Effects of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) on the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis–related genes (A), lipoprotein uptake–related genes (B), yolk precursor–related genes (C), and estrogen receptor (D) in the liver of hens. Open bars are the control group, and orange filled bars are the DSS group. Values are the fold change in the target gene expression as compared to that in a standard sample from the control group (n = 8). Target gene expression is normalized to the house-keeping gene RPS17. Asterisks (*, **) indicate significant differences between the water (control) and DSS groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).