Anti-Obesity Effect and Signaling Mechanism of Potassium Poly-γ-Glutamate Produced by Bacillus subtilis Chungkookjang in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Nutrients. 2024 Mar 12;16(6):809. doi: 10.3390/nu16060809.

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to examine the effects of potassium poly-γ-glutamate (PGA-K) on mice fed a high-fat diet consisting of 60% of total calories for 12 weeks. PGA-K administration reduced the increase in body weight, epididymal fat, and liver weight caused by a high-fat diet compared to the obese group. The triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, which are blood lipid indicators, were significantly increased in the obese group but were significantly decreased in the PGA-K-treated group. The administration of PGA-K resulted in a significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. Moreover, the levels of leptin and insulin, which are insulin resistance indicators, significantly increased in the obese group but were significantly decreased in the PGA-K-treated group. These results suggest that PGA-K exhibits a protective effect against obesity induced by a high-fat diet, underscoring its potential as a candidate for obesity treatment.

Keywords: Chungkookjang; inflammation; insulin resistance; obesity; potassium poly-γ-glutamate.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacillus subtilis*
  • Cholesterol
  • Diet, High-Fat* / adverse effects
  • Glutamates
  • Isoflavones*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Obese
  • Obesity / drug therapy
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Soybean Proteins*

Substances

  • chungkookjang
  • Cholesterol
  • Glutamates
  • Isoflavones
  • Soybean Proteins