Lactobacillus plantarum LG42 isolated from gajami sik-hae inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocyte

Hypocholesterolemic potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens KAVK1 modulates lipid accumulation on 3T3-L1 adipose cells and high fat diet-induced obese rat model

The significance of microorganisms occurring in foods is predominantly targeted due to their application for identifying a novel range of the bacterial spectrum. Diverse microbial species are capable of exhibiting potential pharmacological activities like antimicrobial and anticancer. Microbial strains capable of reducing obesity-related syndromes have also been reported. In the present study, the hypocholesterolemic efficacy of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolated from dairy products was scrutinised by in vitro (3T3-L1 adipose cells) and in vivo (high-fat diet-induced obese Wistar albino rats) methods. Potential cholesterol-lowering isolates were screened using a plate assay method and optimised by physical parameters. Molecular identification of the topmost five cholesterol-lowering isolates was acquired by amplification of the 16 S rRNA gene region. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain KAVK1, followed by strains KAVK2, KAVK3, KAVK4, and KAVK5 were molecularly determined. Further, cholesterol-lowering strains degraded the spectral patterns determined by the side chain of a cholesterol molecule. The anti-lipase activity was demonstrated using the porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory method and compared with the reference compound Atorvastatin. Lyophilised strain KAVK1 revealed maximum pancreatic lipase inhibition. Strain KAVK1 attenuated lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipose cell line predicted by Oil Red O staining method. Significant reduction of body weight and change in lipid profile was recognised after the supplement of KAVK1 to obese rats. Histopathological changes in organs were predominantly marked. The result of this study implies that the cholesterol-lowering B. amyloliquefaciens KAVK1 strain was used to treat hypercholesterolemia.

Transforming the fermented fish landscape: Microbiota enable novel, safe, flavorful, and healthy products for modern consumers

Regular consumption of fish promotes sustainable health while reducing negative environmental impacts. Fermentation has long been used for preserving perishable foods, including fish. Fermented fish products are popular consumer foods of historical and cultural significance owing to their abundant essential nutrients and distinct flavor. This review discusses the recent scientific progress on fermented fish, especially the involved flavor formation processes, microbial metabolic activities, and interconnected biochemical pathways (e.g., enzymatic/non-enzymatic reactions associated with lipids, proteins, and their interactions). The multiple roles of fermentation in preservation of fish, development of desirable flavors, and production of health-promoting nutrients and bioactive substances are also discussed. Finally, prospects for further studies on fermented fish are proposed, including the need of monitoring microorganisms, along with the precise control of a fermentation process to transform the traditional fermented fish to novel, flavorful, healthy, and affordable products for modern consumers. Microbial-enabled innovative fermented fish products that consider both flavor and health benefits are expected to become a significant segment in global food markets. The integration of multi-omics technologies, biotechnology-based approaches (including synthetic biology and metabolic engineering) and sensory and consumer sciences, is crucial for technological innovations related to fermented fish. The findings of this review will provide guidance on future development of new or improved fermented fish products through regulating microbial metabolic processes and enzymatic activities.

Effects of Dental Pulp Stem Cell Preconditioning on Osteogenesis using Conditioned Media of Probiotics Bacteria

Background

Stem cells are used to treat numerous diseases; however, their lifespan is rather short. Factors such as probiotics affect and improve various cell lineage efficacies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotics-conditioned media on dental pulp stem cell potentials in osteogenesis.

Methods

The experiment was initiated by culturing Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics as well as DPS-7 cells. Bacterial supernatants were separated and concentrated as the conditioned media. The DPS-7 cells were treated with various concentrations of the conditioned media. Furthermore, MTT assay and alkaline phosphatase activity were used. The mRNA expression of three genes (bFGF, EGF-β and BMP-2) involved in osteogenesis was analyzed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The response of dental pulp stem cells to probiotics preconditioning promoted cell proliferation, increased alkaline phosphatase activity and upregulated bFGF and BMP-2 gene expression. Increased expression was significant for BMP-2 and moderate for bFGF; however, it was non-significant for EGF-β. The use of the two probiotics was the most effective.

