Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in many models of hepatic damage. In addition, asparagine (Asn) plays an important role in immune function. We aimed to investigate whether Asn could attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver damage. Forty-eight castrated barrows were allotted to four groups including: (1) non-challenged control; (2) LPS-challenged control; (3) LPS+0·5 % Asn; and (4) LPS+1·0 % Asn. After 19 d feeding with control, 0·5 or 1·0 % Asn diets, pigs were injected with LPS or saline. Blood and liver samples were obt...