Conjugated linoleic acid regulates adipocyte fatty acid binding protein expression peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α signaling pathway and increases intramuscular fat content.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is correlated positively with meat tenderness, juiciness and taste that affected sensory meat quality. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been extensively researched to increase IMF content in animals, however, the regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) gene has been proposed as candidates for IMF accretion.