Conclusion

In general, synergism of the combined probiotics preconditioning induces differentiation of DPS-7 cells into osteoblasts most effectively.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Exert a Hepatoprotective Effect against Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in HepG2 Cells

Alcoholic liver fatty disease (ALFD) is caused by excessive and chronic alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption causes an imbalance in the intestinal microflora, leading to liver disease induced by the excessive release of endotoxins into the hepatic portal vein. Therefore, research on the intestinal microflora to identify treatments for ALFD is increasing. In this study, the protective effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, including Levilactobacillus brevis, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, and Limosilactobacillus fermentum, were evaluated in ethanol-induced HepG2 cells. Among the evaluated LAB, nine strains increased aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) levels and downregulated lipid peroxidation and liver transferase in the ethanol-induced HepG2 cells. Moreover, L. brevis MG5280 and MG5311, L. reuteri MG5458, and L. fermentum MG4237 and MG4294 protected against ethanol-induced HepG2 cell damage by regulating CYP2E1, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPX), lipid synthesis factors (SREBP1C and FAS), and lipid oxidation factors (PPARα, ACO, and CPT-1). Moreover, five LAB were confirmed to be safe probiotics based on antibiotic susceptibility and hemolysis assays; their stability and adhesion ability in the gastrointestinal tract were also established. In conclusion, L. brevis MG5280 and MG5311, L. reuteri MG5458, and L. fermentum MG4237 and MG4294 may be useful as new probiotic candidates for ALFD prevention.

Cell-Free Culture Supernatant of Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum Protects Against H2O2-Induced Premature Senescence by Suppressing ROS-Akt-mTOR Axis in Murine Preadipocytes

Information regarding cellular anti-senescence attributes of probiotic bacteria vis-à-vis modulation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and mTOR signaling is very limited. The present study assessed anti-senescence potential of secretory metabolites of probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum (Lact. fermentum) using H₂O₂-induced model of senescence in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Application of H₂O₂-induced cellular senescence characterized by increased cell size and SA-β-gal activity, activation of SASP and reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage response and induction of cell cycle inhibitors (p53/p21^WAF1/p16^INK4a). Further, a robust stimulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and AMPK signaling was also observed in H₂O₂-treated cells. However, exposure of cells to cell-free supernatant of Lact. fermentum significantly attenuated phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and alleviated senescence markers p53, p21^WAF1, SA-β-gal, p38MAPK, iNOS, cox-2, ROS, NF-κB, and DNA damage response. These results provide evidence that secretory metabolites of Lact. fermentum can mitigate the development as well as severity of stress-induced senescence thereby indicating its utility for use as anti-aging or age-delaying agent.

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis YB0411 Inhibits Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Pre-adipocytes and Reduces High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice

Although the health benefits of probiotics have been widely known for decades, there has still been limited use of probiotic bacteria in anti-obesity therapy. Herein, we demonstrated the role of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis YB0411 (YB, which was selected by an in vitro adipogenesis assay) in adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. We observed that YB-treatment effectively reduced triglyceride accumulation and the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, β, and δ (C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, and C/EBPδ), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (aP2), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). YB-treatment also reduced the levels of core autophagic markers (p62 and LC3B) in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Small-interfering-RNA-mediated knockdown and competitive-chemical-inhibition assays showed that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) commenced the anti-adipogenic effect of YB. In addition, YB supplement markedly reduced body weight and fat accretion in mice with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Our findings suggest that YB may be used as a potential probiotic candidate to ameliorate obesity.

Biotransformation of whey by Weissella cibaria suppresses 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation

Biotransformation, the structural modification of chemical compounds, has proved to be an indispensable tool in providing beneficial health effects. Although the health benefits of biotransformation using plant sources has been widely studied, the anti-adipogenic effect of biotransformed dairy products, such as whey, have not yet been demonstrated. Here, we investigated the anti-adipogenic effect of whey biotransformed by Weissella cibaria in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Weissella cibaria-biotransformed whey considerably reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets and intracellular triglycerides in 3T3-L1 cells. In the presence of W. cibaria-biotransformed whey, the mRNA and protein expression of a key transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), for adipogenesis was markedly suppressed in 3T3-L1 cells. Additionally, W. cibaria-biotransformed whey also decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of lipoprotein lipase and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, which are regulated by PPARγ. Moreover, W. cibaria-biotransformed whey inhibited the expression of adipokines, resistin, and leptin. Collectively, these results suggest that whey biotransformed by W. cibaria has the potential to exert anti-adipogenic effects by inhibiting intracellular signaling events of adipogenic-related transcription factors and target genes.

