in addition to histopathological, gene expression, and immunohistochemical analysis, were assessed for all groups. The results demonstrated that QUR-SeNPs effectively ameliorated renal functional, biochemical, and molecular disturbances through their synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potential, surpassing the effects of either quercetin or selenium alone. Biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles using QUR-SeNPs demonstrated remarkable nephroprotective activity by normalizing renal biomarkers, restoring antioxidant capacity, inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, and preventing apoptotic damage. The nanoparticle formulation exhibited superior efficacy to either QUR or Se alone, highlighting the synergistic interplay between selenium and quercetin through enhanced bioavailability, redox stability, and molecular targeting. Full article

Myopathy encompasses a group of diseases characterized by abnormalities in both muscle function and structure. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of newly formed myofiber development remain poorly defined. No promising therapeutic approach has been developed, but numerous medication options are available to alleviate symptoms. Our previous studies demonstrated that adenosine kinase (ADK) is critical in regulating adenosine metabolism, pathological angiogenesis, pathological vascular remodeling, and vascular inflammatory diseases. Adenosine dynamically distributes between extracellular and intracellular, and adenosine concentration regulates ADK expression. However, the mechanism by which adenosine triggers an ADK-dependent intracellular signaling pathway to regulate skeletal muscle regeneration is not well defined. This study aimed to evaluate whether the adenosine-induced intracellular signaling pathway is involved in regulating myopathy, and how it regulates the development of newly formed myofibers. In this study, an intramuscular injection of cardiotoxin was used to induce a skeletal muscle injury model; satellite cells and C2C12 cells were employed. Whether adenosine regulates satellite cell activity, new myofiber formation and differentiation, as well as fusion of myofibers, were determined by H&E staining, BrdU incorporation assay, and spheroid sprouting assay. Interaction between ADK and PFKFB3 was evaluated by IF staining, PPI network analysis, molecular docking simulation, and CO-immunoprecipitation assay. The results demonstrated that adenosine dynamically distributes between extracellular and intracellular through concentrative nucleoside transports or equilibrative nucleoside transporters, and it rapidly induces an ADK-dependent intracellular signaling pathway, which interacts with PFKFB3-mediated glycolytic metabolism to promote satellite cell activity, new myofiber formation, differentiation, and fusion, and eventually enhances skeletal muscle regeneration after injury stress. The remarkable endogenous regeneration capacity of skeletal muscle, which is regulated by adenosine-triggered intracellular signaling, presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating muscle trauma and muscular dystrophies. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with an alkaline metal ion complex (AMIC) on growth performance, meat quality, rumen microbiota, and metabolome in Hu lambs. Fifty lambs were randomly assigned to either a control group (basal diet) or an AMIC group (basal diet + 0.15% AMIC) for 60 days. The results showed that AMIC significantly increased carcass weight, Longissimus dorsi area, crude protein, intramuscular fat, ash content, and meat luminosity (L*). Amino acid profiles and key flavor compounds were elevated, while off-flavor hydrocarbons were reduced. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that AMIC altered rumen microbiota composition, enriching butyrate-producing genera such as Butyrivibrio and Saccharofermentans. Metabolomic analysis identified 398 differentially expressed metabolites, with upregulated pathways including butanoate metabolism and xylene degradation. Correlation analyses indicated strong associations between specific microbial taxa, metabolites, and meat quality traits. These findings suggest that AMIC enhances meat quality by modulating rumen microbial ecology and metabolic pathways, leading to improved nutrient deposition and flavor development. This study provides novel insights into the microbe–metabolite–muscle axis in ruminants and supports the use of AMIC as a dietary strategy for quality lamb production. Full article

Huanghuai sheep, a newly developed meat-specialized breed in China, are valued for their rapid growth and high meat quality, but the optimal slaughter age and the molecular basis of these traits remain poorly understood. Gaining insight into these mechanisms is vital for improving production efficiency and guiding molecular breeding in this economically important breed. Although previous studies have described the phenotypic characteristics of Huanghuai sheep, the genetic regulatory networks controlling muscle growth and meat quality at different developmental stages remain unclear. No thorough analysis of growth traits and transcriptomic variations across key age points has been conducted. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate how growth stage influences muscle development, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in Huanghuai sheep by integrating phenotypic characterization with transcriptomic profiling to identify key genes and molecular pathways underlying these economically important traits throughout development. Sixty Huanghuai sheep were assigned to three groups (twenty per group) representing key developmental stages (3, 9, and 18 months of age). Carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. RNA sequencing of the longissimus dorsi muscle was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. The results indicated that the 9-month-old sheep presented a favorable balance of dressing percentage and intramuscular unsaturated fatty acid content, while those aged 18 months old exhibited the highest dressing percentage (61.23%). Transcriptome analysis identified 1395 DEGs (p < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1) and enrichment analysis revealed key pathways involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, skeletal muscle satellite cell proliferation, and skeletal muscle tissue growth. Several candidate genes for muscle development (e.g., ACTC1, SIX2, HK2) and meat quality (e.g., TLR2, CHI3L1, ACOT7) were identified and validated. Their expression patterns showed significant correlations between critical growth performance and fatty acid composition metrics. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular networks regulating economically important traits in Huanghuai sheep, offering valuable targets for future molecular breeding programs aimed at enhancing productivity and meat quality. Full article