Invited review: Potential antiobesity effect of fermented dairy products

The growing prevalence of obesity affects millions of people around the world and has gained increased attention over the years because it is associated with the development of other chronic degenerative diseases. Different organizations recommend lifestyle changes to treat obesity; nevertheless, other strategies in addition to lifestyle changes have recently been suggested. One of these strategies is the use of probiotics in fermented dairy products; however, a need exists to review the different studies available related to the potential antiobesity effect of these products. Because probiotic fermented dairy products that support weight management are not available in the market, there is a great opportunity for the development of functional dairy products with new lactic acid bacteria that may present this added health benefit. Thus, the purpose of this overview is to highlight the importance of probiotic fermented dairy products as potential antiobesogenic functional foods and present in vitro and in vivo studies required before this kind of product may be introduced to the market. Overall, most studies attributed the antiobesity effect of fermented dairy foods to the probiotic strains present; however, bioactive peptides released during milk fermentation may also be responsible for this effect.

Antiobesity and antidiabetic effects of the dairy bacterium Propionibacterium freudenreichii MJ2 in high-fat diet-induced obese mice by modulating lipid metabolism

Obesity can cause chronic metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiobesity and antidiabetic effects of the dairy bacterium P. freudenreichii MJ2 isolated from raw milk using 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Lipid accumulation and the expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism, such as preadipocytic gene (Pref-1), adipogenic genes (PPARγ and C/EBPα), and lipogenic genes (FAS, SCD-1, and ACC), significantly decreased in heat-killed P. freudenreichii MJ2 (hkMJ2)-treated adipocytes. Live P. freudenreichii MJ2 (MJ2), hkMJ2, and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) decreased body weight gain in HFD-induced obese mice compared with the model group. The liver and epididymal white adipose tissue weights in the MJ2-, hkMJ2- and LP-treated groups were significantly lower than those in the model group. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to adipogenesis and lipogenesis significantly decreased and lipolysis (HSL and ATGL) increased in the MJ2-, hkMJ2-, and LP-treated groups. The expression levels of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (CPT-1α and ACOX1) increased in the MJ2-, hkMJ2-, and LP-treated groups. In addition, blood glucose and fasting insulin levels in the MJ2- and hkMJ2-treated groups decreased compared with those in the model group. P. freudenreichii MJ2 ameliorate insulin resistance by obesity. In conclusion, both MJ2 and hkMJ2 alleviate obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Lactobacillus Brevis OPK-3 from Kimchi Prevents Obesity and Modulates the Expression of Adipogenic and Pro-Inflammatory Genes in Adipose Tissue of Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Our previous study reported that lactic acid bacteria (L. brevis OPK-3) isolated from kimchi ameliorated intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte. The current study explored potential roles of L. brevis OPK-3 (KLAB) on preventing body weight gain and its effect on the inflammatory response of adipose tissue. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 10) were divided into four groups: normal diet with distilled water (NDC), high-fat diet with distilled water (HDC), high-fat diet with L-ornithine (OTC) or high-fat diet with KLAB. The KLAB supplement resulted in significantly lower body weight, lower epididymal fat tissue mass, and lower serum and hepatic TG levels than the HDC. KLAB supplementation improved serum cytokines, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed significantly lower inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels in epididymal adipose tissue. These results suggest that the administration of KLAB inhibits the induction of inflammation in adipose tissue along with the inhibition of weight gain. Therefore, this study demonstrates the therapeutic and beneficial value of this strain produced during the fermentation of kimchi.

Factors to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization Liver Cancer stage C

Introduction: To establish a predictive model to demonstrate that transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) prolonged survival time in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage-C HCC.Material and methods: Patients with BCLC stage C HCC treated between January 2009 and April 2016 were included. The training group (n = 336) and control group (n = 141) underwent TACE as a first or supportive treatment. Factors related to survival time were retrospectively analyzed by multivariate logistic regression to establish a predictive model. Validation of the model was undertaken prospectively in a validation group (n = 159) that underwent TACE as first treatment between May 2016 and December 2017.Results: Classification of portal vein tumor thrombus, maximum tumor size, Child-Pugh score, and log alphafoetoprotein levels were independent risk factors included in the mathematical model. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed the model was helpful in predicting survival time. The area under the curve was 0.714 (95% confidence interval, 0.659-0.769). A cutoff value of 7.1 months had maximum Youden indeces of 0. 458, sensitivity 62.4%, and specificity 83.8%. The validation group supported the model.Conclusions: Portal vein tumor thrombus, maximum tumor size, Child-Pugh score, and log alphafoetoprotein levels helped predict survival time in patients with BCLC stage-C HCC.

Probiotic BSH Activity and Anti-Obesity Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain TCI378 Isolated from Korean Kimchi

Lactobacillus (Lab.) is a human probiotic beneficial for the prevention and improvement of disease, yet properties of different Lab. strains are diverse. To obtain a Lab. strain that possesses greater potential against gastrointestinal dysfunction, we isolated Lactobacillus plantarum TCI378 (TCI378) from naturally fermented Korean kimchi. TCI378 has shown potential as probiotic since it can survive at pH 3.0 and in the presence of 0.3% bile acid. The bile salt hydrolase activity of TCI378 was shown by formation of opaque granular white colonies on solid de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) medium supplemented with taurodeoxycholic acid, and its cholesterol-lowering ability in MRS medium supplemented with cholesterol. The metabolites of TCI378 from liquid culture in MRS medium prevented emulsification of bile salts. Moreover, both the metabolites of TCI378 and the dead bacteria reduced oil droplet accumulation in 3T3-L1, as detected by Oil red O staining. The expressions of adipocyte-specific genes perilipin 1 and glucose transporter type 4 were suppressed by the metabolites of TCI378, indicating TCI378 may have anti-obesity effects in adipocytes. These in vitro data show the potential of the prophylactic applications of TCI378 and its metabolites for reducing fat and lowering cholesterol.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Ameliorates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage by Regulating Transporters, Tight Junctions, and Apoptosis Gene Expression in Cell Line IPEC-1

Probiotics have always been considered as a supplementary therapy for many diseases especially gut disorders. The absorption and barrier function of the gut play a vital role in the maintenance of body homeostasis. This study was to investigate the protective effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 (Ba) on H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress on intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-1) based on the level of gene expression. We demonstrated that Ba was a safe probiotic strain in the first place. Results showed that treatment with H₂O₂ significantly increased the mRNA expression of absorptive transporters glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), Ala/Ser/Cys/Thr transporter 1 (ASCT1), and ASCT2 compared with the control group. Meanwhile, oxidative stress induced a significant improvement in the mRNA expression of occludin (OCLN) and caspase-3, and remarkably inhibited the expression of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) or B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), respectively. Pretreatment with Ba dramatically reversed the disturbance induced by oxidative stress on the mRNA expression of ASCT1, ASCT2, and OCLN, which also significantly prevented H₂O₂-inhibited LAT1 and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. However, Ba failed to exert any significant protective effect on GLUT2 and caspase-3 mRNA expression. We concluded that pretreatment with Ba could alleviate the damage caused by oxidative stress to a certain extent and conferred a protective effect to the intestine.

Enterococcus faecium L-15 Cell-Free Extract Improves the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Hyaline cartilage is a tissue of very low regenerative capacity because of its histology and limited nutrient supply. Cell-based therapies have been spotlighted in the regeneration of damaged cartilage. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are multipotent and are easily accessible for therapeutic purposes. In human gastrointestinal tracts, Enterococcus faecium is a naturally occurring commensal species of lactic acid bacteria. In this work, the human DPSCs were differentiated into chondrocytes using a chondrogenic differentiation medium with or without L-15 extract. We observed that chondrogenic differentiation improved in an E. faecium L-15 extract (L-15)-treated DPSC group via evaluation of chondrogenic-marker mRNA expression levels. In particular, we found that L-15 treatment promoted early-stage DPSC differentiation. Cells treated with L-15 were inhibited at later stages and were less likely to transform into hypertrophic chondrocytes. In L-15-treated groups, the total amount of cartilage extracellular matrix increased during the differentiation process. These results suggest that L-15 promotes chondrogenic differentiation, and that L-15 may be used for cartilage repair or cartilage health supplements. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the beneficial effect of L-15 treatment on chondrogenic differentiation.

Isolated exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG alleviated adipogenesis mediated by TLR2 in mice

The fibroblast cell line of 3T3-L1 was used as a cell model for screening and evaluating the feasibility of probiotic components in improving animal lipid metabolisms. The extracts from 12 Lactobacillus strains caused significantly reduced triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation but with severe inflammation induction in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Interestingly, exopolysaccharides (EPS) from LGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) significantly decreased the TAG accumulation without any inflammation. The anti-obesity effect of EPS was confirmed in high-fat-diets feeding mice. Fat pads of mice injected with EPS (50 mg/kg) every two days for two weeks were significantly reduced with much smaller adipocytes, compared with the counterparts. The levels of TAG and cholesterol ester in liver, as well as serum TAG, were decreased in EPS injected mice. In addition, down-regulated inflammation was observed in adipose tissue and liver. Interestingly, the expression of TLR2 in adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 cells was significantly increased by EPS addition. Moreover, the reverse of TAG accumulation in TLR2 knockdown 3T3-L1 in the presence of EPS confirmed that the inhibition effect of EPS on adipogenesis was mediated by TLR2. EPS from LGG has the potential for therapeutic development to intervene lipid metabolic disorders in mammals.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Starter Fermented Kimchi on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

The anti-obesity effects of starter (Leuconostoc mesenteroides+Lactobacillus plantarum) fermented kimchi on 3T3-L1 adipocyte were studied using naturally fermented kimchi (NK), a functional kimchi (FK, NK supplemented with green tea), and FK supplemented with added starters (FKS). Oil red O staining and cellular levels of triglyceride (TG) and glycerol were used to evaluate the in vitro anti-obesity effects of these kimchis in 3T3-L1 cells. The expressions of adipogenesis/lipogenesis-related genes of peroxisome proliferator-active receptor (PPAR)-γ, CCAAT/enhance-binding protein (C/EBP)-α, and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were determined by RT-PCR. Kimchis, especially FKS, markedly decreased TG levels and increased levels of intracellular glycerol and lipid lipolysis. In addition, FKS also reduced the mRNA levels of PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and FAS, which are related to adipogenesis/lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. These results suggest the anti-obesity effects of FKS were to due to enhanced lipolysis and reduced adipogenesis/lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Fermented Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae alleviates high fat diet-induced obesity in association with regulation of intestinal permeability and microbiota in rats

Accumulating evidence suggests the anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (RAM). Here, we evaluated the anti-obesity impact of unfermented (URAM) versus fermented RAM (FRAM) using both in vitro and in vivo models. Both URAM and FRAM exhibited marked anti-inflammatory, anti-adipogenic, and anti-obesity activities, and modulation of the gut microbial distribution. However, FRAM, compared to URAM, resulted in more efficient suppression of NO production and normalization of transepithelial electrical resistance in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 and HCT 116 cells, respectively. Compared to URAM, FRAM more effectively reduced the adipose tissue weight; ameliorated the serum triglyceride and aspartate transaminase levels; restored the serum HDL level and intestinal epithelial barrier function in the LPS control group. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia as well as Bacteriodetes/Firmicutes ratio in the gut of the LPS control group was significantly enhanced by both URAM and FRAM. However, FRAM, but not URAM, resulted in a significant increase in the distribution of Bacteriodetes and Lactobacillus in the gut of the HFD + LPS group. Our results suggest that FRAM with probiotics can exert a greater anti-obesity effect than URAM, which is probably mediated at least in part via regulation of the intestinal microbiota and gut permeability.

Pyrosequencing analysis of microbiota reveals that lactic acid bacteria are dominant in Korean flat fish fermented food, gajami-sikhae

The gajami-sikhae, traditional Korean cuisine fermented with flat fish, samples were collected from eight different manufacturers (GS1–GS8). We employed pyrosequencing method to analyze the bacterial communities of the gajami-sikhae samples. Family- and genus-level analyses indicated that the bacterial community compositions of GS3 and GS6 were distinct from those of the rest. The species-level structures of bacterial communities of the gajami-sikhae samples except for GS3 and GS6 featured Lactobacillus sakei as the most abundant species. Leuconostoc mesenteroides was revealed as the most dominant species among the bacterial community of GS6 and the bacterial community of GS3 was composed of various lactic acid bacteria. We employed a culture-based method to isolate beneficial strains from the gajami-sikhae samples. However, most of the 47 selected colonies were identified as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. This study indicated that gajami-sikhae was mainly composed of many beneficial lactic acid bacteria.

Lactobacillus brevis OPK-3 isolated from kimchi inhibits adipogenesis and exerts anti-inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte

BACKGROUND

Kimchi is a traditional fermented food in Korea that contains various unique microorganisms. Diverse bacteria are involved in the process of Kimchi fermentation and the healthful advantages; one of the major species is Lactobacillus. We investigated whether lactic acid bacteria isolated from Kimchi (KLAB) are capable of reducing intracellular lipid accumulation by downregulating the expression of adipogenesis and lipogenesis promoting genes in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells.

RESULTS

KLAB (Lactobacillus brevis OPK-3) mediated dose-dependent inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, intracellular triglyceride accumulation and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity. The expression of transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α involved in adipogenesis was markedly decreased by the KLAB treatment. Terminal adipogenic marker, e.g. adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2), lipoprotein lipase, liver X receptor α, leptin and GPDH were significantly downregulated by KLAB treatment compared to untreated control. Moreover, cytokine genes, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 mRNA expressions level were also decreased, whereas adiponectin mRNA level was upregulated by KLAB.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the KLAB inhibits lipid accumulation in the differentiating adipocyte through downregulating the expression of adipogenic transcription factors and other specific genes involved in lipid metabolism.

Modes-of-Action Related to Repeated Dose Toxicity: Tissue-Specific Biological Roles of PPAR γ Ligand-Dependent Dysregulation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Comprehensive understanding of the precise mode of action/adverse outcome pathway (MoA/AOP) of chemicals becomes a key step towards superseding the current repeated dose toxicity testing methodology with new generation predictive toxicology tools. The description and characterization of the toxicological MoA leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are of specific interest, due to its increasing incidence in the modern society. Growing evidence stresses on the PPAR γ ligand-dependent dysregulation as a key molecular initiating event (MIE) for this adverse effect. The aim of this work was to analyze and systematize the numerous scientific data about the steatogenic role of PPAR γ . Over 300 papers were ranked according to preliminary defined criteria and used as reliable and significant sources of data about the PPAR γ -dependent prosteatotic MoA. A detailed analysis was performed regarding proteins which PPAR γ -mediated expression changes had been confirmed to be prosteatotic by most experimental evidence. Two probable toxicological MoAs from PPAR γ ligand binding to NAFLD were described according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) concepts: (i) PPAR γ activation in hepatocytes and (ii) PPAR γ inhibition in adipocytes. The possible events at different levels of biological organization starting from the MIE to the organ response and the connections between them were described in details.

Lactobacillus plantarum LG42 isolated from gajami sik-hae decreases body and fat pad weights in diet-induced obese mice

AIMS

This study investigated the antiobesity effect of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum LG42) isolated from gajami sik-hae.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups (n = 10); NDC (normal diet & DW), HDC (high-fat diet & DW), LGLAB (high-fat diet & Lactobacillus plantarum LG42, 1 × 10(7) CFU per mouse), HGLAB (high-fat diet & L. plantarum LG42, 1 × 10(9) CFU per mouse). After 12 weeks, GLAB supplemented groups showed lower body weight, with a significant reduction in epididymal and back fat. Serum and hepatic triglyceride, serum insulin and leptin levels were significantly lowered in GLAB supplemented groups. The hepatic mRNA expression of PPARα and CPT-I were significantly increased in GLAB groups, whereas the level of ACC, SREBP-1 and LXRα were significantly decreased in GLAB groups compared with HDC group. Additionally, GLAB reduces the expression of PPARγ in the epididymal adipose tissue resulting in inhibition of genes regulated by PPARγ.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the Lactobacillus plantarum LG42 has antiobesity effects in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results may contribute to nutraceutical and food industries in developing functional food and probiotics based therapies for the treatment and prevention of obesity.